Saudi Bags $10Bn Oil Deal Ica Are at Shallow Depths of 70 Kilometers Or Less, the AFP | Beijing, China USGS Said

TWITTER SHOW @newsofbahrain SPORTS 16 Kvitova battles into second Dubai final INSTAGRAM Dumplin’: Danielle /nobmedia 23 Macdonald shines LINKEDIN SATURDAY newsofbahrain FEBRUARY 2019 in Netflix’s beauty 200 FILS WHATSAPP pageant dramedy 38444680 ISSUE NO. 8031 Dumplin’ is an American FACEBOOK coming-of-age comedy /nobmedia film directed by Anne MAIL Fletcher and written by [email protected] Kristin Hahn. | P13 WEBSITE newsofbahrain.com

Milo calls Mandy inspiring 14 CELEBS WORLD 6 Family of IS teen to fight UK decision

Ensure e ective implementation of VAT 80008001 For inquiries & complaints

www.nbr.gov.bh @BahrainNBR

Earthquake with 7.5 magnitude hits France says kills top Al-Qaeda commander in Sahel Ecuador Paris, France responsible for kidnapping a vehicles he was travelling with be second in command of the The operation was announced Quito, Ecuador number of Westerners in North north of Timbuktu, Parly said. Group to Support Islam and as Parly, Prime Minister rench forces have killed a top and West Africa. He reportedly served as Muslims (GSIM), also known Edouard Philippe and Foreign n earthquake with a Fjihadist leader, Yahya Abou A ministry statement issued AQIM’s “governor” in Timbuktu as Nusrat al-Islam, led by Iyad Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian Amagnitude of 7.5 hit El Hamame, in an operation in in Paris said he was “the mas- when the city was held by Isla- Ag Ghali. were due to visit Mali, where Ecuador Friday but there Mali, Defence Minister Florence termind and financer of several mist rebels from April 2012 to The group was formed by the some 4,500 French troops were no immediate reports Parly said yesterday. attacks”. January 2013. merger of Ansar Dine, the Maci- have been deployed since 2014 of casualties or major dam- The Algerian, a command- El Hamame was killed Thurs- A number of other “terrorists” na Liberation Front, Al-Mourab- to reconquer the north of the age. er in Al-Qaeda in the Islamic day when French land and air were “neutralised”, Parly added. itoun and El Hamame’s Saharan country after it fell to jihadist The quake struck before Maghreb (AQIM), was reputedly forces ambushed a column of El Hamame was believed to branch of AQIM. fighters. dawn in Ecuador’s eastern Amazon region 17 kilometers (10 miles) from the town of Montalvo near the border with Peru, the US Geological Survey said. It hit at a depth of 132 kilometers. Most major earthquakes in South Amer- Saudi bags $10bn oil deal ica are at shallow depths of 70 kilometers or less, the AFP | Beijing, China USGS said. audi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud met China is a good friend and SChina’s President Xi Jinping yes- partner to Saudi Arabia Apps send intimate terday and bagged a $10-billion oil deal. Prince Mohammed arrived in Beijing XI JINPING user data to on Thursday following visits to Pakistan Facebook and India. “China is a good friend and partner agreement to form a Saudi-Chinese joint San Francisco, United to Saudi Arabia,” Xi told Prince Moham- venture -- worth more than $10 billion States med in a meeting in the Great Hall of -- to develop a refining and petrochem- the People. ical complex in northeastern Liaoning news report yesterday “Saudi Arabia’s relations with China province. Asaid many smartphone can be traced back a very long time in the The Saudi Arabian General Investment apps were sending highly past,” the crown prince said. Authority also announced the signing personal information such “Over such a long period of exchanges of 35 non-binding memorandums of as menstrual cycles and with China, we have never experienced understanding, including deals related body weight to Facebook, any problems with China.” to energy, mining, transportation and without notifying users. He met with Chinese Vice Premier e-commerce. The Wall Street Journal Han Zheng earlier on Friday. The two countries should boost part- report based on its own in- China is looking to strengthen its eco- nerships in counterterrorism and law house tests showed that in- nomic ties with the kingdom, as Beijing enforcement, and exchange experience timate data could be shared pursues its ambitious Belt and Road on combating extremism, Han said in his with Facebook using a tool trade infrastructure initiative, while Ri- meeting with Mohammed. designed to help target ads, yadh rolls out “Saudi Vision 2030”. Saudi Crown Prince with China’s President Xi Jinping (Courtesy of Al Arabia) The Saudis said they “firmly support- even if app users were not Prince Mohammed told the Chinese ed” Beijing’s efforts to keep the country members of the leading so- President they could join the two pro- Vice Premier Han suggested during in energy, infrastructure construction, secure, and opposed “interference by ex- cial network. jects “to realise more progress and jointly his meeting with the crown prince that finance, and high-tech. ternal forces in China’s internal affairs”, confront challenges”. the two countries deepen partnerships Saudi Aramco said it had signed an Xinhua added.

BIRTH PANGS

DON’T MISS IT UK backlash at Meghan’s lavish US baby shower London, United Kingdom Amal Clooney, saw guests ser- website Mumsnet, quoting one enaded by a harpist and given person who was “quite disgust- All eyes on eghan Markle drew fresh expensive gifts, they reported. ed by the way she is burning Mscorn from British media Although neither Markle nor through money”. 03 Sharm el-Sheikh this week after celebrating the British taxpayers footed the The Times added: “To some imminent arrival of her first bill, The Times led the critical- British minds the mere concept KNOW WHAT Thailand baby with what they described ly-toned coverage, headlining of a baby shower -- an American 04 jewellery expo as an “extravagant” trip to New its article on Friday: “Meghan’s import -- seems inappropriate.” York in a private jet. extravagant New York baby In the right-wing Daily Mail, The Duchess of Sussex, due to shower provokes flood of indig- columnist Jan Moir asked what Markle, 37, has been Hidden ‘bomb’ give birth in the spring, returned nation.” could Queen Elizabeth II make dubbed “the difficult 05 found in Dhaka to Britain Thursday after enjoy- It said the visit had “prompted of the duchess’s “lavish trip”. duchess” following fire ing a party with celebrity friends a debate about extravagance, She added: “can you be a several royal staff at what British papers referred style and the environmental self-identifying internation- departures to as “the most expensive hotel impact of crossing the Atlantic al humanitarian and have a suite in the US”. in a private jet”, including criti- £300,000-plus baby shower held favoured newspaper each morn- The party, hosted at Man - cism from environmental lobby for your already fabulously priv- ing -- reported the “glamour” hattan’s Mark Hotel by Serena Friends of the Earth. ileged unborn child?” of the American gathering may Williams and attended by other The paper also trawled com- Meanwhile the Daily Tele- have “surpassed” Markle’s wed- high-profile figures including ments posted on the parenting graph -- said to be the Queen’s ding last year to Prince Harry. Meghan Duchess of Sussex SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019 02 Lending a helping hand Proceeds from the strongest Bahraini Championship will go towards supporting Cancer patients

TDT | Manama

he supporting activities of the second edition of Tthe Strongest Bahraini Championship were held yesterday at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) under the patronage of HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The move was part of humanitarian and sports initiatives by the First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of Bah- rain Athletic Association and Honourary President of Bahrain Sports Federation for Disabil- ities. HH Shaikh Khalid The 2nd Strongest Bahraini Championship will conclude the BIC. today with the main activities On this occasion, HH Shaikh of the event are organised at Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa stressed that the Championship aims to instil sports principles among youth in Bahrain in a bid to create a society that is more Our initiatives have active. been introduced to “Our initiatives have been in- support youth and troduced to support youth and encourage them to encourage them to practice dif- practice different ferent types of sports as we in- types of sports as tend to inject more talents into we intend to inject our national teams. “This event carries an impor- more talents into tant message towards growing our national teams and building as well as develop- In pictures, highlights of yesterday’s event First Hala Febrayer Festival organised in Bahrain under the patronage of SHAIKH KHALID ing our sports environment as Shaikh Hisham Bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, the Governor of the Capital we aim to introduce more sports It’s worth noting that the 2nd The event’s proceeds will Governorate yesterday at 7:00 pm in Water Garden City project located in events that embrace young peo- Strongest Bahraini Champion- be donated in support of Seef area opposite to City Centre. Above, scenes from the event ple,” added Shaikh Khalid. ship began on Thursday. cancer. Bahrain pledges full support to combat terrorism TDT | Washington states. The meeting kick-started top Bahraini official yester- with welcoming words by Dep- Aday pledged Kingdom’s full uty Assistant Secretary of State support to combat terrorism in for Arabian Gulf Affairs Tim all forms and dry out its sources Lenderking, US Deputy Secre- of financing for better freedom tary of Defence for Middle East of navigation and maritime se- Affairs, Mike Melroy and Dep- curity. uty, Director Politico-Military “Bahrain is an active partner Affairs, Middle East Brigadier in the fight against terrorism, General Scott Benedict. as it has suffered from terror- Bahrain’s delegation is made ism directed from abroad,” said up of representatives of the Foreign Ministry Undersecre- Bahrain Defence Force and the tary for International Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dr Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Dr Shaikh Abdullah stressed Al Khalifa. Bahraini delegates at MESA meeting in a statement at the meeting Speaking during the Middle regional security. “Our constants are in accord- the importance of the strate- East Strategic Alliance (MESA) He told MESA participants ance with our vision - there is gic alliance for the Middle East on political and security frame- that Bahrain is looking forward no security without develop- to ensure security and stability works, Dr Shaikh Abdullah said to establishing a comprehensive ment, and development cannot and affirmed the commitment Bahrain adamantly supports the strategic institutional frame- continue, flourish or bear fruit of Bahrain to actively partic- comprehensive fight against ex- work and effective partnerships without real and lasting secu- ipating in the alliance, hail - tremism and terrorism in terms that will reinforce security and rity.” ing the efforts made by the US of thought, behaviour, support, development and contribute to Dr Shaikh Abdullah stressed government in making securi- funding and shelter. the shaping a more prosperous that achieving stable security ty and stability prevail in the The meeting comes in the future for the peoples of the and sustainable development region. context of ongoing efforts to countries of the region and is for the countries of the region He commended the growing establish a strategic alliance in fully aware of the importance is a collective responsibility that Bahraini-US partnership and the Middle East region to pro- of alliances to maintain regional requires coordination and coop- the strong ties between the two mote prosperity, stability and security. eration among the responsible friendly countries.

Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) ground task force left for Saudi Arabia yesterday to participate in the joint Peninsula Shield 10 drill after completing all combat and administrative preparations. The combat group will take part in the joint exercise alongside forces from the GCC countries. The Peninsula Shield 10 drill aims to boost military cooperation between the GCC countries and achieve common goals. 03 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019 big story All eyes on Sharm el-Sheikh His Majesty King Hamad heads to Egypt for first Arab-EU summit

More than 40 heads of• state and government

25 European heads• of state and government will attend

Summit will discuss the• growing threats of cross-border terrorism

The summit seen as a chance• by EU diplomats to boost cooperation

TDT | Manama

is Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa will Sharm el Sheikh city hosts the first Arab-EU Summit His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa Hlead Bahrain’s delegation to the first Arab-EU Summit, which kick-offs tomorrow in the presence of European and Arab leaders at Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. The Royal Court, in a statement, said that Bahrain’s attend- ance at the two-day summit follows an invitation by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The summit, seen as a chance by EU diplomats to boost cooperation across the Mediterranean region, will discuss topics like security, trade, development and migration. Egypt’s President Abdel Fat- tah el-Sisi will open the summit which also has on its agenda wars and conflicts in places such as Syria and Libya. Cross-border terrorism The meeting will be co- chaired by Egyptian President and European Council Presi- dent, Donald Tusk, who will represent the EU alongside Eu- ropean Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker. Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi British Prime Minister Theresa May EU foreign policy chief Federica Donald Tusk, president of the The summit will discuss the the European Commission Mogherin European Council growing threats of cross-border terrorism and the efforts of the journalists in Brussels on Mon- Not attending are French said May would have an “oppor- first neighbour.” gether 10 EU and 15 Arab League global coalition to counter the day. President Emmanuel Macron tunity” in Egypt to discuss Brexit The most recent ministeri- foreign ministers, took place in terrorist organisation ISIS. “We will have first of all dis- and Spanish Prime Minister with her EU counterparts who al meeting, which brought to- Brussels on 4 February 2019. On February 18, Sisi an- cussions on our economic coop- Pedro Sanchez, along with the have baulked at her requests for nounced that the upcoming eration, on our common region,” leaders of Lithuania and Latvia, concessions to sell the divorce to Arab-European summit will be she said. EU sources added. her parliament. a good platform to hold more “That is a troubled region but Apart from Sisi, Lebanese But officials in Brussels and discussions on the illegal mi- also full of opportunities.” Prime Minister Saad Hariri will London have played down the gration file. Attending will be Donald attend from the 22-member prospect of a Brexit “deal in the European leaders first men- Tusk, president of the Europe- Arab League, which is based in desert” to try to ensure an order- tioned the summit in Austria in an Council of EU member coun- Cairo. It is not yet clear who else ly departure. September amid efforts to agree tries, and Jean-Claude Juncker, will be present. A senior British government on ways to curb the illegal mi- the president of the European A UN official warned that Eu- official insisted May would not gration that has sharply divided Commission, the EU’s executive rope’s failure to bridge divisions attempt to talk Brexit with fel- the 28-nation bloc. arm. on migration “risks blocking all low European leaders, more But checking migration is just the other discussions” at the than 20 of whom are expected part of Europe’s broader strategy 25 European heads summit. to attend. to forge a new alliance with its EU officials said 25 European “How do you discuss an issue “There are important shared southern neighbours. heads of state and government if you can’t even mention it!” challenges to discuss with the EU foreign policy chief Fed- will attend. the official said on condition of League of Arab States like se- erica Mogherini insists that the These include German Chan- anonymity. curity cooperation,” the official gathering in Egypt of more than cellor Angela Merkel, British The EU has struck aid-for-co- told reporters. 40 heads of state and govern- Prime Minister Theresa May, operation agreements with Tur- Mogherini said Monday: “It ment is about much more than Czech Republic Prime Minister key and Libya’s UN-backed gov- has always looked strange to me migration. Andrej Babiš and Irish Prime ernment in Tripoli, which has that the European Union had “We will have frank, open dis- Minister Leo Varadkar, who sharply cut the flow of migrants summits with Latin America, cussions, not only on migration, could also discuss the stalemate since a 2015 peak. with Africa, with Asia, and not definitely not,” Mogherini told over Brexit on the sidelines. Britain’s Philip Hammond with the Arab world that is our SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019 04

Holistic approach to reduce stress Bahrain, Thailand to The move, the Ambassador Indian embassy said, will help not only address • their concerns but also allows launches yoga us to spend time with them. boost jewellery sector initiative to help “In the coming months, we labour community will be developing our inter- active session to assist them Bahraini delegation participates in Bangkok Gems and Jewellery Fair TDT/Manama more effectively.” “Initially, we hope to start TDT | Manama with 200 to 300 workers every Harpreet Kaur month and as we move for - op businessmen from ndian Embassy in Bahrain ward we would try to engage Bahrain are participat- Iyesterday launched a new more and more workers. Ting in the Bangkok Gems yoga initiative aimed at bring- “Moreover, the Art of Living and Jewellery Fair that got off ing wellness into workplaces and ICRF have agreed to work to a royal start with Princess to help workers deal with day- with us, as they have been ac- Sirivannavari Nariratana open- to-day stress. tively working with the Indian ing the 63rd edition of the Fair. The new initiative, a yo - workforce where we will joint- Held by the Department of ga-based approach is organ- ly help them deal with their International Trade Promo- ised by the Indian embassy difficulties,” Alok Sinha said. tion, Ministry of Commerce, in association with the Art of According to Mehru Vesu- the current edition kickstarted Thanis Na Song khla Living and ICRF. vala, the General Secretary of on Wednesday. Explaining, Alok Kumar ICRF, most of the workers and Bahraini delegation to fair mission from Bahrain will ac- Sinha, the Indian Ambassador the labourers in the Kingdom comprises of Yathreb Nabeel celerate Thai Jewellery export told Tribune, “The new pro- are facing a lot of financial AlAameri, House of H, Ahmed and help promote other relat- Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana at the event (Professional Jeweller) ject comes as a continuation troubles which lead to prob- Abdulwahid Alkooheji, Koohe- ed industries. I wish this event of our efforts to enhance out- lems like stress and depres- ji Jewellers, Asif Mohammad successful, particularly further largest of all Thai export pro- significant trading arena where reach with Indian Community sion. “We have also observed Inoli and Mohammed Sarfraz strengthen the existing strong duction, bringing to Thailand all key players in the global members here as well as with that the increasing number of of Dream Gold Jewellery, and relationship between the King- about 23,000 million Bahts a gems and jewellery business the different sections of in- suicides are due to the finan- Himalay Sanjay Rathod, Rama dom of Thailand and the King- year. can achieve their purposes of dividuals and groups in the cial problems. Jewellery. dom of Bahrain and its people.” Organised on a biannual basis sourcing, trading, networking. Kingdom.” “Thus to tackle the increas- Commenting on the expo, Bangkok Gems & Jewellery by Thailand’s Department of Speaking during the opening “Apart from having a 24x7 ing number of suicide and the Thanis Na Song khla, Thailand Fair is in the top five of the International Trade Promotion ceremony, Chutima Boonyapra- helpline, we have started a new problems among workers, we ambassador to the Kingdom, world Jewellery Fair. Jewellery (DITP), the Bangkok Gems & patsorn, Deputy Commerce programme for the labourers are taking a much more holis- said, “I do hope that the trade export of Thailand is the third Jewellery Fair is regarded as a Minister said, “In 2018, export to come to the embassy every tic approach to further help of gems and jewellery products Friday which also coincides them before they take a hard including unwrought gold was with our open house.” and fast decision.” worth 4.74pc of the country’s total exports. The gems and jewellery industry is an industry that is highly successful in creating additional value to the country.” The Fair is also showcasing live demonstrations of gems and jewellery making from the Thai Goldsmiths Association ranging from wax carving, gems and jewellery engraving, enamel, fancy polishing, and jewellery finishing. Bahraini delegates at the Bangkok Gems and Jewellery Fair BIGS attracts 20,000 visitors in two days Electricity and Water Affairs Minister Dr Abdulhussain Mirza receiving Acting Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq Mohammad Adnan Mahmoud TDT | Manama The show also attracted a mensional roses and fruits were and praised the strong ties between the two countries in various fields. The large number of local and for- held. It also displayed methods minister gave a presentation on the achievements in the electricity, water round 20,000 people visited eign exhibitors. of extracting the natural colours and renewable energy sectors in Bahrain and the significant percentage Athe Bahrain International The College of Agricultural of fruits and vegetables. achieved in achieving the national goals approved by the government. Garden Show (BIGS) 2019 in its and Marine Sciences at Sultan The Bahraini farmers’ market He also spoke of activating the use of sustainable energy and green first two days. Qaboos University in Oman attracted a large number of vis- environment programmes The annual show is held un- presented an overview of the itors who were briefed on their der the auspices of His Majesty university and its research ac- successful experiences. King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa tivities at the show. This year’s show is marked by and with the support of Her Khalasi Garden organised by the participation of a number Sophia the Robot is here Royal Highness Princess Sabee- a number of activities aimed at of flower arrangement experts ka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife promoting agricultural aware- from Kuwait, the United King- TDT/Manama of HM the King and President of ness and education. A stall at the show dom and Russia. A Japanese the Consultative Council for the Agricultural workshops, edu- flower arrangement was pre- Harpreet Kaur National Initiative for Agricul- cational and recreational activ- scarecrow and mini-protected sented in coordination with the ophia, the world’s most tural Development. ities such as making a garden houses and drawing three-di- Japanese embassy in Bahrain. Sfamous robot visited Bah- rain yesterday where she in- teracted with many individu- als, organisations and school Sophia the Robot students. in Bahrain.” Attending the third Middle “A country like Bahrain can Sangamam pays tribute to CRPF Martyrs East and Africa FinTech Fo- make a big difference when rum, Sophia spoke about the the right insights applied as we TDT | Manama future of Artificial intelligence do not necessarily need a huge (AI) and how it will affect fi- number of people or a large angamam Irinjalakuda nancial services where she was nation to make a difference, a Sheld the inauguration of its joined by her creator David small nation can make a huge 2019 executive committee at Hanson, founder of Hanson difference with the right ide- Bang Saeng Thai restaurant on Robotics. as,” David added. Thursday evening. Chief Guest David Hanson, founder of Since her activation in 2016, was SPAC Chairman P Unnikr- Hanson Robotics told Trib- Sophia has become an interna- ishnan. une, “It has been a wonderful tional celebrity. She has trav- The meeting paid tribute to experience visiting Bahrain elled the world and engaged the martyrs of the Pulwama at- along with Sophia, people in in conversations about AI, ro- tack by lighting lamps. the Kingdom are extremely botics, and the future of the The meeting also honoured The newly elected committee members with guests and officials during a group photo opportunity intelligent and hospitable and relationship between human- Nissar Ashraf for his contribu- very thoughtful on where the ity and robots. In the last year, tion to social causes by present- Achangadan, Vice President bership Secretary Sinto Jose, Vikas, Simija Joshi, Jini Sinto, world might go and how indi- she has received her first pair ing him with a golden shawl. P Dileep Padmanabhan, Joint Service Secretary Hariprakash Swati Sujith, Liji Saajan and Lija viduals are working together of working legs and learned to Unnikrishnan was presented Secretary Sasikumar N, Enter- V.P. A 10 member ladies wing Shaji. to shape the future. sing and play the piano. with a memento. tainment Secretary Vijayan, were elected. Ladies wing mem- Nissar Ashraf, TV Suresh, “Sophia also seems to have This is the first time that The newly inducted members Asst. Entertainment Secretary bers are Convener Rajalekshmy Sreedharan Thaivalappil and experienced a warm reception Sophia visited Bahrain, which are President - Venugopal PK, Vibin Chandran, Membership Vijay, Rajitha Manoj - Joint Jamal EA were elected as pa- and managed to develop a per- is the latest in a series of firsts General Secretary - Unnikr- Secretary Joshi Ainikal, Asst. Convener, Deepthi Satheesh, trons of the executive commit- sonal connection with people for Sophia. ishnan P, Treasurer Ashokan Treasurer Rudran T, Asst. Mem- Krishnapriya Anand, Nimmy tee. 05 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019 world Hidden ‘bomb’ found in Dhaka fire AFP | Dacca, Bangladesh

ass funerals were held yesterday for victims Mof a devastating fire in Dhaka -- fuelled by illegally stored chemicals -- that killed nearly 70 people, as investiga- tors revealed that an even bigger disaster was narrowly avoided. Hundreds of chemical drums were found in the basement of one of five blocks engulfed by the inferno in the Bangladesh capital’s historic Chawkbazar district. “A huge bomb” would have Relatives of victims mourn after a fire tore through apartment blocks in gone off had the fire spread to Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka the basement, according to Me- hedi Hasan Ansary, a professor at an elite engineering university who is a member of an official probe committee. “The impact would have been devastating,” he said. City authorities said 46 bodies Bangladeshi firefighters inspect a burnt building after a fire tore through apartment blocks in Bangladesh’s Dhaka from a disaster that saw victims burned alive by fireballs in the consignment of drums raised been started late Wednesday by residential buildings that dou- street have been identified and new fears about the extent of a gas cylinder explosion which bled as chemical warehouses. handed over to families for bur- the deadly danger in storerooms quickly spread to at least five While a criminal inquiry has ial. across the labyrinthine Chawk- buildings. been launched, authorities faced Many were from Noakhali dis- bazar district. Victims were burned alive by difficult questions over why ac- trict in southwest Bangladesh, “We were just lucky,” said na- exploding canisters that sent tion promised after the Nimtoli where funerals were quickly tional fire chief Ali Ahmed. fireballs into the streets, smoth- disaster was not carried out. organised in line with Muslim “The whole neighbourhood ering people in flames as they Dhaka Mayor Sayeed Khokon tradition. would have been engulfed if walked, rode in rickshaws or vowed to launch a new crack- Special prayers were also said the fire had reached the chem- ate in local restaurants. Dozens down and move chemical ware- at Friday prayers in mosques icals in the basement. It would were injured, including nine list- houses from residential build- across the country. have been like a bomb and the ed in critical condition. ings to an industrial area outside Police forensic experts were building would have collapsed,” The disaster was a repeat of the capital. brought in to carry out DNA Ahmed told AFP. a June 2010 fire in the nearby “We will sit with law enforce- tests on at least 21 other bodies neighbourhood of Nimtoli in ment agencies, do our home - burned beyond recognition. Hidden danger which 123 people were killed. work and then launch the drive,” The discovery of the huge The fire is believed to have Again a blaze ripped through he said. Rescue personnel carry the body of a victim

Israel’s first Moon mission blasts off Kim, Trump lookalikes commit to ‘peace’ Washington, United States Falcon 9 rocket from the pri- Hanoi, Vietnam vate US-based SpaceX com- n unmanned rocket took pany of entrepreneur Elon eavily bronzed and freshly Aoff from Cape Canaveral Musk. Hcoiffed, Donald Trump’s in Florida on Thursday night Takeoff was followed live doppelganger says he has come carrying Israel’s Beresheet back in Israel, with Prime to Hanoi to meet with a Kim spacecraft, aiming to make Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Jong Un lookalike to end North SMILE history twice: as the first pri- watching alongside engineers Korea’s nuclear ambitions, and vate-sector landing on the at the control center of Israel maybe play a bit of golf. Moon, and the first from the Aerospace Industries (IAI). “We’re working toward peace. The pair say they are Jewish state. So far, only Russia, the Through negotiations, with di- looking for a few more The 585-kilogram United States and China have alogue, we want to help North impersonators to (1,290-pound) Beresheet, made the 384,000-kilome- Korea of course,” said Trump complete their band which means “Genesis” in ter (239,000-mile) journey impersonator Russell White, in Hebrew, lifted off at 8:45 pm and landed spacecraft on the a sharp suit and blue tie. of “tyrants”, calling (0145 GMT Friday) atop a Moon. White and Kim impersonator for any lookalikes of Howard X are in Hanoi days be- Russian leader Vladimir fore a meeting between the real Putin, China’s Xi Jinping leaders of the United States and or Brazilian President 25 Indian tea workers killed by North Korea, who will hold a Jair Bolsonaro to come second summit in the Vietnam- forward. ese capital on February 27-28. bootleg alcohol Though the agenda for the Guwahati, India planned summit has not been plained of severe vomiting and released, Howard X says he has get-up, he’s not entirely happy wenty-five members of a stomach pain. a few aims for his pow-wow about it. Ttribe of Indian tea-pick- “We tried our best but failed with the fake Trump. “Mr Kim please get a prop- ers, including 15 women, died to save them,” said Ganesh “Hopefully he can overlook er haircut, this s***s,” he said, within hours of drinking poi- Bora, a senior doctor at the all my nuclear missiles and lift standing on the steps of Hanoi’s soned alcohol, police said yes- Jorhat Medical College hos- the sanctions,” said the full-time colonial-era Opera House with terday. pital. They died within hours impersonator, who also visited black-clad bodyguards and a The deaths in the northeast- of consuming the bootleg al- Singapore ahead of the leaders’ US President Donald Trump impersonator Russel White (L) and North Korean swarm of media. ern state of Assam came less cohol. meeting last year. leader Kim Jong Un impersonator Howard X (R) pose together for photographs As for White, it only takes him than two weeks after tainted “They bought the country The men have a few non-of- outside the Opera House in Hanoi 20 minutes to bronze his face liquor killed about 100 people liquor from a seller and con- ficial agenda items this week -- excluding his under eyes -- in Uttar Pradesh and Uttara- sumed it on Thursday night, too -- maybe a massage parlour, “The good thing for Kim is some. and gel his blonde hair to look khand states. falling ill almost straight away,” a round of golf and hopefully a he’s always doing something Howard X says it takes him like the man he says is doing a All of the latest victims Dhiraj Das, a senior Golaghat chance to try some of Hanoi’s interesting, also Trump,” said three hours to perfect the Kim great job. worked at the Salmora tea district official, said. culinary delights. Howard X, who charges a min- look: carefully manicured hair, “You’re doing a difficult job, estate in Assam’s Golaghat Fifty-five people were taken Out of character, the pair say imum of $3,500 for an appear- thick black glasses and suits keep up the good work, we’re district. On top of the dead, to hospital after the alcohol they can make good money as ance and says he once walked from a top tailor in Hong Kong going to make America great dozens were being treated in was consumed, and many were impersonators -- as long as Kim away with $15,000 for a gig. where he is based. again,” the full-time, Canadi- two local hospitals. already dead by the time they and Trump are in the news. But the work can be burden- Though he’s mastered the an-born impersonator said. Most of the patients com- arrived. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019 06

US charges two of El Chapo’s China against sons with drug trafficking forcefully Family of IS teen to sending aid to Venezuela Beijing, China fight UK decision hina said yesterday it Cwas against forcefully London, United Kingdom sending “so-called humanitarian assistance” to Ven- he family of a London teenager who ezuela, warning it could joined the Islamic State group in Syria spark conflict in the cri - Tsaid yesterday it would challenge the sis-torn country. British government’s decision to revoke her China has loaned billions citizenship. to Venezuela and has re - Shamima Begum travelled to Syria in 2015 mained committed to Pres- aged just 15 but has now fled the crumbling ident Nicolas Maduro even Mexican drug baron Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman (File) “caliphate” and says she wants to come home, as the country has fallen after giving birth in a refugee camp last weekend. deeper into economic crisis. “El Chapo” was earlier this A letter to interior minister Sajid Javid written Foreign aid mostly New York, United States month found guilty of traffick- by Begum’s sister Renu on behalf of her family from the US has piled up ing over 130 tons of drugs into also called on the government to help bring her on Venezuela’s borders as wo sons of Mexican drug the US by a New York jury. Fac- newborn son to Britain. the Maduro government Tkingpin Joaquin “El ing a mandatory sentence of The fate of the 19-year-old has triggered fierce refuses to let it into the Chapo” Guzman -- both on life behind bars, which will be debate in Britain, with the government telling country. the run in Mexico -- have been announced on June 25. her family this week that it was revoking her “If the so-called human- charged with drug trafficking Another of his sons, Jesus citizenship. itarian assistance were by US authorities, the Depart- Alfredo Guzman Salazar, was “We hope you understand our position in forcefully sent to Venezue- ment of Justice said Thursday. charged with several drug traf- this respect and why we must, therefore, assist la it might trigger conflict Joaquin Guzman Lopez, 34, ficking offenses in 2014 and Shamima in challenging your decision to take and lead to serious conse- and 28-year-old Ovidio Guz- remains on the DEA’s 10 most away the one thing that is her only hope at re- quences,” said China’s for- man Lopez, were accused last wanted list. habilitation, her British citizenship,” the family’s eign ministry spokesman year of conspiring to distribute Another son, Ivan Archival- letter said. Shamima Begum passing through security barriers at Geng Shuang. cocaine, marijuana and meth- do Guzman Salazar, was also Renu Begum’s letter also asked Javid to help Gatwick Airport, south of London “China is against a mili- amphetamine from Mexico implicated in drug trafficking “in bringing my nephew home to us”. tary intervention in Vene- and other countries into the US by Mexican authorities. It said Shamima Begum’s status would now be Begum’s baby was born before she was told zuela and against any be- between 2008 and 2018. “El Chapo” has several chil- a matter for British courts to decide. of the decision to revoke her citizenship, and is haviour that might cause The indictment was re - dren with different women. International law prevents a government from therefore British and has a right to return. escalation or turmoil,” he vealed Thursday, having only The youngest, seven-year-old rendering a person stateless, but Britain report- The teenager said she was “shocked” by Brit- told reporters. been unsealed last week to twin girls, attended several edly believes that Begum also has Bangladeshi ain’s decision, saying “if you take that away from Opposition leader and protect the investigation and of their father’s court hear- citizenship due to her parents, although she was me, I don’t have anything. I don’t think they are self-declared interim presi- witnesses. ings and one day of his trial born in Britain. allowed to do that.” dent Juan Guaido has vowed If convicted, the pair face a at a Brooklyn federal court The Bangladeshi government said there was She has mentioned the possibility of applying to bring aid in from various minimum sentence of 20 years alongside their mother, former “no question” of her being allowed to enter, and for citizenship in the Netherlands because her points Saturday “one way and up to life in prison. beauty queen Emma Coronel. there is legal argument about whether simply husband, an IS fighter believed to be held by or another” despite military having Bangaldeshi parents bestows citizenship. Kurdish forces in Syria, is a Dutch national. efforts to block it.

Michael Jackson estate sues HBO over documentary US military conducts Russian rocket launches observation flight over Russia Egyptian telecom satellite Washington, United States of the 34 signatory countries’ terrains. Moscow, Russia Earth’s surface, Roskosmos he US military is con - Due to tensions with Rus- said in a statement. Tducting a surveillance sia, this is the first Open Skies ussia successfully “The satellite has been flight over Russia as part flight there since November Rlaunched an Egyptian tel- placed in orbit, all is working of an international agree - 2017, Pentagon spokesman ecommunications satellite on well,” space agency spokes- ment, the Pentagon said Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Da- Thursday, the Russian space man Vladimir Ostimenko said, Thursday. vis said. agency Roskosmos announced. according to the Russian RIA The flight falls under the “Russia is aware of the A Soyuz rocket took off with Novosti news agency. Open Skies Treaty, an inter- flight,” he said. the Egyptsat-A satellite at 1647 In October a Soyuz rock- national accord aimed at pro- “Six Russian Federation ob- GMT from the Baikonur cos- et carrying a Russian and US moting military transparency servers are on board the US modrome in Kazakhstan, astronaut failed just minutes through reciprocal, unarmed aircraft to monitor all phases The satellite will take after blast-off, forcing the pair observation flights over each of the flight.” high-definition images of the to make an emergency landing.

US pop megastar Michael Jackson performing during his “Dangerous” tour.

Los Angeles, United States next month includes the tes- Google moves to fix YouTube glitch for child porn timonies of two men, Wade Robson and James Safechuck, Washington, United States its ads from the service. ichael Jackson’s estate who say the King of Pop sex- “Until Google can protect our Mfiled a $100 million law- ually abused them when they oogle-owned YouTube said brand from offensive content suit against HBO on Thursday were seven and 10. GThursday it was taking ac- of any kind, we are removing over plans to air a documenta- In a statement, HBO tion to close a loophole that en- all advertising from YouTube,” ry that alleges the singer sex- said it planned to broad - abled users to share comments AT&T said in a statement to AFP. ually abused two young boys. cast the documentary as and links on child pornography Epic Games, known for its The 53-page suit, filed in scheduled. over the video-sharing service. popular online game Fortnite, Los Angeles Superior Court, “Despite the desperate The response came after a said it was suspending ads on claims HBO was violating a lengths taken to undermine YouTube creator this week re- YouTube following the news. “non-disparagement” agree- the film, our plans remain un- vealed what he called a “worm- “We have paused all pre-roll ment by airing “Leaving Nev- changed,” the statement sent hole” that allowed comments advertising” on YouTube, a erland,” which premiered at to AFP reads. “HBO will move and connections on child porn company spokesman said. the Sundance Film Festival forward with the airing of alongside innocuous videos. “Through our advertising this year. ‘Leaving Neverland,’ the two- “Any content -- including agency, we have reached out to “Michael Jackson is inno- part documentary on March comments -- that endangers mi- Google/YouTube to determine cent. Period,” the suit says. “In 3rd and 4th. nors is abhorrent and we have actions they’ll take to eliminate 2005, Michael Jackson was The lawsuit contends that clear policies prohibiting this Representative picture (Courtesy of Verge) this type of content from their subjected to a trial -- where HBO in 1992 aired a concert on YouTube,” a spokesman said service.” rules of evidence and law were in Bucharest from Jackson’s in an email. vealed the workings of what appear with many YouTube The glitch appeared to al - applied before a neutral judge “Dangerous” world tour and “We took immediate action he termed a “wormhole” into videos, Watson said the actions low some users to circum - and jury and where both sides at the time signed non-dis - by deleting accounts and chan- a pedophile ring that allowed of the company amounted to vent bans on child porn by were heard -- and he was exon- paragement provisions that nels, reporting illegal activity users to trade social media con- “monetizing” the exploitation. Google and other internet erated by a sophisticated jury. prevent the streaming service to authorities and disabling tacts and links to child porn in The post by Watson sparked platforms. “Ten years after his pass - from harming Jackson’s rep- comments on tens of millions YouTube comments. a series of news reports, and The incident raised fears of ing, there are still those out utation. of videos that include minors. Watson, who uses the name according to some media, boy- a fresh “brand safety” crisis for to profit from his enormous Jackson, who died on June There’s more to be done, and MattsWhatItIs, added that cotts of YouTube ads from ma- YouTube, which lost advertis- worldwide success and take 25, 2009 after being given an we continue to work to improve YouTube’s recommendation jor firms including Nestle and ers last year following revela- advantage of his eccentrici- overdose of the anesthetic and catch abuse more quickly.” algorithm “due to some kind Disney. tions that messages appeared on ties,” it adds. propofol, faced multiple al- The move came after Matt of glitch is actually facilitating AT&T, which owns the channels promoting conspiracy The four-hour, two-part legations of child sex abuse Watson, a YouTube creator with this.” WarnerMedia entertainment theories, white nationalism and documentary that is set to air during his lifetime. some 26,000 subscribers, re- Because ads automatically unit, confirmed it was pulling other objectionable content. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019 07 Hayabusa2 lands on asteroid Syria evacuates women, children from IS holdout

Omar oil field, Syria included men with their faces war or surrender.” he told AFP. wrapped in chequered scarves. The SDF evacuated 3,000 Human Rights Watch urged S-backed fighters trucked Women clung to the railings people from the IS pocket on the SDF and the US-led coalition out civilians from the last of the trucks, while the hair of Wednesday -- mostly women supporting it to make protecting Uspeck of the Islamic State younger girls flew in the wind, and children -- but trucks left civilians a priority. Researchers and employees pose for a picture in a control room of the group’s dying “caliphate” in as they left enclave in the second near empty on Thursday. “Civilians leaving Baghouz is Hayabusa2 mission in Sagamihara, after the touchdown of the probe on an Syria yesterday, eager to press such large-scale evacuation in Bali said that screening had a relief but it should not obscure asteroid on with the dragging battle to three days. determined that most of those the fact that this battle appears crush the jihadists. Earlier on Friday, SDF spokes- evacuated on Wednesday were to have been waged without Tokyo, Japan “We made the ideal touch- More than four years after man Mustefa Bali said he hoped foreigners. sufficient consideration to their down in the best conditions,” IS overran large parts of Syria civilian evacuations could be “The majority are Iraqi and wellbeing,” the New York-based Japanese probe sent to he said. and neighbouring Iraq, and de- completed by Saturday. from countries of the former watchdog’s counterterrosim di- Acollect samples from an The complicated procedure clared a “caliphate”, they have Fellow SDF spokesman Adnan Soviet Union, but there are also rector, Nadim Houry said. asteroid 300 million kilo - took less time than expected lost all of it but a tiny patch in Afrin said once the evacuations Europeans among them,” he “Just because they may be metres away for clues about and appeared to go without a the village of Baghouz near the had ended, his forces would ex- said. families of ISIS members or the origin of life and the solar hitch, said Hayabusa2 mission Iraqi border. pel the last jihadists from the David Eubank, the leader of sympathised with them does system landed successfully manager Makoto Yoshikawa. Almost 30 trucks carrying less than half a square kilometre the Free Burma Rangers volun- not take away their protected yesterday, scientists said. “I’m really relieved now. It men, women and children left (a fifth of a square mile) they teer aid group, said the women status,” he said, using an alter- Hayabusa2 touched down felt very long until the moment the enclave on Friday, AFP cor- still hold. and children trucked out were native acronym for IS. briefly on the Ryugu asteroid, the touchdown happened,” he respondents at a position of the “When the civilians leave, we “very hungry and dirty”. Beyond Baghouz, IS retains fired a bullet into the surface said. US-backed Syrian Democratic will see how many civilians They included “many a presence in the vast, virtual- to puff up dust for collection He said the firing of the bul- Forces outside the village re- and IS fighters remain inside French women”, as well as ly unpopulated Syrian Desert and blasted back to its holding let -- the first of three planned ported. and what they want to do,” others from Australia, Aus- and sleeper cells elsewhere, position, said officials from the in this mission -- “will lead to Most were women and chil- he said. tria, Germany and Russia, and continues to claim deadly Japan Aerospace Exploration a leap, or new discoveries, in dren, their clothes caked in “They will be faced and one woman from Brit- attacks inside SDF-held Agency (JAXA). planetary science.” dust, but the passengers also with a choice: ain, ter- rito- ry. A live webcast of the con- The asteroid is thought trol room showed dozens of to contain relatively large JAXA staff members nervously amounts of organic matter and monitoring data ahead of the water from some 4.6 billion touchdown before exploding years ago when the solar sys- into applause after receiving a tem was born. signal from Hayabusa2 that it During a later mission, Hay- had landed. abusa2 will eventually fire an “We made a successful “impactor” to blast out mate- touchdown, including firing rial from underneath Ryugu’s a bullet” into the Ryugu as - surface, allowing the collec- teroid, Yuichi Tsuda, Haya- tion of “fresh” materials un- busa2 project manager, told exposed to millennia of wind 11-year-old Syrian girl Rawan poses on a destroyed tank with her stuffed bear near the village of Yazi Bagh, about six kilometres from the Bab al-Salamah border reporters. and radiation. crossing between Syria and Turkey in the north of Aleppo province, Giant tortoise thought extinct is found on Galapagos Quito, Ecuador of a new species of tortoise that they called Chelonoidis donfaus- onservationists in the Gal- toi, named after Fausto Llerena, Capagos Islands have found the park ranger who for 40 years a giant tortoise from a species looked after Lonesome George, thought to have become extinct SMILE the iconic last tortoise of his Pin- more than a century ago. ta species, who died in 2012. The adult female tortoise was George become an icon of the found on the island of Fernandi- islands, 1,000 kilometers (600 na in the west of the Pacific ar- miles) off the coast of South chipelago, and is believed to be a It America. Fernandina Giant Tortoise, also is Scientists tried to save known as Chelonoidis phantas- George’s species by breeding ticus, a species last sighted in him with females from a related 1906. species, but their eggs failed to The tortoise is believed to be hatch. After his death, his body about 100 years old. It was taken was stuffed and is currently dis- by boat to the main Galapagos played at the Charles Darwin conservation center on Santa Research Center in the Galap- Cruz island. agos. The animal “exceeds 100 Giant tortoises are believed to years” in age and is “a very old have arrived on the remote vol- tortoise,” said Washington Tapia canic island chain about three to of Galapagos Conservancy, a US four million years ago, borne by non-profit dedicated to conserv- ocean currents. With no natural ing the Galapagos. predators, they spread across the The islands are best known islands and split into different for their unique flora and fau- One of 15 known species species. na, which inspired naturalist of giant tortoises in the Their numbers were decimat- Charles Darwin to write his Galapagos, at least two ed in the eighteenth and nine- landmark 1859 study on evolu- teenth centuries by sailors who tion, The Origin of Species. of which have already took advantage of their ability Ecuador’s Environment Min- vanished to endure long periods without ister Marcelo Mata announced food or water to use them as eas- on Twitter the discovery of a ily stored fresh meat on Pacific specimen “of the tortoise spe- species is native to Fernandina, voyages. cies Chelonoidis phantasticus, which is uninhabited, topped by Their numbers were also hit which was believed to have gone an active volcano, and one of the by invasive species such as rats, extinct more than 100 years ago.” youngest islands in the chain. pigs and dogs, which eat their A ministry statement said con- It is one of 15 known species eggs, while other introduced servationists were hopeful other of giant tortoises in the Galap- domestic animals like goats de- members of the species were on agos, at least two of which have stroyed their habitat. the island, judging by tracks and already vanished. In captivity, the giant tortoises spores they found. Any remaining Fernandina can easily live to more than 100 Genetic tests will be carried tortoises may be separated from years. Scientists have discovered out to confirm the tortoise was each other by recent lave flows, that the tortoises have genetic A specimen of the giant Galapagos tortoise Chelonoidis phantasticus, thought to have gone extint about a century ago, is indeed a member of the long-lost researchers said. variants linked to DNA repair, seen at the Galapagos National Park on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos Archipelago, in the Pacific Ocean 1000 km off species, it said. In 2015, the Galapagos author- with healing power that enables the coast of Ecuador The Chelonoidis phantasticus ities announced the discovery their longevity. 08 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019 society

All four Rotary clubs in Bahrain jointly organised the 114th year Anniversary of Rotary International at the Le Med restaurant in the Ritz Carlton Hotel on Wednesday. The clubs involved in organising the event were Rotary club of Manama, Rotary club of Sulmaniya, Rotary club of Adliya and Rotaract club of Bahrain. The social evening was a long night of an open buffet dinner, international mix of music, dancing, raffle draw with prizes and concluded with a cake cutting. Over one hundred and ten people attended which includes Rotary members and their guests.

The budding writers of the primary wing of the New Millennium School, DPS Bahrain, launched their second book titled, ‘A collection of stories and poems’. The book is a compilation of 162 short stories and poems in English and Hindi, penned down by the little authors of Kindergarten to Grade V. Chairman, Dr. Ravi Pillai and Managing Director, Geetha Pillai congratulated Principal Arun Kuumar Sharma, students, teachers and parents for their hard work and beautiful creation.

On the eve of their 3rd anniversary Bahrain Tamils (BTUS) conducted blood donation camp under the patronage of King Hamad University Hospital on 22nd February 2019 at The Indian club. 150 donors participated. 08 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019 09 society

Indian Fraternity Forum, Bahrain organised a workshop on Artificial Intelligence titled “An intelligence fusion : man, machine, profession and values” at Al Eslah Auditorium, Muharraq. Ameen Al Tajer, MD of Infiniteware and a well known AI specialist was the resource speaker. Professionals and entrepreneurs of various streams from Indian expatriate community were attended.Key note The budding writers of the primary wing of the New Millennium School, DPS Bahrain, launched their second book titled, ‘A collection of stories and poems’. The book is a compilation of 162 short stories and poems in English and Hindi, penned down address was given by by the little authors of Kindergarten to Grade V. Chairman, Dr. Ravi Pillai and Managing Director, Geetha Pillai congratulated Principal Arun Kuumar Sharma, students, teachers and parents for their hard work and beautiful creation. the president, Jamal Mohiyudheen.

The New Horizon School celebrated their Annual Sports Day at its Jannusan premises where over 1900 children participated to uphold the theme of ‘Participation is Winning in Itself’. Principal Jose highlighted health as more valuable than all the other possessions in life. The overall Championship Trophy was won by Jupiter House with 233 Princess Al Jawhara Al Ibrahim Centre For Molecular Medicine, Genetics and Inherited Disorders (ACMID) in the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) launched the activities points. Saturn House was adjudged the First Place holder for the March Past and for the Drill Display Grade 3 won the first place. In the Kindergarten section, JKG Jannusan Branch won the first place. Dr. Mariya Marinowa, Director, Programs & Services Consultancy QA of White Palm and Reem Al Dhaen were the Chief Guests . Muna Abdlqader, of the National Rare Diseases Campaign, which is organised for the seventh consecutive year, in line with the international campaign to raise awareness on rare Head of Employment Riffa Centre, Employment Director, MOL and Geethalakshmy were the Guests of Honour. diseases, annually held in the month of February.

Sri Lanka economic growth slowest in 17 yrs - central bank Colombo, Sri Lanka

political crisis in Sri Lanka The Coal Confusion Alast year led to the slowest economic expansion in 17 years, the central bank said Australia, China deny ban on coal imports amid tensions yesterday. Growth for 2018 was cut from a forecast above 5.0 per Industry experts cent to about 3.0pc because of • damage to the economy from a have noted recently conflict between the president that China appeared and prime minister, Central to be delaying customs Bank of Sri Lanka governor clearances for Indrajith Coomaraswamy said. President Maithripala Australian coking coal Sirisena sacked Prime Min- Central Bank of Sri Lanka governor ister Ranil Wickremesinghe Indrajith Coomaraswamy Canberra and in October and dissolved par- Beijing• have sparred liament even though he did diplomatically in recent not have a majority to back “Our systems stood up very the move. The showdown was well in the last few months,” months over the 5G ban only ended by the Supreme Coomaraswamy told report- Court in December when it ers. “But businessmen have Sydney, Australia held that Sirisena’s actions concerns about political sta- were unconstitutional and il- bility.” hina and Australia yesterday legal. During the crisis, three in- Cdenied reports Australian The bank governor said he ternational credit rating agen- coal was being blocked from expected better growth in 2019 cies downgraded the country’s entering the Asian country, with as the outflow of foreign capi- debt, making it more expen- Canberra seeking to quell fears Chinese workers taking samples of imported coal at a port in Rizhao. (Courtesy of The Sydney Morning Herald) tal had reversed. sive to borrow abroad. that worsening diplomatic ten- “All in all, we are in a better Sri Lanka had to abandon sions are damaging the nations’ place this year,” he said, warn- plans to raise loans abroad. An crucial trading relationship. “We believe and understand its influence in the Pacific and ing however that there could International Monetary Fund Industry experts have noted that these are simple import the expulsion of a Chinese bil- be fiscal slippage because the programme was also suspend- recently that China appeared quotas, consistent with what lionaire who donated to local government was likely to of- ed, though the government to be delaying customs clear- China has applied before and political parties. fer sweeteners to the people has opened talks to revive the ances for Australian coking coal continues to apply and apply ‘Knee-jerk headlines’ during a presidential election three-year $1.5 billion bail-out used in steel-making, but a re- equally to all countries,” Bir- Australian central bank gov- this year. which began in 2016. port late Thursday that ports in mingham told reporters. ernor Philip Lowe said Friday Coomaraswamy noted that The 2018 growth compares the northern city of Dalian had “This is not the first occasion it would be “concerning” if the Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court had with 3.1pc in 2017 when the banned the shipments sent the where Australian coal exports diplomatic spats were spilling demonstrated its independ- country faced the twin effects Aussie dollar plunging. to China have slowed in terms into the trading arena, but add- ence underscoring that key of a major drought followed China is Australia’s biggest of the pace at which they are ed that it would be prudent to institutions functioned despite by floods that killed more than trading partner and coal is the processed or assessed and let “wait and see” what the motiva- the crisis. 210 people. resource-rich country’s most into the country... It is unlikely tions were behind the Chinese valuable export. and unhelpful to try to conflate actions. Chinese foreign ministry other unrelated issues.” Lowe, echoing analysts, said spokesman Geng Shuang said He added that officials were it was also important to note reports of a ban in Dalian were seeking reassurances from Bei- that the current amount of coal Baidu profit falls but revenue “false”. jing that Australia was not the reportedly blocked by Dalian “Chinese ports are receiving only country being targeted. was small. beats expectations coal import declarations from Reports of a ban in Prime Minister Scott Morri- Coal shipped from Australia Shanghai, China es stemming from non-con- all countries including Aus - Dalian were “false”/ son said earlier that regulatory to Dalian accounts for about 10 trolling interests in Baidu’s tralia,” Geng said at a regular Chinese ports are rather than political issues were percent of Australia’s exports eading Chinese internet video unit iQiyi, which was briefing. receiving coal import at play and stressed there was of the commodity to China, and Lsearch provider Baidu spun off last year, and con - The spokesman said Chinese declarations from all “no evidence” any hold-up of only two percent of overall ex- has announced a 50 per cent tinued investments into new customs have stepped up ef - imports was related to other ports. plunge in net profit for the fields. But total revenues forts to analyse and monitor the countries including issues between the two nations. Westpac senior currency fourth quarter but revenue for the quarter were a bet - quality and safety of imported Australia There has been speculation strategist Sean Callow told AFP beat expectations on growth ter-than-expected 27.2 billion coal in recent years because the GENG SHUANG about whether the delays have that while the Australian dollar in its core search business and yuan, beating analyst estimates product sometimes fails to meet CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN been about addressing domes- dropped one percent to 70.90 a push into artificial intelli- and Baidu’s own projections. environmental standards. tic pressures, or retribution US cents following the initial gence (AI). “The diversification of “The purpose is to better safe- over Canberra’s decision to ban reports Thursday, the market The Beijing-based, Nas- Baidu’s business from mobile guard Chinese importers’ rights Chinese communications giant was calmer early Friday. daq-listed company said late internet into the smart home, and interests and better protect Huawei’s 5G equipment over “Those knee-jerk headlines Thursday its fourth-quarter smart transportation, cloud the environment,” Geng said. security risks. of ‘Australia’s number-one ex- profit came in at 2.08 billion and autonomous driving mar- Australian Trade Minister Si- Canberra and Beijing have port destination has a ban on yuan ($303 million) in the Oc- kets will require heavy invest- mon Birmingham said there was sparred diplomatically in recent Australia’s number-one export’ tober-December period. ments,” Chief Financial Officer “no basis to believe that there is months over the 5G ban, Chi- were enough to knock the Aus- Earnings were hit by loss- Herman Yu said. a ban” on Australian imports. na’s growing drive to increase sie lower,” Callow said.

Mexico says fuel theft down 72 pc France sees no health reason for Nutella output stop Paris, France Mexico City, Mexico CNews. “From what I know, this is an economic problem.” exico said on Thurs- rench authorities said yes- The Villers-Ecalles site in Mday that theft of state Fterday that there appeared Normandy produces around fuel has been reduced by 72 to be no health risks behind the 600,000 jars a day, or about a percent since it launched decision to halt production of quarter of all the Nutella made KNOW WHAT a strategy to combat Nutella at a plant in Norman- worldwide. the crime at the end of dy, the world’s largest facto - Ferrero’s France affiliate said last year. ry making the prized choco - it had discovered a quality defect “If we continue like this late-and-hazelnut spread. in one of the ingredients used The Ferrero group, we could save around 50 Nutella’s Italian owner Ferre- for making Nutella as well as with 30,000 employ- billion pesos ($2.6 billion),” ro, whose products also include Kinder Bueno candy bars. ees and 22 production said President Andres Ma- Ferrero Rocher chocolates, on The manufacturer said the de- nuel Lopez Obrador. Oc- Wednesday said it had suspend- fect was not related to its stand- sites around the globe, tavio Romero, the director ed production at the site as a ards of quality. “For now, we can also makes Kinder of state oil company Pe - precautionary measure. say no products currently on the surprise eggs and troleos Mexicanos (Pemex), “As far as I am aware at the market are impacted by the situ- chocolate bars as well said 7.8bn pesos had been moment, there is no health ation and that the supply to our as Tic Tac mints saved between Dec 21 and problem,” French Agriculture customers continues without Sweets move down the line at Ferrero’s hometown plant in Alba, Italy. (Courtesy February 19. Minister Didier Guillaume told interruption,” the company said. of Forbes) SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019 11 In tiny Moldova, voters choose between Russia and Europe

A civil activist from “Occupy Guguta” NGO argues with supporters of Moldova’s parliamentary candidate Ilan Shor, businessman, Volunteers of Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) Party distribute Moldova’s parliamentary candidate Ilan Shor, businessman, leader leader of his self-named party and the mayor of the town of electoral leaflets in Chisinau of his self-named party and the mayor of the town of Orhei, as he Orhei, is welcomed by girls wearing traditional outfits distributes electoral leaflets in Orhei ropean alliance. passersby this week. convicted by a court will get to citing a “deterioration of the rule | Chisinau, Moldova AFP It will be held under a At a stand of the pro-EU ACUM parliament,” said Naghirnaec. of law”. new electoral system that alliance of parties, campaign- Many cited the example of Russia has meanwhile rallied Wedged oters in Moldova head to divides the 101-seat parlia - er Ruslan Verbitchi told AFP businessman Ilan Shor, who Dodon, a close ally of President the polls tomorrow for a ment into seats elected by that Moldova has two major was convicted in a billion-dol- Vladimir Putin. between Vparliamentary election party lists and by individual problems: “Endemic corrup- lar fraud case dubbed Moldova’s “Of course, Russia is not in- reflecting the tiny ex-Soviet constituencies. tion and the violation of human “crime of the century” and is different to the formation of the Ukraine and republic’s long-standing divi- Dodon’s pro-Moscow party rights.” likely to make it into parliament. Moldovan parliament,” Putin sion between pro-Russians and is leading in the polls, advocat- Voters, however, showed little Shor remains free pending an said after a meeting with Dodon Romania, pro-Europeans. ing for Moldova to join Russia’s enthusiasm for the polls. With appeal, but critics say the fact in Moscow last month. Wedged between Ukraine and Eurasian Economic Union over corruption widespread and the that he is allowed to stand de- As well as seeking to keep Moldova has Romania, Moldova has struggled the EU. country among the poorest in spite his conviction is a damning Moldova in its sphere of influ- to find its place since gaining The alliance of pro-European Europe, few have much trust in indictment of Moldova’s politi- ence, Moscow has long backed struggled to independence with the 1991 col- parties, which favours joining Moldova’s politicians. cal system. separatists in the country’s Rus- lapse of the Soviet Union. the EU and NATO, comes second. Analysts fear a new period of sian-speaking breakaway region find its place While many in the country In third place is the centre-left ‘All liars and thieves’ instability for the country after of Transnistria. of 3.5 million want to maintain Democratic Party led by pow- “They are all liars and thieves,” the vote, with no party likely to Russian Security Council chief since gaining close ties with Moscow, others erful oligarch Vlad Plahotniuc, said Tatiana, a 60-year-old for- gain the majority needed to form Nikolai Patrushev has warned independence want to follow the example of which holds a majority in the mer factory worker, complaining a government. that the West could be seeking Romania -- with which Moldo- current parliament and leads of a pension of less than 50 euros “With political apathy and dis- to stoke divisions in Moldova, with the 1991 va shares a language and long the government. It has pursued per month. trust of politicians, there is a risk pointing to the pro-EU revolu- history -- and look west to the a balanced approach between “How can you live on that?” of weak participation,” said Igor tion in Ukraine that ousted a collapse of the European Union. Moscow and Brussels. Macar Naghirnaec, a 23-year- Botan, the director of the ADEPT Moscow-backed leader. Sunday’s vote is shaping up Campaign posters in Russian old NGO worker, said it has hard- think tank. The West, he said, could “push Soviet Union as a three-way race between the and Romanian hang over a flea ly surprising that voters had lit- Moldova signed an association Moldovan society towards di- pro-Russian Socialist party of market in the capital Chisinau, tle faith. agreement with the EU in 2014, vision and conflict.... We have President Igor Dodon, the ruling where volunteers from all par- “Moldova’s democracy is get- but last year Brussels reduced already seen this in Ukraine in Democratic party and a pro-Eu- ties were handing out leaflets to ting worse. People who were its financial aid to the country 2014.”

BMW, Daimler to invest 1 bn euros in joint carsharing scheme Berlin, Germany tles like Park Now and Charge erman auto giants BMW Now. Gand Daimler said yesterday “These five services will they would invest one billion merge ever more closely to form euros ($1.1 billion) in combining a single mobility service portfo- and extending their carsharing KNOW WHAT lio,” BMW CEO Harald Krueger schemes DriveNow and Car2Go, said. in future offering a slew of “mo- Still further in the future, the bility services”, including for two firms will offer “an all-elec- electric cars. tric, self-driving fleet of vehicles “We are pooling the strength BMW and Daimler’s that charge and park autono - and expertise of 14 successful carsharing and other mously and interconnect with brands and investing more than services like Park Now other modes of transport,” he one billion euros to establish a or MyTaxi today boast added. new player in the fast-growing a combined 60 million BMW and Daimler’s carsharing market for urban mobility,” Di- customers and other services like Park Now eter Zetsche, chief executive of or MyTaxi today boast a com- Mercedes-Benz maker Daimler (From Left) The CEO of Park now Joerg Reimann, CEO of Free Now Marc Berg, CEO of German carmaker BMW Harald bined 60 million customers, the said in a statement. Krueger, CEO of German auto giant Daimler AG Dieter Zetsche, Ceo of Reach Now Daniela Gerd and CEO of Share Now Olivier companies said. The two high-end manufac- Reppert pose on stage with the thumbs up after BMW and Daimler AG presented the merger of their car sharing activitie The new joint venture will turers will organise their “mo- be based in German capital and bility” businesses around five shared cars, hail rides from taxis tric car charging points and plan port and bike rentals. tech industry hub Berlin, and joint ventures. and chauffeur services, find and “multimodal” journeys -- pulling All five strands will follow create “up to 1,000” jobs world- Customers will be able to book pay for parking spots and elec- in alternatives like public trans- BMW’s naming scheme with ti- wide, they added. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019 12

FAO warns food supply threatened Global equities mostly climb by declining biodiversity Key figures around 1200 GMT Rome, Italy London - FTSE 100:  0.5 pc at 7,202.34 points

Frankfurt - DAX 30:  0.6 pc at 11,486.88 he UN food agency yes- Paris - CAC 40:  0.3 pc at 5,211.31 Tterday warned about EURO STOXX 50:  0.3 pc at 3,273.04 the threat to the future of the world’s food production Tokyo - Nikkei 225:  0.2 pc at 21,425.51 (close) from a lack of biodiversity in Hong Kong - Hang Seng:  0.7 pc at 28,816.30 (close) the environment. Shanghai - Composite:  1.9 pc at 2,804.23 (close) In a report, the first of its kind by the Food and Agri- New York - Dow:  0.4 pc at 25,850.63 (close) culture Organization (FAO), Euro/dollar:  at $1.1339 from $1.1336 at 2200 GMT it said there was “mounting Pound/dollar:  at $1.3018 from $1.3043 evidence that the biodiversity that underpins our food Euro/pound:  at 87.11 pence from 86.92 pence systems, at all levels, is de- Dollar/yen: at 110.87 yen from 110.70 yen clining around the world.” Oil - Brent Crude:  42 cents at $67.49 per barrel That is putting food production and the environ- Oil - West Texas Inter:  30 cents at $57.26 ment “under severe threat,” the FAO warned. “Once lost, plant, animal Unit (EIU) meanwhile forecast fore only provide “tem - and micro-organisms spe- that the two sides will make porary relief” from trade cies that are critical to our Colombia’s President Ivan Duque Marquez talks ahead of the closing bell on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange “some progress” -- but will tensions. food systems, cannot be re- (NYSE) unlikely clinch a “meaningful” The lack of information on covered.” deal. the crunch talks led dealers in Biodiversity enables agri- Asian indices mostly in - Dean Popplewell. “The likelihood that the US New York to take their cue from culture systems to be more London, United Kingdom creased, despite losses on Wall “Will we get some con - and China will make some figures showing home sales at resilient to shocks such as Street, as US economic con- crete news or perhaps an progress in the ongoing trade a three-year low, while sales of disease and pest outbreaks, uropean stock markets cerns were eclipsed by hopes announcement of an exten - talks has increased as a result durable goods missed expec- as well as coping with cli- advanced yesterday, as in- that high-level talks between the sion of the March 1 deadline of mounting domestic pressure tations. mate change. Evestors cautiously await- United States and China would for implementing further US in both economies,” noted EIU All three main indices on The report citied as ex- ed news from US-China trade seal a trade war truce. tariffs?” global economist Cailin Birch Wall Street finished in the red amples the dramatic fall in talks in Washington, dealers However, many investors held And with the March dead - in a report. on Thursday. food production from in- said. fire for the moment, though line approaching, US President “Nonetheless, we do not ex- On currency markets, the festations such as the po- Nearing the half-way point, some reports suggest the two Donald Trump will meet with pect a meaningful agreement, dollar held gains against most tato blight in Ireland in the London’s benchmark FTSE 100 are heading towards an eventual China’s top negotiator and Xi as the US and China enter into other currencies as the soft US 1840s and the losses of the shares index rose by half a per- deal. Jinping’s top economics envoy, a strategic competition for eco- data sparked a shift by inves- tropical taro plant in Samoa cent, while the Frankfurt DAX “Global equities saw some Liu He, on Friday. nomic -- and particularly tech- tors towards the safer option, in the 1990s. 30 and the Paris CAC 40 gained modest gains... as investors nological -- dominance.” while the pound remains under The FAO says the drivers 0.6 percent and 0.3 percent re- await results from the Sino-US No ‘meaningful’ deal? The EIU added that, in its pressure from ongoing Brexit for biodiversity loss include spectively. trade talks,” noted Oanda analyst The Economist Intelligence view, any deal would there - uncertainty. changes in land and water use and management, pol- lution and overharvesting. Protecting the world’s US farmers receive food supply is critical as $7.7 billion in trade an estimated 821 million EU raises crisis aid ceiling for farmers people already suffer from aid to date: USDA Brussels, Belgium chronic hunger, and by Reuters | Washington rules were not generous enough 2050 the plant’s population he European Commission in helping member states deal is expected to rise from 7.7. S Department of Ag - Tsaid it would lift the ceiling with crisis in their country from billion to close to 10 billion, Uriculture has paid out on aid EU member states can time to time,” he said. according to UN data. $7.7 billion so far to farm- pay out to their farmers without The new ceiling comes into ers, William Northey, Un- special authorisation. force in March, he said. dersecretary for Farm Pro- The limit on the sum govern- However, limits on the total duction and Conservation, ments will be able pay out per amount member states can pay Ford probing said. farmer in times of crisis will rise out to their agriculture sector President Donald Trump to 25,000 euros ($28,400) over will remain in place. possible has pledged up to $12 billion three years, up from the current Hogan said the new measure in aid to help offset losses 15,000 euros, said EU Agricul- “struck a balance” between the problems with for crops hit by retaliatory ture Commissioner Phil Hogan. need for more capacity to help Chinese tariffs imposed in “We have had many examples farmers in need, and any danger fuel economy, response to Washington’s over the last number of years of distorting competition with emissions tests tariffs on Chinese goods. where we felt that the state aid excessive subsidies. Representative picture Reuters | Detroit

ord Motor Co said on FThursday it has hired outside experts to in - Pinterest files confidentially for stock listing: report vestigate its vehicle fuel San Francisco, United States economy and testing pro- vices to find items they have Uber and Lyft, and the work- cedures after employees interest, the online “visual “pinned.” place messaging startup Slack. raised concerns, and did Pdiscovery” service which Pinterest brings in money CEO Ben Silbermann worked not know whether it would claims some 250 million users, from its role in online shopping at Google before founding Pin- have to correct data pro - has filed confidentially for a and from advertising, but has terest. vided to regulators or stock market listing, The Wall shared few details regarding According to research firm consumers. Street Journal reported Thurs- how well those efforts have been eMarketer, Pinterest will take The issues involving day. paying off. in less than one percent of US Ford’s testing processes The report said San Fran - According to the Journal, the online ad spending but reaches do not involve the use of cisco-based Pinterest would company is seeking a late June nearly 40 per cent of US social so-called defeat devices - seek a valuation of at least $12 listing that would be underwrit- network users. hardware and software de- billion, joining the ranks of ten by Goldman Sachs and JP- “Pinterest’s IPO is definite- signed deliberately to de- richly valued venture-backed Morgan Chase. ly one to watch in the coming ceive government emissions tech firms hitting the public Pinterest declined to com- months,” said eMarketer analyst tests, Kimberly Pittel, Ford’s markets. ment on the report. Andrew Lipsman. group vice president for Launched in 2010, Pinter- A 2012 law allows some firms “As the first major digital me- sustainability, environment est is a virtual bulletin board to file confidentially, a change dia platform to hit the markets and safety engineering, told platform, with users decorat- aimed at allowing startups to be- since Snap, the industry will be Reuters. ing their boards with pictures gin the process of raising capital watching closely to see if it can The automaker since last showcasing interests includ- before releasing detailed finan- withstand scrutiny as a public fall has been investigating ing food, fashion, travel and cial information. company.” concerns raised by employ- lifestyle. Other venture-backed tech Lipsman added that Pinterest ees that incorrect calcula- It allows users to share such firms worth more than $1 billion, “has a strong argument to make tions were used to trans- images, although it does not sometimes called “unicorns,” as an advertising platform be- late test results into the call itself a social network. It that are expected to launch in- cause of its visual nature and mileage and emissions data also enables users to link to itial public offerings (IPOs) this the aspirational way in which submitted to regulators, online shopping and other ser- year include ridesharing firms users engage.” Ben Silbermann Pittel said. 13 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019

2- TOTAL DHAMAAL (PG-13) (HINDI/COMEDY/ADVEN- 10-ALONE / TOGETHER (PG-15) (FILIPINO/ROMANTIC/ DAILY AT: 12.15 + 3.00 + 5.45 + 8.30 + (11.15 PM THURS/FRI) OASIS JUFFAIR TURE) NEW DRAMA) NEW AJAY DEVGN, MADHURI DIXIT, ANIL KAPOOR LIZA SOBERANO, ENRIQUE GIL, JASMINE CURTIS 3- THE KNIGHT OF SHADOWS: BETWEEN YIN AND 1-FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY (15+) (DRAMA/COME- FROM THURSDAY 21ST 7.00 PM ONWARDS DAILY AT: 11.00 AM + 1.30 + 4.00 + 6.30 + 9.00 + 11.30 PM YANG (PG-13) (ACTION/COMEDY/FANTASY) NEW DY/BIOGRAPHY) NEW DAILY AT: 10.30 AM + 1.00 + 3.45 + 6.30 + 9.15 PM + 12.00 MN JACKIE CHAN, ELANE ZHONG, ETHAN JUAN DWAYNE JOHNSON, FLORENCE PUGH, JACK LOWDEN 11-ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL (PG-15) (ACTION/ADVEN- DAILY AT: 10.45 AM + 1.00 + 6.15 + (11.30 PM THURS/FRI) DAILY AT: 12.30 + 5.00 + 9.30 PM 3- DUMPLIN (15+) (COMEDY/DRAMA) NEW TURE/ROMANTIC) DAILY AT (VIP): 10.45 AM + 3.30 + 8.15 PM DANIELLE MACDONALD, JENNIFER ANISTON, ROSA SALAZAR, CHRISTOPH WALTZ, JENNIFER CONNELLY 4-ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL (PG-15) (ACTION/ADVEN- LUKE BENWARD DAILY AT: 11.30 AM + 2.00 + 4.30 + 7.00 + 9.30 PM + 12.00 MN TURE/ROMANTIC) 2-TOTAL DHAMAAL (PG-13) (HINDI/COMEDY/ADVEN- DAILY AT: 12.00 + 2.15 + 4.30 + 6.45 + 9.00 + 11.15 PM ROSA SALAZAR, CHRISTOPH WALTZ, JENNIFER CONNELLY TURE) NEW 12-GULLY BOY (PG-15) (HINDI/DRAMA/MUSICAL) DAILY AT: 6.00 + 8.30 + (11.00 PM THURS/FRI) AJAY DEVGN, MADHURI DIXIT, ANIL KAPOOR 4- UPGRADE (15+) (ACTION/THRILLER) NEW ALIA BHAT, RANVEER SINGH, SIDDHANT CHATURVEDI FROM THURSDAY 21ST 7.00 PM ONWARDS LOGAN MARSHALL-GREEN, RICHARD ANASTASIOS, ROSCO DAILY AT: 12.00 + 3.00 + 6.00 + 9.00 PM + 12.00 MN 5-GULLY BOY (PG-15) (HINDI/DRAMA/MUSICAL) DAILY AT: 10.30 AM + 1.00 + 3.45 + 6.30 + 9.15 PM + 12.00 MN CAMPBELL ALIA BHAT, RANVEER SINGH, SIDDHANT CHATURVEDI DAILY AT: 11.00 AM + 1.00 + 3.00 + 5.00 + 7.00 + 9.00 + 11.00 PM 13-COLD PURSUIT (15+) (ACTION/CRIME/DRAMA) DAILY AT: 3.15 + 8.30 PM 3-THE KNIGHT OF SHADOWS: BETWEEN YIN AND YANG LIAM NEESON, EMMY ROSSUM, LAURA DERN (PG-13) (ACTION/COMEDY/FANTASY) NEW 5- THE KNIGHT OF SHADOWS: BETWEEN YIN AND DAILY AT: 11.15 AM + 1.45 + 4.15 + 6.45 + 9.15 + 11.45 PM 6-THE LEGO MOVIE 2 (G) (ANIMATION/ACTION/AD- JACKIE CHAN, ELANE ZHONG, ETHAN JUAN YANG (PG-13) (ACTION/COMEDY/FANTASY) NEW VENTURE/COMEDY) DAILY AT: 2.45 + 7.15 + 11.45 PM *- JACKIE CHAN, ELANE ZHONG, ETHAN JUAN 14-THE UPSIDE (PG-15) (COMEDY/DRAMA) CHRIS PRATT, ELIZABETH BANKS, WILL ARNETT DAILY AT: 12.15 + 2.30 + 4.45 + 7.00 + 9.15 + 11.30 PM + (1.00 AM DAILY AT: 11.15 AM + 1.30 + 3.45 PM THURS/FRI) KEVIN HART, BRYAN CRANSTON, NICOLE KIDMAN 4-KIKORIKI. DEJAVU (G) (ANIMATION/ADVENTURE/ DAILY AT: 6.15 + 8.45 + 11.15 PM COMEDY) NEW 6-ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL (PG-15) (ACTION/ADVEN- DENIS CHERNOV, JEFFREY HYLTON TURE/ROMANTIC) 15-THE LEGO MOVIE 2 (G) (ANIMATION/ACTION/AD- AL HAMRA DAILY AT(KIDS CINEMA): 10.45 AM + 2.45 PM ROSA SALAZAR, CHRISTOPH WALTZ, JENNIFER CONNELLY VENTURE/COMEDY) CHRIS PRATT, ELIZABETH BANKS, WILL ARNETT 1- KODATHI SMAKSHAM BALAN VAKEEL (PG-13) 5-JUNE (PG-13) (MALAYALAM) NEW DAILY AT (IMAX 3D): 2.15 + 7.00 + 11.45 PM (MALAYALAM) NEW DAILY AT: 12.15 + 2.45 + 5.15 + 7.45 + 10.15 PM + (12.45 MN THURS/ DAILY AT: 11.45 AM + 4.00 + 8.15 PM JOJU GEORGE, RAJISHA VIJAYAN, SARJANO KHALID, ARJUN FRI) TAYLOR SCHILLING, JACKSON ROBERT SCOTT, DILEEP, MAMTA MOHANDAS, PRIYA ANAND ASOKAN PETER MOONEY 16-HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN DAILY AT: 3.00 + 9.00 PM + (12.00 MN THURS/FRI) DAILY AT: 12.30 + 3.15 + 6.00 + 8.45 + 11.30 PM 7-GULLY BOY (PG-15) (HINDI/DRAMA/MUSICAL) DAILY AT: 9.45 + 11.45 PM WORLD (PG) (ANIMATION/ACTION/ADVENTURE) ALIA BHAT, RANVEER SINGH, SIDDHANT CHATURVEDI CATE BLANCHETT, JONAH HILL, GERARD BUTLER 2-JUNE (PG-13) (MALAYALAM) NEW 6-KODATHI SMAKSHAM BALAN VAKEEL (PG-13) 19-SPIDER MAN INTO THE SPIDER VERSE (PG) (ANI- DAILY AT: 2.00 + 6.15 + 10.30 PM JOJU GEORGE, RAJISHA VIJAYAN, SARJANO KHALID, (MALAYALAM) NEW DAILY AT: 11.30 AM + 2.30 + 5.30 + 8.30 + 11.30 PM MATION/ACTION/ADVENTURE) ARJUN ASOKAN DILEEP, MAMTA MOHANDAS, PRIYA ANAND DAILY AT: 12.00 + 6.00 PM 8-COLD PURSUIT (15+) (ACTION/CRIME/DRAMA) HAILEE STEINFELD, NICOLAS CAGE, MAHERSHALA ALI DAILY AT: 11.15 AM + 2.15 + 5.15 + 8.15 + 11.15 PM DAILY AT: 12.00 + 4.15 + 8.30 PM LIAM NEESON, EMMY ROSSUM, LAURA DERN SEEF (I) 7-ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL (PG-15) (ACTION/ADVEN- DAILY AT: 11.30 AM + 2.00 + 4.30 + 7.00 + 9.30 PM + 12.00 MN + (12.45 MN THURS/FRI) 1- TOTAL DHAMAAL (PG-13) (HINDI/COMEDY/ADVEN- WADI AL SAIL TURE/ROMANTIC) TURE) NEW ROSA SALAZAR, CHRISTOPH WALTZ, JENNIFER CONNELLY DAILY AT (VIP I): 10.30 AM + 1.00 + 3.30 + 6.00 + 8.30 + 11.00 PM SEEF (II) 1-FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY (15+) (DRAMA/COME- AJAY DEVGN, MADHURI DIXIT, ANIL KAPOOR DY/BIOGRAPHY) NEW DAILY AT: 1.15 + 6.30 + 11.45 PM 1 FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY (15+) (DRAMA/COME- FROM THURSDAY 21ST 7.00 PM ONWARDS 9-HAPPY DEATH DAY 2U (PG-15) (THRILLER/COMEDY/ DWAYNE JOHNSON, FLORENCE PUGH, JACK LOWDEN DAILY AT (VIP): 1.00 + 5.45 + 10.30 PM CRIME) DY/BIOGRAPHY) NEW DAILY AT: 12.30 + 3.15 + 6.00 + 8.45 + 11.30 PM JESSICA ROTHE, RUBY MODINE, PHI VU DWAYNE JOHNSON, FLORENCE PUGH, JACK LOWDEN DAILY AT: 11.45 AM + 2.00 + 4.15 + 6.30 + 8.45 + 11.00 PM 8-GULLY BOY (PG-15) (HINDI/DRAMA/MUSICAL) DAILY AT: 10.45 AM + 12.45 + 2.45 + 4.45 + 6.45 + 8.45 + 10.45 PM DAILY AT: 12.15 + 2.30 + 4.45 + 7.00 + 9.15 + 11.30 PM 2- THE KNIGHT OF SHADOWS: BETWEEN YIN AND ALIA BHAT, RANVEER SINGH, SIDDHANT CHATURVEDI YANG (PG-13) (ACTION/COMEDY/FANTASY) NEW 2-TOTAL DHAMAAL (PG-13) (HINDI/COMEDY/ADVEN- TURE) NEW DAILY AT: 11.30 AM + 2.30 + 5.30 + 8.30 + 11.30 PM 10-THE UPSIDE (PG-15) (COMEDY/DRAMA) 2- TOTAL DHAMAAL (PG-13) (HINDI/COMEDY/ADVEN- JACKIE CHAN, ELANE ZHONG, ETHAN JUAN TURE) NEW AJAY DEVGN, MADHURI DIXIT, ANIL KAPOOR KEVIN HART, BRYAN CRANSTON, NICOLE KIDMAN DAILY AT: 12.30 + 2.45 + 5.00 + 7.15 + 9.30 + 11.45 PM 9-THE LEGO MOVIE 2 (G) (ANIMATION/ACTION/AD- AJAY DEVGN, MADHURI DIXIT, ANIL KAPOOR FROM THURSDAY 21ST 7.00 PM ONWARDS DAILY AT: 10.30 AM + 1.00 + 3.30 + 6.00 + 8.30 + 11.00 PM VENTURE/COMEDY) FROM THURSDAY 21ST 7.00 PM ONWARDS 3- KODATHI SMAKSHAM BALAN VAKEEL (PG-13) DAILY AT: 12.45 + 3.30 + 6.15 + 9.00 + 11.45 PM CHRIS PRATT, ELIZABETH BANKS, WILL ARNETT 11-GLASS (PG-15) (THRILLER) DAILY AT: (12.30 MN THURS/FRI) (MALAYALAM) NEW DAILY AT (KIDS CINEMA): 12.30 + 4.30 + 9.00 PM 3-UPGRADE (15+) (ACTION/THRILLER) NEW JAMES MCAVOY, BRUCE WILLIS, SAMUEL L. JACKSON DILEEP, MAMTA MOHANDAS, PRIYA ANAND 3-DUMPLIN (15+) (COMEDY/DRAMA) NEW LOGAN MARSHALL-GREEN, RICHARD ANASTASIOS, ROSCO DAILY AT: 11.00 AM + 1.30 + 4.00 + 6.30 + 9.00 + 11.30 PM DAILY AT: 11.45 AM + 2.45 + 5.45 + 8.45 + 11.45 PM CAMPBELL 10-SPIDER MAN INTO THE SPIDER VERSE (PG) (ANI- DANIELLE MACDONALD, JENNIFER ANISTON, LUKE MATION/ACTION/ADVENTURE) BENWARD 4-JUNE (PG-13) (MALAYALAM) NEW DAILY AT: 7.45 + 9.45 + 11.45 PM HAILEE STEINFELD, NICOLAS CAGE, MAHERSHALA ALI 12-THE LEGO MOVIE 2 (G) (ANIMATION/ACTION/AD- VENTURE/COMEDY) DAILY AT: 1.00 + 5.15 + 9.30 PM JOJU GEORGE, RAJISHA VIJAYAN, SARJANO KHALID, DAILY AT (KIDS CINEMA): 6.45 + 11.15 PM 4- THE KNIGHT OF SHADOWS: BETWEEN YIN AND CHRIS PRATT, ELIZABETH BANKS, WILL ARNETT ARJUN ASOKAN YANG (PG-13) (ACTION/COMEDY/FANTASY) NEW 4- UPGRADE (15+) (ACTION/THRILLER) NEW DAILY AT: 12.15 + 3.00 + 5.45 + 8.30 + 11.15 PM 11-URI: THE SURGICAL STRIKE (15+) (HINDI/ACTION/ DAILY AT: 10.30 AM + 12.45 + 3.00 + 5.15 + 7.30 PM LOGAN MARSHALL-GREEN, RICHARD ANASTASIOS, JACKIE CHAN, ELANE ZHONG, ETHAN JUAN DRAMA) DAILY AT (IMAX 2D): 12.00 + 4.45 + 9.30 PM ROSCO CAMPBELL 5- KANNE KALAIMAANE (PG-13) (TAMIL) NEW DAILY AT: 11.45 AM + 2.00 + 4.15 + 6.30 + 8.45 + 11.00 PM VICKY KAUSHAL, KIRTI KULHARI, PARESH RAWAL DAILY AT: 12.00 + 2.00 + 4.00 + 6.00 + 8.00 + 10.00 PM + 12.00 UDHAYANIDHI STALIN, TAMANNAH DAILY AT: 10.30 AM + 3.45 + 9.00 PM 13-NADI ELREGAL EL SERI (PG-15) (ARABIC/COMEDY) MN 5- KIKORIKI. DEJAVU (G) (ANIMATION/ADVENTURE/ KARIM ABDULAZIZ, GHADA ADEL, MAJDE ALKIDDAWI FROM FRIDAY 22ND COMEDY) NEW DAILY AT: 12.30 + 2.45 + 5.00 + 7.15 + 9.30 + 11.45 PM 5- THE KNIGHT OF SHADOWS: BETWEEN YIN AND DAILY AT: 11.00 AM + 4.00 + 9.00 PM DENIS CHERNOV, JEFFREY HYLTON 12- KUMBALANGI NIGHT (PG-13) (MALAYALAM) YANG (PG-13) (ACTION/COMEDY/FANTASY) NEW FAHADH FAASIL, SHANE NIGAM, SOUBIN SHAHIR DAILY AT: 11.30 AM + 1.15 PM JACKIE CHAN, ELANE ZHONG, ETHAN JUAN 6-L.K.G (PG-13) (TAMIL) NEW DAILY AT: 11.45 AM + 2.45 + 5.45 + 8.45 + 11.45 PM 14-AQUAMAN (PG-15) (ACTION/ADVENTURE) JASON MOMOA, AMBER HEARD, NICOLE KIDMAN DAILY AT: (1.00 AM THURS/FRI) RJ BALAJI, PRIYA ANAND 6-ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL (PG-15) (ACTION/ADVEN- FROM FRIDAY 22ND 13-9 (PG-15) (MALAYALAM) DAILY AT: 12.45 + 3.30 + 6.15 + 9.00 + 11.45 PM TURE/ROMANTIC) 6-WHAT THEY HAD (PG-15) (DRAMA) NEW DAILY AT: 1.30 + 6.30 + 11.30 PM ROSA SALAZAR, CHRISTOPH WALTZ, JENNIFER CONNELLY PRITHVIRAJ SUKUMARAN, PRAKASH RAJ, MAMTA MOHANDAS 15-JOHNNY ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN (PG) (COMEDY/ HILARY SWANK, MICHAEL SHANNEN, ROBERT FORSTER DAILY AT: 10.45 AM + 1.15 + 3.45 + 6.15 + 8.45 + 11.15 PM DAILY AT: 2.00 + 8.00 PM ACTION/ADVENTURE) DAILY AT: 1.00 + 5.00 + 9.00 PM 7- KUMBALANGI NIGHT (PG-13) (MALAYALAM) ROWAN ATKINSON, OLGA KURYLENKO, EMMA THOMPSON FAHADH FAASIL, SHANE NIGAM, SOUBIN SHAHIR 7-GULLY BOY (PG-15) (HINDI/DRAMA/MUSICAL) NEW 14-PERANBU (PG-15) (TAMIL) DAILY AT: 10.45 AM + 3.00 + 7.15 + 11.30 PM 7-THEN CAME YOU (PG-15) (COMEDY/ROMANTIC/ DAILY AT: 11.00 AM + 2.00 + 5.00 + 8.00 + 11.00 PM ALIA BHAT, RANVEER SINGH, SIDDHANT CHATURVEDI DRAMA) NEW MAMMOOTTY, SADHANA, ANJALI DAILY AT: 3.00 + 8.30 PM DAILY AT: 11.00 AM + 5.00 + 11.00 PM 16-HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN NINA DOBREV, MAISIE WILLIAMS, ASA BUTTERFIELD WORLD (PG) (ANIMATION/ACTION/ADVENTURE) DAILY AT: 11.00 AM + 3.15 + 7.30 + 11.45 PM SAAR 8-COLD PURSUIT (15+) (ACTION/CRIME/DRAMA) CATE BLANCHETT, JONAH HILL, GERARD BUTLER LIAM NEESON, EMMY ROSSUM, LAURA DERN DAILY AT: 2.15 + 6.30 + 10.45 PM 8- KIKORIKI. DEJAVU (G) (ANIMATION/ADVENTURE/ 1-FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY (15+) (DRAMA/COME- DAILY AT: 6.00 + 11.30 PM CITYCENTRE COMEDY) NEW DY/BIOGRAPHY) NEW 1- FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY (15+) (DRAMA/COME- 17-RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET (PG) (ANIMATION/ DENIS CHERNOV, JEFFREY HYLTON DWAYNE JOHNSON, FLORENCE PUGH, JACK LOWDEN 9-THE LEGO MOVIE 2 (G) (ANIMATION/ACTION/AD- DY/BIOGRAPHY) NEW ADVENTURE/COMEDY) DAILY AT: 11.15 AM + 1.00 + 2.45 + 4.30 PM DAILY AT: 12.00 + 2.15 + 4.30 + 6.45 + 9.00 + (11.15 PM THURS/FRI) VENTURE/COMEDY) DWAYNE JOHNSON, FLORENCE PUGH, JACK LOWDEN JOHN C. REILLY, SARAH SILVARMAN, GAL GADOT CHRIS PRATT, ELIZABETH BANKS, WILL ARNETT 9-TIME OUT (PG-15) (ARABIC/COMEDY/ROMANTIC) DAILY AT: 10.30 AM + 12.45 + 3.00 + 5.15 + 7.30 + 9.45 PM + 12.00 DAILY AT: 12.45 + 5.00 + 9.15 PM 2-TOTAL DHAMAAL (PG-13) (HINDI/COMEDY/ADVEN- DAILY AT: 10.45 AM + 1.00 + 3.15 + 5.30 PM MN + (12.45 MN THURS/FRI) NEW TURE) NEW DAILY AT (VIP II): 11.45 AM + 2.00 + 4.15 + 6.30 + 8.45 + 11.00 PM 18-THE PRODIGY (18+) (THRILLER/HORROR) MAGUY BOU GHOSN, YORGO CHALHOUB, WISSAM SABBAGH AJAY DEVGN, MADHURI DIXIT, ANIL KAPOOR DAILY AT: 11.00 AM + 3.00 + 7.00 + 11.00 PM FROM THURSDAY 21ST 7.00 PM ONWARDS

Movie Review Dumplin’: Danielle Macdonald shines in Netflix’s beauty pageant dramedy

umplin’ is an American donald is so immensely likable, Dcoming-of-age comedy you wish she was given a little film directed by Anne Fletcher more genuine tension in a script and written by Kristin Hahn. that seems content to settle for It is based on the young adult TV-movie peaks and valleys. novel of the same name by Julie KNOW WHAT Still, there’s so much willful, Murphy. joyful uplift in the final scenes, The film stars Danielle Mac- it’s hard not to buy into every donald as Willowdean “Dump- aphorism re-upped from the lin’” Dickson, Jennifer Aniston Anne Fletcher’s classic Dolly playbook (Parton as her mother, Rosie Dickson, adaptation of Julie also provides 12 new songs and and Odeya Rush as her best re-recorded classics for the mov- friend, Ellen Dryver. Murphy’s YA novel ie’s excellent soundtrack — ‘Girl On review aggregator Rotten packs heartwarming in the Movies’ landed a Golden Tomatoes, Dumplin’ holds an messages, a ton of Globe nomination): “If you want approval rating of 85% based Dolly Parton jams, the rainbow, you gotta put up on 59 reviews, with an average and solid performanc- with the rain”? “Find out who rating of 6.5/10. The website’s es into a country-fried are and do it on purpose”? “Be a critical consensus reads, “Ele- package diamond in a rhinestone world”? vated by a solid soundtrack and If your guilty pleasures ex- a terrific cast, Dumplin’ offers pand to include Hallmark-style sweetly uplifting drama that narrative that goes beyond the sentimentality this time of year, adds just enough new ingre - low-stakes story line and Lone you might consider adding dients to a reliably comforting Star twangs. “Dumplin’” to your viewing line- formula.” Danielle Macdonald and Jennifer Aniston in the aspirational comedy “Dumplin’” Aniston is mostly playing a up. It has nothing to do with the On Metacritic, the film has beehived outline, though she has holiday season, but it’s wrapped a weighted average score of 53 indicating “mixed or average isn’t working as sharply here as al, Hot Pursuit, and 27 Dresses; a great time with her frosted tips as neatly as any gift you might out of 100, based on 16 critics, reviews”.Director Anne Fletcher she has in films like The Propos- there’s a softness to Dumplin‘s and fluttery hands, and Mac- find under a Christmas tree. 14 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019

Priyanka Chopra and Mandy Sophie Turner Moore

Can’t wait to Milo calls SNIPPETS see Sophie Actor Smollett’s Turner Mandy character cut from as bride: ‘Empire’ episodes Priyanka inspiring after arrest Chopra Los Angeles Los Angeles Los Angeles ctor Jussie ctress-producer ctor Milo ASmollett’s charac- Priyanka Cho- Ventimiglia is ter is being removed Apra on Sophie Aproud of his from the final two ep- Turner’s 23rd birthday, “This Is Us” co-star isodes of the Fox hip- said that she cannot Mandy Moore for hop drama “Empire” wait to see the “Game of opening up about after he was arrested Thrones” star as a bride. the emotional and charged with Priyanka, who is mar- abuse she en- staging a hoax hate ried to pop singer Nick dured during crime attack on him- Jonas, on Friday posted a her marriage to self, show officials said black and white photograph former husband on Friday. of Turner along with her Ryan Adams. “We are ... aware of the singer-beau Joe Jonas. In an interview effects of this process on The “Isn’t It Romantic” with Access, the actor praised the cast and crew mem- actress described Turner as Moore, reports people.com. bers who work the “most beautiful” and a “There are things on our “fun” person as she captioned that people live show and the image: “Happy birthday Sophie through, so to be to avoid you are loved! I can’t wait to see you able to have a fo- further as a bride. You will be stunning! rum to discuss it disruption Have a brilliant year love. ‘J sisters and speak about on set, we forever’. Joe Jonas you are the most it honestly, I’m have decided to thoughtful! Last night was epic.” incredibly proud of remove the role Mandy for just being of ‘Jamal’ from the final two who Mandy is, which is episodes of the season,” Cardi a very giving, inspiring 20th Century Fox Televi- Amy Winehouse woman,” Ventimiglia said. sion said in a statement. B stands by Khloe “And if anyone else can take away from hologram tour put Kardashian amidst trolls that situation of being inspired to let some- on hold Los Angeles one know that they’re not alone in a feeling, Alexandre Desplat cheated by her beau Triston I think that’s a great thing to do,” he added. Los Angelels will not attend Tompson. Ventimiglia is seen with Moore in “This apper Cardi B has come There are speculations that Is Us”, aired in India on Star World. Oscars ceremony my Winehouse hologram out in support of reality Khloe’s NBA basketballer boy- Los Angeles Atour, that was slated to RTV star Khloe Kardashi- friend cheated on Khloe with her launch later this year, has been an, who is being trolled by social sister Kylie Jenner’s best friend scar-nominated put “on hold” by the show’s media users after getting allegedly Jordyn Woods, reports people. Jordyn Woods Ocomposer Alexandre producer. BASE Hologram com. Desplat will be unable took to Twitter to announce Following the buzz, people on just spoke about to attend the Academy that they have “encountered social media started making fun of Award ceremony because some unique challenges and Khloe. So, Cardi on Thursday took the Tristan of recent throat sensitivities” that have made to an Instagram live and urged surgery. them reassess the tour. people to stop trolling Khloe. Thompson The “In developing the type “Obviously this whole Khloe Los Angeles French of highly ambitious, state- Kardashian thing... every- music of-the-art hol- body is just like celebrating ordyn Woods has finally compos- ogram/aug- that that happened to her broken her silence af- er, who J Jordyn mented re- and it’s like why?” the ter being caught making out Woods is already a ality theat- Grammy-winning with Khloe Kardashian’s now two-time Os- rical event rapper Cardi ex boyfriend, Tristan Thomp- car winner that would said. son, at a party on Sunday. for 2014’s “Grand Buda- truly cap - The 21-year-old gave a short pest Hotel” and 2017’s ture (Wine- speech while promoting a her Eylure “The Shape of Water”, is house’s) ge- Jordyn Woods Summer Heir lashes in Los nominated this year for nius and incredible artistic Angeles on Thursday, after a period of silence. his Japanese-flavored and social contributions, Wearing a grey satin tracksuit, Jordyn ap- score for Wes Anderson’s we have encountered some peared to a little apprehensive as she spoke “Isle of Dogs”. unique challenges and sen- to the room, taking to the mic as a couple sitives,” the tweet read. of people cheered her. The Winehouse show will She said: ‘Through everything that’s Ciao Karl: Fendi says be “on hold until we deter- been going on, you know it’s been real, goodbye to Lagerfeld mine the best path to a crea- and Eylure has been super real.’ Milan tively spectacular production This has been a project that we’ve been that would properly honour working on for over nine months, almost Amy’s legacy at its highest a year, so I hope you guys enjoy your endi caliber,” the company said. lashes as much as I do.’ Fsaid The tour was scheduled to The videos were placed online by Jade farewell kick off in 2019 and run for Simmone and Candice Nikeia, who both to Karl several years. The produc- attended the beauty event. Lagerfeld tion was supposed to feature Jordyn herself, is yet to post anything on Thurs- Winehouse’s hologram on her social media accounts following day, presenting the backed by a live band, sing- the event as she is no doubt trying to last line the veter- ers and theatrical stagecraft. keep a low profile to an extent. an fashion designer created for the Italian luxury label before his death. Michael B. Jordan to be directed With a replica of by Denzel Washington his “Love KL” signa- • Choice of high quality ture displayed behind Outdoor Catering Los Angeles • Tailor made menus them, models strutted Team Offers: for Non-Veg. & Veg. down the catwalk in a • Professional Party ctor Michael B. Jordan is in negotiations to fea- neutral palette of beige, Set-up & Supervision Ature in “Journal for Jordan”, to be directed by brown, terracotta and • Catering for any Denzel Washington. dark gray outfits with number of guests. The movie, penned by Oscar-nominated screenwrit- dabs of green, orange • Attractive rates. er Virgil Williams, is based on the true story of Pulitzer and yellow popping out Prize winning journalist Dana Canedy’s love affair with in the Autumn/Winter First Sergeant Charles Monroe King, reported variety. 2019 line. For Reservations, Call:Umm Al Hassam 17728699 Seef District 17364999 com. 15 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019 sports

Arsenal face Rennes as Arsenal, Chelsea Chelsea draw Dynamo Kiev cruise into last 16

Callum Hudson-Odoi seals• comfortable win for Chelsea over Malmo in Europa League

Shkodran Mustafi Arsenal’s German defender Shkodran Mustafi (L) heads home their second header• helps Arsenal goal during the UEFA Europa League round of 32 to progress at expense AFP | Paris pointed as coach in December. of BATE Borisov Arsenal manager Unai Em- rsenal will face French ery -- who won the Europa League three years running AFP | Paris Aside Rennes in the last 16 of the Europa League, while as coach of Sevilla -- is fa - Chelsea were paired with Dy- miliar with Rennes from his rsenal and Chelsea namo Kiev in yesterday’s draw. two seasons in charge of Paris reached the last 16 of Both Premier League clubs Saint-Germain. Athe Europa League on will be at home in the first leg London rivals Chelsea, the Thursday after the Gunners on Thursday, March 7, with the other Premier League club comfortably saw off BATE Bo- return matches scheduled for still in the competition, might Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi fires in their third goal risov 3-0 and Maurizio Sarri’s March 14. also view winning the Europa troubled side relieved some of Olivier Giroud tapping in the the last 16 of a major European ise and go through on away Arsenal’s draw means that League as their most likely the pressure on him with the decisive goal of a humdrum en- tournament for the first time goals, M’Baye Niang finished off their veteran goalkeeper Petr route into next season’s Cham- same scoreline against mediocre counter at Stamford Bridge. after winning possibly the most an injury time break to see the Cech will return to face the pions League. Malmo. Ross Barkley made sure of the entertaining tie of the round 6-4 mid-table Ligue 1 side through. club he represented for two After beating Swedish side After falling 1-0 in Belarus, win with a super free-kick in the on aggregate following a barn- RB Salzburg, Dinamo Zagreb seasons before joining Chelsea Malmo 5-1 on aggregate, they Arsenal were level on aggre - 74th minute, just after Malmo’s storming 3-1 win at Real Betis. and Zenit Saint Petersburg all in 2004. might find the going tougher gate after just three minutes Rasmus Bengtsson was sent off Goals from Ramy Bensebaini overturned first-leg deficits, Rennes finished fifth in against Ukrainian giants Dy- when Zakhar Volkov sliced for his second bookable offence, and Adrien Hunou fired Rennes with Austrians Salzburg ham- Ligue 1 last season and are cur- namo. The clubs met in the Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s before 18-year-old Callum Hud- into a two-goal lead within the mering Club Brugge 4-0 to go rently in mid-table, but have group stage of the Champions low cross past Denis Scherbitski son-Odoi made the most of a opening half-hour but the tie through 5-2 and Croatian cham- impressed since the 38-year- League in 2015-16, drawing 0-0 in his own goal. rare start by crashing home the was put back in the balance pions Dinamo 4-2 winners on old Julien Stephan was ap - in Kiev before Chelsea won 2-1 Unai Emery’s side deserv- third. when Giovani Lo Celso pulled aggregate after a storming 3-0 at Stamford Bridge. edly went through thanks to “The boys really played well one back four minutes before victory over Viktoria Plzen. Elsewhere, Sevilla, who have two thumping headers from today. We worked hard through- half-time. Zenit overcame Fenerbahce won the trophy five times in- Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis out the game,” said highly-rated With Betis pushing to equal- 3-1 in Russia, Magomed Ozdoev cluding twice in its former either side of the break which Hudson Odoi, a Bayern Munich and Sardar Azmoun giving hosts guise as the UEFA Cup, will put them into yesterday’s draw. target in January. an aggregate lead before Meh- face Slavia Prague. “We wanted this result but Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli met Topal put the Turks ahead KNOW WHAT Widely-fancied Napoli will also we wanted to play for our breezed to a 2-0 win over FC on away goals just before break. take on the Austrian champi- supporters here. We did our Zurich that saw them win 5-1 The goal that came Pablo Fornals snuck Villar- ons Salzburg, who reached the best to come back (in the tie) on aggregate, while Inter Milan at the end was real past Sporting Lisbon with The final of this sea- semi-finals last season. and the team worked very well,” went through 5-0 after sweep- definitely a bonus a fine curling strike that gave son’s Europa League Former European Cup fi- Emery told BT Sport. ing four goals past Rapid Vienna for the way that we the La Liga side a 1-1 draw on will be played in nalists and UEFA Cup winners Ahead 2-1 from the first leg without reply at the San Siro. played the night and a 2-1 win overall, Eintracht Frankfurt were in Sweden, Chelsea had to wait while Benfica eased past Gal- Baku, the capital of drawn against Inter Milan, until 10 minutes after the break Rennes make history CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI atasaray 2-1 after a goalless draw Azerbaijan, on May 29 who won the UEFA Cup three for the first sign of excitement, French side Rennes are into in Portugal. times in the 1990s.

Chelsea banned from signing new players Man City not expecting to Riffa Club triumph in HM the King Cup AFP | London cision,” said a statement on the bulldoze Chelsea again: Silva club’s website. Reuters | London TDT | Manama remier League club Chel- “Initially, Chelsea FC was meeting at Wembley. Psea have been banned from charged... in relation to 92 play- “To be honest we should iffa Sports and Cultural signing new players in the next ers,” it added. “We welcome anchester City must for- forget that match because it RClub won HM the King two transfer windows as pun- the fact that FIFA has accept- Mget their 6-0 drubbing won’t happen again, we are Cup following their well- ishment for breaking rules on ed that there was no breach of Chelsea earlier this month not expecting the same re - earned 2-1 victory over Al registering under-age players, in relation to 63 of these and cannot afford to be com- sult,” Silva told reporters after Hidd in final match which FIFA said. players, but the club is ex- placent against the London City’s 3-2 victory at Schalke in took place on Thursday at Ahmed Al Shaikh, President tremely disappointed side when they face off in the first leg of the Champions Bahrain National Stadium. It means the club -- who imme- that FIFA has not Sunday’s League Cup final, League last-16. HH Shaikh Khalid bin diately said they would appeal accepted the midfielder Bernardo Silva has “We are playing against one Hamad Al Khalifa congrat- the decision -- will be unable to club’s submis- said. of the best sides in the world, ulated the club and their make signings until the end of sions in relation Chelsea’s capitulation at the even though lately their results fans on the achievement January next year. to the remaining 29 Eti- had Stadium was their are not the best for them. and paid tribute to HM the “The disciplinary committee players.” worst defeat in Pre- However, the Brazilian goal- King’s sponsorship and at- Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri reacts sanctioned Chelsea with a ban The move follows a mier League history keeper played his side into tendance to the final. during a match on registering new players at FIFA probe into Chel- and the London club trouble moments later to put The First Deputy Presi- both national and international Chelsea’s women’s and futsal sea’s signing of foreign have dropped to sixth in the pressure on Matip and when dent of the Supreme Coun- level for the next two complete teams. under-18 players, in- standings. he was dispossessed by Rob- cil for Youth and Sports and consecutive registration Chelsea have been given cluding the club’s for- Silva, however, ert Lewandowski, Kingsley and President of Bahrain periods,” FIFA said in a state- three days to appeal against mer forward Bertrand said the recent Coman fired into the side- Athletics Association said ment. FIFA’s decision, which could Traore, a Burkina Faso result would netting. that the Royal patronage In addition, Chelsea were prove highly damaging, for ex- international who now not have a Liverpool were also posing of the final match reflects fined 600,000 Swiss francs ample preventing the club from plays for French Ligue 1 bearing plenty of problems at the other HM the King’s firm keen- ($600,000, 530,000 euros) and signing a replacement for Eden club Lyon. on their end, although their final ball ness to support and cheer given a period of 90 days to Hazard if the star player leaves Traore signed profes- next often lacked precision. Bahraini sportspeople in all regularise the situation of the the club. sional forms for Chel- “Against those kinds of play- occasions and venues. He minor players concerned. “Chelsea FC categorically re- sea in 2013 at the age Bernardo Silva ers you can never relax, and if stressed that HM the King’s The ban does not prevent futes the findings of the FIFA of 18 but was not reg- you give them time to think, follow up to the final match players being released by the disciplinary committee and will istered until January time to play and time to decide has laid ground for a great club and it does not apply to therefore be appealing the de- the following year. they will destroy you.” game. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019 16

Riifa Club triumph in HM the King Cup AFP | London

ep Guardiola has admit- Kvitova battles into Pted he is surprised by Chelsea’s revolving-door policy with managers as he prepares for Sunday’s League Cup final, the match that could seal the fate of the London club’s current second Dubai final boss Maurizio Sarri. There has been mount- Petra Kvitova triumphs 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 to reach today’s final at the Dubai Championships ing speculation over the Italian Sarri’s future in recent weeks after a spectacular mid-season slump The 2013 champion best exemplified by a 6-0 • humiliation in their league came from a set down visit to City’s Etihad Stadi- to beat Hsieh Su-Wei um earlier this month, but Guardiola believes Chelsea AFP | Dubai KNOW WHAT should adopt the same sort of long-term view City took when they employed him in etra Kvitova booked her 2016. third final in two months The 2013 Dubai cham- Comparisons have been Pyesterday, winning a mar- pion lost the first set drawn with Guardiola’s first athon over Hsieh Su-wei 3-6, after being broken season in England, when 6-2, 6-4 at the Dubai Champi- twice in the seventh City struggled to adapt to onships. and ninth games his demanding style of play, The double Wimbledon win- although the Catalan was ner from the Czech Republic keen to downplay the sim- already owns a title from Sydney ilarities. last month and lost to Naomi snatched the opening set on a “The situation is differ- Osaka in the Australian Open pair of breaks, with the Czech ent. In my first year never title match. forced into a fightback in the the club doubted me,” he She won here in 2015 and is second. said. playing the event for the first The Czech, with 26 career ti- “It was never in the media time in three years. tles, earned two breaks of her that I’d be sacked if they Kvitova will play either Swit- own in the second, with Hsieh lose this game. When (An- zerland’s Belinda Bencic or saving a set point in the penul- tonio) Conte won the title, Elina Svitolina, the Ukrainian timate game before the contest people were saying he’d winner of the last two editions levelled at a set apiece. be sacked when they lost in Dubai. The third began with three one or two games the next “It was a tough one today, she straight breaks; but Kvitova set- season. But he had won really didn’t give me anything tled into hold serve and run out the Premier League two or for free,” Kvitova said. “I’m glad Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic returns the ball to Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei the winner after more than two three months before. I was able to come back in the hours. “I said the same after we second. and played the second. really needed. recover. Hopefully I have a few The victory was her fourth lost there (to Chelsea in “I’m pleased with my mental “She didn’t give me any high “I’m a bit tired right now, to be hours to do something.” over Hsieh without a defeat and December) and won here, focus after losing the first set. I balls. I really had to be very, very honest. I have a final tomorrow, Hsieh, who lost to Kvitov marked her 10th career Dubai my opinion of him is the was calmer when I came back low, bend my knees, whatever I so I don’t know how I going to in the Sydney second round, win. same.” Klopp expects Solskjaer to be Sri Lanka eye history in low-scoring battle named permanent United boss AFP | Port Elizabeth, South Africa AFP | London ri Lanka’s cricketers have iverpool boss Jurgen Sbeen told to enjoy them - LKlopp said he believes Ole He (Solskjaer) selves as they seek to make his- Gunnar Solskjaer will be the deserves (the job) tory after a dramatic second next permanent manager of day of the second Test against Manchester United. The clubs 100 percent, he did South Africa at St George’s Park meet on Sunday in a show - everything that you yesterday. down of Premier League gi- have to do to be Needing 197 runs to become ants. successful with them the first Asian team to win a Solskjaer has won 11 of his 13 JURGEN KLOPP Test series in South Africa, Sri matches since taking interim Lanka were 60 for two at the charge following Jose Mour- “He has the quality and he close, needing 137 more runs to inho’s sacking in December, had the luck in the right mo- complete a 2-0 series triumph. with the only loss a 2-0 defeat ment,” said the German. “Now “Everybody knows what is to Paris Saint-Germain in the he’s in charge and there is no expected of them,” said bowling Champions League. doubt that he will be the man- coach Rumesh Ratnayake. Ahead of Liverpool’s trip to ager next year as well, that’s Old Trafford, Klopp said he clear. South Africa, first innings, 222 had been impressed with the “Can you imagine one sit- Sri Lanka, first innings (overnight 60-3) job the Norwegian is doing at uation when they say ‘we are D. Karunaratne c De Kock b Rabada 17 South Africa’s Quinton de Kock lifts a ball into the hands of Sri Lanka’s Suranga Lakmal Old Trafford. bringing in another manag- L. Thirimanne c and b Olivier 29 er’? Then a new manager will O. Fernando b Olivier 0 “The leadership has said, ‘just innings lead of 68 runs. an injury which required sur- lose one game and that’s not K. Mendis c De Kock b Olivier 16 go out and enjoy yourselves’. But Sri Lanka’s bowlers hit gery and prevented him from possible. K. Rajitha b Rabada 1 Everybody is aware of history back, bowling out the hosts batting or taking the field “He deserves (the job) 100 K. Perera c De Kock b Rabada 20 being made but that should be for a paltry 128 -– by 40 runs yesterday. percent, he did everything that D. de Silva c De Kock b Mulder 19 at the back of the mind. Every- their lowest total in a home Test Lakmal said a key for Sri you have to do to be successful N. Dickwella c Elgar b Rabada 42 body has the freedom to bat against the islanders. Lanka’s bowlers was that they with them.” S. Lakmal lbw b Maharaj 7 how they want to do at the right Suranga Lakmal, Sri Lanka’s bowled consistently in the right Klopp, whose team are level V. Fernando not out 0 time.” most experienced bowler, took areas. on points with Manchester L. Embuldeniya absent injured Eighteen wickets fell and 282 four for 39, while part-time “The accuracy and intensity City at the top of the Premier Extras (lb1, nb2) 3 runs were scored during an ex- off-spinner Dhananjaya de Sil- has been good,” he said. League, said all managers Total (37.4 overs) 154 traordinary day’s play, leaving va took a Test-best three for 36. “We are quite confident that needed an element of luck. Sri Lanka, second innings both teams with a chance of With only ten wickets in 24 we are going to win,” said Lak- “When I went from Mainz to D. Karunaratne c De Kock b Olivier 19 victory. previous Tests, De Silva had mal. But it’s not going to be easy. (Borussia) Dortmund, people L. Thirimanne c De Kock b Rabada 10 South Africa seemed set to match figures of five for 51. The bowling of South Africa is said I have no international O. Fernando not out 17 take control when Sri Lanka He was forced into a front- of a world-class level.” Manchester United interim manager experience. It was true but it’s K. Mendis not out 10 collapsed in a flurry of strokes line role when left-arm spinner South African batting coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer applauds the not something you can buy. Extras (lb4) 4 to be bowled out for 154 before Lasith Embuldeniya suffered Dale Benkenstein insisted the fans at the end of a match You have to make it. Total (2 wkts, 16 overs) 60 lunch, giving the hosts a first a badly dislocated left thumb, Test was still on a knife-edge.

Hon. Chairman Najeb Yacob Alhamer | Editor-in-Chief Mahmood AI Mahmood | Deputy Editor-in-Chief Ahdeya Ahmed | Chairman & Managing Director P Unnikrishnan | Advertise- ment: Update Media W.L.L | Tel: 38444692, Email: [email protected] | Newsroom: Tel: 38444680, Email: [email protected] Subscription & circulation: Tel: 38444698/17579877 | Email:[email protected] | Website: www.newsofbahrain.com | Printed and published by Al Ayam Publishing