WEDNESDAY JANUARY 2, 2019 RABI AL-AKHIR 26, 1440 VOL.12 NO. 4502 QR 2

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Cigarettes, energy drinks get costlier Prices of tobacco products, energy drinks rise 100% as ‘sin tax’ comes into effect

Amir condoles HISHAM ALJUNDI saying it will be helpful in curbing Hakim Khelfa, a sportsman, DOHA bad habits, some expressed their said, “Going to the gym is a healthy with Russian reservations over the sin tax. habit but what is unhealthy was the president IN an attempt to wean people off “This decision will help people to heavy consumption of energy drinks, harmful and unhealthy substances, get rid of bad and unhealthy habits which adversely affect the people’s DOHA The Amir HH Sheikh Qatar has increased the prices of such as smoking. Now, the rise in health in the long run. I used to see Tamim bin Hamad al Thani tobacco products, cigarettes, energy prices will make it harder for those young people heavily consuming en- on Tuesday sent a cable drinks and carbonated beverages. who are just starting to smoke,” Mo- ergy drinks especially while smok- of condolences to Russian With effect from January 1, hammed Bayram, a Tunisian expa- ing. Now that their prices have gone President Vladimir Putin on the prices of cigarettes and energy triate living in Doha, said. up, I think the consumption will re- the victims of the residential drinks were doubled while sugary “Those who can’t quit smok- duce significantly.” building’s collapse in Magni- drinks got dearer by 50 percent fol- ing will now start to look for other Farah Nazih, a housewife, told togorsk, wishing the injured lowing introduction of “sin” tax. stuff,which may eventually lead Qatar Tribune that her husband was a speedy recovery. (QNA) The “sin” tax was introduced just them to quit this habit.” a chain smoker, but he decided to weeks after Qatar announced in its Amer Darraoui, another resi- quit smoking after hearing this deci- annual budget that it would intro- dent, said, “I always wanted to quit sion. duce a levy on “health-damaging smoking, but I needed a good start. “He used to smoke a lot, but now Population reaches goods” such as tobacco products, The prices of cigarettes shoot up as Qatar imposes sin tax. Well, after hearing the news about he has managed to reduce smok- energy drinks and carbonated bev- this decision I have quit smoking.” ing by half, which is reflected on 2.67 million erages. Selective Tax Law includes products and energy drinks, and a Most of the people Qatar Trib- Many parents welcome the deci- his health. He is gradually quitting a 100 percent tax on tobacco and its 50 percent tax on sugary drinks. une spoke to welcomed the move sion to impose tax on energy drinks. smoking,” she said. DOHA The population of Qa- tar at the end of December was 2.67 million, a 3 percent decrease from the previous DJOKOVIC’S 55-MINUTE BLITZ month, according to the data released by the Ministry of No. of e-services rise Development Planning and Statistics (MDPS). However, the population increased by 1.2 percent annually. (TNN) 12 times in four years Qatar condemns Total number of Manchester e-services MoI launches new stabbing incident reaches 2,604 version of Metrash2 DOHA Qatar has condemned DOHA The General Directorate Eng. Abdulaziz al Ruwaili said the stabbing attack at Manches- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK of Information Systems at the the new version is a culmina- ter railway station, living at least DOHA Ministry of Interior (MoI) on tion of the department’s work three people injured. In a state- Tuesday launched a new ver- achieved in cooperation with ment on Tuesday, the Ministry of THE number of electronic sion for Metrash2 for phones other departments in the min- Foreign Affairs reiterated Qatar’s services provided under the and smart devices, which is istry. firm stance rejecting violence Qatar Digital Government the fastest way to access the He said the department and terrorism, regardless of 2020 Strategy reached 2,604 ministry’s services from any spares no efforts to make the motives and reasons. The in 2018, more than 12 times place and at any users’ experience with statement wished the injured a the figure in 2014 (194), time. Metrash2 unique for speedy recovery. (QNA) according the Ministry of Assistant all, including citizens, Transport and Communica- Director of the residents and com- tions. Information Sys- panies, governmental The number of e-transac- tems Department and non-governmen- QSE sees highest Novak Djokovic took just 55 minutes to claim his first win of the 2019 season, brushing aside tions reached more than 270 at MoI Captain tal organisations. gain of 21% in 6 Damir Dzumhur 6-1, 6-2 in the Qatar Open first round in Doha on Tuesday. “It’s fantastic to be million in 2018, a substantial He said one of the back and to start off the tournament like I have done makes me very confident and very happy,” increase from the 2017 figure most important fea- years (PG 12 ) said the Serb. (AFP) MORE ON PAGE 17 of 227 million transactions. tures of the new ver- The efforts of all ministries sion is that it includes to increase the efficiency and a great number of new effectiveness of the govern- services offered for ment through digital strategy the first time to the initiative are paying off, the public. Qatar to set up labour recruitment company ministry said. “In line with the efforts Continued on page 2 Ô made over the past years, the TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK finance. and teachings of the Islamic Government of Qatar strives DOHA The formation of the Sharia. to achieve three main objec- and web site, is helping in im- Strategy has prioritised the company aims at bringing The company’s board of tives: providing better services proving an individual’s life. needs of individuals in Qatar. MINISTER of Commerce in workers from abroad and directors may also add other to individuals and businesses, The most prominent ben- Companies and private and Industry HE Ali bin providing employment ser- activities in the commercial enhancing the efficiency of eficiaries of the digital strat- institutions can register and Ahmed al Kuwari has issued vices to all parties. register without the need to government administration, egy are — citizens, residents conduct business in a more a decree establishing a Qa- It will also provide train- hold a general assembly. and more openness to govern- and visitors — who are able to accessible, easy and rapid tari company for labour re- ing and rehabilitation pro- The term of the company ment performance through access the services of the digi- manner. cruitment (WIZA). grammes and rotate employ- shall be 50 years from the more effective participation tal government that are sim- The Qatar Government The private Qatari share- ment of labourers within the date of its registration in the by citizens and residents,” it ple, safe and of high quality Digital Training Programme holding company with a country. Commercial Register and added. and are available at any time seeks to emphasise Qatar’s capital of QR58 million will As per the decision, the publication of its establish- The ministry said the use and from anywhere. readiness to enter the digital be represented by the min- company may open branch- according to the law. The ment in the Official Gazette. of modern technologies offer- Given the fast pace of age and is being implemented istries of justice, labour, in- es inside or outside Qatar company will operate in ac- ing better services to custom- technological change and rap- in collaboration with a range terior, trade, industry and to achieve its objectives cordance with the provisions Continued on page 2 Ô ers who access its services, id population growth, the Qa- of partners in the government including online transactions tar Digital Government 2020 sector.

Qatar Museums announces India as CMC seeks more curbs on shisha lounges 2019 Year of Culture Partner Nation HISHAM ALJUNDI It also includes obliging QATAR Museums on Tuesday DOHA cafes to make partitions di- announced India as the Official viding the café to be trans- Partner Nation for the 2019 Year THE Central Municipal parent to facilitate the job of of Culture. The announcement Council (CMC) has recom- inspectors. kick starts an exciting array of pro- mended imposing more re- These measures are gramme of exhibitions, festivals, strictions on shisha lounges aimed at curbing shisha competitions and events that is and cafes. smoking by minors. all set to take place in both coun- This came during the Moreover, the CMC also tries over the next 12 months. CMC meeting on Tuesday. discussed decreasing the The carefully curated programme The recommendation number of roundabouts, es- is specially designed to promote was re-sent to the Ministry pecially on highways, and mutual understanding, recognition of Municipality and Envi- submitted the recommenda- and appreciation between India ronment (MME) to amend tion to the Ministry of Trans- and Qatar. Qatar India 2019 Year the rules and regulations for port and Communications of Culture will invite audiences in shisha cafes, which clearly (MoTC) to convert rounda- Qatar and India to explore their suggest banning of the pri- bouts on highways into tun- cultural similarities. PAGE 20 vate chambers inside. nels or bridges. A shisha lounge. 02 Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Contact US: Qatar Tribune I EDITORIAL I Phone: 40002222 I ADMINISTRATION & MARKETING I Phone: 40002155, 40002122, Fax: 40002235 P.O. Box: 23493, Doha.

Amir sends News condolences to in brief HMC to host top global Philippines president THE Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Amir congratulates Cuban president Hamad al Thani sent on Tuesday a cable of condolences to Presi- THE Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani experts in January, Feb dent of the Philippines Rodrigo on Tuesday sent a cable of congratulations to President of Duterte on the victims of the the State Council and Council of Ministers of Cuba Miguel TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK tropical storm that hit the centre Diaz-Canel on the anniversary of the revolution victory DOHA of the country, wishing the injured in his country. (QNA) speedy recovery. (QNA) HAMAD Medical Corporation Amir greets Sudanese president (HMC) will be hosting a num- Deputy Amir sends ber of visiting consultants from condolences to THE Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani sent various medical specialties dur- on Tuesday a cable of congratulations to President of Sudan ing the months of January and Russian president Field Marshal Omar Hassan Ahmad al Bashir on the anniver- February this year. THE Deputy Amir HH Sheikh sary of his country’s Independence Day. (QNA) Dr Patrik Velander, consult- Abdullah bin Hamad al Thani on ant plastic surgeon at Skåne Tuesday sent a cable of condo- Amir congratulates Bangladesh PM University Hospital in Lund, lences to President of Russian Sweden, will visit from January Federation Vladimir Putin on THE Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani 5 to 11 while Dr Alessandro Rep- the victims of the residential sent on Tuesday a cable of congratulations to Prime Minister ici, a gastroenterology specialist building’s collapse in the city of of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina Wazed on the occasion of her from Milan, Italy, will visit from Magnitogorsk, wishing the injured victory in the legislative elections. (QNA) January 13 to 15. Dr. Gideon Hirschfield Dr. Noriko Suzuki Dr. Robert Turcotte speedy recovery. (QNA) Dr Antonio Torres, pro- Amir greets Haiti president fessor of surgery at the Com- surgeries, whereas Dr Noriko visit from February 17 to 21. The HMC has urged mem- Deputy Amir sends plutense University of Madrid Suzuki, a consultant gastroen- Other experts are also bers of the public wishing to condolences to THE Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani sent and chief of the General, Diges- terologist from St Mark’s Hos- scheduled to visit this year as book an appointment with one Tuesday a cable of congratulations to President of the Repub- tive and Thoracic Surgery Ser- pital in, Harrow, England, will part of HMC’s focus on host- of the visiting consultants to Philippines president lic of Haiti Jovenel Moise on the anniversary of his country’s vice at the Clínico San Carlos visit from January 16 to 20. ing highly-respected physicians discuss this option with their THE Deputy Amir HH Sheikh Independence Day. (QNA) Hospital in Madrid, Spain, will Dr Gideon Hirschfield, and surgeons from around the physicians. If the doctor agrees Abdullah bin Hamad al Thani sent visit from January 11 to 14. senior lecturer and consultant world. Hosting visiting interna- that an appointment with a vis- on Tuesday a cable of condolenc- Deputy Amir congratulates Dr Robert Turcotte, chair hepatologist with the Univer- tional consultants and experts iting consultant is appropriate, es to President of the Philippines Cuban president of Surgical Oncology at Mc sity Hospitals Birmingham, is in line with HMC’s commit- they will provide a referral. Rodrigo Duterte on the victims Gill University Health Centre UK, and a specialist in the field ment to provide specialised For more information and of the tropical storm that hit the THE Deputy Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al Canada, will visit from January of gastroenterology, including medical services to the people the full list of visiting consult- centre of the country, wishing the Thani sent a cable of congratulations to President of the State 14 to 17, conducting clinics and autoimmune liver disease, will of Qatar. ants, visit www.hamad.qa. injured speedy recovery. (QNA) Council and Council of Ministers of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel on the anniversary of the revolution victory in his country. (QNA) Deputy Amir greets president of Sudan New version of Metrash 2 provides 174 services PM to appoint BoD THE Deputy Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al Thani sent a cable of congratulations to President of Sudan entry services, electronic accreditation, the plate numbers while determining the Field Marshal Omar Hassan Ahmad al Bashir on the anniver- Continued from page 1 Ô cancellation of special features of this shape (long or short). Continued from page 1 Ô sary of his country’s Independence Day. (QNA) service and paying the costs of the medi- In response to the requests and sug- THE services include payment receipts cal tests. gestions of Metrash2 subscribers and THE Board of Directors will include five Deputy Amir congratulates for all services done via Metrash2, which Contract services are for companies users, it is possible to request the re- members to be appointed by a decision Bangladesh PM allows users to request a copy of the pay- subject to the Labour Law, while reim- submission of additional copy of the cer- of the Prime Minister. The first Board of ment receipt be sent to the e-mail for bursement for tests outside the country tificates and reports that were previously Directors shall be appointed as follows: THE Deputy Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad each successful transaction, in addition applies to all categories of users of this requested and sent using the application; The representatives of the Ministry of al Thani sent a cable of congratulations to Prime Minister of to allowing users to pay by debit cards. service. the copy will be sent in PDF format on Justice and the Ministry of Interior will Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina Wazed on the occasion of her vic- In response to requests and propos- The new services include a car tint the registered e-mail within 15 days of be the chairman and vice-president re- tory in the legislative elections. (QNA) als received by the department from installation permit service for permitted the service. spectively. The representatives of the subscribers and users of Metrash2, this vehicles and fees payment without the A new service available for compa- Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Deputy Amir greets Haiti president new service allows users to pay service need to go to the General Directorate of nies allows the authorised personnel of the Ministry of Finance will be members charges using debit cards, as well as the Traffic, with the possibility of sending a governmental and semi-governmental while the representative of the Ministry THE Deputy Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad possibility of using credit cards and debit new vehicle request through Qatar Post. companies to review all electronic trans- of Administrative Development, Labour al Thani sent a cable of congratulations to President of services from the bank account (for com- Users of Metrash2 can also request actions which were completed through and Social Affairs will be the ‘delegate Haiti Jovenel Moise on the anniversary of his country’s panies) which were available in previous for a driving licence for light vehicles and Metrash2 within 30 days. member’. Independence Day. (QNA) versions, inspections services and pay- can pay the outstanding fees online. Ruwaili said Metrash2 is available The Board of Directors will have a ment to be done overseas. Metrash2 also allows issuing replace- for use on all devices to serve citizens, term of three years renewable for a pe- PM congratulates president of Cuba This service aims to enable the appli- ment for lost or damaged car plate num- residents, companies and institutions riod or other periods by a decision of the cants to complete all preliminary proce- bers and paying for the service. 24 hours from any place. There are 174 Prime Minister. The Board of Directors PRIME Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah dures related to employees from outside This service includes the possibil- services provided by MoI through the ap- shall have all the powers necessary for bin Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani sent a cable of congratulations the country, such as work contract data ity of choosing the workshop to produce plication. the management of the company. to President of the State Council and Council of Ministers of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel on the anniversary of the revolution victory in his country. (QNA) PM sends greetings to Sudan’s president 4 Pakistan Navy ships dock at Hamad Port PRIME Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani sent a cable of congratulations to TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Mission Commander, Paki- of ships from Pakistan Navy President of Sudan Field Marshal Omar Hassan Ahmad al Bashir DOHA stan Navy Task Group hosted has visited Qatar, which is a on the anniversary of his country’s Independence Day. (QNA) a reception onboard PNS testimony to the deep-rooted A Pakistani Navy Task Group Khaibar graced by Brig (Sea) brotherly ties between the Prime Minister congratulates comprising four Pakistan Hamad bin Abdullah al Do- two countries in general and Bangladesh counterpart Navy ships -- PNS Khaibar, sari, officiating Commander Pakistan Navy and Qatar PNS Rahnaward, PNS Mada- Qatar Amiri Navy, as the chief Amiri Navy in particular. He PRIME Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin gar and PMSS Zhob -- docked guest. also elaborated on the signifi- Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani sent a cable of congratulations to at Hamad Port on Monday. Officials from various Qa- cant role of Pakistan Navy in the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina Wazed on the The task group is visiting tari ministries, ambassadors, maintaining peace and free- occasion of her victory in the legislative elections. (QNA) Qatar on a flag showing mis- military attaches and mem- dom of navigation within the sion depicting the deep fra- bers of diplomatic commu- region. PM greets Haitian counterpart ternal ties between the two nity also attended the event, A cake was cut by the guest countries. in addition to a large num- of honour along with the Pa- PRIME Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Murad Baseer, Charge ber of prominent Pakistani kistan Embassy officials and Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani sent a cable of congratulations to D’affaires at Pakistan Em- expatriates. stan were played followed by tance of the bilateral relations Mission Commander. the Prime Minister of Haiti Jean-Henry Ceant on the anniver- bassy, Commodore Irfan Taj, During the reception, na- a welcome speech by Commo- between Qatar and Pakistan. The attendees were treat- sary of his country’s Independence Day. (QNA) Defence Attaché, and Com- tional anthems of Qatar and dore Muhammad Saleem in He said this is the first ed to the delicious and mouth- modore Muhammad Saleem, the Islamic Republic of Paki- which he stressed the impor- time that such a large group watering Pakistani cuisine. Nation Wednesday, January 2, 2019 03 Ooredoo in partnership QRCS treats 455 patients in Sudan deal with Plug and Play The project cost a TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Ooredoo is an industry lead- DOHA er launching technology and in- total of QR222,650 novations that enable custom- OOREDOO recently signed a ers to enhance their own digital TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK partnership with Silicon-Valley experience and be among the DOHA based Plug and Play, the world’s first to benefit from all the tech- largest startup accelerator and nological advancements. QATAR Red Crescent Soci- corporate innovation platform. The collaboration between ety (QRCS) has concluded its The collaboration will give Ooredoo and Plug and Play medical convoy to the White Ooredoo and the world’s best can bring even newer and more Nile State, Sudan, conducting start-ups an opportunity to valuable technology, business 55 surgeries and 400 medical collaborate to explore innova- models and use cases to Oore- examinations to benefit the lo- tion and develop new ideas in doo customers. cal community and refugees Qatar and across Ooredoo’s Having access to some of from South Sudan. global footprint. the best start-ups in the world, Over seven days, the medi- Manar Khalifa al Murai- Plug and Play will help them cal team worked on a daily ba- khi, director PR and Corporate become new businesses that sis, from early morning to late Communications at Ooredoo, can cater to the technology night. The convoy covered the said: “As a leading telecommu- needs of Ooredoo customers. transportation and accommo- Over seven days, the medical team worked daily, from morning to night. The convoy covered the transportation and accommodation costs of pa- nications provider with opera- This is considered an exciting dation costs of patients and pro- tients and provided medical examinations, surgeries and medications. tions in the Middle East, Africa opportunity to bring further vided medical examinations, and Asia, serving a network of innovation to Qatar and other surgeries and medications. man, deputy chief of Surgery sued by QRCS’ mission in more than 150 million custom- Ooredoo companies. The beneficiaries have Department, Kosti Hospital, Sudan, the project cost a total ers, we are excited to be working “We are very excited to have thanked Qatar, QRCS, Hamad commended the teamwork of $61,000 (QR222,650) and with Plug and Play to offer even our very first corporate part- Medical Corporation (HMC), and positive spirit among the served 455 patients. The mis- more exciting technological in- ner from Qatar join our IoT the Sudanese Red Crescent personnel from the partner sion has already conducted novations to our customers. and Mobility ecosystem. As the Society (SRCS), the Ministry organisations. multiple projects to enhance “We know Plug and Play has leading communications com- of Health’s White Nile Office, “All the surgeries were suc- the social and humanitarian a stellar reputation as a market pany in Qatar, they will bring an and Médecins Sans Frontières cessful and the performance services in the fields of health leader among global innovation exciting perspective to our pro- (MSF) – Spain. was outstanding. I would like care, water and sanitation, platforms, and we are delighted grammes,” said Sobhan Khani, Peter, a patient who benefit- to thank QRCS for its generous education, food security, live- to be able to give our customers VP of Plug and Play’s IoT, Mo- ed from the project, described initiative to support us with lihood, emergency relief, and the chance to leverage both this bility and Real Estate & Con- how difficult it was for them to medical supplies,” he said. promotion of social peace. reputation and the company’s struction programmes. get treatment before the arrival Mo’ez Othman, health co- So far, these operations unrivalled expertise for their “Given that Qatar is host- of the medical convoy. ordinator at SRCS’s branch in have exceeded $10 million in benefit. We hope entrepreneurs ing the World Cup in 2022, He expressed his grati- the White Nile State, appreci- value, reaching out to more will also use this opportunity to we are excited to help Ooredoo tude to QRCS and its partners ated this intervention from than 900,000 people. By the leverage our considerable expe- find innovative technologies to for offering integrated servic- QRCS. “We are happy with end of 2019, it is planned to rience and technology through create a good experience for es for both patients and their this bilateral cooperation,” double these figures to $20 the multiple business units and Qatari citizens and their guests family members. said Othman. “Our volunteers mission of the doctors and their family members.” million and 1.5 million benefi- creative, forward-thinking solu- throughout the next four Dr Ahmed Abdul-Rah- worked hard to facilitate the take care of the patients and According to reports is- ciaries, respectively. tions Ooredoo is proud to offer.” years,” he added.

‘Kingdom of KUWAITI ARTIST EXHIBITION HBKU students boost tech skills at Geometry’ expo Huawei’s ICT programme in China to open at Katara on Thursday TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA A group of students from the College of Science and Engi- THE Cultural Village Founda- neering (CSE) at Hamad Bin tion (Katara), in cooperation Khalifa University (HBKU), with the Embassy of Algeria recently travelled to Beijing, in Doha, will open the unique China, to participate in Hua- Kingdom of Geometry exhibi- wei’s annual Seeds for the Fu- tion for visitors at building 19 ture programme. on Thursday, January 3. Katara presents ‘History in Colour’ exhibition by Kuwaiti The corporate social re- Algerian artist Mohammed artist Dr Eiman Tohma al Shammari. The exhibition will kick sponsibility (CSR) initiative Talhaoui reveals the undiscov- off today and run until January 14. (TNN) by the Chinese multinational ered beauty of the Islamic art telecommunications company decoration in a unique way dis- aims to develop the informa- playing the ornamental language tion and telecommunication in his artworks. technology (ICT) skills of uni- Talhaoui said the objective of versity students from across the exhibition is to share the par- the globe. ticipants an amazing and unpub- Hala Abou El Oula, a Mas- The programme provided a culturally immersive experience for participants who were introduced to China’s lished discovery. ter of Science in Cybersecurity traditions and culture through visits to national historical sites and lessons to learn the Chinese language. “Here, before our eyes, student, and Mohammed Ali through the geometrical orna- Abdulla, a Master of Science studied at its cutting-edge ICT The programme has taught students.” mental art, the secrets of the uni- in Data Science and Engi- training centre, operating and us how to thrive in a global, Frank Fan, CEO Huawei versal laws are unfolded and ex- neering student, took part in practicing in a well-equipped Qatar, said: “We are proud of pressed in a beautiful and perfect the two-week programme to- lab and receiving up-to-date competitive environment. the HBKU students and their way,” he said. gether with students from 150 ICT solution demonstrations Through my participation participation, as our vision is During his expo, Talhaoui will international universities. The from the organisation’s ex- in the programme, I was to empower this region’s gen- be conducting two workshops for programme aims to enhance perts. able to enhance my eration and develop the nec- different age groups on Friday knowledge transfer and pro- Dr Mounir Hamdi, dean of understanding and essary talents and skills that and Saturday January 4 and 5 in mote a greater understanding CSE, said: “The ever-changing would help them accelerate morning and evening times. of and interest in the telecom- nature of ICT demands that knowledge of the ICT field. their country’s digital trans- munications sector. scholars and practitioners in Hala Abou El Oula, Master of formation. Huawei is commit- Commenting on her ex- the industry are constantly Sc. in Cybersecurity student ted to deploying the most ad- perience, Hala Abou El Oula kept abreast of the latest ad- vanced technologies that will Coffee festival ‘Kaffeinated 3’ to said, “The Seeds for the Fu- vancements to ensure they are help implement Qatar’s 2030 ture programme was a once- able to thrive in their careers. National Vision.” in-a-lifetime opportunity that We are proud of our students, perience, and I learned a great “Knowledge transfer and begin at Katara from tomorrow introduced us to Huawei’s who were not only able to en- deal about ICT and Chinese nurturing future ICT talent has incredible journey and Chi- hance their knowledge about culture throughout the trip.” always been a core pillar of the TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK thentic flavours. na’s rich history. In addition the industry, but also learn Dr Mohamed Abdullah, Huawei way”, added Farhan J DOHA Kaffeinated will also to immersing us in the latest about China’s rich culture and assistant professor, CSE, said: Khan, VP, Huawei Qatar. “ICT present activities related to technologies, the programme heritage and represent HBKU “The Seeds for the Future pro- is vital to the success of the re- COFFEE lovers will enjoy the the preparation of coffee. has taught us how to thrive in and Qatar on a global level.” gramme exposed our students gion and we are committed to Kaffeinated 3 event presented Visitors will learn about dif- a global, competitive environ- Reflecting on his participa- to global ICT from one of the supporting the region’s jour- by the Kaffeinated Festival in ferent ways to make coffee, ment. Through my participa- tion in the initiative, Moham- leaders in the industry. With ney of digital transformation.” collaboration with the Cultur- including traditional and tion in the programme, I was med Ali Abdulla said, “I am a greater understanding of The programme also pro- al Village Foundation (Kata- machines methods. able to enhance my under- grateful for the opportunity the workings of the industry, vided a culturally immersive ra) from January 3 to January The previous editions of standing and knowledge of to take part in Huawei’s pro- students such as Hala and experience for participants 13, 2019 at the Katara Espla- Kaffeinated have generated the ICT field.” gramme, which offered an in- Mohammed, will surely excel who were introduced to Chi- nade from 12pm to midnight. huge public interest and During the two-week pro- valuable opportunity to learn in their respective studies and na’s traditions and culture Nearly 70 exhibitors different flavours of coffee, represent an ideal opportu- gramme, participants worked about the latest developments future careers. We thank Hua- through visits to national his- from various coffee shops offering a variety of tastes to nity to discover the world of at Huawei’s headquarters in and challenges within the in- wei for extending this incred- torical sites and lessons to in Qatar will display their the public and seekers of au- coffee with its varied tastes. Shenzhen, China, where they dustry. It was a remarkable ex- ible opportunity to HBKU’s learn the Chinese language. Earth, sun to come closer tomorrow MME removes abandoned cars TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK tance from the sun as the earth DOHA is at the farthest point from sun during summer, while the and cabins from Industrial Area THE ‘Blue Planet’ earth will be earth is at nearest point from at perihelion, the nearest point sun during winter. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK in its orbit around the sun, on He said summer is warmer DOHA Thursday, January 3, 2019, than winter because of the ti- at 8am Doha local time when tling of sun’s ray on the earth. THE Ministry of Municipal- earth will be at 147 million kilo- age distance between earth During winter, the sun’s rays ity and Environment (MME), metres approximately from the and sun is called Astronomi- hit the earth at an extreme an- represented by the Munici- sun’s centre, Qatar Calendar cal Unite (AU), when one AU gle (sun’s ray is tilting on the pality of the North and the House (QCH) has announced. equals 149.7 million kilometres northern hemisphere), and the Department of Hygiene, has Astronomer at QCH Dr approximately.” days are very short, while dur- begun a comprehensive clean- Beshir Marzouk said, “Earth -- The earth reaches perihe- ing summer the sun’s rays hit ing campaign to remove aban- and all planets -- moves in its lion point (nearest point from the earth at a more direct angle doned cars, boats, cabins and orbit around the sun on ellipse sun) once every year during (vertical) than during winter other items outside garages (elliptical) orbit so that earth’s January, while it arrives at and also because the days are and facilities in the North In- distance from the sun’s centre aphelion (outermost point) much longer than the nights dustrial Zone. varies by approximately three one time per year during July. during the summer on north- The campaign resulted in percent when earth’s distance Moreover, the earth was at peri- ern hemisphere. the removal of a number of from the sun’s centre is 147 helion last time on Wednesday, Earth is the third planet abandoned cars, cabins and The campaign resulted in 75 percent cleaning rate of the area on the first day of the exercise. million kilometres when earth January 3, 2013, while it will be from the sun and the only ob- boats, either through the cam- arrives at perihelion (nearest at perihelion next year on Sun- ject in all universe known to paign or through their owners. and pasted stickers on 50 aban- ercise. The drive will continue on owners of garages and viola- point). The distance becomes day, January 5, 2020. harbour life. Moreover, earth The inspection teams is- doned cars and cabins. for two days until the viola- tors to quickly correct the situ- 152 million kilometres when Dr Marzouk added that revolves around the sun in sued warnings to the garages The campaign resulted in tions in the region are com- ation and remove all irregulari- earth arrives at aphelion (out- earth’s high or low temperature 365.2422 days, and it is known and industrial establishments 75 percent cleaning rate of the pletely removed. ties in order to avoid any legal ermost point), while the aver- does not depend on earth’s dis- as one year on the earth. violating environmental norms area on the first day of the ex- The municipality has called action against them. 04 Wednesday, January 2, 2019 Nation Qatar Charity building girls school in Gaza The project, being implemented at a cost of QR5.4mn, is expected to benefit more than 1,920 students in the remote area

This project comes as part of QC’s efforts to reduce overcrowding in schools in the region due to the inability of the local authorities to build new schools.

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK local authorities to build new completed before September tional environment for female and the rest will be used as most important areas of the The total cost of the projects DOHA schools. this year. students. laboratories and management work for QC, during the last has amounted to more than The project is being imple- Mohammed Abu Haloub, Abu Haloub added that rooms. few years, it has implement- $14.5mn since 2010. QATAR Charity (QC) is con- mented with the support and Director of QC’s office in the the school project includes the He also pointed out that ed several projects related to QC has already construct- tinuing the construction of Al- financing from the ‘Qatar Cy- Gaza Strip, said one of the provision of scientific labora- Gaza needs 30 new schools schools and universities in ed Kamal Al-Ahoud Primary Shaimaa Secondary School for clists’ and several Qatari com- objectives of the project is to tories, computer lab, an ap- due to the increase in the the Gaza Strip. QC interven- School in the northern Gaza Girls in Beit Lahia, north of the panies at a cost of QR5.4mn. provide secondary education propriate library and other es- number of students. He also tions included construction Strip, in addition to providing Gaza Strip, in cooperation with The school is expected to ben- to students in the north of sential facilities and supplies thanked the people in Qatar of new schools, expansion, the public schools in Gaza with the Palestinian Ministry of Ed- efit more than 1,920 students Beit Lahia and surrounding necessary for the success of for their support in building maintenance and restora- scientific laboratories. Anoth- ucation and Higher Education. living in the remote area with areas in the northern Gaza the educational process. the school, which is a clear in- tion of damaged schools, er project was implemented The project comes as part a population of more than Strip, which lack educational Spread over a total area dication of the good relations providing schools with solar to provide alternative energy of QC’s efforts to reduce over- 80,000 people. All the neces- facilities. of 5,000 square metres, the between the people of Qatar energy and equipping scien- at about 60 schools, in light of crowding in schools in the re- sary construction and furnish- The project is also aimed school will have 36 rooms, of and Palestine. tific laboratories in dozens the ongoing power outages in gion due to the inability of the ing works are expected to be at creating a suitable educa- which 24 will be classrooms As education is one of the of schools and universities. the Gaza Strip. Shantiniketan School are champs in iLife Digital Technologies in ISC inter-school football tournament radio show with Radio Olive TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA DOHA

THE Indian Sports Centre ILIFE Digital Technologies con- (ISC), in association with Qatar ducted a radio show in associa- Football Association (QFA), re- tion with ‘Qatar’s number one cently organised an inter-school Hindi radio station Radio Olive football tournament, which saw 106.3 FM recently at Safari Mall, the participation of 15 Indian Abu Hamour. schools in Qatar. The show was hosted by the A total of 14 teams competed exuberant RJs of Radio Olive -- in the tournament in the Under Neeti, Simran, Neeraj and Lallit. 12 category, while 12 teams vied The audience were enter- for the title in the Under 14 cat- tained with games and quizzes, The audience was entertained with games and quizzes, and exciting egory. and exciting prizes were given prizes were given away to the winners. Teams from Shantiniketan away to the winners. Indian School emerged as the iLife Digital Technologies champions in both categories by is a company dedicated to re- defeating Rajagiri Public School search, design, marketing and and Birla Public school in the A total of 15 Indian schools from across Qatar participated in the tournament. sale support of innovative prod- finals held at Doha Sports Sta- ucts. dium. the tournament were MES In- ment. The final match and the among schoolchildren. Pankaj Patil, sales manager Sameek Harshal of Shan- dian School, Birla Public School, prize distribution ceremony Lovric highlighted how Cro- at ILife Digital Technologies, tiniketan Indian School received Ideal Indian School, Doha Mod- were held at Doha Sports sta- atia has become a major power Qassim, senior purchase man- the ‘Best Player’ prize in Under ern Indian School, Shantiniket- dium. Ambassador of Croatia to in the world football. ager at Safari Hypermarket, 14 Category while Antony Suni an Indian school, Olive Interna- Qatar HE Drago Lovric, Execu- M S Bukhari, chairman cor- and Mohammed Imran, general Jose of Rajagiri Public school tional School, DPS MIS, Loyola tive Director of QFA Khalid al porate relations at ISC, thanked manager at Prime Distributioan adjudged the ‘Best Player’ in the International School, Rajagiri Kuwari and General Manager QFA for associating with the ISC trading Company, were present under 12 category. Public School, Noble Interna- Homes r Us group Ramesh Bul- in organising the football tour- at the show. The Top Scorer in Under 12 tional School and Greenwood chandani were present at the nament. Radio Olive 106.3 FM has category was Rayan of MES In- International School. ceremony. The closing ceremony was been active on social media and with its fans 24/7 on Android www.olive.qa, Tunein, Radio dian School. Nilangshu Dey, president Khalid al Kuwari applaud- compered by Habib Un Nabi, on-ground events. The station and iOS apps. It can also be lis- Garden and on channel 910 on The schools participated in of ISC, inaugurated the tourna- ed ISC for promoting football general secretary of ISC. takes pride in being connected tened to live via their website Ooredoo TV. Bazm-e-Urdu hosts monthly poetry session

BAZM-E-URDU Qatar (BUQ), resenting Nepal, was the guest humorous way. programmes that BUQ has the oldest Urdu literary or- of honour. Among those who recited been organising and appreci- ganisation in Qatar, held its The programme started the Urdu Ghazals (Verse) were ated the team work of Bazm. He regular poetic session at Al with the recitation of the Holy Zareef Mehr Bloch, Faiyaz recounted BUQ’s tireless efforts Thumama recently. Quran by Ghulam Mustafa An- Bukhari Kamal, Dr Wasi Basta- to promote Urdu language and BUQ General Secretary and jum, BUQ treasurer. vi, Vazir Ahmed Vazir (Commu- literature in the country. popular poet Iftekhar Raghib Following it, Raghib invited nications Secretary), Iftekhar Finally, the president of the compered the event. Wasim Ahmed, a member or Raghib and Dr Shakeel Ahmad. evening Dr Shakeel Ahmad de- A professional doctor from BUQ, for narration of his own They received high appreciation livered a speech appreciating the UK and Urdu poet Dr Sha- essay (Benefits of Laziness) on from the enthralled audience. the poetic gems seated around keel Ahmad presided over the the occasion in his unique style. The programme entered him. He thanked BUQ’s leader- programme, while an Urdu A beautiful Ghalib’s Ghaz- into its last leg with Iftekhar in- ship for continuing to serve the enthusiast Asif Husain was the al was recited by Qazi Abdul viting Guest of Honour Rahimi cause of Urdu in a foreign coun- Chief Guest. Shamsuddin Ra- Mallick with rhythms, while to convey his views. try. Bazm’s Media Secretary Ir- himi, a keen lover of Urdu litera- Shiraz Hashmi recited various The Chief Guest poet and shad Ahmed proposed the vote A professional doctor from the UK and Urdu poet Dr Shakeel Ahmad presided over the programme, while an ture and a member of BUQ rep- Ghazals of Asrar Jamai in a Asif Husain spoke about the of thanks. (TNN) Urdu enthusiast Asif Husain was the Chief Guest. Toastmasters District 116 Qatar organises first council training TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

THE Toastmasters Interna- tional Qatar District organised its first District Council train- ing recently at Hotel Al Najda by Tivoli at Souq Wakif with the attendance of more than 130 leaders. Qatar became an inde- pendent district of Toastmas- ters International on July 1, 2018, and it now ranks among the top three districts in the world. The special guest was Toastmasters Region 11 Ad- More than 130 leaders took part in the first District Council training organised by the Toastmasters International Qatar District recently. visor Dunstanette Macauley, who looks after the Middle directions through Strategic pride with accomplishments. building workshop, which Jain, Sunita Saini, Sudhir Gu- District Annual Conference other dignitaries. East and Africa activities. Planning’. The bigger the dream, the included the activity of He- jar and Rajesh VC stated the (DTAC) of the newest District Toastmasters Interna- A career diplomat and now District Director Rajeswar more important is the team.” lium Stick and a presenta- goals, current status and plans. 116 Qatar is at the doorstep tional is a worldwide nonprof- CEO of an events management Sundaresan, in his opening District Program Qual- tion. ‘Member retention’ was Reports were presented by PR and introduced Safeer Azeez it educational organization company, she has been a free- address, said, “The focused ef- ity Director Raghavan Menon the topic presented by Club Manager Joseph S Stanley, as co-chair. Azeez announced that empowers individuals to lance corporate trainer for forts and dedication are result- made a presentation on ‘How Growth Director Thayalan, Speakers Bureau Chair Ven- May 3 and 4, 2019 as the dates become more effective com- over fifteen years in the field of ing in an enjoyable, positive to become No. 1 District’ in the while Ravikumar, logistics katesan and Head of Arabic for DTAC. Toastmasters Re- municators and leaders. The marketing and client relations. experience as we steadily move world. chair, presented on ‘Enhanc- Club Affairs Alaa Afify. gion 11 International Director organisation’s membership Macauley conducted training closer to set goals. We earned Manzoor Moideen, admin ing club quality’. Rajeswar Sundaresan an- Morag Mathieson will be at- exceeds 357,000 in more than on ‘Leading your teams to new that sense of achievement and manager, conducted a team Division Directors Girish nounced that the first ever tending the event along with 16,600 clubs in 143 countries. Wednesday, January 2, 2019 05 CAMPUS CORNER DPS-MIS Nursery wing celebrates 18th Annual Day with zest and fervour

THE Nursery section of DPS- Kubaisi, CEO- Awfaz Global days and it is the need of the school, with all its unique- ple with their exuberant per- The vibrancy with which the world, where digitalization Modern Indian School rolled School, Doha, Guest of Hon- hour that students should be ness, is a miniature form of the formance. theme was conceptualised, en- ruled the lives with no human down the red carpet to wel- our Aisha bint Mohammed rightly educated so that they world and teaches the values of In his address, President visioned and showcased won connection among people, was come a galaxy of esteemed Bin Hammam, Patron of DPS- learn the values of tolerance, tolerance, acceptance and co- DPS-MIS Hassan Chougule the hearts of people. an eye opener. The programme guests as it celebrated its 18th MIS, President of DPS-MIS acceptance and respect of the existence. She congratulated unfolded the tale of the stu- The little ones steered the rose to a final crescendo with Annual Day on December 5. Hassan Chougule, Vice Presi- diversity in an ideologically, the school on getting QNSA pendous success and achieve- mega event as they compered the candle of hope and prom- A cultural extravaganza based dent Yasir Nainar, members of politically and geographically accreditation and wished it all ments of young stars of the the show with full confidence. ise lit in all corners of the audi- on the theme ‘Talash…khud DPS-MIS Executive Commit- diverse world. success in future. institute. He shared the com- Their talents came to the fore torium for a better tomorrow. ki khoj mein nikle hum’ high- tee and other guests. Nursery Chief Guest Fatima Al Guest of Honour Aisha bint mendations by QNSA team as they set the stage on fire with The grand finale was the lighted the importance of hu- Activity Coordinator Najila Kubaisi, a member of the Ed- Mohammed Bin Hammam, and appreciated the DPS-MIS myriad dance forms and skits. celebration of the existence man relationships, a clean and Bukhari welcomed the guests ucation Committee of Qatar Patron of DPS-MIS, expressed fraternity for their devotion The euphonic music, daz- of human life on earth with a green environment, and above and introduced the theme. Chambers, admired the pas- her immense pleasure to be a and hard work. zling costumes, artistic props, sense of responsibility for pos- all, a judicious use of technol- Extending a warm wel- sionate and fervent approach part of such a grand celebra- The main attraction of the backdrops, and elegant steps terity. ogy to build a better tomorrow come to the gathering, Princi- of Principal Asna Nafees, which tion of talents, creativity and day ‘Talash…khud ki khoj mein of the students moved in sync The cultural bonanza for the Gen-Next. pal Asna Nafees said teaching he said had helped the institute flair. DPS-MIS students raise nikle hum’, woven around the with one another making the showcased the talents of about The event was graced by has become one of the most to take long strides and make the benchmark for themselves story of ‘Aladdin and the magic show even more resplendent. 430 students of the Nursery the Chief Guest Fatima Al challenging professions these commendable progress. The every year and amaze the peo- lamp’ was a visual treat to all. Aladdin’s visit to future section. DPS-MIS faculty attend workshop to boost scientific temper of students THE Science faculty of DPS-Modern Indian School attended a workshop organised by Science India Forum Qatar on December 8. The Forum is affiliated to the Indian Cul- tural Centre under the aegis of the Embassy of India. The session aimed at equipping the teachers with innovative strategies to en- hance scientific temper among students and aid them develop research based ideas. The resource person, Dr. Brajesh Pan- dey from Symbiosis Technology Pune, stressed the importance of developing ana- lytical and conceptual skills of the learners to enable them to participate in National level exhibitions. It was an enriching session that helped MES wins skipping rope championship teachers to realise the goals of education.

MES Indian School (MES) students In the U-12 girls category, Hiba endurance hop event. With this win won prizes in the skipping rope open Rezak secured the third place in en- and 23 accumulated points, MES In- competition organised by the Indian durance hope. dian School lifted the overall cham- Sports Center on at Olive Interna- Arjun Shine secured the second pionship. IT Support Engineer tional School on November 24. place in the endurance and speed Akbar Ali, Salim J. Nadaf, In the endurance and speed hops hop events meant for U-18 boys, Shikha Rana and Nazanin S. Na- events for U-12 boys, Ralth Oalth while Vaishnavi Venugopalan and daf, teachers of Physical Education won the first prize and Mubbassir Zuveria secured the second and Department of MES Indian School, M. Madin secured the third place. third positions respectively in the trained the students. Urgently looking for experienced IT Support Engineer Birla Public School team attends Job Description: • Installing and configuring computer hardware operating systems THIMUN Singapore conference (W7, W10, MAC) and applications. • Working knowledge on AD, DHCP, DNS, GP, File Servers and IIS. • Configurations and Troubleshooting skills on LAN, WAN, WLAN, and Security appliances & applications. • knowledge and Skill to Diagnose and resolve the Hardware/software faults or issues. • Provides users support for required applications and available services (Website/ Mobile). • Respond to calls and inquiries to provide support, including procedural docu- mentation and relevant reports. • Relocate & install PCs, printers & other peripherals including standard software and web applications. • Troubleshooting system and network problem and advance skill on TCP/IP Structure. • Monitoring and maintaining computer systems and networks and other peripherals. • Maintain the inventory information lists regularly. • Communicate and resolve issue for Internal & external clients and escalate Sup- BIRLA Public School, Doha Qatar The delegates discussed the is- youth like promoting physical attended the THIMUN Singapore sue of organised crime as a threat exercise in the Internet era, in- port and follow up with Vendors. 2018 conference held at the pres- to international peace and security. creasing depression among young tigious Hwa Chong Institute from They also discussed the issues of people in competitive societies, Experience and Skill Requirements: November 19 to 23 last year. digital and cybersecurity on search further enabling vaccination of Ending the first day of the con- engines and social media, the Le- children, and measures to pre- • Excellent knowledge in MSOFFICE, DTP, Email clients, Webmaster, ference, the opening ceremony in- thal Autonomous Weapons Sys- vent the increase in road accident Social Media and Online portals. spired the participants with words tems (LAWS), and regulation of the deaths of young people. and art. use of private paramilitary or secu- While the delegates were en- • Expert in MCSE, Linux, Firewall configuration and Storage configuration. Students from the school pre- rity contractors in conflict areas. gaged in debate, Sandhya Arvind • Excellent written and spoken communication skills & Interpersonal Skills. sented a drum dance coupled with The delegates also discussed is- Kalokhe, MUN Director attended Kung Fu moves in the Cheng Yi Au- sues like promoting international a workshop presented by Duarte • At least 3 Years’ experience in the field. ditorium. cooperation to combat illicit finan- Marques from the United Nations • Good at communication and presentation. After astonishing the crowd with cial flows, the question of female Office on Drugs and Crime (UNO- their faultless choreography, Hwa representation in business and DC). The mission of UNODC is not Chong students left the floor to their finance, the question of economic to focus solely on crime when it 4XDOLÀFDWLRQV &HUWLÀFDWLRQ Principal Pang Choon How to cele- effects of moving towards a green happens, but to avoid it in the first brate THIMUN’s 50th anniversary, economy, and the cancellation of place. The aim of the workshop • Degree or Equal qualification. and Hwa Chong’s 100th anniver- governmental debt to promote was to promote awareness in han- • Professional qualifications on System, Network and Security is preferred sary next year. He emphasised on growth and development. dling social issues that might lead the three S’s: Service, Sacrifice and They also discussed effective to criminal behaviour proactively. • Professional Certification such as MCSA, MCSE and CCNA is preferred. Selflessness. protection of victims of traffick- Duarte stressed that human He said that during lobbying ing in southeast Asia, measures to trafficking and migrant smuggling ‡ Job Type: Full-time. and debating, the delegates should combat child marriage, measures are often confused. Although the bear in mind that they are working to prevent violence against chil- latter necessarily implies the cross- ‡ Language: Fluent in Arabic/English speaking and writing is a must. in the interest of the “global village”. dren, and measures to reduce the ing of a border illegally, the former The students represented del- incidence of hate crimes. takes place when done against the egations from Bulgeria and Sri The committee discussed the will of the individuals who are force- 6HQGXV\RXU&9WRFDUHHUV#TLPTDWDUFRP Lanka. issues pertaining to health and fully taken and exploited. 06 Wednesday, January 2, 2019 Reports by L N Mallick For events and press releases email Pakistan Prism [email protected] or call (974) 4000 2222

Ali Sethi Quratulain Balouch Pakistani artistes to regale music lovers at PK Music Fest on Jan 9

OME January 9 and Doha will reso-reso- nate with foot-tapping tunes playedlayed by the internationally- renownedwned Strings Pakistani pop & rock band Stringsrings and two acclaimed singers Quratu-ratu- is one of the best lainC Balouch and Ali Sethi as a New Year gift.gift. The concert is being organised as part of PK pop bands from Pakistan Music Fest at Qatar National Conventionon Centre (QNCC). with a huge fan following PK Music Fest is a marathon concert to Stings Band be presented by QTickets in association in India. They are celebrating with Shop Qatar as part of month-long festivities. their 30th anniversary and will The three-hour soiree will com- mence at 7pm. Tickets are avail- entertain the audience with some able on QTickets website. Tick-- ets are also available at selectct brand new songs along with out- lets and restaurants.ts. Ticket prices rangenge their old hits like “Sir Kiye from QR100 for Bronze,onze, QR200 Silver, 3500 forfor Yeh Pahaar” Gold and QR500 forr PPrere- mium. Strings is one off thethe best pop bands from PPakiaki- stan with a huge fan follow- ing in India. They are cele- winning performance of OST “Woh Humsafar brating their 30th anniversary and Tha” in Hum TV’s serial “Humsafar.” will entertain the audience with Sethi, who began focusing on his music ca- some brand new songs along with reer in 2013 and made his film debut as a singer their old hits like “Sir Kiye Yeh Pa- in “The Reluctant Fundamentalist” and released haar.” The Spiderman soundtrack a cover single “Mohabbat Karne Waley”, was was composed and played by them. globally recognized for his first published novel, They have done many Bollywood “The Wish Maker.” The book was short-listed songs too. One of the famous duets for DSC Prize for South Asian Literature and the is with Sanjay Dutt. They success- Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize Award. Sethi has fully ran the Coke Studio franchise written several columns for New York Times, in Pakistan and increased the fan The New Yorker, The Caravan and The Friday base and introduced new names. Times. Sethi released four cover singles includ- Balouch’s singing career took off ing his own version of Reshma’s song “Kithay with her cover of Reshma’s “Ankhian Nu Nain Na Jori”. Sethi recorded two songs “Kya Ren De” that captured hearts in 2010. Her Hoga Kya Hoga” and “Aah Ko” for the movie career graph rose higher after she was fea- “Manto” in 2015 and debuted as a featured artist tured in Coke Studio with Jal for a song in the eighth season of Coke Studio. He released “Panchi”. She rose to fame after her award- his first original single “Mahi Mera” in 2016.

JINNAH’S BIRTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED Zahid Sheikh re-elected chairman APOOWorld for second consecutive term AHID Sheikh has been tar) and Muhammad Us- re-elected unopposed man Khan (coordinator as the chairman of All APOOWorld Gulf Region). ZPakistanis Oversees “The plan and ambi- Organization International tion of APOOWorld for the (APOOWorld) for a consec- coming years is to reach utive second term. out to more overseas Pa- The APOOWorld re- kistanis around the world cently conducted elec- and to actively work for tions for the chairman of them to the best of our ca- the organisation for the pacity,” remarked Zahid year 2019-2021. An elec- Sheikh. tion committee compris- APOOWorld is a non- ing APOOWorld members Zahid Sheikh profit, non-political organ- from around the world isation, which is actively was formed on December working in more than 41 1, 2018 for conducting the An election committee countries including those elections. comprising APOOWorld in the Middle East and The coordinators ap- members from around Maghreb in Africa, Aus- pointed to conduct the the world was formed on tralia, New Zealand, Cen- election included Azhar December 1, 2018 for tral Africa, Europe, Asia Virk from Thailand, Na- conducting the elections and Asia Pacific, Canada, sir Nakagawa from Japan, and USA for the welfare of Kashif Aziz Butta from overseas Pakistanis. Sweden and Qadir Ahmad Election monitoring APOOWorld Qatar The Punjab Music Group celebrated the birth anniversary of Pakistan’s founder Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah with a cake-cutting Siddiqui from UAE. The committee members in- chapter has congratulated ceremony at Lahore Fish Restaurant. PMG Chief Organiser Nazakat Ali Khan welcomed the guests and presented a patriotic song “Dil Dil election committee chair- cluded Haroon Rashid Zahid Sheikh on winning Pakistan Jan Jan Pakistan.” Prominent among those who attended the event were Mohammad Jamil Sharif, Haroon Qureishi, Asif Ali, Usman person was Raja Farooq Qureshi (International the elections for the second Butt, Shaukat Ali Naz, Jehangir Khan, Mohammad Aurangzeb, Shehzad Hameed and Aqeel Molvi. Haider from Holland. Sport Secretary - Qa- term. South & Southeast Asia Wednesday, January 2, 2019 07 Thousands rally to back Indian top court’s Sabarimala verdict The ‘Women’s Wall’ rally for gender equality was supported by the Kerala govt dreds of thousands of Hindus– Rescue workers searching for survivors after a landslide triggered by men, young girls and elderly heavy rain hit Sukabumi, West Java province, Monday. (AFP) women–trek to the temple for an annual festival that usu- ally falls around the end of the Indonesia hunts for year. The Supreme Court is to hear challenges to its land- mark ruling from January 22. survivors of deadly Many Hindu groups and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nationalist Bharatiya landslide; 15 dead Janata Party (BJP) oppose the ruling. AFP aster,” he said. They argue that the court JAKARTA “The roads are narrow has ignored their beliefs that which has caused rescue the deity Ayyappa was celi- RESCUERS are searching for teams, logistics and ambu- bate. meanwhile, to uphold survivors after a landslide trig- lances to be stuck in traffic renaissance values and gender gered by heavy rain left at least jams.” The search operation equality in society is a bundle 15 people dead and dozens has halted for the day but will of contradictions, the Congress missing in western Indonesia, resume Wednesday morning. said on Sunday. Leader of Op- an official said Tuesday. Four people have been in- position Ramesh Chennithala The landslide occurred jured in the disaster and 60 told reporters that right from shortly before sunset on Mon- others evacuated from the day one, when this programme day in West Java province. area, Nugroho said. was announced by Chief Min- Search and rescue teams said Landslides are common ister Pinarayi Vijayan, it has they have found 15 people in Indonesia, a vast tropical been mired in contradictions. dead and are scouring the area archipelago prone to natural “When Vijayan said the for at least 25 missing. disasters and torrential down- Women’s Wall is being formed Pouring rain, power cuts pours. in response to the reaction and rough roads are prevent- More than 20 people died against the Supreme Court ing heavy machinery from in October when flash floods verdict of allowing women accessing the area in Suka- and landslides hit several of all ages into the Ayyappa bumi regency, disaster agency provinces on Sumatra island, temple at sabarimala, State spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nu- western Indonesia. Women form a human chain extending from Kasaragod district in northern Kerala to Thiruvananthapuram in the state capital in Kerala on Tuesday. Devaswom (temple) Minister groho said. In June 2016, nearly 50 Kadakampally Surendran and “Relief efforts have also people died when floods and AGENCIES by opponents and support- dicted five million women CPI-M state secretary Kodi- been hampered by a lot of peo- landslides struck Central Java THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ers of the ban. Media re- Controversy would participate in the pro- yeri Balakrishnan said the ple who want to get to the dis- province. ports and supporters of the test. Kerala has become the Women’s Wall was not con- TENS of thousands of women initiative claimed hundreds of When Vijayan said the venue of an angry showdown nected to the sabarimala is- formed a human chain across thousands of women formed Women’s Wall is being between Hindu traditionalists sue,” said Chennithala. a southern Indian state on a human chain across the formed in response to the and supporters of September’s “Later Vijayan’s govern- Tuesday, in support of a court 620-kilometre (380-mile) Supreme Court ruling which ment filed an affidavit in the order overturning a partial length of the state. reaction against SC verdict ended a longstanding ban on Kerala High Court stating that ban on women entering one Government employees State temple Minister & women aged between 10 and the event is being organized of Hinduism’s holiest tem- took part in the demonstra- CPI-M state secretary said 50 years. with a budget of Rs. 50 crore ples, witnesses said. tion, while schools were given the Women’s Wall was Several women have since which was drawn from the The ‘Women’s Wall’ rally a half day and university exams not connected to the tried to reach the hilltop shrine state’s Women and Children was backed by the commu- delayed so that students could but been forced back by op- department, while outside the nist government in Kerala join the protest, the Press Trust Sabarimala issue posing activists. Police have court, in public meetings, he state where the court order of India news agency reported. clashed with devotees support- says not a single rupee of the on Sabarimala temple has A government statement Ramesh Chennithala ing the ban and have arrested government is being used,” Filipino villagers inspect a damaged road at a flooded community in triggered weeks of protests issued before the event pre- more than 2,000 people. Hun- added Chennithala. the town of Bulan, Sorsogon province, Philippines, on Sunday. (EPA-EFE) Philippine landslides toll News New year will see start of Pakistan’s golden era: Imran in brief now 75, 16 still missing AGENCIES continue to progress and grow.” “May Allah continue His bless- DPA 29, the national disaster risk ISLAMABAD The president also hoped to ings upon us. Ameen. Salute to MANILA reduction office said. Fifty- Four soldiers eliminate poverty and unem- resilient Pakistanis & Martyrs.” nine people were killed in the killed in SW PRIME Minister Imran Khan ployment from the country. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Im- LANDSLIDES and floods region of Bicol, while 13 died Pakistan attack on Tuesday said new year will Military spokesperson Maj ran Khan on Tuesday said that caused by a tropical depres- in the nearby region of Eastern be the beginning of Pakistan’s Gen Asif Ghafoor termed 2019 no hindrance in health reforms sion have killed 75 people in Visayas, according to Edgar Po- ISLAMABAD: At least four golden era as he felicitated the the year of progress in his mes- will be tolerated while chairing the eastern Philippines as sadas, spokesman for the disas- soldiers were killed and six nation on New Year’s Eve. sage to the nation on the day. “In a meeting to discuss the state of emergency teams continued ter risk reduction office. Three others injured in an attack His message reiterated our national pursuit for a peace- healthcare in K-P. to search for other victims, of- other people were killed in oth- on an army training centre the incumbent government’s Pakistan PM Imran Khan. ful, prosperous & vibrant Paki- The PM met Khyber Pa- ficials said Tuesday. er areas affected by the heavy in a south-western province stance as he vowed to wage ‘ji- stan, 2019 is year of progress,” khtunkhwa’s Health Minis- At least 16 people were still rains, he added. “Most of the on Tuesday, an official said. had’ against the “four ills of our dia to wish the nation on occa- said the DG in a Twitter post on ter, Dr Hisham Inamullah reported missing in two east- victims died in landslides,” he Gunmen attacked an army country, poverty, illiteracy, in- sion and prayed for the welfare Monday evening. “United we Khan and gave instructions ern regions most affected by said. Nearly 25,000 were dis- training centre in Loralai dis- justice, corruption”. President and prosperity of the country shall consolidate our successes, to ensure quality healthcare the tropical depression that placed by landslides, floods in trict of Balochistan province Arif Alvi also took to social me- and its citizens. “May Pakistan IA,” Maj Gen Ghafoor said. for the general public. made landfall on December 13 provinces, the agency said. in the morning. It took the security forces more than 10 hours to eliminate the militants, Balochistan police Hopes fade as divers fail to said. “At least four soldiers Death toll hits a new peak in Indian Kashmir were killed in the operation,” Attaur Rahman, a senior reach missing Indian miners AFP corded cases of suicide among police officer from Loralai DPA after authorities rushed in SRINAGAR, INDIA Indian forces in Kashmir is a district, said. (DPA) NEW DELHI navy divers and high-powered record, according to the JKCCS. pumps to drain out water. THE most deadly year in a dec- The 12.5 million population in India, Pakistan NAVY divers carried out a “Divers reached the bot- ade has left Indian-controlled India’s only Muslim-majority exchange lists of search of a flooded coal mine tom of the main shaft but Kashmir facing a grim future state has given strong support N-installations in north-eastern India, but could not trace any miners. with militant groups and the to the militants’ political agenda. could not locate any surviving Despite the murky water, New Delhi government digging A police official, speaking NEW Delhi: India and Paki- miners even as their relatives they found some wooden in for an even fiercer battle in on condition of anonymity, stan on Tuesday exchanged had given up hope, officials structure with coal lying be- 2019, experts say. said that at least 128 Kashmiri their lists of nuclear instal- said on Tuesday. neath,” rescue operations The Jammu-Kashmir Coali- youth had joined underground lations, according to an A 113-metre deep illegally spokesman R Susngi said. tion of Civil Society (JKCCS), a groups in 2018–70 percent agreement signed in 1988. excavated “rat-hole” mine in “Divers cannot operate rights group, listed 586 dead in Khushboo Jan, sister of slain teenaged militant Mudasir Ahmad Par- more than the previous year. “India and Pakistan today Meghalaya state’s East Jaintia in such a narrow area with its annual 2018 toll: 267 mili- rey, 14, mourns over her brother’s body during his funeral procession “There has been no ef- exchanged, through diplo- Hills district was inundated rocks that can damage their tants, 160 civilians–including in Hajin, north of Srinagar, recently. (AFP) fort to engage the opinion (of matic channels simultane- with floodwater from a nearby suits. The focus now is to 31 children–and the rest, state Kashmiris) in any kind of a ously at New Delhi and Is- river on December 13, trap- drain out some of the nearly police and Indian armed forces. as are the nearly 800 recorded –“Operation All-Out” –to flush political process,” said Manoj lamabad, the list of nuclear ping 15 miners. Rescue work 50-metre-deep water so they The numbers of dead mili- clashes. The bleak statistics all out armed groups who want an Joshi from the New Delhi- installations and facilities intensified at the weekend can re-enter, ,” he added. tants and security forces are highlight the effects of a more independent Kashmir or merger based Observer Research covered under the Agree- both the highest for a decade, intense government campaign with Pakistan. Even the 20 re- Foundation think-tank. ment on the Prohibition of Attack Against Nuclear Installations between India and Pakistan,” the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement. (IANS) Big ‘B’ leads Bollywood in mourning writer-actor Kader Khan

Bangladesh PM to IANS Some of his most memo- form new cabinet MUMBAI Khan’s death a lesson : Shatrughan rable films as a comedian- before Jan 10 MUMBAI: After the demise of veteran actor-comedian Kader character actor are: “Daag”, KADER Khan died after a pro- Khan in Canada, actor-politician Shatrughan sinha has urged “Adalat”, “Bairaag”, “Parvar- DHAKA: Prime Minister longed illness at a hospital in everyone to take better care of the artistes so that they ish”, “Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Sheikh Hasina’s ruling Toronto in Canada, a family don’t feel neglected. “Shalimar”, “Mr. Natwarlal”, Bangladesh Awami League, member said here on Tuesday. “Why was he in Canada during the time of his death? Kader “Suhaag”, “Dhan Daulat”, “Qur- which clinched a landslide He was 81. Megastar Amitabh Khan has given so much to our entertainment industry...What a sad bani”, “Jwalamukhi”, “Abdul- victory in general elections, Bachchan led the tributes to start to 2018. There is a lesson to be learnt from Kader Khan’s lah”, “Naseeb”, “Ahista Ahis- will form its new cabinet the veteran Bollywood actor- death in a foreign country. We need to take better better care of our ta”, “Yaarana”, “Zamaane Ko before January 10, party director-writer-comedian and artistes so that they don’t feel neglected,” he said. (IANS) Dikhana Hai”, and many more. General Secretary Obaidul Quranic scholar. “Kader Khan passes away. Quader said on Tuesday. The He is survived by his wife Sad, depressing news. My newly elected members of Hajra, son Sarfaraz, daughter- (File photo) Veteran Bollywood actor-director-writer-comedian turned school and later graduated from departments, and had a mas- prayers and condolences. A Bangladesh Parliament will in-law and grandchildren. Quranic scholar, Kader Khan with Madhur Bhandarkar. Mumbai’s Ismail Yusuf College, tery over Urdu. Starting with brilliant stage artiste, most take oath of office on Janu- According to Ahmed Khan, Jogeshwari, a government-run his first film as an actor in compassionate and accom- ary 3, Xinhua news agency a close relative, he passed away the rounds on social networks including breathing issues and institution. “Daag” (1973), over the next plished talent on film. Amitabh quoted Information Minister around 4 a.m. (IST). He added and some media outlets, since finally succumbed on December An avid reader and a film- 35 years he went on to act in tweeted on Tuesday. Apart Hasanul Haq Inu as saying. that the last rites will be held the past five days, which left 31 evening (Toronto time). buff, he had a huge collection over 300 films in memorable from members of the film fra- Hasina’s party gained an ab- in a Toronto cemetery later in the family and other relatives Born on October 22, 1937 of books on various subjects roles, and also wrote the story ternity, President Ram Nath solute majority in an election the day. Reported to be critical traumatised. He spent nearly in Kabul, Afghanistan, to a related to filmmaking, acting, or dialogues for more than Kovind, Prime Minister Naren- marred by violence. (IANS) and on a ventilator, rumours of four months in hospital, for Pashtun family, Kader Khan screenplay writing, penning 250 films in Hindi and Urdu, dra Modi and several political Kader’s demise had been doing various old-age related ailments was educated in a municipal story-dialogues and other starting with “Roti” (1974). leaders also condoled his death. 08 Wednesday, January 2, 2019

ESTABLISHED SEPTEMBER 3, 2006 PRINTED AT ALI BIN ALI PRINTING PRESS Opinion HAMAD BIN SUHAIM AL THANI CHAIRMAN ADEL ALI BIN ALI MANAGING DIRECTOR DR HASSAN MOHAMMED AL ANSARI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Use And Abuse Of Executive Clemency Biggest Security

The power to pardon is a humane element, but the process needs more transparency Threats In 2019 ALIFORNIA *RYHUQRU -HUU\ %URZQ¶V explicit check on the president’s pardoning bountiful grants of Christmas Eve SRZHUDQG3UHVLGHQW7UXPSKDVPDGHWKH clemency remind us that the justice most of his unfettered discretion. For exam- Here are some of the key areas to watch in the coming 12 months Csystem, when it is humane, extends to SOH ODVW \HDU KH SDUGRQHG -RH $USDLR WKH convicts a measure of hope along with an former sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona, incentive to reflect, repent and rehabilitate. and a staunch Trump political ally, before PETER APPS | REUTERS Executive clemency balances the law — Arpaio could be sentenced on his convic- harsh and unyielding — with an element of tion for criminal contempt of court. That’s ITH an ongoing trade war be- human mercy and discretion. a sharp distinction from Brown’s pardons, WZHHQWKH8QLWHG6WDWHVDQG&KL- Because discretion is tied to individual which affect only convicted criminals who na, Russian military posturing judgment, it is imperfect and can be abused, have served their sentences but otherwise in Eastern Europe at its greatest so the governor’s clemency power in Cali- would have continued to be punished for Wsince the Cold War and the most fornia is curbed. He has authority on his life — by laws and practices that, for exam- XQSUHGLFWDEOH86DGPLQLVWUDWLRQLQOLYLQJ own to pardon anyone convicted of a single ple, prevent them from earning professional memory, 2019 may offer no shortage of felony, but the state Supreme Court can re- degrees or licenses, or otherwise regaining strategic surprises. ject clemency for people convicted of mul- their rights as citizens because of their crim- A new ‘big three’ meeting? tiple felonies. The court hadn’t done that LQDOUHFRUGV'LWWRIRUWKHJRYHUQRU¶VFRP- With all the attention in Washington in decades, but this year it rejected seven mutations, which may reduce but do not on the government shutdown and dis- Brown requests. negate criminal punishment. putes over border funding, Trump has The court’s action is not on its face un- But Arpaio’s crime was a misdemean- VDLG OLWWOH PRUH RQ KLV 'HFHPEHU WZHHW reasonable, given the number of applications our, and he may not have been required to that seemed to advocate a three-way con- for clemency that Brown granted. In the last serve any time behind bars. More disturb- IHUHQFHZLWK5XVVLDQ3UHVLGHQW9ODGLPLU eight years, he pardoned more than 1,000 ing are Trump’s statements that he’d con- 3XWLQ DQG &KLQHVH FRXQWHUSDUW ;L -LQ- convicted felons who had already served sider pardons for former national security ping. Such a meeting, the president sug- their time, and commuted more than 150 advisor Michael Flynn and former Trump gested, might offer the opportunity to sentences of inmates, making them eligible FDPSDLJQFKDLUPDQ3DXO0DQDIRUW7KHUH¶V stem a major global arms race. What wor- for earlier parole or at least parole hear- no point prosecuting people close to me, the ries America’s allies – and many in the ings. That’s pardoning and commuting on a president is in effect saying, because I’ll just national security community – is that any scale unmatched by his predecessors. Yet his obliterate the conviction. such meeting might yield a “grand bar- grants of clemency, when taken together with The president’s clemency discretion gain” in which Trump listens to his most the court’s rejections, appear to demonstrate is subject to serious abuse. Trump’s state- LVRODWLRQLVW LQVWLQFWV DQG DJUHHV WR D 86 a functioning system of checks and balances. ments about Flynn and Manafort do not military pullback. Except for one very important missing link. enhance or humanise the criminal justice The first real indicator as to whether What was it about those seven requests system but rather undermine it. D7UXPS3XWLQ;LVXPPLWPLJKWKDSSHQ — each of them for convicted murderers Admittedly, clemency is subject to ZLOOOLNHO\FRPHLQ-DQXDU\ZKHQ86DQG with multiple felonies on their records — abuse in California too. Governor Arnold Chinese trade teams meet in an attempt that led the court to say “no,” while allowing Schwarzenegger, on his final day in office to de-escalate a growing dispute on tar- clemency for other killers? The justices is- in 2011, commuted the murder sentence LIIV :KHQ 7UXPS PHW ;L DW WKH * LQ sued their rejections without public expla- of Esteban Nuñez, the son of his ally and 'HFHPEHU 7UXPS DJUHHG WR ZDLYH QHZ nation, leaving no guidance to future courts former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez. tariffs for 90 days. But time is now run- or governors. Schwarzenegger argued that the sentence ning out, and if such problems cannot be Earlier this year, the court warned that was unfair, but he also acknowledged that resolved, a broader meeting would feel all of Mariupol. Whether that comes or not, Yemen and Syria it would reject pardons and commutations he acted as a favour to his friend. The state but impossible in the near future. increased posturing by NATO and Rus- The coming year will be critical for that amounted to abuses of gubernatorial Supreme Court had no power to reverse Europe – particularly Ukraine sian forces alike in the nearby Black Sea both conflicts, particularly since Trump’s power. Fair enough. But the court failed to that particular misuse of discretion because European states have been particu- also feels inevitable, particularly ahead of decision to pull troops from Syria and the explain why pardoning one convicted mur- Nuñez had not been convicted of multiple larly dismayed by Mattis’ resignation, 8NUDLQLDQHOHFWLRQVRQ0DUFK FHVVDWLRQRI86IXHOOLQJVXSSRUWWR6DXGL derer would be an abuse and pardoning an- felonies. and are now worried Trump may double- South China Sea DLUFUDIWLQ

BLAIR WILLIAMS the joke or they find the joke distasteful, it trying to create deeper relationships with want to throw out random one-liners, nor TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE can be a disaster for your company. In or- your customers -- you’re also trying to are you a comedian with a monologue. But der for your jokes to land with customers, make sales. Sharing random jokes might there are a number of easy ways to inject HY did the marketer get off his and to avoid offending anyone, you have to make customers giggle for a moment, but humour into your business, even if you’re trampoline? He was worried know your audience. Study your audience it’s not going to get them to pull out their not confident about your funny bone. Here about his bounce rate! and do research into what humour will wallets. Customers want to know how your are some ideas to get you started: OK, that joke may have been connect with them the most. product will change their lives, so make ‡ 6KDUH D IXQQ\ VWRU\ WKDW KDS- Wa little cheesy, but hopefully it As a rule, avoid making politically your humour relatable to their lives -- and pened in the office. got your attention. The point is, when charged jokes and stick to humour that a even their pain points. ‡ 8VH IXQQ\ VWDII SKRWRV RU VKDUH done right, humour is a great way to grab broader audience can laugh at. The last As the saying goes, “A joke is a truth fun facts about team members on your people’s attention and stand out from thing you want to do is alienate customers wrapped in a smile.” Relating to customer ‘about us’ page. the competition. Humour can make your by making an inappropriate joke. As well, pain points is one of the most effective ‡ 6KDUH SRSXODU PHPHV RQ VRFLDO brand more human and relatable, which avoid making obscure references that will ways to use humour. For instance, think media that you can relate to your business. will help consumers connect with you. You go over the heads of your audience. For in- about an alarm clock company that wakes ‡ +ROG D FRQWHVW IRU FXVWRPHUV can inject humour into your social media stance, if your target audience is teens and you up with a tantalising smell instead of where they share their jokes with you. strategy, email marketing, blog posts -- young adults, making a joke about 8-track Make sure your humour connects with your an annoying buzzer noise. That company ‡ 3DUWLFLSDWH LQ $SULO )RRO¶V 'D\ even your customer service. players won’t work. customers while nudging them towards buying could use the alarm clock sound in a hu- with a light, funny prank. But how can your company be funny Use humour sparingly. Some com- mourous way to win over customers who ‡ &UHDWH D IXQ FRPSDQ\ FKDUDFWHU without seeming like a complete joke? Af- panies can get away with being funny all and feel awe, joy and empathy -- they even hate that noise. The humour is not only re- like the GEICO gecko. ter all, there’s a time and place to be funny. the time, but those are few and far be- want to feel angry some of the time. That’s latable, but it makes them want to buy the 'RQ¶W EH DIUDLG WR OHW FXVWRPHUV VHH You don’t want to overload your website tween. It would probably be overkill to why it’s important to find the right tone for product. Make sure your humour connects your silly side -- it’s a great way to create with jokes that make your business look share funny memes on a daily basis. So, humour and not overdo it. For instance, with your customers while nudging them lasting relationships between them and unprofessional. So, how can you strike the use humour sparingly in your marketing. strike a balance between humour and use- toward buying. your business. right balance between hilarious and seri- Your funny jokes or hilarious stories will ful advice; your marketing can make your How can your business use humour? ous? Here’s how to use humor to win your be more memorable to your customers customers laugh but also give them helpful Now that you know the basic rules for (Blair Williams is the founder customers’ hearts. when they aren’t accustomed to seeing tips to solve their problems. using humour in your business, you might of MemberPress, an all-in-one Know your audience. If your hu- them every single day. Make it relatable. When using hu- be wondering how to actually make your membership website mour falls flat with people, they don’t get Your customers want to be inspired mour in your marketing, you’re not just customers laugh. You don’t necessarily software for WordPress.)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. Wednesday, January 2, 2019 09 SPOTLIGHT ON POWER PLAY How to get NUCLEAR-WEAPONS Treaties back on track

DARYL G. KIMBALL kilometers. But the treaty is now at est in talks designed to extend the TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE risk because Russia has tested and de- treaty. But after his first post-Helsinki ployed a prohibited ground-launched meeting with Patrushev, in Geneva on ACK in March, President Trump cruise missile: the 9M729. Moscow, for Aug. 23, Bolton said the administration told reporters at the White its part, alleges, far less credibly, that remains in the “early stages” of an in- House in March that he wanted Washington is deploying missile de- teragency review about whether to ex- to meet with Putin in large part fense systems in Europe that could be tend, replace, or jettison New START or B “to discuss the arms race, which used to launch offensive missiles. to pursue a different type of approach. is getting out of control” and has char- Contrary to what some observers Unfortunately, some elements in acterized the costly nuclear weapons may want to believe, the arms control the Trump administration want to hold upgrade programs being pursued by community has been working hard to New START hostage until Russia ac- each side as “a very, very bad policy.” raise the alarm bell and put advance knowledges its INF violation—an ex- Three months have elapsed since serious options to put out the INF fire. tremely unlikely possibility. Sacrificing the July summit between Trump and Since Russia’s INF violation became New START, given the transparency it Putin in Helsinki – after which the known in early 2014, the Arms Control provides, would only create a bigger U.S. president said, “Perhaps the most Association has steadfastly reported on nuclear headache and do nothing to important issue we discussed at our and published expert analyses on the bring Russia back into compliance with meeting...was the reduction of nuclear problem in our monthly journal Arms INF. weapons throughout the world.” Control Today. We have convened U.S. Key Senate Democrats have called But since the summit, there has and European and Russian experts for an extension of New START so long been no apparent progress. The long- from inside and outside government on as Russia remains in compliance with running dispute over Russia’s violation the INF issue, and met with U.S. law- it, and several leading Senate Republi- of the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nucle- makers and staff to exchange views on cans have also voiced their support for ar Forces Treaty remains. The two sides the problem. We have confronted sen- New START. U.S. military leaders con- have not begun to discuss the future of ior Russian officials in private consulta- tinue to see value in New START; for the successful 2010 New START agree- tions Washington and in Moscow and, example, Gen. John Hyten, commander ment, which limits each side to 1,550 along with a number of experts and for- gress have proposed that Washington deployed. of U.S. Strategic Command, told Con- deployed strategic warheads. That trea- mer U.S. officials, we have put forward go further and declare the INF Treaty For its part, the United States could gress last March that “bilateral, verifia- ty will expire on Feb. 5, 2021, unless options for resolving the dispute. null and void if Russia doesn’t imme- offer to modify the missile-defense ble arms control agreements are essen- Trump and Putin agree to extend it. We view as unacceptable Russia’s diately return to compliance – a tac- launchers that Moscow has complained tial to our ability to provide an effective Without these treaties in place, the flagrant violation of the INF treaty (and tic that would only play into Moscow’s about, allowing to Russia to clearly dis- deterrent.” door will be opened to an unconstrained of the Chemical Weapons Convention, propaganda line that the U.S. is some- tinguish them from launchers that fire If New START is not extended, there nuclear arms race. The already abysmal and of other key agreements). As our how to blame for the downfall of the offensive missiles from U.S. warships, will be no legally binding limits on the U.S.-Russian relationship will become Board Chairman wrote last year in the treaty. or agree to other transparency meas- world’s two largest strategic arsenals even more complicated and dangerous. Washington Post, it requires a firm U.S. With the INF compliance problem ures to allay Russian suspicions that the for the first time since 1972. In its ab- Next week, National Security Advi- and allied response, including smart di- now moving into its fifth year, neither launchers contain offensive missiles. sence, each side could quickly increase sor John Bolton will travel to Moscow plomacy and, if the violation persists, side seems to be ready to engage in the Such an arrangement would address the number of warheads deployed on to meet with his counterpart in the improvements to U.S. and NATO con- tough, solutions-oriented bilateral ne- the concerns of both sides and restore their strategic delivery systems. Un- Kremlin, Nikolai Patrushev. It is past ventional military preparedness. gotiations needed to resolve the dispute compliance with the treaty without constrained U.S.-Russian nuclear time for both sides to get serious about Unfortunately, the Trump admin- over the 9M729 missile. This is the mo- Russia having to acknowledge its origi- competition—in both numbers and resolving the INF compliance crisis, to istration has been no more success- ment when Trump and Putin must push nal violation of the treaty. technology—could spark an arms race agree to discuss the extension of New ful than the Obama administration in to restart discussions that have stalled The Future of New START: New as dangerous as that of the 1950s and START, and to resume regular talks on bringing Russia back into compliance. at the expert level. START remains one of the few bright 1960s. That would add scores of bil- “strategic stability.” Trump’s team has tried to “toughen” Specifically, Washington and Mos- spots in an otherwise broken U.S.-Rus- lions in additional costs to an already INF Woes: U.S. and Russian offi- the U.S. response to Russia’s INF vio- cow should agree to reciprocal site vis- sian relationship. Ratified in 2011, the unrealistic U.S. nuclear upgrade plan. cials both say they support the 1987 INF lation by seeking funding to develop a its by technical experts to examine the Treaty limits the number of deployed An extension of New START, on Treaty, which led to the elimination all treaty-prohibited nuclear-capable mis- missiles and the deployment sites in strategic warheads to a maximum of the other hand, would buy time for the U.S. and Soviet ground-launched bal- sile for the United States. Not surpris- dispute. If the 9M729 missile is deter- 1,550 on each side, a target each met two sides to discuss agreements on new listic and cruise missiles with ingly, this has failed to change Russia’s mined to have a range that exceeds the earlier this year, and which is far be- strategic systems, including the ones ranges between 500 position and has raised concerns among INF Treaty’s 500-km range limit, Rus- low the tens of thousands we pointed at under development by Russia, and pro- and 5,500 our European allies who see no military sia should either modify the missile to each other during the Cold War. vide a solid baseline for talks on further requirement for it and do not want such ensure it no longer violates the treaty The Treaty imposes important reductions of each side’s strategic and a weapon deployed in Europe. or, ideally, halt production and elimi- bounds on strategic nuclear competi- tactical nuclear stockpiles. Some in Con- nate any such missiles in its posses- tion as long as it is in force. As allowed Despite Russia’s malign behavior in sion, including any that have been in Article XIV of the treaty, it can be ex- Ukraine, Syria, in cyberspace, and else- tended by up to five years by agreement where, it would serve U.S. and Europe- by the two Presidents, without requir- an security interests to engage with the ing further action by the Congress or Kremlin in new ways that bring Mos- the Duma. cow back in compliance with INF and Before and after the Hel- preserve the New START agreement. sinki summit, Russian Washington and Moscow may not get officials have re- along, but they have a special respon- iterated their sibility to manage their nuclear rivalry inter- in ways that reduce the risk of miscal- It is high time both Washing- culation and the size of their bloated ton and Moscow got serious nuclear stockpiles. about resolving the INF com- pliance crisis, and agreed to discuss the extension of New START, and to resume regular talks on ‘strategic stability.’

True Competition Begins in the Indo-Pacific

SHIN KAWASHIMA and the United States combined with burdensome requirements TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE will invest a total of $70 billion associated with democratization in the Indo-Pacific. Meanwhile, and human rights. Infrastructure N early November, U.S. Vice Chinese President Xi Jinping has demand in Africa and the Asia-Pa- President Mike Pence visited already declared at the Forum on cific is enormous. Funds from de- Japan where he met with Jap- China-Africa Cooperation (FO- veloped countries, the Asian De- anese Prime Minister Shinzo CAC) that his country will invest velopment Bank and the World IAbe. The meeting produced the $60 billion (including private in- Bank are not sufficient to meet following statement, announcing vestment) in African countries. this demand. Chinese money a policy of massive development China will also provide extensive was needed. In addition, even if financing, infrastructure projects support and investment for the the interest rates were high and and investments in energy-related Pacific. the quality of the structures built infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific. One of the reasons why the with the funds somewhat ques- The announcement may very well Chinese Belt and Road Initia- tionable, Chinese projects were mark the end of rhetoric and the tive has been of such significance all the more welcome because start of a new era of true compe- for the huge area that stretches of the absence of political condi- tition in this strategically vital re- from Eurasia to Africa to the Pa- tions and their simple, straight- gion. mies. My nation now offers $60 We’re also grateful, Mr. Prime projects. And the United States cific was that support and invest- forward procedures and short “For our part, the United billion in development financing, Minister, that Japan has targeted looks forward to working closely ment from developed countries, construction periods. Indeed, States has more than doubled our and infrastructure projects in $10 billion in investment by pub- with Japan to identify the most especially the United States, had Chinese funds were often the ability to support private develop- the Indo-Pacific will be a priority lic and private organizations to promising projects in the region.” been declining dramatically, and most attractive option for devel- ment projects in emerging econo- for the United States of America. promising energy infrastructure What this means is that Japan anyway tended to come attached oping countries in the region. 10 Wednesday, January 2, 2019 Gulf / Middle East / World Egypt mulls changing constitution to keep Sisi in power Kim warns N Korea could consider change of tack AFP people’s gains in terms of se- under discussion everywhere CAIRO curity, stability and economic in Egypt, not just in parlia- recovery” since Sisi came to ment, for some time,” he said, AFP unchanged in its sanctions SUPPORTERS of Egyptian power five years ago, He said adding that a potential parlia- SEOUL and pressure upon the DPRK,” President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi the change could be approved mentary debate on the issue Kim said Tuesday, “we might are calling for constitutional by late summer 2019. had not been initiated by the NUCLEAR-ARMED North be compelled to explore a new changes that would allow him Sisi, who led the army’s government. Korea wants good relations path for defending the sover- to stay in power once his sec- overthrow of Islamist presi- In the current context of with the US but could consider eignty of our country and su- ond term ends in 2022. dent Mohamed Morsi in Egyptian politics, there was lit- a change of approach if Wash- preme interests of our state”. Backers of the former mili- 2013 following mass protests tle surprise that the debate was ington maintains its sanctions, He was willing to meet tary chief, re-elected in March against his rule, won his first taking place, Fuad said. leader Kim Jong Un warned in Trump again at any time, he with over 97 percent of the term as president the follow- “People have been expect- his New Year speech Tuesday added, “to produce results vote, want parliament to dis- ing year. ing a constitutional amend- after 12 months of diplomatic welcomed by the international cuss repealing an article limit- His government has been ment on extending presiden- rapprochement. community”. ing presidents to two consecu- widely criticised by rights tial terms, because every time At a summit with US Presi- The North is demanding tive four-year terms. groups over the repression of the debate turns to the end of dent Donald Trump in Singa- sanctions relief–it is subject In an editorial published dissidents. (Sisi’s) second term, the ques- pore in June the two signed a to multiple measures over its on Sunday, the pro-govern- As well as a crackdown on Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. tion is: who is the alternative? vaguely worded pledge on de- banned nuclear weapons and ment state-run daily news- dissent, Sisi has overseen a That causes panic,” he said. nuclearisation of the Korean ballistic missile programmes paper Al-Akhbar voiced hope military campaign against Is- subsidies slashed. In Novem- has gradually returned to pub- Mustafa Kamal al-Sayed, peninsula. –and has condemned US in- that 2019 would see “the start lamic State group-linked mili- ber 2017, even before he was lic debate. Mohammad Fuad, a political science profes- But progress has since sistence on its nuclear disar- of a belated political reform” to tants in the Sinai Peninsula. re-elected, Sisi told American and MP with the Wafd party sor at Cairo University, said stalled with Pyongyang and mament as “gangster-like”. secure Sisi’s future in power. Egypt is slowly recovering news network CNBC he would close to the government, said Rizk “did not express a per- Washington arguing over Washington is pushing to The column by the newspa- from a deep economic crisis not seek a third term in office. that “the whole of Egypt was sonal point of view, but re- what that means. “If the US maintain the measures against per’s director Yasser Rizk said that has seen the value of its But after his victory in the talking about (Rizk’s) article vealed trends within govern- fails to carry out its promise the North until its “final, fully this would “preserve all the currency plummet and state March 2018 polls, the question last night. This issue has been ment institutions”. to the world... and remains verified denuclearisation”. Pullout from Syria changes nothing Turkey reinforces military in US support for Israel: Pompeo posts along Syria border

AFP commitment to Middle East BRASÍLIA stability and protection of Turkey has been sending troops and vehicles to the area for more than a week Israel continues in the same PRESIDENT Donald way before that decision was Trump’s decision to pull made,” he said. ISIS is anoth- American troops out of Syria er term for the radical mili- “in no way changes anything” tant Islamic State group (IS). in terms of US support and The fact that the issue protection of Israel, US Sec- was the prime topic of con- retary of State Mike Pompeo versation between Pompeo said Tuesday. and Netanyahu underlined the uncertainty spawned by Trump’s December 19 deci- sion–announced on Twitter –to withdraw the approxi- mately 2,000 US troops from northeast Syria, where they had been battling IS remnants. “We have a lot to discuss. We’re going to be discussing our -- the intense coopera- tion between Israel and the United States, which will also deal with the questions following the decision, the American decision, on Syr- US Secretary of State ia,” Netanyahu said. Mike Pompeo. He said the talks would look at “how to intensify even Pompeo gave the assur- further our intelligence and ance as he met Israeli Prime operational cooperation in Minister Benjamin Netanya- Syria and elsewhere to block hu for talks in Brasilia on the Iranian aggression in the sidelines of the inauguration Middle East.” of Brazil’s new president, A US official with Pompeo Jair Bolsonaro. said the two men “discussed “The decision the presi- the unacceptable threat that dent made on Syria in no regional aggression and way changes anything that provocation by Iran and its this administration is work- agents poses to Israeli and ing on alongside Israel,” regional security.” Pompeo Turkish-backed Syrian fighters gather in the north of Aleppo province before heading to the Kurdish-controlled town of Manbij, ecently.r (AFP) Pompeo said. “The counter- “reiterated the United States’ ISIS campaign continues, commitment to Israel’s secu- AGENCIES fighters advanced to areas adolu reported. the other going towards the our efforts to counter Iranian rity and unconditional right ISTANBUL near Manbij, held by the Syr- ‘Terror fight’ On December 24, US countryside near the central aggression continue, and our to self-defense.” ian-Kurdish People’s Protec- President Donald Trump Idlib town of Maarat al-Nu- TURKEY continued to send tion Units (YPG). Turkish and Russian said that he spoke with his man. reinforcements to its mili- Backed by the US, the officials have over the Turkish counterpart, Recep Activists from the pro-op- tary posts along the Syrian YPG seized Manbij from weekend pledged coopera- Tayyip Erdogan, to coordi- position Edlib Media Center border on New Year’s Eve, Islamic State extremists tion to “eliminate terror” in nate the withdrawal of US also posted a video online Congo government cuts internet state news agency Anadolu in 2016. Ankara considers Syria following a meeting in forces from Syria. In a later showing what they said were for ‘security reasons’ after polls reported late Monday, de- the YPG to be an extension Moscow, according to An- tweet, Trump said Erdogan Turkish armoured vehicles spite the earlier postpone- of insurgents within Tur- adolu. Ankara and Moscow will “eradicate” the forces of and a lorry transporting a ment of a planned military key and earlier in December cooperate in Syria although Islamic State in Syria. tank moving along a road KINSHASA: The Congolese have been without internet for about 24 offensive in northern Syria. threatened to enter Manbij. “We will execute this leading from Kfar Lusin. hours on Tuesday, with the government telling dpa they had cut it Trucks carrying tanks, The plan was later post- they have been backing (task) in an effective way, There was no official con- for “security reasons” as the country awaits the results of conten- howitzers and armoured ve- poned following a US deci- opposing groups. Ankara working together, in the firmation from the Turkish tious elections. hicles arrived in the prov- sion to start withdrawing its has separately committed upcoming days,” Akar said military, but a senior Turk- The opposition however, said the government had shut down inces of Mardin and Sir- troops from Syria. to help the US pull-out in Kilis province along the ish security source said news the internet in an attempt to commit fraud. nak, Anadolu reported. The Turkish and Russian of- Syrian border, according to agency on Wednesday that “The government has cut the internet to commit fraud behind trucks were travelling from ficials have over the week- Anadolu. The Syrian Obser- the observation posts were closed doors,” Pierre Lumbi, director of opposition candidate Martin the south-eastern provinces end pledged cooperation to the US coordinate the pull- vatory for Human Rights, a being reinforced. Fayulu’s campaign, said at a press briefing on Monday shortly after of Diyarbakir, Batman and “eliminate terror” in Syria out and take on the fight UK-based monitoring group, “We have a military pres- the internet went down. Sanliurfa. Turkey has been following a meeting in Mos- against Islamic State extrem- said a Turkish convoy en- ence there and if that mili- He suggested it was because Fayulu was ahead, although full sending troops and vehicles cow, according to Anadolu. ists in the country. tered Idlib via the Kfar Lusin tary presence is damaged or preliminary results are only expected on January 6. to the area for more than a Ankara and Moscow co- Turkey’s military has crossing on Thursday. attacked in any way, it would An adviser to President Joseph Kabila denied there was week. operate in Syria although “taken on a mission in fight- The convoy then split in be considered an attack on anything underhand going on. On December 28, An- they have been backing op- ing Deash (Islamic State),” two, it added, with one part Turkey and would therefore “We cut the internet for security reasons,” Barnabe Kikaya adolu reported that Ankara- posing groups. Ankara has Defence Minister Hulusi heading towards the north- receive the necessary retalia- Bin Karubi said. (DPA) backed Syrian opposition separately committed to help Akar said on Tuesday, An- ern Hama countryside and tion,” the source said. Yemen rebels slam WFP for ‘rotten’ food aid Israel opposition in dramatic split ahead of key elections AFP rotten food” it sent to Yemen. ceasefire in the flashpoint Red SANAA In comments carried by Sea port city of Hodeida, a key AFP Prime Minister Benjamin Ne- the rebels’ Saba news agen- gateway for aid and food im- JERUSALEM tanyahu’s right-wing Likud, YEMEN’S Huthi rebels on cy, he said Yemen refused ports to Yemen. which won 30. Tuesday rejected UN accusa- to allow this food into the The ceasefire went into ef- ISRAEL’S centre-left oppo- Since Gabbay took over as tions of selling aid meant for country because “it violates fect on December 18, but it has sition dramatically split on head of Labour in 2017, his civilians, slamming the World standards and regulations remained shaky with the two Tuesday ahead of an April 9 partnership with Livni had Food Programme (WFP) for and is not suitable for human sides accusing each other of election, with leader Avi Gab- been uneasy and it was un- sending “rotten food” to the consumption”. violations. bay announcing he would no clear if the alliance would con- war-torn country. Huthi said, however, that Nearly 10,000 people have longer partner with veteran tinue for the election. The WFP, which plans to the insurgents “welcomed” an been killed since Saudi Arabia politician Tzipi Livni as she sat He inherited the partner- provide food to up to 12 mil- independent investigation and and its allies joined the gov- stone-faced next to him. ship from the previous Labour lion Yemenis a month in 2019, called on the WFP to back up ernment’s fight against the The announcement means leader, Isaac Herzog. on Monday accused Huthi re- its accusations with proof. Huthis in 2015, according to the end of their Zionist Union “I still believe in partner- bels of “criminal behaviour” He also accused UN organ- Pro-Houthi protesters demonstrate to demand the opening of humani- the World Health Organiza- alliance, which secured the ship, in connections, in unit- and of selling food aid in mar- isations of bias. tarian corridors in Hodeidah, Yemen, recently. (REUTERS) tion, although human rights second most seats in the last ing a large camp committed kets in the rebel-held capital “The work of these organi- groups say the real death toll general election in 2015, but to change, but successful Sanaa. sations is mostly politicised, locked in a war with a Saudi- worst humanitarian crisis, could be five times as high. has since tumbled far in opin- connections necessitate Mohammed al-Huthi, who and their position... confirms led regional military coalition, with 14 million people on the More than 22 million ion polls. friendship, upholding agree- heads the rebels’ Higher Revo- their work has shifted from which is allied with Yemen’s brink of famine. people -- three quarters of The Zionist Union includ- ments and commitment to a lutionary Committee, hit back independent to subordinate” embattled government. Last month, Huthi re- the population -- now de- ed Gabbay’s Labour party and course,” Gabbay told a meet- saying the WFP was “fully re- to the United States and Brit- The conflict has triggered bels and government officials pend on humanitarian assis- Livni’s Hatnuah. It won 24 out ing of Zionist Union parlia- sponsible for... quantities of ain, he said. The Huthis are what the UN calls the world’s agreed to a UN-brokered tance to survive. of 120 seats in 2015, behind ment members. Europe / Americas Wednesday, January 2, 2019 11 100 Central Americans try to enter US on New Year’s Eve Germany assumes leadership of NATO task force

TIJUANA, Mexico: Around 100 Central American migrants made a failed attempt on New Year’s BERLIN/BRUSSELS The Bundeswehr took over the running of the superfast reaction force of NATO Eve to cross over from Mexico into the United States. They were among 1,500 migrants who on Tuesday. News have remained in Tijuana after a once-5,000-strong caravan of travellers largely gave up and According to the Defence Ministry in Berlin, the land forces of the so-called spearhead of the in brief dispersed. military alliance for 2019 consist of about 8,000 soldiers. An AFP journalist observed the smaller group of Central Americans gathering around 8:00 The German army is providing around 4,000 of them, in addition to about 1,000 personnel in pm Monday night (0400 GMT Tuesday) in an area called Playas de Tijuana on the Pacific coast. other organisational areas. Other soldiers are being provided by allies France, the Netherlands and Migrants often use it as a departure point for attempts to sneak across the border. (AFP) Norway. (DPA)

French police Britain can ‘turn corner’ in Democrats seek vote nab 14 migrants 2019 if parliament backs stealing boat at Brexit deal, says PM May Channel port DPA a chance to make 2019 “the to end govt shutdown LONDON year we put our differences AFP aside and move forward LILLE EMBATTLED British Prime together.” “The Brexit deal They will examine and vote on an appropriations bill when they take control of the House on Thursday Minister Theresa May has I have negotiated delivers FRENCH police caught 14 mi- urged lawmakers to back on the vote of the British grants trying to steal a fishing her Brexit agreement with people, and in the next few trawler in the Channel port of the European Union in a weeks MPs will have an im- Boulogne, a local prosecutor New Year’s message. portant decision to make,” said on Tuesday. Passing the deal into May said. It was the latest in a string law would allow the United May’s speech came of incidents in which migrants Kingdom to “turn a corner” hours after Ireland’s for- have tried to use French ves- and put a disruptive period eign minister announced sels to attempt the Channel of political turmoil behind that Dublin had received crossing to England. it, May said in a video mes- approximately 183,000 ap- “Those seeking to help sage released on Tuesday. plications for Irish pass- them on their way were busy Britain is scheduled to ports from British citizens breaking into the trawler” to leave the EU on March 29, in 2018. let them aboard when harbour with a parliamentary vote on Just under 85,000 ap- the withdrawal agreement plications came from resi- The migrants, including a scheduled to take place in dents of Northern Ireland, mother and her two children, the House of Commons dur- where citizens have a right said they came from Iraq ing the week of January 14. to both passports. But fears are growing The number of applica- that Britain may crash out tions from mainland Britain authorities called police, Pas- without a deal in place as - over 98,000 - represents cal Marconville told AFP. lawmakers, including some an increase of 22 per cent The migrants, including a from within May’s own compared to the previous mother and her two children, Conservative Party, have re- year, according to the Irish said they came from Iraq. fused to back her deal. government. Police were still looking The prime minister used Northern Ireland will for two people they suspected her videotaped message to leave the EU with the rest of of being the people smugglers put pressure on politicians the United Kingdom, while involved in the incident, Mar- to support the withdrawal the Republic of Ireland will conville added. agreement, saying there was remain in the bloc. In mid-November, a fish- ing vessel stolen from the har- bour was intercepted with mi- grants aboard off the southern Romania takes over EU presidency A migrant that hopes to reach the US, climbs the US-Mexico border fence in Playas de Tijuana, Baja California State, Mexico, on Sunday. (AFP) English coast. A second stolen vessel as Brexit, European elections loom AFP Security, including the Wall,” the November midterm elec- was stopped with 16 migrants WASHINGTON Trump tweeted. tions. aboard on December 23 just DPA pean value.” And yet the Congress is in recess for “No, we are not giving up. after making it out to sea from BRUSSELS/BUCHAREST country is divided due to DEMOCRATIC lawmakers I’m in the Oval Office. the New Year’s holiday but We have to have border secu- Boulogne harbour. political wrangling between unveiled plans to emerge out Democrats, come back from will reopen on Thursday, while rity and the wall is a big part Britain and France have ROMANIA took over the the Social Democrat-led of the partial shutdown of the vacation now and give us the Trump has stayed in the White of border security, the biggest agreed to boost cooperation European Union’s rotat- government and President federal government by examin- House through the year-end part,” he told Fox News. to try to stop the increase in ing presidency on Tuesday, Klaus Iohannis, who is ing and voting on an appropri- votes necessary for Border festivities, shelving his annual Trump says a wall is need- numbers, which began in Oc- amid questions about its fit- aligned with the opposition ations bill as soon as they take Security, including the Wall vacation to his private Florida ed along the whole border to tober, the Britain’s Home Of- ness to lead the bloc during Liberals. control of the House of Repre- President Donald Trump golf resort amid the impasse. keep out migrants trying to fice said on Sunday. Britain’s planned departure Iohannis is criticis- sentatives -- on Thursday. To retaliate over the Dem- enter the country illegally, and EU elections that could ing the government for But the bill’s future ap- ocrats’ refusal to fund the wall, casting them as an “invasion” boost eurosceptic forces in backtracking in the fight peared uncertain. The text does there can be no Border Secu- Trump is refusing to sign a force of dangerous criminals. Greek coastguard the remaining countries. against corruption and has not include financing for the rity - the Tech ‘stuff’ is just, by wider spending package. On Monday, he called the Every six months, a dif- questioned its readiness to US-Mexican border wall sought comparison, meaningless bells That has resulted in swaths border “an ‘Open Wound,’ saves 75 migrants ferent member state takes take on the EU presidency, by President Donald Trump to & whistles.” He also reiterated of the federal government be- where drugs, criminals (in- over the presidency of the concerns echoed by Euro- halt illegal immigration. his claim -- so far unproven -- ing shut down over the Christ- cluding human traffickers) in the Aegean EU, organising high-level pean Commission President In a tweet taunting Demo- that Mexico was paying for the mas and New Year’s holidays and illegals would pour into meetings and brokering be- Jean-Claude Juncker in re- crats for their refusal to fund border wall through the new -- and for the foreseeable fu- our Country.” - Distraction? DPA tween EU capitals to reach cent days. the border fence, the Republi- trade deal struck between all ture until a deal is reached. -Democrats say the wall idea ATHENS consensus on touchy issues “There needs to be a can president said: “The Dem- three North American coun- The standoff has turned -- one of the president’s key and push forward the bloc’s united front at home to fos- ocrats will probably submit tries (Canada, Mexico and the into a test of strength between election campaign platforms THE Greek coastguard has agenda. ter unity in Europe,” Junck- a Bill, being cute as always, United States). Trump and the Democrats, -- is a distraction from more rescued 75 migrants in the Bucharest’s motto for er said in an interview with which gives everything away “I’m in the Oval Office. who will enter the new Con- complicated immigration eastern Aegean. The people the next six months is “Co- the Sunday edition of Ger- but gives NOTHING to Border Democrats, come back from gress in 2019 as the majority problems and a tool for Trump had begun the dangerous hesion, a common Euro- many’s Welt newspaper. Security, namely the Wall. vacation now and give us the in the House of Representa- to whip up support among his crossing in a dinghy and a “You see, without the Wall votes necessary for Border tives, after a decisive victory in conservative base. small motorboat, the head- quarters of the coastguard in Piraeus said on Tuesday. They were discovered off the small island of Farmakoni- Pentagon spokeswoman quits si and brought to safety on the Bolsonaro sworn in as Brazil’s new president DPA in France, with the Armed Ser- larger island of Leros, where AFP logical allies US President NEW YORK vices Committee of the US Sen- Greece has a migration regis- BRASÍLIA Donald Trump and Israeli ate and at the Heritage Foun- tration centre. Prime Minister Benjamin Ne- A BUSY day of Trump admin- dation. She previously faced In recent months, thou- JAIR Bolsonaro, a far-right tanyahu. istration departures added an- allegations of misconduct after sands of migrants have been politician vowing a crackdown Bolsonaro takes over from other on Monday afternoon: being accused of forcing her brought to Greece’s mainland on crime and corruption, was deeply unpopular centre-right Pentagon spokeswoman Dana subordinates to run personal to relieve the overcrowding at sworn in Tuesday as Brazil’s president Michel Temer, who White. errands for her, including to reception centres on Leros, new president in front of Con- was effectively a caretaker “I appreciate the oppor- the dry cleaners and the phar- Lesbos, Chios, Samos and Kos. gress in Brasilia. figure following the impeach- tunity afforded to me by this macy, CNN reported in August. Most of them were fami- The 63-year-old former ment of leftist leader Dilma administration to serve along- Charlie Summers, a former lies, women or unaccompa- paratrooper and deputy for Rousseff, booted from office in side Secretary Mattis, our Maine senator and current dep- nied minors who are expected the past 27 years pledged to 2016 for fiddling the govern- Service members and all the uty assistant to the secretary of to receive asylum in Greece. uphold the constitution as he ment books. civilians who support them,” Defence for public affairs, will According to the UN refu- embarked on his four-year He has said he is deter- White tweeted on Monday. “It be promoted into White’s posi- gee agency UNHCR, from ear- mandate at the helm of Latin mined to roll back decisions has been my honor and privi- tion beginning Tuesday. ly January 2017 until Christ- America’s biggest economy. The presidential convoy, led by Brazil’s President-elect Jair Bolsonaro made under Rousseff and her lege. Stay safe and God bless.” White announced her de- mas, just under 32,000 people Bolsonaro takes power and his wife Michelle Bolsonaro, heads to the National Congress for popular predecessor Luiz Ina- Her announcement comes parture hours after Mattis, her from Turkey have been trans- with sky-high approval ratings his swearing-in ceremony, in Brasilia, on Tuesday. (AFP) cio Lula da Silva, who is now in on the last days of both De- boss, issued his final farewell ferred to the Greek islands. and high hopes from many of prison for corruption. fense Secretary Jim Mattis to the Defense Department. The situation is signifi- Brazil’s 210 million inhabit- cession. He has already said he criminals. Trimming the government and Brett McGurk, the special McGurk also left the State cantly better compared to the ants that he can stamp out will issue a decree easing gun And he has vowed to chal- and public debt, and embark- envoy in the fight against ISIS. Department on Monday after peak of the influx in 2015, graft, reduce rampant crime laws to allow “good” citizens to lenge the leftist governments ing on privatiSations are White joined the Depart- speeding up a planned Febru- when more than 850,000 mi- and re-ignite an economy laid own firearms as a way of de- ruling Venezuela and Cuba, among the measures he has ment of Defence after serving ary exit after the president’s grants from Turkey reached low by a record-breaking re- terring and countering armed while moving closer to ideo- proposed. at the Renault-Nissan Alliance Syria decision. the Greek islands.

Pope Francis praises motherhood in New Fireworks blast in 2019 worldwide after turbulent year Year’s Day homily

AFP hundreds of thousands of to temples to ring in 2019, and more than 1,000 ice rinks ROME: Pope Francis lauded RIO DE JANEIRO mobile phone screens as the as US boxing superstar Floyd opened for merrymakers. the role that mothers play massive crowd recorded the Mayweather came out of re- In Paris, fraternity-themed in society when he gave his REVELLERS welcomed 2019 fireworks spectacle. tirement to beat Japanese fireworks and a light show New Year’s Day homily at St on Tuesday with fireworks dis- New York was to follow kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa were held on the Champs- Peter’s Basilica on Tuesday. plays and festivities as a cel- with its iconic Times Square in a multi-million-dollar “ex- Elysees, with a few ‘yellow The leader of the world’s ebratory wave swept westward Ball drop, the highly media- hibition” bout outside Tokyo. vest’ anti-government protest- 1.3 billion Catholics em- across the globe from Asia to tized epicentre of US jubilation. Almost eight years into ers mingling joyfully with the phasised the importance of Europe and the Americas, put- The global partying had Syria’s civil war, people in 300,000-strong crowd. mothers and their virtues of ting to bed a tumultuous 2018. kicked off on Sydney’s water- Damascus celebrated their French President Emma- self-sacrifice and compassion In Rio de Janeiro, the city’s front with the Australian city’s first New Year’s Eve since re- nuel Macron, in a televised in “today’s fragmented world, famed hilltop Christ the Re- biggest-ever fireworks display, gime forces expelled the last address, acknowledged his where we risk losing our bear- deemer statue briefly came to thrilling 1.5 million people. rebels from the capital’s sub- government “can do better” ings.” “A world that looks to colorful 3D life through light It then moved on to Hong urbs earlier this year. Dozens but said “I believe in us.” the future without a mother’s projections as it peered over Kong, where hundreds of of families headed to restau- London ushered in the gaze is short-sighted,” the Copacabana Beach, where thousands packed streets rants and bars in the Old City. new year by celebrating its pope said. “We need to learn pyrotechnics lit up more than along Victoria Harbour for a Russia saw in the new relationship with Europe, from mothers that heroism is People take pictures with their mobile phones of fireworks explod- two million white-clad Brazil- spectacular 10-minute show year over several time zones. despite Britain’s impending shown in self-giving, strength ing over the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs-Elysees for New Year’s ians dancing to free concerts. that illuminated the night. Concerts and light shows fea- departure from the Europe- in compassion, wisdom in celebrations in the French capital Paris on Tuesday. (AFP) The beach was lit up with In Japan, locals flocked tured in Moscow city parks, an Union. meekness.” (DPA) India cuts tax on palm www.facebook.com/QatarTribune oil imports; Malaysia to www.youtube.com/QatarTribuneChannel gain most PAGE 14 www.twitter.com/Qatar_Tribune

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019

DOW23,327.46 QE 10,299.01 SENSEX 36,254.57 GOLD 1,281.30 After damaging report, J&J doubles +265.06 PTS +15.29 PTS +186.24 PTS -0.13% down on talc safety message PAGE 14 PRICE PERCENTAGE PRICE PERCENTAGE 15.54 BRENT 53.80 +1.11% WTI 45.41 +0.18% SILVER +0.67% QP distributes first incentive shares to MPHC shareholders MPHC IPO Prospectus, and in who meet the distribution incentive shares comes as part The distributed shares are equivalent line with QP’s announcement conditions of keeping 50 per- of QP’s commitment to ensure Free shares when the shares of MPHC cent of the allotted shares at its alignment with the values to 50 percent of those allotted to were issued for subscription in the time of the IPO and ac- of Qatar National Vision 2030 OThe distribution of the shareholders at the time of MPHC’s IPO December 2013. cording to the mechanisms and its efforts to strengthen second set of MPHC’s free QP said the free shares’ set forth in the company’s IPO the principles of investment incentive shares will take dividends declared for 2018 prospectus. and long-term savings culture TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK place on December 31, close of trading in Qatar Stock will be distributed to the regis- The free incentive shares for Qatari nationals. 2023 DOHA Exchange on December 31, tered shareholders on the day are ordinary shares that have Meanwhile, Qatar Cen- 2018 (Monday), the company of convening the company’s equal rights with capital tral Securities Depository O The free incentive shares QATAR Petroleum (QP) has announced on Tuesday. ordinary general assembly shares. This distribution will announced that MPHC free are ordinary shares that completed the distribution of The distributed shares are meeting, which will approve not add to or change the share incentive shares have been have equal rights with the first tranche of free incen- equivalent to 50 percent of the dividend distribution. capital of the company as of added to the shareholders who tive shares to eligible share- those allotted to sharehold- “Qatar Petroleum wishes the distribution has decreased met the distribution condi- capital shares, and the holders of Mesaieed Petro- ers at the time of MPHC’s to remind MPHC’s sharehold- cember 31 2023,” the state- QP’s shareholding in MPHC tions according to MPHC pro- distribution will not add to chemical Holding Company initial public offering (IPO). It ers that distribution of the ment said. by 8.7 percent from 74.2 per- spectus, and the shares will or change the share capital (MPHC), who have fulfilled comes in accordance with the second set of free incentive The shares will be distrib- cent to 65.5 percent. be available for trading as of of the company eligibility conditions at the mechanisms set forth in the shares will take place on De- uted to eligible shareholders The distribution of the free Wednesday 2 January 2019.

Quick read Oman slows Netflix poaches CFO from Activision QSE gains 21% in 2018, spending NETFLIX is expected to an- nounce in the next few days that growth in it has poached media finance veteran Spencer Neumann from 2019 budget Activision Blizzard to be its its highest in six years chief financial officer, a source REUTERS familiar with the matter told DUBAI Reuters. Neumann will start at Netflix in early 2019, the source Qatar emerges as the best performing stock market in the GCC region in 2018 OMAN’S government released said. Earlier on Monday, Activi- a 2019 state budget on Tuesday sion Blizzard said in a regula- SATYENDRA PATHAK creased during the year. While that slows spending growth tory filing that it intended to fire DOHA 27 companies witnessed de- but may not cut a big deficit Neumann for an unspecified cline. that has caused international reason. Neumann has served in NOTWITHSTANDING the The year saw five of the rating agencies to downgrade a variety of finance roles includ- ongoing unjust economic seven sector indices close in its debt to junk status. ing at Walt Disney. He replaces blockade, the Qatar Stock Ex- the positive territory. The Spending this year is pro- David Wells, who in August change (QSE) gained almost gainers were led by the baking jected at 12.9 billion rials said he planned to step down 21 percent in 2018, its high- sector with a rise of 42.84 per- ($33.5 billion), up from 12.5 after 14 years at the streaming est annual gain in the last six cent on the back of huge jump billion rials in the original media giant. (REUTERS) years. of over 50 percent in QNB and budget for 2018. That implies The Qatar Stock Exchange QIB. Commercial Bank, which spending growth of about 3 main index grew 1,775.63 gained 36.3 percent, was also percent, compared to nearly 7 Deutsche Telekom points, or 20.83 percent, vital in lifting the banking in- percent in the 2018 budget. sues German govt from the beginning of 2018 to dex higher. Revenues are estimated at over 5G auction 10,299.01 points at the close The consumer goods and 10.1 billion rials, assuming an of trade for the year, emerging services sector and the in- average oil price of $58 per DEUTSCHE Telekom has filed a as the best performing stock dustrial sector, which gained barrel this year; that would lawsuit against Germany’s Fed- market in the GCC region. 36.06 percent and 22.72 per- leave a 2019 budget deficit of eral Network Agency protesting Showing resilience of cent respectively, were also in- 2.8 billion rials, or 9 percent of preconditions for participating the Qatari economy and its strumental in lifting the main gross domestic product. in a next-generation mobile net- solid macroeconomic fun- index higher. But Brent oil is currently work frequency auction, Die Welt damentals, market capitali- Trading value during 2018 around $54, so unless oil pric- newspaper said on Tuesday. sation of listed companies increased by 3.4 percent to es rise, Oman may find it hard Germany stipulated that bidders also increased a whopping reach QR68.5 billion com- to hit the deficit estimate. for 5G mobile frequencies must 24.74 percent to QR588.72 pared to QR66.24 billion at In the first 10 months of invest to expand the country’s billion ($161.7 billion) from the close of 2017. 2018, when the Brent price mobile network and potentially QR472.02 billion ($129.7 bil- The banks and financial was much higher and averaged allow new entrants to use their lion) at the end of 2017. services sector led trading val- $74, the government ran a infrastructure. The network regu- Commenting on QSE’s his- ue during this year, account- deficit of 2.04 billion rials, ac- lator set a January 25 deadline toric rise, Akbar Khan, senior The market participants made 1.04 million transactions all over the year, an increase of 25 percent from ing for 45.08 percent of the cording to the latest data from for auction submissions, saying director of asset management 834,390 transactions in 2017. total trading value, followed the statistics agency. the sale would begin in early at Al Rayan Investment, said, by industrial sector, which ac- The government said it 2019, but revised the precondi- “While global equities have the country’s largest Shari’a- counted for 20.65 percent, and would finance 86 percent of tions for participation, drawing been bleeding badly, Qatari compliant lender, rose 56.7 BEST STOCK real estate with 9.5 percent. this year’s deficit through local protests from the country’s main equities ended 2018 as one of percent from QR96.99 at the On the other hand, trad- and foreign borrowing. It has network operators. (REUTERS) the best performing markets beginning of the trade in 2018 Woqod emerged as the ing volume cooled down by also been covering its deficit having gained more than 20 to QR152 at the close of the best performing stock 7.28 percent to 2.29 billion by drawing down financial re- percent. This followed 2017’s trade for the year, was the sec- of 2018 among the 46 shares against 2.47 billion in serves, but those reserves are M&M’s December weakness and was fuelled by ond biggest gainer of the year. companies listed on the 2017, with banking sector ac- shrinking, Fitch Ratings noted sales up just 1% more than $2 billion of net Qatar National Bank Qatari bourse, rising quiring the biggest portion of last month as it downgraded foreign buying. The blockade (QNB), the largest commercial 62.64 percent from 30.81 percent followed by the Oman to junk. INDIAN automobile major is now old news as Qatar looks bank in Qatar, gained 54.75 industrials and real estate with “Fiscal deficits are lead- Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) to the future.” percent to emerge as the third QR101.10 at the 22.91 percent and 17 percent ing to a sharp deterioration in on Tuesday reported a meagre Qatar Fuel (Woqod) biggest gainer of the year. beginning of 2018 to respectively. Oman’s sovereign and exter- 1 percent rise in its total vehicle emerged as the best perform- On the other hand, the QR165.99 at the close The market participants nal balance sheets,” Fitch said, sales for December 2018, ow- ing stock of 2018 among the Investment Holding Group of trade for the year made 1.04 million transac- predicting government debt ing to tight liquidity and low buy- 46 companies listed on the (IHG), the first Qatari fam- on Monday (Dec 31) tions all over the year, an would reach 58 percent of GDP ing sentiment in the domestic Qatari bourse. Woqod ily company to have been increase of 25 percent from by 2020 and the government’s market. The total sales of the outperformed its QSE Akbar Khan, senior director of approved for listing on Qa- 834,390 transactions in 2017. net foreign assets, 7 percent of company stood at 39,755 units peers by rising 62.64 percent asset management at Al Rayan tar’s stock market through an QR6.54 in the beginning of The QNB led trading value GDP in 2018, would swing to a last month, against 39,200 from QR101.10 at the begin- Investment IPO, sank 41.74 percent from the year to QR4.08 at the end during this year, accounting negative 8 percent in 2020. units sold during the corre- ning of 2018 to QR165.99 at QR41.5 at the beginning of the of the trade for 2018, was the for 21.86 percent of the to- S&P also rates Oman in sponding period of 2017. The the close of trade for the year ing company in the region, year to QR21.85 at the close of second worst performing tal trading value, followed by junk territory. Moody’s Inves- medium to heavy commercial on Monday. Woqod, however, finished the trade in 2018 was the biggest stock of the year. Industries Qatar, which ac- tors Service maintains an in- vehicle was the major drag as it One of the leading petro- year much below its year-high loser. Out of the 46 companies counted for 7.16 percent and vestment-grade rating, but it is declined by 31 percent. (IANS) leum products distribution of QR196. Qatar First Bank, which listed on the bourse, share Al Rayan accounting for 5.75 only one notch above junk with and related services market- Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), sank 37.52 percent from prices of 19 companies in- percent. a negative outlook. Doha Bank retains top spot in ESG rankings of listed firms in Qatar sistent focus on prioritising recording a number of key The bank is also ranked among top three corporate governance, risk successes. management, and ESG per- Doha Bank has also re- in the Arab world by ESG Invest Our rating among top formance. ceived notification that it will three banks in the Arab “Our rating among top be invited to make an ap- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ESG Invest provides world has reenergised our three banks in the Arab world plication for membership of DOHA comprehensive ESG ratings has reenergised our pursuit of the Dow Jones Sustainabil- research reports that quan- pursuit of international international best practices ity Index in March 2019. The DOHA Bank has retained tify the ESG performance of best practices across all across all our operations. We Dow Jones Sustainability In- the top rating for the second companies in the Arab world. our operations remain committed to contin- dex was launched in 1999 as year in a row in the annual The firm’s team of analysts ue focusing on our environ- the first global sustainability Environmental, Social and assess ESG data points across Doha Bank Group CEO mental and social agenda and benchmark. Governance (ESG) review of nine sustainability dimen- R Seetharaman adopting the highest stand- The Index tracks the stock companies listed on Qatar sions and 43 ESG issues with ards of governance practices, performance of the world’s Stock Exchange (QSE) by more than 180 data points for prehensive ESG reports for Doha Bank Group CEO thereby leading the efforts to- leading companies in terms ESG Invest, the investment companies in the region, ana- over 700 companies in the R Seetharaman said, “Doha wards promoting sustainable of ESG criteria and serves research arm of Sustainabil- lysing levels of integration of region, Doha Bank has been Bank’s retention of its num- banking in the region.” as benchmarks for investors ity Excellence, the bank an- ESG issues within the compa- ranked first in Qatar and ber one spot in Qatar is a mat- Doha Bank has contin- who integrate sustainabil- nounced in a statement on nies’ core business activities. among the top three banks in ter of great institutional pride ued its focus on sustain- ity considerations into their Doha Bank headquarters. Tuesday. Having completed com- the Arab world in 2018. and is a reflection of our con- ability throughout the year, portfolios. Economy & Business Wednesday, January 2, 2019 13

2018 A BUSY YEAR FOR QTERMINALS Indian market indices gain on last hour pull-back

IANS MUMBAI

A last hour pick-up in bank- ing and realty stocks, along with positive global markets, buoyed the key Indian equity indices on Tuesday. The day’s trade saw 30-scrip Sensex gaining over 180 points to regain the 36,000 points-mark. However, the two key in- dices traded mostly in the red throughout the day’s session, but a sharp recovery in the last hour changed the overall sce- nario. Index-wise, the S&P BSE Sensex settled 186.24 points or 0.52 per cent higher at 36,254.57 points after touching an intra-day high of 36,284.04 and a low of 35,888.62. Here is the summary of containers, bulk, breakbulk, RORO and livestock handled by QTerminals in The NSE Nifty50 closed December 2018 and the whole of 2018 at 10,910.10 points up 47.55 points or 0.44 per cent. “Expectations of weak monthly auto sales and slower industrial November data, con- cerned the market,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geo- jit Financial Services. Oil posts 1st year of losses since 2015 “But market inched up by the end of the day, led by banking sector on account of output and interest rates would capital infusion and improve- For the year, WTI futures slumped nearly hurt global demand pushed ment in NPA situation. Ad- crude lower. ditionally, market will focus 25%, while Brent tumbled more than 19.5% A tweet by U.S. President on the upcoming Q3 earnings Donald Trump claiming pro- and government fiscal plans in REUTERS enough to restore bullish senti- gress on a possible U.S.-China the coming days, while global HOUSTON ment. trade deal pushed crude prices headwinds might add volatil- “We’re flush with oil,” said up more than 2 percent in early ity.” Nair added. OIL prices ended with full-year Phillip Streible, senior mar- trading on Monday. But oil lost losses for the first time since ket strategist at RJO Futures. ground as traders focused on 2015, after a desultory fourth “OPEC is out there cutting, but data showing China’s economy Index-wise, the S&P BSE quarter that saw buyers flee the market isn’t really pricing slowed further in December, Sensex settled 186.24 the market over growing wor- that in.” analysts said. points or 0.52 per cent high- ries about a supply glut and Oil prices fell more than a Chinese manufacturing ac- er at 36,254.57 points after mixed signals related to re- third this quarter, the steep- tivity declined in December for touching an intra-day high newed U.S. sanctions on Iran. est quarterly decline since the the first time in more than two For the year, U.S. West Tex- fourth quarter of 2014. years, according to a national as Intermediate crude (WTI) Crude oil futures posted purchasing managers’ survey. In terms of sectors, realty futures slumped nearly 25 per- modest gains on Monday. The United States, which index on both the NSE and the cent, while Brent tumbled more Brent settled up 59 cents, or broke its 1970 peak of 10.04 BSE out-performed major in- than 19.5 percent. 1.1 percent, at $53.80 a barrel, million bpd in November 2017, dices throughout the session, The market had been on while WTI settled 8 cents high- surpassed Russia and Saudi ending with gains of around track for solid gains for the year er at $45.41 a barrel. Arabia to became the world’s 2.21 per cent. until October, when the United Analysts have turned bear- top producer in 2018, hitting an Apart from realty sector, fi- States granted larger-than- ish on 2019, according to a all-time high of more than 11.5 nance stocks also edged higher, expected waivers to importers Reuters poll. A survey of 32 million bpd in October, the U.S. gaining close to 1 per cent. of Iran’s oil, and as demand in economists and analysts fore- amid bulging global oversupply. October. president of Lipow Oil Associ- Energy Information Adminis- Similarly, the Indian cur- emerging economies started to cast an average Brent price of Prices rose through most However, when Washing- ates in Houston. tration said on Monday. rency made gains on Tuesday. sag. $69.13 next year, more than of the year, continuing 2017’s ton gave unexpectedly gener- OPEC+ opened its taps in U.S. drillers added about It ended Tuesday’s session at That combination dragged $5 below analyst projections a recovery after several years of ous sanction waivers to Iran’s autumn as demand reduced 138 oil rigs in 2018, the second 69.45 per dollar from its previ- down both benchmarks from month ago, and compared with weak pricing that sent oil-rich biggest oil buyers, concerns global inventories, then re- year in a row of boosting the ous close of Rs 69.76. four-year highs above $76 a an average real price of $71.76 economies into tailspins and about a global oversupply and versed course as priced tum- rig count. But North American The domestic currency barrel and $86 a barrel, respec- in 2018. forced hundreds of U.S. energy sluggish economic growth bled. producers will likely begin to however, was one of the worst tively, and even a late-year deci- Brent, the global bench- companies into bankruptcy. clouded markets. The producers’ group now reduce spending on drilling in performing currency in Asia for sion by the Organization of the mark, rose by almost a third Renewed U.S. sanctions against “OPEC and non-OPEC pro- plans to cut 1.2 million barrels 2019 as prices fall below break- the year 2018. It lost over 9 per Petroleum Exporting Countries between January and October, major producer Iran, as well as ducers found themselves com- per day (bpd) beginning Jan. even levels for new wells in the cent per cent. and its allies including Russia, to a high of $86.74. That was healthy economic conditions peting with additional supplies 1. It acted as fears a U.S.-China Permian Basin and the Eagle “Technically, with the Nifty known collectively as OPEC+, the highest level since late 2014, and concerns about crude sup- from the U.S. that overwhelmed trade war, falling U.S. stock Ford shale field in Texas, ana- surging higher, the bulls re- to ratchet down output was not the start of a deep market slump plies, had elevated prices until the market,” said Andy Lipow, prices and rising U.S. shale lysts said. main in control,” said Deepak Jasani of Kotak Securities. “Further, upsides are likely once the immediate resistances of 10,985 are taken out. Crucial Nissan ex-boss Ghosn’s detention extended to Jan 11 supports to watch for any trend reversal is at 10,807-10,850 band.” According to the pro- AFP today. The detention expires ternationally. of four billion yen over the next formal charges over the first the clock on his detention. visional figures from the stock TOKYO on January 11,” the Tokyo Dis- Authorities are pursuing three fiscal years -- apparently allegation but not yet over the The once jet-setting execu- exchanges, foreign institutional trict Court said in a statement. three separate lines of enquiry to avoid criticism that his pay other accusations. tive, who denies any wrongdo- investors (FIIs) sold shares FORMER Nissan boss Carlos The growing case against against the 64-year-old Fran- was too high. - ‘Cup noodle’ -Monday’s ing, was initially held in a tiny worth Rs 48.19 crore, while do- Ghosn will be spending the the auto tycoon represents a co-Lebanese-Brazilian execu- The extension that pros- extension deals a new blow single cell but has now report- mestic institutional investors beginning of 2019 behind bars stunning reversal of fortune for tive, involving alleged financial ecutors won Monday allows to Ghosn’s hopes of being re- edly been moved to a more (DIIs) bought Rs 142.58-crore after a Tokyo court on Mon- a man once revered in Japan wrongdoing during his tenure them to continue investigating leased from the Tokyo deten- comfortable room. stocks. day extended his detention and beyond for his ability to as Nissan chief. a complex third claim that al- tion centre where he has been He has complained about Stock-wise, Bharti Airtel through to January 11. turn around automakers, in- They suspect he conspired leges Ghosn sought to shift a held since his shock arrest. the cold and the rice-based led the gains on Sensex with The move comes after Jap- cluding Nissan. with his right-hand man, US personal investment loss onto Earlier this month, he ap- menu, sources say, though he 2.76 per cent gains. HDFC, Yes anese prosecutors re-arrested Since his stunning arrest executive Greg Kelly, to hide Nissan’s books. peared on the verge of win- has told embassy visitors he is Bank, HDFC Bank, State Bank Ghosn for fresh allegations on November 19, the twists and away around half of his income As part of that scheme, he ning bail after a court rejected being well-treated although he of India and Axis Bank inched on December 21, dashing his turns of the case have gripped (some five billion yen or $44 is also accused of having used a request from prosecutors to has shed a lot of weight. up in a range of 1 to 2 per cent. hopes of being home for Christ- Japan and the business world million) over five fiscal years Nissan funds to repay a Saudi extend his detention on the According to the Asahi In contrast, Mahindra and mas. and shone a light on the Japa- from 2010. acquaintance who put up col- second allegation against him. Shimbun daily, Ghosn will be Mahindra lost 3.75 per cent “The decision to extend the nese legal system, which has They also allege he under- lateral money. But by filing the new claims, offered cup noodles on New over dismal December sales fig- (detention period) was issued come in for some criticism in- reported his salary to the tune Prosecutors have pressed prosecutors were able to restart Year’s Eve. ures released earlier in the day. Samsung tops in patents Trump’s trade war contributes to Tijuana’s boom

filed for self-driving cars TCA/DPA dustrial real estate developer. company, and that larger com- SAN DIEGO “The tariffs benefit us.” This pany already has a presence in IANS showed. added interest is contribut- Mexico. SEOUL The figures indicate infor- US President Donald Trump’s ing to a historic upsurge in They might be automotive, mation and communication trade war may be pushing Tijuana’s economy. The city’s they might be aerospace or SAMSUNG Electronics Co. technology firms made more more manufacturers and oth- industrial real estate vacancy medical, and their client asks filed the largest number of efforts to secure self-driving er businesses to leave China - rate is about three percent, and the company to be in Mexico.” patents related to self-driving technologies compared with and one beneficiary is Tijuana, Tijuana’s businesses employ Large companies with a pres- cars in Europe, data showed on traditional vehicle manufactur- which seems to be booming, the highest number of manu- ence in Mexico include Sam- Monday, far above traditional ers. in part thanks to the trend. facturing workers in the city’s sung, Toyota, Panasonic and automobile manufacturers. Among the top 10 players Businesses don’t face the history. Foxcom, Bravo added. According to the data com- in the list, only three firms -- tariffs in Mexico that they Some companies are Tecma helps businesses piled by the European Patent Bosch, Toyota Motor Corp. and would if they remained in Chi- choosing Tijuana over Cali- expand into Tijuana by helping Office (EPO), the number of Continental AG -- were related na. fornia because of affordability. them navigate the regulatory applications related to self- to the motor industry. An inexpensive and plen- They say it’s simply too expen- process. The company offers driving cars filed in Europe Europe accounted for 37.2 tiful labor force, competitive sive to do business in the Gold- a variety of services including came to 3,998 in 2017, growing per cent of the patents, followed real estate prices and proxim- en State, said Adriana Eguia, Businesses in the US don’t face the tariffs in Mexico that they would if tax compliance, customs, hu- more than threefold from 922 by the US with 33.7 per cent. ity to U.S. markets make Baja vice president of new business they remained in China. man resources, environmental tallied in 2011. South Korea accounted for 7 California an appealing option at Vesta and former CEO of health and safety and leasing. Over the 2011-2017 period, per cent, falling behind Japan’s for businesses who want out of Tijuana’s Economic Develop- vada or Mexico,’” Eguia said. So who is expanding to Ti- It’s difficult to quantify Samsung Electronics held the 13 per cent but standing higher China, according to Mexican ment Corporation. This trend of American- juana? They aren’t household how many China-based com- most patents at 624, trailed by than China’s 3 per cent. and American business ex- “Companies in Southern based companies with a pres- names. panies have moved to Tijuana. US IT giant Intel Corp. with According to separate data perts. California tell me, ‘We want to ence in China moving to Tijua- “They are smaller or mid- Baja California does not track 590. US chipmaker Qualcomm compiled by the Korea Insti- “American companies that come back to the U.S. but pric- na began about two years ago, size companies,” said Ernesto what companies move in and Inc. held 361, followed by Sam- tute of Intellectual Property, were in China, now because es are way too high with mini- when the cost of doing busi- Bravo, President of Tecma out of the region. Also, about sung’s smaller South Korean Hyundai Motor Co. filed the of the tariffs, are coming to mum wage, so we are looking ness in China began to rise. A West, a division of a larger half of all foreign businesses rival LG Electronics Inc. at 348 highest number of related pat- Mexico,” said Elias Laniado, at Mexico. If we want to grow, more recent trend is Chinese- company that helps foreign expanding to the area use ser- and German engineering firm ents over the 2008-2017 period the chief commercial officer it can’t be in California, it’s go- based companies entering the businesses move into Mexico. vices that protect the privacy of Bosch with 343, the EPO data in the country at 98. for Vesta, Tijuana’s largest in- ing to have to be Arizona, Ne- Tijuana market, said Eguia. “They are suppliers to a larger some of their clients. 14 Wednesday, January 2, 2019 Economy & Business After damaging report, J&J doubles down on talc safety message The company is pursuing a massive ad campaign despite evidence that talc in its raw and finished powders sometimes tested positive for the carcinogen

REUTERS NEW YORK/LOS ANGELES

JOHNSON & Johnson Inc’s state- ment was unequivocal. “The FDA has tested Johnson’s talc since the ‘70s. Every single time it did not contain asbestos,” the company said in a Dec. 19 tweet. It followed by several days the publica- tion of a Reuters investigation that found the healthcare conglomerate knew for decades that the carcinogen lurked in its Baby Powder and other cosmetic talc products. The tweet, posted under the han- dle @JNJNews, didn’t mention that the U.S. Food and Drug Administra- tion (FDA) found traces of asbestos in the company’s Shower to Shower talc in 1973, as revealed in agency documents here reviewed by Reu- ters. And it is only one of dozens of tweets conveying a similar message about talc safety since the Reuters article appeared Dec. 14. The Reuters article prompted a stock selloff that erased about $40 billion from J&J’s market value in one day and created a public rela- tions crisis as the blue-chip health- care conglomerate faced widespread questions about the possible health effects of one of its most iconic prod- ucts. To reassure investors and con- sumers, J&J has tweeted, posted on Facebook, run a series of full-page newspaper ads across the United States, published a lengthy rebuttal to the Reuters investigation on its website and announced a $5 billion stock buyback. Chairman and Chief A Reuters investigation that found Johnson & Johnson Inc knew for decades that carcinogen asbestos lurked in its Baby Powder and other cosmetic talc products prompted a stock selloff that erased about $40 Executive Officer Alex Gorsky has billion from J&J’s market value in one day. appeared in a company video and on CNBC’s “Mad Money” to reinforce products sometimes contained trac- that Reuters investigated spanned ters review of the company’s state- the company’s position. es of asbestos, said Eric Dezenhall, The allegation from 1971 to the early 2000s. J&J ments. That position has been unwaver- a crisis-management consultant in says that if it believed that Baby Pow- The Dec. 19 tweet claiming that ing. J&J insists that its Baby Powder Washington, D.C. “If your position in Johnson & Johnson, makers of der today presented safety risks, it the FDA’s own tests never found as- is safe and has been asbestos-free court is that the claims being made baby powder, allegedly knew for wouldn’t hesitate to remove it from bestos in J&J talc, for example, ig- at least since regular testing began are false…you can’t just shrug your years that their talc contained store shelves, given that the product nores an agency scientist’s 1973 find- in the 1970s. The message doubles shoulders,” he said. trace amounts of asbestos, and accounts for less than 0.5% of annual ing that a Shower to Shower sample down on the stance the company Soon after the Reuters article hid that fact from regulators revenue. contained asbestos fibers, according has taken to defend against lawsuits appeared, J&J executives consulted and from people who sued them The company joined its talc sup- to a copy of an FDA report titled “As- in which about 11,700 plaintiffs al- crisis-management experts, accord- over cases of cancer. plier, Imerys Talc America, a unit of bestos and Other Contaminants in lege that the J&J talc they used in ing to people familiar with the mat- Paris-based Imerys SA, in requesting Talc” and a deposition of a former past decades caused their cancer. ter. Among the company’s reasons that a trial scheduled for January in J&J head toxicologist. The FDA did The company is pursuing this strat- for deciding to maintain its stance O Baby powder is traditionally made from talc, which is a mineral mined St. Louis be delayed for, among other not respond to questions for this egy despite the evidence that talc in on absolute talc purity, these people from the ground things, what they called “negative article, citing a partial government its raw and finished powders some- said, was a conviction that a com- O Asbestos, today best known as a cancer-causing nightmare national and local news coverage” shutdown. times tested positive for the carcino- pany known for putting health and substance, is also a mineral mined from the ground resulting from the Reuters investiga- On CNBC, Gorsky said: “We also gen from the 1970s into the early safety first had the facts on its side, tion that would inevitably taint pro- not only used the best testing meth- 2000s — test results that the com- a litigation track record that included O Talc and asbestos may occur near each other in nature, so if you’re spective jurors. odologies that were available, but we pany didn’t disclose to regulators or victories and mistrials, and the ex- mining talc to make baby powder, you may end up with some asbestos The judge denied the motion. continued to improve them through consumers. pectation that adverse verdicts will in the mix The same judge recently upheld a the years.” In response to a Reuters request be overturned on appeal. $4.69 billion jury award in a sepa- J&J’s testing methods do exceed for comment, the company said it pleaded guilty to multiple criminal “some reputational buffer,” said Ste- rate ovarian cancer case, which J&J the industry standard. But even so, is committed to defending the talc Through lawyers charges. phen A. Greyser, the Harvard Busi- says it expects to be overturned on as a geologist and frequent J&J ex- litigation, “and that same, long-term Many of J&J’s subsequent mes- Gorsky, in his appearance on ness School professor who wrote the appeal. The judge said J&J’s promo- pert witness acknowledged in court view is reflected in our ongoing com- sages have mirrored the company’s “Mad Money,” invoked J&J’s now first study of the company’s handling tion of a product that the evidence this year, only a tiny fraction of the munications that consistently point written responses to questions and legendary response to the Tylenol of that crisis. “But it is not a total showed was contaminated with a company’s talc sold over the past 40 to the strong scientific evidence that findings Reuters presented to the crisis as evidence that the company protection” because it won’t shield known carcinogen was “particularly years has been tested using what is our talc is and always has been safe.” company during its investigation: can be trusted to address any safety the company from a loss of trust if reprehensible.” widely recognized as the best meth- As for the 1973 Shower to Shower They deny that the company kept in- problems linked to its products. In consumers or investors conclude the In an emailed statement, Imerys od to detect asbestos fibers, known test, J&J noted that the result didn’t formation from regulators and point 1982, J&J moved decisively to pull company hasn’t been fully forthcom- Talc America said it “is committed as transmission electron microscopy. “reflect FDA’s final determination to the many studies finding that talc all Tylenol from store shelves after ing in this case, he said. J&J needs to the quality and safety of its prod- Plaintiffs’ lawyers are already about this sample” in a 1976 table is safe and doesn’t cause cancer. seven people died from taking cya- to guard against “reputational con- ucts,” and that rigorous research homing in on inconsistencies be- summarizing the agency’s early Those earlier responses were nide-laced pills. tagion,” the risk that a loss of confi- “overwhelmingly confirms that talc tween J&J’s statements and other 1970s cosmetic talc testing. Howev- composed by J&J’s outside litigators, “I can’t believe the company that dence in Baby Powder could bleed is safe, and no agency has asserted evidence regarding its talc, and they er, in that 1976 table, which Reuters led by Peter Bicks at Orrick, Her- took that dramatic of an action would over into how consumers, share- that talc causes cancer.” are planning to depose Gorsky in examined, the FDA did not indicate rington & Sutcliffe, and conveyed to allow a product that they felt in any holders and others view the company coming weeks. any result, positive or negative, for Reuters by lawyers at a crisis-man- way could be harmful to stay on the more broadly, Greyser added. Undermined by evidence “There is no flexibility in what the type of asbestos found in the agement firm co-founded by Lanny market,” Gorsky told “Mad Money” The key difference between the Some of J&J’s messages in its they’re saying,” said Leigh O’Dell, Shower to Shower sample in 1973. Davis, a lawyer who represented U.S. host Jim Cramer. “We unequivocally two crises is that poisoned Tylenol recent campaign omit key details re- one of the lead lawyers representing Given the mass of litigation it President Bill Clinton in the 1990s believe that our talc, our Baby Pow- presented a threat to consumers at garding findings on talc and, in cer- plaintiffs in thousands of lawsuits faces, J&J has little choice but to and Michael Cohen, President Don- der, does not contain asbestos.” the time, while the documented as- tain instances, are undermined by against J&J consolidated in a New zealously dispute findings that its ald Trump’s former attorney who has Citing the Tylenol recall provides bestos contamination of J&J talc other evidence, according to a Reu- Jersey federal court.

India cuts tax on palm oil imports; Malaysia to gain most

Bajoria, chief executive of the Mehta, executive director of Malaysian shipments of palm oil will be Sunvin Group, a Mumbai- Imports down the SEA. based vegetable oil importer. The effective duty differ- taxed at 45% compared with 54% earlier India primarily imports O India’s palm oil imports ence between crude and re- palm oil from Indonesia and dropped 6.4% from a year fined palm oil has narrowed REUTERS to 50 percent from 54 percent, Malaysia and soyoil from ago to 8.7 million tonnes to 5.5 percent from 11 percent MUMBAI according to the notification Argentina and Brazil. It also in the 2017/18 marketing for shipments from Malaysia, issued late on Monday. The buys small volumes of sun- year ended in October which could lead to higher INDIA has cut import taxes cuts took effect on Tuesday. flower oil from Ukraine and imports of refined palm oil, on crude and refined palm oil Malaysian shipments of canola oil from Canada. O India primarily imports Mehta said. from Southeast Asian (ASE- refined palm oil will be taxed Its palm oil imports palm oil from Indonesia “This is a death knell for AN) countries after a request at 45 percent compared with dropped 6.4 percent from a and Malaysia and soyoil the domestic refining indus- from suppliers, a government 54 percent earlier, the gov- year ago to 8.7 million tonnes try and will halt expansion of notification said. ernment said in a separate in the 2017/18 marketing from Argentina and Brazil palm plantations in the coun- The reduction will lead to notice. year ended in October, ac- O It also buys small try,” he said. higher imports of palm oil by In March 2018, India cording to Solvent Extractors’ volumes of sunflower oil India relies on imports the world’s biggest edible oil raised the import tax on Association (SEA), a Mum- for 70 percent of its edible buyer in coming months as it crude palm oil to 44 percent bai-based trade body. from Ukraine and canola oil consumption, up from 44 would narrow the difference from 30 percent and lifted Indonesia and Malaysia, oil from Canada percent in 2001/02. between the tropical vegeta- the tax on refined palm oil to the top two palm oil produc- “Traditionally, Indonesia ble oil and competitors such 54 percent from 40 percent. ers, were seeking a reduc- corners the bulk of India’s as soyoil and sunflower oil. Palm oil has being more tion in the import tax by New could have fallen in Decem- palm oil market. The duty The duty on crude palm competitive due to the duty Delhi as inventories were ris- ber but will jump this month reduction will now allow Ma- oil was lowered to 40 percent reduction and this will lead ing in both countries due to as some importers had de- laysia to raise its share,” said An Indonesian worker carries oil palm fruits at Felda Bukit Cerakah from 44 percent, while a tax to higher imports from Janu- higher output. layed shipments in antici- a Mumbai-based dealer with in district of Klang outside Kuala Lumpur. (REUTERS/FILE) on the refined variety was cut ary onwards, said Sandeep India’s palm oil imports pation of tax cuts, said B.V. a global trading firm. www.guide.com.qa  Wednesday January 2, 2019

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019

Federer downs Serena in epic mixed doubles match at Hopman Cup PAGE 18 TENNIS QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN

2019 Qatar ExxonMobil Open Vintage Wawrinka sets aside third seed Khachanov in opener

VINAY NAYUDU to be. But I took the time to get DOHA Effective! there and to do the right thing, to work hard physically and also THEY keep referring to the ‘Big O Wawrinka’s sublime with my game. I’m happy with Four’ in tennis as the ones to one-handed backhand the way I’m playing now and the beat, but the Swiss Stanislas proved too much for way I’m moving and practising. Wawrinka keeps extending it to Khachanov – one of the I know that if I keep pushing in ‘Big Five’ – time and again. hottest players on the ATP that direction, the year can be The three-time Grand Slam Tour at the end of the good for me,” he explained. champion, who missed quite of 2018 season. A top draw match, the a bit of 2018 following two sur- Wawrinka-Khachanov clash geries on his left knee, served was expected to rise to a big yet another reminder of his match of the year, coming back high but the Swiss kept things class at the Khalifa Internation- to Doha after 10 years more or in check and seemed far more al Tennis and Squash Complex less, it was a great atmosphere comfortable on court than his on Tuesday with an impres- tonight,” said the veteran, 11 years younger Russian op- sive display to beat World No. whose last appearance in Doha ponent. 11 and doubles partner Karen came in 2007, while appreciat- Khachanov did take Khachanov 7-6(7), 6-4 in the ing the crowd. Wawrinka the distance in opening round of Qatar Exxon- Later, speaking to the me- the opening set but the lat- Mobil Open 2019. dia, Wawrinka stressed that ter used his backhand cross- It was a vintage perfor- it was quite a satisfying win court shots to great effect and mance from the former World against a player who won the with consistency. No. 3, whose sublime one- Paris Masters last year. The Swiss will next face an- handed backhand proved too “Today is the first match of other big hitter in Chilean Nico- much for Khachanov – one a (new) year against an in-form las Jarry, who defeated Dutch of the hottest players on the player, who won Paris last year, Robin Haase for the first time. ATP Tour at the end of the so I’m happy with the way I “There’s a few things I have 2018 season. played,” he said. to say. I know him (Jarry). I saw The third-seeded Khach- The 33-year-old has shed him play last year. I’m going to anov won one more point quite some weight and is look- probably look at some video be- than the World No. 66, but ing much leaner and fitter. cause I’ve never played against Wawrinka saved all four break “I think I have worked hard him. I never practised with points he faced on way to his in the last few months, since my him. So I need to see the way he win in an hour and 42 minutes injury, but it was a tough 2018 is playing and what I will have Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka serves to Russia’s Karen Khachanov during the first round match at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha on on the centre court. for me. I finished it much ear- to do, so I’m going to do that Tuesday. (JALAL PATHIYOOR) “I’m really happy. First lier and I wasn’t where I wanted later tonight,” said Wawrinka. Sports Wednesday, January 2, 2019 17 QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN 2019 Ashwin has Pant ‘shines’ on solo training ahead of final babysitting debut Test match for Paine’s kids IANS SYDNEY The Indian keeper meets Tim’s IN a bid to return to the play- ing eleven for the fourth and family and spends time with kids final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, starting on Thursday, AGENCIES and Indian teams gathered India’s premier off-spinner SYDNEY on Tuesday afternoon for a Ravichandran Ashwin on function hosted by Australian Tuesday underwent a solo in- TIM Paine’s wife has labelled Prime Minister Scott Mor- door bowling session while the Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant rison at his Kirribilli House, rest of the Indian team pre- the “best babysitter” in a light- Paine’s wife, Bonnie, decided ferred to take a day off. hearted viral social media post to drum up some online gold. Ashwin, who suffered a that shows there is no ani- Bonnie posted a photo on side strain during the first mosity between the Austral- her Instagram story of Pant Test win in Adelaide, where ian skipper and his opposition holding one of the couple’s he claimed 6/149 -- his best wicketkeeper. children with the caption match figures in seven Tests in The two glovemen, Paine “best babysitter” to go with a Australia. and Pant, have exchanged laughing emoji. A screenshot The 32-year-old tweaker some humourous banter of the photo was circulated was accompanied by team throughout the series and far and wide on social media physiotherapist Patrick perhaps the best example was on Tuesday afternoon and it Farhart and another support when the Australian skipper seems perhaps Tim and Bon- staff member to bowl in the tried to lure India’s keeper to nie can go to the movies after Qualifier Ricardas Berankis of Lithuania hits a return against sixth seed David Goffin of Belgium in the opening round of QatarxxonMobil E Open indoor centre facilities even as sign with the Hobart Hurri- all. 2019 at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex in Doha on Tuesday. (JALAL PATHIYOOR) the underfire Australian side canes. India lead the four-Test practised in the outdoor nets. “Big MS [Dhoni] is back series against Australia 2-1 af- The strain forced Ashwin in the one-day squad too, we ter winning last week’s match out of the second and the third might get him [Pant] down in Melbourne by 137 runs. Tests, with Australia bouncing to the Hurricanes... we need Virat Kohli’s team will back to pocket the Perth Test a batter,” Paine was heard now secure a maiden Test Plucky Berankis before the Virat Kohli-led side saying over the stump micro- series win in Australia if they came back strongly to win the phone during the Boxing Day avoid defeat in the final Test Boxing Day Test in Melbourne Test. in Sydney, which starts on and take an unassailable 2-1 “Fancy that, Pantsy? Ex- Wednesday. India are leading lead. tend your little Aussie holiday. the series 2-1 and will retain In his absence, the team Beautiful town Hobart too. I’ll the trophy, regardless of the preferred to back the part- get you a nice apartment on result of the fourth Test. shocks Goffin timer Hanuma Vihari in the the waterfront. “What we have done in second Test before going for “[I’ll] have him over for these first three Tests and the the specialist left-arm spinner dinner. Can you babysit? I’ll way that we have been able to World No. 1 Djokovic blazes to victory over Dzumhur in 55 minutes Ravindra Jadeja for the third take the wife to the movies play is something that is very game. Jadeja grabbed the op- one night and you’ll look after special and something that VINAY NAYUDU RESULTS portunity with both hands, the kids?” will stay with us for life,’’ said DOHA picking five wickets in India’s The next day, as Paine bat- Kohli during the function. Singles (1st Round) winning cause. ted in the Australian second The track for the game is THE first day of the new year 1-Novak Djokovic (SRB) bt Damir Dzumhur (BIH) innings, Pant had a brutal expected to assist spinners, Q-Ricardas Berankis (LTU) bt 6-David Goffin (BEL) brought both luck and pluck 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (4) comeback. which saw Australia calling- for qualifier Ricardas Berank- Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) bt 3-Karen Khachanov “Have you heard of a tem- up Marnus Labuschagne to is as the Lithuanian showed (RUS) 7-6 (9-7), 6-4 ICC confirms porary captain ever? Have you their squad as soon as the great self-belief and resolve 4-Marco Cecchinato (ITA) bt Sergiy Stakhovsky (UKR) heard of it? Have you heard third Test ended. 6-4, 6-2 as he shocked World No. 22 Guido Pella (ARG) bt Cem Ilkel (TUR) 7-6 (1), 6-3 direct qualifiers of anything like a temporary India will be without the David Goffin – the Belgian Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) bt Mubarak Shannan captain ever? You don’t need services of Rohit Sharma in who beat Roger Federer at Zayid (QAT) 6-1, 6-3 for 2020 T20 anything to get him out, boy,” this Test, who has flown back the 2017 World Tour Finals – Dusan Lajovic (SRB) bt Adrian Mannarino (FRA) 6-3, the Indian ‘keeper retorted. to India to be with his wife 7-6 (5) World Cup in the first round of the Qatar Marton Ficsovics (HUN) bt Marius Copil (ROU) 6-3, “He loves to talk. That’s and new-born daughter. He ExxonMobil Open 2019 on 6-2 the only thing he can do boy. is expected to be replaced by Tuesday. IANS Only talking, talking.” Ravichandran Ashwin in the Between Berankis and Doubles (2nd Round) DUBAI The exchange was thor- squad, keeping the pitch in Robin Haase & Matwe Middelkoop (NED) bt Goffin, it was the latter who 4-Dominic Inglot (GBR) & Franko Skugor (CRO) 3-6, oughly enjoyed by cricket lov- mind. If Ashwin is unfit for had won both of their earlier 6-3, 10-7 THE International Cricket ers and was very entertaining the match, then Kuldeep Ya- clashes, but on this New Year Nicolas Jarry (CHI) & Maximo Gonzalez (ARG) bt Council on Tuesday confirmed to say the least. dav might be looked at for a day, the 116-ranked Lithuani- Albert Ramos-Vinolas & Fernando verdasco (ESP) the teams that have qualified So when the Australian place in the playing XI. 6-3, 6-4 an came back from being a set Aisam Qureshi (PAK) & Santiago Gonzalez (MEX) bt directly for the ICC Mens T20 down to best his fancied rival Marco Cecchinato & Andreas Sippi (ITA) 6-3, 6-2. World Cup 2020 to be held in 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (4) at the Khal- Australia, based on the Twen- ifa International Tennis and TODAY’S ORDER OF PLAY ty20 International (T20I) Second Round (prefix denotes seeding) Squash Complex. Centre Court rankings as on December 31. The 28-year-old Berankis, Serbia’s Novak Djokovic acknowledges the crowd after winning his 3:30 Pm: Stan Wawrinka vs Nicolas Jarry As per the qualification cri- who earlier made the second first-round match in Doha on Tuesday. Followed By: (1) Novak Djokovic vs Marton Fucsovics teria set for the tournament, round in Doha in 2016, termed Maximilian Marterer vs Pierre-Hugues Herbert Australia and the other nine it as one of his top wins. “This is DOHA DEBUTANT HERBERT STUNS THIEM (8) Fernando Verdasco vs (WC) Tomas Berdych top ranked sides have ensured one of my top wins for sure. I’m Court 1 direct qualification, the Inter- really happy with my first win of 3:30 Pm: (Q) Guillermo Garcia-Lopez vs (7) Roberto national Cricket Council (ICC) the New Year. IN the biggest first round upset, France’s Pierre-Hughes Herbert Bautista Agut announced in a statement. handed a shock defeat to second seed and World No. 8 Dominic Followed By: Guido Pella vs (4) Marco Cecchinato “I would say it was belief Andrey Rublev vs (5) Nikoloz Basilashvili The top eight make it from my side. It was a close Thiem of Austria in one hour and 16 minutes. Damir Dzumhur & Dusan Lajovic vs (WC) Marko straight to the Super 12s stage match like all the matches The 27-year-old and World No. 55, who achieved his highest Djokovic & Novak Djokovic while the remaining two will we’ve played against each oth- ranking of 50 in October last year, showed great determination play in the group stage along and focus as he won 6-3, 7-5 to set a second round clash with Court 2 er, and this was on my side. So, 3:30 Pm: (Q) Ricardas Berankis vs Dusan Lajovic with six other teams who will may be luck, maybe belief but Maximilian Merterer of Germany. Not Before 6:00 pm: Maximo Gonzalez & Nicolas make it through from the ICC something surely was on my Herbert, making debut in Doha, said he was delighted to be Jarry vs Robin Haase & Matwe Middelkoop T20 World Cup Qualifier in side,” he said. in Qatar. “I always like to discover new places and tournaments. Followed By: Santiago Gonzalez & Aisam Qureshi vs 2019. Four teams from the Goffin, a giant-killer who ac- It’s an amazing tournament and amazing place. It’s the best way Marton Fucsovics & Guido Pella group stage will advance to the counted for Kevin Anderson and to start the new year and I’m delighted.” Court 3: Super 12s. Juan Martin Del Potro on same (3) Nikola Mektic & Alexander Peya vs David Goffin & Of the top 10 sides on the day in 2018 to reach ATP Mas- Pierre-Hugues Herbert. rankings table, top-ranked Pa- ters semis in Cincinnati, was make an error off return, before to deal with Novak Djokovic in a kistan, India, England, Austral- somewhat subdued as Berankis claiming the win. late evening match. Marton Fucsovics beat Marius ia, South Africa, New Zealand, matched him shot for shot. In Berankis will now play Du- The World No. 1 continued Copil 6-3, 6-2. The Hungarian the West Indies and Afghani- the two-hour, 18-minute-long san Lajovic of Serbia, who beat from where he left off in 2018, saved all eight break points he stan will start their campaign duel, Berankis produced some Frenchman Adrian Mannarino crushing Dzumhur 6-1, 6-2 in faced to defeat the Romanian, directly in in the Super 12s. great groundstrokes to counter 6-3, 7-6 (5), for a spot in the just 55 minutes. The top seed whom he broke four times. Former champions and Goffin’s strong baseline play. quarter-finals. has now won 11 consecutive Fourth seed Marco Cecchi- three time finalists Sri Lanka The Belgian saved two While Berankis had lots to matches at the season-opening nato of Italy also moved into and Bangladesh will have to match points in the third set tie- smile about in the New Year, event — having lifted the Falcon the second round with a smooth contend with the other six breaker, but Berankis kept his there was no such luck for Bos- trophy in 2016 and 2017. 6-4, 6-2 win over Sergiy Stak- qualifiers in the group stage of Rishabh Pant, Tim Paine’s wife Bonnie and kids in Sydney on composure and forced Goffin to nian Damir Dzumhur, who had Djokovic’s next opponent, hovsky of Ukraine. the tournament. Tuesday. Delighted fans meet tennis stars at ExxonMobil Qatar stand TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK tennis,” he added. Qatar ExxonMobil Open year DOHA Every year, the Qatar Ten- after year. The players are nis Federation (QTF) works helping us inspire a genera- EVERY year during the Qatar tirelessly to ensure that some tion of young tennis players ExxonMobil Open, ExxonMo- of the biggest names in ten- and fans in Qatar – the future bil Qatar offers fans the oppor- nis travel to Doha to partici- of Qatar’s tennis is bright be- tunity to meet their favorite pate in the tournament. The cause of such efforts,” added tennis stars at its stand in the Qatar ExxonMobil Open is Zainal. Public Village. Hundreds of an example of how Qatar is ExxonMobil Qatar has tournament-goers from all setting global standards for been the title sponsor of the over the world gather at the excellence across various in- Qatar ExxonMobil Open for stand to meet players and pick dustries and sectors. It also 25 years. Every year, the com- up signed giant size tennis shines a light on the country’s pany ensures that its stand at balls. position as a world-leading the tournament’s Public Vil- Dominic Thiem, Jamie host of major sporting events. lage is an exciting and crea- Murray, and David Goffin “Tennis is as exciting and tive spot with lots of fun ac- have already visited the stand global as it ever was before, tivities to take part in. and tried out the racing car and it’s only going to get ExxonMobil is committed simulator and the new green stronger as more and more to supporting Qatar’s sus- cube 3D virtual reality, which brilliant players emerge. tainable development goals, provides a genuine immersive Many of these players are in line with the objectives of experience of how dugongs playing here in Doha and the National Vision 2030. By live in their natural habitat. people want to see them - to partnering with local organi- They also signed autographs ovic, and can increase their entertaining and action- Mana, Vice-President and youth. It’s wonderful to see meet them,” said Tareq Zain- sations, the company invests for their fans. chances of seeing him and packed for every year of the Director Public and Govern- them engage with their fans al, QTF Assistant Secretary- in education and professional More of this year’s star- other players by regularly Qatar ExxonMobil Open, but ment Affairs for ExxonMobil here in Doha – we’re very General. workforce development pro- studded list of players will be passing by the stand during when the tennis players visit, Qatar. proud to provide a platform “We’re very pleased that grams to promote a highly visiting the stand. Fans are tournament days. it makes it an even more at- “These players are role for this interaction that could ExxonMobil Qatar gives the skilled and productive work- particularly excited about a “We work very hard to tractive venue for tourna- models for millions of people inspire young tennis players public the opportunity to force that can build a more possible visit by Novak Djok- make our stand interesting, ment-goers,” said Saleh al around the world, especially in Qatar to pursue a career in meet their tennis idols at the prosperous future. 18 Wednesday, January 2, 2019 Sports USADA chief Federer bests Serena in hugely urges WADA to reinstate anticipated Hopman Cup match Russia ban AFP The Swiss team of Federer and Belinda Bencic eased to a straight sets victory over Williams and youngster Tiafoe LOS ANGELES US Anti-Doping Agency AFP (USADA) chief Travis Tygart PERTH, AUSTRALIA Legends! urged the World Anti-Doping Agency to reinstate the ban ROGER Federer took the O With 43 Grand Slam on Russia, calling the coun- honours in the much-antic- singles titles (Williams 23, try’s return to the sports fold ipated mixed doubles clash Federer 20) and more than “a total joke”. with fellow great Serena Wil- $200 million in prize “The situation is a total liams in what the latter de- money between them, the joke and an embarrassment scribed as the “match of her two 37-year-olds had for WADA and the global career” at the Hopman Cup welcomed the chance to anti-doping system,” Tygart in Perth Tuesday. said in a statement on Tues- In the biggest mixed dou- face each other on the day, after Russia missed a bles drawcard in the 31-year court in an official match December 31 deadline to history of the tournament, for the first time. hand over data from its anti- in what is expected to be its doping laboratory in Mos- final edition, Federer teamed preparation for the upcom- cow. with Belinda Bencic to win ing Australian Open in Mel- The deadline was set in the match in straight sets un- bourne, where he will be September, when WADA lift- der the Fast4 format and win looking to win a third succes- ed a ban on the Russian Anti- the Group B tie for Switzer- sive title and seventh overall. Doping Agency, paving the land. “It’s been a great start to way for Russian athletes to With 43 Grand Slam the season for me, I found a return to competition across singles titles (Williams 23, way and I have to be happy all sports after a report which Federer 20) and more than right now,” Federer said. uncovered a state-sponsored $200 million in prize mon- “It’s about staying fit and doping programme in Rus- ey between them, the two healthy and managing the sia. 37-year-olds had welcomed game day by day.” “In September, WADA the chance to face each oth- Williams raced to an early secretly moved the goal posts er on the court in an official 3-0 lead against Bencic, but and reinstated Russia against match for the first time. then lost her way as the Swiss the wishes of athletes, gov- As it turned out, the tie number 54 gained successive ernments and the public,” was decided by the mixed breaks of serve to secure the Tygart said. “In doing this doubles, after both Federer first set. WADA guaranteed Russia and Williams won their ear- Although the American would turn over the evidence lier singles matches. was hitting more winners, of its state-supported doping A capacity crowd of she was also making more scheme by today. 14,064 turned out for the tie, errors and looked in trouble “No one is surprised this and they saw Federer and until she broke Bencic in the deadline was ignored and it’s Bencic largely capitalise on 10th game to take the set and time for WADA to stop being the mixed doubles inexperi- level the match. played by the Russians and ence of Williams’ teammate, An early break in the final immediately declare them Francis Tiafoe, to clinch the GREATEST SELFIE OF ALL TIME! Serena Williams and Roger Federer take a selfie after their mixed doubles match on day four of the Hopman set to Williams was crucial as non-compliant for failing yet deciding rubber under the Cup in Perth on Tuesday. (AFP) she used her big serve to hold again to meet the deadline.” Fast4 format, 4-2, 4-3 (5/3). Bencic at bay and win 4-6, WADA personnel trav- Williams, who seemed most certainly the only, time. Federer said he was you see how focussed and was challenged early by the 6-4, 6-3. elled to Russia in December to be troubled by her right “I was so excited and lit- thrilled to play against one determined she is and I love 39th-ranked American, but “It was definitely a relief,” but were unable to extract all shoulder during the match erally it was the match of my of the few players with more that about her.” then secured the first set with Williams said of the result. of the promised data. but said it wasn’t a concern, career,” she said. Grand Slam titles. The pair posed together a break in the 10th game. “She played really well WADA said at the time was disappointed her dou- “Playing someone so “I really enjoyed playing for a selfie after the match. Federer won seven games but I knew I could play bet- its team could not complete bles experience didn’t give great and that you admire so against Serena, what an hon- In his singles match, in succession and eight of the ter.” its mission “due to an issue the Americans the edge. much in a match that actually our and pleasure,” he said. Federer scored successive last nine as Tiafoe dropped If Switzerland beats raised by the Russian author- However, even a rare de- means something. “I was nervous returning wins to start the new season away. Greece on Thursday they will ities that the team’s equip- feat couldn’t take the gloss “It is really great and spe- because people talk about her with an impressive 6-4, 6-1 It was another encour- be through to the final, where ment to be used for the data off the experience of facing cial to go against the greatest serve so much. It was great victory over Frances Tiafoe. aging performance from they will defend the title they extraction was required to be Federer for the first, and al- of all time.” fun, she is a great champion, The world number three Federer as he builds his won last year. certified under Russian law”. Body first, ranking later, says Nadal after ankle surgery

AFP Murray upbeat after BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA winning start in Brisbane SPANISH superstar Rafael Na- dal insisted Tuesday he is not ANDY Murray was upbeat after chasing the world’s top ranking making a winning start to 2019 as he prepares to make a come- with a straight sets victory over back from ankle surgery, with James Duckworth in the Brisbane taking care of his body a key International on Tuesday. Murray, Petra Vlhova reacts during the Women’s Giant Slalom race at the FIS priority. who didn’t appear hampered with Alpine Skiing World Cup, recently. (EPA-EFE) The current world num- his movement, said he could feel ber two has not played a main his touch returning as the match tour event since a knee prob- progressed. Vlhova beats Shiffrin and Schwarz lem forced him to retire during “It wasn’t particularly good denies Ryding in Oslo city race his US Open semi-final against tennis at the beginning, but I Juan Martin del Potro in Sep- think one of the positive things tember. for me was kind of instinctively I DPA spot in Austria. Swiss Wendy The 32-year-old had sur- came up with some shots where BERLIN Holdener was third. gery on his ankle in November I was kind of reading the game “She pushed me to the limit to remove a loose intra-articular quite well, which is positive for a PETRA Vlhova beat superstar in the first run. In the second body and only resumed training first match,” he said. Mikaela Shiffrin in her spe- I said you have to do it, and three weeks ago. He played the Murray said that while he ciality discipline and Marco when I crossed the line I was opening round at an exhibition was still playing in some pain, Schwarz denied Dave Ryding a just so happy,” Vlhova said in event in Abu Dhabi last week, his hip wasn’t an issue. “I didn’t first-ever skiing World Cup win a first stadium interview. Shif- where he lost to South African Rafael Nadal speaks during a press conference at the Brisbane International tennis tournament on feel particularly apprehensive... for Britain in action packed city frin however maintains a huge Kevin Anderson, and gets his Tuesday. (AFP) about my hip as such today, just races in Oslo on Tuesday. World Cup lead with 1,114 season proper under way in the because I’ve trained on it more Slovakia’s Vlhova had fin- points, 446 ahead of Vlhova. second round of the Brisbane make me feel alive, you know, collection. He said he wanted to that my body is not going to and been here playing practice ished second behind the Ameri- Ryding ousted men’s World International on Thursday. for the things that motivate me. ensure he could take care of his get worse every year. Really my sets with guys, and I’ve just had a can Shiffrin in all four slaloms Cup leader Marcel Hirscher as The 17-time Grand Slam “So I will not (chase) the body to allow him to keep play- only goal is to keep doing the lot longer to get used to it.” and the first parallel race in St 12 months ago in the quarter- winner said he hadn’t been wor- number one because it’s not my ing as long as possible because things that makes me happy, “When I was playing in June, Moritz but finally turned the finals and 2018 race winner ried about the world rankings main goal. Of course, I prefer to of his love for the game. and today playing tennis makes July last year, my hip was pretty tide at the famous Holmenkol- Andre Myrer of Sweden in the for the past two years. be number one than number “The thing that I don’t want me happy, and I want to do it sore. I hadn’t really practised len ski centre. semis before having to settle for “My goal is just to be happy two, and I prefer to be number to do is suffer more than what I the best way possible and as much. I hadn’t played matches Vlhova won the first heat second as in a 2017 slalom in doing what I am doing and be two than number five, that’s ob- did last year, because if you do long as possible.” for a long time, and psychologi- by 0.21 seconds and even ex- Kitzbuehel, just missing out on competitive all the weeks that I vious,” he added. (suffer injuries two) years in a In the second round Na- cally it was difficult. I was concen- tended the final advantage over history for Britain. am playing,” he said. Nadal was forced to retire row, that mentally kills you,” he dal will play either Jo-Wilfried trating more on that than actually the 2018 race winner to 0.39 Austria’s Schwarz kept his “I want to feel myself com- during matches at two of the said. Tsonga or local hope Thanasi playing the match or my tactics, seconds in the second heat, cool, took the first heat by 0.28 petitive every week that I am on four Grand Slams in 2018, but “I really believe that I have Kokkinakis, two players who whereas, today I didn’t really think her sixth career victory coming and won when Ryding skied out court and I want to keep fight- still added a record-extending to keep having tennis to play have also been troubled recently about it -- I just concentrated on a week after a giant slalom top in the second run. ing for the things that really 11th French Open crown to his in my career, and I really feel by injuries. the match.” (AFP) Red-hot Harden lifts Rockets, Westbrook bounces back

And with his eighth nine points with 1:26 to play. he was letting his teammates Curry made five of his nine Curry flurry for straight game with at least 35 A free throw from P.J. down, bounced back in a big three-point attempts as the points and five assists he set Tucker and a layup by Austin way with 32 points, 11 assists Warriors connected on 14- Warriors; Spurs an NBA record -- bettering Rivers helped rebuild the lead and 11 rebounds. of-28 from beyond the arc in tame Celtics Oscar Robertson’s two such as the Rockets continued to Paul George added 22 their 17th straight victory over seven-game streaks. win despite the injury absence points and Jerami Grant the Suns. More important for Harden, of point guard Chris Paul. chipped in 16 for the Thunder, In San Antonio, the Spurs AFP the Rockets -- who made a sput- “Offensively and defen- who never trailed. connected on 76 percent of LOS ANGELES tering start to the season -- won sively guys are stepping up,” their shots in a 46-point third for the 10th time in their last 11 Harden said. “We’ve got a long Warriors eclipse Suns quarter to put away the Bos- JAMES Harden posted a games to improve to 21-15. way to go, but we’re heading The two-time defending ton Celtics 120-111. 43-point triple-double on an- That’s a better measure, in the right direction.” NBA champion Golden State LaMarcus Aldridge scored other record-setting night Mon- he said, than individual ac- The Oklahoma City Thun- Warriors closed out 2018 with 12 of his 32 points in the third day to lead the Houston Rockets complishments, as “bringing a der rode point guard Russell a 132-109 victory over the and San Antonio won for the to a 113-101 NBA victory over championship to the city is the Westbrook’s triple-double to a Suns in Phoenix. 11th time in 13 games to con- the Memphis Grizzlies. important thing.” 122-102 home victory over the Stephen Curry scored 34 tinue their rise in the Western Harden, the reigning NBA Harden drained six three- Dallas Mavericks, a day after points and pulled down nine Conference. Most Valuable Player, added 13 pointers and made 21 of his 27 falling to the Mavs in Dallas. rebounds. Kevin Durant added Derrick White contributed Houston Rockets James Harden (right) dribbles the ball against assists and 10 rebounds for his free throws and the Rockets Westbrook, who said after 25 points and Klay Thompson a career-high 22 points for San Memphis Grizzlies Mike Conley during the second quarter of their NBA fourth triple-double of the sea- led by as many as 24 before his disappointing nine-point chipped in 15 for the Warriors, Antonio, one of six Spurs play- game at Toyota Center in Houston on Monday. (USA TODAY SPORTS) son and 39th of his career. Memphis sliced the deficit to performance in Dallas that who led by as many as 30. ers to score in double figures. Sports Wednesday, January 2, 2019 19 Australia’s main rivals THREE DAYS TO AFC ASIAN CUP 2019 KICK-OFF at the Asian Cup

AAP in 1997 where Khodadad Azi- Asian Cup contenders SYDNEY zi’s late strike ended the Soc- ceroos’ campaign. WITH the Asian Cup set to get South Korea: World under way on January 5, we ranking: 53: Asian Cups: 2 take a look at the defending (1956, 1960): Key player: conclude preparations champion Socceroos’ main ri- Son Heung-min vals in the tournament. Defeat to Australia in the 2015 Asian Cup final in Syd- Japan: World ranking: 50 ney means one of the giants Determined Asian Cups: 4 (1992, of Asian soccer has now gone 2000, 2004, 2011) Key play- almost 60 years since win- Qatar ready for er: Maya Yoshida ning the regional champion- campaign Asia’s best-performed ship. Tottenham winger Son team at the 2018 World Cup, Heung-min is possibly the AFC.COM where only a second-half biggest name at the tourna- ABU DHABI comeback from Belgium pre- ment but won’t feature until vented the Blue Samarai from the knock-out stages due to THE Continent’s top teams reaching the tournament’s last an agreement between the Ko- went head-to-head in friendly eight. Have twice been Aus- rean FA and the English Pre- matches as preparations for tralia’s nemesis at the Asian mier League club. Experienced the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Cup, defeating the Socceroos coach Paulo Bento is yet to lose intensified with Asia’s biggest in six matches since taking and most anticipated football Experienced coach Paulo over in August and has picked competition starting in four a squad full of experience in- days. Bento is yet to lose in six cluding Son, Newcastle United As the countdown begins matches since taking over midfielder Ki Sung-yueng and before the curtains are raised in August and has picked a Robbie Kruse’s Bochum team- at the AFC Asian Cup UAE squad full of experience mate Lee Chung-yong. 2019, the 24 teams are put- including Son. ting in the finishing touches Saudi Arabia: World in their bid for Asia’s ultimate ranking: 69: Asian Cups: prize. in the 2011 final and the 2007 3 (1984, 1988, 1996): Key Qatar have been the busi- quarter-finals. Coach Hajime player: Fahad Al Muwal- est team in recent weeks and Moriyasu has yet to lose since lad have showed great ambitions taking over from Akira Nishi- Regular World Cup at- in lifting their first-ever AFC no after the World Cup. tendees Saudi Arabia will be Asian Cup with a convincing Iran: World ranking: 29 buoyed by this year’s Asian 2-0 victory over Jordan and a Asian Cups: 3 (1968, 1972, Cup being hosted in neigh- 1-0 win over AFC Asian Cup 1976) Key player: Sardar bouring United Arab Emir- debutants Kyrgyz Republic. Azmoun ates. The Green Falcons won However, the West Asian Led by former Real Madrid three titles in their first four side’s undefeated streak since Iran’s Mehdi Taremi celebrates scoring his goal with teammate Morteza Pouraliganji in a friendly match against Qatar on Monday. head coach Carlos Queiroz appearances at the Asian Cup their win over Switzerland who has been in charge since but have been eliminated in in November came to an end Afghanistan 2-0 in their final stan 2-0. After defeats in ear- ceived a huge boost in their public will make their first ap- 2011, including at the 2014 the group stages for three of with double losses against Al- friendly before facing four- lier friendlies, Marcello Lippi’s AFC Asian Cup preparation pearance at the AFC Asian Cup and 2018 World Cups. One the past four tournaments. geria 1-0 and three-time AFC time AFC Asian Cup cham- China PR and Jordan played after securing 4-0, 1-0 and on the back of a morale boost- of the strongest teams in Asia Juan Antonio Pizzi’s decision Asian Cup champions Islamic pions Japan in their opening to a 1-1 draw with goals com- 5-0 victories over DPR Korea, ing 2-1 victory against Pales- historically, Iran have fallen to omit Nawaf al Abed from Republic of Iran 2-1. match in Group F. Uzbekistan ing from Wu Xi and Musa Al Lebanon and Tajikistan re- tine while powerhouses Saudi at the quarter-finals in the his squad means the team’s The host nation United and Oman are also drawn in Tamaari respectively. spectively. Arabia and Korea Republic past three Asian Cups includ- goals will have to come from Arab Emirates will return to the same group. Defending champions Aus- Vietnam look set to con- settled for a goalless draw on ing a penalty shoot-out loss to somewhere else. Al Abed’s five the drawing board following a Iraq secured a morale tralia sent an early warning to tinue their recent fine form as Monday. Bernd Stange’s Syria neighbours Iraq in 2015. Aus- strikes in the third round of surprise 2-0 defeat to Kuwait. boosting 2-1 win over China their rivals after securing an the 2018 AFF Cup champions continued their winning mo- tralia have never faced Iran qualifying for the 2018 World UAE will kickstart their cam- PR and continued their win- emphatic 5-0 victory against defeated regional rivals Philip- mentum with a 1-0 victory since becoming a part of the Cup ensured they finished paign in the opening match ning ways with a 1-0 triumph Oman, who were earlier held pines 4-2. The win comes after over Yemen following their Asian Confederation with the ahead of Australia and sent against Bahrain on January 5 against Palestine, who in ear- to a 0-0 draw by India, the first playing to a 1-1 draw with DPR victory over Kuwait in Novem- last meeting being the ill-fated the Socceroos into a torturous in Group A. lier friendlies held IR Iran to team to arrive in the UAE. Korea in an earlier friendly. ber as they head into the AFC World Cup playoff at the MCG play-off route to Russia. Turkmenistan defeated a 1-1 draw and defeated Paki- The in-form Bahrain re- Meanwhile, Kyrgyz Re- Asian Cup in fine form. Arsenal bounce back to rout feeble Fulham; Leicester win Aubameyang strikes as Gunners win 4-1; Vardy scores winner as Everon lose at Goodison Park AFP LONDON

ARSENAL responded to their thrashing by Liverpool in the best possible manner reeling off a routine 4-1 humbling of strug- gling Fulham in their Premier League clash on Tuesday. Alexis Sanchez of Manchester United during a UEFA Champions Swiss midfielder Granit League game at Old Trafford in Manchester recently. (GETTY IMAGES) Xhaka had set Arsenal on their way with his fourth goal of the season. Alexandre Lacazette Sanchez eager for added the second after 55 min- utes with their momentum tem- porarily halted as Aboubakar return to free-scoring Kamara pulled one back after 69 minutes. However, Welshman Aaron United: Solskjaer Ramsey came off the bench to make it 3-1 eleven minutes from AFP the (training) session because time and Pierre-Emerick Au- MANCHESTER he scored quite a few nice bameyang added a fourth. goals, so that’s encouraging.” Arsenal have yet to keep a After scoring 12 goals in Solskjaer has been credit- clean sheet since beating Hud- three games under caretaker ed for restoring United’s prin- dersfield Town on December 8, manager Ole Gunnar Solsk- ciples of attacking football but a second win in six matches jaer, Manchester United could after two-and-a-half seasons saw them move on to 41 points add another weapon to their with Mourinho’s more cau- two points off the Champions attacking arsenal at Newcas- tious approach. League places. tle on Wednesday, with Alexis Shunned by Mourinho for Fulham have shown little Sanchez set to return from in- his final three league games in sign of a recovery under Claudio jury. charge, Paul Pogba has roared Ranieri since he took over from Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates after scoring his goal during their English Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium in The Chilean has been side- back into form by scoring four the sacked Slavisa Jokanovic and London, on Tuesday. (EPA) lined by a hamstring injury for goals in his last two games, are second from bottom. The the past month, meaning he while Marcus Rashford and visitors did have their chances the post and the rebound fell missed the final days of Jose Anthony Martial also appear early on to break the deadlock. Results to Ramsey, who shot high past Mourinho’s reign in charge at to be flourishing with more First Fulham captain Tom Everton 0 - 1 Leicester City Rico’s left hand. Old Trafford. freedom to attack. Cairney sent Ryan Sessegnon Arsenal 4 - 1 Fulham Aubameyang made it 4-1 Sanchez was signed to However, Solskjaer insist- clear of defenders with the sim- Cardiff 0 - 3 Tottenham after 83 minutes when Fulham much fanfare last January ed he is only implementing plest of passes only for the Eng- failed dismally to clear a corner from Arsenal on reportedly what he learned for 11 seasons land under-21 star to sidefoot and the Gabon striker’s shot the most lucrative contract in as a player under Alex Fergu- his shot wide of Bernd Leno’s Wednesday fixtures was deflected over Rico by Tim Premier League history, but son at Old Trafford. goal. Then Andre Schurrle hit Bournemouth v Watford Ream’s attempt to block. has so far failed to deliver on United’s decline in the a dangerous low cross from the Chelsea v Southampton Jamie vardy rescued a dire expectations, scoring just four past five years has coincided left and Sessegnon ran in behind Hiddersfield v Burnley match with an eye-catching goals in 30 appearances. with Ferguson’s retirement Sead Kolasinac only to miskick celebration as his goal secured However, Solskjaer be- and Solskjaer said he invited with the goal at his mercy. West Ham v Brighton Leicester City a 1-0 win away at lieves the more positive ap- the club’s most successful Fulham paid dearly for that Wolverhampton v Palace Everton in their New Year’s day proach he has adopted in wins manager to visit his players miss in the 25th minute as Ar- Newcastle v Man United Premier League fixture on Tues- over Cardiff, Huddersfield and coaching staff, which in- senal exposed the defensive day. and Bournemouth to begin cludes one of Ferguson’s for- frailties that have blighted their Thursday fixture The 31-year-old showed re- his temporary spell in charge mer assistants Mike Phelan, season. markable agility after scoring until the end of the season will at United’s Carrington train- Alex Iwobi spotted Xhaka Everton’s English midfielder Jonjoe Kenny (left) chases after Leicester Man City v Liverpool in the 58th minute for a result suit Sanchez’s game. ing ground. advancing unmarked into the City’s striker Jamie Vardy during their Premier League match at Goodi- that sees The Foxes move into “He’s a player that would “I do keep him informed. penalty area and flighted the ball son Park in Liverpool on Tuesday. (AFP) spot kick himself -- by arriving seventh, seven points adrift of benefit from the rotation (of He visited us yesterday (Sat- into his path. The midfielder had at the far post to convert Sesseg- Arsenal who occupy the Europa positions) and movements, urday) and I think he en- all the time he needed to control trailing leg. A second goal arrived path. The defender unselfishly non’s low cross. League fifth-placed spot. and the more chances you cre- joyed his time at the training the ball and poke it past Fulham ten minutes into the second half. squared for Lacazette to hit the The Gunners, though, put Vardy has been rumoured ate, the more times you get ground,” said Solskjaer. goalkeeper Sergio Rico. It was Arsenal at their intri- ball past Rico from ten yards. the game to bed 11 minutes from to have strained relations with the ball into the final third, “We had a nice few chats Arsenal relaxed and created cate, quick-passing best. Kamara briefly gave Fulham time. Leicester manager Claude Puel he’ll be an asset for us,” said and he encouraged us. He a series of chances, Xhaka and Iwobi, on the left, touched hope when he made amends for Matteo Guendouzi and Ko- and was taken off in the defeat Solskjaer. knows we are Man Utd Sokratis having shots blocked, the ball forward to Aubameyang, Saturday’s controversial penalty lasinac opened Fulham up down by Cardiff last Saturday and said “I think he’s looking for- through and through and we Aubameyang heading wide and who saw Kolasinac advancing miss at home to Huddersfield the left, Aubameyang smacked the acrobatic display had not ward to it. It certainly looked want to do whatever we can up Lacazette seeing a shot hit Rico’s inside him and rolled it into his -- he had insisted on taking the Kolasinac’s low cross against been a spontaneous one. like it yesterday (Saturday) in to the last second we are here.” 20 Wednesday, January 2, 2019 The Last Word QM announces India Amir exudes Qatar’s determination as Partner Nation for to forge ahead despite blockade 2019 Year of Culture TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK together.” THE Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani voiced Qatar’s determination to turn the unjust siege imposed by some of neighbouring countries into DOHA The Qatar India 2019 logo an opportunity for multi-layered and sustainable growth at various global forums last year. HH the Amir also hoped that the crisis would lead to reform in the Gulf reflects how festivals are at the Cooperation Council (GCC) with sound mechanism for resolving internal disputes. HH the Amir lauded the positive impact of the siege on citizens whose faith in QATAR Museums (QM) has heart of people’s lives in India. their abilities and values got strengthened, but lamented its paralysing impact on the GCC. (TNN) announced India as the Official In fact, the numerous festi- Partner Nation for the 2019 vals that are held throughout Year of Culture. the year, offer a unique way of The announcement kick- seeing the Indian culture at its starts an exciting array of ex- best. The Devanagari font, one hibitions, festivals, competi- of the most popular fonts for tions and events to be held in writing Hindi, is combined with both countries over the next 12 Arabic to create a harmonious months. blend of the two scripts. The carefully curated pro- Some of the key events gramme is specially designed to to look forward to in India promote mutual understand- include ‘The Monsoon Wed- ing, recognition and apprecia- ding The Musical, slated in tion between the two sovereign January 2019 in New Delhi, nations. Qatar India 2019 Year and a contemporary Art Qa- of Culture will invite audiences tar Exhibition – a landmark in Qatar and India to explore exhibition showcasing Qatar’s their cultural similarities, as rapid social and urban trans- well as celebrate their differ- formation through the eyes of ences. talented emerging artists from Indian Ambassador to Qa- the country. tar HE P Kumaran said, “We are hap- py to partner with Qatar Museums for the Qatar India 2019 Year of Cul- ture, and look for- ward to organising a number of cul- tural events during the course of the year, in a manner that effectively showcases the As for the events to be held deep cultural roots and people- in Qatar, residents and visitors to-people links between India to the country will be able to and Qatar over the years. These enjoy the Year of Culture ex- events will cover a wide range perience at the Doha Interna- of activities including dance tional Book Fair 2019 where performances, musical presen- India will be the Guest of Hon- tations, film festivals, painting our. Other highlights include and photography exhibitions, an exhibition by Raqs Media food festivals, fashion shows, Collective, which makes con- calligraphy exhibitions, textiles temporary art, edits books and exhibitions and yoga. As part of curates exhibitions, and a ‘Fes- QF students showcase artworks at ‘Minber’ this process, the embassy will tival of India’ event that will be working closely with the In- feature a range of visual arts TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Leithy and Noor Alsheibani – dian community organisations and performances such as clas- DOHA ranged from still life, abstract in Qatar.” sical dance and music (both and multimedia works to sculp- Ahmad al Namla, act- Indian and Western), as well as WHEN Hana El Leithi first tures, embroidered pieces and ing CEO at QM, said, “We are cinema and theatre. attended a community class retro-themed art. thrilled to confirm India as our The focus for most of the organised by one of Qatar According to Muftah, a Partner Nation for the Year of programmes of Qatar India Foundation’s (QF) partner uni- third-year student, QF’s ini- Culture 2019 and look forward 2019 Year of Culture will be on versities – Virginia Common- tiatives to bring world-class art to working with a range of lead- exploring and celebrating cul- wealth University School of the education within easy reach of ing institutions to deliver the tural, artistic and educational Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) the people of Qatar have not incredible programmes that exchanges between the two – almost a decade ago, little only led to the establishment we have planned. Culture is the countries. The Years of Culture did she know that one day her of a world-class art university most effective tool for bringing programme, developed under paintings would be on public in the form of VCUarts Qatar, people closer together and we the patronage of HE Sheikha display at an exhibition in an but have also contributed to look forward to our Year of Cul- al Mayassa bint Hamad bin upscale hotel in Doha. a growing interest in fine art ture 2019 to celebrate the simi- Khalifa al Thani, chairperson of Titled ‘Minber’, which ‘Minber’ showcases the artworks of third and fourth year students studying the Bachelor of Fine Arts pro- across the country. larities and differences between Qatar Museums, has gone from means ‘platform’ or ‘pedestal’ gram in Painting + Printmaking at VCUarts Qatar. “Artists in Doha are being both our countries through strength to strength with each in Arabic, the exhibition is be- encouraged to use the resourc- widespread engagement both passing year and the breadth ing held at the W Doha Hotel tion City was the beginning of programs in Fashion Design, Petersburg in Russia and Ber- es available to them,” says Al in Qatar and India.” and depth of activities have & Residences in Doha, from a journey that would eventu- Graphic Design, and Interior lin in Germany, drawing the at- Muftah. Qatar Airways Group Chief continued to expand. November 27 to January 10, ally inspire her to major in art Design, and, later, Painting + tention of international media. Over the years, QF has Executive Akbar al Baker said: Qatar India 2019 was and showcases the artwork of at university – and give her an Printmaking and Art History, The projects of the partici- hosted public lectures and “We are delighted to be the Of- planned in collaboration with third and fourth year students opportunity to showcase her and for postgraduate students, pating students – Amna al Muf- workshops on a variety of ficial Airline Partner of the Qa- leading institutions in Qatar and studying the Bachelor of Fine work to the public. an MFA in Design. tah, Amna al Thani, Amira Ra- art and design topics, with tar India 2019 Year of Culture, India, including the Embassy Arts program in Painting + With the aim of supporting Since then, the first few dhi, Munira al Thani, Aisha al artists including Shahzia Si- which will take place in Qatar of Qatar in New Delhi, the Em- Printmaking at VCUarts Qatar. QF’s goal of nurturing artistic cohorts of fine art students to Abdulla, Salma Awad, Tiflah al kander, Luc Tuymans, Marina and India. We firmly believe bassy of India in Doha, Qatar’s Currently in her fourth year talent within Qatar and the graduate from VCUarts Qatar Naimi, Sarah al Jayyousi, Dee- Abramović, Shirin Neshat, that culture is a powerful, uni- Ministry of Culture and Sport, at the university, El Leithi re- region, VCUarts Qatar opened have tasted international suc- pu Prathyusha, Joseph Zam- Jeff Koons, and Richard Serra fying tool that can bridge gaps Qatar Foundation, The National calls how attending QF-run 20 years ago. The university cess. Their creations have been petti, Maryam al Thani, Amena sharing their experiences and and bring people from differ- Tourism Council, Doha Film In- community classes in Educa- initially offered undergraduate exhibited at art galleries in St al Mulla, Yara Elfouly, Hana El tips with the attendees. ent communities and societies stitute and many more.

Mahaseel Festival sees large visitor turnout on second day

(PHOTOGRAPHS BY JALAL PATHIYOOR)

THE Mahaseel Festival being held at the Cultural Village Foundation Katara continued to attract a large number of visitors on the second day on Tuesday with an array of fun and edutainment ac- tivities. Children especially loved the trampolines while educational workshops were held to raise awareness of the importance of agriculture. Visitors were also attracted to fresh Qatari vegetables available at competitive prices at the market. Fresh local honey, lamb and fresh milk are the other attractions at the festival. (TNN)