THURSDAY JANUARY 3, 2019 RABI AL-AKHIR 27, 1440 VOL.12 NO. 4503 QR 2

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Business 12 Sports 17 Remittances from Qatar touch ExxonMobil Qatar extends QR31 bn in 9 months of 2018 sponsorship of Qatar Open

AMIR CROWNS CAMEL RACE WINNERS Cabinet clears decks for setting up Media City Approves decision to set up panels for CMC polls QNA DOHA

THE Cabinet on Wednesday The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani crowned the winners of the eight main races of the Founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed took necessary measures to bin Thani Camel Festival for purebred Arabian camels at Al Shahaniya racetrack on Wednesday. The Amir awarded the winners of the final issue a draft law to establish four races of the category for camels aged more than seven years owned by their excellencies sheikhs. Al Shahaniya camels won the four a Media City, after reviewing races. The camels Wesal, Al Hathra, Munawer and Marmar won the awards in the four races. (QNA) SEE ALSO PAGE 20 the recommendations of the Shura Council. The Media City will have an independent budget. The coordinates of the Media City will be determined by a Cabi- net’s decision. QA acquires 5% stake in The Media City aims at managing and developing media and attracting inter- China Southern Airlines national media, technology companies, research and TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK training institutions work- DOHA ing in the area of media and FDI in Qatar rises digital media. Microsoft gets green light to set 4 percent to QATAR Airways (QA) has ac- It also aims to achieve quired a five percent stake in economic and professional up global data centre in Qatar QR709.7 billion China Southern Airlines, as it integration with the state’s in 2018 Q3 (PG 12 ) seeks to establish itself in the various projects and provide DOHA The Cabinet has approved the establishment of a Asian aviation market. an interactive environment global data centre for Microsoft, “Azure Cloud Computing”, in In a statement on Wednes- for licensed companies work- Qatar. Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing service created day, the airline said the deal ing in the Media City. by the company for building, testing, deploying, and manag- was part of its “strategy to in- Its terms of reference also ing applications and services through a global network of vest in the strongest airlines include granting licences to Microsoft-managed data centres. It provides software, plat- around the world.” eligible companies for televi- form and infrastructure services and supports many different Qatar Airways’ Group sion and radio broadcasting, programming languages, tools and frameworks, including both Chief Executive Akbar al Baker publishing and distribution Microsoft-specific and third-party software and systems. (QNA) said, “China Southern Airlines Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Akbar al Baker shakes hands with of newspapers, magazines is one of the most prestigious a top China Southern Airlines official after signing an agreement. and books. airlines in the Chinese domes- The Cabinet also ap- examination committees establish the Standing Com- tic market and an important and build a long-term rela- world in a way that is mean- proved a draft resolution for the elections of the Cen- mittee for Transport and market player in the world, tionship in ways that would ingful and convenient. Qa- moved by the Minister of tral Municipal Council and a Communication Flexibility. Design District with massive potential for co- bring benefits to customers of tar Airways very much looks Interior (MoI) to form com- draft resolution by the Min- The Cabinet meeting was operation in the future. Given both the airlines.” forward to the opportunity mittees for voters’ registra- ister of Interior to form the chaired by Prime Minister to feature latest the complementary strengths “The investment is a clear to deepen our working rela- tion for the elections of the election committees for the and Minister of Interior HE collections of top and resources of each of China demonstration of Qatar Air- tionship with this great air- Central Municipal Council elections of the Central Mu- Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Southern Airlines and Qatar ways’ continued commit- line and further enhance the (CMC), a draft resolution by nicipal Council. bin Khalifa al Thani. designers (PG 2 ) Airways, there are opportu- ment to connecting travel- travel opportunities across the Minister of Interior to The Cabinet also ap- nities for us to work together lers across all corners of the the globe,” he added. form appeals and grievances proved a draft resolution to More on page 2 Ô

QU health centre to ease burden WIZA to provide trained & temporary domestic workers: CEO on neighbouring facilities QNA pany’s CEO has said. cal skills, occupational safety and of qualified young Qatari cadres. DOHA Talking to Qatar News Agen- awareness of privacy of the com- The company will support the QATAR University Health Center, 3,000 visitors since the opening,” cy, Chief Executive Officer of munity to meet the needs of the private sector through its inte- which opened on December 16, she said, adding that it will ease THE goal behind establishing WIZA Hussein Ali al Hababi said beneficiaries. grated work with the recruitment 2018, is receiving 200 patients pressure on surrounding health Qatari company for labour re- the company will provide trained He said WIZA will provide offices and related companies. every day. Dr Al Anoud Saleh al centres (Al Abeeb Center, Khalifa cruitment (WIZA) is to provide and temporary domestic workers services using modern technol- Its shares will be offered to Fahidi, Director of the Qatar Univer- City Center, Umm Salal Center, Al skilled domestic workers (on to meet any shortage at fixed and ogy to facilitate the process of nationals through public offering sity Health Center, said the centre Gharafa and West Bay Center). temporary basis) for families of appropriate costs. services requested by beneficiar- in the near future in accordance covers 66, 68, 69 and 31 zones. citizens and residents of Qatar as He said the company will train ies as the operation of the com- with the company’s articles of as- “We have received about Continued on page 2 Ô per their requirement, the com- domestic workers in basic techni- pany will be overseen by a group sociation.

Service fee must not exceed 10% of actual CRUISE SHIP TUI MEIN SCHIFF 4 value of local food produce sales: MCI BRINGS OVER 3,600 TOURISTS Mega cruise ship TUI Mein Schiff 4 carrying over 3,600 visitors arrived TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK The following services provided to sup- at Doha Port on Wednesday. The ship was on its 5th call during the DOHA pliers are noted in particular: invoice ongoing 2018-19 cruise season. PAGE 20 discount, scheduling service fees, shelf THE Ministry of Commerce and Industry service fees, advertising service fees and (MCI) has issued a Ministerial Decision promotional service fees. regulating the fees for services charged The outlets shall maintain their cur- on certain local food commodities. rent rates if they fall below the maximum The decision relates to the maxi- percentage specified in Article (3). Article mum fees for services charged on lo- (4) requires that outlets obtain prior ap- cally- produced food commodities. proval from the committee before increas- The decision comes within the pliers of locally-produced food com- ing the service fees provided in Article (3). framework of the ministry’s efforts to modities such as vegetables, fruits, fish, The maximum payment period for protect consumer rights, ensure price fresh and chilled seafood, chilled meat, fees shall not exceed 15 days from the control, regulate markets to improve chilled poultry, eggs, milk, dairy prod- date of delivery of the monthly state- their functioning and support national ucts and bakery products. ment to the outlets, specifies Article (5), products in line with the country’s strat- The maximum fees for services and any agreement in violation of this egy in this regard. charged by outlets shall not exceed 10 provision shall be null and void. The decision will apply to fees for percent of the actual value of sales of services charged by outlets to local sup- locally-produced food commodities. Continued on page 2 Ô 02 Thursday, January 3, 2019

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Cabinet approves panel for Transport and Mahmoud discusses ties with German official QNA eral relations and the means plays regionally and inter- Communication Flexibility DOHA to enhance them in the nationally to establish peace parliamentary field. and stability. SPEAKER of the Advisory The speaker appreciated The Bundestag member QNA The Cabinet also took (Shura) Council HE Ahmed the qualitative leap in Qa- expressed happiness over DOHA the necessary measures for bin Abdullah bin Zaid al tari-German ties, especially Qatar’s hosting of the upcom- the ratification of an agree- Mahmoud met with Ger- after the successful work ing edition of the assembly of THE Cabinet at a meeting ment on cooperation in man Bundestag member visit of the Amir HH Sheikh the Inter-Parliamentary Un- chaired by Prime Minister higher education and sci- and spokesperson of the Tamim bin Hamad al Thani ion (IPU)in Doha in April. and Minister of Interior entific research between Social Democratic Party of to Germany in September of The meeting was at- HE Sheikh Abdullah bin the Government of Qatar Germany’s parliamentary last year. tended by a number of Shura Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani and the Government of group Nils Schmid in Doha Schmid praised the pro- officials and Ambassador on Wednesday approved a Cote d’Ivoire, and a memo- on Wednesday. gress of Qatar in all fields of Germany to Qatar HE draft resolution to establish randum of understanding They discussed bilat- and the distinguished role it Hans-Udo Muzel. the Standing Committee for (MoU) for cooperation in Transport and Communica- the fields of tourism and tion Flexibility. tourism activities between Following the meet- Qatar and Cote d’Ivoire. ing, Minister of Justice and The Cabinet then re- QC encourages pvt sector to invest in labour housing Acting Minister of State for viewed a letter of the Min- Cabinet Affairs HE Dr Issa ister of Municipality and QNA The seminar reviewed the benefits offered by the govern- The participants in the of Inspection at the MADLSA bin Saad al Jafali al Nuaimi Environment on the out- DOHA seminar pointed to the pres- Fahd Salem Ghanem said Qa- said the Cabinet also took comes of the Conference ment to the private sector in this regard, including provi- ence of seven permanent sites tar’s labour law requires all the necessary measures for of the Parties to the United QATAR Chamber on Wednes- sion of government land at a nominal rent under long- for workers’ housing in Al Sha- facilities to ensure the safety the ratification of an agree- Nations Framework Con- day organised a seminar to term contracts for 25 years, and the adoption of a mini- mal, Al Khor, Umm Salal, Al and health of workers. He also ment on the Promotion and vention on Climate Change discuss ways to encourage the mum area of six sqm per worker for the housing Wukair, Al Rakab and Umm highlighted ministerial deci- Protection of Mutual Invest- (COP 24) held in Poland in private sector’s contribution to Ghuwailina that can accom- sion no. 18 of 2014 on the re- ments between the Govern- December 2018 and a let- labour housing projects. modate more than 240,000 quirements and standards of ment of Qatar and the Gov- ter of the Minister of Com- The Ministry of Adminis- the Chamber Rashid bin Ham- the benefits offered by the workers. This is in addition to labour housing. ernment of Cote d’Ivoire merce and Industry on the trative Development Labour ad al Athba said the chamber government to the private the temporary housing projects The MADLSA has worked and an agreement on the outcomes of the first session and Social Affairs (MADLSA), aims to discuss the status of sector in this regard, includ- being implemented in four re- with several governmental regulation of the employ- of the Qatari-Ukrainian Public Works Authority (Ash- workers’ housing, decisions on ing provision of government gions, namely Al Shamal, Al bodies such as the Ministry of ment of Ivorian workers Joint Committee for Eco- ghal), and Qatar General Elec- moving them from sub-stand- land at a nominal rent under Khor, Umm Salal and Sailiya. Municipality and Environment between the Government of nomic and Commercial Co- tricity and Water Corporation ard housing and how to carry it long-term contracts for 25 They have a combined capac- to ensure that the workers are Qatar and the Government operation held in Doha in (Kahramaa) participated in out in partnership between the years, and the adoption of a ity to accommodate more than moved to safe areas that have of Cote d’Ivoire. November 2018. the seminar. public and private sectors. minimum area of six sqm per 75,000 workers. the capacity to accommodate Second Vice-Chairman of The seminar reviewed worker for the housing. Director of the Department them, he added.

Local products must constitute Shop Qatar Design District a platform for 50% goods on outlets’ shelves fashion trends exchange: QNTC official Continued from page 1 Ô of the goods on shelves of the same class. THE outlets shall not, by any In addition, no fees shall Event to feature 75 pop-up shops showcasing local entrepreneurs, 20 fashion shows, 10 masterclasses, concerts means, force the parties they be charged on the entry and deal with to obtain service fees registration services for com- AILYN AGONIA Hospitality and Qatar Airways. or alter payment periods or im- panies supplying locally pro- DOHA The official also highlighted pose discriminatory conditions duced food commodities. the participation of Embrace in violation of the provisions of Priority shall be given to lo- THE inaugural Shop Qatar De- Doha, an initiative offering this decision. They shall also not cal produce displayed, which sign District being held from visitors with unique shopping refuse to deal with or impose re- should clearly bear the label January 5 to 12 at the Doha experience while promoting strictions on local suppliers. “national product”. Exhibition and Convention the Qatari culture. The decision introduces Relevant authorities shall Center (DECC) is expected to Commenting on their first a number of obligations on execute and apply this decision, boost the local fashion indus- participation in Shop Qatar, outlets. Also, the percentage each within its competency, as try through exchange of trends Fahim Matabdin, marketing of locally produced products of January 1, 2019, and the de- and ideas, said Shaima Alshai- manager of Al Mana Malls displayed by outlets shall not cision will be published in the kh of Qatar National Tourism which operates Mirqab Mall, constitute less than 50 percent Official Gazette. Council (QNTC). shared that the National Day Speaking to the local media Trade Festival from December during the Shop Qatar Media 15 to 20 which featured 90 per- Lunch on Wednesday, Alshaikh cent discount offering attracted detailed the exciting features of a lot of people to the mall. QU Health Center offers the Design District which in- “From December 15 to 20, clude their first collaboration our footfall was phenomenal integrated services with the Fashion Trust Arabia Qatar National Tourism Council officials at Shop Qatar Media Lunch on Wednesday. and we were very busy. We (FTA), a non-profit organisa- attracted customers and our Continued from page 1 Ô physiotherapy, ophthalmology, tion whose focus is to help raise “We consider Design Dis- designers, make-up artists and its first representative office sales went up. That was very nose, ear, throat and skin care. the standards of emerging de- trict as a very important plat- other big names in the fashion in Mumbai with the aim to at- positive. From December 15 DR Anoud said the centre has For dental services, there sign talent in the Middle East & form for this exchange and we industry, including five design- tracting more visitors from In- until now, our footfall is just 24 doctors, 41 nurses and 18 are eight specialised clinics for North Africa region. are happy to have big interna- ers from India in line with the dia to Qatar. over 400,000 customers. If administrative staff. adults and children, she added. Alshaikh said, “Qatar is a tional and regional designers celebration of Qatar India 2019 Commenting on the on- you compare our ticketing The Qatar University The Qatar University Health hub for fashion whether be- to be here in Qatar offering Year of Culture. going Shop Qatar, Alshaikh and number of raffle draws Health Center offers a range of Center has cooperation with cause of the strong interest we exchange of ideas through tu- The event will also feature hailed the participation of vari- with other malls, ours is a lot integrated health services, in- neighbouring schools in provid- have here, such as through Vir- torials, workshops or meet and 75 pop-up shops showcas- ous institutions malls across higher averaging around 300 cluding family medicine clinics, ing health services and there is ginia Commonwealth School of greet. We hope to continue to ing local entrepreneurs, 20 the country. a day which is really good,” non-tertiary diseases clinics, also plan for home visits. the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qa- provide that space for exchange international fashion shows, She praised the active Matabdin said. women’s health clinic, follow- The Department of Radi- tar), strong purchasing power of ideas and trends. An exam- 10 masterclasses and major participation of Mirqab Mall, Mirqab is the only mall to up of pregnant and postnatal ology is a distinguished part or strong interest that local ple of this is having on board concerts featuring renowned which is joining the shopping be featured in the DECC dur- care, proper child clinic, vacci- of the available devices such women and the youth have in this year Fashion Trust Arabia performers from India and festival for the first time, and ing the Design District. Aside nation and routine immunisa- as dental radiology, sonic fashion. So, there is always an as our partner and helps in in- Pakistan. also serving as part of the De- from the Mall’s kiosk, they will tion clinic, smoking cessation waves, general rays of preg- interest in exchange and export cubating local design talents.” Alshaikh also underlined sign District. also feature standalone kiosks services and health checkups in nant women and teeth. of fashion trends and incorpo- The Design District will the importance of aligning the Other partners to the fash- of Lush and Cereal Killer, the smart clinics. There are two hi-tech rating international trends in gather renowned local, region- festival to local celebrations. ion event include Vodafone first cereal-themed café which It also offers dental care, nu- laboratories that have highly Qatari designs. al and international fashion Last year, QNTC opened Qatar, Alfardan Motors, Katara originated in London. trition, audiology, optometry, qualified staff. Nation Thursday, January 3, 2019 03 Aspiring ‘techpreneurs’ gather in Doha Minister approves telecom more than 100 participants from 11 network rollout, coverage AIA to help participants countries to come together and develop their techpreneurial ideas. obligations amendments turn ideas into start-ups This year, AIA selected more than 160 participants from a pool of over 900 AILYN AGONIA applicants. Twenty-five speakers and 37 CRA grants 5G DOHA mentors and investors are featured in the second edition. commercial licence MORE than 160 ‘techpreneurs’ -- as- During the Alumni Panel, previous to telecom firms piring technology entrepreneurs rep- participants shared their important resenting 26 countries -- gathered at learnings and the impact of AIA on TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK the Education City Student Centre their lives. DOHA at the opening of the second edition Sinan al Obaidi, first place winner of Arab Innovation Academy (AIA) during the first AIA, highlighted the im- MINISTER of Transport and on Wednesday. portance of the programme in influenc- Communications HE Jassim AIA is the first and the largest entre- ing his perception when it comes to his Saif Ahmed al Sulaiti has ap- preneurship programme in the pan-Ar- role as CEO. proved the amendment of the ab region made possible by an exclusive Executive Director of QSTP, Yosouf Abdulrahman Saleh with President of EIA, Alar He said, “The key thing I have network rollout and coverage partnership between Qatar Science & Kolk, and other officials at the opening day of the Arab Innovation Academy 2019. learned is to learn how to focus on my obligations of Ooredoo and Minister of Transport and Com- Technology Park (QSTP) and the Euro- (PHOTOGRAPH BY JALAL PATHIYOOR) role as CEO and what I need to do as Vodafone Qatar licences for munications HE Jassim Saif pean Innovation Academy (EIA). well as believing in my colleagues and the provision of public mobile Ahmed al Sulaiti. The intensive innovation pro- their programmes. edge methods and tools related to the en- partners. It affected me in terms of the telecommunications networks gramme is aimed at providing future en- He also stressed the importance of trepreneurship journey, from team for- choices I have made later.” and services. roads and highways as well as trepreneurs from Qatar and the region mentorship in shaping ideas and creat- mation and ideation to pitching venture Another alumnus Ahmed al Nowfal The amendments adopted all venues associated with FIF- an opportunity to work under the guid- ing an ideal ecosystem for innovation in capitalists and angel investors, tactics said, through AIA, he was able to build unified obligations for both FA 2022 World Cup, including ance of top experts in their fields to help the region. that are accredited by leading global uni- strong relationships with several people companies related to the Sec- stadiums and fan zones. them turn an idea into a start-up. “At QSTP, the initiatives we have versities and endorsed by QSTP, Google who significantly impact his journey, ond Generation (2G), Third Minister of Transport and This edition welcomed the biggest taken and the projects we are engaged in and Amadeus. while Sulaiman Mahmood praised the Generation (3G) and Forth Communications said, “Unify- delegation from Oman, Yemen and Su- revolve around our commitment to the EIA President Kolk said, “The Goog- programme for inspiring him in his work Generation (4G) networks in ing the obligations of telecom- dan as well as significant number of process of research, development and in- le founders were from Stanford and the as well as paving the way for establishing accordance with the amend- munications companies for participants from Morocco, Tunisia, Pal- novation. With leading programmes like Facebook founders from Harvard. The lifetime friendships. ments of the Annexure (G) of the 2G, 3G and 4G networks is estine, Algeria, Lebanon, Turkey, Russia AIA, we encourage our talented youth to next game-changing companies will In a statement, Dr Richard the network rollout and cover- a very important step towards and India. take the next step and propel their ideas come from students’ dreams to make the O’Kennedy, vice-president of Qatar age obligations of both compa- the development of a sustain- Many of the participants applied to the stage of practical implementa- world a better place. Our mantra for the Foundation Research, Development and nies’ licences related to public able and fair competition in locally through the universities in the tion,” he said. Arab students is that the greatest danger Innovation (QF RDI), underlined how mobile telecommunications the telecom market in Qatar. country. They were warmly welcomed by During the 10-day programme, par- for most of you is not that your aim is too AIA helps in identifying talented Arab networks and services. “This will benefit the sec- QSTP Executive Director Yosouf Saleh ticipants will be introduced to an accel- high, but that it is too low. youth who have a drive to find innovative The Communications tor and consumers at the same and EIA President Alar Kolk. erated mode of experiential learning, in- “Be the change you want to see in the tech-based solutions to the shared chal- Regulatory Authority (CRA) time, as the companies are Speaking on the occasion, Saleh re- cluding how to develop and launch new world. Make the dream true: the next lenges the region is facing and become has issued decisions to grant keen to provide competitive, iterated the commitment of QSTP in tech ventures in a real marketplace, with Snapchats, Fornites and Spotifys will an integrated component of the rapidly radio spectrum licences to innovative and high-quality enhancing the mindset of innovation genuine customer feedback. come from the Arab world.” developing entrepreneurship ecosystem both companies for the de- services that will contribute to among the youth in the region through They will also be exposed to cutting- The first edition of AIA accepted and knowledge economy in Qatar. ployment of the Fifth Gen- the development of the Infor- eration (5G) commercial mation and Communications networks in Qatar from the (ICT) sector in Qatar.” beginning of January 2019. CRA President Moham- In addition, CRA has uni- med Ali al Mannai said, “CRA fied all prior existing radio is keen to facilitate the intro- AAB names winners of Qatar National Day celebrations spectrum licences and re- duction of 5G technology to placed them with a single Qatar and to assign the neces- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK document ‘Radio Spectrum sary frequencies to telecom- DOHA Licence’ that includes harmo- munications companies in nised terms and conditions Qatar. Qatar will be one of the ABDULLAH Abdulghani & Bros. Com- for both companies. In the first countries in the world to pany (AAB), the exclusive distributor of mentioned radio spectrum launch 5G commercial ser- Toyota and Lexus in Qatar, recently cel- licences, CRA has initially as- vices, which undoubtedly will ebrated its Customer Appreciation Week signed to each company 100 contribute to the achievement as part of the Qatar National Day (QND) MHz within the 3500-3800 of the Qatar National Vision celebrations and to thank Toyota & Lex- MHz frequency band for the 2030 goals by ensuring the us customers for their support in making commercial deployment of 5G sustainable development of them number one brands in Qatar. networks. the ICT sector. During the celebration, customers The raffle draws to announce the 4529 won Toyota RUSH and Coupon like to express our appreciation to our Under the radio spectrum “On behalf of the CRA, I purchasing any new vehicles, pre-owned winners were held at the Toyota Show- number 8834 won Toyota Camry. customers for their continuous trust, licences, the two companies thank all stakeholders and tel- vehicles, spare parts or servicing their room in the presence of representative Murugan, acting CEO, said: “Our support and loyalty in our brands. This will be committed to rollout ecommunications companies vehicle at any of the eight AAB Service from the Ministry of Commerce and In- main focus has always been to achieve Customer Appreciation Week is one of the 5G networks before the for their cooperation and ef- Centers were issued raffle coupons to dustry (MoCI), customers as well as sen- customer delight in all our internal prac- the ways we are reaching out and saying end of 2020 in all densely forts to contribute to the de- win Toyota RUSH and Toyota Camry. ior officials from AAB. Coupon number tices and processes. At AAB, we would thank you.” populated areas, all primary velopment of the sector.” Smoking is invitation to diseases, MoPH warns against tobacco use FREE VEHICLE

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK powering them to make positive per- RECALL DOHA sonal decisions about their health.” Shisha smoking has similar THE Ministry of Public Health health risks as cigarette smoking (MoPH) is encouraging tobacco us- as it contains several toxic agents ers to quit smoking in order to limit known to cause lung, throat, bladder the risks of developing smoking re- and oral cancers. Even after it has lated diseases such as heart disease, passed through water, the smoke cancer, stroke and respiratory issues. from a shisha has high levels of these In a statement, the ministry said toxic agents and is not filtered. there is no safe use of tobacco or ex- Because of the way a shisha posure to passive smoking, adding is used, smokers absorb more of that irrespective of their age or years the toxic substances than cigarette of smoking, those who quit have smokers do. In addition, second- substantial gains in life expectancy hand smoke from shisha can also be and health compared with those who a major health risk for non-smokers continue to use tobacco. Dr Kholood al Mutawa, manager of exposing to it. The fact is that tobacco is a poi- Health Promotion and Non-Communi- Hamad Medical Corporation’s son and is harmful not just to the cable Diseases at MoPH, Tobacco Control Center is a WHO smoker, but also to those around Collaborating service designed to them. Worldwide, one person dies “The campaign is designed to serve assist in cessation through clinically every six seconds due to tobacco use as a reminder about the dangers of guided programmes. and in Qatar, lung cancer is one of cigarettes, shisha and other tobacco Tobacco users can book an ap- the five most common cancers, the use. We are urging everyone to pro- pointment at any of HMC’s tobacco statement read. tect themselves, their children and cessation services by calling 16060. Dr Kholood al Mutawa, manager families by staying away from to- People seeking to quit can also ac- of Health Promotion and Non-Com- bacco. By providing our citizens with cess Primary Health Care Corpora- municable Diseases at MoPH, said: accurate information, we are em- tion’s services by calling 107. MME destroys 233 tonnes of agri products for violating law BMW X5 TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA Manufacturing 2018 THE Ministry of Municipality and Year the Environment, represented by the Agricultural Quarantine Of- Defect in the warning light colors that appear on the counters fices of the Department of Agri- cultural Affairs, inspected 6,299 DEFECT panel and in the console data soware consignments (117,214 tonnes) of various types of imported agricul- tural products in December. Contact the dealer for the free required repair A total of 63 consignments PROCESS (233 tonnes) were destroyed for violating the agricultural quaran- tine law. Al Fardan Automobiles It is noteworthy that the quar- antine is the first line of defence CONTACT Phone: 44065555 for plant protection and protection [email protected] against agricultural pests, which is lated by phytosanitary measures regulations, resolutions and circu- a precautionary measure aimed at of quarantine are examined for lars thereof. protecting the plant wealth in the conformity to the applicable con- Meanwhile, the Garden Depart- For any consumer protection issues please contact us on the hotline 16001 country from the risk of pests from ditions and specifications. ment of Al-Shehaniyah Municipal- outside the country. The Agricultural Quarantine ity has carried out maintenance The measure requires that all Offices also implements the Agri- and cleaning of Al-Shihaniya Park plants and agricultural products cultural Quarantine Law No (24) in order to preserve the aesthetic and any other substances regu- for the year 2005 and its executive outlook of the garden. 04 Thursday, January 3, 2019 Nation QRCS supports cystoscopy Quadrantid meteor services in Gaza hospitals shower to light up Qatar skies tonight The new $435,000 equipment will serve the population of 380,000 in the North Gaza Governorate QNA DOHA

QATAR Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has procured two cys- toscopes for the Alouda Hospi- tal in northern Gaza under its project to enhance cystoscopy services in the blockade. Brought at a total cost of $435,000, the new equipment will be used in cystoscopic urog- raphy and laser lithotripsy. Observing the Quadrantid meteor shower this year will be special, Dr Akram Nassar, head as the sky will be darker and without moon from Thursday mid- of the QRCS Mission in Gaza, night until the dawn of Friday. said, “This project is a signifi- cant contribution to the urol- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK people in the northern hem- ogy services in Gaza hospitals. DOHA isphere nations can watch It will help treat the large num- Quadrantid meteor shower bers of urologic patients, who GET ready for some celestial with naked eyes from places suffer health problems due to serve the 380,000 population The Gaza Cystoscopy Ser- spectacle. Qatar residents can without light and environ- the high salinity of drinking of the North Gaza Governorate. vices Enhancement project observe the Quadrantid me- mental pollution. They need water in Gaza.” The high-tech equipment covers three health facilities: teor shower from the evening to look to northeast horizon Also, the project will ad- will remove urinary tract the Alouda Hospital, Patient’s of Thursday until the dawn from midnight. They can dress the issue of having to re- stones with no need for surgi- Friends Society Clinic and of Friday, according to Qatar take nice photographs of the fer the patients for treatment cal intervention, causing no Hayfa Medical Center. Calendar House (QCH). meteor shower with digital abroad. medical complications at all. Its purpose is to improve “The Quadrantid meteor cameras after increasing ex- On the importance of these “Now, the Alouda Hospital the quality of urology servic- shower is active every year posure time,” he said. supplies, Dr Ahmed Mehana, has a whole package of surgical es offered at hospitals of the from the end of Decem- Quadrantid meteor director of the hospital, said and endoscopic urology servic- Ministry of Health and public ber until the second week shower is created by debris the new equipment would es,” he added. hospitals. of January. This year, the from ‘EH1 Comet’ as Earth meteor shower will reach passes through the dust its peak by the evening of and debris it leaves behind Thursday. Quadrantid is during December-January one of the important meteor every year. showers that can be seen Observing the Quadran- Al-Ahli Hospital hosts blood donation drive from Earth, where the aver- tid meteor shower this year age rate of flow will be 80 will be special, as the sky TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK need. We hope to raise aware- hab, the hospital’s chief of meteors per hour,” said Dr will be darker and without DOHA ness of our guests and staff medical staff said each compo- Beshir Marzouk, astrono- Moon from Thursday mid- through this initiative on the nent of the donated blood can mer at QCH. night until the dawn of Fri- AL-AHLI Hospital, in coop- numerous benefits of donating be used by different recipients “Qatar residents and day, according to QCH. eration with Hamad Medical blood.” for various purposes. Corporation’s (HMC) Blood “The blood donation drive “In order to donate blood, Donor Unit, held a blood do- is a testament of our commit- the donor must be in a good nation drive on Tuesday from ment to Qatar’s communities health and submit to some sim- 8.30am to 2pm. and individuals. We believe ple health checks, which are The drive was part of Al- that such initiatives raise pub- performed free of cost. This is BMW X5 model recalled Ahli Hospital’s corporate so- lic awareness of the impor- of great benefit to donors as it cial responsibility initiatives, tance of donating blood, not may detect issues at the early THE Ministry of Commerce the console data software. The which aim to extend support only because it may save lives, stage and allow early diagnosis and Industry (MoCI), in col- ministry said the recall comes to those in need. but also for the health benefits and treatment. Further, donat- laboration with Al Fardan Au- within the framework of its Khalid al Emadi, chief it has for the donors,” said Ja- ed blood and its derivatives are tomobiles, dealer of BMW ve- efforts to protect consumers. executive officer of the Medi- mal Saleh Hammad, deputy screened for certain infections. hicles in Qatar, has announced The MoCI has urged all cus- care Group, said: “As a private chief executive officer and di- One can choose to be informed the recall of BMW X5 model of tomers to report any violations healthcare provider, it is our rector of Projects at Al-Ahli if they find any abnormality 2018 over a defect in the warn- to its Consumer Protection social responsibility to support Hospital. during the screening process,, The campaign was part of Al-Ahli Hospital’s corporate social responsi- ing light colours that appear and Anti-Commercial Fraud our community and those in Dr Abdul Azim Abdul Wa- Dr Abdul Azim explained. bility initiatives, aiming to extend support to those in need. on the counters panel and in Department. (TNN)

IT Support Engineer Vodafone Qatar organises digital safety workshops for Urgently looking children at Al Bawasil Camp for experienced IT Support Engineer TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA Job Description: VODAFONE Qatar held a series of fun and in- • Installing and configuring computer hardware operating systems teractive workshops on digital safety for the chil- dren participating in the 19th International Al (W7, W10, MAC) and applications. Bawasil Camp for children with diabetes, organ- • Working knowledge on AD, DHCP, DNS, GP, File Servers and IIS. ised by the Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA). This came as part of Vodafone’s long running • Configurations and Troubleshooting skills on LAN, WAN, WLAN, and Security online safety programme, AmanTECH, which is appliances & applications. designed to equip children and adults with the right tools to navigate the digital world safely. • knowledge and Skill to Diagnose and resolve the Hardware/software faults or Since 1999, around 100 children aged 7-11 issues. years from Qatar and the greater region have visited Al Bawasil to learn to manage the emo- • Provides users support for required applications and available services (Website/ tional and physical effects of diabetes. Ad- Mobile). ditionally, the camp incorporates sports and entertainment activities. This is the first year • Respond to calls and inquiries to provide support, including procedural docu- AmanTECH has been included in the camp’s mentation and relevant reports. 5-day programme. The children engaged in a number of activi- • Relocate & install PCs, printers & other peripherals including standard software ties that required them to perform tasks related and web applications. to safety online in which they learnt specific skills including identifying fake vs real news, • Troubleshooting system and network problem and advance skill on TCP/IP safe online gaming, self-image and reputation Structure. online. In line with Vodafone’s commitment to pro- • Monitoring and maintaining computer systems and networks mote online safety across the community, the and other peripherals. Company has been rolling out its digital safety training across schools and key events in the • Maintain the inventory information lists regularly. country. • Communicate and resolve issue for Internal & external clients and escalate Sup- The AmanTECH programme includes an online source for information and tips port and follow up with Vendors. for parents accessible at www.vodafone.qa/ Experience and Skill Requirements: AmanTECH. • Excellent knowledge in MSOFFICE, DTP, Email clients, Webmaster, Social Media and Online portals. • Expert in MCSE, Linux, Firewall configuration and Storage configuration. • Excellent written and spoken communication skills & Interpersonal Skills. • At least 3 Years’ experience in the field. • Good at communication and presentation. 4XDOLÀFDWLRQV &HUWLÀFDWLRQ • Degree or Equal qualification. • Professional qualifications on System, Network and Security is preferred • Professional Certification such as MCSA, MCSE and CCNA is preferred. ‡ Job Type: Full-time. ‡ Language: Fluent in Arabic/English speaking and writing is a must. 6HQGXV\RXU&9WRFDUHHUV#TLPTDWDUFRP Nation Thursday, January 3, 2019 05

Juvenile Police Johns Hopkins Center trains parents holds awareness drive to curb and teachers to help gifted students delinquent acts THE Juvenile Police Depart- ment recently organised its first awareness exhibition for Sessions focus on 2019 to inform the youth and meeting needs of parents of the dangers of nega- tive behaviour, which leads to gifted students youth delinquency. During the two-day exhibi- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK tion, the department distrib- DOHA uted awareness brochures to visitors, provided advice, re- THE Johns Hopkins Center sponded to inquiries, and intro- for Talented Youth (JHU CTY) duced the Juvenile Police and recently organised a series its departments. of interactive workshops for The visitors reviewed a teachers and parents of gifted number of negative behaviours students at Qatar Foundation and actions that are taken to (QF) schools. immunise young people who The training – part of a are vulnerable to delinquency. wider agreement with the JHU QF’s Pre-University Education staff and parents spent three days learning to better identify and train academically advanced students. In addition, the exhibition CTY signed five years ago – raised awareness of social net- saw QF’s Pre-University Edu- Additionally, approximately needed to resolve some of Qa- ing platform. Also, CTY sum- working sites and the precau- cation (PUE) staff spending 75 parents participated in an in- tar’s greatest challenges,” Dr- mer programmes allow stu- tions that must be taken by the three days learning to better formational workshop to learn Moncada explained. dents to engage in learning young when using them, espe- identify and train academically more about the opportunities Simeon Brodsky, director opportunities with some of the cially when dealing with stran- advanced students. Leadership available for high achieving stu- of CTY International, and Dr most promising minds of the gers. They were also informed staff also participated in the dents, both through the QF – Patricia Metz, assistant direc- next generation. of the importance of not dis- sessions, receiving guidance JHU CTY partnership and QF’s tor, represented the organisa- CTY has nearly 150,000 closing any personal informa- on best ways to meet the needs specialised schools like Qatar tion. Brodsky and Dr Metz have CTY alumni around the tion, or exchanging any images, of the students. Academy for Science and Tech- worked in over 15 countries, en- world, including the founders relating to the family, friends or Abeer al Khalifa, executive nology (QAST). couraging and enhancing learn- of Facebook and Google, Intel place of residence. director, Academic Affairs, Dr Greg Moncada, director ing opportunities for highly able Science Talent Search win- Held in the Mall of Qatar, PUE, said, “Qatar Founda- of QAST, the newest QF school young people. ners, Rhodes Scholars and the exhibition came as part of tion is dedicated to ‘Leading under the PUE umbrella, pro- Brodsky also shared infor- MacArthur Fellows. the Ministry of Interior’s aware- and Learning’ through the vided an overview of the offer- mation about over 130 online As part of the previously ness programme to increase the provision of gifted education ings available for boys and girls classes available for students signed agreement, over 20 knowledge of youth and par- services. We strive to provide in Grade 9, including a focused who are in need of intellectual Qatar Academy Doha stu- ents through direct interaction. unique development opportu- and accelerated curriculum in challenges beyond the class- dents have completed courses The event provided them with nities, such as the Johns Hop- STEM-based areas. “At QAST, room. These classes support through CTY. For more infor- an opportunity to know more kins Center for Talented Youth students become innovators students by allowing them to mation about the program, mail about the adolescent behaviour, workshops, to help further en- and problem-solvers by acquir- access high-interest, advanced to Cynthia Bolton at cbolton@ what interests them and what gage our students.” ing the knowledge and skills content within a flexible learn- qf.org.qa. they aspire after. (QNA) TII to hone hospitality experts’ skills in providing accessible services

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK fessor at TII who teaches the studying towards a career breakout groups and scenario- dress: The Nature of Universal sign up for the workshop. No DOHA Masters in Audiovisual Trans- in the industry. The course based problem solving that Access through the Communi- previous knowledge or train- lation programme, will lead is structured in such a way will introduce them to key cative Approach; The Commu- ing is required. THE Translation and Inter- the workshop which aims to that participants will have ac- aspects of universal access in nicative Approach in Detail; TII’s Accessible Hospi- preting Institute (TII), part introduce participants to the cess to both theoretical and hospitality and the determina- Auditing in Practice (on site tality and Events workshop of the College of Humanities requirements of making a hands-on training in accessi- tion of site-specific needs. exercise) and The Holistic Pic- will be held at the Penrose and Social Sciences (CHSS) hospitality venue universally ble hospitality services to en- The programme will offer ture: Inclusive User-centered House building (formerly at Hamad Bin Khalifa Uni- accessible through a holistic sure they reap the maximum a basic understanding of the Experiences. LAS building) at HBKU from versity (HBKU), will host communicative approach. benefits from the workshop solutions available for the de- Students and profession- 4pm to 7pm. an Accessible Hospitality Dr Neves said, “We are and achieve their personal velopment of inclusive, user- als who are working in or have To register, interest- and Events workshop from keen to offer the workshop and professional objectives.” centred experiences. an interest in the communi- ed applicants can contact: January 6 to 9, 2019. to those who are currently Participants can expect a The workshop will have cation, hospitality or tourism 44542495 or sabdelazim@ Dr Josélia Neves, a pro- working in hospitality or combination of presentations, Dr Josélia Neves. four sessions, which will ad- industries are encouraged to hbku.edu.qa 06 Thursday, January 3, 2019 Reports by Ashraf Siddiqui For events and press releases email Slice of the West [email protected] or call (974) 4000 2222

Mehter contigent at Qatar National Day 2018 parade on the Doha Corniche. Turkish military band brings European touch to Qatar National Day parade MEHTER puts up a fabulous show of centuries-old musical tradition, a combination of classical and Sufi genres, to jazz up QND celebrations

HE tunes played by a 74-member contingent of highly skilled Turkish mili- tary band Mehter, one of the world’s oldest military bands, providedT European touch to the recently held Qatar National Day Parade 2018 and added to the gravitas of the occasion. Standing out in their amazing traditional outfit, especially ‘Tuğ’ and ‘Sancak’, the Turkish band was an object of attraction not only at the parade on the Doha Cor- niche but also at the family hotspot of Ka- tara Cultural Village. The band was led by Col. Metin Kasgan. Doha- based Turkish Defence Atta- che Col Mehmet Aksoy said that he was Turkish Air Force Defence Atttache, Colonel Mehmet Aksoy (left), and Military Defence Attache, Colonel deeply touched to see Mether members Kerim Kem (right), seen with members of Turkish army’s band. perform along with the inspiring and gorgeous units of brotherly country of HE Ikret Ozer with a section of Mehter at Katara Cultural Village Foundation, Doha. Qatar at the grand National Day parade. Col Aksoy said that the presence of De- cultural contacts, trade, visits of physi- pated in the Qatar National Day events on fence Minister of Turkey HE Hulusi Akar cians, scientists, religious scholars and December 18 last year. along with other world dignitaries testi- diplomats, etc. Mehter concept has now become an fies to the deeper bilateral relationship Mehter music is a mix of classical integral part of Turkish culture. Since between the brotherly countries of Tur- Turkish music, especially the Sufi genre, almost 1991, the Turkish Ministry of Cul- key and Qatar as well as Qatar’s status Tasavvuf and military music, which incor- ture has been working to preserve the out- as world player enjoying diplomatic and porates the outstanding values of Turkish standing elements of Turkish culture in- trade relations across various regions in culture. Elegantly designed dresses worn cluding original style and characteristics the world. in style by the army musicians soon be- of the classical Turkish music, both Sufi Elaborating on the highly skilled and came popular in European states. For al- and military music. well-trained musicians of the Turkish most 400 years of Othoman Empire, Me- In this regard, it was important to military band, Col Aksoy said after cross- hter music and well-designed uniforms establish a community of the artists and ing of the Bosforus by the Ottoman forces remained the key elements of festivities in equipment including repertory studies in 13th century, Turkish influence started a number of European states, Col. Aksoy and style of performances. The ensem- spreading very fast and played a ma- added. bles now perform in various concerts jor role for the next almost 4-500 years, He said that Mehter concept has gone performing both new songs as well as mainly in Europe. Right from the estab- through various stages, finally taking the classical songs, which were abolished lishment of the Ottoman Empire, the in- its present shape around 100 years ago. in 1826 with ‘Yeniceri Ocagi’ and in the fluence of the military musicians spread Today, Mether unit is comprised of 142 dervish lodges ‘Tekke” which was closed A spectacular view of Qatar National Day celebrations at Katara Cultural Village, Doha. across Europe through regular inter-state members, of which 72 members partici- in 1925.

For this dance teacher from Down Under, Qatar is home away from home

ACHEL Franzen, an Austral- She said that her students’ per- ian national who moved to formances are not limited to Qatar. Qatar around six years ago “Two of my students participated Raccompanying her senior ho- in World Irish Dancing Champi- telier husband, has virtually turned onships in Glasgow, Scotland in into Qatar’s ‘cultural ambassador’ April 2018. The dancers have done with pupils in her dancing school the region proud, with one of them competing and winning in global bringing home the prestigious Ais- dance competitions. ling Award presented to the high- Franzen, who claims to be the est-placed dancer from a region first qualified Irish dance teach- where the Irish dance forms are er in the Middle East, runs her just developing.” dance school Irish Dance Arabia She said that during the sum- where would-be dancers from mer months of May and June, age seven to seventeen not only when shooting temperatures learn the first dancing steps but prompt many of Qatar residents go on to master the art aiming to to cut back on physical exertions, participate in prestigious dancing sixteen dancers from age seven competitions around the world. to seventeen were putting them- She said that success in the Irish selves through rigorous training Dance Adjudicator’s Exam is qui- for participation in numerous et challenging and the pass rate is during the meeting. en spend their free time in a con- countries, she said 2018 has been by International School of London, events for the Regional World hardly 25%. “Qatar is a unique country in structive manner engaging in social a good year for Irish Dance Arabia Doha College’s Spring Fair, Friend- Qualifying competition held from In a tete-a-tete with this corre- that it hosts over 100 different activities, mainly focused on serv- despite the blockade. Her young ship Festival of American School 30th November to 2nd Decem- spondent, Franzen shared her ex- communities representing almost ing the underprivilleged sections students from various nationalities Doha and the most prestigious ber, 2018 in Amsterdam. They periences in Qatar, which she finds all the regions of the world. Peace of society, helping the youth learn performed at various events all over event in Qatar’s Irish community were training 3-4 times a week a home away from home. “It’s great and security in Qatar are the major skills and develop self-confidence. Doha. These events included Qatar calendar, the Irish society’s annual in addition to extra training at to be in Qatar, and we enjoy our factors that make families prefer Talking about the impact of the Academy’s International Day, In- St. Patrick’s Day Ball held in March home to ensure that they make stay here very much,” Rachel said living here. Many expatriate wom- siege on Qatar by a quartet of Arab ternational Food Fair organised at the Grand Hyatt Doha. the mark. South / Southeast Asia Thursday, January 3, 2019 07

News Clashes after women enter flashpoint Kerala temple in brief AFP ating age -- deemed as those officials confirmed. Video im- THIRUVANANTHAPURAM between 10 and 50 -- setting The high priest of one of ages showed the 42-year-old Philippine floods, foot inside the gold-plated Sa- India’s holiest temples car- women, Kanaka Durga and landslides death VIOLENCE erupted in south- barimala temple. ried out a ‘purification ritu- Bindu, who has only one name, toll reaches 85 ern India on Wednesday after The high priest of one of al’ on Wednesday after two wearing black tunics with their two women defied traditional- India’s holiest temples carried heads bowed as they rushed in. Manila: Emergency teams on ists to enter one of Hinduism’s out a “purification ritual” on women defied Hindu tradi- “We did not enter the Wednesday rushed to areas holiest temples for the first time Wednesday after two women tionalists to sneak inside shrine by climbing the 18 holy devastated by landslides and since a landmark court ruling. defied Hindu traditionalists to for the first time since a steps but went through the staff floods in the eastern Philip- Police fired tear gas, stun sneak inside for the first time landmark court ruling gate,” one of the women, who pines, where the death toll grenades and water cannon as since a landmark court ruling. both remained under police has reached 85, officials said. protests and clashes between In recent weeks Hindu tra- guard on Wednesday, later told Search, rescue and relief op- rival groups erupted across the ditionalists -- backed by Prime But in a surprise pre-dawn reporters. erations have been hampered southern state of Kerala, local Minister Narendra Modi’s operation on Wednesday her- Kerala’s Chief Minister by continuingheavy rains the media reported. Several officers Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alded by activists but enraging Pinarayi Vijayan said, “It is a past days, but officials were were reportedly injured. -- have prevented attempts by conservative devotees, police fact that the women entered the hoping to reach more com- The Supreme Court in Sep- women to access the hilltop enabled two women to pen- shrine. Police are bound to offer munities with the weather tember overturned a decades- site, with some hardliners turn- etrate the hilltop temple and protection to anyone wanting to Police remove activists taking part in a protest over entry of two beginning to clear. At least 20 old ban on women of menstru- ing violent. then leave again undetected, worship at the shrine.” women in the Sabarimala temple in Kerala on Wednesday. (REUTERS) people were still missing from the landslides, according to Edgar Posadas, a spokesman for the national disaster risk reduction office.(DPA) 24 AIADMK members suspended Trapped miners for ‘unruly’ behaviour in Lok Sabha in Meghalaya Modi govt rejects oppn remain untraced IANS papers and threw these towards NEW DELHI the Chair. SHILLONG: National Disas- Mahajan warned the mem- ter Response Force (NDRF) TWENTY four Lok Sabha mem- bers that she will name them. rescuers and Odisha fire- bers belonging to AIADMK As they did not relent, she then fighters on Tuesday began demand for JPC probe were on Wednesday suspended began reading out the names of dewatering the coal mine in for five consecutive sittings by the members who had disrupted their bid to rescue 15 coal Speaker Sumitra Mahajan for the House session. miners trapped in Megha- their “unruly behaviour” by “All of them stand suspend- laya’s East Jaintia Hills storming near the podium, tear- ed for five consecutive sittings of district, an official said. ing papers and throwing them the House,” she said and then THE fate of the miners, who into Rafale jet deal towards the Chair. adjourned the House for the are trapped inside a flooded The AIADMK members day. coalmine in Ksan village, were protesting against the pro- The suspended members about 130 from Megha- Congress inventing allegations against a ‘clean’ government: Jaitley posal for a dam across Cauvery are K Ashok Kumar, RK Bhar- laya’s capital Shillong, river in Karnataka. athimohan, M Chandrakasi, G for the last 20 days still When the House was to take Hari, Jayakumar Jayavardhan, remains unknown.(IANS) up a discussion on the Rafale K Parasuraman, K Kamaraj, P deal in the post lunch session Kumar, M Vasanthi, C Mahen- Bihar court rejects after a few adjournments, the dran, K Maragatham, P Naga- ex-minister’s bail AIADMK members, who have rajan, R Parthipan, KRP Pra- plea in arms case been protesting since the start bakaran, A Anwhar Raajhaa, T of the session on the Mekedatu Radhakrishnan, S Rajendran, PATNA: A Bihar court on dam issue, trooped near the V. Sathyabama, S Selvakumara- Wednesday rejected the Speaker’s podium and started chinnayan, PR Sundaram, TG bail plea of former state sloganeering. Venkatesh Babu, M Udhaya- Minister Manju Verma, who Within seconds, some of the kumar, V Elumalai and R Van- surrendered in November protesting members tore some aroja. last year after absconding for nearly three months in an arms case related to the Muzaffarpur shelter home rape cases. India plans to launch 32 After hearing the bail petition of Manju Verma, the space missions in 2019 Begusarai District Court re- served its order in the first- IANS port at Sriharikota in Andhra half of the day and rejected BENGALURU Pradesh, about 90km northeast her plea in the second-half. of Chennai. India’s maiden hu- (IANS) INDIA is planning to launch 32 man space mission in 2021-22, space missions in 2019, a top Gaganyaan, will also be pur- Veteran actress space official said here. sued this year, Sivan said in a Moushumi “The year 2019 promises first-of-its-kind New Year mes- joins BJP to be challenging to the Indian sage from the space agency top Space Research Organisation executive to its staff. NEW DELHI: Ahead of (ISRO) community with 32 “Gaganyaan activities will 2019 Lok Sabha elections, planned missions,” its chair- go in full steam to accomplish veteran Bollywood actor man K Sivan said in a message the various development and Moushumi Chatterjee on to his employees on New Year qualification milestones,” the Wednesday joined the BJP on Tuesday. Chairman said. in the national capital. The missions include the Prime Minister Narendra SHE joined the Bharatiya Ja- Congress President Rahul Gandhi (right) with Jharkhand JD (U) chief who joined Congress in Jharkhand recently. (AFP) second lunar mission Chan- Modi’s announcement of Ga- nata Party in the presence drayaan-2 to land on the moon ganyaan on August 15 last year of party’s national secretary IANS the election needs of the Con- with lander and rover. has allowed the space agency Kailash Vijayvargiya. NEW DELHI Entire nation pointing fingers at Modi: Rahul gress were not.” The Rs 800-crore lunar to fulfill its dream of undertak- Chatterjee, who con- NEW DELHI: Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday The Congress, which has mission will the 25th from the ing a human spaceflight pro- tested 2004 Lok Sabha THE government on Wednes- stepped up his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the been demanding constitution second launch pad of the space gramme, Sivan said. unsuccessfully as Congress day rejected in the Lok Sabha Rafale deal, saying the entire country was “pointing fingers” at of a JPC and staging protests in candidate from Kolkata the opposition demand for a him and demanded that a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) the house, on Monday suddenly North East constituency, Joint Parliamentary Commit- must probe the deal to bring out the truth. offered to face a debate on the is- lost to Communist Party of tee (JPC) probe into the Rafale In a speech that was marked by shouting from ruling party sue on which Jaitley had thrown India-Marxist (CPI-M) can- fighter jet deal with France, say- benches, Gandhi sought to play a purported recording of a con- a challenge to the party. PM Modi’s statement on loan didate Mohammad Salim. ing there was no corruption, and versation of a Goa Minister on the issue that triggered heated Launching a no-holds- (IANS) accused the Congress, “which exchanges between Congress and BJP members in the Lok barred attack on Gandhi and his waivers ‘insensitive’: AIKS has a legacy of scams” like Bo- Sabha. Initiating a debate on the controversial deal for acquir- family, Jaitley said one family in fors and AugustaWestland, of ing fighter jets from France, he attacked Modi on the “process, the country whose hands were IANS curb rising costs of production inventing allegations against a pricing and patronage” and said “there are many holes in the dipped in corrupt deals was now NEW DELHI and has not been able to en- CJP assails Sindh “clean” government. Rafale story”. raking up the issue of corruption sure remunerative prices for Intervening in the discus- “I thought `daal me kuch kala hai but puri daal hi kali hai’ in the Rafale deal, which he said THE All India Kisan Sabha crops.” govt over illegally sion on the controversial deal (I thought there was some wrongdoing but nothing is right). We was in the interest of national se- (AIKS) on Wednesday con- The AIKS accused Modi of with the French aircraft manu- demand JPC (Joint Parliamentary Committee). It will bring out curity and the jets were urgently demned as “insensitive” a “selective amnesia” saying his allotted forest land facturer Dassault, Finance Min- the truth. Modiji bypased processes, contract was snatched required by the Air Force to statement of Prime Minister latest statement on farm loan ister Arun Jaitley said there was from HAL. A JPC is needed,” he said. (IANS) strengthen its fighter squadron. Narendra Modi equating farm waivers smacked of dishon- DAWN.COM no need for a JPC since the Su- Needling Gandhi, the Minister loan waivers to lollipops. esty. ISLAMBAD preme Court had already given said he had to be taught from “In times of acute agrar- “All through the 2014 elec- its verdict on the process, pric- matter. It is an investigation into not kickbacks but winding up ABC as he had described an off- ian crisis, falling farm incomes tion campaign his speeches CHIEF Justice of Pakistan ing, offset clause and HAL issue whether it was a clean or an un- charges. The JPC whitewashed set partner as the manufacturer and growing indebtedness, were laced with not merely Mian Saqib Nisar on Wednes- after satisfying its conscience. clean deal. The Supreme Court the fraud of corruption,” he said of plane. “I did not expect to see loan waiver has a palliative the promise of loan waiver to day expressed displeasure at A parliamentary committee has said that ‘we have satisfied amid thumping of desks by party such kind of ignorance from a effect provided it reaches the farmers but also the promise of the Sindh government’s disin- can come to a consensus when our conscience’ about pricing, members. party that has ruled the country real cultivators. To the crisis- Rs15 lakh into every account. terest in recovering hundreds it comes to policy matters but HAL, offset. What will JPC do “And the JPC is now being for 60 years.” stricken peasantry it could “Faced with intense strug- of thousands of acres of illegally could become partisan when it in an investigation?” Jaitley said demanded by those with a legacy Giving details of the Rafale provide much-needed tempo- gles by the AIKS and other allotted and grabbed land in a comes to investigation, Jaitley and referred to the JPC that of corruption, wanting to invent deal, Jaitley said the current rary relief,” the AIKS said in a organisations of the peasant- case pertaining to deforestation said, explaining why the gov- went into the kickbacks in the allegations of corruption as we government finalised the deal statement. ry, the Prime Minister again in Karachi. ernment was ruling out a JPC Bofors deal. have given a clean government.” for the fighter aircraft at a much “Notably, talk of loan waiv- assured farm loan waivers The chief justice, while probe. “The committee headed Taking a dig at the Congress, cheaper price than what was ers are also happening in a in February 2017 before the heading a three-member bench “Rafale issue is not a policy by (late) Shankaranand gave he said: “The conscience of the negotiated by the UPA govern- context wherein the BJP gov- Assembly elections in Uttar in Islamabad today, asked if or administrative or governance a report saying that they were Supreme Court was satisfied but ment. ernment has totally failed to Pradesh.” any measures were taken by the provincial government regard- ing its forest land. “Seventy thousand acre land has been leased illegally,” British teacher who arrived in Pakistan with the Raj dies aged 101 Sindh’s additional advocate general told the top judge, add- AFP Pakistan, during which he left nounced on its official website. He said the militants made ing that demarcation of forest ISLAMABAD the army to become one of the “Born on October 21, 1917 him walk for hours through the land was underway. country’s most revered teachers. and affectionately known to all mountains in winter to their vil- When Justice Ijazul Ahsan A former British officer who ar- He was briefly kidnapped in the as ‘The Major’, we acknowledge lage. enquired how Bahria Town got rived in Pakistan with the Raj tribal areas, spent decades build- the life of a soldier, teacher, “The military could not hold of forest land, the peti- and stayed to become one of its ing a school in the mountainous gentleman, story-teller, moun- assault the village because tioner, Qazi Athar, said that the most famous educators, with northwest, and for years taught taineer and humanitarian we would have been killed, so property developer was given students including Prime Min- future Pakistani presidents and whose life was devoted in ser- they got a party of elders to ap- 11,000 acres of forest land in ister Imran Khan, has died in prime ministers including Khan vice to others and especially his proach the kidnappers. They Karachi and another 4,000 Lahore aged 101, officials said at the prestigious Aitchison Col- adopted country Pakistan,” the said, ‘Look, you can’t kidnap acres in Nawabshah. Wednesday. lege -- known as the Eton of Pa- college said. the principal.’ So they agreed The chief justice expressed Major Geoffrey Douglas kistan -- in Lahore. Langlands, who in his life- to release me,” he said. disappointment at the Sindh Langlands was posted to the In- Profiled repeatedly in the time was awarded two of Paki- News of his death caused government’s inaction to recover dian army during World War II. British press, which document- stan’s highest civilian awards, an outpouring on Pakistani so- its land, saying: “Forests are very After independence in 1947 he ed among other things his daily told Britain’s Telegraph news- cial media. Khan -- who, Lang- important for the environment. volunteered to stay on a while breakfast of porridge, a poached paper in 2012 of his experience lands told the Guardian news- If [they] do not want to work, longer to help train the new Pa- egg and two cups of Lipton’s tea, Major Geoffrey Douglas Langlands. being kidnapped while work- paper in 2009, “owes me quite they should leave this country. kistani military. he finally retired in northwest- ing as the principal of a cadet a lot” -- tweeted an old class Such people are not capable of But his brief posting turned ern Chitral in 2012 at the age of the passing of Major Geoffrey quietly on Wednesday after a college in the Waziristan tribal photo from Aitchison when he running the government.” into more than seven decades in 94. “Aitchison College mourns Douglas Langlands, who left us brief illness,” the institution an- district near the Afghan border. was 12 years old. 08 Thursday, January 3, 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 Race And School Discipline Trump’s Foreign When disruptive students of any ethnicity are removed from the classroom, teachers are better able to help children who want to learn MERICANS have grown all too familiar Mac Donald’s point wasn’t to say that Policy Debacles with the horror of school shootings. One race determines conduct. She was helping Aof the worst ever, at Marjory Stoneman to explain how factors outside school may Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, influence conduct inside school. African- left 17 dead and provoked the state to American youngsters are more likely to tighten its gun laws. The tragedy and others grow up in poverty, in single-parent homes Republicans must confront the US president and his key foreign policy like it have given parents cause to worry and in crime-ridden neighbourhoods. Such when they send their kids to school. conditions are bound to have a detrimental moves in 2018 that pose security threat in the coming years But mass shootings in schools are rare effect on the behaviour of some students, events. What’s more common is the daily which likely accounts for the racial gap in TRUDY RUBIN danger from bullying, threats and violence discipline. TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE that many students (and even teachers) face The Obama administration guidance from disruptive students. This problem is had discouraged schools from removing ITH the end of 2018, there can far less lethal but can cause psychological students who are violent or seriously be no more pretense about as well as physical injury, not to mention its disruptive. But the new commission cited describing the main threat to US corrosive effect on learning. Judy Kidd, president of the Classroom security in 2019. After the Parkland shooting, President Teachers Association of North Carolina, W That threat can be summed Donald Trump empanelled a federal who expressed the view that “some school up in the following five words: the psyche commission on school safety. In late leaders have chosen to avoid potential Office of President Trump. December, it issued a report stressing the of Civil Rights investigations by eliminating At a time when a combative China is need for the federal government to help the use of out-of-school suspensions and rising, a revanchist Russia is meddling, local school districts address their respective expulsions, without considering the impact a terrorist threat still simmers, and discipline issues rather than dictating that such practices have on school safety.” technology is remaking the globe in ways one-size-fits-all solutions. One of the In Oklahoma City, an American that will upend our society, America is chief recommendations was to revoke the Federation of Teachers survey found adrift. This is not because the United previous administration’s guidance on racial that 36 percent of teachers said student States is incapable of handling the threats differences in school discipline — which offences had become more frequent under it faces. Rather, the primary danger arises this commission judged to be attacking the a policy aimed at curbing suspensions. In from the character of the man in the wrong problem in the wrong way. Madison, Wisconsin, suspensions declined White House. President Barack Obama’s Education by 13 percent between 2013 and 2018, the We have entered an era when long- Department, headed by Arne Duncan, noted Wisconsin State Journal reports, but “bad range strategic thinking has never been that “African-American students without student behaviour in Madison schools more vital, but the United States has a disabilities are more than three times as nearly doubled.” president who thinks only of the short- likely as their white peers without disabilities What’s easy to forget in the focus on term. He openly scorns our alliances and to be expelled or suspended.” School those who are disciplined is the effect of prefers one-on-one dealings with despots. districts were put on notice that evidence of their conduct on everyone else. In schools The biggest foreign-policy question of “disparate impact” in disciplinary outcomes that are mostly black, the victims of 2019 will be who, if anyone, can effectively could trigger investigations of possible students who engage in violent or disruptive confront Trump’s dangerous delusions. racial discrimination. But why should it? behaviour also are mostly black. When The onus, I believe, rests on GOP More likely, actual differences in disruptive students of any ethnicity are senators who may have backed him but behaviour account for the gap. “According removed from the classroom, teachers are now recognise he threatens the republic. z Trump’s tariff war with China to federal data,” Manhattan Institute analyst better able to help kids who want to learn. Perhaps only a real threat of impeachment Trump’s solo policy-making could lead confronts a real problem with the wrong Heather Mac Donald noted in City Journal, By rescinding the old guidance, the can penetrate the foreign-policy bubble in to unintended clashes with Beijing or tools. The best way to squeeze China into “... black students self-reported being in a Trump administration will empower local which the president resides. Moscow. It definitely will undermine better behaviour would be a multilateral physical fight at school at over twice the rate school administrators and teachers to craft Trump has no comprehension he’s been America in the long run, strengthening approach with European and other of white students in 2015.” In California, and enforce discipline policies that are fair suckered over and over again by Vladimir allies who are also angered by Beijing’s black fifth-graders are five times more likely to every student. A safe school, after all, Putin, Xi Jinping, North Korea’s Kim Jong- the illiberal, undemocratic trends technology theft and closed markets. than whites to be chronically truant. should be considered a civil right. un, Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, promoted by Xi and Putin Instead, Trump tries to go solo, and backs (Tribune News Service) and others. On the contrary, he tweeted Xi into a nationalist corner with open just before Christmas that “AMERICA IS president. The president trumpeted threats. RESPECTED AGAIN!” – oblivious to the that he had ended the North Korean z Trump’s off-the-cuff, Twitter disastrous impact his erratic moves have nuclear threat, but in reality he got no decision to swiftly pull US forces out of on America’s standing abroad. promises from Kim to destroy his arsenal. Syria, made without consulting any of But what is even more dangerous is Negotiations have stalled. But Trump’s his top military or civilian advisers or Rising Maternal Deaths In The US the fact Trump believes he is a genius. He seal of approval to Kim gave Russia and our Kurdish allies, sums up all his flaws. thinks he can make brilliant deals without China the green light to loosen sanctions, Acting alone, the president showed total HE United States should not have the by Republican US Rep Jaime Herrera advice from seasoned advisers (whom and the dangerous Kim is on his way to ignorance of the cost of a precipitous US highest rate of maternal deaths in the Beutler of Battle Ground, the bill provides he fires almost as often as if he were still becoming an accepted nuclear power. exit. These include the benefits to ISIS and Tdeveloped world. Yet that is the reality $12 million per year to support state running The Apprentice). z At the NATO summit in July, Trump Iran of a US retreat. His rash move will women in America now face. Here, the rate maternal mortality review committees, With the mentality of a Manhattan displayed open contempt for Germany further convince Mideast and Asian allies of mothers who die from pregnancy-related which can investigate and gather data on real estate dealer, he views foreign policy and other NATO members. There is that they cannot trust America, but must complications has risen since 2000, even as every maternal death that occurs. as a series of disconnected transactions nothing wrong with asking allies to up turn reluctantly to Moscow and Beijing. the rate in other countries has declined. This kind of data-gathering matters measured by whether America makes their defence spending (although Trump To sum up, an ill-informed president Recent reporting by NPR and ProPublica because most maternal deaths are a financial profit (or whether his continues to spew fake numbers). But as who is easily manipulated by despots has highlighted the extent of the problem, preventable, health experts say. Investigating brand is burnished). The concept of Moscow and Beijing are openly trying to endangers the country (not to mention including how a focus on infants’ health can what went wrong in each case can inform an interconnected world, and a bigger weaken America and Europe, NATO’s the economy, as he talks down the stock cause providers to overlook what’s afflicting best practices at hospitals across the country, strategic picture, seems to elude him. value lies in uniting nations that respect market). His solo policy-making could their mothers. helping to keep more women alive. Newly fired Defence Secretary James democratic values. Trump’s approach will lead to unintended clashes with Beijing Responding to this escalating women’s- Addressing this problem would mean Mattis perfectly described the risk of this fracture the alliance, to the glee of Putin or Moscow. It definitely will undermine health crisis should be a top priority for many more women getting to see their kind of transactional mentality, in July and Xi. America in the long run, strengthening the government officials. To that end, Congress children grow up. Thousands more children 2017: “If you don’t know where you’re z After dissing NATO, the president illiberal, undemocratic trends promoted recently did the right thing by passing a would grow up knowing their mothers. going, good luck when you take off on went to a Helsinki summit with Putin, by Xi and Putin. bill that aims to get to the root of why US The president and members of Congress your journey.” where he proclaimed he trusted the Whether GOP senators will have mothers are dying from pregnancy-related deserve criticism for their inability to tackle A look back at some of Trump’s foreign- Russian leader more than he trusted his the guts to stand up to Trump is a huge causes an estimated 700 to 900 times per many important issues, such as keeping the policy moves in 2018 shows the security own US intelligence agencies. Trump question. If they don’t, they will share year. The president signed the bill on Friday. government open. But at least by enacting threat he poses in the coming two years. appears incapable of grasping how he is the blame for America’s declining global The Preventing Maternal Deaths Act is a this law in 2018, they have come together to z The Singapore summit with Kim being manipulated by Putin, who is once influence. Trump’s unchecked foreign- first step, but an important one. Sponsored give US mothers a better chance of survival. Jong-un in June made clear how easily again nibbling at Ukraine and expanding policy delusions will make for a dicey a dictator can play this ill-informed Russia’s influence in the Mideast. new year. (Tribune News Service) The Internet Of Things (IoT) In 2019 We can expect these five things to happen as the IoT industry pushes from the ‘smart home’ into ‘smart everything’

ANDREW THOMAS 2019 in the Internet of Things industry. industry. Angel and institutional investors that comes with only basing action on Data is being generated at remarkable TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE 1. From ‘Smart Home’ to ‘Smart Life’ will still make bets on startups with a pattern recognition. Context is everything, levels across all verticals in IoT. Therefore, Most people associate IoT with ‘Smart vision and an ability to execute. and AI and ML will help create and utilise security and privacy around that data N 2013, investors said we were crazy Home’. It’s understandable, as much Nate Williams, Kleiner Perkins context. Outside the home, AI and ML can is a hot topic. Blockchain technologies for creating a business around a smart of the early internet-enabled hardware Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) and be the bridge between smart home, smart appear to be a viable solution for securing doorbell. The Internet of Things (IoT) technology was used inside and outside a seasoned angel investor, believes that plenty car, smart cities - ultimately achieving the and utilising that data for a multitude of was still nascent and only a few startups home. That’s no longer the case. of opportunity still exists in IoT. “The IoT dream of a “smart life.” purposes. Blockchain will help companies Iwere starting to create real traction. Expect to see many more ‘smart’ things industry is still growing exponentially and 4. Startups can still carve niches create better solutions for storing, Yet we believed in the dream of the ‘smart in 2019, including smart city, smart cars, there are a diverse set of industry verticals despite a crowded hardware segment monetising and transferring large amounts home’ and continued creating the future smart offices, smart buildings and industrial where investors and entrepreneurs can As noted above, the hardware of data in secure and anonymous ways. we wanted to see. IoT. I anticipate that enterprise applications find success,” said Williams. “I see lots of opportunities in the smart home are Blockchain startups, like IOTA and Fast forward five years and IoT is now for IoT will increase significantly, room for value-driven, industry focused diminishing, as consolidation and existing IoTeX, have already raised money and mainstream. Nest’s smart thermostat put presenting companies and entrepreneurs startups leveraging connectivity, analytics intellectual property make it harder for published white-papers around their IoT on the map and Amazon’s Echo product with even more opportunities to bring IoT and autonomy to solve hard problems.” new entrants to compete. Yet, smart solutions for IoT. Time will tell if they and Alexa voice assistant accelerated the to existing verticals, or create new markets 3. Artificial Intelligence and Machine entrepreneurs will still find ways to innovate can create a foothold in the space, or if industry forward by giving consumers a and services. Learning on user experience and technology. businesses will look to enterprise solutions new user interface (voice) and endless user Most importantly, all these different Now that hardware is ubiquitous, the One example that demonstrates how to for established technology providers, like experiences. Google Home’s entrance and verticals will start to integrate with focus is shifting to what one can do with take an innovative approach to an existing IBM Blockchain. the addition of hundreds of major brands one another, creating a seamless user these devices. The businesses that focus on hardware segment is Deako. While smart The world of smart technology will and corporations have propelled the experience that we’ll one day simply call software, data and services will see the next lighting solutions exist in the market, continue to be exciting. You should expect industry up the adoption curve, heading “life.” The industry will take big steps in wave of success. The two software segments Deako improved upon the user experience to see countless opportunities as the into the “early majority.” that direction this year. that have the most potential, and will have by utilising a modular design, and is industry shifts from the home and expands 2019 should see continued expansion 2. Smart investors will still find great the biggest impact, are artificial intelligence finding success with home builders. into all areas of our lives: work, medicine, as the IoT industry pushes from the opportunities (AI) and machine learning (ML). While the industry shifts to data, cities, transportation, cars, industrial smart home into smart everything. While it seems like the space is Both technologies are integral to software and services, hardware applications and enterprise. While the five Diversification across industries and crowded, especially in hardware, industry achieving the smart life that the industry entrepreneurs can continue to focus on years since I’ve been involved has included increasingly intelligent applications will growth and penetration is providing smart has promised. AI and ML will use data the customer experience and find new considerable innovation, we’re early in lead to deeper and wider penetration. investors with opportunities to invest and context to anticipate our needs and opportunities for success. what I still believe is a material evolution Here’s a look at what you can expect in in startups that are evolving with the reduce the potential errors of automation 5. Blockchain and IoT of the internet.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. Thursday, January 3, 2019 09 DEFENCE MATTERS The Invisible, Hands-Free Radio Calls for military

PATRICK TUCKER TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

EXT time you pass someone on the street who ap- pears to be talking to themselves, they may literally have voices inside their head…and be a highly trained soldier on a dangerous mission. The Pentagon has Ninked a roughly $10 million contract with a California company to provide secure communication gear that’s essen- tially invisible. Dubbed the Molar Mic, it’s a small device that clips to your back P teeth. The device is both Why Japan will spend microphone and “speak- Dubbed the Molar Mic, it’s er,” allowing the wearer a small device that clips to transmit without any conspicuous external to your back teeth. The microphone and receive device is both microphone with no visible headset or earpiece. Incoming and “speaker,” allowing sound is transmitted the wearer to transmit through the wearer’s without any conspicuous bone matter in the jaw Billions on F-35s and skull to the auditory external microphone and nerves; outgoing sound receive with no visible MACKENZIE WEINGER postwar constitution heavily restricted its mili- is sent to a radio trans- TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE tary capabilities. mitter on the neck, and headset or earpiece “We are increasing our defense effort very sent to another radio OKYO—JAPAN plans to shell out billions significantly, but without the U.S., Japanese unit that can be con- of dollars to purchase F-35 fighter jets in security policy cannot stand,” a senior defense cealed on the op- an effort to counter both regional security official in the National Security Secretariat said erator. From there, concerns and massive pressure from Pres- in an interview in Tokyo last week. the signal can be Tident Trump to drop more cash on U.S. Rear Adm. Karl Thomas, who commands sent anywhere. military equipment. the U.S. Navy’s largest battle force, said Ja- “Essentially, what “In total, we’re buying 147 F-35s from your pan’s acquisition of U.S. military equipment you are doing is receiv- country,” Keitaro Ohno, the parliamentary vice lends itself to greater integration between the ing the same type of minister of defense for Japan’s ruling party, two defense forces. auditory information told National Journal and other U.S. publica- “That right there bakes in some interoper- that you receive from tions last week in Tokyo. ability that we may not have with some other your ear, except that Trump has long sought to bolster the U.S. navies of the world. They fly airplanes that are you are using a new audi- arms industry, often acting as a salesman for very similar to ours. … Their data links are the tory pathway — through your tooth, through your cranial domestic weapons manufacturers in meetings same as our data links, so we have a special re- bones — to that auditory nerve. You can hear through your and public appearances with foreign leaders. lationship,” Thomas, commander of the Japan- head as if you were hearing through your ear,” said Peter Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, meanwhile, not based Combined Task Force 70 and Carrier Hadrovic, CEO of Molar Mic creator Sonitus Technologies. only wants to improve his country’s defense ca- Strike Group 5, told reporters last week on the He likened the experience to what happens when you eat a pabilities with this F-35 buy, but likely hopes aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan. crunchy breakfast cereal — but instead of hearing that loud it will serve as proof of Tokyo’s increased The new decision to procure F-35Bs con- (delightfully marketable) chewing noise, you’re receiving im- commitment to its own defense and as lever- P nects to both operational and geographical portant communications from your operations team. age with a president hyper-focused on Japan’s concerns, given that Japan is an island nation Your ability to understand conversations transmitted trade surplus with the U.S. “In total, we’re buying 147 F- with few long runways. The aircraft will also be through bone improves with practice. “Over the period of Tokyo this week officially announced plans placed on Izumo-class destroyers that are set to three weeks, your brain adapts and it enhances your ability to to buy 63 F-35As and 42 F-35Bs, the pricier 35s from your country,” Keitaro be transformed into aircraft carriers under the process the audio,” said Hadrovic. But even “out of the gate, short-takeoff-vertical-landing variant, to re- Ohno, the parliamentary vice government’s newly announced defense-policy you can understand it,” he said. (more below) place about 100 aging fighter jets. That’s worth guidelines. The Molar Mic connects to its transmitter via near-field an estimated $10 billion to U.S. defense con- minister of defense for Japan’s As Capt. Katsuyoshi Motoyama—the com- magnetic induction. It’s similar to Bluetooth, encryptable, tractor Lockheed Martin, although the final manding officer of the JS Izumo, the lead ship but more difficult to detect and able to pass through water. contract value could differ. ruling party, told National Journal of the Izumo class—told U.S. reporters last Sonitus received early funding from In-Q-Tel, the non- Japan already had 42 F-35As on order. and other US publications last week, the short length of the Japan Maritime profit investment arm of the CIA, to develop the concept. With this new commitment, the country will Self-Defense Force’s largest ships means they Hadrovic declined to say whether CIA operatives had used become the largest foreign buyer of the U.S.- week in Tokyo. can’t launch F-35As. But the refitted helicopter the device in intelligence gathering. But the Molar Mic has made fighter jet. destroyers would be sufficient for the pricier seen the dust of Afghanistan and even played a role in rescue Tokyo’s new defense posture is tied largely F-35B variant, which is capable of vertical or operations in the United States. to China’s military buildup, Japanese officials short takeoffs and vertical landings, and does In Aug, 2016, a connection Hadrovic met through In-Q- told National Journal, although threats posed not require a catapult launcher. Tel introduced the company to the Defense Innovation Unit by North Korea and Russia also factor in. “This ment, by far. He’ll be purchasing it from the This massive purchase is an effort to devel- Experimental, or DIUx (since rebranded simply DIU). They trigger is—to be straight out—China, the ex- United States. … It’s a lot of jobs for us and a op the country’s airpower capabilities and ad- linked Sonitus to their “warrior in residence” and several pansion of China,” Ohno said. lot of safety for Japan.” dress the growing threat China poses to Japan, other pararescuemen, or PJs, from the Air National Guard’s But Trump is likely another trigger for To- Sheila Smith, senior fellow for Japan stud- particularly remote island chains, Ohno said. 131st Rescue Squadron at Moffett Field in Mountain View, kyo. The president has repeatedly and publicly ies at the Council on Foreign Relations, said “When it comes to the security environ- California, near the DIU headquarters. Pararescuemen air- pushed for Japan to buy military equipment that although there is a clear need to replace an ment, their activity in the South China Sea drop behind enemy lines to rescue downed aircrews. from American manufacturers and has often aging fleet, this week’s announcement also re- and East China Sea is still going on and has A few of the airmen took prototypes of the device on de- criticized the country over its trade surplus flects Japan’s approach to dealing with Trump. not changed a lot,” he said. “Face to face, we ployment to Afghanistan. Although they didn’t use it during with the U.S. “How many F-35s ordered has been affect- are smiling, but under the table we are kicking missions, they were able to test it repeatedly and offer feed- In a September news conference following ed by the Trump administration calling on Ja- each other.” back. Hadrovic said the 14 months of testing were critical to meetings at the United Nations, the president pan to do more, spend more,” Smith said. “He Japan’s decision to beef up its defense forc- improving the product for use by the military. said he’d “just asked Japan” about defense said, ‘Buy more modern weapons, create more es and buy American-made military equipment spending. “I said, ‘We’re defending you. You’re American jobs,’ and Japan will be buying the must also be seen in the context of the current a very wealthy country. You’re sending us mil- F-35 off the shelf, from U.S. factories.” U.S.-Japan relationship, Smith noted. lions of cars. You’re making a fortune. We have Asked whether the F-35 purchase is more “I think it’s pretty clear that Abe and Trump a tremendous trade deficit with you. And we’re about pleasing Trump ahead of bilateral trade both have an interest in better Japanese capa- defending you and we’re subsidizing your mili- talks with Washington next year or countering bilities given the neighborhood Japan lives in. tary with a massive amount of money,’” Trump China, Koji Murata, a professor of political sci- I think they’re both on the same page on these said. ence at Doshisha University in Kyoto, replied, weapons sales,” she said. “Will it affect [U.S. Or, as the president put it at a November “The answer is both.” Trade Representative Robert] Lighthizer and 2017 news conference in Tokyo, “the Prime Tokyo’s plan to introduce F-35Bs and more others who are actually negotiating trade? I Minister of Japan is going to be purchasing F-35As makes tactical and strategic sense, U.S. can’t say yes for sure, but it doesn’t hurt, obvi- massive amounts of military equipment, as he and Japanese defense officials say. The U.S. is ously, that this has been one of the outcomes should. And we make the best military equip- Japan’s only military ally, and the country’s already negotiated and decided.”

It’s Now Possible to Telepathically Communicate with a Drone Swarm

PATRICK TUCKER More importantly, DARPA [aircraft], and have full sensory TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE was able to improve the interac- [signals] coming back. So you can P tion between pilot and the simu- have those other planes out in PERSON with a brain chip lated jet to allow the operator, a the environment and then be de- can now pilot a swarm The work builds on re- paralyzed man named Nathan, to tecting something and send that of drones — or even ad- search from 2015, which not just send but receive signals signal back into the brain,” said vanced fighter jets, thanks allowed a paralysed from the craft. Sanchez. Ato research funded by the woman to steer a virtual “The signals from those air- The experiment occured a U.S. military’s Defense Advanced craft can be delivered directly “handful of months ago,” he said. Research Projects Agency, or F-35 Joint Strike Fighter back to the brain so that the It’s another breakthrough DARPA. brain of that user [or pilot] can in the rapidly advancing field of The work builds on research with only a small, also perceive the environment,” brain-computer interfaces, or from 2015, which allowed a para- surgically-implantable said Sanchez. “It’s taken a num- BCIs, for a variety of purposes. lyzed woman to steer a virtual microchip. ber of years to try and figure this The military has been leading F-35 Joint Strike Fighter with out.” interesting research in the field only a small, surgically-implant- In essence, it’s the difference since at least 2007,. And in 2012, able microchip. On Thursday, mand and control … not just one between having a brain joystick DARPA issued a $4 million grant agency officials announced that aircraft but three simultaneous and having a real telepathic con- to build a non-invasive “synthetic they had scaled up the technology types of aircraft,” said Justin versation with multiple jets or telepathy” interface by placing to allow a user to steer multiple Sanchez, who directs DARPA’s drones about what’s going on, sensors close to the brain’s mo- jets at once. biological technology office, at what threats might be flying over tor centers to pick up electrical “As of today, signals from the Agency’s 60th-anniversary the horizon, and what to do about signals — non-invasively, over the brain can be used to com- event in Maryland. them. “We’ve scaled it to three the skin. 10 Thursday, January 3, 2019 Gulf / Middle East / World Netflix censorship risks helping Saudi crackdown, warns Amnesty

AFP of a relentless crackdown on people’s right to freely access cised Crown Prince Moham- for defamation is banned. DUBAI freedom of expression in the information.” Netflix on Tues- med bin Salman and was Disseminating or storing kingdom,” said Samah Hadid, day confirmed it had pulled openly critical of the Saudi- material “impinging on public NETFLIX’S decision to pull Amnesty’s Middle East cam- an episode of “Patriot Act led military campaign in order, religious values, public an episode of a show criti- paigns director. with Hasan Minhaj” in which war-hit Yemen. morals and privacy” is also a cal of Saudi authorities risks “By bowing to the Saudi the comedian lashed out at Netflix said it had pulled punishable offence. facilitating a crackdown on Arabian authorities’ demands, Saudi Arabia after the killing the episode after a “valid le- Dozens of Saudi citi- freedom of expression in the Netflix is in danger of facili- of Washington Post columnist gal request” in order to com- zens have been convicted on kingdom, Amnesty Interna- tating the kingdom’s zero- Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi ply with local law. Under charges linked to dissent and tional said Wednesday. tolerance policy on freedom consulate in Istanbul. (File photo) People holding pictures of Saudi journalist Jamal Saudi Arabia’s sweeping cy- under the cyber crime law “Saudi Arabia’s censorship of expression and assisting An American-born Mus- Khashoggi attend a symbolic funeral prayer for the slain journalist in ber crime law, the storage or in recent years, particularly of Netflix... is further proof the authorities in denying lim, Minhaj specifically criti- the courtyard of Fatih mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. use of data that could be used linked to posts on Twitter. Somalia orders top Syria’s Qaeda outfit advances UN envoy to leave against rivals in deadly fight over ‘interference’

AFP rica nation, which was left ru- Clashes broke out between Syria’s al-Qaeda branch and Turkish-backed NLF on Tuesday in Aleppo MOGADISHU ined by decades of civil war. As part of that, the UN AGENCIES SOMALIA’S government has supports police officers and BEIRUT ordered the UN top envoy soldiers, including with sti- to the troubled country to pend salary payments, logis- A branch of the terrorist group leave, accusing him of “de- tics, uniforms and training. al-Qaeda in Syria has gained liberately interfering with Haysom wrote to the So- ground in the ongoing fight the country’s sovereignty.” mali government on Decem- against rival Syrian rebels that The order comes days af- ber 30, requesting details of has killed at least 39 people ter the official, Nicholas the legal basis of the arrest in the north of the strife-torn Haysom, raised concerns at of Robow, as well as calling country, a war monitor report- the action of Somalia’s UN- for investigations into the ed on Wednesday. backed security services in deaths in the protests fol- Clashes broke out on Tues- recent violence that left sev- day in Syria’s northern prov- eral people dead. ince of Aleppo, pitting Hayat “The Special Representa- Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Syria’s tive of the UN Secretary-Gen- al-Qaeda branch previously eral for Somalia, Nicholas known as the al-Nusra Front, Haysom, is no longer wel- against the Turkish-backed come in Somalia and cannot rebel group the National Lib- operate in the country,” the eration Front (NLF), the Syrian foreign ministry said in a Observatory for Human Rights statement late Tuesday. added. There was no immediate During the fight, the HTC reaction from the UN mission combatants seized from NLF in Somalia. Somalia’s security the town of Daret al-Iza, the forces used force to put down second largest in the west- three days of demonstrations Nicholas Haysom. ern countryside of Aleppo, as in the southwestern town of well as two villages in the re- Baidoa on December 13-15, The order comes gion, the Britain-based watch- with at least 15 people killed dog reported. and 300 people arrested, ac- days after Nicholas Al-Qaeda militants are cording to the UN. Haysom, raised con- seeking to tighten their grip on Protesters were angry at cerns at the action of the ground through mop-up the arrest of Muktar Robow, Somalia’s UN-backed operations and the detention of a former Islamist leader who security services in local suspects. was vying for the post of re- Both sides brought in more gional presidency of South recent violence that reinforcements into the area on West State. Robow, who de- killed several people Wednesday amid heavy clash- fected from the Al-Shabaab es, the monitor reported. A Turkish-backed Syrian fighter takes a selfie photograph with fellow fighters raising Turkish and opposition flags in the north of Aleppo prov- movement in 2017, was de- The battles in the last 24 ince before heading to the Kurdish-controlled town of Manbij, recently. (AFP) tained by the government ac- lowing his detention. hours have resulted in the kill- cused of seeking to “under- The envoy’s letter said UN ing of at least 19 HTC mem- where Turkey is preparing for Both sides get however, HTS suffered sev- position coalition, though mine stability”, and flown to support to security fores must bers, 15 from the NLF as well a major offensive against Kurd- eral setbacks, including the HTS leaders have remarked the capital Mogadishu. comply with the strict rules of as five civilians, including two ish militias there. reinforcements aforementioned disavowal that “matters relating to the Robow’s run for office ex- its human rights police, and children, the observatory said. Turkey has been send- Al-Qaeda militants seek to by al-Qaeda’s central lead- organizational structure of posed the tensions between urged the government to en- HTS mouthpiece Ebaa ing troops and military hard- ership as well as large-scale Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham are Somalia’s federal states, sure “appropriate action is has accused the Syrian re- ware to areas near the Syr- tighten grasp on the ground losses of territory, faltering non-negotiable.” which want greater autono- taken to hold any perpetra- bels of targeting local civilians ian-Turkish border for the through mop-up operations local support, assassinations The group also faces an my from a national adminis- tors, including commanding with mortar shelling. operation. and detention of local of key leaders, and significant assault by the Syrian regime tration keen to safeguard its officers, accountable. Local activists said the Ankara deems the Syrian suspects.Both sides brought defections in its ranks. Moving and its allies, including Rus- central powers. Haysom’s letter also at- al-Qaeda affiliate had taken Kurdish militiamen as an ex- in more reinforcements into forward, HTS’s future is uncer- sia, in Idlib. Finally, HTS The UN mission in So- tached an annexed note from advantage of the departure of tension of the outlawed Kurd- tain. has numerous competitors malia is tasked with sup- the European Union, Britain many NLF personnel from the istan Workers’ Party (PKK) the area on Wednesday amid Turkey has pressured the among the Syrian opposition, porting peace efforts and the and Germany in which they area for the embattled town of waging an insurgency within heavy clashes, a monitor said group to dissolve and join a including from the National strengthening of government announced the suspension of Manbij in northern Syria, Turkey. Throughout 2018, larger Turkish-backed op- Liberation Front. institutions in the Horn of Af- their aid to South West State.

News Syria oppn watches in dismay as regime cements comeback More bodies pulled from rubble of in brief Russian building after gas blast AFP United Arab Emirates last week BEIRUT reopened its embassy in the Syr- AFP alive and reunited with his Turkey detains 12 IS ian capital, and fellow Gulf state MOSCOW mother. But hope was start- suspects, including ALMOST eight years into Syr- Bahrain has followed suit. Bilal ing to fade of finding many French citizens ia’s devastating war, opponents Bayush, a media activist in the RESCUERS hunted for survi- more survivors. The emergency of the regime are watching in last major rebel stronghold of vors Wednesday in the rubble situations ministry said in a ISTANBUL: Turkish authorities dismay as President Bashar al- Idlib, said he was not surprised. of a Russian apartment build- statement that as of 2:30 pm have detained 12 people in Assad’s government looks set “Their interests with the op- ing wrecked by a New Year’s Moscow time (1130 GMT) the the north-western province to secure its comeback at home position have ended, and they Eve gas explosion, but found bodies of 21 people, including of Bursa over alleged links and abroad. Holed up in the last now have interests with the As- only bodies as the number of two children, had been recov- to Islamic State extremists major rebel stronghold or un- sad regime,” he said. confirmed dead rose to 21. ered from the partly collapsed in Syria, state news agency able to return home after flee- The United Arab Emirates embassy is pictured in the Syrian capital Political opposition chief Braving temperatures that building. Six people, including Anadolu reported on Wednes- ing abroad, they are frustrated Damascus after its reopening, recently. (AFP) negotiator Nasr al-Hariri was fell as low as minus 27 degrees two children, had been rescued. day. Police raided 12 sepa- to have been abandoned by the outraged. “While our people are Celsius (minus 16 degrees Fahr- “Work is continuing to find rate addresses in Bursa on international community. in power,” said the 27-year-old, Syrian people have closed their dying of cold in refugee camps enheit), rescue workers were another 20 people” still miss- Sunday and Monday. Among “Today, I’m looking for a whose hometown of Daraya borders” to us, he said. drowning in cold winter rain, combing through mangled con- ing, the ministry said, noting the detained are two French homeland,” activist Shady Ma- near Damascus was retaken by Sudan’s president last some of our Arab brothers are crete and metal. that 800 square metres of de- citizens sought by France for tar said from exile in neigh- the government in 2016. And month made the first visit by an racing to open up to the crimi- Their efforts were given bris -- loaded into 50 dump arrest, as per to the report. bouring Turkey. “I can’t go “most countries whose gov- Arab leader to Damascus since nal who is responsible,” he said a boost on Tuesday when a trucks -- had been cleared from The two women were said to home while the regime is still ernments say they support the the start of the conflict. The last week on Twitter. 10-month-old boy was found the site in the last 24 hours. be carrying fake Syrian iden- tity cards. The 12 suspects also include French citizens of Algerian origin. (DPA) DR Congo cuts French Tears as Japan emperor gives last New Year speech to record crowd radio station broadcast over counting fiasco AFP uled–as he “strongly” wanted crowd yelled “Thank you very TOKYO more people to attend after Abdication much” as the emperor waved, KINSHASA: DR Congo on seeing the vast number of well- while others sang the national Wednesday said it had JAPAN’S Emperor Akihito de- wishers still gathered outside O The emperor appeared anthem. One woman in the pulled accreditation for livered his final New Year’s ad- the palace in the afternoon, a seven times at the balcony front row shed tears as she a French radio journalist dress Wednesday before his ab- palace spokesman said. up from five originally looked up at the balcony. and cut off the station’s dication later this year, telling a He will become the first scheduled–as he wanted “I came here with my broadcasts amid tensions record turnout of well-wishers Japanese monarch to abdicate more people to attend. He mother to imprint his last ap- over the counting of votes that he was praying for peace. in around two centuries when will become the first pearance as emperor in our in crucial elections. The The Imperial Palace pro- he steps down from the throne monarch to abdicate in memories,” said Yume Ni- authorities said accredita- visionally said some 154,800 on April 30, ending his three- shimura, a university student, tion for the Radio France people had flocked to the royal decade reign. around two centuries when as she waited in a long queue Internationale (RFI) cor- residence for a final chance “Happy New Year. I’m he steps down from the to enter the palace. respondent in Kinshasa, to see the 85-year-old royal sincerely glad to celebrate the throne on April 30, ending “I want to tell him we ap- Florence Morice, had been deliver his traditional annual new year together with you un- his three-decade reign. preciate his hard work for the withdrawn. Government greeting. der the clear sky,” he told the country,” she said. spokesman Lambert Mende It was the largest number crowd, many waving Japanese Kazuo Iwasaki, a 68-year- accused Morice of violating of visitors to the palace for his flags and shouting “Banzai”, flanked by Empress Michiko old pensioner, said: “I hope he Japan’s Emperor Akihito (7th left), and members of the royal family electoral law and “the code New Year speech since he as- meaning “long live”. and other family members. will be able to spend his post- wave to the crowd during the New Year’s greeting ceremony at the of good conduct for foreign cended to the throne in 1989. “I hope this year will be a “I pray for the peace and retirement years in a healthy imperial palace in Tokyo, on Wednesday. (AFP) journalists covering the The emperor appeared good year for as many people happiness of the people of our and relaxing manner with elections”. (AFP) seven times at the balcony -- as possible,” the soft-spoken country and the world,” he Empress Michiko.” - Pacifist country in 2016 when he sig- seat, citing his age and health up from five originally sched- Akihito said in a dark suit, added. Some in the morning views -Akihito shocked the nalled his desire to take a back problems. Europe / Americas Thursday, January 3, 2019 11

US president calls for shutdown Romney launches blistering attack on Trump’s character talks with Congress leaders AFP shortfall has been most glar- refrain from name-calling AFP strike a more conciliatory tone WASHINGTON ing.” He added that Trump’s and had not. He said he was WASHINGTON seeking to bring Democrats to actions had caused “dismay initially encouraged when the table after acerbic remarks INCOMING Senator Mitt around the world” and alien- Trump brought into his cabi- PRESIDENT Donald Trump over the weekend. Romney has written a scath- ated traditional allies in Eu- net steady-hand figures like on Tuesday invited Republi- “Border Security and the ing op-ed targeting President rope. James Mattis as defense sec- can and Democratic leaders Wall ‘thing’ and Shutdown is Donald Trump, saying he “has His comments seemed to retary and John Kelly as chief from Congress for a meeting not where Nancy Pelosi wanted not risen to the mantle of the suggest Romney is position- of staff. to seek an end to the federal to start her tenure as Speaker! office” and his actions have al- ing himself to take over the “But, on balance, his con- government shutdown now in Let’s make a deal?” he tweeted. ienated America’s allies. role of Jeff Flake, a departing duct over the past two years, its second week. Pelosi is set to become The barbed remarks from senator who was a vocal critic particularly his actions this The two sides have ap- House speaker on Thursday. the 2012 Republican presi- of Trump. month, is evidence that the peared at an impasse, with At the same time, Trump dential candidate came as The US leader responded president has not risen to the Trump’s Democratic foes seek- characterized their opposi- he and other lawmakers pre- the next morning in a rela- mantle of the office,” Romney ing a vote on spending bills tion to the wall as embracing pare take up their seats in tively restrained tweet. (File photo) US President-elect Donald Trump shakes hands with Mitt wrote. to keep the government open “Open Borders and all of the the new Congress. “Here we go with Mitt Romney after their meeting at the clubhouse of Trump National Golf His comments even -- without addressing the hot- crime and drugs that Open “With the nation so di- Romney, but so fast! Question Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. prompted suggestions online button issue of border wall Borders bring!” Trump has vided, resentful and angry, will be, is he a Flake? I hope that he sounds like he is con- funding -- as soon as they take invited Republican and Demo- presidential leadership in not,” he wrote. It is the latest twist in a as Romney ran for a senate sidering challenging Trump control of the House of Repre- cratic leaders in Congress to qualities of character is in- “Would much prefer that relationship that has run hot seat from Utah. In the op-ed for the nomination in 2020. sentatives, on Thursday. the White House for a border dispensable,” Romney wrote Mitt focus on Border Secu- and cold for years. Romney piece, Romney noted he had Romney said last month But the legislation’s future security briefing from senior in the op-ed piece in The rity and so many other things called presidential candidate not supported Trump as the -- when Trump abruptly an- appears uncertain, as it does Department of Homeland Se- Washington Post on Tues- where he can be helpful. I won Trump a fraud and a phony in Republican Party’s nominee nounced he was pulling US not contain funding for a wall curity officials on Wednesday, day. big, and he didn’t. He should 2016. in 2016. troops out of Syria, and Mat- along the US-Mexico border, White House spokeswoman “And it is in this prov- be happy for all Republicans. But last year he thanked He said he had hoped tis resigned in protest -- was as demanded by Trump. Sarah Sanders said in a state- ince where the incumbent’s Be a TEAM player & WIN.” Trump for his endorsement the Trump campaign would particularly disturbing. But Trump appeared to ment Tuesday evening.

News in brief Tear gas fired as migrants British police say New Year ‘terror’ stabbing suspect likely acted alone LONDON: British police said Wednesday it was increasingly likely try illegal crossing to US that a man who stabbed three people on New Year’s Eve in Manchester had acted alone. Manchester police are conducting a formal “terrorist investigation” into Monday’s incident at the city’s main railway station. A 25-year-old man whose identity has not been released was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and is being held under Britain’s mental health law. “The investigation has moved at a very fast pace and detec- tives are increasingly confident that the man acted alone in the final stages of the attack,” the Manchester police department said in a statement. “The investigation will continue and will examine if anybody may have encouraged or assisted the man to commit the at- tack.” the police said. (AFP)

6 people killed, 16 injured in train accident on major Danish bridge

COPENHAGEN: Six people were killed and 16 injured when a train crashed on the bridge linking Denmark’s main islands of Zealand and Funen during stormy weather on Wednesday, in the country’s worst accident since 1988. Police on the island of Funen confirmed the death toll, which was initially reported by Danish train operator DSB. The figures were preliminary, police said. The accident occurred early Wednesday when an object hit a train on the Great Belt Bridge between the two islands and forced it to brake hard, police said. According to the DSB, 131 passengers and three crew members had been on board the passenger train. The railway company has so far declined to comment on the cause. An empty lorry transported by a freight train could have caused the train, according to Danish news agency Ritzau. (DPA)

US seeking access to Mayor in Mexico ex-Marine detained shot dead hours in Russia: Pompeo after taking office BRASÍLIA: The United States BUENOS Aires: A mayor has is expecting to quickly get been killed just a few hours A US Custom and Border Protection (CBP) official points his weapon at migrants as they prepare to cross the border fence illegally from Mexico into the US, in Tijuana, Mexico, consular access to a former after taking office in the on Tuesday. (REUTERS) Marine arrested in Russia south of Mexico. for alleged spying to learn Several gunmen opened included adult men, women blankets and rubber mats more about the charges, fire on Alejandro Aparicio on It is the second time since last year that with small children and ado- were put over the concertina US Secretary of State Mike New Year’s Day in the town lescents. wire. Border Patrol agents wit- Pompeo said Wednesday. of Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca, shortly border officers have used tear gas during After that attempt, part of nessed members of the group “If the detention is not after he had taken his oath an attempted mass migrant crossing the group stayed near the bor- attempt to lift toddler-sized appropriate we will demand of office, the local prosecu- Violent clashes der and other Central Ameri- children up and over the con- his immediate return,” tor said on Wednesday. cans arrived to join them. certina wire and having dif- Pompeo told reporters while Another four people AFP strong caravan of travelers US Border Patrol agents used Shortly after the New Year ficulty accomplishing the task on a visit to Brazil, where he were injured in the attack. A TIJUANA, MEXICO –which raised the ire of Presi- tear gas and pepper spray to began, dozens of migrants in a safe manner,” CBP said. was attending the inaugura- suspect was arrested. The dent Donald Trump–largely counter rock-throwing migrants stood on a hill from which they It added that agents could tion of that country’s new motive was initially unclear. US Border Patrol agents gave up and dispersed. when a group of about 150 could see US border agents, not assist the children “due to government. Mexico is suffering from used tear gas and pepper A journalist reported the tried to illegally cross the who watched them closely. the large number of rocks be- Russia’s FSB security a wave of violence. spray to counter rock-throw- crowd size at about 100 and border from Mexico, leading to When people in this group ing thrown at them.” service said Monday it had From January to No- ing migrants when a group observed the group of Central 25 arrests, an agency said on rushed the border in a second Agents used smoke, pep- detained the American, who vember last year, more of about 150 tried to illegally Americans gathering around Tuesday. The migrants in the incident, US authorities fired per spray and tear gas “to ad- he said was “carrying out an than 26,000 people were cross the border from Mexi- 8:00 pm Monday night (0400 latest case New Year’s Eve tear gas to disperse them, a dress the rock throwers as- act of espionage.” killed in the Latin American co, leading to 25 arrests, the GMT Tuesday) in an area were among 1,500 who have photographer observed. saulting agents and risking the The man was identi- country. agency said on Tuesday. called Playas de Tijuana on In a statement, US Cus- safety of migrants attempting fied as Paul Whelan, 48, Those responsible for It is the second time since the Pacific coast, often used remained in Tijuana, Mexico, toms and Border Protection to cross who were already on a former Marine now em- the killings are often drug November that border offic- by migrants as a departure just south of San Diego (CBP) said an initial group the US side,” CBP said. ployed as director of global cartels, which compete for ers have used tear gas during point for attempts to sneak of 45 migrants turned back “The rock throwers were security at US-based auto- business and the control of an attempted mass migrant across the border. on both sides of the frontier towards Mexico, due to the located south of the fence, motive components supplier smuggling routes. crossing in the San Diego area. There, the border is prepared to celebrate New increased presence of Bor- in an elevated position both BorgWarner. Again and again local The migrants in the lat- marked with fencing and a Year’s Eve, the migrants der Patrol agents. Shortly above the border fence area Whelan’s family said politicians are targeted by est case New Year’s Eve were large vertical plate that juts tried to cross over but at after, migrants began throw- and the incursion attempt.” he was visiting Moscow to the criminal networks work- among 1,500 who have re- out into the water. On the oth- least two smoke bombs were ing rocks over the fence at Most of the migrants re- attend a wedding and denied ing to undrmine the govern- mained in Tijuana, Mexico, er side of it, US border agents fired and they were ulti- CBP officers. turned to Mexico using a hole he was a spy. (AFP) ment. (DPA) just south of San Diego, Cali- were seen mobilizing. mately held back. “Several teenagers, under the fence or by climb- fornia, after a once-5,000- As night fell and people Those who tried to cross wrapped in heavy jackets, ing over it, CBP said. UK can punch above its weight after Brexit: Hunt Spanish coastguard rescues AFP Parliament is due to debate the second biggest military SINGAPORE Britain’s withdrawal from the budget in NATO, the third big- over 300 migrants in new year EU–called Brexit–next week gest overseas aid budget, one BRITAIN can still punch above ahead of a key vote the following of the two largest financial cen- AFP its weight globally even after it week, as the country prepares to tres, highly effective intelligence MADRID exits the European Union (EU), leave the bloc on March 29. services and a world class dip- Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt Amid doubts over whether lomatic network, including per- SPANISH coastguards rescued said Wednesday ahead of a cru- the deal will have enough back- manent membership of the UN 325 migrants trying to cross cial parliamentary vote at home. ing, Prime Minister Theresa Security Council.” the Mediterranean over the Although Britain is neither May used her New Year’s mes- Hunt said post-Brexit Brit- first two days of the new year, a superpower nor in posses- sage to rally support. ain could learn from Singapore’s they said Wednesday. sion of an empire, the country In a speech outlining Brit- economic model, especially The news comes just days still has the military might, ain’s global role after Brexit, the tiny city-state’s long-term after a charity rescue vessel economic muscle and diplo- Hunt said his country would Britain’s Foreign Minister investment in education, infra- carrying 311 mainly African mi- Migrants arrive on board a Maritime Rescue Services vessel as they matic connections to play a remain an influential global Jeremy Hunt. structure and the push to forge grants plucked off the coast of arrive to the port in Algeciras, southern Spain, on Wednesday. (EPA) major role in world affairs, player independent of the trade ties spanning the world. Libya docked in Spain, ending Hunt said in Singapore. EU, even as he warned that rum organised by the London- Tim Huxley, executive di- a traumatic journey which saw day, and coastguards were gration’s latest figures, more Britons in a 2016 referen- failure to reach a deal would based International Institute rector for Asia at IISS, said them spend Christmas at sea. searching for another boat in than 56,000 migrants arrived dum voted to leave the EU, a “cause disruption that could for Strategic Studies (IISS). the immediate challenge fac- A spokeswoman for Spain’s distress. in Spain by sea from January political and economic part- last some time”. “We are not a superpower ing post-Brexit Britain con- coastguards said they had res- Spain has become Eu- 1 to December 19, 2018, and nership that currently has 28 While Britain should not and we do not have an empire,” cerned its ability to create cued 111 migrants on Tuesday rope’s main entry point for mi- 769 died trying. The Spanish members, triggering months of overestimate its strength, it he said. a network of trade and eco- in the Strait of Gibraltar and grants, overtaking Greece and Committee for Refugee Aid tortuous negotiations that have should not underestimate it ei- “But we do have the fifth nomic links with other na- Alboran Sea. She added 214 Italy. According to the Inter- says the number of victims is left the country bitterly divided. ther, he said at a diplomatic fo- biggest economy in the world, tions “as rapidly as possible”. more were rescued on Wednes- national Organization for Mi- the highest since 2006. Jet Airways share slump after debt payment www.facebook.com/QatarTribune failure PAGE 14 www.youtube.com/QatarTribuneChannel

www.twitter.com/Qatar_Tribune

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019

DOW23,367.72 QE 10,280.34 SENSEX 35,891.52 GOLD 1,283.30 Stock markets wobble, yen at +40.26 PTS -18.67 PTS -363.06 PTS +0.16% multi-month highs PAGE 14 PRICE PERCENTAGE PRICE PERCENTAGE 15.60 BRENT 55.42 +3.01% WTI 46.95 +3.39% SILVER +0.39%

Quick read FDI in Qatar rises 4% to QR709.7 billion in 2018 Q3 Trump upbeat about trade negotiations from QR682.3 billion at the at the end of the previous with China Liabilities to non-residents increase end of previous quarter to quarter to QR385.2 billion. QR709.7 billion. Other foreign invest- US President Donald Trump on by 4 percent to QR709.7 billion Foreign investments ac- ments consisting of long-term Wednesday sounded upbeat counted for 68 percent or loans and trade related short about negotiations to end a QNA enterprises in the private sec- QR482.1 billion, followed by -term financial instruments trade war with China, saying DOHA tor and some government- accounted for 53 percent or they are coming along very owned enterprises, which QR385 bn QR203.4 billion of the to- well. Currently, the United FOREIGN direct investments accounted for 84 percent tal assets, followed by FDI States and China are about (FDI) in Qatar increased by 4 of the value of inward FDI of - is the value of assets with abroad at QR145.7 billion or one month into their 90-day percent to QR709.7 billion in non-bank enterprises in 2016. non-residents at the end of 38 percent and portfolio in- hiatus in implementing tariffs Q3, according to Planning and QCB surveyed all financial in- third quarter of 2018 vestments (financial securi- and taking other measures in Statistics Authority’s (PSA) stitutions under its supervi- ties) at QR35.5 billion or 9 a trade war that dominated Qatar Foreign Investment sion. FDI in Qatar at QR123.4 bil- percent. much of 2018, as they work Survey carried out in coopera- Data showed that at the lion or 17 percent and port- Stock of inward FDI de- quarter, PSA data showed During Q3 2018, there on hammering out a deal. tion with Qatar Central Bank end of Q3 2018, liabilities to folio investments at QR101.7 creased by QR2.1 billion due Qatar’s assets with non- was a net withdrawal of FDI (REUTERS) (QCB). non-residents increased by billion or 14 percent of the to- to net outflows of FDI and residents decreased by QR2 abroad and other changes of The survey targeted large 4 percent or QR27.4 billion tal liabilities. other changes during the billion from QR387.3 billion QR0.9 billion. Oil jumps 4%, Remittances from Qatar touch but demand QR31 bn in 9 months of 2018 concerns weigh REUTERS Capital Management in New The country NEW YORK York. Worries about an eco- achieves BoP OIL prices rose 4 percent in nomic slowdown and excess choppy trading on Wednes- supply dragged oil prices from surplus of day, but concerns remained multi-year highs reached in QR7 bn in 2018 Q3 about rising crude produc- October 2018. Crude futures tion and weakening global ended 2018 down for the first SATYENDRA PATHAK economic growth which could year since 2015. DOHA hurt demand for oil. Russian production hit a Brent crude futures rose post-Soviet record in 2018, REMITTANCES from expatri- $2.38 to $56.18 a barrel, a 4.4 figures showed on Wednes- ate workers in Qatar amount- percent gain, after earlier fall- day. Other data showed US ed to QR31.29 billion in the ing as low as $52.51. US West first nine months of 2018, Texas Intermediate (WTI) according to data released by crude futures rose $2.09 to Qatar Central Bank (QCB) re- $47.50 a barrel, a 4.6 percent cently. gain, after sinking to $44.35. According to the data re- “Given the high levels leased as part of Qatar’s bal- of price volatility we’ve wit- US on top ance of payments (BoP) in nessed over the last month, the third quarter of 2018, to- a $2 daily move isn’t really Surging shale output has tal remittances from Qatar in anything other than signs we helped make the United the third quarter of 2018 was continue to have price volatil- States the world’s biggest oil worth QR10.316 billion. ity,” said Gene McGillian, vice producer, ahead of Saudi Remittances from Qatar president of market research Arabia and Russia. Oil amounted to QR10.31 billion for Tradition Energy in Stam- production has been at or and QR10.86 billion in the ford, Connecticut. first quarter and second quar- Oil futures were buoyed near record highs in all three ter of 2018 respectively. by some gains in US stocks, countries Remittances in the first with the Nasdaq Composite nine months of 2018 wit- turning positive after earlier output reached a record in nessed a decline compared losses. Crude futures have re- October and Iraq boosted oil with remittances of QR36.09 cently tracked stocks on Wall exports in December. billion in the first nine months Street. Surging shale output has However, disappoint- helped make the United States ing manufacturing data from the world’s biggest oil produc- Services earnings China earlier added to ongo- er, ahead of Saudi Arabia and People remit money at a currency exchange office in Doha. (REUTERS) ing concerns about a slowing Russia. Oil production has global economy and increased been at or near record highs of 2017, the data showed. billion in the third quarter of lion in the quarter of the pre- year and QR16.16 billion in output out of countries like in all three countries. QR17 bn The current transfers 2018 against QR35.9 billion in vious year. the previous quarter. Russia. Signs of rising production The country’s earnings deficit increased to QR15.28 the same quarter of the previ- The QCB cited increase Witnessing a huge increase China’s factory activity illustrate the challenge facing through services, how- billion in the third quarter of ous year. in services cost to QR30.19 in Qatar’s portfolio invest- contracted for the first time in the Organisation of the Petro- ever, increased to 2018 from QR14.8 billion in In the third quarter of billion in the third quarter of ment, the QCB said that Qa- over two years in December, leum Exporting Countries and the same quarter of the previ- 2018, the Qatari exports reg- 2018 from QR28.37 billion in tar’s portfolio investment in highlighting the challenges its allies, including Russia, QR17.24 billion in the ous year. istered QR79.82 billion, while the same quarter of the previ- the third quarter of 2018 rose facing Beijing as it seeks to which are seeking to prop up third quarter of 2018 Highlighting the overall the country’s imports hit ous year as the main reason almost 80 percent to QR42.61 end a bruising trade war with the market with a supply cut from QR16.15 billion in balance of payments, the QCB QR31.79 billion. for year-on-year increase in billion from QR25.45 billion Washington. of 1.2 million barrels per day. the same quarter of the data showed that Qatar re- The services trade deficit services trade deficit. in the same quarter of the pre- “The manufacturing sur- However, the energy previous year and corded a QR6.97 billion ($1.93 reached QR12.95 billion in The country’s earnings vious year. vey data out of China this minister for the United Arab QR16.16 billion in the billion) surplus in the balance the third quarter, lower than through services, however, The country’s portfolio in- week is particularly negative Emirates, an OPEC member, previous quarter of payments (BoP) during the QR13.05 billion in the pre- increased to QR17.24 billion vestment, however, witnessed for crude oil, as it goes to the said on Tuesday he remained third quarter of 2018. vious quarter. It, however, in the third quarter of 2018 a marginal decline when com- heart of the key demand cent- optimistic about achieving The goods trade balance’s increased marginally when from QR16.15 billion in the pared with QR44.79 billion in er for the market,” said John a market balance in the first surplus increased to QR48.03 compared with QR12.22 bil- same quarter of the previous the previous quarter. Kilduff, a partner at Again quarter.

Bank, energy Firms should be ready to tackle hacking risks: ISFS stocks lift

QNA sensitive institutions. it quickly and accurately if any gaps or attempt to hack or feedback and scientific devel- Wall St higher DOHA The recommendations needed. report suspicious e-mails and opments. reiterated the significance It also recommended other employees who click on The conference’s resolu- REUTERS THE Information Security of establishing communica- the need to have continuous suspicious links. tions said the wide spread us- NEW YORK Conference for the Financial tion groups between similar evaluation of all systems and The recommendations age of blockchain technology Sector (ISFS) concluded with institutions from different equipment of the institution called for the awareness of requires setting instructions WALL Street edged higher in a number of important resolu- countries in order to share by a competent authority that users of financial services, and principles that ensures a choppy session on Wednes- tions to promote and develop the required experiences and gives safety certificates and while developing the strategy safety of banking systems that day, as gains in energy and Qatar’s financial sector. learn about the latest develop- that the process is carried out of financial inclusion, to the protects the rights of users bank stocks helped offset a The resolutions included ments. In addition, to raising regularly in order to keep pace importance of privacy and and to have enough informa- drop in the healthcare sector the need to follow two main informing on any institution with the latest developments. non-sharing of financial state- tion security specialists in and worries about a global protective methods which are being attacked or compro- The participants at the ments with non-trusted enti- every company. economic slowdown. proactive and reactive proce- mised and immediately work conference recommended the ties. The conference called for The S&P, Dow Industri- dures, with a higher focus on to provide full protection (360 need to raise the awareness Awareness ISFS said the government allocating further resources als and Nasdaq all fell 1.5 the former. degrees) to all systems, to in- of employees in companies agencies specialised in infor- to enable information secu- percent or more early in the It also highlighted the im- clude all data traffic systems, on data security and safety The participants at the mation security and combat- rity specialists to do their job day, before recovering to flit portance of building and pro- storage centres and infra- instructions and to apply user conference recommended the ing cyber crime should be in to the fullest and support the between gains and losses, en- moting the capacities of any structure. behavior analytics (UEBA). need to raise the awareness close communication with the senior management of infor- suring Wall Street started the entity to resist and recover The resolution also noted They also recommended of employees in companies on citizens as possible and pro- mation security and prioritise new year with the same swings after any attack or hack and to to set a plan ready to apply to use the reward and pun- data security and safety vide user-friendly, easy-to- all issues related to informa- with which it closed last year. focus on the importance of the in case of any hacking and to ishment method with users instructions and to apply user use communication channels, tion security, as well as grant- Healthcare, the best per- presence of an authorised in- test the plan periodically even based on their behaviour in evaluate and reassess strate- ing greater independence to forming among the 11 S&P formation security operations if there is no hacking attempt, relation to information securi- behavior analytics (UEBA) gies and set plans to protect the chief information security sectors last year, dropped 0.98 centre (SOC) within large and in order to be able to apply ty, as some employees report information security based on officer (CISO). percent and was the biggest drag on the market. Economy & Business Thursday, January 3, 2019 13 Prolonged US-China trade war takes toll on global manufacturing

REUTERS year, and in Asia, particularly, showed Italy remained in stronger than all forecasts in a U.S. activity was a tad slower, LONDON/HONG KONG export-oriented countries are Growth modest contraction territory and was Reuters poll of economists. but still expanding, in a sign hurting,” said Irene Cheung, A series of purchasing joined by France, where data Survey compiler IHS China has suffered more from FACTORY activity weakened Asia strategist at ANZ. managers’ indexes for showed a first deterioration Markit cautioned the improve- trade frictions than the United across much of Europe and “Our expectation for cen- in operating conditions for 27 ment did not herald a big States. Asia in December as the U.S.- tral banks is that most of them December released on months. change in the outlook for Brit- But world shares started led trade war and a slowdown won’t change policy in 2019 Wednesday mostly Manufacturing growth in ain’s stuttering economy — it 2019 on a downbeat note, oil in demand hit production in and these numbers coming out showed declines or both Germany and Spain was was caused in large part by prices and bond yields slid, and many economies, offering lit- on the weak side won’t change slowdowns in manufac- modest, easing to the weak- manufacturers stockpiling in- the Japanese yen strengthened tle reason for optimism as the that outlook.” turing activity across the globe. est in around two-and-a-half puts and finished goods. on Wednesday as the factory new year begins. Euro zone manufacturing years. “Despite the headline in- survey data confirmed the pic- A series of purchasing activity barely expanded at the O Manufacturing growth in Germany and Spain was modest, British factories, however, dex rising to a six-month high ture of a global economic slow- managers’ indexes for Decem- end of 2018, providing disap- easing to the weakest in around two-and-a-half years ramped up stockpiling as they in December, the manufactur- down. ber released on Wednesday pointing reading for European O The UK manufacturing PMI rose to a six-month high, prepared for possible border ing PMI still suggests that the In China, the Caixin/IHS mostly showed declines or Central Bank policymakers, stronger than all forecasts in a Reuters poll delays when Britain leaves the sector stagnated in Q4,” said Markit PMI slipped into con- slowdowns in manufacturing just after they ended their 2.6 European Union in less than Andrew Wishart at Capital traction territory for the first activity across the globe. trillion-euro asset-purchase OPMI surveys showed Italy remained in contraction three months’ time. Economics. time in 19 months, broadly “We are really seeing a scheme. territory and was joined by France The UK manufacturing Later on Wednesday, sur- tracking an official survey re- global slowdown into this Earlier PMI surveys PMI rose to a six-month high, veys are expected to show leased on Monday. GM sold 200,000 Tesla shares drop 9% on price e-vehicles in US by 2018, triggering cut, missing Model 3 deliveries tax-credit phaseout The price cut of REUTERS $2,000 beginning on WASHINGTON GM said in November it was doubling resources Wednesday on the GENERAL Motors Co hit allocated to developing Model 3 took the 200,000 total electric ve- electric and self-driving hicles sold in the United vehicles as part of a sig- market by surprise States by the end of 2018, reaching a threshold that nificant restructuring REUTERS triggers a phase-out of a $7,500 federal tax credit credit. Tesla’s EV tax credit SHARES in Tesla Inc dropped over the next 15 months, a fell to $3,750 on Tuesday as much as 9 percent on person briefed on the mat- and Tesla said it was cutting Wednesday on worries of fu- ter said Wednesday. prices on its EVs by $2,000 ture profitability, after the The largest U.S. au- to partially offset the lower electric car maker cut U.S. tomaker reached the fig- tax credit. prices for all its vehicles to ure in the fourth quarter of In March, GM Chief Ex- offset lower green tax credits, 2018, which means the cred- ecutive Mary Barra called while falling short on quar- it will fall to $3,750 in April, on Congress to expand the terly deliveries of its mass- and then drop to $1,875 in consumer tax credit for elec- market Model 3 sedan. October for six months. The tric vehicles as the company Analysts questioned credit will completely dis- boosted production of the whether the $2,000 price cut appear by April 2020. The EV Bolt in response to con- on all models signalled low- 200,000 figure covers GM’s sumer demand. She repeat- ered demand in the United cumulative EV sales since ed the request last month States, and ultimately whether 2010. during a visit to Capitol the move would undermine The tax credit is aimed at Hill. nascent profitability at the Sili- defraying the cost of electric GM said in November it con Valley automaker, which vehicles that are more ex- was doubling resources al- has never posted an annual pensive than similarly sized located to developing elec- profit. internal combustion engine tric and self-driving vehi- “In our view, this move vehicles. In 2009, Congress cles as part of a significant could suggest that what many set the phase-out thresh- restructuring that includes bulls assume to be a substan- old at 200,000 vehicles per ending production at five tial backlog ... for Tesla may manufacturer. North American plants. GM be less robust,” wrote Bank of GM, which said previ- also announced it would America analyst John Murphy ously it expected to reach the halt production of the plug- in a client note. 200,000 sales figure before in hybrid Chevrolet Volt by Chief Executive Elon Musk, the end of 2018, declined March. who has often set goals and to comment ahead of the In November, a congres- deadlines that Tesla has failed release of its quarterly sales sional report said 57,066 to meet, surprised investors results on Thursday. taxpayers claimed $375 by delivering on his pledge to GM and Tesla Inc, which million in EV tax credits in make Tesla profitable in the Analysts questioned whether the $2,000 price cut on all models signalled lowered demand in the United States. hit the 200,000 figure in 2016. Congress estimates third quarter, for only the third July 2018, have both lob- the cost of the EV tax credit time in its 15-year existence. surprise and weighed on the percent every six months until credit, according to a source. numbers were in line with mar- bied Congress to lift the cap at $7.5 billion between the But the company is unprofit- stock, pushing it down 9.4 per- it phases out. Hargreaves Lansdown ana- ket consensus, though below or extend the existing tax 2018 and 2022 fiscal years. able for the first nine months of cent in morning trade. Shares “The price cut is what’s lyst Nicholas Hyett estimated the bank’s estimate of 71,500 2018, and cash flow remains a were last down 6.7 percent at driving the stock lower, as it in a client note that if Tesla Model 3s. concern for investors. $310.48. openly acknowledges the sun- continues to deliver cars at the Total deliveries rose from Musk has been under in- The price cut comes as au- set of subsidy dollars is a ma- current rate, the price cut will the third quarter to 90,700 cars, tense pressure to deliver on his tomakers expect U.S. new vehi- terial headwind,” said Craig mean $700 million in lost rev- but missed forecasts, which had promise of stabilizing produc- cle sales to weaken in 2019, and Irwin, an analyst with Roth enue in 2019. been influenced by analysts’ ex- tion for the Model 3, which is increased competition from Capital Partners. Wedbush analyst Daniel pectations of a surge in buyers seen crucial for easing a cash new electric vehicle entrants. But some said fears of Ives, meanwhile, said the price looking to cash in on the tax crunch and achieving long- Tesla sales benefited from a eroded demand were over- cut was “a potential positive” credit before year-end. term profitability. It said it $7,500 federal tax credit on blown. Gene Munster of Loup for demand, “but not what the The automaker’s third- was churning out almost 1,000 electric vehicles throughout Ventures calculated that the bulls wanted to hear on the quarter pre-tax profit was Model 3s daily, broadly in 2018, but that full credit ex- lowered tax credit equaled, on impact to profitability and ulti- around $3,200 per vehicle de- line with Musk’s promises but pired at the end of 2018, and average, to a 3-percent dis- mately the bottom line.” livered, but for the first nine slightly short of Wall Street ex- new buyers will now receive count on a Tesla. If Tesla had Tesla delivered 63,150 months of 2018 the company pectations. only half that amount. a demand issue, therefore, the Model 3s in its fourth quarter, suffered a third-quarter loss per The company said it would Under a major tax overhaul company would have cut its falling short of FactSet esti- vehicle delivered of $8,019, ac- begin delivering Model 3s to passed by the Republican-con- prices by more than 3 percent, mates of 64,900. Tesla said cording to Reuters calculations. Europe and China in February. trolled U.S. Congress in 2017, he wrote in a note. that based on its own compi- Overall, total production The price cut of $2,000 tax credits that lower the cost Also on Wednesday, Gen- lation of analysts’ forecasts, its rose 8 percent to 86,555 ve- beginning on Wednesday on of electric vehicles are available eral Motors said it had sold delivery numbers were in line hicles. The company churned The GM logo is seen at the General Motors Assembly Plant in the Model 3 - as well as on its for the first 200,000 such vehi- its 200,000th electric vehicle with market expectations. out 61,394 Model 3s, up from a Ramos Arizpe, Mexico. (REUTERS/DANIEL BECERRIL) higher-priced Model S and cles sold by an automaker. The in 2018, similarly triggering Bank of America analyst total of 53,239 Model 3s in the Model X - took the market by tax credit is then reduced by 50 a phase-out of the federal tax John Murphy wrote that the third quarter. Too cold to go outside? Your ‘5G markets without Huawei like NBA game without stars’ smartphone is here for rescue folio of AI solutions for all sce- the macro environment, but Huawei rotating chairman expresses narios. This portfolio includes what we can do is keep our feet TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK play and are pretty good at it, confidence in company’s performance the world’s first all-scenario AI on the ground and improve DOHA so for that reason the new and chips–our Ascend series–as For 5G markets that choose the business ecosystem for our improved GPU Turbo 2.0 tech- well as related products and to not work with Huawei–they own industry”. CATCHING up on your favorite nology featured by the Huawei TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK 160 cities and 211 Fortune cloud services. will be like an NBA game On compliance, Guo Ping TV show or watching a movie Mate 20 Pro is wired to give you DOHA Global 500 companies have se- As a result of all the previ- said: “Going global means on your phone from the com- an excellent gaming experi- lected Huawei as their partner ously mentioned milestones, without star players: the complying with the laws of all fort of your bed is fun, unless ence, so get ready to win. Even IN a New Year letter sent by for digital transformation. Gou Ping said: “Our business game will go on, but with less countries and regions where it keeps buffering – then it be- with intensive scenarios, this Huawei Rotating Chairman “For 5G markets that performance remains strong, deftness, flair, and expertise. we operate. This is the most comes plain frustrating. With technology enables the device Guo Ping to the company’s choose to not work with Hua- and this is by far the most di- important basis for us to sur- the Huawei Mate 20 Pro this to run smoothly and lag-free. 180,000 employees world- wei–they will be like an NBA rect form of validation that we Huawei Rotating Chairman vive, serve, and contribute to won’t happen as it supports up And thanks to the Artificial In- wide, he expressed his con- game without star players: the can receive from our custom- Guo Ping the world at large. Huawei to- to 1.4Gbps downstream speed, telligence (AI) optimization for fidence about the company’s game will go on, but with less ers. It is also our best response day is a member of more than as well as the world’s fastest touch responsiveness, touch business performance as Hua- deftness, flair, and expertise,” to negative conjecture and 380 industry organizations, Wi-Fi speeds, with a theoreti- response is delay is lowered wei never stopped pushing for- he said. market restrictions”. About 2019, he said: “Hua- where we serve in 300+ key cal download speed of up to by 36% which means you can ward. Huawei shipped more “In the coming year, we wei products and solutions positions and submit more 1.732Gbps. What does this shoot the bad guys first or As a result, the company’s than 200 million smartphones will see new waves of devel- have earned the trust of cus- than 6,000 proposals each translate to? Well, that you crush that candy faster. Dem- 2018 sales revenue is expected and has made remarkable opment in digitization and tomers in more than 170 coun- year.We are ahead of others can stream a 4K video with- onstrate your gaming skills and to reach 108.5 billion US dol- breakthroughs in PC business intelligence, and we may very tries and regions.Owing to a in domains like wireless, opti- out buffering; download a 2GB break a new record! lars, up 21 percent year-on- and IoT ecosystem for smart well encounter even greater strong track record in cyber se- cal, data communications, and video in only 10 seconds. With A battery that won’t frus- year. homes. Huawei Cloud has difficulties. In times like this, curity, Huawei has never and smart devices”. such speeds, you will be able trate you Listing some 2018 mile- launched over 140 cloud ser- we must summon our inner will never present a security In his closing remarks, he to stream or download your Even after hours of gaming, stones, he mentioned that vices in 18 categories, and Hua- strength, improve the quality threat”. said: “In the years ahead, the episodes or movies so fast and watching shows and movies Huawei has signed 26 com- wei is working with partners to of our operations, inspire pas- In 2019, the company in- ICT industry will continue to just kick back, not having to your phone battery still won’t mercial contracts for 5G with serve global customers with 37 sion across the organization, tends to look out for others, overflow with excitement and worry about being interrupted die on you. How so? With a leading global carriers and availability zones across 22 re- and continue forging ahead collaborate for shared success, promise. Digital transforma- by a slow connection. 4200mAh battery, you have have already shipped more gions. This year, the company to satisfy customer needs and and build a favorable business tion is in full swing, and we Who said gaming was just more juice in the tank than you than 10,000 5G base stations also announced AI strategy achieve strategic leadership”. ecosystem. He further added, find ourselves at the cusp of an for kids? Some of us love to will need. to global markets. More than and launched a full-stack port- He added. “We aren’t equipped to change intelligent world.” 14 Thursday, January 3, 2019 Economy & Business Economists predict Stock markets wobble, gloom in UK, with or without Brexit deal yen at multi-month highs DPA pean Union (EU), ahead of LONDON a crucial parliamentary vote at home. MOST economists expect Although Britain is nei- Equities in Europe and the United States come off their lows, creeping into positive territory another year of uncertainty ther a superpower nor in in Britain, with many pre- possession of an empire, the dicting weaker growth even country still has the military if the country finalizes a might, economic muscle Brexit deal before leaving and diplomatic connections the EU in March, the Fi- to play a major role in world nancial Times reported on affairs, Hunt said in Singa- Wednesday. pore. Most of the 81 econo- Britons in a 2016 refer- mists polled by the news- endum voted to leave the paper expect sluggish EU, a political and econom- business investment and ic partnership that current- consumer spending this ly has 28 members, trig- year whether or not Prime gering months of tortuous Minister Theresa May per- negotiations that have left suades parliament to back the country bitterly divided. the withdrawal agreement Parliament is due to de- she has agreed for Britain bate Britain’s withdrawal to leave the bloc after 40 from the EU -- called Brexit years. The best that Britain can expect is the current growth rate of about 1.5 per cent, “even if the economy even- tually enjoys a modest re- bound on the back of a deal with the EU,” according to Best-case the FT’s annual survey. The newspaper said the scenario majority of the experts de- The best that Britain can clined to give a firm annual expect is the current growth growth forecast because of rate of about 1.5 per cent, uncertainty over the out- “even if the economy come of May’s negotiations with the EU and the eco- eventually enjoys a modest nomic impact of Brexit. rebound on the back of a “Given the political deal with the EU,” shambles ... the outlook is according to a survey. anything from lacklustre to catastrophic, but who Stock markets on Wednesday extended a slump that in 2018 saw global indices suffer their worst year since the global financial risisc a decade ago. knows?” it quoted econo- -- next week ahead of a key mist Diane Coyle, a pro- vote the following week, AFP With a number of poten- and Frankfurt closed the day fund the president’s Mexican fessor of public policy at as the country prepares to LONDON tial banana skins dotting the Overview with small gains. border wall there is little opti- Cambridge University, as leave the bloc on March 29. next 12 months — including On Wall Street, the Nasdaq mism a deal can be made. saying. Amid doubts over STOCK markets wobbled the China-US trade row and O Hong Kong’s main stocks climbed into positive territory Also on the radar are trade Brexit will be “either bad whether the deal will have Wednesday as data reinforced Brexit — markets are volatile index led the losses on the after opening the day almost talks between China and the or awful for the UK econo- enough backing, Prime worries about a stuttering Chi- across the board. first trading day of 2019, two percent lower. US, which are set to begin this my” this year, Nina Skero, Minister Theresa May used nese economy, helping haven Stock markets on Wednes- “Bruised by the volatility month, with Trump hailing head of macroeconomics at her New Year’s message to investments including the yen day extended a slump that in tumbling 2.8 percent of the fourth quarter of 2018, “big progress” on the issue at the Centre for Economics rally support. to rally. 2018 saw global indices suffer O Shanghai shed more investors aren’t yet grabbing the weekend. and Business Research, a In a speech outlining “As traders digested an- their worst year since the glob- than one percent after two the chance to buy the dip with The president and his Chi- London-based consultancy, Britain’s global role after other round of disappointing al financial crisis a decade ago. both hands, but it is at least nese counterpart Xi Jinping told the newspaper. Brexit, Hunt said his coun- figures from China, risk-off Hong Kong’s main stocks indicators showed Chinese encouraging to see a continu- last month agreed to a 90-day In a New Year message try would remain an influ- tones dominated,” noted Jas- index led the losses on the first manufacturing activity ation of the move higher in- halt in their painful tariffs spat on Tuesday, May urged law- ential global player inde- per Lawler, head of research at trading day of 2019, tumbling shrank in December stead of the relentless selling so they could resolve their dif- makers to back her Brexit pendent of the EU, even as London Capital Group. 2.8 percent, while Shanghai of the past few weeks,” said ferences. agreement and allow the he warned that failure to “Stock markets... fell, shed more than one percent O Asia’s losses fed through Chris Beauchamp, chief mar- Immediate attention was country to “turn a corner” reach a deal would “cause while known havens the yen after two indicators showed into Europe and the United ket analyst at online trading also on the release Friday of by ending recent politi- disruption that could last and gold climbed.” Chinese manufacturing activ- States, before equities house IG. US jobs data, which could pro- cal divisions. A majority of some time”. However equities in Eu- ity shrank in December. rode on the coattails of a Investors are also keeping vide fresh evidence of the state lawmakers, including many While Britain should not rope and the United States The readings were both rally in oil prices an eye on the ongoing US gov- of the world’s top Economy. of May’s Conservatives, op- overestimate its strength, it came off their lows, creeping around lows not seen since ernment shutdown, which is A strong reading would put pose her deal. should not underestimate into positive territory, as oil 2017 and are the latest to high- now in its second week. pressure on the Federal Re- Meanwhile, Foreign it either, he said at a diplo- prices rebounded more than light problems in the world’s Asia’s losses fed through US President Donald serve to continue to lift inter- Secretary Jeremy Hunt matic forum organised by $2 per barrel. number two Economy, as into Europe and the United Trump on Tuesday invited est rates, a negative for stock said Britain can still punch the London-based Interna- The euro slid to 123.89 Beijing struggles with the US States, before equities rode leaders from both parties to markets, which were battered above its weight globally tional Institute for Strategic yen, the lowest level since June trade war while also trying to on the coattails of a rally in oil talks to end the standoff, but last year partly by concerns even after it exits the Euro- Studies (IISS). 2017. The dollar hit a seven- address a dangerously high prices. with Democrats refusing to about the rising cost of bor- month low at 108.71 yen. debt mountain. In Europe, both London pass any budget that would rowing.

Hyundai and Jet Airways share slump after debt payment failure Kia raise AFP to 20 billion rupees ($280 mil- routes as part of a plan to re- But fluctuating global MUMBAI lion) over the next two years. duce costs. crude oil prices, fierce compe- sales targets “Payment of interest and Dube has also sought in- tition, a weak rupee and price SHARES in India’s second- principal installment due vestment to help turn around wars have hit the country’s largest airline Jet Airways fell to the consortium of Indian the firm’s fortunes, having carriers including the largest DPA five percent Wednesday after Banks on 31st December 2018 seen millions of dollars wiped airline by market share, Indi- SEOUL the company admitted it had has been delayed due to tem- off its market capitalisation Go, and loss-making national failed to meet debt payments porary cashflow mismatch,” throughout 2018. carrier Air India. SOUTH Korea’s Hyundai Mo- to banks. the struggling airline said in a According to reports, the India’s passenger numbers tor and its subsidiary Kia Mo- The airline hit turbulence statement. Tata Group had reviewed Jet’s have grown six-fold over the tors have inched up their joint last year after failing to report Jet added that it was in accounts to potentially buy a past decade as the economy sales target for 2019 despite its quarterly earnings or pay talks with the consortium led stake. Tata already operates has powered ahead. weaker sales in the US and its staffers including pilots in by State Bank of India (SBI). Vistara in partnership with Jet Airways shares were China last year. August. After reporting a loss of Singapore Airlines and AirAsia trading at 267 rupees as The company said on Subsequently, chief execu- $178 million for July-Septem- India with AirAsia Group. compared to 283.95 ru- Wednesday the two companies tive Vinay Dube released the ber, the carrier announced India’s aviation sector pees a day earlier on Mum- expected to be able to sell 7.6 Jet Airways hit turbulence last year after failing to report its quarterly earnings and announced a cost last November that it would is projected to become the bai-based Bombay Stock million vehicles this year after earnings or pay its staffers including pilots in August. cutting programme amounting cut flights on less profitable world’s third-largest by 2025. Exchange(BSE). failing to reach last year’s goal of 7.55 million units sold. The fifth-largest carmaker worldwide sold close to 7.4 million cars in 2018, up from GROWING EMPIRE 7.25 million the year before. Hyundai’s challenges for 2019 include slowing growth in the global economy and ris- China tobacco monopoly’s global unit plans Hong Kong IPO ing protectionism, executive vice chairman Chung Eui Sun The listing comes at a said in a speech to personnel. The unit seeking listing only accounts time of growing global pres- “Internally, we face numer- sure, including inside China, ous challenging tasks such as for a fraction of the Chinese behemoth to curb smoking. stabilizing business in major Tobacco claims nearly markets like the US and China, AFP buys leaf from overseas seven million lives yearly while simultaneously enhanc- HONG KONG markets like Brazil and from cancer and other lung ing our responsiveness to drive the United States and then diseases, and accounts for future growth,” he said. THE international wing of the sells it to domestic cigarette about one-in-10 deaths Hyundai’s net profits world’s largest cigarette mak- manufacturers at a six per- worldwide, a million in plummeted by 67 per cent in er — a Chinese state-owned cent mark-up. China alone, according to the the third quarter, shocking tobacco monopoly — plans to It also has a monopoly World Health Organization. analysts and investors and list on the Hong Kong stocks on all tobacco exports from Even as the percentage inflaming concerns about the exchange, filing documents China, a fairly limited mar- of adults who smoke has company’s profitability. showed Wednesday. ket largely catering to Chi- dropped in rich nations and The results were pegged to The unit seeking listing nese tourists in duty-free plateaued in some emerg- one-off costs incurred by recall only accounts for a fraction outlets across Asia. ing ones, the total number measures in the US involving of China National Tobacco China National Tobacco of smokers keeps climbing, cars with faulty airbags and Corporation, a hugely prof- does not publish data on driven by an expanding engine problems. itable state-run behemoth its accounts but Bloomberg global population and more Last month, US customers that has a monopoly on News said a rare release of A worker transports cigarettes to vehicles outside a China Tobacco wholesale centre in Dalian, Liaoning people in poor countries of Hyundai and Kia launched a tobacco inside the world’s financial data in 2012 sug- province, China. (REUTERS) lighting up. class-action lawsuit against the most populous nation where gested it earned profits on Government moves to South Korean carmakers, ac- smoking remains stubbornly par with huge businesses like iary planning to list — China revenue of HK$5.1 billion ber, according to documents reduce smoking have done cusing them of exposing them popular. HSBC or Walmart. Tobacco International — is a ($651 million) for the nine filed with the Hong Kong little to dent the profits of big to a potentially deadly fire risk China National Tobacco The international subsid- much smaller fish, recording months ending in Septem- stock exchange. tobacco companies. from defective engines in a range of models www.guide.com.qa  Thursday January 3, 2019

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W: www.greenintl.net / www.greenintlupdaexamtraining.com Al Muntazah, Ibn Seena Street, Papa John’s Building Mezz. Floor, Office No. 3, Doha, Qatar Medvedev knocks out Murray in Brisbane second round PAGE 18 THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019

Pulisic joins Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund for 64 million euros PAGE 19 ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE MAN CITY VS LIVERPOOL Our aim is to see Qatari players make ATP 500 event, says Khelaifi

VINAY NAYUDU was a member of the Qatar Davis Cup our goal. “Some of our youngsters are DOHA team playing 43 ties between 1992 coming through the ranks. While they and 2002 and had a 12–31 record in are on top in the GCC and the region, NASSER bin Ghanim al Khelaifi, a Some of our youngsters are singles, and 12–16 in doubles. and second among youth we want former Qatar Davis Cup representa- coming through the ranks. The ATP World Tour 500 series is them to rise higher,” he added. tive and President of Qatar Tennis While they are on top in the the fourth highest tier of the men’s ten- The 45-year-old Paris Saint-Ger- Federation, on Wednesday said that GCC and the region, and nis tournament after the four Grand main (PSG) chairman added, “Young- QTF’s aim is to see Qatari youngsters second among youth we want Slam tournaments, ATP Finals, and sters need to love their sport and qualify for an ATP 500 tournament in the ATP World Tour Masters 1000. should be ready to work hard to excel. the near future. them to rise higher. The series includes 13 tournaments, “There are no secrets in any “We are providing the best of fa- Nasser al Khelaifi with 500 rankings points awarded for sport. You need to do more than the cilities for our players and we have the events’ singles champions. others and you need to be there each also hired a new German coach Ol- “Our ambition is also see our play- day to train and do things by your- Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation (QTSBF) President ivier to help them develop physically our players or two eventually gradu- ers aim for, and hopefully achieve self. You don’t need someone to push Nasser bin Ghanim al Khelaifi speaking to journalists at the Khalifa Inter- and mentally. We aim to see one of ate to that level,” said Khelaifi, who a world ranking inside 500. That is you,” he stressed. national Tennis & Squash Complex on Wednesday. Djoko survives scare, Wawrinka steady on way to quarter-finals

AMIR ATTENDS QATAR OPEN Berdych, Nikoloz The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani attended part of the Qatar and Cecchinato ExxonMobil Open tennis tournament at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex on Wednesday. HH the Amir watched the match between through to last 8 (QNA) world number one Novak Djokovic and Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics. VINAY NAYUDU DOHA

TWO-TIME champion in Doha, Novak Djokovic has had an impeccable record at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex. The Ser- bian has only lost once here, in the quarter-finals, in his debut year in 2015. In 2016, he didn’t drop a set going on to lift the Falcon trophy, and the fol- lowing year he prevailed over Spain’s Fernando Verdasco and Britain’s Andy Murray with three-set wins to emerge as champion a second time. Now in 2019, the World Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych in action during his second round match against Spain’s Fernando No.1 is bidding to emulate Verdasco. Swiss maestro Roger Federer by winning in Qatar for a third RESULTS time. And the man, who him- self admitted to be “very, very SINGLES 2ND ROUND confident” given his blazing 1-Novak Djokovic (SRB) bt Marton Fucsovics 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) bt Nicolas Jarry (CHI) 6-4, 7-6 (3) 7-Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) bt Q-Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) 6-1, 6-4 Dusan Lajovic (SRB) bt Q-Ricardas Berankis (LTU) 7-6 (4), 0-6, 7-5 start at the $1.4m Qatar Exx- Pierre-Hughes Herbert (FRA) bt Q-Maximilian onMobil Open 2019 event, was Marterer (GER) 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 7-6 (8-6) however made to rally from 4-Marco Cecchinato (ITA) w/o Guido Pella (ARG) 5-Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) bt Andrey Rublev (RUS) being a set down by Hungarian 6-3, 6-4 Marton Fucsovics at the centre 8-Fernando Verdasco (ESP) vs WC-Tomas Berdych court on Wednesday. (CZE) It was quite a scare indeed QUARTER-FINALS LINE-UP 1-Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs 5-Nikoloz Basilashvili as the world number 36 Fucso- (GEO) vics, who is also exactly as tall Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) vs 7-Roberto Bautista Agut as Djokovic at 6’2”, claimed the (ESP) opening set pushing his oppo- 4-Marco Cecchinato (ITA) vs Dusan Lajovic (SRB) WC-Tomas Berdych (CZE) vs Pierre-Hughes Herbert nent into conceding the much- (FRA) needed break before the Serbi- DOUBLES (QUARTER-FINALS) an decided to change gears and Robin Haase & Matwe Middelkoop (NED) bt Maximo eventually dictate terms to win Gonzalez (ARG) & Nicolas Jarry (CHI) 6-2, 6-4 Marko Djokovic & Novak Djokovic (SRB) bt Damir the match 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 after Dzumhur (BIH) & Dusan Lajovic (SRB) 7-5, 3-6, two hours. 10-7. It also meant that both Djokovic and Stanislas Waw- STAR POWER: Paris St Germain coach Thomas Tuchel watches the rinka stayed on collision course second round match between Chile’s Nicolas Jarry and Switzerland’s stepped up his level of play. for a likely semi-final meeting. Stanislas Wawrinka. The 31-year-old who is 72- Wawrinka too faced resistance time Tour-level titlist found from big-hitting Chilean Nico- cia-Lopez of Spain. making a comeback to the Tour his range on his forehand side, las Jarry, but the Swiss stayed Unseeded Dusan Lajovic of after suffering injuries in 2018 earning two set points with a Novak Djokovic of Serbia gestures to the crowd after winning his second round match of the Qatar Exxon- steady and ensured a 6-4, 7-6 Serbia booked a quarters clash claimed the third set 7-5. sharp-angled winner before Mobil Open against Marton Fucsovics of Hungary in Doha on Wednesday. (JALAL PATHIYOOR) (3) win in an 89-minute battle. with 4th seed Marco Cecchina- The busy day threw up clinching the set in dramatic For the 14-time Grand to of Italy with a 7-6 (4), 0-6, many absorbing contests but fashion as Fucsovics made an Slam champion Djokovic and 7-5 win over qualifier Ricardas none provided more jitters ill-judged Hawk Eye challenge 3-time Grand Slam champion Berankis of Lithuania, who than the one in which Djokovic on a forehand which clipped Wawrinka to meet in the last had accounted for 6th seeded was involved. the baseline. four, they will have to over- Belgian David Goffin in the All seemed cool in the con- Djokovic was back where come their quarter-final oppo- first round. test till 4-4 in the first set be- he belongs and the final set nents. While Djokovic meets Cecchinato was given a fore an eager Fucsovics began seemed a mere formality. the rising star and world num- walk over by Argentina’s Gui- to make inroads. The Hun- Later, Novak and his ber 21 from Georgia Nikoloz do Pella as he was suffering garian, who won the Geneva younger brother Marko Djoko- Basilashvili, Wawrinka will from lower back pain. tournament, earned two break vic also made it to the doubles play Roberto Bautista Agut of Debutant Pierre-Hughes points but Djokovic stuck to semi-finals. Spain. Herbert of France did him- his guns. A third break point, The Serbian siblings de- The 26-year-old Basilas- self proud registering a hard- however, saw Fucsovics seize feated Damir Dzumhur of Bos- hvili, who won two ATP 500 fought win against German his chance as his backhand on nia and his Serbian partner titles in 2018 to become the qualifier Maximilian 6-3, 6-7 the line caught the Serbian off Dusan Lajovic 7-5, 3-6, 10-7 in first champion from Georgia, (6-8), 7-6 (8-6). guard. the quarter-finals. accounted for 2018 Qatar Exx- In the last match of the day, The Hungarian held his The Djokovic brothers, onMobil Open finalist Andrey veteran Fernando Verdasco nerve, serving out the 10th game who had not won a match to- Rublev of Russia 6-3, 6-4. of Spain fell to Czech Tomas on love to take a one-set lead. gether in their five attempts as World number 24 Agut too Berdych. Verdasco had won the Buoyed by the success, a pair before coming to Doha, was brisk in his 6-1, 6-4 win first set 6-4, while Berdych won Fucsovics tried to keep up have now won two from two Djokovic of Serbia gives high-five to ball girls after his match. over qualifier Guillermo Gar- the second 6-3. Berdych who is the pace but then Djokovic outings. Sports Thursday, January 3, 2019 17 ExxonMobil Qatar extends sponsorship Aspetar provides medical services at Qatar of Qatar ExxonMobil Open ExxonMobil Open 2019

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK what a synergy between part- the tournament’s title sponsor TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK As part of its mission to DOHA ners with similar goals and vi- for 25 years. Our partnership DOHA assist athletes to achieve their sions can achieve when given with the QTF isn’t just about maximum performance and EXXONMOBIL Qatar, the title the opportunity,” said Khelaifi. bringing exceptional tennis to FOR the eighth consecutive full potential, Aspetar is also sponsor of the Qatar Exxon- “The Qatar Tennis Federa- Qatar for the world to see - it’s year, Aspetar will be providing offering tailored physiother- Mobil Open, on Wednesday tion and ExxonMobil are one about supporting the Qatar Na- world-class medical services apy solutions to participating renewed its sponsorship agree- identity together as one team. tional Vision 2030 by promot- at the ATP Qatar ExxonMobil athletes. In addition, players ment of the ATP 250 Tourna- The tournament has continued ing a healthier and stronger Open 2019, the international can use Aspetar’s state-of-the- ment for another three years to grow by leaps and bounds local community that can con- tennis tournament, which is art rehabilitation facilities, de- till 2022. over the years and we are im- tribute to the country’s future. currently taking place in Qatar’s signed to treat injured athletes The agreement was signed mensely proud of our achieve- “The Qatar ExxonMobil Khalifa International Tennis & from all over the world. at the Khalifa International ments, which include winning Open has really established it- Squash Complex and is sched- Since 2011, Aspetar has Tennis and Squash Complex by the prestigious ATP 250 Tour- self over the years as the place to uled to run until January 5. been the official and exclusive Nasser bin Ghanim al Khelaifi, nament of the Year award on be and celebrate the New Year Aspetar’s nine-person medical partner for the Qatar President of Qatar Tennis, two occasions (2015 and 2017) in Doha and it gives me great strong team includes experi- ExxonMobil Open as part of Squash and Badminton Fed- - an accomplishment unri- pleasure to formalise and deep- enced sports medicine phy- the hospital’s long-term part- eration (QTSBF), and Alistair valled in the region. Nasser bin Ghanim al Khelaifi, President of Qatar Tennis, Squash and en the partnership by announc- sicians, physiotherapists, nership agreement. This is Routledge, President and Gen- “Our partnership with Exx- Badminton Federation (QTSBF) and Alistair Routledge, President and ing that ExxonMobil Qatar is massage therapists, and an extension of Aspetar’s on- eral Manager for ExxonMobil onMobil Qatar is a key enabler General Manager for ExxonMobil Qatar during the sponsorship agree- renewing its title sponsorship podiatrists and they will be going efforts to provide inte- Qatar. for QTF to organise a high-qual- ment signing at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex on of the tournament for another providing comprehensive on- grated sports medical care in “The enduring strategic ity event for all in attendance, Wednesday. three years – 2020, 2021 and site provision of service to 32 support of all local and inter- partnership between our two and to continue to define Qa- 2022. This exemplifies our world- class singles players national tournaments held in great organisations is one of tar as a globally renowned and ExxonMobil Qatar has been 25 years. Routledge said, “For long-term commitment to Qa- and 16 doubles teams as well Qatar, while ensuring fast, on- the oldest in Qatar. It is an al- vibrant centre for world-class the title sponsor of the annual 27 years, we have had the privi- tar the country, its people and supervising medical services the-spot reaction to any injury liance that has come to define sporting events,” he added. tennis tournament for the last lege of being QTF’s partner and its vision,” Routledge added. to other event clientele. obtained during play. PACEMAN ISHANT SHARMA ‘MYSTERIOUSLY’ LEFT OUT Paine targets long-term India makes U-turn, improvement AFP SYDNEY keeps Ashwin in AUSTRALIA captain Tim Paine insisted on Wednesday that his priority was to develop his inexperienced cricket team for the future even as they face the prospect of losing a home series against India for the first time. But he pledged that Australia would still 13-man squad pick the “best XI that we think is the best com- bination to win this Test” once they had seen the Sydney pitch. Australia, who have never lost a home series against India, go into Thursday’s fourth Test 1-2 down and in danger of Virat Kohli’s men completing a historic landmark Down Under. While Australia must win to level the series, Paine said that his aim was on improvement, particularly in the batting department, with home Tests to come against Sri Lanka ahead of an Ashes tour to England this year. “It doesn’t for me personally,” he said on whether preventing an India series win was his key motivation. Australia’s paceman Pat Cummins (right) “Other guys may use it but my focus has celebrates a wicket with his captain Tim Paine been on us improving and on us playing the during the third cricket Test match against India best possible cricket that we can and when we in Melbourne recently. (AFP) haven’t, making sure we learn from it.” The hosts’ top order has largely failed to getting more than 50 in Melbourne with the ex- fire and the odds are mounting that the under- ception of tailender Pat Cummins. performing Aaron Finch will either be pushed Australia were skittled for 151 and then 261 down or axed, with number three Usman Kha- in Melbourne. waja moving up to open alongside Marcus Har- ris. “If that’s the way we go, Usman will go out Tim wants public to and give his all as he always does. I think the way he’s handled the last month or so has been give Smith, Warner exemplary, it’s a real credit to him,” said Paine. The captain said he wanted a final look at another chance Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in action. the wicket before selecting the team, adding AFP that conditions at the Sydney Cricket Ground SYDNEY AFP the morning of the Test,” it yank Agarwal, with Hanuma win in Australia in their sights. would determine which members of the 14- SYDNEY said ahead of what is expect- Vihari dropping back down But Kohli insisted making man squad were left on the sidelines. TEST skipper Tim Paine urged Australia’s ed to be turning wicket at the to No.6 as cover for Rohit history was not their primary “It’s just team balance really,” he said. public to give the disgraced Steve Smith INDIA reversed their decision Sydney Cricket Ground. Sharma. motive. “There’s ongoing discussion the last day or two and David Warner a second chance, saying on Wednesday to rule out top In a surprise, first-team The Ashwin U-turn was “The reason why we want but we’ll have a final look at the wicket and we’ll he hoped “they’re welcomed back” into the spinner Ravichandran Ashwin regular Sharma was not in- not explained although there to win this Test is because we have our last chat then. national team. from the fourth Test against cluded with the reasons un- was speculation that Jadeja understand as cricketers how “We’re not too far away. As I said all along, The pair’s year-long ban for ball-tam- Australia, while pace spear- known. Fast bowler Umesh may also not be fully fit. difficult it is to come here and we’ll be looking to pick the best XI that we think pering is due to expire at the end of March head Ishant Sharma was mys- Yadav was named as his re- Kohli had earlier said of play,” he said. is the best combination to win this Test and the and they are widely expected to be rushed teriously missing from their placement. Ashwin: “The physio and the “It’s is not only the team wicket will play a part in that.” back into a side that has struggled without 13-man squad. Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Ya- trainer have spoken to him in you are playing against but the The Sydney wicket has a healthy green tinge them. Indian officials had earlier dav was also on the squad list terms of what’s required in or- whole nation as they get be- which will suit both team’s opening bowlers, But how the Australian public responds told reporters Ashwin had not and could play alongside fin- der to get over that injury. hind their team so well. before it could deteriorate to give something to remains to be seen after they were widely recovered from an abdominal ger-spinner Ravindra Jadeja if “He is very disappointed “Purely just to take that the spinners. slammed for tarnishing the country’s image strain that has kept him out of Ashwin is not fit and India opt with the fact that he has not challenge on, we want to win Australia have parachuted leg-spinning with their antics in South Africa last March. the last two Tests, and skipper for two slow bowlers. been able to recover in time, here. It’s got nothing to do batsman Marnus Labuschagne into the squad Asked if the trio should be welcomed Virat Kohli had lamented the Middle-order batsman Ro- but the things have been laid with proving that we have for Sydney and he could start if selectors feel back with open arms, Paine replied: “I think offspinner’s absence, saying hit Sharma, who hit a gritty out to him (over) what needs done something that hasn’t there is enough in the track to warrant playing so. I hope they’re welcomed back. I mean he was “very disappointed” 63 in the first innings at Mel- to be done to get back to full been done in the past.” him alongside Nathan Lyon. everyone is entitled to their own opinion to miss the final match of the bourne, is not available after fitness. And if India opt for two spinners, it could and will have a different view on it. series. jetting back to Mumbai to be “Honestly, you can’t pre- India squad: open the door for a return of Peter Handscomb, “But I think that once they’ve done their But barely an hour later, with his wife who recently dict an injury, when it hap- Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Hanuma Vihari, who was left out of the Melbourne Test but is time I’m very hopeful that the Australian his name was on the squad list gave birth. pens you just manage and do Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (Capt), Ajinkya renowned as a top player of spin. public will welcome those three guys back tweeted by the BCCI, India’s KL Rahul, who was axed what you can to get over that Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, That would likely put all-rounder Mitch and give them a fair chance. governing body. for the last Melbourne Test, is injury.” Kuldeep Yadav, Ravichandran Ashwin, Marsh’s spot at risk. “I mean, just to be treated like all other “A decision on R Ashwin’s back in contention and could India go into the final Test Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Paine said it was crucial that the batsmen cricketers are,” he added. availability will be taken on open the innings with Ma- 2-1 up and with a first series Umesh Yadav. play their part in Sydney, with none of them Tendulkar’s coach Achrekar passes away National Shooting & Archery Team AGENCIES MUMBAI Cup starts at Losail Ranges RAMAKANT Achrekar, the celebrated cricket coach credited for discovering and grooming TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK for the upcoming international him al Mohannadi said, “The Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar, died at his DOHA competitions, including the QSAA wishes to provide equal Shivaji Park residence in Dadar on Wednesday. qualifiers for the 2020 Olympic opportunities to all the com- He was 87 and, according to a family mem- THE action in the National Games. petitors and hopes that these ber, had been battling old age-related ailments Shooting and Archery Team Naimi said, “The pre-event competitions will make the con- for the past few days. “He (Archrekar Sir) is no Cup began with the training in training for skeet and pistol testants not only confident but more with us. He passed away this evening,” his skeet and pistol events at the shooters marked the start of help them put in their best. The kin Rashmi Dalvi said. Losail Ranges on Wednesday. the new championship in 2019. National Shooting and Archery Achrekar figured in just one first-class The Qatar Shooting and Participants and the association Team Cup will also enable all match in his playing career but discovered and Archery Association (QSAA) are ready for the competition in the participants to assess them- shaped the biggest batsman in international A file photo of Sachin Tendulkar with his mentor announced formation of the the right earnest and we expect selves so that they can improve cricket after Sir Donald Bradman in Tendulkar. Ramakant Achrekar. administrative and technical tight contests in almost all the in the areas in which they are Tendulkar, who is now retired, owns almost committees of the event. Majid events. feeling to be lacking.” all the batting records that were meant to be I knew (when) Sir has taken me to have bhelpuri al Naimi, the QSAA Secretary- “The QSAA President Ali On Friday, the first day of broken in the game, including the highest runs or paani-puri, Sir is happy, I have done some- General, has been appointed Mohammed al Kuwari chaired the Skeet qualifying for men in Tests (15,921) and ODIs (18,426). thing nice on the field,” Tendulkar had said last the Chairman of the Organising various meetings of the organ- for the Tokyo Olympics. All and women will be held. Also Achrekar is best known for being his child- year at an event while recalling Achrekar’s con- Committee, while Ibrahim al ising committee to ensure that the shooters and archers have on the schedule is the 25m Pis- hood coach and has always been acknowledged tribution in making him the cricketer he became. Mohannadi is the Tournament everything is in place for the worked hard and we’re likely to tol Precision Stage for women. by the celebrated right-hander for the role he Achrekar was bestowed the Padmashri Director and Ahmed al Jaidah first tournament of the year. witness high-level battle for the The Team Cup will conclude played in shaping his career as a child. Ten- award in 2010. Besides Tendulkar, he also heads the Judges Committee. The performance of all the glory. The association aims to on January 12 with Trap finals dulkar was coached by Achrekar at the Shivaji coached some prominent players in Vinod The first event of the year is contestants would be followed bag maximum possible qualify- (men and women), 25m Pistol Park here. Kambli, Pravin Amre, Sameer Dighe and Bal- part of the preparations of the keenly as this year has lots of ing spots,” added Naimi. Stage 2 (men) and 50m Rifle 3 “Sir did not say well-played to me ever, (but) winder Singh Sandhu. national shooters and archers competitions as the qualifiers Tournament Director Ibra- Positions (men and women). 18 Thursday, January 3, 2019 Sports Sharapova into Shenzhen Rising star Medvedev halts quarters after Chinese teen retires due to injury Murray’s return in Brisbane AFP adding that the teenager had a BEIJING great career ahead of her. “It’s not the way either of FORMER world number one us wants to finish the match, Murray is making a comeback after a disastrous 2018, during which he played just six tournaments Maria Sharapova qualified win or lose,” said Sharapova, for the quarter-finals of the who is ranked 29. Shenzhen WTA after strug- “I thought (Wang) was ab- gling against China’s great solutely the dominant player tennis hope Wang Xinyu, who in this match, and had all the was forced to retire from the opportunities to win it, even match in pain. though I felt like I was finding The fifth-seed Russian was my stride and getting a little surprised early on by the pow- bit closer to the line and being er of her 17-year-old oppo- more aggressive.” nent, who took the final game Wang won two junior dou- of the first set 7-6 and broke in bles titles last year at two Grand the second. Slam tournaments (at Wimble- But Wang Xinyu had to don and the Australian Open). retire hurt, apparently af- She was given a wild card for ter feeling pain in her thigh, the tournament in Shenzhen. while she was leading 5-2 in In the next round, Shara- the second set. pova takes on top-seed Be- “You played unbelievable,” lorussian Aryna Sabalenka, Sharapova told Wang, after the who had an easy win over Rus- Chinese player announced she sian Ekaterina Alexandrova on was retiring from the match, Wednesday 6-3, 6-3. Murray rests during a break. (AFP)

I think when you obviously play better players, I mean he’s 15 in the world or so, they will expose any errors that you make in your game or any shots that you’re not hitting particularly well.

Daniil Medvedev of Russia hits a return against Andy Murray of Britain during their men’s singles second round match at the Brisbane Interna- Andy Murray tional tennis tournament on Wednesday. (AFP)

AFP the sport, winning seven titles any shots that you’re not hit- “I start playing better, takes on Frenchman Jeremy BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA in 2018 on his way to a world ting particularly well. playing more aggressive and Chardy in the quarter-finals. ranking of 16. “And he did that tonight.” started getting more rhythm, Chardy came back from RUSSIA’S Daniil Medvedev He broke Murray early Medvedev will meet Cana- and my serve got better in the losing the first set to beat Maria Sharapova (left) talks with Wang Xinyu who retired hurt in their showed Andy Murray just how in the first set and although da’s Milos Raonic in the quar- second. I think it was a good Australian Nick Kyrgios 6-7 women’s singles second round match at the Shenzhen Open tennis much work he still has to do, Murray got back on level ter-finals. first match.” (5/7), 6-2, 6-3. tournament on Wednesday. (AFP) when he beat the former world terms, Medvedev broke again The huge-serving Raonic Nishikori will now play After an even first set, number one in straight sets in late in the first set to gain the fired down 21 aces in his 6-3, sixth seed Grigor Dimitrov in Chardy’s game picked up the Brisbane International on advantage. Murray was bro- 7-6 (7/2) win over Serbian the quarter-finals, a rematch while Kyrgios’s fell away. Maharashtra Open Wednesday. ken twice at the start of the qualifier Miomir Kecmanovic of the 2017 final won by the Kyrgios will now fall out Murray is making a come- second to fall behind 0-4 and to go with the 18 he served in Bulgarian. of the top 50 for the first time Anderson downs Djere to reach last eight back to the sport after a disas- there was no way back for the the first round. Dimitrov played some since 2014, while Chardy still trous 2018, during which he 31-year-old Scot. Earlier, Japanese star Kei sublime tennis to down local has a chance of reaching the PUNE: World number six Kevin Anderson of South Africa moved into played just six tournaments “In the second set I made Nishikori eased past American favourite John Millman 6-3, top 32 and guaranteeing the quarter-finals of the ATP Maharashtra Open after a hard-fought win and was out of the game for 11 a few too many mistakes, and Denis Kudla 7-5, 6-2. 6-4. himself a seeding at the Aus- over Laslo Djere on Wednesday. Last year’s runner-up Anderson, who months with a hip injury. obviously there was a period Nishikori had too many Nishikori was joined in tralian Open. got a first-round bye in the hard court event, edged past Serbia’s Djere He had a comfortable first in the match from 5-5 where I answers for Kudla, breaking the quarter-finals by fellow Top seeded Spaniard Ra- 7-6, 7-6 in the western Indian city of Pune. round win over James Duck- lost six games in a row,” Mur- him towards the end of the countryman Yasutaka Uchiy- fael Nadal was a late with- Anderson served 20 aces against 23-year-old Djere, who is ranked worth but found the step up in ray said. first set and twice in the sec- ama, who stunned British drawal with a thigh strain. 93rd in the world singles chart, and won both sets in tie-breaks. “It is class too much against Medve- “And I think when you ob- ond for a comfortable victory. number one Kyle Edmund He has been replaced in always tough playing somebody who has been here played a (first- dev, the 22-year-old Russian viously play better players, I “After 5-5 I think he 7-6 (8/6), 6-4. the draw by lucky loser Taro round) match. That is always a bit tricky,” Anderson said. cruising to a 7-5, 6-2 win in mean he’s 15 in the world or dropped a little bit his level, Uchiyama, 26, is playing Daniel of Japan, who will Defending champion Gilles Simon of France came back from a set just 80 minutes. so, they will expose any errors and I was also able to play bet- just his fifth tournament on play Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on down to beat Belarusian Ilya Ivashka 6-7, 6-2, 6-1 in over 2 hours and Medvedev is a rising star of that you make in your game or ter,” Nishikori said. the ATP World Tour and next Thursday. 30 minutes. (AFP) Family says Schumacher ‘in the very best of hands’ SA ‘Enforcer’ Olivier confirmed for DPA to him and you, his fans, by cel- 2nd Test against struggling Pakistan BERLIN ebrating his accomplishments,” the statement said. MICHAEL Schumacher’s fam- Todt meanwhile said in AFP bowl long spells. He’s different, ily has asked for understanding an interview published on CAPE TOWN he runs at you, he’s around your over the lack of public infor- Wednesday he saw his friend- head most of the time, it’s not mation about the health of the ship with Schumacher as “a SOUTH African captain Faf comfortable.” record Formula One motor- great gift.” du Plessis said on Wednesday Pakistan captain Sarfraz racing world champion but says Todt, 72, told German daily that fast bowler Duanne Olivier Ahmed acknowledged that Ol- he is “in the very best of hands.” Die Welt he visited Schumacher would be used in an “enforcer” ivier had caused problems for “Please understand if we are at least once a month and said role as part of a pace barrage his batsmen in Centurion. following Michael’s wishes and the former driver was “fighting in the second Test against Pa- “We will definitely talk keeping such a sensitive subject against his terrible fate.” kistan starting at Newlands on about him. He’s a different type as health, as it has always been, He added: “His family is Thursday. of bowler with a fast bowling ac- in privacy,” Schumacher’s fam- A file photo Michael Schumacher with the Mercedes team in the pits fighting the same way and, of Du Plessis said he wanted to South Africa capt Faf du Plessis. (AFP) tion,” he said. ily said in a statement via Face- of the Interlagos racetrack in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 2012. (AFP) course, our relationship, or bet- keep the pressure on the Paki- Du Plessis said South Africa book. ter friendship, cannot be what it stan batsmen after Olivier took that Olivier provided a contrast did not want to let Pakistan off Schumacher, who suffered can be sure that he is in the very Scnhumacher’s son Mick. used to be, just because we no 11 wickets in South Africa’s six- to the skill and control of Kagiso the hook following their col- severe head injuries in a skiing best of hands and that we are The charitable body is re- longer have the same commu- wicket win in the first Test in Rabada, Dale Steyn and Vernon lapse in the second innings in accident five years ago, turns 50 doing everything humanly pos- leasing an official Schumacher nication as before.” Centurion. Philander. Centurion. on Thursday. sible to help him.” app on Thursday to coincide Asked if he felt “helpless” on There had been specula- “Duanne is more of an en- Sarfraz said Haris Sohail “We are very happy to cel- Schumacher’s family also with his birthday. The app is de- visiting Schumacher, Todt said: tion that Olivier might have to forcer who puts you on the back had not recovered from a knee ebrate Michael’s 50th birthday referred to the Keep Fighting scribed as “a virtual museum” “No, absolutely not.” sit out at Newlands because of foot and can be a bit challenging injury that kept him out of the tomorrow together with you Foundation whose trustees in- complementing the Michael He added: “In the end only the return to fitness of Vernon for batters, especially when they first Test and was unlikely to and thank you from the bottom clude Jean Todt, the president Schumacher Private Collection positive thoughts help him. De- Philander. But Du Plessis said come from the sub-continent play again in the series. He said of our hearts that we can do this of motorsport federation FIA, at the Motorworld exhibition. spite all the circumstances, I he would definitely play. where the ball doesn’t bounce Pakistan would keep the same together,” his family said. Ross Brawn, Formula One’ “The app is another mile- and his entire family react posi- “He brings variety to our as high,” said Du Plessis. batting line-up that played in The statement added: “You sporting director, and Michael stone in our effort to do justice tively in the mental sense.” attack,” said Du Plessis, adding “He’s a fit guy and he can Centurion. Leonard’s 45 points fuel Raptors over Jazz; Bucks beat Knicks

“We just tried to stay in handed dunk over Jon Leuer first half and pulling within The Raptors improve to 28-11 in the it til the end of the game. in the final minute of the first four points with less than We had to get some stops on quarter. four minutes to play before East, keeping the pressure on the defensive end and try to Milwaukee were up by a three-pointer from Jokic leaders Milwaukee come back and execute on 16 by halftime, the margin with 2:55 remaining helped the offensive end -- it was a swelling to as many as 28. Denver pull away. AFP In their absence, Leonard good win for us tonight.” “Pleased with the focus, Jokic notched his third LOS ANGELES excelled, making all seven of Pascal Siakam contrib- pleased with the effort,” said triple-double of the season his field goal attempts in the uted a career-best 28 points Bucks coach Mike Buden- -- scoring in double digits in KAWHI Leonard poured in third quarter as he scored 19 with 10 rebounds for the holzer. three key statistical catego- a career-high 45 points to points in the period and the Raptors and Norman Pow- “We keep talking about ries as the Nuggets won their lead the Toronto Raptors to a Raptors -- who trailed by two ell added 14 points off the wanting to do it for 48 min- third straight. 122-116 NBA victory over the at halftime -- pulled away. bench as Toronto improved utes ... felt like tonight was The Portland Trail Blaz- Utah Jazz on Tuesday. After making just two to 28-11. one of those nights where we ers opened 2019 in dramatic With the win the Raptors three-pointers in the first In Milwaukee, the Bucks got closer to that, without a style, winning an overtime improved to 28-11, keeping half, the Raptors connected won their fourth straight lull or very few lulls if any.” thriller against the Kings in the pressure on the Milwau- on their first three from be- with the help of 25 points Sacramento 113-108. kee Bucks who boosted their yond the arc in the third to from Brook Lopez, 22 from Jokic triple-double leads Jusuf Nurkic produced 24 league-leading record in seize control of the contest. Khris Middleton and 18 from Nuggets points and a career-high 23 terms of winning percentage They took a 10-point lead Eric Bledsoe. In Denver, Nikola Jokic’s rebounds to go with seven as- to 26-10 with a 121-98 victory into the fourth quarter, and “I was feeling good,” triple-double of 19 points, sists, five blocked shots and over Detroit. while the Jazz managed to Lopez said. “We were moving 15 assists and 14 rebounds five steals for Portland. The Raptors were again cut the deficit to as few as the ball really well ... my guys propelled the Nuggets to a Damian Lillard came without injured Jonas Val- four, they couldn’t get any were making great passes to 115-108 victory over the New alive late, forcing overtime anciunas and Kyle Lowry -- closer. me all night.” York Knicks. with a layup with 15.5 sec- whose return date remains “They’re a well-coached Bucks star Giannis Ante- The Knicks dropped onds remaining in regulation uncertain after he received team, they’ve got great guys on tokounmpo had a relatively their eighth straight, but and scoring five of his 25 anti-inflammatory injections their team that compete every modest 15 points, but they Toronto’s Kawhi Leonard shoots over Utah’s Joe Ingles during their NBA they didn’t go quietly, lead- points for the Trail Blazers in to combat back pain last week. possession,” Leonard said. included a stunning one- game at Scotiabank Arena in Utah on Tuesday. (USA TODAY SPORTS) ing by as many as 10 in the overtime. Sports Thursday, January 3, 2019 19 Top-of-the-table clash: Manchester City v Liverpool today Chelsea sign Klopp says Guardiola’s American star Pulisic from side are world’s best Dortmund AFP LONDON

LIVERPOOL boss Jurgen The US winger was loaned back to the Klopp says Manchester City Bundesliga leaders until end of season are the best team in the world ahead of his Premier League AFP leaders’ top-of-the-table LONDON clash at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday. AMERICAN international Klopp’s unbeaten side go Christian Pulisic, regarded as into the meeting with a sev- one of the hottest properties in en-point lead over City, who European football, signed for have slipped to third place Premier League side Chelsea after a pair of shock defeats, for a reported fee of £58 million but is keen to play down the ($74m) from Borussia Dort- hype surrounding his side mund on Wednesday. and put the focus on Pep The 20-year-old right wing- Guardiola’s pre-season title er -- who has had more playing favourites. time in the Champions League “A very difficult one, one this term than the Bundesliga of the most difficult games as coach Lucien Favre generally you can play in the modern prefers England international Borussia’s Dortmund Christian football world,” he told re- Jadon Sancho in that position Pulisic porters on Wednesday. -- has been loaned back to the “We have to be prepared German league leaders until player for many years to come.” as good as possible, we have the end of the season. Michael Zorc, Dortmund’s to be brave, we have to be full “In the summer I move on sport director, said given the of desire, angry ... but with to Chelsea and to a new com- size of the offer the club would the knowledge the opponent petition, the English Premier have been foolish to turn it is, for me, still the best team League,” Pulisic said in a state- down. in the world.” Klopp and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola (left) and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp during a Premier League match recently. (REUTERS) ment issued by Chelsea. “It has always been Chris- Guardiola have both talked “It’s a privilege to have tian’s big dream to play in the up the strength of their op- “We have to be prepared as ‘We’ll catch them’? Of course “I know today nobody trusts of their last four meetings signed for such a legendary Premier League,” said Zorc. position ahead of the clash, good as possible, we have not -- it’s difficult with the with Liverpool, who - in con- club and I look forward to “That’s certainly got to do with the City boss returning qualities all the teams have. us. Everyone is talking trast to the champions’ indif- working hard towards being with his American background, the compliment by hailing to be brave, we have to be “But it’s January 3. It’s a about ‘if we lose’ - but we ferent recent form - have won a contributor to their team of and therefore we were unable Liverpool as the world’s top full of desire, angry ... but very, very important game for can win,” Guardiola said. their last nine Premier League world class players.” to extend his contract. team. with the knowledge the both teams, obviously ... They games. Chelsea director Marina “With this background and Liverpool have dropped opponent is, for me, still the will be ready and we have “At the moment they are Granovskaia said she looked given the short remaining pe- just six points this season, best team in the world,” to make sure we are ready.” special. Since then it feels dif- the best team in Europe, in forward to Pulisic becoming a riod on his contract, we decided and go into the match on a Klopp said his team’s run ferent.” their consistency and the way major influence at the club for to accept the extraordinarily lu- nine-match winning streak Klopp said. to last season’s Champions Meanwhile, Guardiola they control the details in years to come. crative offer from FC Chelsea.” in the league. League final, which they lost feels losses against Crystal their game,” said Guardiola. “We are delighted to have Pulisic, who had also been The Reds have won three not-lose game for his team, to Real Madrid, was the mo- Palace and Leicester City He said: “A lot of nice signed one of Europe’s most linked with Premier League of their past four meetings stating the title race would ment a switch flicked. have diminished confidence words are spoken when you sought-after young players,” leaders Liverpool, has been at with City but their last league be finished should City slip 10 “I think we got rid, fi- in City. make 100 points in a season. she said. Dortmund since he was 15 and trip to the Etihad ended in points adrift. nally, of the backpack when The Spaniard said: “I But after, it is how you come “Christian has shown his aged just 17 made both his Bun- a 5-0 defeat in September Klopp expects the situa- we reached the Champions know today nobody trusts us. back - and we did it. quality during a fantastic spell desliga debut and international 2017. tion to fire up City, saying: “If League final,” he said. Everyone is talking about ‘if “I am delighted with my in Germany and at just 20, we debut for the United States hav- Guardiola has already we would be 10 points behind, “That was the moment we lose’ - but we can win.” team. We have made a lot of believe he has the potential to ing turned down an approach labelled the match a must- would the first thing I say be, when we did something really City have failed to win any points.” become an important Chelsea from Crotia to play for them. Expanded Asian Cup welcomes old & new faces S Korea counting on

DPA The UAE play the first of lives.” Of Asia’s five representa- red-hot Son to shine ABU DHABI 51 tournament games, across tives at the World Cup in Rus- four cities and eight stadiums, sia last summer, only Japan WHILE the Asian Cup has ex- against Bahrain at Abu Dhabi’s escaped the groups to lose a on Asian Cup quest panded from 16 teams to 24, in Zayed Sport City on Saturday. five-goal thriller to Belgium in all likelihood it will be a familiar They also meet Thailand and the last 16. name which lifts the trophy af- India in Group A. The record four-time cham- AFP ter the Abu Dhabi final on Feb- “It’s important for teams pions last won the title in 2011 ABU DHABI ruary 1. and supporters coming to the and begin with Uzbekistan, Iran, South Korea and Ja- UAE to feel a warm welcome Oman and Turkmenistan in SOUTH Korea are hoping Son pan are the favourites for the and know that such a prestig- Group F. Heung-min’s dazzling pace competition which begins Jan- ious football tournament is Iran also impressed in Rus- and goals can help them end uary 5 while reigning champi- happening here and that we are sia, narrowly falling in a pool a 59-year wait to be crowned ons Australia and Saudi Arabia, proud hosts,” organizing com- including Spain and Portugal, continental kings as the newly both also present at the World mittee tournament director and coach Carlos Queiroz leads expanded Asian Cup starts at Cup in Russia, are further con- Aref Hamad Al Awani said. his side against Vietnam, Iraq the weekend. tenders. UAE were runners-up as Australia national team players celebrate after winning the 2015 and Yemen in Group D. Holders Australia, four- The hosting United Arab hosts in 1996 and third in 2015 edition of the Asian Cup. Yemen’s fellow newcomers time winners Japan, Carlos Emirates are aiming to cause an but have struggled for form un- Kyrgyzstan and the Philippines Queiroz’s Iran and hosts the upset on home turf in search of der Italian coach Alberto Zac- champions Australia, looking expecting to win every game.” meet in Group C which also has United Arab Emirates are all Tottenham’s Son Heung-min their first-ever Asian Cup title cheroni and are without star to repeat their 2015 home suc- In contrast to the Australian China and South Korea, who formidable opponents, but while Kyrgyzstan, Yemen and midfielder Omar Abdulrahman cess, against Syria, Palestine squad, with several players al- will be joined by Tottenham none will relish facing Paulo editions, will demand im- the Philippines are all making following a cruciate knee liga- and Jordan, but without the ready in Europe, competing Hotspur star Son Heung Min Bento’s Koreans. provements on 2015, when their maiden appearances. ment tear. injured Aaron Mooy and sweat- for Palestine offers a path to a two games into the tournament The 2015 runners-up have as defending champions they Italian coach Marcello Lip- Experienced forwards Ali ing on the fitness of Hertha much sought after professional so he can play Premier League put their stamp on the inter- slipped up with a penalties de- pi now leads ambitious China Mabkhout and Ahmed Khalil, Berlin winger Mathew Leckie. contract. games. national scene in recent times, feat to UAE in the last eight. and Qatar are looking to build with over 90 international “We will do our preparation “Despite all the difficulties The Philippines v China stunning holders Germany at Recent results have been ahead of hosting the 2022 goals between them, carry the and our analysis as well, but it we have a fairly competitive clash also sees two prestigious last year’s World Cup before encouraging, including a 4-3 World Cup. home hopes as the UAE look to is all about us,” said coach Gra- league comprising 12 teams,” coaches meet as Sven Goran winning the Asian Games foot- win over Uruguay, and Hajime Others such as Syria match local club Al-Ain’s recent ham Arnold. “It is about our Mohammed Rashid told the Eriksson tackles World Cup ball tournament in September. Moriyasu has picked on form and Palestine have the chance surprise run to the Club World attitude being right, us being governing AFC website. winner Lippi, believed to be Son, 26, was at the heart of after ditching World Cup stars to lift their fans fighting difficult Cup final in December. ready for those games, prepar- “The players have a great one of the best-paid managers both successes and his delight Shinji Kagawa and Shinji Oka- political situations back home. Group B is headlined by ing properly, and going out and desire to excel and better their in the world. was plain to see at the Asian zaki in favour of younger play- Games in Indonesia, where ers. victory earned the team an ex- Australia, however, seem emption from South Korea’s to have gone backwards since compulsory, 21-month military they lifted the trophy in Sydney Aspire attracts top teams for training camps service. in 2015, and it’s a tall order for The Tottenham Hotspur new coach Graham Arnold who forward, who has a deadly is plunged into the title defence TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK shot with either foot, has been just four games into the job. DOHA Expected Teams in scorching form for his club, After record scorer Tim FC Bayern Munich, PSV Eindhoven, Club Brugge scoring seven goals in his last Cahill retired, Arnold’s pre- ASPIRE Zone Foundation Kas Eupen, FC Persepolis, Paris Saint Germain seven Premier League games. dicament worsened last month (AZF) is gearing up to host Spartak Moscow, Lokomotiv Moscow, FK Rostov But he will sit out South Ko- when midfield lynchpin Aaron comprehensive football train- Zenit St. Petersburg rea’s first two games next week Mooy suffered a serious knee ing camps for a number of under a deal with his club in injury and was ruled out of world-class teams this Janu- ensures everything is readily return for his release for last tournament. ary. Time and again, these available for visiting athletes, year’s Asian Games. UAE received a body blow teams return to AZF during who return to Aspire Zone Son, the most prolific Asian with the loss of playmaker the northern hemisphere’s Foundation’s training camps in Premier League history, will Omar Abdulrahman to a knee winter to benefit from Qa- year after year.” hope South Korea get the job injury, but they have plenty of tar’s perfect outdoor training Reasons why elite teams done against the Philippines firepower and are redoubtable weather at this time of the conduct training camps at and Kyrgyzstan before he jets on home ground, where they year and prepare for a range of Aspire Zone Foundation AZF in for their final Group C clash were runners-up as hosts in international and continental is globally recognised for its against China on January 16. 1996. tournaments in ideal settings. ideal training environment The Koreans, edged 2-1 by Aus- Meanwhile, rivals Qatar are During this year’s train- for elite athletes, giving them tralia after the 2015 final went desperate to make a statement ing camp season, AZF has an- access to training fields of the to extra time, haven’t won the before 2022. Success in UAE nounced that it will host 10 in- highest quality, multi-purpose Asian Cup since 1960 -- a puz- would be doubly satisfying for ternational football teams, all Bayern Munich players during their winter tour at Aspire Zone Foundation in Doha. halls for a variety of sports, zling record considering their Qatar, who have been under of whom are eager to benefit and swimming pools, gyms, 10 World Cup appearances, blockade from their neigh- from its world class training, from 8-13 January, Persepo- clubs from 20 January – 31 Jan- Hilal, Head of Federation and and indoor and outdoor tracks including the 2002 semi-finals. bours since June 2017. accommodation and enter- lis, the Iranian football team, uary. Spartak Moscow will be in Teams Affairs at AZF, said: equipped with the latest tech- Japan are among their chief On Saturday in Abu Dhabi, tainment facilities. from 9-19 January, and Paris Doha from the 18 – 30 January, “AZF’s unique trio of Aspire nologies. rivals in UAE, after they were the UAE and Bahrain will open Bayern Munich are sched- Saint-Germain from 13 – 17 FC Rostov and FC Lokomotiv Academy, Aspetar and Aspire In addition, teams are also the only Asian side to reach the the biggest Asian Cup yet after uled to visit from 4 January January. Moscow from 20-30 January, Logistics offer world-class encouraged to return because World Cup knock-outs before it grew from 16 to 24 teams, – 10 January, Holland’s Ein- In preparation for the Rus- and FC Zenit Saint Petersburg outdoor and indoor facilities of the success in domestic and narrowly going down to Bel- paving the way for Kyrgyzstan, dhoven from 4-12 January, sian league, Aspire Zone will from 15 to 29 January. combined with sports science international tournaments gium in the last 16. war-torn Yemen and Sven- Belgium’s Club Brugge from also host a mini championship Commenting on the train- and sports medicine exper- that follows their Aspire Zone The Blue Samurai, win- Goran Eriksson’s Philippines 5-12 January and Kas Eupen between a number of Russian ing camps this year, Ibrahim tise. This convenient structure training camps. ners of four of the last seven to make their debuts. 20 Thursday, January 3, 2019 The Last Word Amir awards winners of Founder Camel Festival

THE Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Tha- ni crowned on Wednesday the winners of the eight main races of the Founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani Camel Festival for purebred Arabian camels, which took place at Al Shahaniya racetrack. The Amir awarded the winners of the final four races of the category for camels aged more than seven years, owned by their excellencies sheikhs. Al Sha- haniya camels won the four races. The camels Wesal, Al Hathra, Munawer and Marmar all won the awards in the four races. In the same category for camels owned by tribe members, the Amir awarded Said Mohammed Zayed al Khayarain, owner of the camel ‘Sahm’ the silver spear, as well as Nasser Mohammed Said al Aida, owner of ‘Al Udeid’, and Salem Nasser Said al Eida, owner of ‘Lusail’, two silver daggers. The races were attended by their excellencies sheikhs, tribe members and lovers of Al Hejen sports. (QNA)

Flowers add colour to Mahaseel Festival QatarDebate Centre A WIDE variety of locally-pro- duced flowery plants from Qa- to organise Arabic tari farms are adding big attrac- tion to the Mahaseel Festival, being organised by the Cultural debates in Vienna Village Foundation – Katara. The flowers section is an im- QNA portant part of the festival which DOHA runs until January 5, Saturday. The Mahaseel market will be QATARDEBATE Centre, a member of Qatar Founda- open on weekends until the end tion for Education, Science and Community Develop- of March. ment, will host the first European Championship of Several dignitaries and the Arabic-language debates in the Austrian capital of prominent figures have vis- Vienna today. ited the festival, including the A total 20 universities are participating in the Chargé d’Affaires of Iraq in three-day tournament. These varsities are repre- Doha HE Abdel Sattar al Janabi. senting 15 European countries -- Austria, Belgium, Families throng the festival Bulgaria, France, Germany, Kosovo, Macedonia, in the mornings and evenings Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, to buy fresh vegetables, meat Ukraine and Czech Republic. products, honey, dates and dairy The first day of the tournament will be allocated products from local farms in Qa- juice of sugarcane and carrots The organising committee of dedicated a space for families al dishes and sweets, adding a to training workshops for students and arbitrators by tar. The visitors are also offered produced locally. the Mahaseel Festival has also who offer home-made tradition- local flavour to the festival. (TNN) the centre’s instructors and ambassadors as per the important criteria to be followed by the teams during the rounds. Through the tournament, QatarDebate Center seeks to spread the culture of positive dialogue and Arabic language among the speakers and motivate the students to pay attention to the language of the civi- lised dialogue and to raise the level of discussions in both scientific and linguistic terms. At the end of the tournament, the centre will hon- our the best two teams and best speakers. The jury staff will consists of 12 ambassadors of the centre and the elite Academy. The centre’ ambassadors Fahad al Subaei and Ibrahim Qarkouri will train 20 arbitrators of the teams participating in the European Championship to prepare them for the fifth International Champion- ship of university debates in Arabic language which will be held in Doha, after acquiring practical experi- ence in the European Championship arbitration and equip them with international arbitration skills.

MORE THAN 3,600 CRUISE PASSENGERS ARRIVE AT DOHA PORT

Doha Port on Wednesday received more than 3,600 visitors, who arrived on board cruise ship ‘TUI Mein Schiff 4’. It was Mein Schiff 4’s fifth call at Doha Port during the ongoing 2018-19 cruise season. (TNN)