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Philippines wins fourth Miss Universe crown 13 SHOW WORLD 6 Japan police investigate cause of blast in Sapporo

Bahrain backs Salute to national heroes Saudi Arabia Manama

he Kingdom affirmed Tits full solidarity with Saudi Arabia’s position re- garding the recent resolu- tion of the United States Senate. It reiterated its sincere appreciation of the efforts of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal High- His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa along with HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, Royal Family members and senior BDF ness the Crown Prince, officials paid tribute to the brave martyrs who fell in the line of duty since the establishment of Bahrain, yesterday. “The martyrs sacrificed their lives for the sake of the homeland and fell in the line of Deputy Prime Minister and duty as they were serving the nation,” His Majesty said, saluting the national heroes who embody the value of courage and sacrifice, becoming a source of pride for Bahrain and role model for the coming Minister of Defence, Prince generations. See Page 2 Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, in main- taining peace and security and enhancing development in various countries of the world, hailing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s historic role at all Arab, Islamic and International levels under its wise leadership. It stressed the political On an upswing and economic importance of the Kingdom of Sau - di Arabia, which made it Moody’s changes outlook on Bahrain’s rating to stable, affirms B2 rating an important pillar in the achievement of comprehen- idly depleted. sive regional and interna- Bahrain’s B2 rating Importantly, Moody’s esti- tional stability as well as the • mates that Bahrain will be able to main supporter of efforts remains supported draw on additional extraordinary that aim at combatting all by the country’s support from the GCC neighbours forms of terrorism and its relatively diversified to support the stability of its ex- supporters. and dynamic economy. change rate peg during the course It commended the re - of the FBP implementation. sponsible stances and ini- Moody’s also expects that the tiatives of the President of Over the longer presence of the GCC backstop will the United States, Donald J term,• Bahrain’s allow the government and gov- Trump that combat terror- economic strength will ernment- related entities to re- ism and preserve peace and benefit from the new gain access to international cap- stability in the region. ital markets, which had become It also highlighted Presi- hydrocarbon discovery compromised during much of dent Trump’s commitment announced in April 2018, 2018, further supporting liquidity. to work collectively with the rating agency said. The fiscal reforms announced allies, which reflects the by the government as part of the strength of relations and Singapore Bahrain Government debt to GDP ratio. FBP would represent very signif- mutual keenness to rein- icant fiscal consolidation. force strategic alliance in eign-currency bond and bank The FBP targets a reduction in order to overcome all chal- oody’s Investors Ser- deposit ceilings for Bahrain - Off government spending relative to lenges. vice yesterday changed Shore Banking Centre remain un- GDP to 19.5pc in four years from Mthe outlook to stable The fiscal reforms changed at Baa2, while the short- an estimated 26.6pc in 2018, with from negative on the Government announced by the term foreign-currency bond and 49,006 an increase in revenue to 19.3pc of Bahrain’s issuer ratings and government as part of bank deposit ceilings remain un- US dollars is the per capita from 17.5pc, which would restore affirmed the ratings at B2. the FBP would represent changed at Prime-2. GDP of the Kingdom budget balance by 2022. The key driver of the outlook very significant fiscal Two months ago, Bahrain an- calculated on a Purchase The measures include spend- change to stable is Moody’s as- consolidation. nounced a $10 billion (26 per cent Power Parity basis. ing cuts from a voluntary retire- sessment that Bahrain’s govern- of 2018 estimated GDP) financial ment scheme for eligible civil MOODY’S DON’T MISS IT ment and external liquidity risks support agreement signed with servants, more targeted social have materially reduced, the rat- Saudi Arabia (A1 stable), UAE transfers and increases in water ing agency said. unchanged at Ba3. Its long-term (Aa2 stable) and Kuwait (Aa2 and electricity tariffs, and sav- Financial support and the fiscal foreign-currency bank deposit stable), Moody’s said. (approximately $9.4 billion, in- ings from better spending effi- consolidation measures including ceiling is unchanged at B3. Moody’s anticipates that funds cluding the $750 million sukuk ciency and rationalisation; on A net-savvy the Fiscal Balance Programme The short-term foreign-cur- from the financial support pack- that was repaid in late November the revenue side, the FBP plans 03 populace (FBP) will support investors’ con- rency bond and bank deposits age will be disbursed during 2018). the introduction of a 5pc value fidence and help to reduce the ceiling remain unchanged at Not 2018-22 in the form of long-term The disbursements will direct- added tax, a review of existing government’s financing needs, it Prime, while the long-term local concessionary loans, more than ly support Bahrain’s government government fees and services and Focus on pointed out. currency country risk ceilings are covering the scheduled exter- liquidity position and reduce the the repricing of tariffs charged to enhancing Bahrain’s long-term for- unchanged at Ba2. nal debt payments (principal risk that the central bank foreign domestic industrial consumers of 04 arts scene by eign-currency bond ceiling is In addition, the long-term for- and interest) of the government exchange reserves could be rap- natural gas. exploring latest technologies TOUGH CHOICE Project for digitising customer data May sets January date for MPs’ Brexit vote 05 verification to London Announcing a new date, she said the EU before having their say on Mrs May’s deal. be implemented had made it clear the Irish backstop was He added the PM had “led the country Ps will vote on the UK’s Brexit “not a plot to trap the UK”, and urged MPs into a national crisis”. soon deal in the week beginning 14 to see Brexit through. Mr Corbyn’s motion - due to be tabled MJanuary, Theresa May has told But Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Tuesday - calls on MPs to declare they Parliament. he would table a motion of no confidence have “no confidence in the prime minis- The vote was due to be held last week in the PM for delaying the vote. ter due to her failure to allow the House but was put on hold after Mrs May admit- He told the Commons it was unaccept- of Commons to have a meaningful vote ted she was set to lose. able that MPs had to wait another month May speaks in British House of Commons. straight away” on the Brexit deal. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2018 02 Tribute paid to martyrs of duty His Majesty pays homage to fallen servicemen who sacrificed their lives in defence of nation

Manama said His Majesty King Hamad patronised a ceremony marking er-in-Chief Field Marshal bin Isa Al Khalifa. the Commemoration Day. Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed tribute was paid to the He saluted the national he- His Royal Highness Prince Al Khalifa, National Guard the brave martyrs who roes who embody the value of Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander Lieuten- The martyrs sacrificed Afell in the line of duty courage and sacrifice, becoming Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme ant-General Shaikh Mo- their lives for the sake since the establishment of Bah- a source of pride for Bahrain Commander and First Deputy hammed bin Isa Al Khalifa of the homeland and rain, yesterday. and role model for the coming Premier attended the commem- and Interior Minister Lt “The martyrs sacrificed their generations. orative event at the Al Sakhir Gen Shaikh Rashid bin Ab- fell in the line of duty as lives for the sake of the home- HM King Hamad, the Su - Palace. dulla Al Khalifa. they were serving the land and fell in the line of duty preme Commander, paid hom- HM the King was received “The 17th of December nation. as they were serving the nation,” age to the martyrs of duty as he on arrival by BDF Command- His Majesty will always remain an hon- HIS MAJESTY ourable occasion in our na- tional march, symoblising pride in those Bahrainis National Action Charter Mon- who fell in the line of duty, ument where he shook hands at home and abroad, for with senior officers marking the the sake of right and jus- Commemoration Day. tice,” he said. The senior officers expressed He paid homage to the deepest congratulations to HM martyrs of duty who sacri- the King, the Supreme Com - ficed their lives to defend mander, on the occasion of the national security and sov- Kingdom’s National Day cele- FEEL MERRY ereignty, combat terrorism brations on 16 and 17 of Decem- and extend a helping hand ber, marking the anniversary of THIS CHRISTMAS to those in dire need in a the establishment of the modern dedicated move stemming state of Bahrain as an Arab and It’s time to spread Christmas cheer. from the Islamic teachings Muslim country in 1783 by its As dusk falls, revel in the flavorsome feasts that Christmas Eve presents. and authentic Bahraini founder Ahmed Al Fateh, the values, thus following the 47th Anniversary of its acces- Christmas Day is brimming with magical ambiances and traditional fare, steps of fathers and fore- sion to the UN as a full mem- designed to share. Our gift cards invite your loved ones to explore fathers. ber and the 19th Anniversary of HM the King paid trib- HM the King’s Accession to the indulgent Four Seasons experiences. Younger guests will adore ute to the martyrs’ fami- Throne. inspiring activities and visits from Santa Claus. lies which are as brave as HM the King then headed their beloved who fell in to the main platform and the the line of duty, defending national anthem – Al Salam Al Reserve your festive experience their homeland, hailing Malaki – was played on the occa- (973) 1711 5000 fourseasons.com/bahrain their courage, resilience sion of the Commemoration Day. and patriotism. HM the King earlier watered His Majesty commend- the palm-tree, which is consid- ed loyal citizens who ered the symbol of eternal life. remained cohesive and The artillery also fired one shot showed sympathy and sol- and a minute of silence was ob- idarity with the martyrs’ served. A second artillery shot of duty in closed-knit and was then fired. Verses of the united homeland. Holy Quran were also recited. His Majesty prayed to Court of Cassation Sharia De- Allah the Almighty to rest partment chairman and Al Fateh the martyrs’ souls in eter- Mosque Imam Shaikh Adnan bin nal peace, in vastest para- Abdulla Al Qattan also delivered dise, paying tribute to their a speech paying homage to the families and relatives and martyrs of duty. wishing Bahrain further He praised HM King Hamad progress and prosperity. for dedicating the 17th of De- HM the King, accompa- cember to be marked every year nied by HRH the Crown as the Commemoration Day, in Prince, headed to the tribute to the martyrs of duty. His Majesty thanks citizens

HM the King paid tribute to the martyrs who• sacrificed their lives and fell in the line of duty, thus embodying the spirit of belonging and patriotism at its best.

Manama

is Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa expressed deepest thanks and appreciation to all those who Hattended and participated in the festivities on the occasion of Bahrain’s National Day celebrations. Under directives from HM the King, the Royal Court Min- ister extended thanks to members of the Royal Family, heads and members of all state entities, constitutions establishments, members of the diplomatic corps, heads and members of the municipal councils and private companies. HM the King also thanked citizens, at home and abroad, heads of political associations, public interest societies, heads and members of national clubs, sport federations, chief editors of local newspa- pers and various media outlets as well as residents in Bahrain. His Majesty thanked them for their congratulations through cables, calls, press ads and street banners, celebrations, fes- tivals and marches, poems, articles, radio and TV interviews, wishing Bahrain lasting security, stability and prosperity. HM the King paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives and fell in the line of duty, thus embodying the spirit of belonging and patriotism at its best. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2018 03

Bahrain vows to Christmas Tree Lighting event at LuLu Hypermarket join efforts against climate change Katowice

he Kingdom of Bah - Train, represented by the Supreme Council for En- vironment, participated in the high profile ministerial meeting for the UN frame- work agreement on climate change (COP24) which is be- ing held in Katowice, Poland. Bahrain’s delegation was headed by Chief Executive of the Supreme Council for Environment Dr Moham- med Mubarak bin Dainah who gave a speech in which Shaikh Khalifa with Mr Martin, Mr Siberell and Mr Rupawala and other guests at the event. he asserted the need for concerted efforts to curb TDT | Manama climate change. Martin, the British Ambassador He pointed out that Bah- and Justin Siberell, the US am- rain is one of the countries ore than 800 guests bassador and Juzer Rupawala, that are affected by climate joined a Christmas the Director of the LuLu Group. change. Therefore, he not- MTree Lighting cere- The evening also included ed, the kingdom has exerted mony at the LuLu Hypermar- carol singing and a Santa pro- tremendous efforts at the ket’s latest store in Saar’s Atri- cession. local and international level um Mall on December 15. On the sidelines of the cer- to handle climate change The festivities were attended emony, there was a Christmas and reduce its negative im- by Shaikh Khalifa bin Daij Al Tree decorating competition pact. Khalifa, President of HRH the which was a big hit among the Dr Dainah presented the Crown Prince’s Court Simon youngsters. The singing of carols added special charm to the event. audience with a compre- hensive overview on the sit- uation in Bahrain in light of climate change from which many island countries are suffering. He also discussed proce- dures of implementing the Paris Agreement and other vital issues related to fund- ing projects in developing A net-savvy populace countries. 98pc of the Kingdom’s population use Internet, reveals UNCTAD findings

the highest in the world along The index also with Bahrain and Norway,” • the report stated. revealed the top The index also revealed countries for online Iceland, ranked sixth, has near ubiquitous the top countries for online shopping in which The shopping. The Netherlands Internet access with Netherlands came first. came on top of the report as 98pc of the population the best country in the world online, the highest in for online commerce. • Compared to the the world along with Europe has eight of the top 2017 index, Singapore Bahrain and Norway. ten countries in the index. Among the developing econo- has swapped ranks THE REPORT with the Republic of mies in MENA region, Bahrain has only made it to the top Korea as the top-ranked ten list. country in the list. Only one of the top ten de- veloping countries in the B2C TDT | Manama E-commerce Index 2018 are Mohammed Zafran from East Asia or the Middle East. lose to 98 per cent of the Unlike the global top ten, population in the King- the range of index values be- Cdom use Internet, accord- Among the developing economies in tween developing countries is ing to a report published by the MENA region, Bahrain has only made it wide with a 26-point differ- United Nations organisation. to the top ten list. ence between first and tenth. Almost everyone in the King- Compared to the 2017 in- dom has Internet access, says the way are the two other countries dex, Singapore has swapped United Nations Conference on with the highest Internet access. ranks with the Republic of Trade and Development’s (UNC- However, Bahrain is ranked 62 Korea as the top-ranked TAD) Business-to-Consumer in the index overall. In the Mena country in the list. (B2C) E-commerce Index 2018. region, the Kingdom was ranked Mauritius and Trinidad Bahrain is one of the highest five in the index. and Tobago have dropped out ranked countries in the index in “Iceland, ranked sixth, has near while Chile (the only non- terms of Internet access. Along ubiquitous Internet access with Asian country in the list) and with Bahrain, Iceland and Nor- 98pc of the population online, Turkey have entered. Hong Kong (China) ranks second among developing economies and 15th in the world. BD 2.9 Like Singapore, it is a only small economy with rela- tively high values on all indicators. 10 leading countries Try out our Indian platter- Super in the list are from Europe. delicious and great value for money TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2018 04 Focus on enhancing arts scene by exploring latest technologies Bahrain FinTech Bay plans to offer technical support for local artists TDT | Manama Khalid Esam Saad said that he “In terms of the blockchain, art world. Mohammed Zafran believes Bahrain has the right ownership of art pieces can The fourth edition of the art ecosystem to support artists be transferred through the fair will take place from March he Bahrain FinTech Bay with the technical support. A lot of the blockchain and you can have 6 to 10, 2019 at the Bahrain Ex- could play a huge role in He told Tribune that the Fin- a detailed record of who has hibitions and Convention Cen- helping the art scene in Tech Bay could play a role in innovators that owned it throughout its histo- tre. T are part of the Bahrain by aiding with the adop- supporting the art scene. “We ry. Crowdfunding is also made In-depth discussions on how tion of the latest technologies are certainly open to it. The Fin- ecosystem can possible, so if a group of people technology is becoming trans- such as artificial intelligence in Tech Bay is not constrained to significantly wants to collectively buy an art formative in the art movement the field of art, according to its the financial services industry, help the art piece it can be done.” will also feature during ArtBAB. Chief Executive Officer. it has a wider remit. scene. “Another application for Arti- Middle East’s first ever VR As the global art movement “The financial service indus- ficial Intelligence would be that showcase of dslcollection, The embarks on a transformative try was a natural fit as it was MR SAAD based on a user’s past purchases Kremer Collection and Khora process with the utilisation of the most advanced sector in and tastes, the AI could recom- Contemporary will be featured technologies such as artificial the economy but we are open to want to see how FinTech can lot of cases where art, instead mend art pieces or create new in the event. intelligence, virtual reality, exploring other sectors. A lot of also support the scene.” of being created by humans are art pieces based on the individ- Industry leaders underpin- blockchain and big data, Bah- the innovators that are part of He added that local art scene being created by algorithms. ual’s profile. The applications ning the conversation about the rain could potentially gain a lead the ecosystem can significantly now remains very traditional at To give another example, if you are endless when it comes to blockchain art market revolu- in the field if early adoption of help the art scene. the moment and that Bahrain look at the art collectors space the intersection between art, tion to improve provenance and such technologies is ensured for “The target clients for a lot of stands to gain a lot from adopt- this is usually non-standardized artificial intelligence, virtual unlock digital trade routes will the local art scene, according to these companies is not just con- ing the technologies. and non-liquid. reality, and technologies.” include Bahrain Fintech Bay, experts. strained to the financial service Speaking about the use-cases “FinTech can help in mak- Mr Saad will be speaking dur- BlockchainHub, Artory, Veris- Chief Executive officer of sector. Definitely, the art space for these technologies in the ing the asset class of art more ing ArtBAB, giving talks on how art, Arius Technology, ID4ARTS Bahrain FinTech Bay (“BFB”) is a developing sector and we field of art, he said, “We have a standardised and more liquid.” such technologies can help the and Dadiani Syndicate.

National Day observed Warm welcome accorded to Bahraini visitors to UAE

Senior executives and staff of LMC attended a special event held to mark the National Day.

Ministry awarded contracts Bahraini passengers received a special welcome at the UAE airports. Abu Dhabi rainis with flowers and the flags of the two brotherly countries. worth BD23.5m last November Bahrainis were also wel- he United Arab Emirates comed by the two airports’ of- Manama secretary Ahmed Abdulaziz Al ers in the construction sector the industrial zone on the en- has accorded a warm ficials, who congratulated them Khayyat. and three related to technical vironment in the area of Hidd, Twelcome to Bahraini on the Kingdom’s glorious Na- he Ministry of Works, He underlined the ministry’s services. focusing on the quality of air, sea visitors marking Bahrain’s Na- tional Day and the Anniversa- Municipalities Affairs drive to pursue infrastructure A contract worth BD14,480,000 water, sediments, noise and soil tional Day and the Anniversary ry of HM the King’s Accession Tand Urban Planning projects in towns and villages was also awarded to construct pollution. of His Majesty King Hamad bin to the Throne, and presented awarded awarded 19 contracts across Bahrain, to meet public an open stand with an overall It has also earmarked Isa Al Khalifa’s Accession to the them with gifts. worth BD23,479,681 last Novem- needs, boost the economy and capacity of 10,000 spectators at BD278,896 to import and install Throne. The Bahraini visitors to the ber. attract investments. the Bahrain International Cir- measuring equipment, a control According to the UAE news UAE expressed their joy at the “The approved projects cover Ten contracts worth cuit (BIC). room and other equipment to agency (WAM), the police of the warm welcome accorded to the sectors of road construction, BD15,424,869 were awarded The ministry has also allo - monitor the triple processing Abu Dhabi International Air- them, which, they said, reflects sanitary drainage construction to carry out one road project, cated BD187,633 to conduct a unit at the Tubli used water re- port and the Sharjah Interna- the depth of the UAE’s relations and maintenance,” said Under- three sanitary ones, two oth- strategic study on the impact of cycling plant. tional Airport welcomed Bah- with its brotherly countries.

Volleyball tournament

A volleyball tournament for elders was inaugurated at the Isa Town Campus of Indian School Bahrain as part of its Mega Fair 2018. The event, which is getting enthusiastic response from people from all walks of life, will be held on December 20 and 21. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2018 05 Project for digitising customer data verification to be implemented soon The project will be first implemented in the financial industry, say sources TDT | Manama customer information under- holders including the Central In April, the Information and Mohammed Zafran taken by financial institutions Bank, which is the regulator of eGovernment Authority (iGA) in Bahrain”. the project and we have the iGA, signed a Memorandum of Un- he first phase of the na- The project will first be imple- The project is to EDB and BAB. derstanding (MoU) with The tional eKYC project, a mented in the financial industry “The project is to establish a BENEFIT Company (BENEFIT) to ground breaking initia- and will later be implemented in establish a unified unified system for knowing the develop the ePayment services T system for knowing tive to digitise customer data other industries as well. customers electronically as well of government transactions and verification, will be implement- The Central Bank of Bahrain, the customers as to identify the main require- provide services that facilitate ed next year. The Information and eGovern- electronically as well ments to satisfy the regulations management of processes on The project, to create a ‘Elec- ment Authority (iGA), Economic as to identify the related to financial industry,” she banking and other entities in tronic Know Your Customer’ Development Board, BAB and main requirements to told Tribune. order to improve performance (eKYC) database for Bahrain will the BENEFIT company are the satisfy the regulations When asked about its viability and reduce cost. be in place starting April next stakeholders of the project. outside the financial industry, “Through this agreement, we year, according to sources. Hessa Ali Hussain, Head of related to financial she said, “It could be definitely aim to launch significant joint The project would pave way Bahrain Credit Reference Bu- industry. expanded beyond the financial projects to cater to both pub - for the implementation of elec- reau at The BENEFIT Company MS HESSA industry. The first use case is lic and private sectors; starting tronic methods to verify the said that the eKYC will save cus- going to be implemented in the with the Electronically Know identity of customers. tomers a lot of time. financial industry as a phase one. Your Customer (eKYC) initiative, According to the Central “If we look at the KYC process “However, the platform, with in addition to providing credit Bank of Bahrain ( CBB), the today, the main weakness is the cess to a customer service agent nancial services are approved the integration of blockchain, reports via the national portal eKYC serves to “streamline the slowness in customer onboard- to take care of their need. for them. would be expanded beyond the (Bahrain.bh) in co-operation customer on-boarding process ing. The customers need to wait “Besides, they may also need “The national eKYC project is financial industry to cover the with the Central Bank of Bah- and the on-going updates of in line before they can have ac- to wait days before certain fi- being handled by multiple stake- entire nation.” rain.” Showcasing the history of oil

opened an exhibition on the his- sion to the UN as a full mem- The Capital Governor tory of oil in Bahrain which was ber and the 19th Anniversary of • organised by the Capital Gov- HM the King’s Accession to the lauded the efforts ernorate in co-operation with Throne. of the organising the Ministry of Oil and Bahrain Many visitors attended the parties, stressing the Avenues. exhibition which showcased importance of such The event was attended by rare historical photos and oil the Capital Governorate’s Social collectibles which shed light on events in attracting Programmes and Community an important phase of the histo- tourists and informing Affairs Director Shaikh Isa bin ry of Bahrain since the inaugu- them about important Ali Al Khalifa and officials. ration of the first oil well in 1932 historical phases. It was held in conjunction until the major oil discovery in with Bahrain’s celebration Bahrain this year. marking the anniversary of the The Capital Governor lauded Manama establishment of the modern the efforts of the organising par- state of Bahrain as an Arab and ties, stressing the importance of apital Governor Shaikh Muslim country in 1783 by its such events in attracting tour- Hesham bin Abdulrah- founder Ahmed Al Fateh, the ists and informing them about Cman Al Khalifa yesterday Shaikh Hesham along with senior government officials tours the exhibition. 47th Anniversary of its acces- important historical phases. Royal homage New ambassador to to martyrs of duty praised Palestine takes charge Manama TENDER NOTICE FOR CATERING SERVICES epresentatives Coun- Rcil Speaker Fawzia APM Terminals Bahrain, a public listed company, operating Khalifa Zainal extended heartfelt Bin Salman Port at Hidd, Bahrain, is looking for a suitable supplier thanks and respect to His to provide catering services and manage a canteen facility that Majesty King Hamad bin serves breakfast, lunch & dinner to approx. 500 employees and Isa Al Khalifa for his kind other visitors. The canteen should be operational of a 24x7 basis. initiative to celebrate the Food should be cooked at supplier central kitchen and delivered Commemoration Day to our canteen. Besides, supplier should be able to serve hot in conjunction with the snacks throughout the day. kingdom’s celebration of its national days. We invite applications with a brief profile from interested This, she stressed, re- suppliers who are specialized in this area and meets the following flects HM the King’s hom- minimum criteria: age to the late servicemen who sacrificed their life Mr Abbas with Mr Al Rowaie. • Working experience of at least 5 years in government, for the sake of Bahrain’s semi-government or reputed private firms. security and stability. Khalifa bin Salman Al Khal- • Meeting high hygiene standards. The Representatives Amman ifa, and His Royal Highness Council Speaker affirmed the Crown Prince, Deputy • Pay the tender fees BHD 25/- before closing as stated below that the Commemoration he President of the Supreme Commander and Last date of sending email application-profile and paying tender Day is a dear national oc- State of Palestine, First Deputy Prime Minister, fees is 26th Dec 2018. casion to reiterate pride Mahmoud Abbas, re- Prince Salman bin Hamad Al T The Tender process will be initiated later with shortlisted in the sacrifices of the ceived the credentials of Am- Khalifa. fallen servicemen to de- bassador Ahmed bin Yusuf For his part, Ambassa - companies. fend security, stability Al Rowaie as Non-Resident dor Al Rowaie conveyed the If interested please email with Tender ref BAH/CS/2018/013 in greetings of His Majesty the and territorial integrity Ambassador of the Kingdom subject to: of Bahrain. to the State of Palestine. King, His Royal Highness the She also paid homage to President Abbas requested Prime Minister and His Royal Procurement Manager those who lost their life the Ambassador to convey Highness the Crown Prince in the fields of honour, as his greetings to His Majes - to President Mahmoud Ab- APM Terminals Bahrain part of the Saudi-led Arab ty King Hamad bin Isa Al bas, and their wishes to him Email: [email protected] Coalition, to defend legiti- Khalifa, His Royal Highness and all Palestinian people of Tel: +973 17365520 or +973 17365516 macy in Yemen. the Prime Minister, Prince abundant health. 06 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2018 world

Erdogan vows to ‘remove’ Kurd militia Japan police investigate east of Euphrates cause of blast in Sapporo

to escape after everyone kicked Large blast and fire through the wall,” a person who Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan • was in the restaurant at the time addresses his supporters in wrecked a restaurant told Kyodo. Konya, Turkey in Sapporo The fire from the blast spread AFP | Ankara to neighbouring buildings, and Officials warned debris blasted out by the ex - resident Recep Tayy- that• the number of plosion shattered the windows Pip Erdogan yester - of nearby apartments and res- day vowed Turkey would injured could rise taurants, according to local remove a Kurdish militia reports. viewed as terrorists by An- AFP | Tokyo “We are investigating details kara from northern Syria about the damage together with if the US failed to ensure apanese police were in- police at the scene,” the fire de- fighters leave the east of the vestigating yesterday the partment official said. Euphrates. Jcause of a powerful blast The blast happened around The threat comes after that ripped through a restaurant 8.30 pm (1130 GMT), and the city Erdogan spoke on the phone in the country’s north overnight, government opened a shelter to with US President Donald injuring 42 people and damag- house dozens of people whose Trump on Friday when the ing surrounding buildings. homes were damaged. pair agreed to ensure “more The explosion in the city of The explosion also caused a effective coordination” be- Sapporo on Sunday night start- temporary black-out, with 250 tween their countries’ op- ed fires and caused the partial buildings losing electricity, but erations in Syria. collapse of some neighbouring power was later restored, he The conversation fol - Firefighters attend the scene in Sapporo buildings, forcing dozens of resi- said. lowed threats from Erdogan dents into shelters, officials said. Numerous customers at the Police said 42 people had been ities. Among the injured were The three tenants in the build- last week to launch an offen- The cause of the blast was still restaurant on the building’s first injured, but there were no fatal- several children, as well as a ing were poorly prepared for sive against the US-backed under investigation, police said, floor said they smelled gas at the man who suffered burns and a possible fires, Sapporo fire de- Kurdish People’s Protection but there were reports that it time of the explosion, Kyodo woman who jumped from the partment official Takashi Shida Units (YPG) militia east of may have been a gas leak. News agency reported. building to escape, breaking her told AFP. the Euphrates River, where Some reports said fumes were The blast produced large leg in the process. “We instructed them to im- there are American troops, leaking from spray cans that had flames and sent plumes of smoke “There was an enormous prove these points during an within the “next few days”. been collected for disposal at a rising in the night air, with wit- sound, ‘bang’, then when I on-site inspection in October “I spoke with Trump. real estate company in the build- nesses describing a terrifying 42 looked up at the sky it was filled but they had not made progress,” The terrorists must leave ing. boom. people were injured and with plumes of smoke,” an el- he said. the east of the Euphrates. But investigators were also The two-story wooden build- surrounding buildings derly woman said in footage on Many small and medi - If they don’t go, we will were damaged by the looking into at least nine pro- ing, which also housed a clinic, blast public broadcaster NHK. um-sized older buildings in Ja- remove them,” Erdogan pane tanks installed in the build- was seriously damaged, a Sap- “The ceiling fell, then the en- pan are built partly or entirely promised during a televised ing for the various businesses poro fire department official tire second floor collapsed and from wood and are vulnerable speech in the central Turk- located inside. told AFP. we were all stuck. We managed to fires. ish province of Konya. Wife of detained China activist goes bald Thailand seizes 18

to police, which have been sent million meth pills back unanswered. In April, Li attempted to march 100 kilometres (60 miles) to a detention facility in neigh- bouring Tianjin to highlight her husband’s plight before she was thwarted by police. “I want to urge the Supreme People’s Court to perform its su- pervisory duties and investigate why the second intermediate court in Tianjin that is handling my husband’s case is dragging its feet,” Li said. “The court has surpassed the time limit prescribed by law for Yuan Shanshan, left, Liu Ermin, Wang Qiaoling and Li Wenzu pose shaved their heads to protest the detention of their dealing with such cases,” she Attempts to crack down the methamphetamine trade in Thailand have husbands, detained during the so-caled 709 crackdown said. resulted in massive seizures and left at least 15 alleged smugglers shot dead in the country’s north since the start of November AFP | Beijing the courthouse after they were alleged “subversion of state Health concerns AFP | Bangkok land have resulted in massive prevented by police from enter- power”, Wang is the only one Liu Ermin, wife of rights ac- seizures and left at least 15 al- he wife of a detained Chi- ing the premises. of over 200 lawyers and activists tivist Zhai Yanmin, said she was hai authorities seized leged smugglers shot dead in Tnese lawyer and three sup- The Chinese words for being arrested in the so-called “709 protesting her husband’s torture Tmore than 18 million meth the country’s north since the porters shaved their heads yes- completely bald and having a crackdown” who is yet to be while in detention. pills in the drug-riddled “Gold- start of November. terday and attempted to submit state of lawlessness -- “wufa” tried or released. “His health has deteriorated en Triangle”, a senior military The latest bust occurred in to a Beijing court a petition pro- -- are homonyms. “My husband is being de - and we are still under constant official said yesterday, follow- Chiang Rai province on Sun- testing her husband’s indefinite Their husbands were all tar- tained incommunicado without surveillance,” she said. ing deadly anti-trafficking op- day night after authorities re- detention. geted during a sweeping crack- a proper explanation,” his wife The third woman was Yuan erations in the border region. ceived a tip-off that smugglers The four women went to the down on activists and lawyers Li Wenzu told AFP. Shanshan, wife of lawyer Xie The Golden Triangle -- a were active in the area, later Hongsecun People’s High Court on July 9, 2015. “I want answers as to why the Yanyi. lawless wedge of land in - pinpointing two suspicious in south Beijing in a symbolic Attorney Wang Quanzhang, authorities aren’t following due Xie, who defended prac - tersecting China, Myanmar, cars. protest against what they said who defended political activists process. I want to know why titioners of the banned Falun Thailand and Laos -- is the “We found and seized bags... highlighted the “lawlessness” and victims of land seizures, dis- they aren’t allowing the family’s Gong spiritual movement, was main base of operations for all were methamphetamine, of the country. appeared in the sweep aimed at lawyer to visit Wang,” she said. released on bail pending trial in Southeast Asia’s highly lucra- about 18.76 million pills,” com- “We can go bald, but the courtroom critics of Communist Li said over the past three January 2017. He has since shed tive methamphetamine trade. mander Vichit Wongsang said country cannot be lawless,” the authorities. years she has submitted over 30 light on the torture of detained Attempts to crack down on in a press conference streamed four women shouted outside Charged in January 2016 with freedom of information requests lawyers. the drug’s influx into Thai - live on Facebook. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2018 07 Ukrainian arts enjoy surprise revival in conflict-riven east While prospects for a political resolution look remote, a fragile lull allowed residents to think of something more than survival

The Ukrainians “have begun People in Mariupol to realise that culture defines • identity,” said Vlad Troitsky, a continue to live their renowned theatre director. lives with poetry This year he organised the evenings, film screenings GogolFest modern art festival in and concerts despite Mariupol, the last major eastern city under Kiev control. the ongoing conflict The port and industrial hub on the Sea of Azov in May hosted The GogolFest performances and art installa- modern• art festival tions that drew some 30,000 in Mariupol hosted spectators. Troitsky says he wants to fight performances and back against the “aggressive art installations that propaganda” of Russian culture drew some 30,000 and way of life. spectators in May ‘Fear still exists’ “The fear is still there, of course. AFP | Donetsk, Ukraine We all know what is going on here,” said Marko Galanevych, n a grungy cellar bar, a young a musician with the Ukrainian crowd sings along to a mel- ethno-style band Dakha Brakha Iancholy ballad in Ukrainian. that has performed in Mariupol. Nothing unusual here -- ex- “But it is important for us... cept that the concert is taking to come and support the people place in the stronghold of Rus- who live here and want this city sian-backed separatists in east- to remain Ukrainian.” ern Ukraine. Writer and poet Sergiy The Ukrainian language has Zhadan, dubbed the “bard of faced an unofficial ban here eastern Ukraine” by The New since war broke out between Yorker magazine, agreed. separatists and Kiev’s forces Artists performing during a concert as part of the Gogol Fest in Azov Sea city of Mariupol “Music and poetry are needed more than four years ago. everywhere and especially in the “Promise me that tomorrow go to concerts on the other side says Diana Berg, an artist from agency, which organises around Donbass,” he said, using another will come for sure,” a female of the front line. Mariupol. 10 concerts by local musicians name for the coal-rich region. vocalist sings to acoustic guitar Part of eastern Ukraine is People here have seen a lot a month. Originally from the region, in the city of Donetsk, the rebels’ still under the control of Rus- since the beginning of the war “Here, we forget about the Zhadan launched a project de facto capital, with uniformed sian-backed separatists in a war and “went through all stages, People are less military conflict and the poli- bringing literature and theatre rebel supporters in the audience. against government troops that from anger to denial”, she said. afraid and are more tics and we just listen to good to the area after being impressed Ukrainian songs are very rare- has claimed more than 10,000 So now they accept the situ- likely to attend music,” he said, also declining by the audience numbers at his ly heard in this region, where lives. ation and continue to live their cultural events. to be fully identified. performances in towns affected Russian is more widely spoken. Kiev and the West accuse lives with poetry evenings, film The revival of Ukrainian cul- by bombings. “In 2014, when the war had Russia of funnelling troops and screenings and concerts. Here, we forget tural events coincides with sepa- Such cultural initiatives nec- just begun, such a concert would arms across the border. Mos- about the military ratist authorities seeking to pro- essarily have a political element have been impossible,” said gui- cow denies the claims despite ‘Forget about the war’ conflict and the mote Russian culture by staging as many Ukrainians perceive the tar player Oleg, 20, who declined overwhelming evidence to the While prospects for a political politics and we just open-air concerts of Russian pop conflict in the East as a battle for to give his full name. contrary. resolution look remote, a fragile listen to good music music. “independence” from centuries But the concert of local mu- Martial law was imposed for lull has allowed local residents On the other side of the front of Russian political and cultural PAVEL, CO-FOUNDER OF THE sicians playing cover versions a month in Ukraine’s border re- to think of something more than CONTRABAND GROUP EVENT AGENCY line in Kiev-controlled territory, dominance. of hits by Ukrainian bands goes gions after Russia’s seizure of just survival. Ukrainian artists and activists “The culture wars are far from down well with the audience. three of Kiev’s navy vessels in “People are less afraid and are are also organising festivals, cre- over,” said Fozzey, a vocalist There is demand for such mu- the Azov Sea in November. more likely to attend cultural ating a cultural life of unprece- in the popular TNMK hip-hop sic, since it is difficult for people But the development had no events,” said Pavel, co-founder dented vibrancy in the industrial band which regularly plays for living in separatist-held areas to particular effect on cultural life, of the Contraband Group event region. Ukrainian soldiers on front line.

Artists performing during a concert in the frame of Gogol Fest in Azov Sea, Mariupol People enjoying a concert during the Gogol Fest, in Marioupol, eastern Ukraine HAPPINESS IS A BUTTERFLY, WHICH WHEN PURSUED, IS ALWAYS JUST TODAY 1972 1973 1981 1999 QUOTE BEYOND YOUR GRASP, BUT WHICH, IF DAY IN OF THE YOU WILL SIT DOWN QUIETLY, MAY Vietnam War: President Richard Soviet Soyuz Programme: Soyuz 13, First flight of the Russian heavystrategic NASA launches into orbit the Terra DAY ALIGHT UPON YOU. HISTORY Nixon announces that the United crewed by cosmonauts Valentin Leb- bomber Tu-160, the world’s largest combat platform carrying five Earth Observation NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE States will engage North Vietnam in edev and Pyotr Klimuk, is launched aircraft, largest supersonic aircraft and instruments, including ASTER, CERES, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2018 Operation Linebacker II. from Baikonur in the Soviet Union. largest variable-sweep wing aircraft built. MISR, MODIS and MOPITT.

Britain is at the cliff Caste problem faced by Twitter TOP Dalits and other Indian gender, religious, tribal and ethnic minorities TWEETS4 are regularly harassed on Twitter by right-wing troll armies edge of global isolation 01 Crashing out of the EU without a comprehensive deal would throw Britain’s economy into a chronic recession or 34 years, Congress F& Gandhis protect- ed Sajjan Kumar, Tytler hoard food and emergency sup- prime minister focused on ex- and Kamalnath. Captain plies in the event of such a sce- istential questions of national Amarinder too gave clean nario. How could even the most survival, Burt has been left to chits to killers of Sikhs. blinkered Brexit nationalists operate in a strategic vacuum. Finally the court exposed embrace such a stupid act of After the chaos and dysfunc- the cover-up. What do self-harm? tion of the Brexit negotiations, @RahulGandhi & @ BARIA ALAMUDDIN As someone who for years has polling indicates a significant capt_amarinder have to engaged with Britain’s Foreign decline in the number of Britons say now? #1984SikhGen- ritain is hurtling toward Office, I have been aghast at who strongly support a deci - ocide the March 2019 deadline the way in which this esteemed sive break from the EU. There @HarsimratBadal_ Bfor crashing out of the department has shunned its tra- is growing momentum toward EU. While the seemingly unre- ditional geopolitical mandate, holding a second referendum. solvable issue of Northern Ire- focusing instead on forlorn ef- Meanwhile, we are poised for land’s status dominates political forts to persuade European dip- further weeks of dithering and 02 attention, there has been less lomats to take them seriously. indecisive talks with Europe- debate about how any possible After World War II, an ex- an negotiators, with few pros- deal would affect the global dip- hausted and impoverished UK pects for a formula that could lomatic role of an isolated and sent its diplomats out to wind be forced through Parliament. diminished UK. down an unaffordable and un- Most nations take pride in Prime Minister Theresa May governable empire, a process the influence they wield on the fought off a leadership chal - that was cynically described as world stage, going to immense t’s good to remember lenge last week, yet both she “managed decline.” In the rush lengths to protect and increase Ithat other human be- and her Brexit plan remain on to leave locations such as Pal- that influence. In previous cen- ings are like us. We are emergency life support. The estine, Iraq and Aden, many of turies, Japan and China were born the same way; we challenge came after May final- the seeds of conflicts that have rare cases of states that deliber- Jack was photographed holding a poster that read “Smash Brahminical patriarchy”. die the same way. While ly acknowledged that the plan plagued the world in recent dec- ately sought to cut themselves we’re alive it’s better to she had exhaustively negotiated ades were sown. Today, it feels off from the world, promote be able to trust each oth- with the EU had zero prospects as if we are watching the next self-sufficiency and focus their form for political discourse in Dorsey and his colleagues these users are Dalits or belong colleagues take a step back to er as friends. We earn of passing through Parliament. phase of Brexit Britain’s “man- energies inward. India was cemented after Prime also need to engage in to other religious, cultural and assess, reflect and pivot. The other people’s trust when Yet exhausted and frustrated aged decline” play out. The result was stagnation. In Minister Narendra Modi and gender minorities. platform urgently needs to we show a genuine con- European leaders stress that In Syria, Yemen, Ukraine, Lib- consequence, they went from his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya broad consultations with There are over 260 million make corrections to protect mi- cern for their well-being. they have no intention of un - ya, South Sudan, Afghanistan being among the world’s most Janata Party famously used so- governments and civil Dalits in India, and for many, norities in India and elsewhere @DalaiLama picking the deal and starting and elsewhere, geopolitical in- pulling in opposite directions. After the chaos and moral stance on settlement ex- culturally advanced civilisations cial media during his campaign society groups, especially Twitter truly represented a in the world. again. fernos of instability and chaos Britain bears a heavy respon- pansion, Jerusalem’s status and to finding themselves centuries THENMOZHI SOUNDARARAJAN in the 2014 national elections. with representatives from platform where they could There are immediate, spe - dysfunction of the Brexit cific measures Twitter could Parliament and May’s Con- are raging. Yet British diplomats sibility for supporting Iraq’s po- negotiations, polling violations against Palestinians. behind upstart European states Since Modi came to power, his gender, religious and speak and be heard while of - servative Party are hopelessly lack the capacity to do substan- litical process, given the roles British diplomats frequently that gleefully exploited Asia’s n Nov 13, Jack Dorsey, followers have been convey- cultural minorities. fering an alternative to main- take. It could introduce a formal 03 divided. Any conceivable ver- tively more than issue formulaic of former Prime Minister Tony indicates a significant goaded their European coun- technological and economic the chief executive of ing positive messages about his stream Indian media, which option to report caste-related sion of her plan would almost statements that appear increas- Blair and former US President decline in the number terparts to be more engaged in backwardness at every turn. OTwitter, met with sever- government, often using doc- has scant Dalit representation. abuse and hate speech. It could certainly be voted against, both ingly divorced from reality. This George W Bush in tearing this of Britons who strongly jointly lobbying Israel. In the next three months, al female journalists and activ- tored images. But India’s entrenched struc- commission an independent by the “hard Brexit” camp and is a humiliating climb-down for nation apart. But where is Brit- support a decisive break But with Israel’s current lead- we will discover whether the ists in New Delhi to talk about India has also seen an in - tures of caste privilege and assessment of the human rights those who want to soften Brexit a UN Security Council perma- ain on the resurgence of Daesh, from the EU. ers stealing Palestinian land UK is poised to make the same online safety in India. Female crease in the atrocities against power replicated on Twitter risks on the platform, with par- or thwart it altogether. If Brit- nent member. or efforts by Iran-backed para- at an unprecedented rate and geo-strategic error of disengag- journalists and activists from minorities and incidents of reli- and forced caste-oppressed ticular attention to the safety, ain’s leaders cannot force a more Britain used to be the re - militaries to hijack Iraq’s incom- agitating for war in Lebanon, ing from a globalised world and religious and cultural minorities gious and caste-based violence. communities off the platform, freedom of expression and pri- T if you agree that our palatable version through Par- spected European intermedi- ing government and entrench Britain appears hardly aware leaping off the cliff into a delud- face relentless harassment and Many blame Modi’s followers, traumatising many in the pro- vacy and experience of its most RPresident is a hero of liament, this creates two sce- ary of choice for deploying its allies in key roles such as inte- of what is happening, and may ed nationalist utopia of splendid abuse on Dorsey’s platform. The who have emerged as a major- cess. vulnerable users, and create heroes for dealing with narios: Either a disastrous no- transatlantic influence to curb rior minister? henceforth lack the diplomatic isolation, or whether its citizens meeting with Dorsey and other itarian, casteist troll army for Dalit resistance art, an artefact Twitter executives quickly ways to mitigate those risks. all the haters and still deal scenario or a cancellation America’s worst foreign policy When I ask these questions, clout to play a role even if it will realise their mistake at the Twitter executives was aimed at inciting hatred of India’s caste of solidarity and resilience. cowed before the oppressive And it should dedicate resourc- achieving one major of Brexit altogether, possibly via instincts. In the age of Donald British diplomats ashamedly wanted to. last minute and pull back from helping them better understand and religious minorities. After the meeting in New power of caste. After the intense es into investigating India troll accomplishment every a new referendum. Trump, when such restraining acknowledge that the attention Alistair Burt has been an im- the brink. the magnitude of the problem While most of the world Delhi ended, Dorsey held my Brahmin outrage and calls for a networks and the growing cost 36 hours, keeping his Experts caution that crashing influences are sorely need- of their political masters is di- pressively energetic Middle in India. understands America’s troll poster while posing with par- boycott, Gadde apologised for of disinformation that results promises, and when all (Baria Alamuddin is an award-win- from their actions. out of the EU without a com- ed, there has been a complete verted elsewhere, and private- rope once acted as an impor- East minister who spends much ning journalist and broadcaster in My colleague Sanghapali culture and its foundations ticipants for a picture. The pho- the photograph of Dorsey with is done, standing (Eph. prehensive deal would throw breakdown in European-Amer- ly express despair at the UK’s tant counterweight to America’s of his time traveling to engage the Middle East and the UK. She is ed- Aruna, who runs Project Mukti, in white supremacy, it is still tograph was seen as Twitter my poster, saying she and her Dorsey and his colleagues 6:13 KJV). Britain’s economy into a chronic ican communication. On a vital growing international irrele- pro-Israel partisanship, never with Arab leaders and interloc- itor of the Media Services Syndicate an organisation that leverages learning about how caste is the endorsing our call to end caste colleagues should have been also need to engage in broad @RealDrGina recession. Britons have been issue such as containing Iran, vance and impotence. going as far as we would like utors. Yet with the attention of and has interviewed numerous heads technology to empower Dalits bedrock for India’s online troll and patriarchy. more thoughtful and, “Twitter consultations with govern - warned that they may need to the two sides are disastrously On Palestine, Britain and Eu- them to, but still taking a valued Britain’s foreign secretary and of state.) to fight caste prejudice, was ecosystems. Dalits need to be A fierce backlash on Indi - strives to be an impartial plat- ments and civil society groups, among the attendees. “Dalit,” at the table during discussions an Twitter from India’s caste form for all.” especially with representatives 04 which means “oppressed,” re- of platform accountability be- elites, particularly the Brah- The apology translated to an from gender, religious and cul- fers to the caste of people who cause our stories carry the ur- mins, followed. endorsement of deeply prob- tural minorities. These difficult CIVILIAN’S TRIBUNE suffer the greatest violence, gency of what our people face. Dorsey and his team were lematic power dynamics — an conversations will reflect a dif- discrimination and disenfran- Whether in the real or the on- relentlessly harassed. He was unacceptable position given the ficult reality, but they need to chisement under India’s caste line world, Dalits refuse to be smeared as a racist and accused platform’s positioning as a free happen if Twitter wants to be apartheid that structures Hindu the canary in the coal mine for of disrupting Indian society in and open space for discussion. a platform where marginalised society. caste atrocity any longer. the run-up to the 2019 national And given the magnitude voices can be visible and heard When Aruna met Dorsey she It was in this fraught con - elections. of caste-based aggression and without fear. even civilians in - Climate not changing itself, we are changing it! had already left the platform, text that I designed a series of A campaign for Brahmins harassment on Twitter, its As one of the first Dalit wom- Scluding five teenag- fearing for her safety following political posters. One that Aru- to boycott Twitter trended on blindness to caste in India is en on Twitter, I long for the ers were killed in J&K. a Twitter doxxing incident after na gave to Dorsey featured a Twitter. alarming. The platform has a time when the platform meant What did they die for? hear so much about the climate change. Yes We are building more houses and very large into drain pipes that go to rivers. which she was confronted and woman protesting and three Dorsey has my empathy. He responsibility not to simply community and sharing, not Will those who advocate it is changing as it has according to history buildings with roofs that reflect the heat back There the water can’t be absorbed into the threatened. As she shared her words: Smash. Brahmanical. had a fleeting taste of what it promote free speech but to also endless casteist abuse, rape a muscular, militaristic I of our planet. to the air so the building is well cooled. ground to fill the aquifer (underground reser- experiences of discrimination Patriarchy. The Brahmins sit is to be a Dalit woman on Twit- guarantee the freedom of ex- and death threats. It is time approach to J&K, please I think we are helping it along with all the Then we install air conditioning that puts voirs) that cleans and purifies the water wells and intimidation on Twitter, Vi- at the very top of the caste hi- ter. But these attacks remind pression and safety of its most for executives like Dorsey to answer the question? concrete and blacktop we are putting in for our hot air back into the air. Then we put acres and that pumps out for our drinking water and jaya Gadde, the company’s head erarchy and are long-standing us of the pervasiveness of the vulnerable users. Coordinated ensure that the trolls do not and @PChidambaram_IN roads, driveways and sidewalks. acres of solar panels that reflects the sun. provides irrigation for fields. of legal, policy, trust and safety, gatekeepers of power. Their problem that had prompted his attacks on vulnerable voices are will not own the virtual public We can walk on the dirt with our bare feet With all the concrete, blacktop, roads, drive- We are building windmills to catch the wind openly wept. Dalits and another voices collectively dominate New Delhi visit: online safety shutting them out and turning sphere. on a hot day and not burn our feet, but if we ways, sidewalks, roofs and solar panels, then to generate electricity and that slows down the Indian minorities are regularly public debate and opinion in in India. Twitter into yet another tool of Disclaimer: (Views expressed walk on the concrete and blacktop our feet when it rains the water can’t get to the ground winds that control the weather patterns. Then harassed on, if not forced off, traditional and social media, India, with almost eight mil- persecution. (Thenmozhi Soundararajan, a Dalit- by columnists are personal and American artist and activist, is the need not necessarily reflect our would burn. to get absorbed. think about all the heat our light bulbs give off. Twitter by right-wing troll ar- extending their supremacy be- lion active Twitter users, is the In the light of Dorsey’s en- founder of Equality Labs, a human The heat from the sun can’t get to the ground The rain water runs off the roofs onto the Touch one and see. mies. yond traditional Indian institu- platform’s fastest growing mar- counter with the vitriol on In- rights group fighting caste and editorial stances) to absorb the heat, so it goes back into the air. concrete and blacktop into concrete ditches and T Raymond Twitter’s position as a plat- tions. The poster was a piece of ket. An increasing number of dian Twitter, I hope he and his religious intolerance.) Hon. Chairman Najeb Yacob Alhamer | Editor-in-Chief Mahmood AI Mahmood | Deputy Editor-in-Chief Ahdeya Ahmed | Chairman & Managing Editor P Unnikrishnan | Advertisement: Update Media W.L.L | Tel: 38444692, Email: [email protected] | Newsroom: Tel: 38444680, Email: [email protected] Subscription & circulation: Tel: 38444698/17579877 | Email:[email protected] | Website: www.newsofbahrain.com | Printed and published by Al Ayam Publishing TODAY 1972 1973 1981 1999 DAY IN Vietnam War: President Richard Soviet Soyuz Programme: Soyuz 13, First flight of the Russian heavystrategic NASA launches into orbit the Terra HISTORY Nixon announces that the United crewed by cosmonauts Valentin Leb- bomber Tu-160, the world’s largest combat platform carrying five Earth Observation States will engage North Vietnam in edev and Pyotr Klimuk, is launched aircraft, largest supersonic aircraft and instruments, including ASTER, CERES, Operation Linebacker II. from Baikonur in the Soviet Union. largest variable-sweep wing aircraft built. MISR, MODIS and MOPITT.

Caste problem faced by Twitter TOP

Dalits and other Indian gender, religious, tribal and ethnic minorities TWEETS4 are regularly harassed on Twitter by right-wing troll armies 01

or 34 years, Congress F& Gandhis protect- ed Sajjan Kumar, Tytler and Kamalnath. Captain Amarinder too gave clean chits to killers of Sikhs. Finally the court exposed the cover-up. What do @RahulGandhi & @ capt_amarinder have to say now? #1984SikhGen- ocide @HarsimratBadal_ 02

t’s good to remember Ithat other human be- ings are like us. We are born the same way; we Jack was photographed holding a poster that read “Smash Brahminical patriarchy”. die the same way. While we’re alive it’s better to be able to trust each oth- form for political discourse in Dorsey and his colleagues these users are Dalits or belong colleagues take a step back to er as friends. We earn India was cemented after Prime also need to engage in to other religious, cultural and assess, reflect and pivot. The other people’s trust when Minister Narendra Modi and gender minorities. platform urgently needs to we show a genuine con- his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya broad consultations with There are over 260 million make corrections to protect mi- cern for their well-being. Janata Party famously used so- governments and civil Dalits in India, and for many, norities in India and elsewhere @DalaiLama cial media during his campaign society groups, especially Twitter truly represented a in the world. THENMOZHI SOUNDARARAJAN in the 2014 national elections. with representatives from platform where they could There are immediate, spe - Since Modi came to power, his gender, religious and speak and be heard while of - cific measures Twitter could n Nov 13, Jack Dorsey, followers have been convey- cultural minorities. fering an alternative to main- take. It could introduce a formal 03 the chief executive of ing positive messages about his stream Indian media, which option to report caste-related OTwitter, met with sever- government, often using doc- has scant Dalit representation. abuse and hate speech. It could al female journalists and activ- tored images. But India’s entrenched struc- commission an independent ists in New Delhi to talk about India has also seen an in - tures of caste privilege and assessment of the human rights online safety in India. Female crease in the atrocities against power replicated on Twitter risks on the platform, with par- journalists and activists from minorities and incidents of reli- and forced caste-oppressed ticular attention to the safety, religious and cultural minorities gious and caste-based violence. communities off the platform, freedom of expression and pri- T if you agree that our face relentless harassment and Many blame Modi’s followers, traumatising many in the pro- vacy and experience of its most RPresident is a hero of abuse on Dorsey’s platform. The who have emerged as a major- cess. vulnerable users, and create heroes for dealing with meeting with Dorsey and other itarian, casteist troll army for Dalit resistance art, an artefact Twitter executives quickly ways to mitigate those risks. all the haters and still Twitter executives was aimed at inciting hatred of India’s caste of solidarity and resilience. cowed before the oppressive And it should dedicate resourc- achieving one major helping them better understand and religious minorities. After the meeting in New power of caste. After the intense es into investigating India troll accomplishment every the magnitude of the problem While most of the world Delhi ended, Dorsey held my Brahmin outrage and calls for a networks and the growing cost 36 hours, keeping his in India. understands America’s troll poster while posing with par- boycott, Gadde apologised for of disinformation that results promises, and when all My colleague Sanghapali culture and its foundations ticipants for a picture. The pho- the photograph of Dorsey with from their actions. is done, standing (Eph. Aruna, who runs Project Mukti, in white supremacy, it is still tograph was seen as Twitter my poster, saying she and her Dorsey and his colleagues 6:13 KJV). an organisation that leverages learning about how caste is the endorsing our call to end caste colleagues should have been also need to engage in broad @RealDrGina technology to empower Dalits bedrock for India’s online troll and patriarchy. more thoughtful and, “Twitter consultations with govern - to fight caste prejudice, was ecosystems. Dalits need to be A fierce backlash on Indi - strives to be an impartial plat- ments and civil society groups, among the attendees. “Dalit,” at the table during discussions an Twitter from India’s caste form for all.” especially with representatives 04 which means “oppressed,” re- of platform accountability be- elites, particularly the Brah- The apology translated to an from gender, religious and cul- fers to the caste of people who cause our stories carry the ur- mins, followed. endorsement of deeply prob- tural minorities. These difficult suffer the greatest violence, gency of what our people face. Dorsey and his team were lematic power dynamics — an conversations will reflect a dif- discrimination and disenfran- Whether in the real or the on- relentlessly harassed. He was unacceptable position given the ficult reality, but they need to chisement under India’s caste line world, Dalits refuse to be smeared as a racist and accused platform’s positioning as a free happen if Twitter wants to be apartheid that structures Hindu the canary in the coal mine for of disrupting Indian society in and open space for discussion. a platform where marginalised society. caste atrocity any longer. the run-up to the 2019 national And given the magnitude voices can be visible and heard When Aruna met Dorsey she It was in this fraught con - elections. of caste-based aggression and without fear. even civilians in - had already left the platform, text that I designed a series of A campaign for Brahmins harassment on Twitter, its As one of the first Dalit wom- Scluding five teenag- fearing for her safety following political posters. One that Aru- to boycott Twitter trended on blindness to caste in India is en on Twitter, I long for the ers were killed in J&K. a Twitter doxxing incident after na gave to Dorsey featured a Twitter. alarming. The platform has a time when the platform meant What did they die for? which she was confronted and woman protesting and three Dorsey has my empathy. He responsibility not to simply community and sharing, not Will those who advocate threatened. As she shared her words: Smash. Brahmanical. had a fleeting taste of what it promote free speech but to also endless casteist abuse, rape a muscular, militaristic experiences of discrimination Patriarchy. The Brahmins sit is to be a Dalit woman on Twit- guarantee the freedom of ex- and death threats. It is time approach to J&K, please and intimidation on Twitter, Vi- at the very top of the caste hi- ter. But these attacks remind pression and safety of its most for executives like Dorsey to answer the question? jaya Gadde, the company’s head erarchy and are long-standing us of the pervasiveness of the vulnerable users. Coordinated ensure that the trolls do not and @PChidambaram_IN of legal, policy, trust and safety, gatekeepers of power. Their problem that had prompted his attacks on vulnerable voices are will not own the virtual public openly wept. Dalits and another voices collectively dominate New Delhi visit: online safety shutting them out and turning sphere. Indian minorities are regularly public debate and opinion in in India. Twitter into yet another tool of Disclaimer: (Views expressed harassed on, if not forced off, traditional and social media, India, with almost eight mil- persecution. (Thenmozhi Soundararajan, a Dalit- by columnists are personal and American artist and activist, is the need not necessarily reflect our Twitter by right-wing troll ar- extending their supremacy be- lion active Twitter users, is the In the light of Dorsey’s en- founder of Equality Labs, a human mies. yond traditional Indian institu- platform’s fastest growing mar- counter with the vitriol on In- rights group fighting caste and editorial stances) Twitter’s position as a plat- tions. The poster was a piece of ket. An increasing number of dian Twitter, I hope he and his religious intolerance.) Hon. Chairman Najeb Yacob Alhamer | Editor-in-Chief Mahmood AI Mahmood | Deputy Editor-in-Chief Ahdeya Ahmed | Chairman & Managing Editor P Unnikrishnan | Advertisement: Update Media W.L.L | Tel: 38444692, Email: [email protected] | Newsroom: Tel: 38444680, Email: [email protected] Subscription & circulation: Tel: 38444698/17579877 | Email:[email protected] | Website: www.newsofbahrain.com | Printed and published by Al Ayam Publishing 10 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2018 business

GFH named best investment bank in Middle East Google joins tech move east, to invest $1 bn in New York campus Mohammed Abdulmalik, the Chief Placement Officer of GFH reciever the award TDT | Manama the awards cover a wide range Google will be doubling the size of its workforce in the city to around 14,000 of financial services categories FH Financial Group (GFH) and are determined through Ghas been named the “Best an online poll held on the Google is seeking to Investment Bank- Middle magazine’s website with par- • East” and the “Best Islamic ticipation from nearly 10,000 expand its headquarters Bank – Bahrain” at the Islamic readers and industry players campus in Mountain Business & Finance Awards - and peers. View, California, even EMEA 2018 held in Dubai. In its 13th year, the annu - as it grows outside Mohammed Abdulmalik, al awards gathered together the Chief Placement Officer more than 200 Islamic bank- Silicon Valley of GFH accepted the awards ers and financiers from across on 6 December on behalf of the Middle East and Africa to AFP | New York the Group. celebrate the industry’s best Among the industry’s and brightest and their accom- oogle became the latest US most prestigious honours, plishments over the past year. Gtech giant to announce a major expansion plan, unveiling a $1 billion investment yester- day to create a new campus that could double its New York City StanChart to take $160 million workforce to 14,000. The move by Google comes charge from private equity sale following Amazon’s announce- ment of new headquarters sites in New York and suburban Washington DC worth some $5 billion, and Apple’s $1 billion A view of Google’s New York office in Chelsea expansion to Texas and other areas. it was buying the Manhattan and Google Hudson Square, we been outgrowing their home Google parent Alphabet’s Chelsea Market for $2.4 billion, will have the capacity to more bases even with new headquar- chief financial officer Ruth and planned to lease space at than double the number of ters building. Porat said it would lease large Pier 57 on the Hudson river. The Googlers in New York over the Google this month released office buildings in lower Man- company currently employs next 10 years,” Porat said. an updated plan for expanding hattan, which will become the some 7,000 people in New York. She said the company’s “in- its Mountain View, California, centerpiece of a campus of “With these most recent in- vestment in New York is a huge headquarters to create a new People walk inside the main branch of Standard Chartered in Hong Kong, China more than 1.7 million square vestments in Google Chelsea part of our commitment to grow village-type campus with more Reuters | London The bank said it expected to feet (160,000 square meters). and invest in US facilities, offices than 6,000 new homes, some take a restructuring charge of The new campus, which and jobs.” of which would be available to tandard Chartered PLC has about $160 million from the should be operational starting in The new site is a former in- low-income residents. Sagreed terms for the sale sale, but did not disclose the 2020, will be known as Google dustrial area adjacent to the Both Google and Apple han- of its private equity division, terms of the deal. Hudson Square and “will be the With these most recent Greenwich Village and Soho dled their expansion plans ending a more than two-year Reuters previously reported primary location for our New investments in Google districts. quietly, while Amazon asked effort to shed a business the that the main real estate assets York-based Global Business Or- Chelsea and Google The expansion would make for municipalities across bank no longer deemed central in the portfolio were worth ganization,” Porat wrote in a Hudson Square, we will California-based Alphabet one North American for proposals, to its strategy. around $700 million. blog post. have the capacity to of the city’s largest commercial prompting critics to call it a StanChart will sell a major- The assets ICG is buying “New York City continues more than double the tenants, The Wall Street Journal “Hunger Games” contest. ity of the private equity arm’s from StanChart will be directly to be a great source of diverse, number of Googlers in reported. All three companies have investment portfolio to funds managed by Affirma Capital, a world-class talent -- that’s what been struggling to attract work- managed by Intermediate Cap- newly-formed company con- brought Google to the city in New York over next 10 Finding new workers ers with technology skills, and ital Group Plc, the bank said sisting of the former Stand- 2000 and that’s what keeps us years Alphabet, Amazon and Apple that appears to have been a key yesterday, a deal first reported ard Chartered private equity here,” she said. RUTH PORAT are three of the world’s most factor in the three expansion by Reuters in August. team. Alphabet earlier this year said valuable corporations and have moves.

VIVA Bahrain welcoming STC Group Chairman of the Board HRH Prince Mohammed Khalid Al Faisal and members of Gulf International Bank (GIB) employees during a celebration held at the bank’s Manama headquarters marking the STC Group Board of Directors to celebrate VIVA’s continuous success in Bahrain. The delegates were welcomed by Bahrain National Day. GIB’s Chief Executive Officer, Abdulaziz Abdulrahman Al-Helaissi, extended his congratulations VIVA Bahrain Chairman, Abdulla Al Zimami, VIVA Bahrain CEO Ulaiyan Al Wetaid and members of VIVA Bahrain Board to employees on this auspicious occasion. The celebrations included a breakfast for the employees, and a folk dance of Directors and senior management. HRH Prince Mohammed Khalid Al Faisal inaugurated VIVA Innovation Centre, a reflecting genuine Bahraini culture. Tokens highlighting GIB’s interest in the environment were also distributed among state-of-the-art facility aimed at showcasing the latest innovative technologies in the telecom industry the participants TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2018 11

Hitachi to buy majority stake in ABB’s power grid Malaysia charges arm for $6.4 billion Goldman in 1MDB probe Charges filed against US firm as part of corruption and money-laundering inquiry

Goldman said in a statement Goldman Sachs the charges were “misdirected”, • adding: “We will vigorously de- is accused of fend them.” helping ‘dishonestly misappropriate’ ‘Bribing officials’ $2.7bn from bonds The bank has come under fire for its role in underwrit- issued by 1MDB The planned buyout of ABB’s power grid unit would reportedly make Hitachi ing bonds totalling $6.5 billion the world’s biggest player in the sector on three occasions for 1 MDB, The US bank for which they earned an AFP | Tokyo including power transmission underwrote• bonds eye-watering $600 million in equipment and control sys- issued by 1MDB fees. apan’s Hitachi yesterday tems in numerous countries. Thomas said Goldman and its Jannounced plans to buy a The deal would also make on three occasions former employees were accused majority stake in the power Hitachi the world’s sec - totalling $6.5bn of making false and misleading grid business of Swiss-Swed- ond-largest heavy electrical A view of the Goldman Sachs stall on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange statements to misappropriate ish engineering giant ABB for equipment maker by revenue, AFP | Kuala Lumpur in New York, US $2.7 billion from the bond issu- $6.4 billion, in what would be behind only General Electric, ances, which took place in 2012 its biggest ever buyout. according to local media. alaysia filed crimi- were looted from the invest- charges. and 2013. The deal would make Hi - The Nikkei business dai - nal charges yester- ment vehicle and used to buy The news represented a fresh Leissner, who worked as tachi the world’s largest power ly first reported the planned Mday against Goldman everything from yachts to art- blow to Goldman, whose cor- Southeast Asia chairman and grid company, local media said. deal last Thursday, but Hitachi Sachs and two of its former em- work, in a fraud that involved porate culture has come under managing director at Goldman, Under the plan, ABB will shares have since dropped 2.5 ployees over the alleged theft of former Malaysian leader Najib scrutiny as a steady stream of and Ng, a managing director at spin off its power grid unit, for percent. billions of dollars, heaping fresh Razak, contributed to the last accusations surrounding its in- the bank, conspired with Jho which Hitachi will buy an 80.1 Ratings agency Standard & pressure on the Wall Street titan government’s shock defeat at volvement in the controversy and others to bribe Malaysian percent stake for 704 billion Poor’s said the power trans- over the 1MDB scandal. May elections. have emerged. officials to ensure that Gold- yen in early 2020, the Japanese mission and distribution busi- Goldman subsidiaries and Both former Goldman em- “The highest standards man was selected to work on company said in a statement. ness is growing globally, with ex-bankers Tim Leissner and ployees had already been are expected of Goldman the bonds, Thomas said in a “We plan to buy the remain- service solutions a particularly Ng Chong Hwa are accused of charged over the scandal in the Sachs,” said Malaysian attor- statement. ing shares so that Hitachi promising field. misappropriating $2.7 billion, US last month, with Leissner ney-general Tommy Thomas, The money earned by Gold- can make the unit its wholly But “the business’ profita- bribing officials and giving false pleading guilty while Ng was as he announced the charges. man for the work on the bonds owned company,” a spokesman bility can be volatile, depend- statements in relation to bond arrested in Malaysia. Low Taek “They have fallen far short was “several times higher than said without disclosing, how ing on how well a company issues they arranged for state Jho, a fugitive Malaysian finan- of any standard. In conse - the prevailing market rates and much that would cost. manages projects related fund 1MDB. cier accused of masterminding quence, they have to be held industry norms”, the statement ABB’s power grid unit makes to equipment delivery”, it Allegations that huge sums the fraud, was also hit with new accountable.” said. and operates infrastructure added. Make the holidays unforgettable at Four Seasons

Four Seasons Hotel A chef arranges dishes in Four Seasons Hotel

TDT | Manama A Little Christmas Spirit for a 90-minute destress massage. full beverage package)* entertainment)* New Year’s Eve at CUT by the Little Ones: The complimentary use of lock- • Reservations: 00973 1711 • Reservations: 00973 1711 Wolfgang Puck - Celebrate like The Kids For All Seasons ers, jacuzzi, steam and salt inha- 5500 5500 a Hollywood celebrity at CUT ahrain’s island resort des- complimentary kids camp has lation rooms adds to this festive Christmas at CUT by Wolfgang New Year’s Day Jazz Brunch this New Year’s Eve with an ex- Btination welcomes families an array of organized activi - spa experience. Puck - Guests are invited to de- at Bahrain Bay Kitchen quisite four course menu. and friends with a curated se- ties planned for Hotel guests Offer is valid through Decem- light family and friends with a • January 1, 2019, 1:00 to 4:30 • December 31, 7:00 pm to 1:00 lection of dining and entertain- throughout the festive season. ber 1 – 31. Savings can only be ap- lavish Christmas dining at celeb- pm, BHD 28 (with soft beverag- am, BHD 45* ment created with legendary From candy hunts to balloon plied to one promotion at a time. rity chef Wolfgang Puck’s steak es), BHD 38 (including full bev- • Reservations: 00973 1711 Four Seasons finesse. This fes- art, face painting, writing let- For reservations: 00973 1711 restaurant. erage package)* 5044 tive season, Four Seasons Hotel ters to Santa or gingerbread 5000 • Christmas Eve Four Course • Reservations: 00973 1711 Get Away to Bahrain This Fes- Bahrain Bay offers something house building, the KFAS team Holiday Dining on Bahrain’s Dinner - December 24 and 25, 5500 tive Season: merry for everyone. has a thoughtfully orchestrat- Exclusive Island: 7:00 to 11:30 pm, BHD 45* New Year’s Eve Circus Party For guests’ convenience, Four It’s Festive Tea Time ed schedule to provide fun for In the spirit of the season, the • Reservations: 00973 1711 at AZURE Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay now Throughout the festive sea- all ages. As ‘icing on the festive Hotel’s restaurants and lounges 5044 • December 31, 8:00 pm to offers the Bahrain Getaway - son, guests are invited to indulge cake’, little guests can meet San- will be offering special dinners. A Magnificent New Year’s Eve 2:00 am, BHD 60 for non-ho- 20% Off Package, including: in a perfectly festive afternoon ta on December 21, 24 and 25 for Christmas at Bahrain Bay For those preferring to ring in tel guests (price includes two • 20 per cent savings on the by spoiling themselves with gift distribution during brunch Kitchen - Unwrap a Christmas the New Year in Four Seasons drinks of choice and canapes), room rate for two-night mini- freshly prepared minced pies, at Bahrain Bay Kitchen. feast this season at the Hotel’s style, the Hotel has created the BHD 300 for table of 4 people mum and maximum stays caramel chocolate macaroons, Extend the Indulgence for exquisite buffet restaurant. following dinners and parties. including drinks and canapes • Luxurious accommodations cinnamon star cookies, praline Less in The Spa • Christmas Eve Dinner - De- New Year’s Eve ‘Circus’ Buffet • Reservations: 00973 1711 • Complimentary use of Kids Yule log, red velvet cupcake, and Guests are invited to enjoy a cember 24, 7:00 to 12:00 pm, at Bahrain Bay Kitchen 5500 for All Seasons gingerbread scones. personalized spa experience like BHD 37 (with soft beverages in- • December 31, 8:00 pm to New Year’s Eve Four Course • Complimentary use of the Festive Afternoon Tea is no other. When purchasing a gift cluded), BHD 47 (with full bev- 1:00 am, BHD 40 (with soft bev- Dinner at re/Asian Cuisine by brand-new beach, pools and Spa served from December 5 to 28, card for BHD 65 they receive a erage package)* erages), BHD 50 (including full Wolfgang Puck facilities every afternoon from 12:00 to complimentary 30-minute back, • Christmas Day Musical beverage package) (prices in- • December 31, 7:00 pm to For reservations: 00973 1711 9:00 pm at Bay View Lounge and neck and shoulder massage. Brunch – December 25, 1:00 to clude complimentary entrance 1:00 am, BHD 45*, window ta- 5000 is priced at BHD 12/ BHD 22 for When purchasing two gift cards 4:30 pm, BHD 37 (with soft bev- into AZURE’s exclusive New bles minimum spend BHD 60 *All prices are subject to 10pc gov- 2 people* of the same value, they receive erages included), BHD 47 (with Year’s Eve Circus Party with Reservations: 00973 1711 5046 ernment levy and 10pc service charge. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2018 12

Saudi’s Falih discusses joint refining projects Banks drive Egypt gain, with Reliance Reuters | London

ndia’s Reliance, operator Iof the world’s biggest re- petrochemicals boost Saudi fining complex, and top oil exporter Saudi Arabia will explore joint investments in Saudi Telecom jumps on dividend, brokerage action refining and petrochemicals in the two countries, Saudi Reuters | Dubai riyals, continuing to drop after Arabian Energy Minister Closing Bell disclosing a new system of roy- Khalid al-Falih said. rebound in bank shares SAUDI  0.8% »7,968 alty payments to the govern - Al-Falih tweeted that he lifted Egypt’s blue-chip DUBAI  2,564 ment on Sunday. Arqaam Capital met Reliance Industries stock index yesterday, downgraded the stock to “sell” A ABU DHABI 0.7% » 4,866 chairman Mukesh Am - while petrochemicals boosted from “hold” and cut its target bani and they discussed Saudi Arabia’s index. QATAR  10,489 to 16 riyals. joint investment opportu- The Egyptian blue-chip in- EGYPT 1.7% » 13,215 Al Khaleej Training and Ed- nities and cooperation in dex was up 1.7 per cent- about ucation jumped 4.7pc after it petrochemicals, refining twice the rise of the broader KUWAIT  5,402 was awarded a 42.2 million riyal and telecoms in their two EGX100 index- as the biggest BAHRAIN  1,319 ($11.3 million) contract by the countries. bank, Commercial International OMAN  0.2% »4,408 Ministry of Labor and Social Reliance’s two oil refin- Bank(COMI), increased 3.5pc. Development. eries in western India have The market has suffered sharp The Abu Dhabi index rose a combined capacity to corrections since May and that adding 2.3pc and the largest 0.7pc with First Abu Dhabi Bank process 1.4 million barrels has taken a lot of stocks to at- lender, National Commercial , United Arab Emirates’ larg- per day of crude and the tractive entry points, said Radwa Bank 1180.SE , gaining 2.0pc. est lender, increasing 1.2pc and company has set a target to El-Swaify, head of research at A Saudi trader monitors stocks at the Saudi Stock Exchange in Riyadh Saudi Telecom climbed 3.2pc energy firm Dana Gas DANA.AD raise capacity by a further Pharos Holding in Cairo. to 90.5 riyals after it announced climbing 2.3pc. 600,000 bpd. COMI, along with other banks, The banks will probably pay single digits in 2019. The firm its dividend policy for the next In Dubai, the index inched up had tumbled in recent weeks on an effective tax rate around expects its revenue for 2018 to three years; it will pay a mini- 0.3pc after sliding 1.6pc in the concerns over an official propos- 5-7pc higher than their current beat guidance. mum of 1 riyal per share each last session, with DAMAC Prop- al for higher taxation of their rate, she added. Ezz Steel gained for a third quarter, and an additional 2 ri- erties gaining 4.8pc and blue Italy optimistic Treasury holdings. The final de- Orascom Investment Holding straight day, rising 4.8pc to 18.95 yals as an annual dividend for chip Emaar Properties adding cision on the tax changes is not gained 2.7pc after agreeing with Egyptian pounds; brokerage CI 2018. 2.4pc. savings will stop EU out yet and the proposal may the government to provide ser- Capital had raised its rating on Arqaam Capital rated the Qatar’s index was flat with budget penalties be modified; this has allowed a vices to tourists at the Pyramids the stock to “neutral” with a stock a “core buy” and raised its Middle East’s largest lender, Qa- recovery in bank stocks, though of Giza. target of 19 pounds. target price to 103 riyals. tar National Bank, rising 1.0pc. AFP | Rome they have not returned to levels Telecom Egypt climbed 3.5pc The Saudi Arabian index rose But another telecommunica- Recently listed Qatar Alumini- reached before news of the pro- after saying it expected reve- 0.8pc with top petrochemical tions firm, Etihad Etisalat (Mo- umlost 4.7pc to 12.40 riyals, a day taly has found four billion posal, El-Swaify noted. nue growth in the mid- to high maker Saudi Basic Industries bily), was down 4.3pc at 17.20 after rising 29pc on its debut. Ieuros ($4.5 billion) worth of savings to stop the Euro- pean Union from opening disciplinary procedures, in- cluding possible fines, over Oil rallies but oversupply, its big-spending budget, the New Maldives leader secures deputy prime minister said economic growth weigh yesterday. The coalition govern- Reuters | London $1.4bn from ‘closest friend’ India ment has reached “an agreement on further fis- il prices rose yesterday AFP | New Delhi cal reductions”, Matteo Oafter a key Middle East oil Salvini said, as the clock minister suggested the market he new Maldives president, ticks down on finalising was rebalancing, but investor Tseen as closer to the West the budget law, which must sentiment remained under and India than his predecessor, be passed by the end of the pressure from oversupply and secured $1.4 billion from New year. concern over the prospects for Delhi yesterday in his first visit Asked if the last-minute global economic growth and abroad to his country’s “closest accord between the far- fuel demand. friend”. right League and anti-estab- Brent crude oil LCOc1 was up Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said lishment Five Star Move- 30 cents a barrel at $60.58 by after talks with Prime Minister ment would be enough to 1430 GMT. US light crude CLc1 Narendra Modi that they would appease Brussels, economy was 10 cents higher at $51.30. also “strengthen maritime se- A gas station worker pumps fuel into undersecretary Massimo “Oil prices are regaining curity” through patrols, aerial a motorbike at a gas station of the Garavaglia said: “We are some ground on the back of Venezuelan state-owned oil company surveillance and exchanging optimistic”. bullish rhetoric from OPEC PDVSA in Caracas, Venezuela information. The savings come from officials,” said Stephen Bren- “India is our closest neigh- cuts to the ruling parties’ nock, analyst at London bro- UAE energy minister Suhail bour and our people are bound flagship reforms of in - kerage PVM Oil. al-Mazrouei told reporters in by ties of friendship and cultur- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) shakes hands with Maldives President come support for the poor Both benchmarks fell more Dubai yesterday that the global al affinity,” Solih told reporters. Ibrahim Mohamed Solihas and a lower retirement than 25 per cent through Octo- oil market was “correcting” “Within those close links, age. ber and November as a supply and he expected “everyone” trade and commerce have flour- the media, Yameen was seen Solih’s party has called for glut inflated global invento- to cut oil supply under the ished. India is not only our clos- as close to China, borrowing a review of the projects bank- ries but have stabilized over agreement reached earlier this est friend, it’s also one of our from Beijing for infrastructure rolled by China in the strate- the last three weeks, trading month in Vienna. largest trading partners,” Solih projects including a new bridge gically placed Indian Ocean EU blames US for within fairly narrow ranges as But OPEC and its allies have said. and an airport expansion. country. ‘deep crisis’ at WTO, oil producers have promised to an uphill task. The package of financial as- China has also loaned bil - Former president Mohamed cut production. US shale output is growing sistance is in the form of budg- lions to other countries around Nasheed, now Solih’s mentor, criticises US trade Some investors doubt steadily, taking market share etary support, currency swap the Indian Ocean and beyond, has accused China of a land curbs planned supply cuts by the from the big Middle East oil agreements and credit lines, stoking fears of a debt trap grab and condemned a free- Organization of the Petrole- producers in OPEC and making Modi said, after what he called and riling both India -- which trade agreement signed by Bei- Reuters | Geneva um Exporting Countries and it harder for them to balance “successful talks” to build upon has traditionally held sway in jing and Yameen as one-sided. other producers such as Russia their budgets. the two countries’ “deep-root- the region -- and the United Nasheed told AFP in a recent he European Union said will be enough to rebalance Russian oil output has been ed” friendship. States. interview that it would be “very Tyesterday the World markets. at a record high of 11.42 mil- “We want greater trade ties difficult” for the Maldives to Trade Organization (WTO) OPEC and its allies have lion barrels per day (bpd) in with Maldives. There are in- repay its Chinese debt, which was mired in a “deep cri - agreed to reduce output by 1.2 December so far, an industry creasing opportunities for In- he said was estimated to be at sis and the United States million barrels per day (bpd) source familiar with the data dian companies in the island We want greater least $3 billion. is at its epicentre”, and it from January, in a move to be told Reuters. nation. This is beneficial for But China’s ambassador told called on the Trump ad - reviewed at a meeting in April. Increasing concerns about both the countries,” Modi said. trade ties with the local Avas.mv website last ministration to put for - weakening growth in major “Our security interests are Maldives. There month that only about half of ward concrete reform markets such as China and Eu- interlinked. We will not allow are increasing the Maldives’ external debt proposals. rope have also dampened the our countries to be used for opportunities for pile of $1.2 billion was owed EU Ambassador Mark mood in oil and other asset harmful activities against each Indian companies to Beijing. Vanheukelen, speaking at classes. other,” he said. in the island nation. Zhang Lizhong said the loans a WTO review of US trade Chinese oil refinery Solih, 54, unexpectedly This is beneficial for carried just a two-percent in- policies, also criticised lim- throughput in November fell beat his predecessor Abdulla terest rate and a five-year grace itations on the US procure- $60.58 from October, suggesting an Yameen to the presidency of the both the countries. period. was the price of Brent ment market, in particular easing in oil demand, while Indian Ocean archipelago and NARENDRA MODI “We have nothing to gain if a crude oil LCOc1 at 1430 through “Buy American” GMT yesterday the country’s industrial output upmarket honeymoon destina- friendly country falls into debt,” legislation, and its “heavy rose the least in nearly three tion in elections in September. he said. “There is no single restrictions” on maritime years as the economy contin- Besides being accused by crit- (piece of ) evidence to support transport. ued to lose momentum. ics of corruption and muzzling the so-called debt trap claim.” 13 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2018

AQUAMAN HMorena Baccarin, Josh Hutcherson, SAAR DAILY AT: 11.30 AM. + 1.45 + 4.00 + 6.15 (PG-15) (ACTION/ADVENTURE) NEW John Cleese PM. JASON MOMOA, AMBER HEARD, SEEF (II) DAILY AT: 12.00 + 2.15 + 4.30 + 6.45 + OASIS JUFFAIR (KIDS CINEMA): 3.30 PM. 9.00 + 11.15 PM. NICOLE KIDMAN OASIS JUFFAIR DAILY AT: 11.30 AM WADI AL SAIL DAILY AT: 12.00 + 4.45 + 9.30 OASIS JUFFAIR DAILY AT (ATMOS): 11.15 AM. + SEEF (I) DAILY AT: 11.15 AM. + 1.15 + 3.15 + PM. Philippines wins 2.15 + 5.15 + 8.15 + 11.15 PM. 5.15 PM. DAILY AT (VIP): 10.30 AM. + 1.30 + 4.30 + 7.30 ROBIN HOOD + 10.30 PM. PINKY MEMSAAB: A DUBAI STORY (PG-15) (ACTION/ADVENTURE) CITYCENTRE DAILY AT (ATMOS): 12.00 + 3.00 + (PG-15) (URDU/ DRAMA) NEW TARON EGERTON, EVE HEWSON, 6.00 + 9.00 + 12.00 MN. SUNNY HINDUJA, KIRAN MALIK, ADNAN JAMIE FOXX DAILY AT (IMAX 2D): 11.30 AM. + 2.30 + 5.30 + JAFFAR 8.30 + 11.30 PM. CITYCENTRE DAILY AT: 10.30 AM. + 12.45 + OASIS JUFFAIR DAILY AT: 4.15 + 9.00 PM. 3.00 + 5.15 + 7.30 + 9.45 + 12.00 MN. fourth Miss DAILY AT 10.30 AM. + 1.00 + 4.00 + 7.00 + 10.00 CITYCENTRE DAILY AT: 11.30 AM. + 1.30 + 3.30 + (1.00 AM. THURS./FRI.) + 5.30 PM. INSTANT FAMILY DAILY AT (VIPI): 11.00 AM. + 2.00 + 5.00 + 8.00 SEEF (I) DAILY AT: 11.15 AM. + 1.45 + 4.15 + 6.45 (PG-15) (COMEDY) + 11.00 PM. + 9.15 + 11.45 PM. MARK WAHLBERG, ROSE BYRNER, DAILY AT (VIPII): 12.30 + 3.30 + 6.30 + 9.30 + (12.30 MN. THURS./FRI.) RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET OCTAVIA SPENCER SEEF (II) DAILY AT 11.15 AM. + 12.45 + 2.15 + (PG) (ANIMATION/ADVENTURE/COMEDY) CITYCENTRE DAILY AT: 11.15 AM. + 1.45 + 4.15 + Universe crown 3.45 + 5.15 + 6.45 + 8.15 + 9.45 + 11.15 PM. + 6.45 + 9.15 + 11.45 PM. JOHN C. REILLY, SARAH SILVARMAN, (12.45 MN. THURS./FRI.) GAL GADOT WADI AL SAIL DAILY AT: 11.30 PM. Reuters | Bangkok SEEF (I) DAILY AT 11.45 AM. + 2.45 + 5.45 + 8.45 + 11.45 PM.SAAR DAILY AT 11.30 AM. + 2.30 + OASIS JUFFAIR DAILY AT : 11.15 AM. + 4.00 + JOHNNY ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN 5.30 + 8.00 + 8.30 PM. + (11.00 PM. + 11.30 PM 8.45 PM. (PG) (COMEDY/ACTION/ADVENTURE) THURS./FRI.) atriona Gray from the ROWAN ATKINSON, OLGA Philippines was crowned WADI AL SAIL DAILY AT 10.45 AM. + 11.45 AM. CREED II + 1.45 + 2.45 + 4.45 + 5.45 + 7.45 + 8.45 + 10.45 (PG-13) (DRAMA/ACTION/SPORT) KURYLENKO, EMMA THOMPSON Miss Universe yesterday, PM. + 11.45 PM. C TESSA THOMPSON, MICHAEL B. CITYCENTRE DAILY AT: 12.00 + 2.00 + 4.00 + the fourth time the Southeast 6.00 + 8.00 + 10.00 + 12.00 MN. Asian country has won the in- SPIDER MAN INTO THE SPIDER VERSE JORDAN, SYLVESTER STALLONE ternational beauty pageant. (PG) (ANIMATION/ACTION/ADVENTURE) NEW OASIS JUFFAIR DAILY AT: 12.45 + 6.00 + 11.15 HUNTER KILLER Gray, a 24-year-old Filipi- HAILEE STEINFELD, NICOLAS CAGE, PM. (PG-15) (ACTION/THRILLER) no-Australian model, won the MAHERSHALA ALI CITYCENTRE DAILY AT: 10.30 AM. + 1.00 + 3.45 GERARD BUTLER, GARY OLDMAN, OMMON title in the Thai capital Bangkok + 6.30 + 9.15 + 12.00 MN. OASIS JUFFAIR DUBBED(KIDS CINEMA) WADI AL SAIL DAILY AT: 10.45 AM. + 3.45 + CITYCENTRE DAILY AT: 10.30 AM. + 2.45 + 7.00 where the pageant included DUBBED IN ENGLISH:10.30 AM + 8.00 PM. 8.45 PM + 11.15 PM. for the first time a transgender OASIS JUFFAIR DUBBED (KIDS CINEMA) DUBBED contestant. IN ENGLISH (3D):5.30 + 10.30 PM. MORTAL ENGINES WIDOWS “My heart is filled with so OASIS JUFFAIR DUBBED (KIDS CINEMA)IN (PG-13) (ACTION/ADVENTURE/THRILLER) (15+) (CRIME/THRILLER/DRAMA) much gratitude. There were ARABIC : 1.00 PM. HUGO WEAVING, HERA HILMAR, VIOLA DAVIS, MICHELLE RODRIGUZ, moments of doubt where I felt OASIS JUFFAIR DUBBED IN ENGLISH:4.00 + ROBERT SHEEHAN ELIZABETH DEBICKI 6.30 + 11.30 PM. overwhelmed and I felt the OASIS JUFFAIR DUBBED IN ENGLISH (3D):1.30 OASIS JUFFAIR DAILY AT : 1.30 + 6.15 + 11.00 CITYCENTRE DAILY AT: 11.30 AM. + 4.00 + pressure,” said Gray, who wore PM. PM. 8.30 PM. a red and orange dress that was OASIS JUFFAIR DUBBED : IN ARABIC :9.00 PM. CITYCENTRE DAILY AT : 11.00 AM. + 1.30 + 4.00 EL BADLAH inspired by Mount Mayon, a Miss Philippines Catriona Gray reacts after being crowned Miss Universe during + 6.30 + 9.00 + 11.30 PM. CITYCENTRE DAILY AT :DUBBED IN ENGLISH (PG-13) (ARABIC/COMEDY) volcano that erupted this year. the final round of the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand : 11.00 AM. + 1.30 + 4.00 + 6.30 + 9.00 + 11.30 SAAR DAILY AT: 8.30 + (11.00 PM THURS/FRI) TAMER HOSNY, AKRAM HOSNI, Gray was asked during the PM. WADI AL SAIL DAILY AT: 2.15 + 7.00 + 11.45 PM. contest about her views on le- drugs in the Philippines that be grateful, we could have an DAILY AT :DUBBED IN ENGLISH (3D): 10.45 AM. + MAJED EL MASRY, AMINA KHALIL ORU KUPRASIDHA PAYYAN galising marijuana and replied has killed thousands of Filipi- amazing world where nega- 1.15 + 3.45 + 6.15 + 8.45 + 11.15 PM. CITYCENTRE DAILY AT: 2.00 + 6.30 + 11.00 PM. that she supported it for med- nos and caused international tivity could not grow and fos- DAILY AT :DUBBED IN ARABIC :10.30 AM. + 1.00 (PG-15) (MALAYALAM) NEW + 3.30 + 6.00 + 8.30 + 11.00 PM. THE POSSESSION OF HANNAH GRACE ical uses. alarm. ter, and children would have a TOVINO THOMAS, NIMISHA SAJAYAN, SEEF (II) DAILY AT :DUBBED IN ENGLISH :11.00 After she was crowned, Gray Gray said during the pageant smile on their face,” she said. ANU SITHARA (18+) (THRILLER/HORROR) AM. + 1.30 + 4.00 + 6.30 + 9.00 + 11.30 PM. SHAY MITCHELL, STANA KATIC, told reporters the question that working in a Manila slum Miss South Africa, Tamaryn OASIS JUFFAIR DAILY AT: 12.00 + 2.45 + 5.30 + DAILY AT :DUBBED IN ARABIC :12.00 + 2.30 + LOUIS HERTHUM was “definitely relevant” and had taught her to find beauty in Green, 24 was the first run - 5.00 + 7.30 + 10.00 + (12.30 MN. THUR./FRI.) 8.15 + 11.00 PM. “an active topic”, in an appar- difficult situations. ner-up, followed by Miss Ven- SAAR DAILY AT :DUBBED IN ENGLISH :12.30 + SEEF (I) DAILY AT: 10.30 AM. + 1.00 + 3.45 + CITYCENTRE DAILY AT: 1,00 + 5.15 + 9.30 PM. 6.30 + 9.15 + 12.00 MN. ent reference to the war on “If I could teach people to ezuela, Sthefany Gutiérrez, 19. 3.00 + 5.30 PM. WADI AL SAIL DAILY AT: 11.00 PM. DAILY AT :DUBBED IN ARABIC : 11.15 AM. + 1.45 AL HAMRA DAILY AT “ 3.00 + 9.00 PM. + 4.15 + 6.45 PM. CHRISTMAS BREAK IN JOSEPH WADI AL SAIL DUBBED IN ENGLISH:11.00 AM. + (PG) (COMEDY/FAMILY) NEW (PG-15) (MALAYALAM) NEW 1.30 + 4.00 + 6.30 + 9.00 PM. DENISE RICHARDS, DANNY GLOVER, JOJU GEORGE, MALAVIKA MENON, Robert De Niro DUBBED IN ARABIC:10.30 AM. + 1.00 + 3.30 + CAMERON SEELY Ashlee Simpson, Ross 6.00 + 8.30 PM. JAMES ELIYA inspired Bradley SEEF (II) DAILY AT: 11.15 AM. + 1.15 + 3.15 + 5.15 SECOND ACT OASIS JUFFAIR DAILY AT : 11.45 AM. + 2.30 + + 7.15 + 9.15 + 11.15 PM. 5.15 + 8.00 + 10.45 PM. (PG-15) (COMEDY) NEW Cooper to direct share why daughter is SEEF (I) DAILY AT : 12.45 + 3.30 + 6.15 + 9.00 MALEVOLENT HJENNIFER LOPEZ, VANESSA + 11.45 PM. (15+) (HORROR/THRILLER) NEW HUDGENS, MILO VENTIMIGLIA PTI | Los Angeles AL HAMRA DAILY AT : 12.00 + 6.00 + (12.00 FLORENCE PUGH, CELIA IMRIE, best addition to tour MN. THURS./FRI.) OASIS JUFFAIR DAILY AT: 11.45 AM. + 2.00 + BEN LLOYD-HUGHES 4.15 + 6.30 + 8.45 + 11.00 PM. ollwyood star Bradley KEDARNATH Cooper says veteran CITYCENTRE DAILY AT: 12.30 + 2.45 + 5.00 + SEEF (II) DAILY AT: 11.45 AM. + 1.45 + 5.45 + H (PG-15)(HINDI/DRAMA/ROMANTIC) 9.45 + 11.45 PM. actor Robert De Niro mo- 7.15 + 9.30 + 11.45 PM. RAJINIKANTH, AKSHAY KUMAR, tivated him to take the idea SEEF (II) DAILY AT: 12.00 + 2.15 + 4.30 + 6.45 + THE BOMBING (AIR STRIKE) 9.00 + 11.15 PM. AMY JACKSON of directing a film seriously. (PG-15) (ACTION/DRAMA) NEW SAAR DAILY AT: 9.15 + (11.30 PM. THURS./FRI.) Cooper, who made his OASIS JUFFAIR DAILY AT : 3.30 + 8.45 PM. BRUCE WILLIS, YE LIU, SEUNG-HEON SONG WADI AL SAIL DAILY AT: 1.30 + 6.30 + 11.30 directorial debut with crit- PM. ODIYAN SEEF (II) DAILY AT: 11.30 AM. + 1.30 + 3.30 + ically-acclaimed ‘A Star Is (PG-13)(MALAYALAM) NEW 5.30 + 7.30 + 9.30 + 11.30 PM. Born’, says De Niro urged THREE WORDS OF FOREVER STARING FRIDAY 14TH him to turn director during (PG-15) (FILIPINO/ROMANTIC/DRAMA/ 11 DAYS HMOHANLAL, PRAKASH RAJ, MANJU their time on ‘Limitless’. COMEDY) NEW (PG-13) (DRAMA) NEW WARRIER ‘’I tried to get him to do HSHARON CUNETA, RICHARD GOMEZ, HABEEB GHULOOM, OLIGYA, LITA this movie, ‘Limitless’, and KATHRYN BERNARDO CITYCENTRE DAILY AT: 10.30 AM. + 1.45 + 5.00 TADPILITA + 8.15 + 11.30 PM. combine two characters. OASIS JUFFAIR DAILY AT: 11.45 AM. + 2.00 + SEEF (II) DAILY AT: 3.45 + 7.45 PM. That was the first time I 6.45 + 11.30 PM. RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET THE MAN WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS tried to cast a movie, even CITYCENTRE DAILY AT: 7.30 + 9.30 + 11.30 PM. (PG) (ANIMATION/ADVENTURE/COMEDY) (PG-13) (COMEDY/DRAMA/BIOGRAPHY) NEW though I wasn’t the director, SEEF (I) DAILY AT: 11.45 AM. + 2.00 + 4.15 + JOHN C. REILLY, SARAH SILVARMAN, Evan Ross and Ashlee Simpson DAN STEVENS, CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER, and I went to see him in his 6.30 + 8.45 + 11.00 PM. GAL GADOT hotel room. JONATHAN PRYCE ELLIOT THE LITTLEST REINDEER CITYCENTRE DAILY AT: 11.45 AM.+ 2.00 + 4.15 + ‘’I was pitching him the IANS | Los Angeles best background dancer ever 6.30 + 8.45 + 11.00 PM. SEEF (I) DAILY AT : 7.15 + 9.30 + 11.45 PM. whole thing and then he today! We just left rehearsal (PG)(ANIMATION/ADVENTURE/COMEDY)NEW wound up saying yes, which inger Ashlee Simpson and today, (and) we’ve got some blew my mind Shusband Evan Ross, an ac- rehearsals to do, but we’re ex- because he was tor and a musician, are gearing cited.” my hero. After up to go on a tour together. The couple doesn’t have a No GoT reunion for Jason Momoa that movie, he The couple is looking forward whole lot of time before their IANS | Manila said he thought to bring their three-year-old North American tour officially HBO channel confirmed the Momoa played the role of I should di- daughter, Jagger, along for the kicks off on January 7, 2019 at efore opening the fi- news of the special episode, but warlord of the Dothraki people rect,” Coop- adventure. the Bowery Ballroom in New Bnal chapter, “Game it won’t air on the network. It Khal Drogo in the series, which er told a “We’ve been in rehearsal, York, and continues for a of Thrones” makers will only be available as part of brings the story from George source. actually, (and) Jagger was at total of eight announced will be treating fans the complete series home video R.R. Martin’s novels about the ‘A Star Is our rehearsal dancing it up!” stops before wrapping with a reunion ep- box set, which will package all quest to claim the Iron Throne Born’ also Simpson said, referring to up on January 18 here. isode. But actor eight seasons together. alive. The final season will ar- features the couple’s upcoming Ash- “We are bringing Jason Momoa says Asked if he will make an ap- rive in April next year. Lady lee+Evan Tour, reports eton- the (whole) family on he won’t be a part pearance in the reunion epi- At the moment, Momoa is Gaga. line.com. the road,” Ross shared. of the special ep- sode, Momoa told IANS exclu- riding high on success of his Bradley Cooper Ross added: “So we had the “Everybody’s coming!” isode. sively: “I don’t think so.” superhero film Aquaman. Jason Momoa 14 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2018 sports

Brave CF secures major partnerships in India Latham double ton buries SL TDT | Manama Imperious Latham Sri Lanka 1st innings 282 (A. Mathews rave Combat Federa- • 83, Dickwella 80; Southee 6-68) Btion has announced that strikes epic 264 2nd innings the Bahraini based global as stuttering Sri M. Gunathilaka lbw Boult 3 Mixed Martial Arts organ- Lanka face defeat KNOW WHAT F. Karunaratne c Boult b Southee 10 ization has secured major D. de Silva b Southee 0 partnerships in India to Sri Lanka trail K. Mendis not out 5 host the twentieth edition • A Mathews not out 2 of the event. by 276 runs with 7 Sri Lanka, ranked sixth in Extras 0 The organization found wickets remaining the world, have lost their Total (three wickets, 12 overs) 20 by HH Shaikh Khalid bin last five Tests against New Zealand Hamad Al Khalifa has an AFP | Wellington New Zealand 1st innings (overnight 311 for two) immensely successful year J. Raval c Dickwella b Kumara 43 in 2018 hosting 12 Interna- with a sparkling 91, while Ross T. Latham not out 264 tional events in 12 nations ew Zealand opener Tom Taylor and Henry Nicholls both K. Williamson c Rajitha b de Silva 91 around the world. The mas- Latham flayed Sri Lan- reached 50. R. Taylor c Karunaratne b Kumara 50 sive success of Brave Com- Nka’s bowlers with an un- Lahiru Kumara was the pick H. Nicholls c Rajitha b Perera 50 bat Federation has resulted beaten 264 yesterday before the of a Sri Lanka attack that strug- BJ Watling c Dickwella b Kumara 0 in securing major partner- tourists’ top order failed again, gled on a flat wicket, taking four C. de Grandhomme c Rajitha b Silva 49 ships to host the event. leaving them on the verge of a for 127. T. Southee run out (Chandimal) 6 The latest partnerships heavy first Test defeat in Wel- Taylor was dismissed for 50 N. Wagner c de Silva b Lakmal 0 secured by Brave Combat lington. in the first over of the day after A. Patel b Perera 6 Federation in India include Latham walked off to a stand- failing to add to his overnight T. Boult c Dickwella b Kumara 11 Trident Hyderabad as the ing ovation at the Basin Reserve score, thanks to a sharp catch Extras (lb5, nb2, w1) 8 official hospitality partner, after carrying his bat and help- from Dimuth Karunaratne. Total (all out, 157.3 overs) 578 CallHealth as the Health ing New Zealand to 578, a com- The ball was forcefully struck and Wellness partner, Am- manding first-innings lead of and initially bounced off Karu- Tests against New Zealand and brosia Foods as the Din - 296. naratne’s hand at silly mid-off suffered a 3-0 home Test series ing partner, PVR Cinemas Seamers Tim Southee and before he recovered to grab it as whitewash against England last as the Multiplex Partner, Trent Boult then combined to Tom Latham of New Zealand plays a shot he tumbled to the ground. month. MeraEvents as the ticket- remove Sri Lanka’s top order, Henry Nicholls also went for They have faced upheaval in ing partner alongside the reducing them to 20 for three at Latham, who added steadily to ‘Enjoy the moment’ 50 after lunch trying to take on their coaching and selection global partners Greenhill stumps on day three. his overnight total of 121, offer- spinner Dilruwan Perera. ranks in recent weeks and ar- Sports as the official mer- Boult dismissed Danushka ing no chances to the frustrated Latham said he always be - BJ Watling followed without rived in New Zealand low on chandise partner and Abu Gunathilaka on three, while Sri Lankans. lieved he was capable of pro - scoring when he tucked his bat confidence. Dhabi Sports as the official Southee snared Dimuth Karun- It was the sixth best Test score ducing such a performance but awkwardly under his arm as he In contrast, the fourth-ranked broadcast partner. aratne for 10 and Dhananjaya de by a New Zealander and the it was pleasing to achieve it on ducked a Kumara bouncer and Black Caps entered the two- The network of business Silva for a duck, taking his tally highest this year by a batsman the international stage. the ball clipped it on the way match contest buoyed by their connectivity achieved by for the match to eight. from any nation. “These innings don’t come through. first away Test series win over Brave Combat Federation The pair, along with short-ball His innings, which lasted around too often, so you have Colin de Grandhomme scored Pakistan in 49 years. is till date the largest in the specialist Neil Wagner, will be more than 11 hours, also contin- to enjoy the moment when they three sixes during an aggressive The New Zealanders are look- Kingdom of Bahrain which relishing the prospect of having ued a horror run at the Basin Re- do,” he said. innings but fell on 49 attempting ing for a fourth straight Test enabled the initiative to be- two full days to attack Sri Lan- serve for Sri Lanka, where they New Zealand skipper Kane to bludgeon a fourth. series win after also defeating come the fastest growing ka’s misfiring batting line-up. have now conceded double cen- Williamson helped the Black Sri Lanka, ranked sixth in the England and the West Indies in Mixed Martial Arts organ- But the day belonged to turies to four New Zealanders. Caps reach their imposing total world, have lost their last five the past 12 months. ization in the world. Brave CF has confirmed to expand operations in 2019 with an aim to reach out to additional geographies and expand the scope of the Najam Khan overcomes odds to organization further. The initiatives will sup- port to create a sustainable fight his first bout overseas global eco-system for the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. TDT | Manama in the International level and I have the support of my fight The Kingdom of Bahrain is bringing victory to Pakistan. team and my nation. This moti- also confirmed as the ven- ajam Khan made it to the Khan trains at Team Fight For- vates me to push the limits and to ue for Brave International Nheadlines when he won an tress and had won his profession- work hard to realize my dream. Combat Week 2019. inspiring bout at Brave 17 hosted al debut in Brave Combat Federa- I am glad that there were many “Brave CF has opened sus- in Lahore, Pakistan in the final tion to be elevated to the status of positive comments about my tainable business opportu- seconds of the final round. Na- a national hero. He will return to performance. Brave 17 created a nities and has established a jam Khan overcame polio at a action at the promotion’s biggest change in my nation that Mixed reliable global platform for very young age which made it Mixed Martial Arts event for Martial Arts is gaining immense athletes around the world hard for him to pursue his pas- the year 2018 in the Kingdom of popularity. I am glad to repre- in a very short time under sion to be a martial artist. Saudi Arabia. sent my nation in the Kingdom the leadership of HH Shai- Khan who worked as a garden- The bout marks the first time of Saudi Arabia”, said Najam kh Khalid bin Hamad Al er in his hometown in Pakistan Khan is competing outside Pa- Khan. Khalifa. The growing part- overcame challenges he faced, kistan. It makes it even special Khan will face Mostafa Rashed nerships from around the physically, financially and so- as Khan is the only fighter from from the Kingdom of Saudi Ara- world is a testimony that cially in pursuit of his dream to Pakistan to compete in the first bia on 28th December at the highlights the commitment become a professional Mixed Mixed Martial Arts event in the King Abdullah Sports City In- and progression that the in- Martial Artist. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. door Sports Hall. Rashed has a itiative has achieved”, said By sheer willpower, not only “In life, there will be obsta - professional record of 4-3-0 and Mohammed Shahid, Presi- did he overcome the challenges cles, but if you are determined trains out of MMA Jeddah Club dent of Brave CF. Najam Khan but also competed professionally and focused no goal is too far. in Saudi Arabia. Kantaraj believes global attention will transform Indian MMA

TDT | Manama peted in the 2015 IMMAF World al wrestling background and Championship will face Jalal adopted Judo in the past. In antaraj Shankar will make Al Daaja from Jordan who is our tradition, we are taught to Khis promotional debut at also a national Kickboxing Gold always respect our opponents”, Brave Combat Federation on Medalist in Jordan. said Kantaraj. 22nd December in Hyderabad. The bout is one of the most Kantaraj comes from a family Kantaraj Agasa hails from Kar- crucial in the career of the un- that produced some of the noted nataka and has won the national defeated Indian fighter who has wrestlers in Karnataka. After championship in Judo before he a professional record of 10-0-0, embarking on a career in MMA, at Seef District too embarked on a career in Mixed which is till date the best in In- Kantaraj not only embraced his Martial Arts. dian Mixed Martial Arts. family legacy but was also hailed Um al Hassan +973 17728699 Seef District +973 17364999 The Indian fighter who com- “I come from a tradition - Kantaraj Agasa as a statewide hero. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2018 15

Messi hat-trick restores Cottrell, Hope guide Barcelona’s La Liga lead Windies to victory Cottrell and his fellow West Indies pacers bowled out Bangladesh for just 129 runs

AFP | Sylhet, Bangladesh Bangladesh eft-arm pacer Sheldon Tamim Iqbal c Brathwaite b Cottrell 5 Cottrell delivered a ca- Liton Das c Brathwaite b Thomas 6 reer best 4-28 before Shai L Soumya Sarkar c Powell b Cottrell 5 Levante’s midfielder Enis Bardhi vies with Lionel Messi Hope struck a half-century as Shakib Al Hasan c&b Cottrell 61 AFP | Madrid West Indies crushed Bangla- Mushfiqur Rahim run out 5 and had a chance that hit the desh by eight wickets in their Mahmudullah c Hope b Cottrell 12 woodwork,” said Valverde. Twenty20 series opener yes- Ariful Haque c Pooran b Allen 17 ionel Messi continued his Levante started the game terday. Mohammad c Pooran b Brathwaite 1 Lsublime form by netting brightly and visiting goalkeep- West Indies raced to 130-2 Mehidy Hasan c Hope b Paul 8 his 31st La Liga hat-trick as er Marc-Andre ter Stegen was in just 10.5 overs after Cottrell Abu Hider not out 1 Barcelona thrashed Levante forced into an early save by and his fellow pacers bowled Mustafizur Rahman b Paul 0 5-0 on Sunday to regain their Ghanaian Emmanuel Boateng. out Bangladesh for 129 runs in Extras (b4, lb2, w1, nb1) 8 three-point lead at the top of But Barca did not take long Sylhet. Total (all out; 19 overs) 129 the table. to start moving through the Bangladesh skipper Shakib West Indies The 31-year-old Argentini- gears, with Messi curling wide Al Hasan scored 61 off 43 balls E. Lewis c Ariful b Saifuddin 18 an arrived in Valencia having from long range before testing for the home side but could not S. Hope c Mustafizur b Mahmudullah 55 scored two free-kicks in last Oier Olazabal in the Levante stave off a thumping defeat. N. Pooran not out 23 weekend’s derby thumping of goal with a free-kick. Hope accelerated the West K. Paul not out 28 Espanyol. He took his goals Just seconds after Boateng Indies’ run chase with 55 off 23 Extras ( lb 5, w1) 6 tally for the season to 20 af- hammered a left-footed strike balls that included six sixes and Total ( two wickets; 10.5 overs) 130 ter a virtuoso display, while against the crossbar, the reign- three fours. Result: West Indies win by eight also teeing up Luis Suarez’s ing Spanish champions broke Victory never looked in doubt wickets 35th-minute opener and the deadlock as Messi jinked as he struck spinner Mehidy Gerard Pique’s late fifth. through a mesmerised home Hasan for three sixes and a four Barca were under pressure defence and picked out Suarez in just the second over of the Bangladeshi cricketer Mohammad Mahmudullah plays a shot after Atletico Madrid and sec- who volleyed home. innings, yielding 23 runs. ond-placed Sevilla had both But Levante, who had ended Spinner Mahmudullah Riyad Bangladesh, who opted to bat nerships of 25 and 30 respec- moved level on points with the Barcelona’s dreams of going dismissed Hope after medium first, at the start of their innings. tively with Mahmudullah Riyad Catalan giants. through last season’s La Liga pacer Mohammad Saifuddin Openers Tamim Iqbal and and Ariful Haque to lift the side But after resting his key campaign unbeaten with a re- KNOW WHAT broke a 51-run opening stand Liton Das, as well as Soumya briefly. stars for their final Champi- markable 5-4 victory in the with Evin Lewis, who fell for 18. Sarkar, all fell for single-figure “Everything (fell) apart from ons League group-stage match penultimate game, came close But Nicholas Pooran and scores to short-pitch deliveries. the toss. Batting failed and then against Tottenham in mid- to a quick response as Jose Keemo Paul ensured West In- In-form Mushfiqur Rahim the bowling also obviously went The West Indies lost week, coach Ernesto Valverde Luis Morales fired over. dies cruised to their target, with was run out for five, leaving wrong,” Shakib said after the their Test and one- saw his refreshed side cruise The match was all but ended quickfire innings of 23 and 28 Bangladesh on 48-4 before six match. day international to a third straight league win as a contest when Messi bore respectively. overs of batting power play had “Was a good pitch, should series 2-0 and 2-1 without conceding a goal. down on goal two minutes be- Cottrell and fellow pacer Os- elapsed. have probably got about 180 on respectively against “At the beginning it was fore half-time and drilled low hane Thomas earlier choked Shakib put on two small part- the board.” Bangladesh difficult, they squeezed us into the net. Liverpool draw Bayern as United face Shaqiri revels in beautiful feeling in putting Man PSG in Champions League last 16 United to the sword AFP | Nyon, Switzerland a first ever meeting with PSG AFP | London trailing Premier League lead- game. iverpool will take on fellow ers Liverpool by 19 points fol- “Of course the style, how Lfive-time winners Bayern lowing Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at herdan Shaqiri says scor- they play, it’s for me too,” he Munich in the last 16 of the Anfield, and face a formidable Xing a double in the 3-1 win said. Champions League, while Jose task against a side featuring over Manchester United on “I have to go on the pitch Mourinho’s struggling Man- Neymar and Kylian Mbappe -- Sunday for Liverpool was a and perform and I have qual- chester United face French gi- the world’s two most expensive “beautiful feeling” and puts ities to be in the team, to have ants Paris Saint-Germain. players. him on course for his most an impact, to decide games. Holders Real Madrid were Lyon coach Bruno Genesio prolific Premier League cam- “I’m very happy at the mo- paired with Ajax in yesterday’s says his team can draw on their paign. ment with my performances. draw in Nyon as the Spaniards group stage displays against The 27-year-old “It was a beautiful feeling to attempt to lift the trophy for the City -- a 2-1 win and 2-2 draw Swiss international score two goals against Man- fifth time in six seasons, while -- ahead of their clash with midfielder came off chester United, an important Lionel Messi and Barcelona will five-time European champions the bench to take his game against a big rival for play Lyon. Barca. tally to five goals in Liverpool.” Both Liverpool and Bayern “We’ll need to pull off two big 13 league appearanc- Shaqiri, who have a rich tradition in the com- Bayern Munich’s Polish forward Robert Lewandowski (L) heads the ball with performances, in the first leg es, meaning he signed for Liver- petition, each winning it five Ajax’s Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt (C) during a Champions League match and in the return, but we can do is already just pool in the summer times and Liverpool were beat- (file photo) it. We did it against City,” said three shy of his when they trig - en finalists last season. Genesio. best previous gered a £13.5 mil- Liverpool are the current ter City take on German side champions Porto. “It’s tough. They are a team total in the Pre- lion ($17 million) form side of the two and sit top Schalke 04 while Atletico Ma- “We’ve already met them that Lyon has already played mier League for release clause in his of the Premier League while drid, beaten finalists in 2014 (Tottenham) twice. A strong against but never beaten. Bar- Stoke last season. contract with rele- Bayern, under new coach Niko and 2016, come up against Cris- opponent, the chances are at ca are more experienced and His double re - gated Stoke, says be- Kovac, have been far short of tiano Ronaldo and Italian heav- 50-50. The team has top play- stronger but over two matches stored Liverpool to ing on the bench is their own high standards in the yweights Juventus. ers. We are also strong, it will anything is possible,” Gerard the top of the table, not ideal but it only Bundesliga this season. “A very difficult match, with be interesting,” Dortmund CEO Houllier, who holds an adviso- one point clear of motivates him to “That’s the team of the hour, few goals,” Juve vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke told Sky. ry role at the French club, told champions Man- prove himself like the league leaders in England, Pavel Nedved predicted. Meanwhile, United go into RMC Sport. chester City. he did on Sunday. they are playing really good “No doubt Cristiano is the Champions League last 16 draw Shaqiri, who is “For me, I just football, very physical, really man of the Champions League, seeking to prove want to im- stepping it up. We are looking he has always shown that, with Schalke 04 v Manchester City he is up to play - prove, I’m 27, forward to it,” Bayern sporting goals and victories. Our team is Atletico Madrid v Juventus ing for a big club my best age to director Hasan Salihamidzic very strong and we can be calm Manchester United v Paris Saint-Germain having failed at perform at a said of the tie with Liverpool. and confident.” Tottenham Hotspur v Borussia Dortmund Bayern Munich high level, so I “A tough cookie, but that’s Bundesliga leaders Borussia Lyon v Barcelona and Inter Milan, hope the best something to look forward to Dortmund will meet Tottenham Roma v Porto puts his good form Xherdan times are com- as a player.” Hotspur for the second season Ajax v Real Madrid down to Liverpool Shaqiri ing,” said Sha- in a row, having faced each other Liverpool v Bayern Munich manager Jurgen qiri, who spent Ronaldo awaits in last year’s group stage, while Teams that finished in second place in group stage will host first legs on February Klopp’s philosophy three seasons at Pep Guardiola’s Manches- Roma meet two-time former 12/13 and 19/20 with return matches scheduled for March 5/6 and 12/13 in how to play the Stoke. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2018 16 Lyon leave India in agony

wickets for 51 runs to be dis - Nathan Lyon missed for 243, with Mohammed Australia 1st innings 326 (M. Harris 70, • Shami claiming a career-best T. Head 58; Sharma 4-41) dismisses Virat Kohli 6-56, India made a disastrous India 1st innings 283 (V Kohli 123, A for 7th time to tilt Perth start to their run chase just be- Rahane 51; Lyon 5-67) Test in Australia’s favour fore tea. Australia 2nd innings (overnight 132-4) Opener KL Rahul didn’t sur- M. Harris b Bumrah 20 India require vive long, falling to the fourth A. Finch c Pant b Shami 25 • ball of the innings from Mitchell U. Khawaja c Pant b Shami 72 another 175 runs with Starc for a duck. S. Marsh c Pant b Shami 5 5 wickets remaining Rahul attempted to pull the P. Handscomb lbw Sharma 13 bat away and only succeeded in T. Head c Sharma b Shami 19 AFP | Perth, Australia getting an inside edge onto his T. Paine c Kohli b Shami 37 stumps. P. Cummins b Bumrah 1 Cheteshwar Pujara then M. Starc b Bumrah 14 pinner Nathan Lyon feathered a short delivery from N. Lyon c Vihari b Shami 5 claimed the prized wick- Josh Hazlewood on four, as In- J. Hazlewood not out 17 Set of Indian captain Virat dia slumped to 13 for two. Extras (b8, lb3, w4) 15 Kohli as Australia closed in on Across the two teams, eight Total (all out, 93.2 overs) 243 victory in the second Test in wickets fell for 68 runs between India 2nd innings Perth yesterday. lunch and tea, as batting ap - KL Rahul b Starc 0 Set 287 to win on an unpre- peared to become very difficult M. Vijay b Lyon 20 dictable pitch, India were re- due to variable bounce. C. Pujara c Paine b Hazlewood 4 duced to 112 for five at stumps Australian number eight Pat V. Kohli c Khawaja b Lyon 17 on the fourth day. Cummins was the chief victim A. Rahane c Head b Hazlewood 30 Hanuma Vihari was 24 not out of the pitch gremlins after lunch, H. Vihari not out 24 and Rishabh Pant was on nine. KL Rahul of India is bowled by Mitchell Starc of Australia when he was clean bowled for R. Pant not out 9 The visitors still needed 175 one by a Jasprit Bumrah delivery Extras (b6, w2) 8 to win with just five wickets in by Usman Khawaja for 17. looking for his first win as skip- also on his way back to the pavil- that kept very low off the wicket. Total (five wickets; 41 overs) 112 hand as Australia seek to level Kohli was unable to repeat per in five Tests since taking ion, bowled off an inside edge by The home team had resumed the four-Test series. the heroics of his first innings over from the disgraced Steve Lyon, who took two for 30. at 190 for four after lunch, but until lunch. India lead 1-0 after victory in century, the ball catching the Smith, celebrated the dismissal The pair of wickets contin- Shami cleaned up the tail, re- Against some probing bowling Adelaide, but have never won a outside edge as he probed for- with a cheeky comment to not ued a fine match for Lyon, who moving Khawaja for 72 and from the Indian pace attack, the Test series in Australia. The loss ward defensively. out batsman Murali Vijay. picked up five in the Indian first Paine, on 37, with sharply rising Australians played and missed of Kohli appeared a fatal blow to His departure was the cause “Murali, I know he’s your cap- innings to move into the top 25 deliveries. regularly. their chances of a famous win. of great delight for Australian tain, but you can’t seriously like all-time Test wicket-takers, cur- The action of the second It was old-fashioned Test Lyon dismissed Kohli for the captain Tim Paine, after the pair him as a bloke,” Paine said, in rently on 333. session was a far cry from the cricket and scoring was slow seventh time in Test cricket, had exchanged words at the con- comments picked up by micro- start of the day, when overnight with just 58 runs for the first two more than any other bowler, clusion of the third day. phone. Disastrous start batsman Khawaja and Paine had session, but India were unable when he had him caught at slip The Australian wicketkeeper, Just two overs later Vijay was After Australia lost their last six kept the Indian pacemen at bay to claim a wicket.