TWITTER SPORTS @newsofbahrain OP-ED 8 Is Turkey creating another European migrant crisis? INSTAGRAM Daruvala, Lawson /nobmedia 3 lead on day two LINKEDIN TUESDAY newsofbahrain MARCH 2020 Jehan Daruvala and 210 FILS WHATSAPP Liam Lawson topped the 38444692 ISSUE NO. 8405 timesheets on the second day of Formula 2 and FACEBOOK /nobmedia Formula 3 pre-season testing on Monday at MAIL [email protected] Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir. WEBSITE newsofbahrain.com P16

Katy Perry isn’t ‘very close’ to Taylor Swift 14 CELEBS WORLD 10 Manila mall hostage-taker surrenders, frees hostages

Four more US Corona deaths Washington, DC

our more people have Fdied in a coronavirus outbreak in Washington state, bringing the total fatalities there to six. These are the first deaths due to Covid-19 on US soil. Washington de- clared a state of emergen- cy over the weekend. Five Two new Corona cases registered of the deaths occurred in TDT | Manama King County, where Seat- Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates: tle is the main city. There are now 18 con- he Ministry of Health firmed cases in the region, has registered two new Our team continues to enact strict where there are growing TCoronavirus (COVID-19) fears it may spread fur- cases, a Bahraini female and a precautionary and ther. Saudi male, arriving at Bahrain preventive measures Researchers who stud- International Airport via indi- to protect citizens and Number of infected cases: 49 ied the first two Wash - rect flights from Iran, increasing residents. ington deaths had said the number of confirmed cases the virus may have been to 49. HEALTH MINISTRY spreading there for weeks, The ministry noted that both to a dedicated isolation centre and suggested that up to patients were tested upon ar- for treatment. Measures taken: 1,500 people may have rival to Bahrain Internation- The ministry asserted that it been infected. al Airport. Furthermore, after is coordinating with the King- 47 of the total 49 con rmed cases do not require any medication, with testing negative at the airport, dom of Saudi Arabia and the only 2 cases receiving necessary medication the patients had been quaran- United Arab Emirates to combat SICO announces tined for 14 days in accordance the spread of COVID-19, and ex- financial results with established procedures, pressed its appreciation to Sau- 12 individuals given greenlight to leave quarantine after completing 14 during which time the COVID-19 di Arabia and the UAE for their days quarantine period TDT | Manama symptoms began to appear. ongoing support. The ministry They were subsequently re- emphasised that it continues to ICO, licensed as a tested with all results coming enact strict precautionary and Latest update: 11:00 PM Sconventional whole- back positive. Both patients preventive measures to protect 2 March 2020 sale bank by the Central were immediately transferred citizens and residents. Bank of Bahrain “ CBB”, yesterday announced its consolidated results for the final quarter and full year ended 31 December 2019. On a quarterly basis, SI- CO’s consolidated net pro fit for the fourth quarter of 2019 was BD 2.5 mil- Situation ‘is stable’ lion, marking a 457 per cent increase compared to HM King chairs Cabinet session; stresses citizens are nation’s assets BD 441,000 from the same quarter in 2018. Full report Page 5 HM the King gave directives• to increase the capacity of treatment facilities and put in place the highest standards of quality healthcare. DON’T MISS IT His Majesty chairs the Cabinet in the presence of HRH the Crown Prince. Manama velopments, thus reflecting the confident that the Kingdom of is Majesty King Hamad authentic Bahraini spirit proved Bahrain, with the solidarity of its Preventive measures LuLu’s Yusuffali bin Isa Al Khalifa yester- by the firm stances showcased citizens, is capable of overcoming t Col Dr Manaf Al Qahtani, Infectious Diseases Consultant Hday chaired the regular by Bahrainis throughout history, this challenge.” Land Microbiologist at the BDF Hospital and Member of the gets Saudi weekly Cabinet session, attend- a post-statement by the Cabinet HM the King was informed, National Taskforce for Combating Coronavirus (COVID-19), noted 02 premium ed by His Royal Highness Prince Secretary-General, Dr Yasser Al through a presentation, about the that the Kingdom’s preventive measures, which began before Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Nasser, said. efforts being exerted in the King- the identification of the first domestic case, are ensuring the residency Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme HM King Hamad stressed that dom to address COVID-19. continued safety and well-being of citizens and residents alike. Commander and First Deputy Bahrain will remain, as it has al- The presentation revealed that House nod Prime Minister, at the Al Sakhir ways been, a land of love, where during the ongoing medical tests, for proposal Palace. everybody enjoys security and a total of 2,225 individuals had Green light to leave quarantine to increase HM the King asserted that the harmony, noting that “overcoming tested negative, while only two 03 citizens are the nation’s ‘assets’ the Coronavirus (COVID-19 is not cases tested positive, to whom HM he Ministry of Health announced that twelve individuals have maternity in facing all challenges thanks to only a challenge that we face local- the King wished speedy recovery Tbeen given the green light to leave quarantine after completing leaves their awareness and civilisational ly, but it also a crisis that the entire and wellness. a preventative mandatory 14 day stay, having tested negative for the dealing with various global de- world is confronting. We are fully HM King commended the close Coronavirus (COVID-19). The ministry highlighted that the twelve Board receives endeavours, as well as the nation- individuals include ten Bahraini nationals returning from Iran, Saudi support vow al, humanitarian and noble efforts, and one Bahraini and one Chinese national, both returning from ‘69 bids’ for 12 led by HRH the Crown Prince and China. The ministry further highlighted that the individuals had 04 tenders issued is Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa held a phone call with the spirit of the united Bah- been monitored closely by a highly specialised medical team for the by nine entities Hwith Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin rain team, including the Execu- duration of their quarantine. The ministry affirmed that the meas- Abdulaziz Al Saud and expressed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s support tive, the Legislature, the private ures taken within all quarantine centres are in line with established to the precautionary measures undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi sector institutions, the citizens guidelines set out by the World Health Organisation (WHO), aimed 210 fils (includes VAT) Arabia to prevent an outbreak of coronavirus and protect its citizens and residents, to combat the virus. at combating the spread of the virus and safeguarding the health of and residents, as well as those arrive to perform the Umrah and visit HM the King emphasised that citizens and residents. the Prophet’s Mosque. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques ex- the Bahrain team has proved its pressed thanks and appreciation to HM the King, lauding Bahrain’s worth and outstanding ability to the dedicated efforts that would forward to the continuity of HRH support to Saudi preventive measures against the virus. overcome the challenges faced by preserve the health and safety of the Crown Prince’s efforts in order the kingdom, which consolidates everyone, adding that he is looking to achieve the expected goals. TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020 02

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa yesterday visited the majlis of late His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa and offered condolences to the brothers of late His Highness Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa. HM the King paid homage to the deceased and praised his dedicated efforts and contributions in serving his country, praying to Allah the Almighty to rest his soul in eternal peace and grant him everlasting mercy. The brothers of the deceased expressed deepest thanks to HM the King for his noble feelings and heartfelt condolences, praying to Allah the Almighty to protect HM the King and bless him with abundant health and happiness to continue leading the Kingdom and its loyal people and achieve further progress and prosperity for the nation.

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, yesterday performed funeral prayers for the late His Highness Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammad bin Salman Al Khalifa. Following the funeral prayers, HRH the Crown Prince received the condolences of senior members of the Royal Family and in turn expressed his profound gratitude for their compassionate and sincere sentiments.

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander, and First Deputy Prime Minister, yesterday received a number of senior officials and members of the Council of Representatives and Shura Council, at Riffa Palace. HRH the Crown Prince highlighted the Kingdom’s tireless efforts to combat the Coronavirus (COVID-19), noting that alongside the continued support of HM the King, and a united Team Bahrain, all challenges can be defeated. HRH the Crown Prince stressed that wide-ranging measures have been implemented to contain the COVID-19, and that citizens’ awareness remains a crucial part of national efforts in this regard. LuLu’s Yusuffali gets Saudi premium residency Riyadh

AE-based retail giant LuLu Group’s chair- man MA Yusuffali has received Saudi UArabia’s Premium Residency Permit for Foreigners. While the Saudi government’s Premium Res- idency Centre yesterday posted a video which showed the reaction of Mr Yusuffali after ob- taining the Premium Residency on Twitter, the company said he has become “the first Indian to receive the premium residency informally known as Saudi Green Card.” In November 2019, Saudi Arabia granted 73 foreigners “premium” residency under a new programme to attract overseas investment by enabling selected people to buy property and do Mr Yusuffali business without a Saudi sponsor. The introduction of the Premium Residency itiative will further boost Saudi Arabia’s image comes as a part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 as one of the key investment and business hubs reform plan, which was announced by Crown of the region as well as attract and retain new Prince Mohammed bin Salman to boost the Saudi investors here. economy. “This initiative is targeting key investors and Mr Yusuffali said in a statement, “Obviously prominent personalities from various fields in- a very proud and humbling moment in my life. cluding sports, arts and culture, who have played This is a great honour not only for me but a defining role in the nation building process,” for the entire Indian expat community and I Yusuffali added. sincerely thank the HM the King Salman, HRH LuLu Group which owns and operates more Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman and the than 35 hypermarkets and supermarkets in Saudi government of Saudi Arabia. Arabia, including ARAMCO Commissaries and “I am sure this new permanent residency in- National Guards superstores.

Jafferi Chairman hails royal praise Manama Jafferi Endowments Directorate Chairman Youssef bin Saleh Al Saleh took pride in the royal tribute was paid to His Majesty King Hamad praise for the role of the two directorates and all bin Isa Al Khalifa for commending the role those who contribute to the safety of Bahrain and Aplayed by the Sunni and Jafferi Endow- the health of its people, and heed national interest ments Directorates in protecting Bahrain’s safety. above all. HM the King commended the two directorates He lauded HM the King who asserted that the cit- as he chaired the weekly cabinet meeting at izens are the nation’s ‘assets’ in facing all challenges Al Sakhir Palace, in the presence of His Royal thanks to their awareness and civilisational dealing

Customer Care: +973 1722 8224 | [email protected] | corp.uaeexchange.com/bhr Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, with various global developments, thus reflecting Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander the authentic Bahraini spirit proved by the firm and First Deputy Prime Minister. stances showcased by Bahrainis throughout history. TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020 03

Kuwait now has House nod for proposal to 56 Corona cases

increase maternity leaves Five flights arrived• on BCCI had earlier rejected the proposal Sunday at Kuwait International mal deliveries. Airport from The parliamentarians A proposal has already been Tehran, and one • submitted last year that aims to claimed that the current amend certain articles in Law from Bangkok, 60 days period is less 36 of the year 2012 that regu - yesterday with when compared to lates employment in the private Kuwaitis on board. 90 sector. most of the countries. days are granted in The proposal seeks parity be- maternity leaves in many Kuwait countries including Egypt. tween women who have normal • The proposal seeks deliveries and those who suffer parity between women miscarriages. en Coronavirus (COV- who have normal It also prohibits them from TID-19) cases were reg- deliveries and those who working in the first 40 days that istered in Kuwait in the where 90 days are granted in follow the miscarriage. last 24 hours, taking the suffer miscarriages. maternity leaves. MPs discussed it with several total number to 56, said The parliamentarians claimed authorities such as Labour and the Health Ministry yes- TDT | Manama that the current 60 days period Social Development Ministry, terday. is less when compared to most Health Ministry, the Supreme Ministry Assistant Un- proposal to increase the of the countries, stating that it is Council for Women (SCW), Bah- dersecretary Dr Buthaina number of maternity The House in session. time for both the public and pri- rain Chamber for Commerce and Al Mudhaf told the daily Aleaves to 70 days in the vate sector to raise it to 70 days. Industry (BCCI) and a number of briefing that the new cas- government sector was approved liament approved the propos- for women so that they would be Meanwhile, MPs are also seek- labour unions in the Kingdom. es are for patients who by a parliamentary committee al, which was put forward by a able to take care of the newborn ing to grant two months paid However, the BCCI rejected were in Iran, Kuwait yesterday. group of lawmakers. as well as their own health. leaves for women who suffer the proposal, considering it as News Agency reported. The Legislative and Legal The proposal aims to increase The MPs pointed out as to how miscarriage, similar to leave “harmful to employers’ inter- All cases are for Ku - Affairs Committee of the par- the number of maternity leave Egypt is a successful example, granted to women who have nor- ests”. waitis, she said, adding that all of them are in a stable condition and re- covering. Five flights arrived on Sunday at Kuwait Inter- Exports touched BD160m in January national Airport from TDT | Manama Tehran, and one from rain. Meanwhile, the United United Arab Emirates ranked Bangkok, yesterday with Arab Emirates was second with first with BD24m, the Kingdom Kuwaitis on board. he Information and eGov- BD22m and Indian third with of Saudi Arabia second with Upon their arrival at ernment Authority (iGA) BD12m. BD19m, and Hong Kong third Shaikh Saad Al Abdullah Tissued its foreign trade Unwrought aluminium alloys with BD6m. Terminal, the evacuees report of January 2020, encom- emerged as the top products ex- Gold ingots emerged as the underwent preliminary passing data on the balance of ported during January 2020 with top product re-exported from medical tests to make trade, imports, exports (national BD13m; bridges and bridges-sec- Bahrain with BD17m, four-wheel sure they are free of origin), and re-exports. tions was second. While alumini- drive cars came in second place coronavirus (COVID-19) The value of imports increased um wire not alloyed scored third with BD8m, and parts for ma- infection, said Assis - by 20 per cent, reaching BD445 with a value of BD12m for both. chines of working metal came tant Undersecretary of million during January 2020 The total value of re-exports third with BD4m. the Health Ministry Dr compared to BD372m for the increased by 28pc to reach The trade balance, difference Buthaina Al Mudhaf to same month the previous year. BD74m during January 2020, between exports and imports, Kuwait News Agency The top 10 countries account- compared to BD168m for the value, with the remaining coun- compared to BD58m for the same the value of the deficit of the (KUNA). ed for 69pc of the value of im- same month of the previous year. tries accounting for 18pc. month of the previous year. trade balance reached BD211m “The arrivals from ports, with the remaining coun- The top 10 countries in terms The Kingdom ranked first The top 10 countries account- during January of 2020 versus Tehran have to remain in tries accounting for 31pc. of the value of exports of nation- among countries receiving Bah- ed for 93pc of the re-exported BD147m for the same month quarantine while those According to the report, Chi- al origin purchased from Bahrain raini exports of national origin, value, while the remaining coun- of the previous year with an from Thailand will be un- na ranked first when it came accounted for 82pc of the total importing BD41m from Bah- tries accounted for the 7pc. The increase of 44pc. der observation at home,” to imports to Bahrain, with a she told KUNA. total of BD67m; the United States “The persons who suf- of America was second with fer from chronic illness- BD35m; and the Kingdom of Sau- es, such as heart disease, di Arabia was third with BD32m. were admitted into a Non-agglomerated iron ores specific hospital to verify and concentrates emerged as the their health condition,” top product imported into Bah- she pointed out. rain with a total value of BD24m, Affirming her earlier while aluminium oxide was sec- statement that no new ond with BD23m, and four-wheel COVID-19 cases were de- drive cars third with BD17m. tected today, Dr Al Mud- The value of exports of na - haf said the previously tional origin decreased by 5pc confirmed 45 patients are to BD160m during January 2020, in stable condition.

Kingdom’s efforts to combat COVID-19 praised to fight the disease and ensure people’s The meeting was held at HRH the The meeting was held safety. Crown Prince’s Training and Medical Re- • He pointed out keenness of the task- searches Centre, at the Military Hospital. at HRH the Crown Prince’s force to comply with the directives of The SCH President and the Health Training and Medical His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Minister welcomed Dr Ahmed Al Man- Researches Centre, at Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy dhari and briefed him on the latest de- the Military Hospital. Supreme Commander and First Deputy velopments regarding COVID-19 virus Premier to continue the efforts to combat and the preemptive procedures taken in the virus. He also praised the numerous this respect. Manama procedures taken by the Kingdom of The World Health Organisation lauded Bahrain in this respect. the Kingdom’s role in dealing with the resident of the Supreme Council The SCH President was speaking as novel virus, containing it and prevent- for Health (SCH) Lieutenant-Gen- he received yesterday, alongside Health ing its spread by taking the necessary Peral Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Minister Faeqa Al Saleh, the World preemptive measures and enforcing pro- Abdullah Al Khalifa stressed the ongo- Health Organisation (WHO) Regional cedures in concordance with internation- ing efforts of the National Taskforce for Director for the Eastern Mediterranean al standards and the recommendations Combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Dr Ahmed Al Mandhari. Dr Shaikh Mohammed chairs the meeting. of WHO. TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020 04

Key RAP Law on customs co-operation with Egypt ratified meeting held Manama 5/2020 ratifying the agree - Article One of the law stip - the city of Manama on Novem- will implement the provisions Manama ment on co-operation in cus- ulates that the agreement on ber 11, 2018, is ratified. of this law that will come into is Majesty King Hamad toms matters between the co-operation in customs mat- Article Two states that the effect the day following its hief of Public Securi- bin Isa Al Khalifa rat- governments of Bahrain and ters between the governments Prime Minister and the Min- publication in the Official Ga- Cty Lt-General Tariq Al Hified and issued Law Egypt. of Bahrain and Egypt, signed in isters, each in their capacity, zette. Hassan has chaired the 46th meeting of the Scientific Council of the Royal Acade- my of Police (RAP). He praised the members’ dedication to improving cur- ricula and training. He urged them to imple- Board receives ‘69 bids’ for 12 ment the directives of the Interior Minister to focus on the quality of education, training and current develop- ment to meet challenges and the requirements of security tenders issued by nine entities changes. The meeting shed light on various issues, with the focus The bids will be assessed on all relevant technical and financial criteria before being awarded on enhancing services pro- vided by the academy. Manama It also reviewed teaching cadets the required adminis- he Tender Board, the tration and leadership skills independent regulator and training plans. It urged Tof Bahrain Government for mechanisms to evaluate procurement activities, yester- KNOW WHAT education outputs. day opened 69 bids related to The Council discussed the 12 tenders for nine purchasing education plan for the third authorities. batch of cadets and the Mas- One tender was opened for Full details of all ter degree programmes. the Ministry of Works, Munici- tenders opened may The meeting highlighted palities Affairs and Urban Plan- be viewed on the the graduation ceremony of ning (Municipalities Affairs), Tender Board official the fifth batch of higher edu- regarding the ministry’s access cation programmes. to the National Call Centre. website, tenderboard. The Council recommend- One bid was received for this gov.bh. ed benefiting from the exper- tender. Furthermore, a tender tise of the Interior Ministry was opened for the Ministry for Bahrain Centre for Strategic, personnel through associat- of Transportation and Tele - international and Energy Stud- ing them in education and communications for the im - ies on Logistics for (Derasat) training development. plementation of on-street bus Forum, for which one bid was The meeting highlighted a stop signs and bus stop poles. received. proposal to expand the use of Two bids were received for The tender process was at- the DART FISH, which is one this tender. The tender process was attended by board officials and representatives of the bidding companies. tended by representatives of of the top video technology. In addition, one tender was the bidding companies and In the end, the Public Secu- opened for the Ministry of La- for the Electricity and Wa - and System Improvements lets amenities supplier for the companies participating in the rity Chief asserted the impor- bour and Social Development ter Authority (Planning and Work for Fibre Optics. Six bids company. Three bids were re- tenders. tance to continue enhancing for the provision of (48) wheel- Studies), on the Pre-qualifi- were received. ceived for this tender. The sec- In line with the Tender the quality of education to chairs for persons with disabili- cation Document for Pipeline The second tender was for the ond tender was for concluding Board’s guidelines on compet- meet the changes and chal- ties. Five bids were received for and Water Stations for Water Supply of John Crane Spares for a contract to provide laundry itiveness and fairness, the bids lenges in teaching and training. this tender. Transmission Project Associ- Five (5) Years. One bid was re- Services for company. Six bids will be assessed on all relevant Separately, Royal Court Moreover, the board opened ated with AL Dur IWPP Phase ceived. The third tender was to were received. technical and financial criteria Minister Shaikh Khalid bin 12 bids for the Ministry of In- II. 28 bids were received for provide and supply Production Moreover, one tender was before being awarded to the best Ahmed Al Khalifa sent a formation Affairs, for six radio this tender. Demulsifier for two (2) Years. opened for Bahrain Mumtalakat candidate. cable of congratulations to stations equipment, automa- In the oil and gas sector, three Two bids were received. Holding Company on appoint- Full details of all tenders Minister of Interior General tion, editing and MCR setup pro- tenders were opened for Tat- Two tenders were opened for ing a resident travel desk con- opened may be viewed on the Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah ject at MIA. weer Petroleum. The first ten- Hala Bahrain Hospitality. The sultant. One bid was received. Tender Board official web - Al Khalifa on being honoured A tender was also opened der for Provision of Hookups first tender was to appoint toi- Finally, a tender was opened site, tenderboard.gov.bh. with the Prince Nayef Medal for Arab Security, which was bestowed on him by the Arab Interior Ministers’ Council. The Royal Court Minister stressed that the well-de- Electronic sheesha flavours land customs official in jail served honour is a tribute TDT | Manama to the Interior Minister for official to five years in prison and have allowed the shipment to enter The latter was supposed to pay charged with misconduct, while his security capabilities and fined them BD14,000 each for the country without collecting the BD14,250 to get the shipment out of the second defendant was accused achievements in leading the he High Appeals Court has smuggling electronic sheesha fla- customs duty fees because they the customs. However, the customs of abetting crime to damage the Interior Ministry to safeguard sentenced two Bahraini vours into the Kingdom. were for his co-defendant owned officer unlawfully exempted him. public interest in order to make Bahrain’s stability and accom- Tmen, including a customs The customs official is said to company. The customs official was profits. plishments. iGA employees congratulated

Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) Chief Executive, Mohammed Ali Al Qaed met with iGA employees who won first and second place at the Gulf Data Marathon (Datathon), held as part of the second Gulf Statistical Forum in the Sultanate of Oman. iGA was represented in the competition by Ebrahim Mohammed Gazhal, Senior Technology Specialist whose team won first place, and by Ghada Khalid Al Mahmeed, Senior Data Specialist whose team won second place. The participants included members from various GCC Countries who attended with the aim of exchanging experience and knowledge of the industry. Mr AlQaed praised iGA’s entries in the competition, which are entitled “Smart Government Physical Health Data” and “The Statistician”. 05 TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020 business

Edamah signs deal with BDB SICO profit jumps 63pc to manage, operate Sitra Mall Recommended a cash dividend of 10pc of the share capital

Quarterly net profit rose• 457 per cent

Net fee income, grew• by 51pc

Net investment income• rose 41pc

TDT | Manama

ICO, a conventional whole- sale bank, yesterday report- Sed a 2019 fourth-quarter net profit of BD 2.5 million, a With a solid presence in three Our results speak for 457 per cent increase from BD 441 thousand in the same quar- GCC markets including KSA, themselves with strong top- ter a year ago. the region’s largest market, we and bottom-line growth on Net operating income was BD are confident that SICO is now account of multiple mandates 5.3 m, up 121pc from BD 2.4 m in well-positioned to capitalize throughout the year that attest the last quarter of 2018. on new opportunities. We are to our position as a trusted Total operating expenses was heading into 2020 geared for partner on some of the most BD 2.9 m versus BD 1.9 m re- growth and larger mandates complex transactions across corded in the same quarter of with a strong earnings upside the region. We hope to continue The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Edamah’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Amin Alarrayed and the CEO last year. of Bahrain Development Bank Group, Sanjeev Paul. Quarterly earnings per share as we expand our presence to build on our operational was 6.65 Bahraini fils compared beyond our borders successes throughout the (BDB). The deal allows Edamah ment Bank Group, Sanjeev Paul. to the 1.19 Bahraini fils in the NAJLA AL-SHIRAWI next year as we embark on Edamah will manage to take over the management “We are extremely pleased prior-year quarter. expanding our presence in the • and operation of Sitra Mall. to be entering into a partner- CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER and operate Sitra Mall Total comprehensive income GCC As per the deal, Edamah will ship with BDB; this relationship jumped 646pc to BD 2.8 m from on a 3-year renewable manage and operate Sitra Mall stands testament to our ongoing SHAIKH ABDULLA BIN KHALIFA AL KHALIFA the BD 369 thousand recorded contract, starting on a 3-year renewable con - success in managing and oper- in Q4 of 2018. CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD from April 2020 tract, starting from April 2020. ating real estate properties in SICO’s Board recommended Edamah will be responsible for the Kingdom of Bahrain while a cash dividend of 10pc of the leasing out the mall units and keeping the interests and ob- share capital, equivalent to 10 TDT | Manama for developing a revitalization jectives of our partners as our Bahraini fils per share. at the end of 2018. Additional- expenses, staff overheads, and plan supported by strategic highest priority,” said the CEO ly, net investment income wit- other expenses, recorded BD ahrain Real Estate Invest- goals aimed at increasing foot- of Edamah, Amin Alarrayed. Full-year results nessed a 41pc increase from 8.5 m at the end of 2019 versus Bment Company (Edamah), fall and revenues. “We look forward to manag- Consolidated net prof - BD 3.1 m at the end of 2018 BD 6.7 m in the same period of the local real estate arm of the The signing ceremony ing and operating Sitra Mall as it for the year increased by to BD 4.3 m at year-end 2019, 2018. Kingdom’s sovereign wealth was held in the presence of part of our extensive real estate 63pc to BD 6.0 m from the BD further driving growth for the Earnings per share (EPS) was fund, has signed a property Edamah’s Chief Executive Of- portfolio, and meeting the ob- 3.7 m recorded at the end of bank. 16.32 Bahraini fils, an increase management agreement with ficer (CEO) Amin Alarrayed and jectives of our BDB partners,” 2018. SICO recorded a 36pc increase by 63pc from the 10.01 Bahraini Bahrain Development Bank the CEO of Bahrain Develop- he added. Growth during 2019 was in net operating income at BD fils recorded a year ago. driven primarily by an increase 14.6 m in 2019 from BD 10.7 m Total comprehensive income in the bank’s net fee income, in the previous year. grew by 81pc from the BD 3.8 m which grew by 51pc to BD 6.3 Total operating expenses, in- recorded at the end of 2018 to m from the BD 4.2 m recorded cluding general administration BD 6.8 m in 2019.

Tally releases 6.6 with browser access Business owners can access Tally reports on any device, anywhere

sible to them on web browsers, The ERP 9 removing the dependency of • having a particular type of com- release 6.6 brings puter or device or installing Tally experience on Tally for the access. to web browsers During the launch, Vikas Panchal, Business Head- Mid- TDT | Manama dle East, Tally Solutions said, “With the launch of Release 6.6, we are delighted to take ally Solutions, India’s lead- our first step towards enabling Ting business management connectivity for SMEs.” software provider, announced “Even on the web browser, yesterday the global launch of users of Release 6.6 will expe- its latest release Tally. The ERP rience the simplicity and drill- 9 Release 6.6 brings Tally ex- This release will down capability of Tally, which perience on to web browsers. enable business have become its hallmark over The launch, Tally said, aims owners to interact a the years. So, not only will they to assist businesses to access get the top-level reports like critical business data anywhere lot more with their Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss, through any device, securely business data as Stock Summary, Bills Payable/ and privately, while keeping the it will be readily Receivable, etc. but also be data on customer’s machines available wherever able to drill down to the actu- itself. they are al transactions. Every report, The release empowers en- VIKAS PANCHAL, BUSINESS HEAD- MID- including the transactions, can trepreneurs with business in- DLE EAST, TALLY SOLUTIONS be converted into a PDF and formation like business reports further forwarded to relevant and invoices. This will be acces- people.” TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020 06

India sees 2020/21 fuel demand growth rebound Major Gulf markets stabilise Reuters

ost major Gulf stock markets steadied yes- Mterday after sharp losses in the previous session, on rising expectations of a co- ordinated global monetary re- sponse to help soften the eco- nomic blow of the coronavirus outbreak. Bank of Japan Governor Har- uhiko Kuroda said yesterday the central bank will take necessary steps to stabilise the markets, Representative picture days after US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell echoed its fuel demand growth projec- similar views. Consumption of tion for 2020/21. Dubai’s main share index, • “(The) Indian economy and which had tumbled 4.5 per refined fuels, a proxy oil demand are already fac- cent on Sunday, was up 2.1pc. for oil demand, is ing headwinds. With corona Blue-chip developer Emaar expected to total impacting the regional oil de- Properties advanced 3.3pc and 222.79 million mand, India will weather a sharia-compliant lender Dubai slowdown as well. We expect Islamic Bank rose 1.5pc. Kuwaiti traders follow the stock market at the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) in Kuwait City on October 14 tonnes in 2020/21 oil demand to grow by 2.6pc Other gainers included over April 2020 to March budget airliner Air Arabia, measures which include closing day after it saw its biggest ever nounced on Sunday two more Diesel demand is 2021,” said Sri Paravaikkarasu, which opened 3.9pc up. its borders to foreign “umrah” fall of 11pc. National Bank of Ku- cases of coronavirus in the expected• to remain director for Asia oil at consul- Saudi Arabia’s benchmark pilgrims. wait climbed 7.7pc and Kuwait country, taking the total to subdued until the tancy FGE. index rose 1.8pc with Al Rajhi The kingdom has not record- Finance House jumped 6.7pc. three. India reported two more Bank gaining 2.4pc and petro- ed any cases of the new corona- The Qatar’s index, which Meanwhile, the season-open- second half of 2020 cases of coronavirus on Mon- chemical maker Saudi Basic In- virus so far. traded after a day’s break, de- ing MotoGP race in Qatar next day, taking the number of peo- dustries increasing 3.8pc. In Abu Dhabi, the index add- clined 1.4pc. Heavyweight In- weekend has been cancelled Reuters | New Delhi ple who have tested positive in On Sunday, Saudi Arabia said ed 1.7pc, driven by a 2pc gain dustries Qatar plunged 5.5pc, because of travel restrictions the country to five. it had prepared 25 hospitals to in First Abu Dhabi Bank and a its biggest intraday fall since on passengers from Italy and ndia expects its refined Diesel demand, accounting handle any coronavirus cases 3.7pc rise in Abu Dhabi Com- August, while Qatar National elsewhere due to the coronavi- Iproducts demand growth for about two-fifths of refined that might be detected in the mercial Bank. Bank retreated 2.1pc. rus epidemic, MotoGP said on to rebound to 3.8 per cent in fuel consumption and directly kingdom, part of precautionary Kuwait’s bourse leapt 6.1pc, a Qatar’s health ministry an- Sunday. the financial year beginning linked to industrial activity, is April, tracking improved estimated to rise 2.8pc com- economic growth, accord- pared with the expected five- ing to government estimates year low of 0.9pc growth in that were made in Janu- 2019/20, the data showed. ary before the coronavirus Gasoline demand is expect- broke out. ed to slow to 8.4pc in 2020/21 Oil rises as hopes of OPEC cut Consumption of refined fu- from the projected 9pc for this els, a proxy for oil demand, fiscal year, the data showed. virus outbreak on its economy.. US West Texas However, several key mem- • bers of the Organization of the Intermediate crude hit a Petroleum Exporting Countries (The) Indian economy and oil demand are 14-month low of $43.32 (OPEC) are mulling an additional already facing headwinds. With corona production cut in the second Reuters | London quarter with fears the virus out- impacting the regional oil demand, India will break will erode oil demand. weather a slowdown as well. We expect oil The previous proposal was demand to grow by 2.6pc over April 2020 to il prices rose yesterday, for an additional output cut of March 2021 Oreversing an earlier fall to 600,000 bpd. multi-year lows as hopes of a Russian Energy Minister Al- SRI PARAVAIKKARASU, DIRECTOR FOR ASIA OIL AT CONSULTANCY FGE deeper cut in output by OPEC exander Novak said yesterday and stimulus from central banks that Moscow is evaluating the countered worries about dam- smaller oil production cut pro- is expected to total 222.79 While gasoline is used by age to demand from the coro- posal made by OPEC+, adding it million tonnes in 2020/21, passenger cars, diesel is used navirus outbreak. had not received a proposal for according to the initial esti- by trucks and heavy vehicles Brent crude was at $50.40 a It was the first gain for both benchmarks after six sessions of losses triggered deeper cuts. mates released on Monday by for transporting goods and in barrel, up 73 cents by 1146 GMT, by coronavirus worries Oil prices are down more than the Petroleum Planning and industrial activities like min- having earlier hit its lowest 20 per cent since the start of the Analysis Cell of the federal oil ing and powering generators since July 2017 at $48.40. The scale of losses last week year despite OPEC and its allies ministry. for industries. US West Texas Intermediate led financial markets to price including Russia, a grouping Fuel consumption in the India’s vehicle sales are ex- crude hit a 14-month low of in policy responses from the known as OPEC+, curbing oil world’s third biggest oil im- pected to stay under pressure $43.32 but was last trading at U.S. Federal Reserve to the Bank output by 1.7 million bpd under porting nation is expected to due to rising cost of vehicle $45.29, up 53 cents. of Japan, which indicated on a deal that runs to the end of slow to 1.3pc this fiscal year ownership and slower eco - It was the first gain for both Monday it would take neces- March. ending March 2020, the low- nomic growth, the president benchmarks after six sessions of sary steps to stabilise financial $50.40 “Inaction by OPEC+ would est growth rate in six years, of automobile lobby group the losses triggered by coronavirus markets. was the price of brend crude likely trigger another poten- government estimates showed. Society of Indian Automobile worries. The virus, which origi- “The comments of Russian by 1146 GMT tially severe bout of selling,” The projections for 2020/21 Manufacturers (SIAM) said last nated in China, has killed nearly President Vladimir Putin, that analysts at Fitch Solutions have were finalised in January and month. 3,000 people and roiled global Russia will keep cooperating said. They said that although do not factor in the likely im- Diesel demand is expected markets as investors brace for with OPEC and its allies, is also current prices would incentiv- pact of the coronavirus out- to remain subdued until the a steep knock to world growth. helping ahead of the important energy consumer, dragged on ise Russia to agree to further break on the local industry and second half of 2020, when an- Equities underwent their big- oil producer meetings at the end oil prices earlier in the session. output cuts, they would likely be fuel demand in the country, a alysts expect various policy gest rout since the 2008 finan- of this week,” UBS oil analyst Factory activity in the country of a short duration, for example, government official said. measures aimed at stimulating cial crisis last week although Giovanni Staunovo said. shrank at the fastest pace ever in three months, with the barrels Analysts, however, say that industrial activity to kick in European and Asian shares Data released over the week- February, underscoring the co- brought immediately back to India may have to revise down and soak up excess fuel. steadied on Monday. end by China, the world’s top lossal damage from the cornoa- market thereafter. Batelco, Aptilo Networks partner for first-class Wi-Fi services TDT | Manama existing Wi-Fi equipment or as a fully man - co mobile subscribers switch on their Wi-Fi, they aged service with the Wi-Fi infrastructure will instantly connect to the secure Wi-Fi network atelco and Aptilo Networks announced en- included. at these locations. It is the SIM-authentication Btering into a partnership to deliver busi - Batelco General Manager Enterprise Ab - functionality of the Aptilo SMP that makes the ness-to-business (B2B) or (B2B2C) Wi-Fi services derrahmane Mounir said, “Aptilo’s prov - Wi-Fi network as secure and seamless as any in Bahrain. Batelco has selected the Aptilo Service en track record in innovation and stability mobile network. Management Platform (SMP) with the Aptilo SMP makes them the right choice for us to sup - “Operator managed Wi-Fi is crucial not only Venue Wi-Fi Manager to deploy a nationwide port the growing demands of our enterprise as a profitable business but also to get indoor managed Wi-Fi service. customers.” footprint for subscribers. This will become in- Batelco offers managed venue Wi-Fi ser - Anders Emilsson, VP Sales Batelco General Manager Furthermore, Batelco will deploy an additional creasingly important in the 5G era,” said Anders vices to enterprise customers, with the ser - Middle East & Africa, Aptilo Enterprise Abderrahmane Wi-Fi connection (SSID) exclusively for Batelco Emilsson, VP Sales Middle East & Africa, Aptilo vice deployed either on top of the customer’s Networks. Mounir subscribers at most public locations. When Batel- Networks. TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020 07 Global stock markets see wild price swings AFP | London “poses evolving risks to econom- around COVID-19,” said Shane four pc. Tokyo rose 1.0 pc. tock markets experienced ic activity”. Oliver, a global investment strat- The gains came on hopes for exceptional volatility yes- He said the central bank was egist at AMP Capital Investors. government stimulus after an Sterday as investors tried “closely monitoring develop- Traders remain worried the index of Chinese manufacturing to pinpoint the likely cost of ments and their implications for disease “will disrupt econom- activity fell to its lowest level on the novel coronavirus crisis for the economic outlook”, adding: ic activity more deeply and for record in February as factories world business. “We will use our tools and act as longer than had been expected around the country were shut- European stocks kicked off appropriate to support the econ- a week or so ago”. tered. the day with sharp gains, but omy.” US rate cut expectations In Asian trade Monday, Shang- Global government bond mar- then abruptly switched direc- weighed on the dollar against hai led gainers, rising 3.2 pc after kets benefited from investor tion when the European Union’s the euro, with traders saying that dropping more than five pc last money seeking a safe home, as disease control agency raised the coronavirus outbreak was week, while Hong Kong closed well as expectations of softer its risk level for the novel coro- turning the European currency up 0.6 pc after a loss of around monetary policy worldwide. navirus. into a refuge investment. But early strength on Wall The Bank of England said in Key figures around 1445 GMT Street, which rebounded from a statement yesterday that it London - FTSE 100:  0.7 pc at 6,625.82 points very sharp losses last week, was “working closely” with “in- helped European markets off Traders work after the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) ternational partners to ensure Frankfurt - DAX 30:  0.5 pc at 11,820.77 their worst levels after govern- located at Wall Street in New York City. all necessary steps are taken to Paris - CAC 40:  0.2 pc at 5,298.58 ments and central banks said protect financial and monetary Milan - FTSE MIB:  3.8 pc at 21,150.45 they would step in if needed to What market strength there The European Central Bank’s stability”. soften the blow to the economy. was came “on a mixture of bar- key rate is already negative, se- London’s FTSE slumped 11.1 EURO STOXX 50:  0.3 pc at 3,318.53 London even managed to gain hunting and, perhaps more verely reducing any scope for per cent last week as the coro- New York - Dow:  0.6 pc at 25,575.29 swing back into the black, also importantly, on hopes of major further easing, they said. navirus spread outside China. Tokyo - Nikkei 225:  1.0 pc at 21,344.08 (close) helped by a weakening pound stimulus from central banks”, There is also a “realisation against the euro as the EU and said Russ Mould, investment that there could be a limited ‘High risk’ Hong Kong - Hang Seng:  0.6 pc at 26,291.68 (close) Britain kicked off trade deal director at AJ Bell. amount that the central banks Analysts warned of further Shanghai - Composite:  3.2 pc at 2,970.93 (close) talks following Brexit. “Markets typically rise on in- could do in terms of stimulus”, turmoil on trading floors as gov- Dollar/yen:  at 107.66 from 107.89 on Friday “Concerns about the spread- terest rate cuts.” said Richard Hunter, head of ernments struggle to contain the ing of the coronavirus has been a markets at Interactive Investor. disease, which has now killed Euro/dollar:  at $1.1125 from $1.1026 key catalyst of the market uneas- Can central banks help? Some investors are still betting more than 3,000 people and in- Pound/dollar:  at $1.2774 from $1.2823 iness, though expectations are Some analysts warned, howev- on a Fed interest rate cut at its fected almost 90,000. Euro/pound:  at 87.14 pence from 85.99 pence rising that we may see a coordi- er, that there was only so much March 17-18 policy meeting after “Markets face significant nated response from global cen- central banks could do to ease governor Jerome Powell made uncertainty in the short term Brent Crude:  2.5 pc at $50.93 per barrel tral banks, including the Fed,” the pain and any stock recovery a rare unscheduled statement and remain at high risk of more West Texas Intermediate:  2.9 pc at $46.07l said analysts at Charles Schwab. could therefore be fragile. on the outbreak, which he said downside given the unknowns

US manufacturing EU, UK launch tough post-Brexit relationship talks sector slows in sidies. February The negotiations Meanwhile the UK is insisting • on setting its own rules in the began just over a month name of “economic and political after Britain left the EU independence”. The acrimony pushed the The deadline is British pound 1.3 percent low- effectively• December 31 er against the euro on Monday, amid fears that Britain’s hard- line stance would hurt the econ- Engines assembled as they make AFP | Brussels omy. their way through the assembly British Brexit negotiator David Frost line at the General Motors (GM) and UK ambassador Tim Farrow came manufacturing plant in Spring ritish and EU trade nego- ‘Pessimistic’ to the EU’s headquarters for the Hill, Tennessee, U.S Btiators embarked on high- Experts warned that the two- first round of talks that will be split stakes talks aimed at forging a sides are on a collision course, between London and Brussels new post-Brexit relationship with a deal highly unlikely with- Reuters | Washington yesterday, with timing tight out a major concession. fishing is “inextricably” linked and the sides far apart on key Read his lips: No extension to the transition Fabian Zuleeg, head of the to the whole agreement. The EU S factory manufactur- issues. European Policy Centre, said is demanding its fishing boats Uing activity slowed in The EU’s chief negotiator he was “pessimistic” about the continue to have access to Brit- February as new orders Michel Barnier and his UK coun- outcome given the UK’s fer- ish waters in return for British contracted, likely reflecting terpart David Frost met in Brus- vent desire to break from EU fishermen being able to sell their worries about supply chain sels, launching several months rules. catches to their biggest and clos- disruptions related to the of intense talks that will mobi- “It’s very difficult to see where est market. fast-spreading coronavirus lise about a hundred officials on they could meet to make this outbreak, which has revived each side. work,” he said. If the British gov- ‘No Plan B’ financial market fears of a The negotiations began just ernment “sticks to their line, If there is no broad trade deal, recession. over a month after Britain there cannot be a deal”. economic pain will be felt on The Institute for Supply left the EU, and are meant to Underlining tensions, Barnier, both sides -- but especially in Management (ISM) said wrap up by the end of this year in an uncharacteristic display of Britain and in Ireland, the EU yesterday its index of na- -- an exceedingly tight time - podium-thumping, has warned member most dependent on tional factory activity fell frame that few see as feasible Britain that any backsliding on trade with the UK. to a reading of 50.1 last for anything but a bare-bones its EU divorce terms would tor- Without a deal, UN economists month from 50.9 in Janu- accord. pedo trade talks. calculate the trade hit would see ary. Economists polled by The deadline is effectively De- The Brexit deal notably re- the UK annually lose export rev- Reuters had forecast the cember 31, the end of the UK’s quires checks on British goods enues of up to 29 billion euros index slipping to 50.5 in current transition period dur- crossing the Irish Sea into the ($32 billion). The EU buys nearly February. ing which it trades like an EU UK territory of Northern Ire- half of all British exports. A reading above 50 indi- member with no tariffs or other land that Johnson now says are Johnson and his government cates expansion in the man- barriers. unnecessary. appear ready for British busi- ufacturing sector, which British Prime Minister Boris “Clearly, at the beginning of nesses to bear the pain from a accounts for 11 per cent of Johnson has ruled out extending any negotiation, there’s a bit no-deal. the US economy. The ISM the transition and both sides are of posturing. Both sides want “What’s very intriguing about index pulled above the 50 looking to an EU-UK summit in to state the strongest possible this government, and what threshold in January for June to decide whether talks are case,” said Zuleeg. makes it so hard to judge, is that first time in five months, worth continuing. Experts see a deal limited to Johnson is apparently unwilling as trade tensions between The negotiations have been goods as the most likely out - to take any account of business the United States and China clouded by mistrust and weeks come, but that would still re - concerns,” Jill Rutter, a senior eased following the signing of chest-beating as each side has quire customs checks for prod- fellow at think-tank The UK in a of a partial deal that month. accused the other of reneging ucts crossing the Channel and Changing Europe told AFP. Apple last month warned on high-ambition goals set out lacks the ambition called for by An EU official, speaking to AFP investors it was unlikely to in a political declaration struck businesses. on condition anonymity, warned meet revenue targets for the last year. But fishing -- of relatively mi- that Brussels did not have an first quarter of 2020 and Mandates published last week nor economic importance but of alternative plan up its sleeve. that global iPhone supplies highlighted the EU’s aim of se- totemic significance to Britain “There is only a Plan A, no would be limited as man- curing a “level playing field” to and EU states such as France and Plan B. Because Plan B is to ex- ufacturing sites in China prevent Britain undercutting Spain -- could be the flashpoint tend the negotiations and we were not ramping up pro- European standards on labour, that scuppers a deal. know the British don’t want duction as quickly as ex- tax, environment and state sub- Fishing could be the flashpoint that scuppers a deal Barnier has emphasised that that,” the official said. pected. LAUGHTER AND TEARS ARE BOTH RESPONSES TO FRUSTRATION AND QUOTE EXHAUSTION. I MYSELF PREFER OF THE TO LAUGH, SINCE THERE IS LESS DAY CLEANING UP TO DO AFTERWARD. TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020 KURT VONNEGUT

SIMON WALDMAN Is Turkey hursday’s air strike that killed 33 Turkish soldiers Tin Idlib marked a momen- creating another tous escalation in the conflict be- tween Turkish-supported forces in Syria and the Russian-backed regime of Bashar Al Assad. Blam- European ing Mr Al Assad for the attack, Ankara retaliated with a range of deadly strikes of its own against migrant crisis? regime targets. Turkey’s situation in Idlib is precarious to say the least. Em- battled, it lacks an endgame in Ankara is escalating the war in Syria and is effectively fighting not only the Assad regime but Syria while using the conflict’s also Russia. This is despite An- kara’s concerted effort in recent refugees to extort Europe years to develop close relations with Moscow, even to the detri- ment of its ties with traditional western allies. Now, it is finding itself isolated with few friends in the international community to help it out of its Syrian quagmire. This explains why, in yet an- other attempt to blackmail the Europeans into helping Ankara in its proxy war, Turkey declared on Friday that its 2016 migration deal with Europe was over, push- measures to prevent migrants Syria following the attacks, Kay for a no-fly zone over Idlib, some- ing many of the 3.7 million Syrian from entering. The reality is that Bailey Hutchison, Washington’s thing that Ankara has wanted for refugees living within its borders Europe’s wish to stay away from envoy to Nato, responded that years. for Greece and Bulgaria. the horrors taking place in Idlib “everything is on the table”. She Nevertheless, Turkey should However, such recklessness on is stronger than a few thousand even expressed her hopes that not expect significant US support the part of Turkey will only anger refugees slipping through its bor- the Turkish people will under- – or the beginning of some kind Europe and harden anti-Turk- ders. stand that the US is “the ally of rapprochement with Wash- ish attitudes among the elites Ankara might take heart in the of their past and their future”. ington. there. Europe has reinforced its initial reaction of the US. When Meanwhile, the influential US Sure, the US along with Nato borders with Turkey and taken asked about a possible role in senator Lindsey Graham called and Europe will continue to make

In the West, healthcare standards have fallen – but there is a cure

GAVIN ESLER tality in the US, for example, there are 5.3 infant deaths for every hile the world comes to 1,000 live births. In Cuba – a much terms with the idea of poorer developing country – there Wa coronavirus pandem- are 4.3 infant deaths per 1,000 live ic, there is a creeping healthcare births. Statistically it is safer for crisis that has received much less a child to be born in Cuba than attention and yet ultimately could in the world’s richest country. prove more deadly. Before you wonder where this In some rich countries, years of anti-American propaganda comes progress in healthcare outcomes from, here is the source: the ex- The decline have been going in reverse. Be- cellent CIA Factbook, available tween 1959 and 2014, for instance, online. Google it. The US intelli- in the US the average life span of Ameri- gence agency’s compendium of cans continued to rise. Then it worldwide information is, by the and UK can stopped. In 2016, it started to go way, a useful and accurate source backwards. By the end of 2019 – of troubling health statistics. be largely for the third year in a row – life Meanwhile in the UK, most expectancy in the US declined, people are proud of our Nation- linked to lack according to a study published al Health Service. I am, too. Our in the Journal of the American taxpayer-funded system provides of public Medical Association. much better outcomes than the spending. This decline in life expectancy American private healthcare sys- affects a very wide age group at tem, and is much less costly. When The the most productive time of their I lived in the US, I timed my first lives – adults between the ages of consultation with an American politicians 25 and 64. In those three years, doctor about a sports injury. My from 2016 to 2019, Americans four-minute consultation cost me know this were dying earlier as a result of – or rather my insurers, $250; that preventable life-style related ail- is $62.50 a minute or a dollar a and need to ments, including obesity, opioid second. addiction, alcoholic liver disease However, a new study suggests act and suicide. that for many British people, The study’s lead author, Steven things here are also going in re- Woolf, pointed out that Americans verse. A report by Prof Michael seem to believe that their country Marmot, one of Britain’s lead- leads the world in so many ways. ing experts on health inequali- And yet, despite spending much ties, says that for the first time more per capita on health care in 100 years life expectancy in than any other country, American England stalled over the past dec- healthcare outcomes are often ade. Among English women living much worse than in poorer so- in the poorest communities, life cieties. expectancy has declined since growing. Prof Marmot says, adding that is “shocking” with the largest de- When it comes to infant mor- 2011, and health inequalities are “England has lost a decade,” the damage to the nation’s health creases in life expectancy seen

Hon. Chairman Najeb Yacob Alhamer | Editor-in-Chief Mahmood AI Mahmood | Chairman & Managing Director P Unnikrishnan | Advertisement: Update Media W.L.L | Tel: 38444692, Email: [email protected] | Newsroom: Tel: 38444680, Email: [email protected] Subscription & circulation: Tel: 36458394 | Email:[email protected] | Website: www.newsofbahrain.com | Printed and published by Al Ayam Publishing LAUGHTER AND TEARS ARE BOTH RESPONSES TO FRUSTRATION AND QUOTE EXHAUSTION. I MYSELF PREFER TODAY 1885 1891 1910 1913 OF THE TO LAUGH, SINCE THERE IS LESS DAY IN The American Telephone Shoshone National Forest is Rockefeller Foundation: John D. Thousands of women march DAY CLEANING UP TO DO AFTERWARD. HISTORY & Telegraph Company is established as the first national Rockefeller Jr. announces his retirement in a suffrage parade in KURT VONNEGUT incorporated in New York. forest in the US and world. from managing his businesses so that he Washington, D.C. TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020 can devote all his time to philanthropy.

SIMON WALDMAN Turkey’s isolation is the in recent months, he might also consequence of Ankara’s look to avoid having any hostili- Hearing for life Is Turkey hursday’s air strike that ties with Russia. killed 33 Turkish soldiers foolhardy policy of Undoubtedly, Ankara is large- Tin Idlib marked a momen- alienating the West while ly to blame for the situation TOP creating another tous escalation in the conflict be- over-committing itself in it finds itself in. For years, it DR SHAHEER IBRAHIM A tween Turkish-supported forces the grinding Syrian civil has treated its traditional allies 4 in Syria and the Russian-backed war. Without strong allies, with disdain and ignored their TWEETS his year’s theme of world hearing day is regime of Bashar Al Assad. Blam- security concerns. This includes Hearing for life – Don’t let hearing loss ing Mr Al Assad for the attack, it will have little choice but European to swallow the bitter pill turning a blind eye to ISIS mil- Tlimit you. World health organization Ankara retaliated with a range of itants entering Syria through selected this theme to emphasize that early de- deadly strikes of its own against and accept Russia’s terms Turkey, subverting the Iranian 01 tection of hearing loss and timely intervention migrant crisis? regime targets. for a temporary ceasefire. sanctions act of the US Congress with newer technology can change the quality Turkey’s situation in Idlib is through a Turkish state-owned of life in each individual. Good and precise precarious to say the least. Em- bank, threatening to revoke hearing is essential for education, communica- battled, it lacks an endgame in Nato’s use of Turkish bases, tion and employment. In all life stages a healthy Ankara is escalating the war in Syria and is effectively fighting purchasing the S-400 missile hearing is important to connect each other and not only the Assad regime but system from Russia despite re- communicate legibly. Unfortunately, in every Syria while using the conflict’s also Russia. This is despite An- teries in return for some kind of peated warnings of the security e’re confident in part of the world hearing care and hearing loss refugees to extort Europe kara’s concerted effort in recent concession. But that is as much risks, and refusing to back Na- WItaly and South detection programs are insufficient and world years to develop close relations support as Turkey is likely to re- to’s plans for the defence of the Korea’s efforts to combat health organization suggests the availability of with Moscow, even to the detri- ceive. Baltics ahead of last December’s the COVID-19 outbreak hearing screening in all public health systems. ment of its ties with traditional Despite the opinion of Senator Nato summit, to name just a few and grateful to our part- About hearing loss in children, around 1 in western allies. Now, it is finding Graham, it is highly improbable examples. ners for their transpar- 1000 newborn babies suffer from severe degree itself isolated with few friends in that the Trump administration Turkey’s isolation is the con- ency and tireless work to of hearing loss, which requires an intervention the international community to would agree to a no-fly zone over sequence of Ankara’s foolhar- administer care to those at their early stages of life. Some of the common help it out of its Syrian quagmire. Idlib or offer any other type of dy policy of alienating the West affected by the novel causes of hearing loss in children are due to This explains why, in yet an- direct military support. For a no- while over-committing itself in coronavirus. prematurity, chromosomal abnormality, he- other attempt to blackmail the fly zone to work, the US – either the grinding Syrian civil war. @SecPompeo reditary diseases, and severe birth trauma like Europeans into helping Ankara alone or with Nato – would have Without strong allies, it will have anoxia during birth, less oxygenation to brain, in its proxy war, Turkey declared to commit forces and risk a con- little choice but to swallow the 02 severe jaundice after birth and meningitis. Ear on Friday that its 2016 migration flagration with Russia, which will bitter pill and accept Russia’s infections are very common in children and deal with Europe was over, push- measures to prevent migrants Syria following the attacks, Kay for a no-fly zone over Idlib, some- strongly worded statements in be loathed to give up its monopo- terms for a temporary ceasefire, timely treatment and follow-ups are important ing many of the 3.7 million Syrian from entering. The reality is that Bailey Hutchison, Washington’s thing that Ankara has wanted for support of Turkey. In a symbolic ly over Idlib’s skies. which will serve to consolidate to prevent hearing in future. It is essential to refugees living within its borders Europe’s wish to stay away from envoy to Nato, responded that years. act of solidarity, Nato might offer President Trump, who has the recent gains made by Mr Al detect hearing loss in children in early stages for Greece and Bulgaria. the horrors taking place in Idlib “everything is on the table”. She Nevertheless, Turkey should to make one or two additional vowed to end “costly” wars and Assad in Idlib. to prevent speech and language disabilities. However, such recklessness on is stronger than a few thousand even expressed her hopes that not expect significant US support reconnaissance flights over Syr- is about to embark on a re-elec- Then, instead of taking owner- Early hearing detections can the part of Turkey will only anger refugees slipping through its bor- the Turkish people will under- – or the beginning of some kind ia. If the administration of Don- tion campaign, will no doubt be ship of their reckless policies, Mr be done in newborn children Europe and harden anti-Turk- ders. stand that the US is “the ally of rapprochement with Wash- ald Trump is feeling particularly risk-averse to new foreign entan- Erdogan and his inner circle will ood to see Cabinet even at 4-5 days after one’s ish attitudes among the elites Ankara might take heart in the of their past and their future”. ington. generous, Turkey could even find glements. Although he has sought declare this yet another example Gdecisions to reduce The most common birth by Oto acoustic emission there. Europe has reinforced its initial reaction of the US. When Meanwhile, the influential US Sure, the US along with Nato itself in possession of one or two to ease tensions with Turkey’s of Turkey being abandoned by inflation, incl subsidy on cause of hearing evaluation. Newer technologies borders with Turkey and taken asked about a possible role in senator Lindsey Graham called and Europe will continue to make Patriot surface-to-air missile bat- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan the West. products through Utility loss in workplace like hearing aids are helpful Stores, starting to bear is due to long term and be placed after assessing fruit. Inflation rate for the hearing loss severity. If the Feb shows decline by exposure of loud child is getting benefit from the more than 2% versus Jan. noise. It is the most hearing aid, then proceed with We will continue pursu- common chronic speech and learning therapy ing measures to bring occupational for 6 months. Otherwise if the down inflation & reduce child is not getting a benefit with burden on citizens illness and hearing aid, then more advanced @ImranKhanPTI normally appears newer modality of treatment at the end of one’s like cochlear implantation can 03 working life. This be helpful depend upon indi- In the West, healthcare standards have fallen – but there is a cure vidual basis. In this the cochlear causes irreversible electrode is placed inside the hearing loss and cochlea. With the help of coch- GAVIN ESLER tality in the US, for example, there Child poverty, and too better nutrition, better educa- in order to prevent lear implantation can reduce the are 5.3 infant deaths for every many families where tion, better hygiene and scientific this ear protection hearing deficit from 90-95 % to hile the world comes to 1,000 live births. In Cuba – a much advances, such as the discovery 20-25 %. terms with the idea of poorer developing country – there the bread-winner has of antibiotics. But the reversal in is needed at In adults the common caus- Wa coronavirus pandem- are 4.3 infant deaths per 1,000 live low-quality, low-paid and life expectancy in poorer areas in ight potential ille- work place and es of hearing loss are chronic ic, there is a creeping healthcare births. Statistically it is safer for insecure work are also the past decade coincides exact- Egal immigrants have industrial areas. ear infections, use of particular crisis that has received much less a child to be born in Cuba than contributory factors to ly with the period when British been returned to Indone- drugs, exposure to excessive attention and yet ultimately could in the world’s richest country. the drop in life expectancy government public expenditure sia after a people smug- noise and ageing. Of this noise prove more deadly. Before you wonder where this in poorer areas. Health is dropped. In 2009-10, government gling vessel targeting induced hearing loss is a preventable type of In some rich countries, years of anti-American propaganda comes not just a matter of diet, spending was 42 per cent of GDP. Australia was intercepted hearing loss. And can be avoided by eliminating progress in healthcare outcomes from, here is the source: the ex- Then under the years of austerity by Australian authorities. loud noise exposure. This type of hearing loss The decline have been going in reverse. Be- cellent CIA Factbook, available vitamins and exercise up until 2018-19, it fell to 35 per All eight people on board is mainly depending upon how much loud the tween 1959 and 2014, for instance, online. Google it. The US intelli- or high-tech medical cent of GDP. were safely turned back sound the person hearing, the time duration in the US the average life span of Ameri- gence agency’s compendium of procedures. Is this coincidence – or cause to Indonesia. of hearing the loud sound and how often the cans continued to rise. Then it worldwide information is, by the and effect? Well, Prime Minister @PeterDutton_MP person is exposed to the loud sound. The other and UK can stopped. In 2016, it started to go way, a useful and accurate source Boris Johnson’s government now fact about noise induced hearing loss is a single be largely backwards. By the end of 2019 – of troubling health statistics. claims it wants to increase public exposure of excessive loud sound might cause for the third year in a row – life Meanwhile in the UK, most spending to “level up” the British 04 permanent ear damage. expectancy in the US declined, people are proud of our Nation- eas did see increases in life expec- economy. One way of demonstrat- The most common cause of hearing loss in linked to lack according to a study published al Health Service. I am, too. Our tancy, but the biggest improve- ing that this is happening would workplace is due to long term exposure of loud of public in the Journal of the American taxpayer-funded system provides ments were in the richest parts be to ensure that health spending noise. It is the most common chronic occupa- Medical Association. much better outcomes than the of London. rises, although bigger reforms are tional illness and normally appears at the end spending. This decline in life expectancy American private healthcare sys- Some people are born into needed. of one’s working life. This causes irreversible affects a very wide age group at tem, and is much less costly. When privilege, and that tends to mean Child poverty, and too many hearing loss and in order to prevent this ear The the most productive time of their I lived in the US, I timed my first statistically they are born to live families where the bread-winner protection is needed at work place and indus- lives – adults between the ages of consultation with an American longer. The rich-poor life expec- has low-quality, low-paid and in- e have two kinds trial areas. A simple ear plug might be useful politicians 25 and 64. In those three years, doctor about a sports injury. My tancy gap in Britain is a difference secure work are also contributory Wof emotion, those in so many circumstances to avoid loud noise, from 2016 to 2019, Americans four-minute consultation cost me of 9.5 years for men and 7.7 years factors to the drop in life expec- that are destructive, hence always keep an ear plug in every one’s know this were dying earlier as a result of – or rather my insurers, $250; that for women. The rich have always tancy in poorer areas. Health is like anger and jealousy, purse or bag. preventable life-style related ail- is $62.50 a minute or a dollar a lived longer than the poor, but not just a matter of diet, vitamins which destroy our peace Many people with unidentified hearing loss and need to ments, including obesity, opioid second. the map of declining health out- and exercise or high-tech medical of mind and damage are often failing to realize that they are missing addiction, alcoholic liver disease However, a new study suggests comes more or less coincides with procedures. It is also a matter of our health. But we also out on certain sounds and words. Checking act and suicide. that for many British people, areas where the majority of peo- economic well-being and oppor- have other constructive one’s own hearing is the first step towards The study’s lead author, Steven things here are also going in re- ple showed their discontent with tunity. emotions, like compas- addressing the issue. Timely detection and ef- Woolf, pointed out that Americans verse. A report by Prof Michael their lives by voting for Brexit. The decline in health out - sion, that bring us inner fective interventions can ensure to achieve full seem to believe that their country Marmot, one of Britain’s lead- What is interesting about the comes coincides precisely with strength. potentials in persons with hearing loss. If you leads the world in so many ways. ing experts on health inequali- Marmot study is the relationship the decade in which the British @DalaiLama have any problem related to it, visit your near- And yet, despite spending much ties, says that for the first time it makes not merely between Conservative party has been in est Al Hilal Hospital & Medical Centers ENT more per capita on health care in 100 years life expectancy in health and wealth, but also with government. Reacting to the fig- department. Let us all work together towards than any other country, American England stalled over the past dec- public spending. ures, the UK’s Health Secretary Disclaimer: (Views expressed a better tomorrow by preventing and treating healthcare outcomes are often ade. Among English women living In the century before 2010, life Matt Hancock commented that by columnists are personal and hearing loss. much worse than in poorer so- in the poorest communities, life expectancy improved dramati- there was “still much more to do”. need not necessarily reflect our (Dr Shaheer Ibrahim A, MBBS, MS, DNB, MRCS (ENT), is a cieties. expectancy has declined since growing. Prof Marmot says, adding that is “shocking” with the largest de- in the most deprived areas of cally by about one year every four It is a perceptive diagnosis, but editorial stances) specialised doctor at Al Hilal Hospital) When it comes to infant mor- 2011, and health inequalities are “England has lost a decade,” the damage to the nation’s health creases in life expectancy seen north-eastern England. Some ar- years. This came about thanks to where is the cure?

Hon. Chairman Najeb Yacob Alhamer | Editor-in-Chief Mahmood AI Mahmood | Chairman & Managing Director P Unnikrishnan | Advertisement: Update Media W.L.L | Tel: 38444692, Email: [email protected] | Newsroom: Tel: 38444680, Email: [email protected] Subscription & circulation: Tel: 36458394 | Email:[email protected] | Website: www.newsofbahrain.com | Printed and published by Al Ayam Publishing 10 TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020 world Manila mall hostage-taker surrenders, frees hostages

The building was full when• the violence began

The hostages were KNOW WHAT being• held in the mall’s administrative The Philippines’ malls offices and at least are centres of life that one person was shot include everything from restaurants and shops Authorities are to churches and medical negotiating• with facilities. the hostage taker

AFP | Manila

sacked security guard said he saw a wounded person -- gave himself up and set believed to be a guard at the mall Afree dozens of hostages -- being put into a wheelchair he seized at gunpoint yesterday and whisked away. in a Manila mall, ending a day- “We heard three gunshots. long standoff that terrified shop- Then we saw people running, pers and left one man wounded. saying they saw someone getting The gunman, who launched shot,” he said. the attack over his dismissal, Manila was the site of a walked out of the V-Mall and high-profile 2010 hostage-tak- was able to complain to report- ing that ended with the deaths of ers about his former employers An official told journalists that a security guard was holding up to 30 people in an administrative office and had shot at least one person eight Hong Kong tourists. before police tackled him. That day-long ordeal started Authorities initially said about shot and wounded another se- tle gear and carrying assault to convince him to surrender, lem.” when an ex-police officer, armed 30 people were held in an of - curity guard, who was rushed rifles massed at the shopping and later in the day held a press Police were in contact with with an M-16 assault rifle, hi- fice inside the mall, but once to hospital in stable condition, centre while scores of onlook- conference where company of- the suspect for hours via a walk- jacked a bus near a popular tour- the standoff ended they said the and barricaded the hostages in ers snapped pictures with their ficers apologised for upsetting ie talkie. ist destination just a few blocks number was up to 70. an office. mobile phones. Zamora said the him. Philippine malls are centres from police headquarters in a “The crisis is over,” said Fran- The gunman was armed with hostage-taker was upset after “I deeply regret my shortcom- of life that include everything desperate bid to get his job back. cis Zamora, mayor of San Juan a pistol and what he claimed was losing his job, and had turned ings,” one of his former supervi- from restaurants and shops to Negotiations broke down af- City, which includes the mall. a hand grenade when he burst to violence to air his grievances. sors said. churches and medical facilities. ter nightfall and the ex-officer “They’re all safe now.” into the mall, sending terrified “Because of this, I will resign The building was full when the began shooting passengers, The drama kicked off yester- shoppers and workers fleeing. ‘Gunshots... people running’ from my post... to give way to violence began. prompting commandos to storm day morning when the suspect Heavily armed police in bat- Authorities worked for hours a solution to our current prob- Witness John Paul Buenavista the bus.

Bin Laden doctor launches Half of world’s beaches could vanish by 2100 Australian summers Paris grow longer due to hunger strike in Pakistan climate change limate change and sea level Sydney Crise are currently on track to wipe out half the world’s sandy beaches by 2100, re - ustralian summers are searchers warned Monday. Alengthening by a month Even if humanity sharply re- or more while winters are duces the fossil fuel pollution getting shorter due to cli- that drives global warming, mate change, according more than a third of the planet’s to an analysis by a leading sandy shorelines could disap- think tank released Monday. pear by then, crippling coastal The Australia Institute tourism in countries large and said large swathes of the small, they reported in the jour- country were experienc- nal Nature Climate Change. ing an additional 31 days of “Apart from tourism, sandy summer temperatures each Pakistani surgeon Shakeel Afridi, pictured in 2010, has been languishing beaches often act as the first year compared to the 1950s. behind bars for years since helping US agents track and kill Osama bin Laden line of defence from coastal While Sydney was just in 2011 storms and flooding, and with- under the average with an out them impacts of extreme Malaysia’s Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin signs a document on his first day extra 28 hot days a year, Islamabad in May 2012 after he was con- weather events will probably at the prime minister’s office in Putrajaya Melbourne added 38 warm- victed of having ties to mili- be higher,” lead author Michalis er days since the middle of he Pakistani doctor who tants, a charge he has always Vousdoukas, a researcher at the Brazil. sions will continue unabated, the 20th century. Thelped the CIA track and denied. European Commission’s Joint Sandy beaches occupy more or that Earth itself will begin In some regional areas kill Osama bin Laden has His sentence was later re- Research Centre, said. than a third of the global coast- to boost atmospheric green- ravaged by bushfires in re- launched a hunger strike from duced by 10 years. “We have to prepare.” line, often in highly populated house gas concentrations cent months, such as the his prison cell, his lawyer and Some US lawmakers have Some countries, such as the areas. -- from, for example, perma- New South Wales town of family said yesterday. branded the case as revenge United States, are already plan- But new construction, sea frost -- independent of human Port Macquarie, residents Shakeel Afridi has been lan- for his help in the search for ning extensive defence systems, level rise, storm surge from hur- action. are now experiencing seven guishing behind bars for years the Al Qaeda chief. but in most nations such mas- ricanes or typhoons, and re - more weeks of typical sum- since his fake vaccination The 2011 killing of Bin sive engineering schemes will duced sediment from dammed ‘A landmark advance’ mer temperatures. programme helped US agents Laden caused massive em- be unfeasible, unaffordable or rivers are all eroding these A less dire scenario, called “Temperatures which track and kill the Al Qaeda barrassment for Pakistan both. shorelines, threatening liveli- RCP4.5, would see humanity cap were considered a regular leader in 2011. and particularly its powerful Australia could be hit hard- hoods and infrastructure. global warming at about three three-month summer in the “It is to protest the injustices military. est, according to the findings, To assess how quickly and degrees Celsius, which is still 1950s now span from ear- and inhumane attitudes being For years Afridi has had no with nearly 15,000 kilometres by how much beaches might far more than the “well below ly-to-mid-November all the committed against him and his access to his lawyer, while his (more than 9,000 miles) of disappear, Vousdoukas and 2C” limit called for in the 2015 way to mid-March,” Aus- family,” his brother Jamil Afri- appeal against his prison sen- white-beach coastline washed colleagues plotted trend lines Paris Agreement. tralia Institute climate and di told AFP after meeting with tence has stalled with sched- away over the next 80 years, across three decades of satellite Under RCP8.5, the world will energy program director Afridi in a prison in central uled court appearances repeat- followed by Canada, Chile and imagery dating back to 1984. lose 49.5 percent of its sandy Richie Merzian said. Punjab province. edly delayed. the United States. From there, they projected beaches by 2100 -- nearly “Summers have grown His attorney Qamar Nadeem His family has also com - The 10 countries that stand future erosion under two cli- 132,000 kilometres of coastline. longer even in recent years, also confirmed the hunger plained of being targeted and to lose the most sandy shore- mate change scenarios. Even by mid-century, the loss with the last five years fac- strike. harassed by authorities over line also include Mexico, China, The “worst case” RCP8.5 would be more than 40,000 ing summers twice as long Afridi was jailed for 33 years the years. Russia, Argentina, India and pathway assumes carbon emis- kilometres. as their winters.” TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020 11

Merkel’s interior minister Child drowns at sea off Greece refuses handshake over tweeted that Greece was de - coronavirus At least 1,000 termined to protect its borders • and warned migrants not to at- Daily Mail migrants have reached tempt to cross as security was Greece’s Eastern increased to the maximum. ermany’s interior minister Aegean islands since He is expected to visit the bor- Grefused to shake Angela Sunday morning der on Tuesday with Charles Merkel’s hand yesterday amid Michel, chairman of EU leader- a growing coronavirus out- ship summits. Clashes between break in the country. The Greek coast police and migrants broke out Horst Seehofer rebuffed the guard• said the boat on Saturday and Sunday at the chancellor’s outstretched hand which capsized had land border, and riot police used at a summit in Berlin - refus- been escorted there teargas to repel hundreds of mi- ing to make an exception to a grants on the Turkish side. self-imposed handshake ban. by a Turkish vessel Under a 2016 EU agreement Merkel took the snub in good with Turkey, Anka - spirits, withdrawing her hand Reuters | Kastanies/Lesbos, ra agreed to stop and laughing with the Bavari- Greece migrants from an minister who has frequently crossing into been a thorn in her side. child died after being ‘That is the right thing to do,’ pulled from the seat Migrants from she said as she took her seat Migrants from Afghanistan walk on the Afghanistan when a boat capsized off while guests at the meeting A seaside after arriving on a dinghy near the arrive on a the Greek island of Lesbos, offi- village of Skala Sikamias, after crossing part dinghy on a also burst out laughing. cials said yesterday, the first re- of the Aegean Sea from Turkey to the island beach near Seehofer had told German ported fatality after the Turkish of Lesbos, Greece the village media yesterday that he had government opened its border of Skala stopped shaking people’s last week to let migrants reach across the frontier. Sikamias, after hands, adding that he hoped a Europe. “This movement is guided and been crossing part of vaccine would be found within At least 1,000 migrants have encouraged by Turkey,” govern- es- the Aegean Sea months. German interior minister Horst reached Greece’s Eastern Aege- ment spokesman Stelios Petsas corted from Turkey to the Asked whether Germany Seehofer turns away Angela Merkel’s an islands since Sunday morn- told reporters after a national there by a island of Lesbos, Greece would go so far as to close off offer of a handshake after revealing ing, Greek police say. More than security meeting in Athens. He Turkish ves- access to cities or regions, he he had stopped shaking hands over 10,000 migrants have attempted called the surge of migrants at sel. Forty-six people the EU and accept most of them said ‘such a scenario would be virus fears to cross by land at the border, the border “an active, serious, were rescued and two children back if they did cross, effectively a last resort’. where guards from both sides severe and asymmetrical threat taken to hospital, one of whom ending a crisis which toppled ‘I estimate that a vaccine will handshakes, unlike France have fired tear gas into crowds to the national security of the could not be revived. several EU governments and be available by the end of year,’ where health minister Ol - caught between the fences in country”. Another dinghy with about 30 fuelled the rise of the far right. he told the Bild am Sonntag ivier Veran recommended no-man’s land. Turkey’s announcement last Afghans arrived on Lesbos early In return, the EU offered newspaper. that people refrain from the Turkey, which is home to 3.7 week threatens to reverse an in the morning, a Reuters jour- funds. But Turkey says the ar- Merkel, 65, and Seehofer, greeting. million Syrian refugees and has agreement that halted Western nalist reported from the island. rangement is in jeopardy with a 70, have had plenty of ten - The number of people in- another million on its doorstep Europe’s biggest wave of migra- Thirty-two others were rescued new wave of Syrian refugees on sions in their relationship in fected in Germany jumped from a new surge of fighting, tion since World War Two, the in the seas off Farmakonissi, a its southern border, driven there recent years, with the interior sharply to 129 yesterday, offi- said last week it would stop en- 2015-2016 crisis when 4,000 small island close to Turkey, the by an escalation of fighting since minister taking a hard line on cial data showed. forcing a 2016 agreement that people drowned in Aegean and coast guard said. December. Last week, at least refugees after Merkel opened The latest tally given by the had prevented migrants from more than a million reached “This is an invasion,” Devel- 33 Turkish troops sent to Syria Germany’s doors in 2015, but Robert Koch Institute, Ger- reaching the EU. Greece. opment Minister Adonis Geor- to monitor a crumbling cease- today’s encounter was more many’s centre for disease con- Greek officials accused Tur- The Greek coast guard said giadis told Skai TV on Monday. fire were killed in the Turkish good-natured. trol, showed that the number key of orchestrating a coordi- the boat which capsized off Les- Late on Sunday, Greek Prime army’s worst attack in nearly Germany has not issued of cases had almost doubled nated effort to drive migrants bos on Monday morning had Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis 30 years. a general warning against from 66. Boris Johnson’s pregnant fiancée Carrie ‘wants a home birth’ Daily Mail Wheeler was granted a decree arrie Symonds is consider- nisi, the initial stage of the di- Cing giving birth at home, it vorce, but it is not clear if she has has been claimed. a decree absolute - the second Miss Symonds, 31, is said to stage in the process. be keen on a home birth, which The couple are the first un- could mean Boris Johnson’s baby married one to live in Downing is born at No10 Downing Street Street together for many years. or Chequers. They met when Miss Symonds His partner announced the worked on his successful bid pair are engaged and expecting for a second term as London their first child together in late Mayor in 2012, but were only May or early June in an Insta- linked romantically in 2018, gram post on Saturday. shortly after his split from It came just 11 days after Miss Wheeler. the Prime Minister, 55, agreed They have made very few a divorce settlement with public appearances, with Miss his ex-wife Marina Wheel - Boris with estranged wife Marina Wheeler who he was married to for 25 years Symonds often on the sidelines er in court, although it is not of complications. away from the rest of his family. clear what stage proceedings Only 12 in 100 having their But the former Conservative are at. second, third, or fourth child Party press officer is believed to While Ms Wheeler is said to had to go into hospital. have a ‘hands on’ approach be- be ‘crushed’ by her ex-husband’s On Sunday, Mr Johnson said hind the scenes, taking credit for double announcement, Miss of the pregnancy: ‘Absolutely her fiance’s new image, weight Symonds is already planning KNOW WHAT delighted, I’m absolutely de- loss and election success. her birthing arrangements and lighted, of course.’ The wedding will be John- her wedding. But Ms Wheeler and their son’s third and he has at least A source told The Sun: “Carrie Bookmakers have be- four children Lara, Milo, The- five children already – four with has told Boris that a home birth gun offering odds for odore and Cassia are said to Wheeler and a fifth from an af- is one thing she’s very keen on. the name even though be ‘furious’ at the idea Mr fair with art consultant Helen She likes to do things her way. Johnson became engaged Macintyre. “She has a few options where the gender is not yet and tried for a baby while he Reports have suggested that she could have their firstborn. known, with Charlotte was still going through a divorce Johnson and Symonds might It could mean Downing Street, and James early favour- process. ‘slip away quietly abroad to mar- Chequers or even Chevening, ites. Winston and Em- Wheeler, who recently over- ry in private’ but their plans are Kent.’ meline have also been came cervical cancer, threw the unknown. Only one in 50 women in Eng- popular, because of the PM out of their marital home With new laws in place to ex- land and Wales opt for home Prime Minister’s war- in 2018 amid claims he tend rights to new fathers, Mr births. There are greater risks was having an affair Johnson could take paternity of complications, from 5 in every time hero and Symonds’ with Miss Symonds, leave, with the couple entitled to 1,000 births in hospital to 9 in support for women’s 24 years his junior. split 50 weeks off equally. every 1,000 at home. rights. Stanley has been A hearing at the Fam- But their plans are not yet NHS figures show 45 out of mooted as a tribute to ily Court in London on Febru- clear and with the birth in the every 100 women having their Johnson’s father ary 18 heard a financial settle- middle of a number key engage- first baby at home had to be ment between the two had been ments, Johnson could risk miss- transferred to hospital because agreed. ing it completely. TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020 12 North Korea fires ‘short-range ballistic missiles’ of weapons tests late last year, around 7,000 people have been the last of them in November, quarantined in three provinces often describing them as multi- alone. ple launch rocket systems. It also Seoul and Washington last carried out static engine tests, week said they will postpone most recently in December. forthcoming joint military exer- At a party meeting at the end cises after South Korea -- which of that month, Kim declared that has more than 4,000 infections Pyongyang no longer considered -- declared its highest “severe” itself bound by its moratoriums alert level over the coronavirus. on nuclear and intercontinental The United States has 28,500 ballistic missile tests, and threat- troops in South Korea to pro - ened to demonstrate a “new tect it against the nuclear-armed The launch was strategic weapon” soon. North, many of them based south • North Korea has a long his- of Seoul at Camp Humphreys the nuclear-armed tory of seeking to demonstrate in Pyeongtaek -- Washington’s North’s first for more its military capability to try to biggest overseas military facility. than three months obtain concessions. The security allies have pre- “March is pretty reliably mis- viously scaled back annual joint North Korea has not sile-testing season for North military exercises significantly • Korea,” tweeted Ankit Panda, to facilitate nuclear talks with reported a single case senior fellow at the Federation Pyongyang -- which condemns of the coronavirus of American Scientists. such drills as preparations for “Looks like COVID-19 hasn’t an invasion -- but a command But state media have North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un recently declared that Pyongyang no longer considered itself bound by its moratoriums changed that (or Pyongyang is coordination exercise had been said• around 7,000 people on nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests determined to make it appear as planned for this spring. if it hasn’t),” he added. In the past Pyongyang has have been quarantined still. or exclusive economic zone, but Former State Department of- fired missiles capable of reach- in three provinces alone The two devices were fired added: “Recent repeated launch- ficial Mintaro Oba said: “Coro- ing the entire US mainland and eastwards over the sea from the es of ballistic and other missiles March is pretty navirus dominates our atten- has carried out six nuclear tests, AFP | Seoul Wonsan area on the east coast by North Korea are a serious tion at the moment, but this is the last of them 16 times more and flew 240 kilometres (150 issue.” reliably missile- a reminder that North Korea powerful than the Hiroshima miles) at a maximum altitude of The launch came as Pyong- testing season continues to advance its nuclear blast, according to the highest orth Korea fired what 35 kilometres, the South’s Joint yang battles to prevent a coro- for North Korea. and missile programmes.” estimates. appeared to be two Chiefs of Staff said. navirus outbreak and days after Looks like COVID-19 It would “look for ways to gain It is under multiple sets of Nshort-range ballistic They were “believed to be the one-year anniversary of the hasn’t changed that leverage and reclaim the initi- sanctions over its weapons pro- missiles yesterday, the South’s short-range ballistic missiles,” a collapsed Hanoi summit be - (or Pyongyang is ative as we get closer to the US grammes from the United Na- military said, weeks after Pyong- JCS official said. tween leader Kim Jong Un and presidential election”, he added. tions Security Council, US, the yang threatened to demonstrate South Korea’s security min- US President Donald Trump. determined to make South and other bodies. a “new strategic weapon” and its isters expressed “strong con- Negotiations have since been it appear as if it Joint exercises Heightened tensions in 2017 deadline for Washington to offer cern” the North was “carrying deadlocked over sanctions relief hasn’t) North Korea has not reported were followed by two years of sanctions relief expired. out actions giving rise to military and what the North would be a single case of the coronavi - nuclear diplomacy between The launch was the nucle - tensions”, the presidential Blue willing to give up in return, de- rus, which has killed more than Pyongyang and Washington, in- ANKIT PANDA ar-armed North’s first for more House said. spite a high-profile June meet- SENIOR FELLOW AT THE FEDERATION OF 3,000 people and infected over cluding three meetings between than three months and came as Japan’s defence ministry said ing in the Demilitarized Zone AMERICAN SCIENTISTS. 88,000 in dozens of countries Kim and US President Donald nuclear negotiations with the there was no indication of any- that divides the peninsula. since it emerged in neighbouring Trump, but little tangible pro- United States remain at a stand- thing coming down in its waters Pyongyang carried out a series China. But state media have said gress was made. Meet Thailand’s secret weapon in climate change battle Bangkok construction. Bangkok, which tilts downward warning that 40 percent of it angkok’s future hangs in “We are talking life and at a three-degree angle, allowing would be inundated by 2030. the balance. death in this situation,” says the rainwater to flow through the It was clear then things need- B Rising sea levels, un- 39-year-old who is hoping to flanking grass and wetlands. ed to change, says Voraakhom, checked development, ground- bring Bangkok back from the Water that’s not absorbed by who grew up in the capital and water extraction, and rapid ur- brink, as scientists warn ex- the plants runs down to a pond says air quality has deteriorated ban population growth has left treme weather -- flooding and at the base of the park, where rapidly, as has food quality and millions vulnerable to natural droughts -- could ravage the city, it can be stored and filtered for security because of the heavy use disasters -- scientists warn the leaving as much as 40 percent use during dry spells or released of pesticides. city itself may not survive the submerged in the next decade. gradually. In cases of severe In 2018, she created Asia’s century. Kotchakorn says: “I don’t flooding, the park can hold up largest rooftop farm, which New analysis by the Nestpick want to face it with fear. At this to a million gallons of water. mimics the region’s famed rice 2050 Climate Change City Index moment we have a chance to terraces where run-off travels says the Thai capital could be make change... We have to do it Global rising star down layers of crops, conserving hardest hit by global warming. right now to show the coming Kotchakorn rails against Architect Kotchakorn Voraakhom made her name showing how the effects of both water and soil. Winding And while it is not alone fac- generations that this is possible. Bangkok’s unchecked develop- climate change can be mitigated by ensuring the issue is at the heart of city around the 22,400 square-metre ing such a threat -- Venice, New It is not about sitting and wait- ment -- more than 10 million live planning (241,111 square feet) rooftop is a Orleans, and Jakarta are predict- ing and doing the same thing.” in the metropolis packed with jogging path and a lawn. ed to be underwater by 2100 -- it No one can accuse the Har- skyscrapers, factories, malls and Later this year she will unveil does have a secret weapon in its vard graduate of resting on her hotels -- warning that an “ad- plans to transform a vast, unused battle to negate the impact of a laurels: She made her name diction to growth” at all costs is bridge crossing the Chao Phraya hotter planet: showing how the effects of cli- jeopardising its ability to thrive. river into a park with bicycle renowned mate change can be mitigated by “We think about how we’re lanes, bringing more green space architect ensuring the issue is at the heart going to have more growth in to a place with precious little Kotchakorn of city planning. our annual development... What of it. Voraakhom She and her firm Landpro - if we shift the orientation from “If you just do a normal build- who preach- cess created the internationally growth to really consider our ac- ing, it’s just going to be the same. es mindful acclaimed Chulalongkorn Uni- tions on the environment, listen It’s just another building. But if development versity Centenary Park, an 11- to the land more,” she says. you create (something new), you over mindless acre (4 hectares) space in central “It doesn’t mean I am against actually could touch and change development but I want it to be their way of living, their way of very meaningful, very mindful, eating, their way of understand- and at the right pace -- so we ing of sustainability.” I don’t want to face don’t actually kill our future.” Hailing her late mother as her inspiration, and her 11-year-old daughter as her Kotchakorn has even greater it with fear. At this Today her ideas have been motivation, she hopes her work will solve problems for generations to come ambitions for the city she grew moment we have embraced at home, and abroad but Kotchakorn insists there is to the table and create better up in -- she wants to “reclaim” -- she gave an acclaimed TED talk “power” in being different, par- decisions,” she adds. the more than 1,000 canals that a chance to make in 2018, and last year TIME Mag- ticularly in an industry dominat- snake through Bangkok that are change... We have azine included her in its “100 ed by older men offering only Things must change currently used for sewage. to do it right now Next” list of global rising stars. “conventional ways of thinking”. A turning point came in 2011, “Canals have so much life, to show the coming But convincing clients, au- Many of her ideas were in - when Thailand endured its so much potential to be public generations that this thorities, and other businesses itially dismissed, but she held worst floods in half a century, green space and a skeleton of the is possible. It is not to see the big environmental pic- firm, explaining: “I feel that was which left more than 800 dead whole city,” she explains. ture has not been easy in a me- based on their fear. But it’s not nationwide with hundreds of She says: “Being a mother is about sitting and ga-city obsessed with economic my fear.” thousands displaced. Bangkok, really helping to push me to cre- waiting and doing the targets and expansion. “Women offer different kinds built on once-marshy land and ate hope and solutions for the same thing Driving change as a wom - of judgement, different kinds surrounded by natural water- next generation. You see that the an in a patriarchal society has of attitude towards problems... ways, was hard hit. things you build will last after KOTCHAKORN VORAAKHOM been an additional challenge, We have to bring that diversity Then came the World Bank your life.” 13 TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020

(AYYAPPANUM KOSHIYUM (PG-15)(MALAYALAM نننننن (IK SANDHU HUNDA SI (PG-13) DOLITTLE (PG)(ADVENTURE/COMEDY/FAMILY SEEF (II): 1.00 + 6.00 + 11.00 PM CITY CENTRE: 11.30 AM + 1.45 + 4.00 + 6.15 + 8.30 + 10.45 PM OASIS JUFFAIR: 12.45 + 4.00 + 7.15 + 10.30 PM AMRO MAMDOOH ,MAJDI IDRIS ,AMAD RASHAD SEEF (II): 10.45 AM + 3.45 + 8.45 PM SEEF (I):10.30 AM + 1.45 + 5.00 + 8.15 + 11.30 PM ROBERT DOWNEY JR., ANTONIO BANDERAS, MICHAEL SHEEN PRITHVIRAJ, BIJU MENON, RENJITH, SABUMON STOCKHOLM (PG-15) (ARABIC/THRILLER/DRAMA) SEEF (II): 10.45 AM + 2.30 + 6.15 + 10.00 PM VARANE AVASHYAMUND (PG-13)(MALAYALAM) AMRO MAMDOOH ,MAJDI IDRIS ,AMAD RASHAD OASIS JUFFAIR: 11.45 AM + 2.30 + 5.15 + 8.00 + 10.45 PM SURESH GOPI, SHOBANA, DULQUER SALMAAN, KALYANI PRIYADARSHAN, BAD BOYS FOR LIFE (PG-15)(ACTION/COMEDY/CRIME) URVASHI OASIS JUFFAIR: 10.30 AM + 3.15 + 8.15 PM KANNUM KANNUM KOLLAIYADITHAAL ()(TAMIL) CITY CENTRE: 10.45 AM + 12.30 + 1.30 + 3.15 + 4.15 + 6.00 + 7.00 + 8.45 + THE INVISIBLE MAN (15+)(THRILLER/HORROR ) 9.45 + 11.30 PM ( 12.30 MN THURS/FRI.) From Friday 28th Feb. CITY CENTRE (VIP II) : 12.00 + 2.45 + 5.30 + 8.15 + 11.00 PM OASIS JUFFAIR: 11.30 AM + 2.30 + 5.30 + 8.30 + 11.30 PM OASIS JUFFAIR: 12.45 + 3.30 + 6.15 + 9.00 + 11.45 PM SEEF (II): 12.30 + 3.15 + 6.00 + 8.45 + 11.30 PM SEEF (I): 11.00 AM + 2.00 + 5.00 + 8.00 + 11.00 PM OASIS JUFFAIR (VIP): 12.00 + 2.45 + 5.30 + 8.15 + 11.00 PM WADI AL SAIL: 10.30 AM + 3.30 + 8.30 PM WADI AL SAIL: 1.45 + 8.00 PM CITY CENTRE: (1.00 AM THURS/FRI.) AL HAMRA: 5.30 + (12.00 MN FRI.) CITY CENTRE:(ATMOS): 10.30 AM + 1.00 + 3.45 + 6.30 + 9.15 + 12.00 MN WILL SMITH, MARTIN LAWRENCE, VANESSA HUDGENS DULQUER SALMAN, RITU VARMA, RAKSHAN CITY CENTRE (IMAX 2D): 12.00 + 2.45 + 5.30 + 8.15 + 11.00 PM SONIC THE HEDGEHOG (PG) (ADVENTURE/ACTION/COMEDY/ CITY CENTRE (VIP I) : 12.30 + 3.15 + 6.00 + 8.45 + 11.30 PM SEEF (I): 10.30 AM + 1.00 + 3.45 + 6.30 + 9.15 + 12.00 MN OASIS JUFFAIR (KIDS CINEMA): 10.30 AM + 2.45 + 7.00 + 11.15 PM PARASITE (15+)(KOREAN/COMEDY/DRAMA/THRILLER) SEEF (II): (12.30 MN THURS/FRI.) CITY CENTRE: 12.15 + 2.30 + 4.45 + 7.00 + 9.15 + 11.30 PM Winner of 4 Oscar Award WADI AL SAIL: 12.45 + 3.30 + 6.15 + 9.00 + 11.45 PM SEEF (II): 12.30 + 2.45 + 5.00 + 7.15 + 9.30 + 11.45 PM WADI AL SAIL: 11.45 AM + 2.00 + 4.15 + 6.30 + 8.45 + 11.00 PM CITY CENTRE: (DISTRACTION FREE SCREEN): 1.00 + 6.30 + 12.00 MN ELISABETH MOSS, ALDIS HODGE, STORM REID JIM CARREY, BEN SCHWARTZ, JAMES MARSDEN SONG KANG HO, LEE SUN KYUN , MARIA SIMON PARADISE HILLS (PG-15) (THRILLER/DRAMA/FANTASY) ن (BIRD OF PREY (15+)(ACTION/ADVENTURE/CRIME ن (THE CALL OF THE WILD (PG)(ADVENTURE/FAMILY OASIS JUFFAIR: 1.00 + 6.00 + 11.00 PM CITY CENTRE : 1.30 + 6.30 + 11.30 PM CITY CENTRE: 10.30 AM + 12.45 + 3.00 + 5.15 + 7.30 + 9.45 + 12.00 MN CITY CENTRE: 10.30 AM + 12.45 + 3.00 + 5.15 + 7.30 + 9.45 + 12.00 MN + (12.30 MN THURS/FRI.) MARGOT ROBBIE, MARY ELIZABETH WINSTEAD, EWAN MCGREGOR SEEF (II): 12.15 + 2.30 + 4.45 + 7.00 + 9.15 + 11.30 PM SEEF (II): 11.45 AM + 2.00 + 4.15 + 6.30 + 8.45 + 11.00 PM WADI AL SAIL: 7.00 + 9.15 + 11.30 PM ننننننن نننننن (WADI AL SAIL: 1.15 + 6.15 + 11.15 PM THE GENTLEMEN (15+)(CRIME/ACTION EMMA ROBERTS, DANIELLE MACDONALD, AWKWAFINA HARRISON FORD, DAN STEVENS, OMAR SY CITY CENTRE: 10.45 AM + 1.15 + 3.45 + 6.15 + 8.45 + 11.15 PM MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY, CHARLIE HUNNAM, HENRY GOLDING ن (THAPPAD (PG-15) (HINDI/DRAMA/THRILLER) BRAHMS: THE BOY II (15+)(HORROR/THRILLER OASIS JUFFAIR: 12.00 + 3.00 + 6.00 + 9.00 + 12.00 MN CITY CENTRE: 12.00 + 2.00 + 4.00 + 6.00 + 8.00 + 10.00 + 12.00 MN نن (CITY CENTRE: 11.30 AM + 2.30 + 5.30 + 8.30 + 11.30 PM FANTASY ISLAND (15+)(THRILLER/HORROR SEEF (I):11.30 AM + 2.30 + 5.30 + 8.30 + 11.30 PM KATIE HOLMES, RALPH INESON, OWAIN YEOMAN CITY CENTRE: 11.00 AM + 4.00 + 9.00 PM WADI AL SAIL: 11.15 AM + 2.15 + 5.15 + 8.15 + 11.15 PM LUCY HALE, MAGGIE Q, PORTIA DOUBLEDAY TAAPSEE PANNU, TANVI AZMI, SUSHIL DAHIYA AL FELOUS (THE MONEY) (PG-15) STARDOG AND TURBOCAT (PG) CITY CENTRE: 1.30 + 6.15 + 11.00 PM OASIS JUFFAIR (KIDS CINEMA): 12.45 + 5.00 + 9.15 PM TAMER HOSNY, ZEINA, KHALID EL-SAWI CITY CENTRE: 10.30 AM + 12.30 + 2.30 + 4.30 PM SEEF (II): 10.30 AM + 12.30 + 2.30 + 4.30 + 6.30 + 8.30 + 10.30 PM FROZEN 2 (PG)(ANIMATION/ADVENTURE/COMEDY) WADI AL SAIL: 11.00 AM + 1.00 + 3.00 + 5.00 PM CITY CENTRE: 11.00 AM + 3.30 + 8.00 PM LUKE EVANS, NICK FROST, GEMMA ARTERTON KRISTEN BELL, IDINA MENZEL, JOSH GAD A MILLION LITTLE PIECES (18+) (DRAMA) SPIES IN DISGUISE (PG)(ANIMATION/ACTION/ADVENTURE TRANCE ()(MALAYALAM) SEEF (II): 11.00 AM + 3.15 + 7.30 + 11.45 PM CITY CENTRE: 1.15 + 5.45 + 10.15 PM OASIS JUFFAIR: 10.30 AM + 1.45 + 5.00 + 8.15 + 11.30 PM AARON TAYLOR-JOHNSON, BILLY BOB THORNTON, ODESSA YOUNG WILL SMITH, TOM HOLLAND, KAREN GILLAN SEEF (I): 10.45 AM + 2.00 + 5.15 + 8.30 + 11.45 PM WADI AL SAIL: 10.30 AM + 4.45 + 11.00 PM VFW (18+) (ACTION) THIEF OF BAGHDAD (PG-13) AL HAMRA: 11.00 AM + 2.15 + 8.45 PM SEEF (II): 1.15 + 5.30 + 9.45 PM CITY CENTRE: 11.15 AM + 4.00 + 8.45 PM FAHADH FAASIL, NASRIYA NAZIM, GAUTHAM MENON, SOUBIN SHAHIR, VINAYA- WILLIAM SADLER, DORA MADISON, SIERRA MCCORMICK 1917 (PG-15)(WAR/ACTION/DRAMA) 1917 KAN, DILEESH POTHEN MOHAMMED EMAM, YASMINE RAEIS, AMINA KHALIL Winner of 3 Oscar Awards AIYAI : WRATHFUL SOUL (15+) (HORROR/THRILLER) DRAUPATHI (PG-13)(TAMIL) نننننن نننن (CITY CENTRE: 11.00 AM + 1.30 + 4.00 + 6.30 + 9.00 + 11.30 PM LITTLE WOMEN (PG)(DRAMA/ROMANTIC SEEF (II): 12.30 + 4.15 + 8.00 + 11.45 PM SEEF (II): 11.00 AM + 1.30 + 4.00 + 6.30 + 9.00 + 11.30 PM From Friday 28th Feb. Winner of 1 Oscar Award SEEF (I): 11.30 AM + 8.30 PM KABIR SINGH, TAHLIA JADE HOLT, PENNY ANNE LACE GEORGE MACKAY, DEAN-CHARLES CHAPMAN, MARK STRONG CITY CENTRE: (DISTRACTION FREE SCREEN): 10.30 AM + 3.45 + 9.15 PM KARUNAS, NISHANTH, RICHARD RISHI SAOIRSE RONAN, EMMA WATSON, FLORENCE PUGH ننننننن ننننن DOORDARSHAN (PG-15) (HINDI/COMEDY) JUMANJI THE NEXT LEVEL PARAMAPADHAM VILAYATTU (PG-15) (TAMIL) CITY CENTRE: 6.30 + 9.00 + 11.30 PM CITY CENTRE: 12.15 + 3.00 + 5.45 + 8.30 + 11.15 PM MALANG (PG-15)(HINDI/ACTION/ROMANTIC/THRILLER) SEEF (II): 10.30 AM + 3.30 + 8.30 PM SEEF (II): 1.00 + 6.00 + 11.00 PM From Friday 28th Feb. SEEF (I): 5.30 + 11.30 PM SEEF (I): 2.30 PM MAHIE GILL, MANU RISHI CHADDHA, DOLLY AHLUWALIA, SUPRIYA SHUKLA DWAYNE JOHNSON, JACK BLACK, KEVIN HART ADITYA ROY KAPOOR, ANIL KAPOOR, DISHA PATANI TRISHA, NANDHA, RICHARD, AL AZHAGAPPAN, VELA RAMAMOORTHY MOVIE REVIEW ‘The Invisible Man’ is a horror film that works on multiple levels she is being stalked by him. She hiding in plain sight.” Metacritic wrote that “while her agony can Elisabeth Moss’s ultimately deduces that he has calculated a weighted average be unnerving, it is even more • acquired the ability to become score of 71 out of 100, based on shivery when her weeping stops remarkable performance invisible. The film stars Elis- 55 critics, indicating “generally and this horror-movie damsel captures Cecilia’s trauma abeth Moss, Aldis Hodge, Storm favorable reviews”.Audiences in distress becomes a threat.” Reid, Harriet Dyer, Michael Dor- polled by CinemaScore gave the Writing for The A.V. Club, Jesse man, and Oliver Jackson-Cohen. film an average grade of “B+” on Hassenger gave the film a B+, he Invisible Man is a Review aggregator website an A+ to F scale, and PostTrak also praising Moss’ performance 2020 science fiction hor- Rotten Tomatoes reported that reported it received an over- and the film’s centering of her Tror film written and di- 90% of 227 reviews of the film all positive score of 76% and an character’s experience; the pub- rected by Leigh Whannell. A were positive with an average average 4 out of 5 stars, with lication followed up with a video contemporary adaptation of the rating of 7.61/10. The website’s 53% of people saying they would review from senior writer Katie novel of the same name by H. G. critics consensus reads: “Smart, definitely recommend it. Rife and Ignatiy Vishnevetsky Wells and a reboot of The Invis- well-acted, and above all scary, Manohla Dargis of The New who also gave a positive review ible Man film series, it follows a The Invisible Man proves that York Times commented that for the aesthetic and filmmaking woman who, after the suicide of sometimes, the classic source Moss’ performance “gives the of Blumhouse Productions as her abusive boyfriend, believes material for a fresh reboot can be A scene from the movie movie its emotional stakes” and well as Moss’ performance.

SUDOKU CROSSWORD Across 1- Eight Days ___; 6- Enzyme ending; 9- Horse race venue in England; 14- Trio; 15- Yesterday’s solution Yesterday’s solution Foul; 16- Grassy plain; 17- Person who arrives before others; 19- Decoration; 20- Aliens, briefly; 21- Jittery; 22- Month of showers; 23- Qualified; 25- Computer key; 26- Remains of any organism preserved in rock; 29- Book before Nehemiah; 31- ___ Fideles; 32- 16th president of the U.S; 36- It may be landed; 37- Foster Brooks per- sona; 38- Splotchy; 40- Dump; 43- Mountain range; 45- Start the pot; 46- Disease of the body; 47- Ornamental coronet; 50- Metal containers; 51- Tine; 52- Match up; 54- “Cats” monogram; 57- Scope; 58- Double; 61- Writer of lyric poetry; 62- Singer Garfunkel; 63- Danger; 64- Chairs; 65- Golly!; 66- Devoutness; Down 1- To ___ (perfectly); 2- Come again?; 3- Goes astray; 4- Conger; 5- Opener; 6- Remain; 7- Puppeteer Tony; 8- Small whirlpool; 9- Annual reference book; 10- Slumbered; 11- Training group; 12- Broadcasting; 13- Damage done; 18- Pretty girl; 23- It’s a good thing; 24- Mouthpiece of a bridle; 25- Directional suffix; 26- At a great distance; 27- Smell or fragrance; 28- Actress Ward; 29- Run away with a lover; 30- Clearasil target; 33- Autobahn autos; 34- Old Italian money; 35- Dweeb; How to play 37- Watched the kids; 39- It breaks daily; 41- Goals; 42- Cellular stuff; 43- Slap; Place a number in the empty boxes in such 44- Fleming who created Bond; 47- Commerce; 48- Ancient region of Asia Minor; a way that each row across, each column 49- Uneasiness; 50- Benjamin; 51- Career golfers; 52- Smelting waste; 53- Long ago; down and each 9-box square contains all 54- Make weary; 55- Parody; 56- Slippery; 59- PC program; 60- Wreath of flowers; of the numbers from one to nine. 14 TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020

Jennifer Lopez on Elle Fanning: Important to talk her ‘Hustlers’ Oscar Katy Perry about dealing with grief Jennifer snub Los Angeles Lopez Los Angeles isn’t ‘very ollywood actress Elle ctress Jennifer close’ to Fanning, who stars Lopez says she Halongside Justice Smith Awas sad when Taylor in the romantic-drama film “All she failed to get an Taylor the Bright Places”, says it’s im- Oscar nomination for Swift and portant to talk about “dealing her movie “Hustlers”. Swift Katy Perry with grief and pain”. The actress opened The film tells the story of up on her snub at two characters who strug- this year’s Oscars Los Angeles vulnerability.” gle with the emotional during a discussion “I was really excited for and physical scars of with Oprah Winfrey, op superstar Katy Perry her to be able to show that to their past – and Fan- reports variety.com. says she isn’t very close the world: that things aren’t ning thinks the movie “I was a little sad Pto singer Taylor Swift. perfect, they don’t have to be highlights an impor- because there was a In an interview with Stellar and it’s more beautiful when tant issue, reports lot of build up to it. magazine, Perry addressed the they aren’t. Even though it was femalefirst.co.uk. There were so many much talked about specula- difficult, it was important to The actress, articles. I got so many tion over her relationship with make that appearance in the who plays Vio- good notices – more fellow pop star Swift, reports music video because people let Markey in the than ever in my ca- etonline.com. want people to look up to,” movie, said: “Dealing with grief reer – and there was The musicians have had a continued Perry, 35. and pain is something that isn’t a lot of ‘She’s going rocky relationship over the Perry was referring to her really talked about enough.” to get nominated for years, and now Perry has appearance in Swift’s “You The film is based on a best-sell- an Oscar. It’s going shared that the two do not need to calm down”, video, ing novel by Jennifer Niven. Fan- Elle to happen; if she have a great bond currently. which was released in June. ning hopes it will satisfy people Fanning doesn’t, you’re crazy’. “We don’t have a very close The collaboration marked a who are fans of the book. She I’m reading all the relationship because we are key moment in the singers’ also thinks the Brett Ha- articles going, ‘Oh very busy, but we text a lot,” friendship, having previously ley-directed movie could my God, could this she said, adding: “I was im - fallen at odds with each other. help other young people happen?’ And then pressed by her documentary Perry can be currently seen who have gone through it didn’t and I was like, (‘Miss Americana’) because I as a judge on singing reality similar experiences to ‘Ouch.’ It was a little bit of saw some self-awareness start- show “American Idol”, which her on-screen charac- a letdown,” she said. ing to happen and I saw a lot of airs in India on Star World. ter.

Kim Kardashian slays in latex in Paris Katie Holmes freaked out by ‘Brahms: The Boy II’ doll Los Angeles Los Angeles which debuted over the week- The actress said she is drawn to the hor - end in Paris while sporting ror genre because of the “communal expe- im Kardashian has been fresh-off-the-runway looks for ctress Katie Holmes, who rience” that comes with watching a scary slaying the style game her afternoon outings in the plays Liza in the horror movie at the cinema. Kduring Paris Fashion City of Light. A movie “Brahms: The Boy II”, “Well, what I love about the gen - Week. The reality TV star made She sashayed along the side- was freaked out by the doll and said re is it’s really fun to go and see a the streets her personal run- walk in chocolate, caramel and working on the film was incredible horror movie in a theatre. It’s a way as she wore one of the pinkish latex ensemble. She unnerving. Katie communal experience being scared latex looks from Balmain’s accessorised each piece with “It was creepy. It was really Holmes with strangers. I’ve done this fall collection to Kanye West’s a matching latex blazer, killer creepy every single time. They genre before, and I think it’s Sunday Service in Paris on heels with stunning hair and did such a good job with that really fun to create a charac - Sunday (local time). makeup. doll and I mean, I didn’t want ter within this kind of gen - According to E!News, the Kim styled her hair in a to be alone with the doll. It was re,” she said. SKIMS founder on Sunday chic ponytail that had a long weird. By the end, it was like, ‘Am Holmes heaped praise on stepped out in not one but extension and was parted to I waiting in line behind a doll at director William Brent Bell, three outfits that showed the side, she accessorised her catering? I might be. I think this who has once again teamed off her enviable curves. Kim updo with a, matching caramel thing really is alive’,” Holmes told up with writer Stacey Mene- donned skintight pieces from latex-like hair tie, earlier in Bloody Disgusting, reports fema- ar three years after the origi- Balmain’s latest collection, the day. lefirst.co.uk. nal “The Boy” movie.

Akshay: I’ve become a Disha Deepika cancels Paris Patani set to star in Fashion Week trip due Katrina fan after ‘Sooryavanshi’ ‘Ek Villian’ sequel to coronavirus scare Mumbai very special cameos in the film as Mumbai Mumbai Bajirao Singham of the “Singham” ollywood superstar Akshay films and Sangram Bhalerao of ctress Disha Patani is set for an- ctress Deepika Padukone Kumar is back sharing big “Simmba” respectively. Director other action-packed outing on has called off her plans to Bscreen space with Katrina Rohit Shetty and co-producer Athe big screen with her next Aattend the ongoing Paris Kaif in Rohit Shetty’s upcoming cop Karan Johar were also pres- project. She has come on board for the Fashion Week owing to the global action feature “Sooryavanshi”, for ent at the do on Monday in sequel of 2014 sleeper hit “Ek Villain”. coronavirus outbreak. the first time since their 2010 dud Mumbai. Reportedly, Disha will star in the sequel The actress was invited by “Tees Maar Khan”. Akshay along with Aditya Roy Kapur and John luxury fashion house Louis insists he has become a big Abraham, and the film, which is being di- Vuitton to attend their show fan of Katrina after working rected by Mohit Suri, will have her essay a at the Paris Fashion Week, together in their new film. character inspired by Rosamund Pike’s role which is due to run till “There is one scene in in the 2014 Hollywood film “Gone Girl”. March 3. which Katrina has per- “Disha is the first heroine who walked The actress had to can- formed so beautifully that up to me and said, ‘I want to do more cel her trip due to the after the shot I have be- action, beat up people, perform stunts. recent developments come a big fan of her Just the way boys do it in your films about the growing and her acting talent. I want to be the hero’,” Mohit said. coronavirus epi- Earlier, I was admirer On Disha’s character in the demic. of her beauty but after movie, Mohit said: “While ‘Malang’ “Deepika this film, I have become brought Disha’s freespirited ava- Padukone was admirer of her acting. tar to light, this one will show- scheduled to trav- She has done a brilliant case her as an integral part of el to France to attend job in this film. When the action-franchise.” Louis Vuitton’s FW2020 she started off, she didn’t “Ek Villain”, released in 2014, show at the ongoing Par- know a single word of Hin- was an action thriller and a tragic is Fashion Week but has di but today she is working love story featuring Sidharth had to cancel her trip with with big stars of this in- Malhotra, Shraddha Ka- news coming in that the dustry,” said Akshay, at the poor and Riteish coronavirus epidemic has trailer launch of “Soorya- Deshmukh. now entered a new stage vanshi” also attended by Ka- in France,” said an official trina, along with Ajay Devgn spokesperson for the ac- and Ranveer Singh, who have tress. 15 TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020

16DAYS TO BAHRAIN sports GRAND PRIX 2020

Record-breaking Indian Cricketer visits ISB Isa triumphs in His Majesty’s Endurance Cup horserace

TDT | Manama

ictorious Team jockey Salman Isa has on Sun- Vday claimed His Majes- ty’s Endurance Cup after win- ning the 160-kilometre race, Indian Cricketer Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan with ISC students and staff which is sponsored by the Gulf Finance House (GFH). TDT | Manama students for their enthusiasm Under the patronage of HM for cricketing skills. Principal King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, ndian Cricketer Vidyut Si- VR Palaniswamy, Vice-Princi- HM the King’s Representative Ivaramakrishnan who is the pals and Physical Education for Charity Works and Youth only number 11 batsman from teachers attended the inter- Affairs, National Security Ad- India to score a first class cen- active session. visor and Supreme Council for tury, visited the Indian School Vidyut played for Tamil Youth and Sports Affairs (SCYS) Bahrain (ISB) and interacted Nadu in the Ranji Trophy. He Chairman HH Shaikh Nasser bin with the students. He is the has also played for Chennai Hamad Al-Khalifa presented only first class cricketer to Super Kings in the Indian Pre- the champion with the trophy. score a century in no 11 and mier League. Vidyut was part The ceremony which was no 1 batting positions. of the 2000 Under-19 Cricket held at the Bahrain Interna - In the interactive session World Cup winning India na- tional Endurance Village was with the under 14 boys he tional under-19 cricket team. also attended by Supreme Coun- said that a very solid defense The son of Venkataraman Si- cil for the Environment (SCE) HH Shaikh Nasser crowns the race winners was needed to become a good varamakrishnan, the former Vice President, SCYS member batsman. He also urged the Tamil Nadu opening batsman, HH Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa paid tribute to HM students to develop cricket Vidyut entered the record Al-Khalifa, Bahrain Royal the King, hailing royal care for skills at young age, partici - books in his second domestic Equestrian and Endurance the endurance sport, which pating in all tournaments. ‘Do season itself - his 122-ball 115 (BREEF) President HH Shaikh achieved landmark strides in the lots of workouts and strict- against Delhi in Chennai was Isa bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa and prosperous era, pledged to spare ly follow the instructions of the first century by a No.11 in GFH Capital Chairman Ahmed no efforts to further develop the the coaches’, he said. Vidyut Ranji Trophy history. Like Ravi bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa. completion in the Kingdom of Sivaramakrishnan appreciat- Shastri did in his Test career, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Ham- Bahrain. ed the Indian School for the Vidyut moved up the order and ad Al-Khalifa, accompanied He extended his congratu- excellent hospitality and the eventually became an opener. by Shaikh Ahmed bin Khalifa lations to the winning jockeys Al-Khalifa, has also honoured who claimed the top three spots Al-Zaim Team Jockey Maiyouf in HM the King’s Festival en- Al-Romaihi and Victorious durance festival, commending Jockey Othman Al-Awadhi, the GFH for its support which Thailand MotoGP postponed who finished second and third contributed to the success of AFP | Bangkok Thailand organisers post- respectively. the festival. poned the March 20-22 race The Champion, Salman Isa, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad hailand’s MotoGP was in Buriram without setting a won the five-stage 160-kilo - Al Khalifa also honoured the Tpostponed over the new new date. metre race, clocking (6hrs, equestrian sponsors and the coronavirus yesterday as mo- “I don’t say it’s cancelled, 59 minutes and 50 seconds), youngest jockey, Mohammed torcycling’s premier cham- I just say it is postponed un- followed by second-placed Ahmed, from Muharraq Eques- Isa crosses the finish line to take his fine victory pionship took its second hit til time allows us to do (the Maiyouf Al-Romaihi, who cov- trian School. in two days from the deadly event),” Anutin Charnvira- ered the distance in 7 hours, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Ham- held jointly by the Bahrain Royal Al-Khalifa also honoured the outbreak. kul, chairman of the Thai - while third-placed Othman ad Al Khalifa and his sons also Equestrian and Endurance Fed- children who participated in A day after the season-open- land MotoGP organising Al-Awadhi clocked 7 hrs. and 5 honoured the autistic children eration (BREEF) and Al-Wafa the programme, as well as, the ing Qatar MotoGP was axed, committee, said. seconds. on the success of the rehabili- Centre for Autistic Children. officials in charge of the pro - HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad tation programme which was HH Shaikh Isa bin Abdulla gramme and the trainer. Only a few days left to enter BIC raffle for F1 Paddock Club passes TDT | Manama There, they will be able to watch all the racing in a luxu- otorsport fans are urged rious, first-class setting and in- Mto act fast and purchase dulge in a wide variety of premi- their Main Grandstand tickets um food and beverages through- at the soonest as only a few days out the whole three days of F1. KNOW WHAT remain to enter Bahrain Inter- Plus, they will have a chance to national Circuit’s (BIC) exciting rub shoulders with a whole host raffle for a chance to win two of VIPs, and without a doubt will three-day Formula 1 Paddock get to see Formula 1 star drivers The two Formula 1 Club passes to the Formula 1 from past and present. Paddock Club passes Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix Only Main Grandstand tick- will give the winners 2020. et-holders will be entered in access to one of This is the first time this the raffle. Winners will be an- the most exclusive prestigious prize worth almost nounced within the week fol- locations from where $10,000 is being offered for the lowing March 7. Kingdom’s Formula 1 spectacle. A four-day Main Grandstand to enjoy this year’s Fans must buy a Main Grand- seat costs BD150. The Main race weekend, which stand ticket on or before Satur- Grandstand offers a spectacular takes place March 19 day, March 7, to be entered into view of the race track, including to 22 at BIC the draw. Those who have al- the Grand Prix circuit’s start and F1 cars in action at BIC (file photo) ready secured their Main Grand- finish lines, its main straight, Court. priced at BD100 apiece; and also 1 World Championship. It will be the series of fantastic live perfor- stand seat have been entered the Formula 1 Pit Lane and the Aside from the Main Grand- Friday-only tickets at BD60 each. the first night race of the season mances by Grammy Award-win- automatically. podium. stand, tickets can also be pur- Furthermore, a four-day tick- and BIC will be joining Formula ning producer, songwriter and The two Formula 1 Paddock Tickets can be bought online chased for four other grand- et to the Turn One Grandstand 1 and national carrier Gulf Air in DJ Afrojack, who will be taking Club passes will give the win- at BIC’s official website www. stands, but they will not be en- costs BD100; whereas University commemorating their respective to the stage on the Friday night ners access to one of the most bahraingp.com, through the BIC tered into the raffle. A Batelco and Victory Grandstand four- 70th anniversaries. of the Grand Prix; along with exclusive locations from where Hotline on +973-17450000, or at Grandstand ticket for all four day tickets are BD60 apiece. Aside from the racing, there global superstar Khalid and Top to enjoy this year’s race week- BIC’s City Centre Bahrain stand days is BD120, while there are This year’s Bahrain Grand will be non-stop family enter- 10 DJ and producer Don Diablo end, which takes place March located on the ground floor near also Batelco Grandstand tickets Prix is the second of a record 22 tainment throughout the week- who will put on back-to-back 19 to 22 at BIC. gate number three in the West for only Saturday and Sunday rounds on the 2020 FIA Formula end. Headlining it all will be shows on an epic Saturday night. TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020 16 Daruvala, Lawson lead on day two Jehan Daruvala and Liam Lawson top the times on second day of F2, F3 tests at BIC

TDT | Manama day during the cooler, afternoon con- both series. The Formula 2 competitors ditions around BIC’s 5.412-kilometre will be out on track from 11.45am to ehan Daruvala and Liam Law - Grand Prix track. 2.15pm and then from 5.15pm to 7.45pm, son topped the timesheets on the The Formula 2 and Formula 3 teams while the Formula 3 drivers will kick off Jsecond day of Formula 2 and For- are using these tests as part of their the day’s action from 9am to 11.30am mula 3 pre-season testing on Monday preparations for the start of their and then again from 2.30pm to 5pm for at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) respective 2020 seasons. Their first their afternoon run. in Sakhir. rounds will be held in support of this For Formula 2, Daruvala set the day’s Daruvala of Carlin set the pace year’s Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand benchmark at one minute 41.260 sec- amongst the Formula 2 runners, while Prix, taking place March 19 to 22 at BIC. onds, which was more than six-tenths Lawson of Hitech Grand Prix was the Testing is scheduled to continue for of a second quicker than the best time fastest of the Formula 3 challengers. one final day on Tuesday (Editor’s note: set during the first day of tests. He com- They each posted their best laps of the March 3) with the final two sessions for pleted 23 laps in the late afternoon ses- sion as day turned into night and BIC’s state-of-the-art floodlights came on. Guanyu Zhou of UNI-Virtuosi fol- lowed with a best time of 1:41.377 and 29 laps done, while day one leader Pe- dro Piquet of Charouz Racing System was third with a 1:41.491 mark and 24 Louis Deletraz of Charouz Racing System speeds past BIC’s Sakhir Tower during testing yesterday laps in total. Mick Schumacher of PREMA Racing Aitken and Markelov’s teammate Gi- Sargeant of PREMA Racing, Lawson’s was classified fourth, while rounding uliano Alesi. teammate Dennis Hauger, and Oscar out the top six from the 22-car field For Formula 3, Lawson put Hitech Piastri, also of PREMA. were Sergey Sirotkin of ART Grand Prix in first place amongst the 30 testers for In the morning, David Schumacher and Jack Aitken of Campos Racing. the day with a best lap of 1:46.365 and of Charouz Racing System was quickest In the morning tests, Hitech Grand 25 laps completed in his afternoon run. with a best lap time of 1:47.461 in 30 Prix teammates Nikita Mazepin and Lawson improved on the best overall laps. Sebastian Fernandez of ART Grand Luca Ghiotto had an impressive one- lap time set on day one. Prix followed closely in 1:47.482, also two with only 0.005s separating the Clement Novalak of Carlin Buzz Rac- with 30 laps, while Schumacher’s team- pair. Mazepin had a fastest time of ing came second with a 1:46.884 lap mate Niko Kari was third with a time of 1:43.825 in 19 laps while Ghiotto’s best with 35 laps of work, while Alexander 1:47.630 after completing 40 laps. was 1:43.830 in completing 29 laps. Peroni of Campos Racing was classified Fourth through sixth, respectively, Artem Markelov of BWT HWA Racelab third with a 1:46.902 time and 37 laps were Lirim Zendeli of Trident, Novalak Mick Schumacher tests his PREMA Racing car late in the afternoon session was third with a lap of 1:43.882, while of testing. and Theo Pourchaire of ART Grand rounding out the top six were Zhou, Completing the top six were Logan Prix.

AlphaTauri boss Amir Albazi fights Abdul Hussein for a spot at prefers Bahrain as F1 BRAVE CF Flyweight Tournament Group B winter test site TDT | Manama record of 12 wins and only one TDT | Manama loss, Amir “The Prince” Alba- Scandinavian clash will zi, is currently ranked #2 Fly- top Formula 1 official has Aearn the winner a spot at weight in the United Kingdom, Adescribed Bahrain as his the second bracket of BRAVE CF where he trains out of London preferred venue for Formula 1 prestigious Flyweight world ti- Shootfighters. In his last ap - winter testing. tle tournament. Sweden’s Amir pearance, Albazi defeated Ryan Franz Tost, team princi - Albazi and Finland’s Abdul Hus- Curtis with a first-round key pal of AlphaTauri, which has sein will clash in their home lock submission in November, rebranded from Toro Rosso, region, at BRAVE Combat Fed- 2019. told GPblog.com that Bahrain eration’s debut in Sweden, with Abdul “ABBA” Hussein holds is among the countries where BRAVE CF 37, scheduled for April a pro record of seven wins and it “makes more sense” to host 18 in Stockholm. only one loss. The Espoon Ke- the pre-season tests. Whoever emerges victorious hehait athlete is currently on a Barcelona is the tradition- of Albazi vs Hussain will join 3-win streak inside the BRAVE al host, with this year’s ses- the Group B of the BRAVE CF CF arena, with wins over Syl- sions being completed just last Franz Tost looks on during a race Flyweight Tournament, along- vester Chipfumbu, John Cris week. (file photo) side other three fighters yet to Corton, and Martin de Beer, the Tost was commented as be announced. The two match- most recent one at BRAVE CF 31 saying: “We were lucky with ly after two in the afternoon. es of the opposite side, Group in December, 2019. the weather this year. I was In terms of circumstances, a A, are already confirmed and BRAVE Combat Federation’s also here in Barcelona a few test in Bahrain is, therefore, will take place at BRAVE CF 35, debut in Sweden is scheduled years ago with the winter test more logical, but you also have in Brazil. Further down the for April 18, in the capital Stock- and then we had snow and it to take into account circum- road, the winner of Groups A holm. The fight night will be rained a lot. My personal opin- stances such as logistics. It is and B will meet and the win - promoted in association with ion is that a winter test in Abu easier and cheaper to bring the ner will be crowned the very the local Mixed Martial Arts Dhabi or Bahrain makes more parts to Barcelona from Italy first BRAVE CF Flyweight World powerhouse AK Fighting Cham- sense. or England.” Champion. With a professional pionship. “In those countries, we Bahrain has hosted pre-sea- almost always have good son testing a few times in the weather and we also drive past, as well as in-season test- under the same conditions ing, and the warm and stable as in a race. If the tyres work weather conditions have al- New Zealand thrash India by seven wickets to sweep series in Barcelona in the winter, it lowed more track time for the does not mean that they also participating Formula 1 teams Reuters | Christchurch The Black Caps dismissed the as New Zealand drove home a line. India are a world class side, work in Australia, Bahrain, to work on their cars without tourists for 124 in the first hour dominance that was only briefly top of the comp, so a great effort Vietnam or other places, be- interruption. ew Zealand romped to of the third day before chasing challenged over the two match- from the guys.” cause the temperature is too This year, BIC has been the Na seven-wicket victory down their 132-run victory tar- es in the series. India succumbed to their first low. site of pre-season testing for over India in the second test get with half of the test to spare “Outstanding,” said New Zea- two defeats in the World Test “We had a lot of wind prob- Formula 2 and Formula 3 as in Christchurch yesterday for for the loss of three wickets. land captain Kane Williamson. Championship but their big lems this year in Barcelona, well as for Formula 1 tyre sup- an emphatic 2-0 series sweep Henry Nicholls hit the win- “I don’t think the end result lead means their position at the where it is difficult to test and pliers Pirelli, which will be of the number one side in the ning run after his openers had reflected how tight that match top of the standings will not be the temperature drops quick- held during the season. world. done most of the heavy lifting was. As we know, there’s a fine threatened any time soon.