BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 Nantes keep PSG waiting Qatar streamlining investment, business for title initiatives: MoCI published in QATAR since 1978

THURSDAY Vol. XXXX No. 11157 April 18, 2019 Sha’baan 13, 1440 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

In brief Jordan king meets defence minister

QATAR | Offi cial Amir condoles with Work on Qatar’s president of Congo His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness 1st cable-stayed the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani sent yesterday cables of condolences to the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, on the victims of the bridge begins sunken ship, wishing the injured a speedy recovery. O Bridge to be ready in the first quarter of 2021 ARAB WORLD | Unrest he Public Works Authority Bashir moved to prison (Ashghal) has started the con- Tstruction of Qatar’s fi rst cable- as protesters rally Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Supreme Commander of the Jordanian Armed Forces, met with HE the Deputy Prime Minister and stayed bridge and the conversion of Sudan’s military rulers have Minister of State for Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah at the Al Husseiniya Palace in Amman yesterday. HE al- Haloul Roundabout into a two-level transferred ousted president Omar al- Attiyah, who is on an off icial visit to Jordan, conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani interchange as part of Sabah Al Ahmad Bashir to prison, a family source said to King Abdullah II. The Jordanian king reciprocated his greetings to the Amir. The meeting dealt with bilateral relations and the Corridor project. yesterday, as crowds of protesters means to enhance them. Page 2 The 1,200m long bridge will extend flocked through Khartoum in vans prior to Haloul Roundabout through and buses to join a sit-in at the army Faleh Bin Nasser Intersection on Salwa complex. Two of Bashir’s five brothers Road to provide free traffi c fl ow be- Artist’s impression of Qatar’s first cable- have also been detained. Page 12 US urged not to restrict Qatar Airways fl ights tween Hamad International Airport stayed bridge as seen from Faleh Bin and the areas of Abu Hamour, Me- Nasser Intersection on Salwa Road. ASIA | Vote The US government should not restrict destinations since June, a deal that US Airways and Air Italy could lead to saimeer and Al Waab. Qatar Airways or Air Italy from flying to lawmakers say may have violated a retaliation against US carriers. With four lanes in each direction, Haloul intersection as well as Faleh Bin Widodo on track the United States because it may lead commitment by the Gulf airline not to “For JetBlue, who just announced its the bridge will accommodate more Nasser intersection on Salwa Road will to be re-elected to the unravelling of other aviation add new flights to the domestic market. intention to begin service to London than 16,000 vehicles a hour. In a state- ease the congestion in the vital area Indonesia’s Joko Widodo was on track to agreements around the world, three But in a letter to Secretary of State from New York City and Boston starting ment yesterday, Ashghal’s engineer signifi cantly,” he explained. be re-elected leader of the world’s third- US airlines said in a letter to off icials Mike Pompeo and Secretary of in 2021, the possibility of retaliation Abdullah al-Naiemi said construction As per the plan, Haloul Roundabout biggest democracy as unoff icial results yesterday. Transportation Elaine Chao, JetBlue could have a devastating impact on the of the bridge will be completed in the will be revamped into a two-level inter- put him in a comfortable lead over Washington is scrutinising state-owned Airways Corp and cargo carriers FedEx ability to obtain authority to operate fi rst quarter of 2021 while the Haloul change, including an ‘at-grade’ signal- firebrand ex-general Prabowo Subianto Qatar Airways’ acquisition of 49% of Corp and Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings in the EU,” the airlines said. (Reuters) Intersection will be ready in 2020. lised intersection along with the free- after voting closed yesterday. Page 14 Air Italy, which has been flying to US Inc said restricting the rights of Qatar Business Page 15 “The bridge that is to pass over fl ow cable-stayed bridge. To Page 24 Gulf Times 2 Thursday, April 18, 2019 QATAR

Defence minister meets Jordanian chairman of joint chiefs of staff

QNA Amman

E the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Hof State for Defence Af- fairs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al- Attiyah met here yesterday with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces Lieutenant General Mah- moud Freihat. The meeting dealt with bi- lateral relations in the military fi eld. The Qatar Armed Forces and the Jordanian Armed Forces signed a number of co-operation agreements. The agreements were signed HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah by president of the international and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces Lieutenant General Mahmoud HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah military co-operation author- Freihat, witness the signing of an agreement between the Qatar Armed Forces and the Jordanian Armed holding a meeting with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces ity, Brigadier General Abdulaziz Forces in Amman. Lieutenant General Mahmoud Freihat in Amman. Saleh al-Sulaiti, and Chief Exec- utive of Barrer Holding, Youssef al-Hunaiti, and director of the two armed forces and raise Minister of State for Defence of Royal Jordanian Air Force The meeting was attended Hamad bin Abdullah al-Fetais Abdulrahman al-Khulaifi on the supply in the general command the level of the armed forces in Affairs, which was attended Major General (Pilot), Yousef on the Qatari side by the head al-Marri, Military Attache Qatari side. of the armed forces, Brigadier administrative, technical, and by the Chairman of the Joint Ahmed al-Hunaiti, Director of the authority of colleges of Qatar to Jordan, Brigadier It was signed on the Jorda- General Mohamed Ali al-Ma- organisational aspects. Chiefs of Staff, General In- General of Royal Medical Serv- and institutes, Major General General Shafi Mohamed al- nian signed by director of plan- naseer. An official reception cer- spector of the Armed Forces ices, Saad Jaber, and a number Hamad bin Ahmed al-Nuai- Shafi, and a number of ranking ning and organisation, Briga- The agreements aim to in- emony was held for HE the Major General Ghazi Awda of ranking officers at the Jor- mi, Commander of the Joint officers at the Qatar Armed dier General Abdullah Hassan crease co-operation between Deputy Prime Minister and al-Muqaibel, Commander danian Armed Forces. Special Forces Major General Forces.

Qatar-US naval Qatari delegation visits Malaysia to discuss bilateral relations ties reviewed Commander of the Amiri Naval Forces, Major General QNA in a number of developmental hathir Mohamed. (Navy) Abdullah bin Hassan Kuala Lumpur and operational projects and The delegation included rep- al-Sulaiti, met on Tuesday with increase the economic partner- resentatives from Ministry of the Vice-Admiral James Malloy, ship, in addition to improving Commerce and Industry, Minis- Commander of the US Naval delegation from Qatar, co-operation in the aviation and try of Culture and Sports, Min- Forces Central Command comprising representa- airport management fi elds. istry of Endowments and Islamic (NAVCENT); and Commander Atives from a number of They also discussed prepara- Aff airs, Ministry of Municipality of the US 5th Fleet and his ministries, companies, authori- tions for Doha hosting this fall and Environment, Public Works accompanying delegation. ties, associations and business- the 14th edition of the World Is- Authority (Ashghal), Qatar Free During the meeting, they men, held a work visit to Malay- lamic Economic Forum. Zone Authority, Qatar Invest- discussed aspects of co- sia to discuss promoting bilateral Both sides agreed on the im- ment Authority, Hassad Food operation and a number of issues relations between both coun- portance of the discussions and Company, Regulatory Authority of common interest, especially in tries in vital fi elds, including what resulted from it as one of for Charitable Activities, Qatar relation to the maritime aspects, economy, investment, develop- The Qatari delegation in Kuala Lumpur. the successful outcomes of the Red Crescent Society, Qatar and means of developing and ment, trade and industry. visit held by His Highness the Charity, Qatar Civil Aviation enhancing them in light of the The delegation was chaired ambassador Tariq Ali al-Ansari, The delegation held in-depth istries of trade, industry, invest- Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Authority, Qatar Airways, Qatar common concern to raise the by the head of Department of with the participation of the am- technical discussions for three ment, agriculture, education, al-Thani to Malaysia last De- Chamber, Qatar businessmen level of co-operation to wider International Co-operation at bassador of Qatar to Malaysia, days, with the Malaysian Min- culture, sports and youth. cember and the talks he had with Association and Baladna Food horizons to achieve mutual the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs, Fahad bin Mohamed Kafoud. istry of Foreign Aff airs and min- They agreed to co-operate Prime Minister of Malaysia Ma- Industries. interests. - QNA

Gulf Times 4 Thursday, April 18, 2019 QATAR

Qatar’s openness and Cabinet lauds conduct commitment to human rights come in for praise

QNA been opening up on other coun- Doha tries around the world and mov- of sixth CMC elections ing towards a democratic path. He said that another benefi t QNA them success in their mission to and appropriation of real estate and conditions of the use of Technical Co-operation (Berlin, ecretary General of inter- of the conference was that par- Doha serve the country. for public benefi t. manors and the lands and houses February 2019), and took the ap- national organisation ‘No ticipants got to discuss how cur- The Cabinet then considered The Ministry of Municipality of mainland. propriate decision thereon. SPeace Without Justice’, rent international mechanisms the topics listed on its agenda as and Environment has prepared The Cabinet approved a draft The Cabinet listened to a Dr Niccolo Figa-Talamanca, on combating impunity, which he Cabinet’s regular follows: the two draft laws with a view decision of HE the Minister of presentation by HE the Minister praised the role of Qatar in pro- were established with the help meeting, chaired by HE The Cabinet approved a draft to updating legislation to ad- Municipality and Environment of Municipality and the Envi- moting human rights locally and of Qatar and other countries, Tthe Prime Minister Sheikh law regulating the receipt and dress the problems emerged on the transfer of waste in the ronment on the general cleaning internationally. can be developed in the future. Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa disbursement of Zakat funds, from the practical reality in this towers area. services. Speaking to Qatar News He also mentioned recent de- al-Thani, yesterday praised the and decided to refer it to the Ad- field, and to keep pace with the The Cabinet endorsed a pro- The presentation included an Agency (QNA) on the sidelines velopments in the region, such sixth Central Municipal Coun- visory Council. comprehensive urban plan of posal to represent the General overview of the general cleaning of the International Confer- as Sudan, and Malaysia’s join- cil elections, which was held on The draft law was prepared to the State. Tax Authority in some commit- services provided by the Minis- ence on “National, regional and ing of the International Criminal Tuesday and had a large turnout replace Law No 8 of 1992 on the The Cabinet then approved a tees related to the competences try of Municipality and the En- international mechanisms to Court. of citizens. establishment of the Zakat Fund, draft decision of the council of of the Ministry of Commerce vironment, the stages of devel- combat impunity and ensure ac- He said that these develop- Following the meeting, which in the framework of updating ministers on the conditions and and Industry. opment of services, the plan for countability under the law”, he ments and others gave the con- was held at the Amiri Diwan, HE legislation and keeping up with restrictions of the holders of the The Cabinet approved a draft the gradual provision of public said that Qatar’s organising of ference a bigger momentum. the Minister of Justice and Act- the changes. permanent residency card on memorandum of understand- cleaning services to the private the conference was not a public- He said he was impressed ing Minister of State for Cabinet Under the provisions of the treatment and education in gov- ing for co-operation in the field sector, and the plan for waste ity stunt, but rather out of com- with the National Human Rights Aff airs Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali al- draft law, the competent depart- ernment institutions within the of audit work between the State treatment and recycling within mitment to international organ- Committee (NHRC), praising it Nuaimi stated the following: ment at the Ministry of Awqaf country. Audit Bureau of Qatar and the the framework of the general isation to end impunity. as the only one in the region that The Cabinet said these suc- and Islamic Aff airs shall receive The draft decision was pre- Federal Board of Supreme Au- strategy for public hygiene serv- He said that Qatar’s human was truly independent. cessful elections are an addition and disburse Zakat funds in ac- pared in the context of the issu- dit of Iraq. ices. rights record was good, and He said that the committee to the democratic experience, cordance with the aspects pre- ance of the executive decisions The Cabinet reviewed a letter The Cabinet stressed the im- added that one of the positive was in contrast to other simi- in light of the wise leadership of scribed in Shariah. of the provisions of Law No 10 of of HE the Minister of Commerce portance of spreading awareness outcomes of the conference was lar committees in neighbouring His Highness the Amir Sheikh The Cabinet also approved a 2018 on Permanent Residency. and Industry on the results of about the preservation of public that practitioners got to see that countries, where they act as a Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. draft law on public and private Meanwhile, the Cabinet ap- the sixth session of the Qatari- cleanliness and the co-operation Qatar’s human rights practices propaganda arm. The NHRC on The Cabinet congratulated the property of the state, and a draft proved a draft decision of the German Joint Committee for of citizens and residents with were not a facade. the other hand, he added, was winning candidates and wished law on temporary expropriation council of ministers on the terms Economic, Commercial and the ministry in this fi eld. He noted that the country has focused on just doing its job.

NHRC chief meets accountability conference participants

HE the Chairman of National Hu- man Rights Committee (NHRC), Dr Ali bin Smaikh al-Marri, met a number of participants in the international conference titled “National, regional and interna- tional mechanisms to combat impunity and ensure account- ability under the law,” HE al-Marri met the vice- Dignitaries at the conference. president of the Kuwaiti human rights bureau Dr Siham Abdul- wahab al-Fareeh, Interministe- rial Delegate for Human Rights in Morocco, Ahmed Chaouqui QU conference discusses education’s Benyoub, Chief of Rule of Law, Equality and Non-discrimination Branch at OHCHR, Mona Rish- role in promoting national identity mawi, Chief of Middle East and North Africa Section (Mena) at the OHCHR, Mohamed Alnsour, atar University, identity in Qatar, as well other in the base of their and Economic Survey Re- Vice-Chairperson of CEDAW represented by the as a set of public policies “humanitarian” and “civi- search Institute at Qatar in the UN, Nicole Ameline, and QSocial and Eco- based on fi eld information. lisational” origins. University Dr Hassan al- vice-chairman of the Advisory nomic Survey Research In his inaugural speech, For his part, HE the Min- Sayed said that the im- Committee at the UN Human Institute, held the National the President of Qatar Uni- ister of State Dr Hamad portance of the National Rights Council, Lazhari Bouzid. Identity Conference 2019, versity, Dr Hassan Rashid bin Abdul Aziz al-Kuwari Identity Conference 2019 with the participation of al-Derham, stressed the said that identity involves is to identify and defi ne the Albanian PM researchers from the Uni- importance of the confer- a system of cultural values components of national versity and a number of ence as the “national iden- and it is a sign of a group identity in Qatar. leaves Doha government agencies in tity” is the basis for the affi liation with each other. Al-Sayed stressed the Qatar and in the presence establishment and conti- The Undersecretary of importance of the subject Albanian Prime Minister Edi of a large number partici- nuity of modern societies the Ministry of Education of national identity at this Rama left Doha yesterday, after pants. and countries in the mod- and Higher Education Dr time when the Qatari so- an off icial visit to Qatar. The conference dis- ern world, pointing out Ibrahim al-Naimi tackled ciety is undergoing major He was seen off at Doha Interna- cussed two main scientifi c that modern societies and the role of the Ministry in changes in light of globali- tional Airport by HE the Minister topics, the national iden- countries, while diff eren- instilling the concept and sation and economic and of Municipality and Environ- tity and the role of educa- tiated by national iden- value of national identity. technological develop- ment Abdullah bin Abdulaziz tion in promoting national tity, should open up to each The Director of Social ment. – QNA bin Turki al-Subaie. CMU-Q concludes Hackathon 2019 competition

QNA “This is excellent experi- Doha ence for students who are in- terested in high tech because they learn to harness their he seventh edition creative energy, collaborate of Carnegie Mellon in teams and produce an app TUniversity in Qatar’s in a time-pressured envi- Hackathon 2019 competi- ronment.” tion, the student-led com- This year’s Hackathon was petition, concluded after 11 sponsored by Siemens in Qa- teams of young innovators tar, who provided judges and participated in the round- mentors for the competition the-clock race to create an and presented prizes to the app. four winning teams. As one After spending 24 hours of the world’s largest tech- developing an app, each team nology companies, Siemens had six minutes the project has applied for more patents to the panel of judges. in 2018 than any other com- The top prize for Carnegie pany in Europe, as reported Mellon University in Qatar’s by the European Patent Of- Hackathon 2019 competi- fi ce. tion went to a time manage- The Hackathon was an ment tool for students. The opportunity to engage with app, which was developed Qatar’s emerging developers. by CMU-Q students, uses a Adrian Wood, the compa- smart sorting algorithm that ny’s CEO in Qatar and one of manages and sorts tasks for the Hackathon judges, was busy students, and uses ad- impressed with the eff orts of vanced machine learning to the young techs. “Knowing fi nd and retrieve answers to the potential that a hacka- questions using speech rec- thon can bring to the tech in- ognition. dustry sets the bar very high “The Hackathon format is for participants, and we can intensive, with a tight time- expect to hear about the next line and high levels of com- big app from an event like petition,” said Dan Phelps, as- this,” he said. sociate teaching professor of The panel included spe- information systems and the cialists from Siemens, CMU- faculty adviser for the event. Q and Ooredoo. Gulf Times Thursday, April 18, 2019 5 QATAR

QCRI’s Creative Space Fair to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines among children, teenagers, and adults. QCRI to host Creative Space Fair for children

atar Computing Research In- a live science show presented by the “The interactive event has stitute (QCRI), part of Hamad STEM hub. proved popular among the wider QBin Khalifa University (HBKU), The highly engaging activities are community and we are expecting is to host a Creative Space Fair on April designed to cater to three diff erent age to welcome more than 500 visitors 27. groups: six years and under, ages seven this year. The fair aims to promote science, to 10, and 11 to 14. “We invite parents to bring along technology, engineering, and math- Creative Space Fair will explore sev- their children for a stimulating day out ematics (STEM) disciplines among eral themes such as coding, electron- that promotes learning through fun children, teenagers, and adults ics, robotics, chemistry, thermody- and engaging activities.” through innovative learning activities. namics, and renewable energy. Advanced activities for older chil- Participating institutions, includ- Dr Eman Fituri, senior programme dren will include Arduino program- ing STEM Hub of Texas A&M Univer- manager at QCRI, said, “Our annual ming, 3D printing, laser cutting, mo- sity, Qatar Scientifi c Club, ibTECHar, Creative Space Fair is a fantastic op- bile application development, and Tebyan, and Geek Express, will each portunity for students to see how robotics, among others. present unique opportunities to help STEM is used all around us and to Creative Space Fair will be held from students’ learn STEM skills in an at- pique their interest in the diff erent 11am to 3pm at Researchery in Educa- tractive and creative way, including fi elds from an early age. tion City. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, April 18, 2019 QATAR Baladna looking to export milk products soon

By Joseph Varghese lines of his presentation at an grammes for innovative prod- on recycling aspects, but the fi rst “Our present priority is to pro- of milk is good enough for the Staff Reporter event organised by the Canadian ucts, mostly in juice and other priority is self-suffi ciency of the vide self-suffi ciency for Qatar. country, but if people start using Business Council Qatar, in col- dairy products,” noted Eldaly. food products in Qatar,” Eldaly We are producing 320 tonnes of more milk products, we will have laboration with Qatar Australia “We launched Baladna juice said. “At present, plastic bottles milk daily, and we have almost to produce more. aladna is envisaging ex- New Zealand Business Associa- last week, and it is available in are the best packaging method 95% of market share,” Eldaly “These days people are more porting milk to adjacent tion. the market now. The product is available.” said. health-conscious and want more Bcountries soon, a company Canada’s ambassador to Qatar available (in bottles of) 1.5 litres, “Plastic is used by many lead- Currently, Baladna has over healthy products. Accordingly, offi cial disclosed yesterday. Stefanie McCollum and several in six fl avours. ing organisations, including 20,000 cows. there could be demand for more “There will be some an- other offi cials were present on “We have plans to introduce some major ones. Glass bottles The company has also plans milk products,” he added. nouncements in the next two the occasion. the product in other sizes very will be expensive and diffi cult to for going for an IPO (initial pub- Eldaly also said that during the weeks,” said senior marketing di- “Baladna will come out with soon,” he explained. handle,” he noted. “Moreover, lic off ering), which will be an- month of Ramadan, there will be rector Maher Eldaly. several new initiatives in the next “The environment is a big pri- the consumers will have to bear nounced later. special prices for Baladna prod- Eldaly: Our present priority is to He was speaking on the side- two years. We have several pro- ority for Baladna. We are working the rising cost accordingly.” “Our current production ucts, as is the practice in Qatar. provide self-suff iciency for Qatar.

National Museum of Qatar extends opening hours

The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) will have HIA hosts meeting of Smart extended opening hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, until 9pm, from today until the beginning of Ramadan. This was announced on the Twitter page of NMoQ Security Management Group yesterday. The NMoQ also tweeted that amad International Airport (HIA) “As an active member of ACI Asia Pa- they are introducing ‘Family is hosting the 17th meeting of cifi c’s Regional Security Committee, and Saturdays’ from April 20 Hthe Smart Security Management through our Smart Security Programme, in order to ensure that its Group (SSMG) in Doha. we are among the few leading airports in “youngest visitors have an The two-day meeting, which con- the world to consistently trial and im- opportunity to experience cludes today, gathered 25 delegates, in- prove our security processes at HIA for the museum to its fullest cluding offi cial observers and Airports increased effi ciency and for the comfort potential”. Council International (ACI) organisers. of our passengers. Further, visitors have been The ACI Smart Security initiative aims “Knowledge-sharing is pivotal to opti- advised to consider the to implement specifi c and measurable mising our airport processes and enhanc- following points in view of improvements in security eff ectiveness, ing our security procedures. the large crowds visiting operational effi ciency, and passenger ex- “We look forward to a productive the NMoQ on weekends: perience at airport security checkpoints meeting where we, along with our stake- the museum’s entrance and through improved use of technology, holders, will benefi t from ACI’s expertise car-park close at 7pm, the last process innovation, and the use of risk- and recommended practices.” tickets are issued at 7.30pm, based security concepts. ACI World director general Angela Git- and the museum closes at As airports and their stakeholders play tens said: “We thank Hamad International 9pm. a key role in facilitating eff ective, effi - Airport for hosting the 17th annual Smart The NMoQ, which has cient, and enhance passenger experienc- Security Management Group meeting. stunning architecture es, the Smart Security initiative gathers “With the predicted growth in air trav- designed by renowned stakeholders with the shared objective of el, evolving security threats, and passen- French architect Jean Nouvel transforming the security checkpoint for gers’ evolving expectations about their The two-day meeting gathered 25 delegates, including off icial observers and Airports Council International (ACI) organisers. and is home to an array of the benefi t of the travelling public. airport experience, it is more important rare and unique collections, HIA chief operating offi cer Badr Mo- than ever that airports forge sustainable leading transfer security screening HIA is currently in its final stages tors, amongst other developments. continues to draw a large hamed al-Meer said: “We are thrilled to security models that optimise their fa- product, which resulted in signifi cantly of an evaluation programme that Looking ahead, HIA, along with number of visitors daily since host the 17th annual Smart Security Man- cilities and meet the growing demands of shorter queuing times for passengers. measures the security and opera- Qatar Airways and Qatar Duty Free, is it opened to the public last agement Group meeting at Hamad Inter- their passengers.” With the airport’s introduction of tional benefits of different screen- set to host the world’s most infl uential month. national Airport. In 2018, HIA developed an industry- more transfer gates and minimum ing technologies, utilising new algo- airport commercial revenues confer- connection lanes, passengers at HIA rithms that would allow the airport ence “The Trinity Forum 2019” from are screened to national standards at to provide screening of cabin bag- October 30 to 31. the arrival gate directly, ensuring that gage without the need to segregate The conference, organised by The at least 95% of the airport’s transfer electronic devices, and exploring the Moodie Davitt Report, ACI World, and passengers queue for under fi ve min- use of body scanners instead of tra- ACI Asia-Pacifi c, will take place in utes. ditional walk through metal detec- Qatar for the fi rst time. Sheikh Thani donates $35mn to help displaced Rohingya, Yemenis

he UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has announced a major Tindividual contribution of more than $35mn from Qatari businessman Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah bin Thani al-Thani, for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and displaced Yemenis. The donation, the largest the UN- HCR has received from an individual, covers a one-year co-operation agree- ment and two grant agreements, and is worth $35,215,260, according to a press statement. The agreements were signed in Ge- Dignitaries and off icials at the signing of the agreements. neva between UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi and Sheikh The donation will be split into tion that will bring vital help to hun- Dr Khalid bin Thani bin Abdullah bin two parts: the fi rst aims at providing dreds of thousands of people whose Thani al-Thani, on behalf of Sheikh around 300,000 internally displaced lives have been torn apart by confl ict Thani, a Qatari lead philanthropist persons, returnees and members of and displacement,” said Grandi. “The and businessperson, in the presence the host community across Yemen UNHCR is deeply grateful to Sheikh of Sheikh Khalifa bin Thani bin Ab- with multi-purpose cash assistance Thani bin Abdullah for his generous dulla al-Thani and Dr Ayedh Dabsan and cash for shelter, with an amount of support.” al-Qahtani. $13,000,260. “It is a privilege and an immense The funds will be channelled via a The second part aims to support an opportunity to support the most vul- UNHCR programme established in estimated 450,000 Rohingya refugees nerable people. We hope that, through 2016 that is fully compliant with the in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, with a fo- the Thani Bin Abdullah Bin Thani Al- principles of Islamic social fi nancing. cus on health, nutrition and shelter, Thani Humanitarian Fund, to support One hundred per cent contributions for a total amount of $22,215,000. the displaced through the UNHCR’s go directly to those in need. “This is an extraordinary contribu- programmes,” said Sheikh Khalid.

Qatar Genome Programme, Genomics England ink pact

he Qatar Genome Programme collaboration focusing on areas of re- (QGP), a member of Qatar search in genomics that can have a glo- TFoundation (QF) and part of bal impact. Qatar Foundation Research, Devel- “This partnership aims to foster our opment and Innovation, has signed a shared goals for advancement of pre- research and development agreement cision medicine and to facilitate com- Kennedy and Caulfield at the signing with Genomics England, aimed at en- mon genomic research initiatives,” ceremony. abling novel scientifi c discoveries and said O’Kennedy. “Together we can providing medical insights in genom- push the boundaries further towards a chairperson of the QGP, said: “This ics and precision medicine. new era of medical practice, where ge- agreement will see our two projects The memorandum of understanding nomics can play a central role.” benefi ting from a strategic alliance and (MoU) was signed at the 2015 Building, Caulfi eld said: “Genomics is a glo- the pooling of research talent and re- the QF headquarters, by Dr Richard bal, multi-stakeholder endeavour sources from both nations.” O’Kennedy, the vice-president for re- transforming healthcare. This col- Attending the signing ceremony, the search, development, and innovation laboration will help expand the legacy UK’s ambassador to Qatar Ajay Shar- at Qatar Foundation, and Professor of the 100,000 Genomes Project be- ma said: “The partnership between Mark Caulfi eld, the interim chief ex- yond the UK, and will allow us to bet- these leading institutions in genomic ecutive and chief scientifi c offi cer of ter serve the diverse population of the research will, I am sure, make an im- Genomics England. UK.” portant contribution to tackling the The agreement lays the foundation Professor Asmaa al-Thani, board healthcare challenges of today and to- for Qatar and the UK to develop a joint vice-chairperson of Qatar Biobank and morrow.” Gulf Times Thursday, April 18, 2019 7 QATAR Sidra conducts paediatric hip preservation surgeries

idra Medicine has successfully performed a series of hip pres- Servation surgeries on young pa- tients using the modifi ed Dunn proce- dure. A recent surgery was performed on a young girl who presented with con- siderable discomfort and a signifi cant limp. The patient Eman, was referred to Sidra Medicine by Al Khor Hospital. Eman’s condition was a result of a slippage of the growth plate at the top of her thigh bone called slipped capital femoral epiphysis. Slipped capital fem- oral epiphysis is a condition that af- fects both components of the hip joint and when the ball of the hip joint slips Dunn surgery patient, Eman. on the growth plate during growth. After undergoing a thorough pre- paediatric orthopaedic surgery. We that was plaguing me before. The nurs- surgery evaluation with the orthopae- are happy to see Eman thriving since es and doctors here are really friendly dic surgery team at Sidra Medicine, the surgery was performed. She has and made my stay comfortable. Thank Eman was scheduled for the pioneer- started to fully bear weight on the left you for taking such good care of me.” ing modifi ed Dunn procedure in Febru- hip which is viable and stable. The pa- Eman’s surgery, care and treat- ary 2019. tient’s family are very pleased with the ment is the second case performed by The complex four hour surgery was result and that their daughter is now Sidra Medicine in recent months. The led by paediatric orthopaedic surgeon, out of pain.” methodology highlights the multidis- Dr Talal Ibrahim along with division Two months on, Eman is currently ciplinary nature of Sidra Medicine’s chief of paediatric orthopaedic surgery receiving post-surgery care at Sidra approach to orthopaedic surgery as Dr Jason Howard and paediatric ortho- Medicine and is soon expected to make patient care teams include specially paedic surgeon Dr Abdelsalam Hegazy. a full recovery. Eman commented: trained nurses, physiotherapists, oc- Dr Ibrahim said, “The modifi ed “Since the operation, I can go about my cupational therapists, child-life spe- Dunn procedure is the pinnacle of day without the pain and discomfort cialists and orthopaedic technologists.

QEWC staff ers in blood donation drive

ore than 140 employees of the Qatar Electric- ity and Water Company (QEWC) participated Min a recent blood donation drive, organised in co-operation with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). The event at Ras Abu Fontas Power and Desalination Plant was held under the motto, ‘Saving one life is as if saving whole of humanity.’ Rashid Nasser al-Hajre, PR & Shareholders Man- ager said: “The Blood Donor Unit at HMC is always in need of supplies of blood. We are tremendously proud of the great response from our employees and I would like to thank each person who donated their blood. This initiative is part of the QEWC’s commitment within the community and in line with the company’s Corporate More than 140 employees of QEWC participated in the blood Social Responsibility.” donation drive. Gulf Times 8 Thursday, April 18, 2019 QATAR Qatar Charity’s FCC holds health programme for Asian communities’ children he Friends Cultural Center (FCC), a community devel- hygiene, giving tips to maintain healthy gums, teeth and mouth. opment center of Qatar Charity (QC), organized a health At the awareness programme, the doctor said, “The mouth Tawareness programme for children from Asian expat is the mirror of a body, so it is very essential to keep our teeth communities living in Qatar to promote oral health among kids. healthy,” motivating kids to brush their teeth and avoid the food The event was attended by around 100 children, their par- that is harmful to their teeth. ents, FCC’s members, a dentist, and guests. The programme For her part, Saleela Majeed, General Secretary for FCC aimed at educating the children about the importance of a Women’s wing, said “This year we take a pledge to take the atten- healthy life, teaching them how to take care of and brush their tion of parents all over Doha to the importance of oral hygiene of teeth, and encouraging them to take healthy diets and conduct their kids in cooperation with Asian Medical Centre”, noting that dental checkups on a regular basis. such programme would raise health and oral awareness among Dr. Reena Annie Chacko, a pediatric dentist from the Asian children. Medical Center, Qatar, took part in this oral health awareness At the end of the programme, a cooking session was held programme, providing free dental checkups for the participat- for kids to create a culinary interest and promote healthy food ing children. She also had a session for kids on oral health and habits in children.

Qatar Charity continues to establish water plants in Sudan

n order to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Millennium IDevelopment Goals (MDGs) in water and sanitation, Qatar Charity set up a water plant in the Al-Abbas Village of Wad Hamid in the River Nile State of Sudan, to benefit 18,000 people of the village and surrounding areas and protect them from waterborne diseases. This comes as part of Qatar Charity’s ongoing efforts to provide the drought- affected communities in Africa, especially destitute families in Sudan, with safe drinking water in their areas of origin by drilling wells and setting up water plants, as Qatar Charity has previously implemented many water plant projects in the River Nile State. The water plant, which was implemented at the cost of $540,000, has a production capacity of 1,800m3 per day. beneficiaries with an easy access to clean another water plant in the Al Karida village Equipped with a 100m3 water tank, it and safe water, which will bring many of the White Nile State, which is expected targets many villages of Wad Hamid in the health benefits for them, Kermache noted. to benefit 5,000 people in the village. River Nile State such as Abbas, Hawadet, According to Kermache, the water Earlier, Qatar Charity has set up four Madeesa and Elgala. plant will contribute to providing a natural water plants in many villages scattered The implementation of the water and sustainable water source for human along the Nile River, at the cost of QR plant came with the aim to provide safe use and it can also be used for watering 7.5mn, to meet the needs of more than drinking water, improve the health of poor livestock and for the irrigation purpose. 87,000 people for clean drinking water. communities and control water-borne and He also said that the plant would These plants have production water-related diseases, which spread due also contribute to reducing the rate of capacities ranging from 500m3 to 2,800m3 to the use of contaminated water. displacement from drought-hit areas in per day as well as they are equipped with Hocine Kermache, director of Qatar search of water resources, in addition to tanks, service and administrative facilities, Charity’s office in Sudan said there was a playing a significant role in the economic and laboratories for water quality tests, scarcity of drinking water resources for development, sanitation improvement and in addition to carrying out regularly safe use, which has resulted in spreading social stability in the region. functional and operational testing of these waterborne diseases in Wad Hamid. It is worth mentioning that Qatar plants. However, this water plant will provide Charity is currently working on setting up Gulf Times Thursday, April 18, 2019 9 QATAR Heya fashion exhibition to showcase modest-wear

Qatar-India Year of brands representing 70% of partici- which will see designer Suneet Varma Reem al-Suwaidi, general manager Culture partners with pants. showcase his work in Qatar for the fi rst of Bedaya, said: “Our mission is to pro- This year’s edition also features in- time. vide support and guidance to Qatari Heya for showstopper ternational brands from 11 countries One of India’s foremost couturiers, entrepreneurs as they embark on their with internationally including neighbouring Kuwait and Varma is a name that immortalises business journey.” acclaimed designer Oman as well as India, Lebanon, Mo- glamour and timeless style. Hamad al-Qahtani, general man- rocco, China, Sri Lanka, England and After getting his degree from Europe ager of QBIC, said: “Heya is an excel- Suneet Varma Belgium. in 1986, he went on to work with Yves lent platform through which aspiring Off ering a unique fl avour of Arabian Saint Laurent in Paris. fashion designers, entrepreneurs and eya Arabian Fashion Exhibi- heritage, the Spring/Summer 2019 Varma will partake in numerous talks exhibitors can showcase their brands. tion, Qatar’s most popular show will see returning brands includ- and workshops throughout Heya fo- QBIC is focused on enriching the Hshowcase of abayas and tra- ing Debaj, Harlienz, the Hammadies cusing on fashion design, textiles, and fashion industry through partnerships ditional Arabian attire, will return (previously Lamar), as well as new ex- sustainable fashion. such as Heya to empower and support for its 15th edition this month with hibitors including, Avenant, Ebru Ay- “I am honoured to showcase my work local entrepreneurs with a variety of a rich programme of more than 20 kas by Duygu Gume, Saouli by Karima for the fi rst time at Heya Arabian Fash- programmes. fashion shows, seminars, designer Saouli to mention a few. ion Exhibition. I look forward to engag- This year, some of our incubated workshops and over 250 brands par- “As a growing platform for business- ing with the community on my work start-ups are participating in the event ticipating. women and fashionistas from Qatar while also exploring the booming fash- and we look forward to empowering Held under the patronage of HE and the world, Heya is a great example ion scene in Qatar,” Varma said. more designers through Heya.” Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin of how business events can off er curat- Design Creationz spokesperson, Es- Heya is open for women only, except Khalifa al-Thani, the show will be held ed experiences that celebrate entrepre- raa Abel, said: “The show this year of- on the opening day on April 26 when April 26-30 at the Doha Exhibition and neurship and Arabian culture. fers the most diverse range of brands. which men may accompany their fam- Convention Centre. The show has provided an enrich- We have also dedicated a larger por- Heya is Qatar’s most popular showcase of abayas and traditional Arabian attire. ily members. The event is delivered by Design Cre- ing event for lovers of Arabian fashion, tion of the exhibition to regional talent, Children below the age of the 13 ationz, with the support of the Qatar whether designers, shoppers or busi- while celebrating the Qatar-India Year and reception will also take place under tion of supporting entrepreneurs. cannot enter the exhibition. National Tourism Council (QNTC), as nesswomen for 14 editions and we look of Culture in collaboration with the In- the aegis of the Indian ambassador’s Virginia Commonwealth Univer- Partners of this edition of Heya are part of its eff ort to empower the private forward to witnessing its continued dian embassy.” wife, Ritu Kumaran. sity in Qatar (VCU-Q), Tajmeel Acad- Maison de Joelle, Shangri-La Doha, sector to attract and host global events. growth in this next edition,” Mashal Three prestigious designers, namely Numerous fashion shows, workshops emy Qatar, Qatar Business Incubation Ezdan Hotel, Tajmeel Academy, Vir- The exhibition continues to be the Shahbik from QNTC said. Pero, 3 Clothing, and SR, will also par- and conversations with fashion icons Center (QBIC), and Bedaya Centre will ginia Common Wealth University, go-to platform for Qatari designers to This year’s exhibition has partnered take in the exhibition under the Indian are woven through the programme to off er young talent valuable advice re- Guerlain Spa, Qatar Red Crescent and showcase their designs, with Qatari with the Indian embassy in Doha, Pavilion, while a special fashion show ensure Heya continues with its tradi- lated to the industry. Primary Health Care Corporation.

Art for all Fanqaar, presented by Vistas Global, a showcase of Indian art that highlights the works of some 20 artists, is being held at The Gate Mall until April 20. Indian ambassador P Kumaran attended the opening ceremony with dignitaries and some of the artists. The exhibition brings the works of the likes of Manu Parekh, T Vaikuntam, Milburn Cherian, H R Das, Lalu Shaw, Anjaneyulu Gundu, Ramesh Gorjala and others “for the first time in Qatar”, the organisers said in a statement. “Meet some of the leading artists and don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the work of 18 luminaries from India,” the statement added. The five-day exhibition is being held daily from 10am to 10pm, and is open to all. PICTURES: Jayan Orma Gulf Times 10 Thursday, April 18, 2019 QATAR

The award winners with HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, Dr Hassan al-Derham and other dignitaries. Sheikh Faisal Award winners announced

he College of Education CED and Alf award academic re- in the Arab world, off ering Arab joint research from Gulf states importance of scientifi c research ucational Development Dr Ab- University won second place and (CED) at Qatar University searchers, postgraduate students, researchers the opportunity of and other countries such as Leb- in creating a generation capable dullah Abu-Tineh and Professor Amina Mohamed Ibrahim Zowgi T(QU) in collaboration with teachers and education leaders joint research work, exchange of anon, Sudan, Palestine, Jordan of thinking of innovative solu- of Education Management Prof from Mohamed V University at AlFaisal Without Borders Foun- who have demonstrated excellence experiences or publicising the ef- and Morocco. tions to the challenges facing us. Hissa Sadiq. Agdal in Morocco won third. dation (Alf), organised for the in scientifi c research, with the aim forts of researchers and publish- “The award requires that re- “Last year, more than 140 Second place was awarded to In the category for teachers fi fth consecutive year a ceremony of promoting research, increasing ing their research outputs. search be published in journals scholars from all countries of Kashef N Zayed and Petra Jansen of and educational leaders Nass- to announce the winners of the knowledge, enhancing education- “The award also provides an with a solid academic reputation the Arab World participated in Sultan Qaboos University in Muscat. er Jassim al-Malki, director of Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Award al practices and developing educa- opportunity for educators and and we are more careful now that this award, while more than 400 Dr Ahmed Mustafa from QU Ahmed Mansour Primary School for Educational Research. tion policies. educational leaders to publicise the published magazines have a scholars participated with us this won third place along with a for Boys (Qatar) won fi rst place; QU president Dr Hassan al- Dr Hassan al-Derham said their most important practices as distinctive impact.” year, demonstrating the impor- number of researchers from West- Ibrahim Atif Swelim from Kha- Derham, Alf founder and chair- that the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim well as the opportunity for uni- Alf director general Abdul Latif tance of the award for many re- ern Sydney University in Australia. lifa Secondary School for Boys man HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Award for Educational Research, versity students to participate as al-Yafei said the award empha- searchers in the Arab world.” In the postgraduate category (Qatar) second place; and in third al-Thani, CED dean Dr Ahmed is important in providing an im- a research generation.” sises the important role played by In the category of academics, Rahma Saleh al-Armiya from Sul- place Nabeel al-Saih and Hussam al-Emadi and members of the portant platform to promote a Dr al-Emadi said the event has the private sector in supporting two from QU won fi rst place: Di- tan Qaboos University won fi rst Asal from Hamza bin Abdul Mut- faculty were present. culture of educational research participants in individual and the educational process, and the rector of National Center for Ed- place, Rania Sawalhi from Qatar talib School (Qatar).

Thyroid Cancer Conference starts tomorrow he Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) will Vitality.’ The workshops will include sev- FFC returns to roots with Family Mart host the Qatar International Thy- eral topics and will target the public. Troid Cancer Conference under the It also QCS to host includes an aware- patronage of HE the Prime Minister and In- ness session about the available services amily Food Centre (FFC), which terior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser in Qatar for problems of thyroid gland, is celebrating its 40th anniver- bin Khalifa al-Thani from tomorrow. methods of self-examination and medi- Fsary, has launched its fi fth store The two-day conference with the theme cal consultation for skin care for people on Al Mirqab Al Jadeed Street. The ‘Present Standards and New Perspectives,’ with thyroid cancer. new-format express store has been will be held at Ritz-Carlton Doha. The second workshop on April 20 will named Family Mart. The Thyroid Cancer Conference is a target people living with thyroid cancer. FFC chairman Abdul Rahman al- global platform with more than 1,200 The topics to be covered include medical Ansari said: “Starting in 1978 on this specialists and an expert in various areas advice required at a stage after treatment, same street, Family Food Centre, a that have to do with thyroid cancer from yoga exercises for thyroid health to reduce brand native to the Qatari mother- a number of Arab countries. stress, detection methods, and free medical land, has been serving its people with There will also be participation of a tests and consultations for thyroid gland. the best products our stores can off er. number of authorities from Qatar includ- The conference is a Category 1 — Ac- On this occasion, we’d like to present ing the Ministry of Public Health, Hamad credited Group Learning Activity as de- to you an all-new format, which Medical Corp and Qatar Doctor’s Society. fi ned by the Qatar Council for Healthcare packs everything you need, conven- On the sidelines of the Thyroid Cancer Practitioners — Accreditation Depart- Joyalukkas iently and smartly. Conference there will also be awareness ment and is approved for a maximum of “The look and feel of the new store workshops under the slogan ‘Thyroid, nine hours. is something that is very new to Qa- marks festival tar. Family Mart is the fi rst store in Doha Souq mall and off ers more than MoI ready for objections Doha Bank woos with a ‘Gold 500 parking slots for our customers’ Dignitaries, staff and guests at the opening of Family Mart. patrons with convenience. Our customers, suppli- to CMC election results Fortune’ off er ers and service together what make port Road and now at Doha Souq mall the third outlet in Al Rayyan in 2005. The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has said objections ‘Best in Class up Family Food Centre. Thanks for on Al Mirqab Al Jadeed Street. In 2013, FFC stores received their can be filed against the elected members of the Housing Loan’ these beautiful 40 years.” Family Food Centre outlets off er fi rst ISO 9001:2008 HACCP cer- sixth Central Municipal Council (CMC) in line eading jeweller Joyaluk- The supermarket chain delivers “a a huge range of products “that meet tifi cation and the chain opened its with the stipulations of Decree No 17 of 1998 Stepping up its eff orts to help kas has announced a new unique combination of value, fresh- the requirements of customers from fourth branch in Al Kheesa in 2016. regarding the organisation of CMC elections and customers turn their dreams of Lpromotion — Gold Fortune ness and quality to customers”, FFC every nationality”. “Family Food Centre is always announcement of the results. In a statement owning a house in the country, Off er — to mark the festive occa- said in a press statement. From a humble beginning in 1978 supporting Qatar by working closely yesterday, the MoI said it would like to notify Doha Bank has announced sion of Akshaya Tritiya. More than 120,000 customers visit with three employees and a two- with communities to support local citizens that the filing of appeals is open until the launch of a new housing “Continuing the tradition of its stores each week, served by over shutter shop in Al Nasr, FFC has activities and align with Qatar Na- May 2 and every CMC nominee or voter has the loan campaign. The promotion giving its patrons an opportu- 1,000 staff members. come a long way. tional Vision 2030. FFC ensures this right to request for the annulment of the election features attractive rates of nity to own their favourite jewel- The fi ve large stores, including In 1984, the shop was turned into a by promoting homegrown and or- of a winning candidate in their constituency. interest and longer tenure, in lery and bring home prosperity, Family Mart, together comprise some supermarket with two checkouts. ganic fresh products from local farms A committee will prepare a report with its addition to fee waivers and Joyalukkas has announced the 220,000sq ft of retail area. Then, in 1991, the company’s that would give access to more fresh recommendations on such complaints and refer it special rewards and benefits. Gold Fortune off er to celebrate The FFC stores are located in Al second supermarket — the Airport and safe food, ensuring sustainable to the CMC, whose decision will be final. The CMC Launched as part of Doha Bank’s Akshaya Tritiya,” the jeweller Nasr, Al Kheesa, Al Rayyan, Old Air- branch — was opened, followed by production,” the statement added. elections were held on Tuesday. 40th anniversary celebrations, said in a statement. the housing loan campaign off ers Under ‘Gold Fortune’, patrons loans with the lowest rate of will be rewarded with free gold interest available in Qatar. coins on the purchase of gold, The bank’s customers can take polki, pearl and diamond jewel- advantage of home loans at a lery. 13th Toyota Dream Car Art contest winners felicitated rate of 3.49% per annum for the A part of the all-new Joyaluk- first year – much lower than the kas Akshaya Tritiya 2019 collec- previous 3.99% rate. tion was unveiled by Bollywood bdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co cultivating the Qatari community, and Delivering on its promise to star Kajol Devgan in India. (AAB), the sole dealers for Toyota in line with AAB’s vision to develop and provide customers with easier The exclusive collection fea- Ain Qatar, has awarded the winners promote local talent, Special Jury Awards and more convenient banking tures a wide range of traditional of the 13th Toyota Dream Car Contest at a were also presented on the occasion,” the products and services, Doha and contemporary jewellery and special ceremony. statement noted. Bank will off er a 12-month is available across all Joyalukkas The participation numbers this year The winners of the Special Jury Awards grace period to enable flexible outlets around the world. “exceeded expectations” with more are: Category 1 — Fatima Mohamed al- repayments of the mortgage as Joy Alukkas, chairman and than 1,500 young participants register- Kaabi from Afwaz Global School; Catego- part of the campaign. MD of Joyalukkas Group, said ing for the event from over 160 schools ry 2 — Al Reem Hamad Abdelaziz al-Yafei Doha Bank will also waive during the unveiling of the Ak- — further endorsing the “widespread from Al Bayan Primary School and Khal- management, mortgage, shaya Tritiya collection: “Ak- popularity of the contest”, AAB said in fan Fahad al-Sowaidi from Afwaz Global and property evaluation shaya Tritiya is a very special a statement. School; and Category 3 — Haleema Has- fees, in addition to providing day for us, as it gives us the op- The awards ceremony, which was held AAB off icials with the winners. san Ali Abdullah Hiji al-Baker from Moza complimentary property fire portunity to serve our patrons at AAB’s main Toyota showroom recently, Bint Mohammed Preparatory School and insurance coverage for the first with good luck and fortune. Our saw the winners in all three age categories Banzal, DPS-Modern Indian School — Shantiniketan Indian School — third Haya Hassan al-Muhannadi from Al Khor year of home ownership. exclusive Akshaya Tritiya col- receiving individual certifi cates, medals fi rst prize; Serah Maria Rejeesh, DPS- prize. Independent Preparatory School. Furthermore, as an added benefit, lection signifi es unparalleled and gifts. Modern Indian School — second prize; In Category 3 (for children between R K Murugan, acting CEO, said: “As the bank will give away up to craftsmanship and unique de- Representatives of their schools also and Aaliya Rafeek, MES Indian School — the ages of 12 and 15 years), the winners one of AAB’s community-oriented ini- QR10,000 in cash back rewards for signs with the continued trust of received special congratulatory memen- third prize. are Khadijah bint Shabbir Ali, Al Arqam tiatives, the Toyota Dream Car Contest early settlements on buyout loans. Joyalukkas.” tos. All the winning entries will travel to In Category 2 (for children between the International Academy for Girls — fi rst holds a special place in their hearts as it Doha Bank Group CEO Dr R Kajol, who is also a Joyalukkas Japan for the global competition and one ages of nine and 11 years), the winners prize; Nandana Biju Kumar, Birla Public involves children, the future ‘guardians Seetharaman said: “With our brand ambassador, added: “I had of the winners will travel to Japan on a are Krishna Mahesh Kumar, MES Indian School — second prize; and Janisha Me- of the world’. He also express the com- customers being at the heart the privilege of unveiling some fully-paid trip with his/her parents. School — fi rst prize; Payal Ramesh At- shak Selvaraj, MES Indian School — third pany’s happiness in seeing the increasing of our products and services, of the auspicious Akshaya Triti- In Category 1 (for children below the tuvalappil, Birla Public School — second prize. number of kids and schools taking part in supporting their financial needs ya collection at Joyalukkas and age of eight years), the winners are Palak prize; and Neeraj Rengith Chandran, “As Abdullah Abdulghani believes in such a contest.” and aspirations has remained the it was an absolute delight to see top most priority for us at Doha the exclusive designs fi rst hand. Bank. At one glimpse, I felt like want- Equine reproduction on the agenda at Qatar Foundation conference starting tomorrow “The first-of-its-kind mortgage ing to wear them all.” promotion on off er represents During the Gold Fortune Of- Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Equine EVMC’s state-of-the-art facility Topics for discussion at the patients. Dr Jessica Johnson, neonatal ICU, reproduction, our commitment to creating fer period, customers will be Reproduction and Neonatology located in Al Shaqab. conference include the pitfalls of acting director of EVMC, said: sports medicine, diagnostic life-changing opportunities and rewarded with a free 1gm 22k Conference 2019 begins Lectures will be delivered by breeding sub-fertile individuals, “We’re delighted to welcome imaging and anaesthesiology/ rewarding banking experiences gold coin on the purchase of dia- tomorrow. keynote speakers known for optimisation of embryo Qatar’s equine community pain management. for our loyal customers. “As we mond, polki and pearl jewellery. The three-day event, hosted by their scientific contributions performance, identification to this important conference EVMC is equipped with a 3T MRI, mark the 40th anniversary of Also, on the Akshaya Tritiya QF’s Equine Veterinary Medical and professional experience of high-risk pregnancy, and with leading veterinarians in CT-scan, nuclear scintigraphy our successful journey, we renew day, May 7, customers will enjoy Center (EVMC), will feature in the field, including Dr Mats neonatology. reproduction and neonatology. and the latest technology in x-ray our resolve to further enrich a free 0.200gm 22k gold coin on international speakers and Troedsson, Dr Stefania Bucca and A practical workshop will be The lectures and discussions and ultrasound. our world-class products and the purchase on gold jewellery. address a wide range of equine- Dr Luis Losinno. held on the final day of the are very relevant to the The centre has three operating services to reinforce our position Jewellery lovers can also avail related reproduction issues. Lectures will be followed by conference, covering embryo reproduction issues facing horse theatres, clinical and research as the people’s bank.” Details on of the Joyalukkas pre-booking In partnership with Al Galayel a roundtable discussion on transfer, high-risk pregnancy, and owners here in Qatar and the laboratories, lameness the housing loan campaign are advantage to book for their fa- Equine Center, the conference reproductive and neonatology neonatology. region.” examination areas on three available on phone (4445-6000), vourite jewellery and beat the will take place at the Qatar topics of specific interest to the Participants will see the latest Specialised medical services at surfaces, a farrier workshop, and WhatsApp (5033-DOHA) and festive rush. National Convention Centre and Middle East region. techniques in practice with live EVMC include internal medicine, a pharmacy. online at www.dohabank.com. Gulf Times Thursday, April 18, 2019 11 HOL STIC Veganism can save the Earth Wellbeing be reduced by 75 percent, an area equivalent to the size of the US, China, Australia and the EU The truth about everyday fears combined. While much of world is quick to think their diet wouldn’t be con- By Lise Johnson and tributing to the deterioration of Eric Chundler the Earth, they’re incorrect. Meat Guardian and dairy production is responsi- ble for 60 percent of agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions. With s the miracles of tech- livestock production being the nological innovation single largest contributor of emis- Acontinue to improve our By Ghanim al-Sulaiti sions around the globe (more than lives, they also make it more planes, trains and cars combined), complicated. There are clearly removing it from our food system more things to worry about, but Every year, the world marks Earth could allow the planet to breathe which should we worry about Day on April 22. Earth Day marks again. more? And what about the anxi- the anniversary of the birth of the Our continued raising of animals eties that have been keeping us ‘modern environmental move- just for food is also the largest awake at night for years? Here, ment’ in 1970. Since Earth Day’s contributor to wildlife extinction we weigh up the relative risks establishment, the fight for a clean around the world. of 5 everyday threats – and give environment has continued with Whether going full vegan or trying them a worry score. increasing urgency, especially out meatless Mondays, my previ- as the eff ects of climate change ous columns have extensively Mobile phones worsen. covered how reducing the number Cell phones communicate via Earth Day often leaves us wonder- of animal products in your diet is radio frequency, a form of elec- ing how we can reduce our envi- good for your health, but ahead of tromagnetic radiation. The word ronmental impact on the Earth Earth Day 2019 I want to highlight ‘radiation’ makes you think of — whether it’s by ensuring we are how it will lower your carbon gamma rays, which sound ter- We eat a lot of added sugar. thetic is very rare, occurring Ride design and safety have David Hockney had to be res- switching lights off when leaving footprint which in turn helps save rifying. But visible light is also Way, way too much. Sugar con- in around 1 in every 100,000 come a long way since the early cued by fi refi ghters from a lift a the room, or avoiding single-use the planet. a form of electromagnetic ra- sumption is linked to tooth de- cases; in the US the statistic is days of roller coasters when cars few weeks ago in Amsterdam, plastics and instead opting to re- We also need to ensure that we’re diation. So not all radiation is the cay, obesity, type 2 diabetes and the same. A history of smoking, sometimes fl ew off their tracks yet his experience isn’t a com- use and recycle wherever we can. able to continue feeding the same. If you talk on your mobile heart disease. These conditions obstructive sleep apnea, obes- or failed to stop. Based on data mon one. The likelihood of an We often hear about the damag- growing population of the Earth for a long time, you may notice lead to risk factors for other dis- ity and other conditions can also from a limited number of theme elevator falling down a shaft ing eff ects our short-car journeys by reducing the amount of food your ear gets hot. The word ‘heat’ eases, such as cancer, and blind- increase the risk of complica- parks in the US, the National is very low because of several have on the planet, or how flying waste. The world wastes between is shorthand for ‘energy transfer’, ness. Sucrose is naturally found tions. Anaesthesia carries some Safety Council reported 1,508 safety mechanisms built into the on airplanes less will help reduce 30 and 50 percent of the food it and serious questions have been in fruit. The problem arises when risks but consider the alterna- injuries (0.8 injuries per million design of them. Simple com- our environmental footprint — but actually grows — and a lot of this raised about the biological ef- you remove the sugar and con- tive – few people would refuse rides) in 2015. Statistically, you mon sense can reduce the risk the truth is scientists have found waste is perfectly avoidable. Many fects of exposure to this level of sume it in a diff erent context. the benefi ts and comfort of are more likely to be hurt on your further. Before you enter a lift, that the ‘single biggest way’ to perfectly grown, fresh vegetables energy. Can you avoid it? Not en- pain-free surgery. way to a theme park than at one. let passengers off and, if it looks reduce our environmental impact are rejected in the fields simply Can you avoid it? You don’t tirely. Can you avoid it? If you Can you avoid it? Injuries packed, wait for the next one. on Earth is to consume a vegan because they look diff erent to have to carry a mobile phone, Could it harm you? Sugar need surgery, there’s not much caused by theme park rides are Can you avoid it? You can diet. how we expect it should. If we but, even so, it’s hard to avoid ra- is in most processed foods. You you can do to avoid it. almost 100% avoidable: just often take the stairs instead – Researchers at the University of were able to reduce the waste dio frequency fi elds. can cut back, but it is hard to cut Could it harm you? General don’t ride them. and for a bit of exercise, you Oxford found that cutting meat of vegetables across the globe, Could it harm you? It’s un- it out completely. anaesthesia is safe for most peo- Could it harm you? The probably should. and dairy products from diet re- it could help feed an additional likely your mobile will give you Potential risk: Obesity, ple, most of the time. chance of suff ering an injury on Could it harm you? The duces individual’s carbon footprint 500+ million people a year. cancer, but it isn’t yet clear how heart disease, diabetes and tooth Potential risk: The prospect an amusement park ride is very safety mechanisms built into from food by up to 73 percent. unlikely. decay are all common. They can of waking up during surgery is low. lifts make the chance of one of Similarly, if everyone stopped The author is an expert in vegan Potential risk: As the re- also be very serious. terrifying, and the side eff ects of Potential risk: Minor bumps them falling out of control high- eating these foods, they found wellbeing and health. search isn’t clear, we have as- Worry score: 5 general anaesthesia vary. In rare and bruises are much more com- ly unlikely. that global farmland used could Instagram handle: @Ghanim92 signed a middling-level score. instances, it can kill. mon than catastrophic injuries. Potential risk: Severe injury Worry score: 2 General anaesthetic Worry score: 2 Worry score: 3 or death is the likely outcome of According to NHS fi gures, such an unlikely event. Sugar death from general anaes- Theme park rides Lifts Worry score: 2

Workout Playlist Sorry, I don’t apologise Heal the World by Michael Jackson Forever by Drake, Kanye West has positive physical eff ects such Middle by DJ Snake, Bipolar Sun- as reduced blood pressure, slower shine heart rate and steady breathing. Numb/Encore by Jay Z, Linkin Park When we receive an apology, the Cake by the Ocean by DNCE wrongdoer no longer poses as a No Role Modelz by J.Cole threat and the constant state of Lean On by Major Lazer,DJ Snake fear is resolved. Apart from being 6 Foot 7 Foot by Lil Wayne, Cory mutually benefi cial, sincere apol- Gunz ogies also emphasise an individ- What Do You Mean? by Justin Bieber ual’s belief in self-improvement Last Resort by Papa Roach and refl ection, making them Feels by Mahmut Orhan more trustworthy and reliable. One Step Closer by Linkin Park It’s easy to say we learn from our mistakes, that by making By Sanah Thakur them often enough we’ll habitu- ally stop repeating them; that Humankind has evolved to be- they teach us the value of getting come a supremely higher func- things right. I have learnt from Wellness Meal Plan tioning organism, with the po- my experiences, that mistakes tential to learn almost any skill. only heal when we own up to Yet, I have observed that some them. When we lose focus of our people would much rather in- own needs and feelings and focus vest their energy in studying for a on those of the ones aff ected by complicated exam or train to code our wrongdoing. A sincere apol- computers, than spit out a sim- ineff ective for our hunter-gath- more likely to say sorry. Individu- I personally believe there’s real ogy comes from accepting not ple apology. Why doesn’t saying erer ancestors. Research has also als with the honest-humility trait measurable courage in accepting only the fact that to err is to be sorry come naturally? Are some found that producing an authen- are seen to be more straightfor- blame than holding elaborate pil- human, but from exposing our people programmed to apoligose tic apology requires overcoming ward, genuine, adjusting to mod- lars that point elsewhere. vulnerability of fearing rejection more than others? Will taking re- a natural tendency to resist apo- est lifestyles and less self- impor- or shame and taking pride in it. sponsibility for our wrong doings ligising to avoid looking weak or tant. While those very low on this make us psychologically healthi- being rejected. It is therefore clear trait, were comfortable lying and Health benefi ts of ‘sorry’ Start saying sorry by: er? These are the questions I have how much energy really needs to manipulating others for greater Apologising clearly doesn’t often pondered over. be focused into an apology and self-gain. It’s no wonder then, seem natural, easy or desirable- 1- Apologising to strangers, so why it’s easier to avoid it. why the apology disabled people but neither do other ‘healthy’ you fear rejection less. Naturally, we don’t like to in our lives generally tend to gain things we require for positive 2- Replacing behaviours (such apologise Link to personality traits less respect from us. well-being. Saying ‘I’m sorry’ can as buying gifts, sending fl owers) “To err is to be human” is a While nature may have made Research into individual dif- resolve confl ict and improve rela- that you perceive as an apology, popular quote we often hear, used it diffi cult to say sorry, nurture ferences in apologising has also tionships as well as be psycho- with verbal confrontation. to dampen the anxiety of our in- has developed certain personal- showed that guilt is crucial to an logically nutritional. An apology 3- Practising multiple times to dividual mistakes. However, to ity traits that make it easier for apology. People who experience has the power to dissolve anger gain confi dence. realise ones’ errors and admit some. In 2015, a study examined guilt after a mistake, a feeling and reduce stress levels. When 4- Writing it down instead of to the negative consequences 6 personality traits, including following the negative evalua- you don’t apologise, you are un- vocalising it. isn’t something biologically pro- honesty-humility, emotional- tion of that mistake, in turn ex- consciously holding onto nega- 5- Refl ecting on what the act grammed into being human. In ity, extraversion, agreeableness, perience empathy and the desire tive emotions that reappear in the of apologising revealed about As you may know, Earth Day is coming up on Monday, April 22nd. But the hierarchal structures that conscientiousness and openness to reconcile. On the other hand, form of anxiety, depression, heart you. did you know that your cooking and eating habits can also contribute to have existed for centuries, power to experience, and their correla- people who display shame upon a disease, muscle aches or ulcers. 6- Not expecting one in re- preserving the Earth? It’s true! is our most valuable survival aid. tion with the desire to apologise. wrongdoing, negatively evaluat- They can also ham your nerv- turn. I mean, think about it. How much food does your family toss out on But the act of apologising in- The results revealed that peo- ing the entire self as opposed to ous system and destruct clear trash day? volves voluntarily putting oneself ple who are humble, honest and the behaviour, tend to externalise thinking pathways. Research has The author can be contacted on One way to help us reduce waste is to use our leftover foods as ingre- in a position of less power, quite conscientious (self-aware), were the blame and avoid the situation. proven that receiving an apology Instagram @sincerelysanah dients in diff erent recipes; here are three uses of almond pulp that will help you get started:

1- Almond Pulp Crackers: Blend olive oil, sea salt and herbs into your leftover almond pulp, roll it out and bake in the oven. Perfect for pairing with your favourite dip or soup. Spring Clean your Mind

2- Almond Pulp Vegan Cheese: You can mix your favourite herbs and spices into almond pulp and then to be ‘stuff ’ - sometimes its our body. negative emotions is to write Qatar. Creating a space in your chill it, or shape it into logs or balls and then roll it in a herb crust. Either thoughts that need recycling. When we experience emo- them out of our system. This can home that’s just for you is a per- way, you’ll end up with an amazing snack. We have all seen those shows tional upset, it’s often hard work well, just keep writing and fect way to process emotions. on Television and heard stories to process, negative energy writing and don’t think too hard It could be as simple as fi nding 3- Gluten-Free Bread Crumbs: about people who collect and that stems from those situa- about what you will write next. a chair you love and placing it Spread your nut milk pulp onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and dry hoard their ‘stuff’ for years. As tions can consume us until it Get a note pad and a pen, sit in in a corner of the house, where it at your oven’s lowest temperature. Once your pulp is dry, crumble it up the years go by, the cupboards saturates us. Feelings such as a quiet place, and start writing you go to read or meditate. It and store in the fridge to use in recipes that call for bread crumbs as a get full and then before you shame, guilt, bitterness, re- about whatever is disturbing doesn’t matter what it is, as long topping or breading. This is one of our favourite uses for almond pulp! know it, a whole room is over sentment, insecurity, can get your peace. After 10 minutes, as it’s a place where you won’t flowing with ‘stuff’. We are all incorporated into our person- stop writing, take the pieces of be disturbed for at least 10 min- hoarders in some way, but not alities. paper somewhere safe and non- utes. It’s so important to serve necessarily of ‘stuff’ but some- To avoid this happening, the fl ammable and burn them. Fire yourself. Spending sometime on By Shefa Ali times feelings, emotions and fi rst step is to cleanse our minds. is transformative and cleansing. yourself everyday will make you thoughts. We get blocked spir- When we learn how to handle The objective here is to neutral- a better person, friend and co- itually and psychologically and negativity, we feel energised, ise the negative energy. Fire does worker. It’s like taking time to With Earth Day coming up on our minds end up looking like healthy and a sense of wellbeing. that by changing paper to ash. feed your soul; I like to think of Monday it has got me thinking a hoarders paradise. Negative Things come up in our lives all Get back to nature, spend it as emotional hygiene. about how much space we take thoughts flood our conscious- the time. We have drama at the time walking, a trip to the beach, on the planet and how much ness; over time they build up offi ce; we have friendship break- lie on the on the sand. Get out- The author is a consultant and waste we put out into the en- and can reach a critical level, downs or lose loved ones. The side while you still have the coach. Instagram handle: @miss_ vironment. Waste doesn’t have which can turn into a disease in most powerful way to release chance before it gets too hot in shefa, Website: missshefa.com Gulf Times 12 Thursday, April 18, 2019 REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA

ACCIDENT CORRUPTION DISCOVERY VOTE UNREST 150 missing after ferry Nigeria orders arrest of Botswana unveils rare Mauritania sets presidential Four killed, five hurt in capsizes in DR Congo ex-ministers in oil graft case 20-carat blue diamond election for June 22 Mogadishu car bomb

Some 150 are missing and feared dead in the Demo- A Nigerian court issued arrest warrants yesterday Botswana’s state-owned Okavango Diamond Com- Mauritania yesterday set June 22 for the first Four people were killed and five injured when a car cratic Republic of Congo after reports emerged late for two ex-ministers in connection with one of the pany yesterday unveiled the biggest blue diamond round of elections to succeed President Mo- loaded with explosives detonated on a busy road in Tuesday of a ferry capsizing on Lake Kivu in the country’s biggest-ever corruption scandals, the ever discovered in the Southern Africa country.At hamed Ould Abdel Aziz, who is stepping down Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, police said yesterday. country’s east. “I am very saddened by the sinking financial crimes unit said. The court ordered the war- 20.46 carats, the gem is one of the rarest stones in after his second and final term in off ice. If there is “So far we can confirm four dead and five wounded. of a boat on April 15th on Lake Kivu. The provisional rants for Dan Etete, a former petroleum minister, and the world, and “sits in the very top bracket of all-time no outright winner, a runoff vote will be held on We off er our condolences to the victims,” Somalia’s balance sheet is 150 missing,” President Felix-Antoine Mohammed Adoke, a former justice minister and at- historical blue diamond finds”, the company said. July 6, under a presidential decree seen by AFP. deputy police chief Zakia Hussein wrote on Twitter. Tshisekedi tweeted. Tshisekedi expressed “compas- torney general, the Economic and Financial Crimes The oval-shaped diamond has been named “The Candidates have until May 8 to file their bid to be Abdulkadir Abdirahman Adan, director of the private sion” for the families of those missing. Regional Commission (EFCC) said. Both men have been in Okavango Blue” in honour of the Okavango Delta, next president of the conservative West African Aamin Ambulance service, said his team had col- transport minister Jacqueline Ngengele said that of hiding for years. The arrest order paves the way for the country’s wildlife-rich world heritage site. “It is in- desert state. Abdel Aziz, a 62-year-old former gen- lected 13 wounded people and one dead body. It the estimated 200 passengers, only 40 have been a potential international warrant. “The Nigeria Police, credibly unusual for a stone of this colour and nature eral, was a major figure in a successful coup in was not clear if these victims had been counted by rescued. So far, three deaths have been confirmed. the Interpol and any other law enforcement agency to have come from Botswana which is about as rare 2005, and in 2008 led another coup that forced police. “The blast was very huge, and I saw smoke Ngengele cited bad weather and overcrowding as should arrest them anywhere they were found,” the as a star in the Milky Way,” said Okavango Diamond out the then president, Sidi Ould Cheikh and shrapnel everywhere around the area ,” said potential factors in the accident. EFCC said in a statement. Company managing director Marcus ter Haar. Abadallahi. witness Mohamed Abdikarin.

Saudi court Kushner adjourns hearing Bashir moved to prison urges ‘open mind’ on in trial of 11 as protesters rally upcoming

Agencies women activists Khartoum Mideast plan

AFP nine writers and academics, udan’s military rulers Reuters Riyadh including two US-Saudi dual have transferred ousted Washington nationals. Spresident Omar al-Bashir Aziza’s son, Salah al-Haid- to prison, a family source said Saudi court yesterday ar, is among the two Ameri- yesterday, as crowds of protest- hite House senior ad- adjourned a hearing in cans detained. ers fl ocked through Khartoum viser Jared Kushner Athe trial of 11 women The families of those newly in vans and buses to join a sit-in Wurged a group of am- activists which has drawn in- arrested are “very worried” as at the army complex. bassadors yesterday to keep an ternational censure, offi cials they have so far not received Following the dramatic end “open mind” about President said, just days after campaign- any information about their to Bashir’s rule of three decades Donald Trump’s upcoming Mid- ers reported a new crackdown whereabouts or conditions, a last week, he was moved late dle East peace proposal and said on their supporters. legal source said. Tuesday to Kober prison in the it will require compromises from The activists, among them Last Wednesday, US Sec- capital, the source said without both sides, a source familiar with Loujain al-Hathloul who has retary of State Mike Pompeo revealing his name for security his remarks said. accused her interrogators said he had pressed Saudi Ara- reasons. Kushner said the peace plan is of sexual abuse and torture bia — a close ally of President Witnesses near the prison in to be unveiled after Israel forms during nearly a year in cus- Donald Trump’s administra- north Khartoum said there was a governing coalition in the wake tody, face charges that include tion — to release the US citi- a heavy deployment of soldiers of Israeli Prime Minister Ben- contact with foreign media, zens. and members of a paramilitary jamin Netanyahu’s election vic- diplomats and human rights The Saudi government has group outside. tory and after the holy month of groups. so far not publicly commented The 75-year-old’s wherea- Ramadan, which ends in early A panel of three judges at on the latest crackdown, the bouts have been unknown since June, the source said. the Riyadh criminal court had fi rst since journalist Jamal a military takeover on Thurs- “We will all have to look for been expected to examine Khashoggi’s murder inside the day, when the country’s new reasonable compromises that their response to the charges, Saudi consulate in Istanbul in rulers said he was being held “in will make peace achievable,” fi led earlier this month, and October, which sparked un- a secure place”. Kushner said, according to the possibly announce sentences precedented global scrutiny Meanwhile, military rulers source, who asked to remain for some women. of the kingdom’s human rights said that two brothers of Ba- anonymous. But policemen at the court- record. shir have been arrested as part Kushner, one of the main ar- house turned away Western “The Saudi authorities must of a continuing campaign of chitects of the peace proposal media and diplomats — al- end this misery for the women arrests against “symbols of and who is married to Trump’s ready barred from attending activists and their families — previous regime.” daughter Ivanka, spoke to previous sessions of the high- they must immediately release A spokesman for the Tran- Sudanese demonstrators make victory signs and wave Sudanese flags as they protest in front of the about 100 ambassadors from profi le trial — saying the hear- them and drop the ridiculous sitional Military Council Defence Ministry in Khartoum, yesterday. around the world at Blair ing had been adjourned. charges against them,” said also said that irregular forces House, the presidential guest No explanation was given Amnesty International’s Mid- linked to Bashir’s former rul- made some concessions, in- had put up as a security meas- been fighting government home across the street from the and it remains unclear when dle East campaigns director ing party have been brought cluding the sacking Tuesday ure. troops. White House. the trial will resume. Samah Hadid. under the army or police con- of prosecutor general Omer Yesterday thousands of pro- Abdulaziz al-Hilu, leader of He spoke as part of a State “We learn that the #Wo- “The world is watching the trol. Ahmed Mohamed, but dem- testers remained at the site, the Sudan People’s Liberation Department series of speeches. mensRightsDefenders trial trial and will keep up the pres- Bashir’s detention has failed onstrators fear their uprising cheering each other on despite Movement-North (SPLM- The proposal has two major did not take place today, for sure until the women are re- to pacify protesters, who could be hijacked. looking fatigued. N), issued the command as components: A political piece reasons that are not known,” leased,” Hadid said. launched anti-government “We faced tear gas, many of “I feel those people who a “goodwill gesture...to give that addresses core political ALQST, a London-based hu- Several of the defendants are demonstrations in December us were jailed. We have been are doing the sit-in are like a chance for an immediate issues such as the status of Je- man rights group focused on considering asking the judges and have for days been camped shot and many have died. All my sons and daughters. I have transfer of power to civilians”. rusalem, and an economic part Saudi Arabia, said on Twitter. to call the foreign contacts out in front of Khartoum’s this because we said what we suffered under this regime,” European Union chief Fed- that aims to help the Palestin- The families of most of the named in their chargesheets — army headquarters. wanted to,” Fadia Khalaf said. said a woman serving tea at a erica Mogherini in a statement ians strengthen their economy. 11 activists were unaware of including journalists and dip- Scores of doctors in white Khalid Mohamed, a medic, makeshift checkpoint set up called on the military rulers for Unclear is whether the plan the development, sources fol- lomats — to testify in the trial, robes marched from Khar- said: “We got Bashir out, but by protesters.On taking power a “swift and orderly handover will propose outright the crea- lowing the trial said. a source privy to information toum’s main hospital towards we still have to get rid of the the army said a military coun- to a civilian transitional body” tion of a Palestinian state, the They had been planning about the hearings said. the sit-in, carrying ban- regime”. Officials say at least cil would run Sudan for two to meet the aspirations of the Palestinians’ core demand. to show up in court for the Loujain’s siblings, based ners and chanting: “freedom, 65 people have been killed in years, sparking a backlash Sudanese people. During his remarks, Kush- hearings, which were earlier overseas, have said they are peace, justice.” protest-related violence since from protest leaders. Sudan’s foreign minister ner pushed back on the idea scheduled separately for each being pressured by people Journalists held a separate December, with some of the Just a day later former de- has said Burhan is “committed that the Trump peace plan was woman. close to the Saudi state to stay rally, along with university dead memorialised in a Khar- fence minister General Awad to having a complete civilian mostly centred around the eco- Riyadh has faced pressure silent over her treatment in students and scores of women toum mural.While there have Ibn Ouf stepped down as government” and has called nomic package, saying the po- from Western governments detention. from a Facebook group who been scenes of celebration — council chief, sparking jubila- on other nations to back the litical component is “very de- to release the women, most People close to the Saudi call themselves “the Infor- with demonstrators singing tion on Khartoum’s streets. council. tailed,” the source said. of whom were detained last establishment have warned mation Network of the Revo- and waving their national flag His successor General Ab- While the EU and Western “He said the plan will re- summer in a wide-ranging that public criticism by family lution”. The women — who — the protest site has grown del Fattah al-Burhan oversaw powers have backed the pro- quire concessions from both crackdown against activists members could prolong their include doctors, lawyers and more tense amid concerns the weekend talks with political testers’ demands for a civilian sides but won’t jeopardise the just before the historic lifting detention. teachers — are renowned for army will try to clear the sit-in parties, which failed to make administration, Saudi Arabia security of Israel,” the source of a decades-long ban on fe- At one emotionally charged monitoring security agents with force. headway. and the United Arab Emirates said. “It requires everybody male motorists. court hearing, some women who target protesters and “Now we fear that our revo- The council declared a na- have thrown their weight be- approaching the plan with an Three of them — activ- broke down as they accused publishing their information lution could be stolen, which tionwide ceasefire, but the hind the military. open mind.” The White House ist Aziza al-Yousef, blogger interrogators of subjecting online in order to hold them to is why we are keeping our rebel Sudan Liberation Army Egyptian President Abdel had no comment. Eman al-Nafj an and preacher them to electric shocks, fl og- account. ground here. We are staying (SLA-AW) fighting govern- Fattah al-Sisi called Burhan Israel’s UN ambassador Dan- Rokaya al-Mohareb — have ging and groping in detention, Later in the evening crowds here until our demands are ment forces in Darfur de- and the two discussed “bi- ny Danon said yesterday that been granted temporary re- two people with access to the of protesters flocked through met,” said Khalaf. nounced what it called a “pal- lateral relations”, SUNA state Netanyahu is unlikely to follow lease. trial said. Khartoum to join the sit-in Earlier this week witnesses ace coup”. Yesterday, a rebel news agency said yesterday, through on an election pledge In an apparent crackdown A Saudi prosecutor roundly chanting “revolution, revolu- said several army vehicles had leader ordered a three-month adding Burhan also received a to annex Israeli settlements in on the women’s support- rejected the accusation, wit- tion”, an AFP correspondent surrounded the area and that suspension of hostilities in letter from South Sudan Pres- the occupied West Bank until ers earlier this month, Saudi nesses said, reiterating the reported. troops were removing the bar- Blue Nile and South Kordofan ident Salva Kiir offering sup- after the United States has un- authorities arrested at least government’s stance. Sudan’s military rulers have ricades which demonstrators states where his forces have port for the council. veiled its plan.

TENSION Six die as diplomats discuss ceasefire Saudi sisters appeal for world’s help The death toll from rocket fire on the Libyan capital Tripoli, blamed by the UN-recognised government on strongman Khalifa Haftar, climbed to six yesterday as thousands more civilians fled the vio- Thomson Reuters Foundation obtain the permission of a male do not feel safe,” they said in a tweet lence. The latest bombing came as world powers wrangled over the Tbilisi “guardian” if they want to work, that was later cancelled. wording of a UN Security Council resolution demanding a ceasefire, marry or travel. Georgia’s interior ministry said with Russia blocking criticism of Haftar, according to diplomats. Rights groups say the system can the sisters had not asked for asylum Three of the six killed in the rocket fire on the southern Tripoli wo Saudi sisters took to trap women and girls as prisoners of or any help. neighbourhoods of Abu Salim and Al-Antisar late on Tuesday were Twitter yesterday to plead abusive families, and the sisters are UNHCR in Georgia said it was women, said the UN’s humanitarian co-ordination agency, OCHA. Tfor international protection not the fi rst Saudi women to seek monitoring the situation closely Abu Salim mayor Abdelrahman al-Hamdi confirmed the death toll and a safe haven, saying their lives urgent refuge outside their home- and confi rmed the sisters were in and said 35 other people were wounded. AFP journalists heard would be at risk if they went back to land. the country. seven loud explosions as rockets hit the city centre, the first since the kingdom. The sisters, who identifi ed them- “UNHCR does not comment Haftar’s Libyan National Army militia launched an off ensive on April The women, in their 20s, said selves as Maha al-Subaie, 28, and on individual cases, including for 4 to capture Tripoli from the government and its militia allies. they had arrived in the former So- Wafa al-Subaie, 25, posting pho- reasons of confi dentiality and data viet republic of Georgia and needed tos of their passports online, said protection,” the agency said in a help from the international com- they were seeking protection from statement. CONFLICT munity to fi nd a new country to call the United Nations refugee agency The Saudi embassy in Tbilisi did Troops raze home of killed Palestinian home. (UNHCR). They initially said they not immediately reply to a request “We are in danger.We need your had become stranded in Georgia for comment. Israeli forces destroyed the home yesterday of a Palestinian who support to deliver our voice. We after the Saudi government sus- Earlier this year, a Saudi teen who was killed during his attempted arrest on suspicion of carrying out a want protection. We want a coun- pended their passports and that had holed up in a Thai airport hotel December shooting. Seven people were wounded in the December try...(that) welcomes us and pro- members of their family had come to escape her family won asylum in 9 attack near the Israeli settlement of Ofra in the occupied West tects our rights. Please help us,” the looking for them, but later retracted Canada. Bank, one of them a pregnant woman who gave birth prematurely pair wrote on a shared Twitter ac- this version of events. In 2017, a Saudi woman who had to a baby who later died. The suspected fighter, Salah Barghouti, was count named GeorgiaSisters. “We are confused,” they wrote. sought asylum in Australia, saying killed as security forces attempted to arrest him in a December 12 The case is the latest to draw at- “We are terrifi ed as (we’ve) never she feared violence from relatives, raid. Yesterday, border police and defence ministry off icials “demol- tention to Saudi Arabia’s strict so- been before. Been crying all the was stopped on a layover in the ished the apartment in which Salah Barghouti lived” in the village of cial rules, which force women to time not knowing what’s next. We Philippines and returned to Riyadh. Kobar, north of the West Bank city of Ramallah, the army said. Gulf Times Thursday, April 18, 2019 13 AMERICAS

LOBBY LARK EXTENDED IN THE DOCK WRITE STUFF AIRBORNE Court turns spotlight on Astronaut set for longest Lawsuit accuses Chinese Writers Guild of America Canada seeks simulator Trudeau-Aga Khan trip spaceflight by a woman tech billionaire of rape sues 4 top talent agencies training for Boeing fix

A federal judge in Canada on Tuesday ordered Nasa astronaut Christina Koch is going to have A Chinese college student is suing tech billionaire The Writers Guild of America (WGA) said Canada yesterday called for pilots to receive the lobbying commission to take a second look her mission on the International Space Station and JD.com founder Richard Liu for allegedly yesterday it had filed a lawsuit against the four training on simulators for new Boeing 737 MAX into whether the Aga Khan violated rules by (ISS) extended to nearly 11 months, which would raping her last year during a US visit. Jingyao Liu major US talent agencies. The WGA and eight software, rather than computer courses, going hosting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at his set a record for the longest spaceflight by a filed the lawsuit on Tuesday against the Chinese writers brought the lawsuit against Creative Artists a step beyond proposals by US regulators private island in the Bahamas. The Montreal woman, the US space agency said yesterday. businessman and his e-commerce company, Agency, ICM Partners, William Morris Endeavor and opening the door to disagreement over court ordered the Commissioner of Lobbying Koch arrived on the ISS on March 14 with two four months after US prosecutors declined to file and United Talent Agency in Los Angeles Superior measures to end a global grounding of the jets “to re-examine the actions of everyone at the other crew members — an American and a criminal charges. The University of Minnesota Court. The suit claims the agencies engaged after two fatal crashes. In comments to Reuters, Aga Khan Foundation with ‘a broad view of Russian — for what was initially planned to student alleges Liu assaulted her in her apartment in unfair competition and unfair fiduciary duty Canadian Transport Minister Marc Garneau the circumstances,’” read a statement by the be a six-month mission. Koch’s stay would be and in his limousine last August, when he was a through the process of “packaging fees,” in said computer-based training would not go far watchdog group Democracy Watch. Trudeau extended until February 2020, which would beat visiting scholar in a PhD programme for Asian which an agent is paid directly by the studio enough to satisfy Canada. “It’s not going to be was quick to react. “We trust in the processes in the record held by another female US astronaut, business executives. Police initially arrested the that hires the client, instead of getting paid a a question of pulling out an iPad and spending place and respect the work that the court and Peggy Whitson, who spent 288 days aboard the 46-year-old and investigated the allegations, but the 10% commission fee from the client. The four an hour on it,” he said in Montreal. “Simulators the lobbying commissioner will do,” he said at a ISS in 2016-17, Nasa said. “It feels awesome,” Koch lead prosecutor in the case declined to file criminal agencies named in the complaint receive over are the best way to go over exactly what could press conference. said when told her mission was being prolonged. charges, citing “profound evidentiary problems.” 80% of the packaging fees, according to the WGA. happen in a real way and to react properly to it.”

Climate protest Fight brews over expected blacked out portions of Mueller report

By David Morgan and four categories of content: secret Sarah N Lynch, Reuters grand jury information, intel- Washington ligence-gathering sources and methods, information relating to active cases and information ongressional Demo- could aff ect the privacy of “pe- crats could move forward ripheral third parties” who were Cquickly — as early as Mon- not charged. day — with subpoenas to obtain The redactions, to be colour Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s coded to reflect the reason they full report on Russian interfer- were omitted from the final re- ence in the US 2016 election, after port, have Democrats seeing Attorney-General William Barr red. releases a version today that may They have expressed concern have signifi cant portions blacked that Barr, a Trump appointee out. named after the president fi red A day before the planned re- former attorney-general Jeff Ses- lease of a redacted version of sions, could black out material to the report, President Donald protect the president. Trump went to Twitter to re- Mueller on March 22 submit- new his attacks on the special ted to Barr a nearly 400-page counsel’s investigation and the report on his 22-month investi- FBI. gation into whether the Trump When the report is released, campaign worked with Moscow close attention will be given not to sway the election in his fa- only to potential new details on vour, and whether Trump com- the Trump campaign’s contacts mitted obstruction of justice with Russia and the question of with actions to impede the in- whether the Republican president quiry. People participate in a direct action with a protest group called Extinction Rebellion in New York City. The activists are demanding governments declare a climate acted to impede the inquiry, but In a letter to lawmakers two emergency to combat pollution. also on how much Barr elects to days later, Barr said Mueller did withhold. not fi nd that members of Trump’s The Democratic-led House of campaign engaged in a criminal Representatives Judiciary Com- conspiracy with Russia. mittee voted on April 3 to author- Barr said he determined ize its chairman, Jerrold Nadler, to there was not enough evidence issue subpoenas to the Justice De- to establish that Trump com- partment to obtain Mueller’s un- mitted the crime of obstruc- redacted report and all underlying tion of justice, though Mueller Columbine-infatuated teenager evidence, as well as documents did not exonerate Trump on and testimony from fi ve former obstruction. Trump aides. Since then, Trump has set his A source familiar with the mat- sights on the FBI, and accused the ter said Nadler could issue sub- Justice Department of improperly dies from self-infl icted gunshot poenas as early as Monday. targeting his campaign. The source, speaking on condi- Last week, Barr told a US Sen- Reuters deputies and Colorado state troopers tion shotgun and ammunition, FBI Spe- cluded two photos of Pais, said she was tion of anonymity, said tomorrow ate panel he believed “spying” Denver searched for Pais. cial Agent in Charge Dean Phillips said at dressed in a black T-shirt, camoufl age would be too early for subpoenas did occur on Trump’s campaign, Since the massacre at Columbine, a news conference late on Tuesday. pants and black boots. unless the entire report were to be and he plans to investigate there has been a decades-long string of Denver is adjacent to Jeff erson County. An online journal written by a woman blacked out. whether it was properly author- Florida teenager, who authorities US school shootings, some inspired by Some 20 to 30 offi cers were searching who identifi ed herself as “Sol Pais” con- “Chairman Nadler has said ised. said was armed, dangerous and copycats who have expressed fascination for her near the Echo Lake Campground tains numerous handwritten entries of that subpoenas could come very A federal judge criticised Barr A“infatuated” with the Columbine with the massacre. in the Arapaho National Forest yesterday despair and anger, peppered with images quickly if we do not receive the during a hearing on Tuesday on a massacre, was found dead in Colorado Columbine was the second deadliest morning, after authorities received re- of weapons. full, unredacted report with the Freedom of Information Act law- after she travelled to the state days before shooting at a school in US history at the ports of a naked woman with a gun run- “Being alive is overrated,” one entry underlying evidence from DOJ. suit demanding access to the Mu- the 20th anniversary of the school attack, time. ning through the woods, CBS4 in Denver reads, punctuated with an expletive, We will have to see what comes eller report, according to media offi cials said yesterday. Now it stands fi fth, surpassed by the reported. above a drawing of a handgun going off out on tomorrow,” commit- reports. After a daylong search, Sol Pais, an high school shooting in Parkland, Florida No shots were fi red by authorities as with the word “ready?” underneath. tee spokesman Daniel Schwarz “The attorney-general has 18-year-old student from Surfside, in 2018, the shooting at an elementary they closed in on Pais, the station report- “I don’t feel at home in this reality,” said in a statement, using an created an environment that has Florida, was found about 64km west school in Newtown, Connecticut in 2012 ed, citing law enforcement sources. another page says. acronym for the Justice Depart- caused a signifi cant part of the of Columbine High School in Littleton, and a 2007 shooting at Virginia Tech. A spokeswoman for the Miami-Dade A user on the National Gun Forum ment. public to be concerned about Colorado, where two teenage male stu- With the rash of school shootings County Public Schools said Pais was stu- used the same screen name as the author The department this week said whether or not there is full trans- dents shot and killed 12 classmates and across the nation, security alerts and dent at Miami Beach Senior High School of the blog in a series of posts starting the report would be released to- parency,” US District Court Judge a teacher on April 20, 1999, before com- safety drills have become commonplace. and that there was no threat to schools in late March seeking advice on how an day to both Congress and the Reggie Walton was quoted as say- mitting suicide. In Denver public schools alone, there within the district. 18-year-old Florida resident could buy a public, a day before major reli- ing. Pais appeared to have been killed by a have been 22 lockdowns and 294 lock- On Tuesday, an FBI bulletin said au- shotgun in Colorado gious holidays. Walton said he could ask to self-infl icted gunshot wound, Jeff erson outs over the past two academic years, thorities lacked probable cause for a “I am planning a trip to Colorado in the Barr, who has broad author- review the full document after a County Sheriff Jeff Shrader said during according to school data cited by the formal arrest but that law enforcement next month or so and wanna buy a shot- ity to decide how much of the redacted version is released, but a news conference with school offi cials. Denver Post. should detain Pais for a mental-health gun while I’m there and I was wondering report to release, has promised to denied a request by a media out- Denver area schools were closed yes- Pais fl ew from Miami to Denver on evaluation. what restrictions apply for me?” the fi rst be as transparent as possible, but let, Buzzfeed News, to speed up terday as FBI agents, Jeff erson County Monday, where she bought a pump-ac- The sheriff ’s Twitter post, which in- post read. told lawmakers he would redact the process.

Right-wing party wins power in Canada’s oil region, attacks Trudeau on environment

By Nia Williams, Reuters Both Kenney and Notley when it won a 2015 election, but Kenney, a 50-year-old former Calgary, Alberta blamed Trudeau for a lack of inherited an economy hammered federal cabinet minister, vowed progress on new oil export pipe- by a global crude price crash. action on jobs and the economy. lines, saying he was pressing for Notley introduced a carbon tax Both parties support new oil right-of-centre party excessively stringent environ- to help cut emissions of green- pipelines, including the Trans swept to power in Cana- mental standards at a time when house gases, a measure Kenney Mountain expansion that will Ada’s main oil-producing energy producers were clamour- had vowed to scrap. triple the amount of crude reach- province of Alberta on Tuesday ing for more capacity. He did not repeat the promise ing the Pacifi c Coast. and attacked Prime Minister Jus- “We have in Ottawa a federal during his speech, calling the They also back measures to tin Trudeau’s eff orts to fight cli- government that has made a bad measure a “tax grab” instead. prop up Alberta’s energy indus- mate change, raising tension just situation much worse...(it) is im- Trudeau this month imposed try, which struggled last year months ahead of a federal election. posing new laws that will make it a price on carbon on four prov- with record discounts on Cana- The United Conservative Party impossible to get pipelines ap- inces without plans to tackle glo- dian crude because of pipeline (UCP) of Jason Kenney, which proved in the future,” Kenney bal warming and made clear he congestion. had led in the polls for months, told a victory rally in Calgary. would do the same for Alberta if “Not many people who are crushed the left-leaning New In an often belligerent cam- needed. in the energy industry can say Democratic Party (NDP) gov- paign, Kenney promised to stand “Climate change is real and Alberta is in a better place than ernment of Rachel Notley amid up for Albertans against Trudeau must be fought,” Trudeau told a it was four years ago,” said Tim frustration over the economy and and other politicians he said were town hall in Cambridge, Ontario Pickering, president of Aus- a beleaguered energy industry. taking the province and its oil on Tuesday before the Alberta pice Capital Advisers in Calgary, Kenney’s victory means gov- and gas for granted. results were announced. which manages a Canadian crude ernments in fi ve of the 10 prov- Provisional results showed the In a statement later, Trudeau exchange-traded fund. inces now oppose Trudeau’s UCP had won 63 of the 87 seats in said he and Kenney would work Notley told supporters her gov- plans to combat global warm- the provincial legislature. together to take “decisive action ernment had done a tough and dif- ing, which look set to be a major The NDP ended decades of on climate change while getting fi cult job, adding, “Today Alberta United Conservative Party leader Jason Kenney addresses supporters at the provincial election night theme of the October election. conservative rule in Alberta our natural resources to market”. is a better place because of it.” headquarters in Calgary. Gulf Times 14 Thursday, April 18, 2019 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

NZ disarms police as terror threat level lowered New Zealand police yesterday ended the routine arming of frontline New Zealand abandons plans for capital gains tax off icers as the terrorism threat level was lowered a month after the Christchurch mosques massacre. Police and security agencies reduced the threat level from high to medium, meaning authorities AFP down when she could not get University, said a capital gains union executive director Jordan Labour Party had previously judge that another attack, violent criminal behaviour, or violent Wellington consensus in her three-party tax, while universally wide- Williams described the decision campaigned for a CGT in 2011 protest remains “feasible” rather than “very likely”. coalition, with her deputy Prime spread, has not necessarily been as a “huge victory” for taxpay- and 2014 and lost both elections. The level is still higher than it was before the March 15 attacks, Minister Winson Peters — who eff ective. ers with New Zealand’s stream- “I genuinely believe there are when the threat was deemed to be “low”. Prime Minister Jacinda rime Minister Jacinda Ar- heads the minority New Zealand “The proposal that came back lined system negating the need inequities in our tax system that Ardern said “there is no current specific threat”, but the security dern yesterday abandoned First Party — fi rmly against it. from the Tax Working Group for CGT. a capital gains tax in some form agencies believed the medium level “accurately reflects our current Pplans for a capital gains Backers of the CGT — a levy on would not really have made a “We won,” he said. “We’re could have helped to resolve. status”. tax despite strongly backing it profi ts from asset sales — had signifi cant diff erence to the eq- the envy of the world in terms That’s an argument Labour has Frontline New Zealand police have historically not carried firearms at the last election, leaving New argued New Zealand needed a uity argument,” he told AFP. “It of our very low amount of made as a party since 2011,” Ar- and many people were shocked to see them heavily armed after Zealand among a handful of de- fairer tax system with a better would not raise signifi cant mon- loopholes. We don’t have a dern said. 50 Muslims were gunned down while at Friday prayers. Police veloped countries not to impose distribution of wealth. ey and would complicate the tax huge proportion of tax lawyers “However after almost a dec- commissioner Mike Bush said with the easing of the security threat such a levy. Opinion polls had shown most system.” and accountants compared ade campaigning on it, and af- level, the police had reassessed their position on arming frontline The surprise decision, which New Zealanders opposed a CGT Scrimgeour said in a perfect with many jurisdictions. We ter forming a government that staff and the carrying of weapons would now be decided on a case- refl ected a split in her Labour and Peters said there was “nei- world a tax on capital should be are extremely lucky.” represented the majority of New by-case basis. coalition government, came ther a compelling rationale nor straightforward but in reality it The Tax Working Group had Zealanders, we have been unable The decision was made after “significant consultation” with after a tax working group that mandate to institute a compre- was diffi cult to achieve. recommended a CGT rate at the to build a mandate for a capital mosques and Islamic Centres in relation to ongoing security, Ardern set up after the poll re- hensive capital gains tax regime”. “In other countries it has not income earner’s top tax rate — gains tax. although Bush said he would not release details. “There was never ported back that it supported Frank Scrimgeour, the head solved the kinds of problems 33% for most people — which “While I have believed in a any intention for the routine carriage of firearms to continue the concept. of the school of accounting, fi - CGT proponents suggested it opponents argued would be one CGT, it’s clear many New Zea- indefinitely,” Bush said. Ardern was forced to back nance and economics at Waikato should.” New Zealand Taxpayers of the highest in the world. The landers do not.” Widodo takes lead in Indonesia polls

AFP also raised fears about the future Jakarta of Indonesia’s reputation for moderate Islam. The soft-spoken Widodo stood in stark contrast to ndonesia’s Joko Widodo was fi ery nationalist rival Subianto, a on track to be re-elected strongman who courted Islamic Ileader of the world’s third- hardliners and promised a boost biggest democracy as unoffi cial to military and defence spending. results put him in a comfortable Echoing US President Donald lead over fi rebrand ex-general Trump, Subianto vowed to put Indonesian President Joko Widodo, his vice presidential candidate Maruf Amin (right) and coalition party Prabowo Subianto after vot- “Indonesia fi rst” by reviewing leaders hold a press conference after the country’s general election in Jakarta yesterday. ing closed yesterday across the billions of dollars in Chinese in- 17,000-island archipelago. vestment. home in the disaster voiced hope While offi cial results are not His presidential ambitions, that the poll could help bring due until next month, a series of however, have been dogged by a some relief to thousands still liv- so-called “quick counts” by poll- chequered past and strong ties to ing in makeshift tents. “Hope- sters showed Widodo as much as the Suharto dictatorship, which fully the president or the new 11 percentage points ahead. collapsed two decades ago and legislative candidate will help The vote ended at 1pm, but Indonesian presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto speaks to the opened the door for what is now people like us still living in evac- some of the 800,000 polling sta- media after polls closed in Jakarta. a fl ourishing democracy. uation shelters,” said Laila, who tions across the volcano-dotted Subianto — who moved to sof- like many Indonesians goes by nation remained open late due added. Subianto, who has long pressed into service to get ballot ten his strongman image with an one name. to delays and long queues. The had his eye on the country’s top boxes out across the vast country Instagram account featuring his “All this time we’ve been living quick counts have been reliable job, lost to Widodo in 2014 and that is home to hundreds of eth- cat Bobby— ordered the abduc- on handouts from volunteers.” indicators in past elections, but then mounted an unsuccessful nic groups and languages. The tion of democracy activists as the About 2mn military and civil Widodo held off declaring vic- legal challenge to the election. call to prayer had rang out as vot- authoritarian regime collapsed in protection force members were tory — while his rival insisted he This year’s campaign was ing began at fi rst light in restive 1998, and was accused of com- deployed to ensure the vote went had won. punctuated by bitter mudsling- Papua province in the east of the mitting atrocities in East Timor. smoothly, including in moun- “We’ve all seen exit poll and ing and a slew of fake news on- 4,800km-long Muslim major- A record 245,000 candidates ran tainous Papua where rebels have quick count numbers, but we line — much of it directed at the ity nation. Leading in pre-vote for public offi ce, from the presi- been fi ghting for decades to split still need to wait for the offi cial presidential contenders. polls, Widodo, 57, pointed to his dency and parliamentary seats to from Indonesia. results,” Widodo told cheering “I hope after this that there ambitious drive to build much- local positions — the fi rst time all Papua election offi cials supporters in Jakarta. will be a call for reconciliation needed roads, airports and other were held on the same day. dressed in traditional head- The 67-year-old Subianto — because ... we’ve been living in a infrastructure across Southeast Voters punched holes in bal- gear and grass skirts, as others who warned of street protests very polarised atmosphere,” po- Asia’s largest economy. lots — to make clear their candi- strapped on superhero costumes and legal challenges if he lost — litical analyst Gun Gun Heryanto But Widodo — a political out- date choice — and then dipped a to entertain voters in other parts insisted that he was Indonesia’s told Kompas TV. From the jun- sider with an everyman person- fi nger in Muslim-approved halal of the country of 260mn. “This next leader, without citing spe- gles of Borneo to the slums of ality when he swept to victory in ink, to prevent double-voting in only happens once in fi ve years, cifi c evidence. “We will not use Jakarta, yesterday saw millions of 2014 — has seen his rights record a graft-riddled country where so we have to exercise our (vot- illegal tactics because we have Indonesians cast their ballots in criticised owing to an uptick in ballot-buying is rife. ing) rights,” I Gusti Ketut Sudar- won,” Subianto said. “For those one of the world’s biggest exer- discriminatory attacks on reli- In Palu, which was devastated sa, 65, said from holiday hotspot who defended (my rivals), I’m cises in democracy. gious and other minorities. His by a quake-tsunami six months Bali. still going to defend you. I’m the Horses, elephants, motor- choice of conservative cleric ago, one woman who lost her “This will determine the path An Indonesian election off icial counts ballots from the country’s president of all Indonesians,” he bikes, boats and planes were Ma’ruf Amin as his running mate 10-year-old daughter and her of our nation.” general election at a polling station in Jakarta yesterday. Bangladesh garment Japan emperor pays homage at Shinto shrine Reuters of a series of rituals for his abdi- Barack Obama and other Group an ancient mirror, are known as Tokyo cation this month. of Seven leaders to the shrine on the Three Sacred Treasures of This is their last trip as em- the sidelines of the G7 summit in Japan and symbols of the im- makers call on govt to peror and empress to the shrine 2016, saw Akihito and Michiko perial throne. Akihito, 85, will apanese Emperor Aki- in central Japan, dedicated to off at a Tokyo railway station. step down on April 30, the fi rst hito, along with Empress sun goddess Amaterasu Omi- The royal couple are travelling abdication of a sitting Japanese JMichiko, yesterday started a kami, mythical ancestress of the with a legendary sword and a emperor in two centuries, and three-day pilgrimage to the Ise emperor. jewel, encased in black boxes will be succeeded the next day extend export subsidy Grand Shrine, the holiest site in Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and carried by chamberlains. by his elder son, Crown Prince Japan’s Shinto religion, as part who escorted US President The two items, together with Naruhito, 59.

Reuters Manufacturers and Exporters sure to the owners and if they get Dhaka Association, told reporters yes- some cash incentive that would terday that without the subsidy, be a relief,” said Tipu. more garment makers would go Siddiqur said that the prices Mars on earth! angladesh’s garment mak- out of business. of readymade garments in 2018 ers have asked the gov- The association says that were 7.4% lower in the US mar- Bernment to extend a 5% 1,200 garment factories have ket and 3.64% less in the Euro- export subsidy for the industry, closed down in Bangladesh in pean market than they had been saying they are being squeezed the past fi ve years. Siddiqur said in 2012. between low international prices another 5% cash incentive on ex- At the same time the manufac- for clothing and rising produc- ports would cost the government turers’ costs have been climbing, tion costs. $1.67bn. Commerce Minister mainly driven by labour costs. The country’s garment indus- Tipu Munshi told Reuters that he Last year, there was a big increase try, the world’s second biggest would talk to the fi nance minis- in the minimum wage for Bang- producer, currently receives a ter about including the proposal ladesh garment makers and that 5% cash incentive for exports but in the budget for the fi scal year drove the costs of production that is due to end on June 30. beginning July 1. “After the en- higher. Bangladesh earns about Siddiqur Rahman, the presi- hancement of wages since De- $30bn annually by exporting dent of the Bangladesh Garment cember last year there is a pres- readymade garments.

Pet deer kills man in Australia in rare attack

A pet deer killed a man and badly injuries to the male were fatal David Voss from Australian injured his wife in Australia, police and the injuries to the female Deer Association, a hunters’ said yesterday, the first known were life threatening,” acting lobby group. Police did not give attack in years though it occurred Senior Sergeant Paul Pursell told details of the attack. Voss said during mating season when the reporters. deer usually run away when animals are bad tempered. The Police shot the deer when they humans approach, but this deer animal, a cross between an elk arrived. Deer were introduced “had nowhere to run so he just and deer, attacked shortly after to Australia in the 19th century attacked instead.” In the nine the man entered the enclosure and are regarded as a pest, with years to 2017, Australia has not on his property near the town of up to 1mn wild deer in Victoria logged any deaths directly caused Wangaratta, 200km northeast of state, according to government by deer, though 77 deaths were Melbourne in Victoria state. The estimates. linked to cows and horses, the A group of students visit ‘Mars Base 1’, a C-Space Project, in the Gobi desert, some 40km from Jinchang in China’s northwest Gansu deer badly injured his wife when “It’s a very, very short sharp Australian Broadcasting Corp province yesterday. Surrounded by barren hills in northwest Gansu province, ‘Mars Base 1’ opened to the public yesterday with the she came to her husband’s aid, season where they get aggressive reported, citing the national aim of exposing teens — and soon tourists — to what life could be like on the planet. police said. “Unfortunately, the and fight with each other,” said statistics agency. Gulf Times Thursday, April 18, 2019 15

BRITAIN/IRELAND House price growth falls to weakest level in seven years

Reuters edly held just below the Bank of down by 3.8% — the biggest drop previous years has also stretched and concerns,” said economist of economists had pointed to a tivity in the economy are likely London England’s 2% target in March, since mid-2009. aff ordability. Howard Archer from consultan- rate of 2%. to push infl ation above the BoE’s off ering relief to consumers The malaise in the capital House prices in London are cy EY ITEM Club. “However, we Sterling slipped against the US 2% target by the end of 2019, said whose spending has helped the spread to the south-east of Eng- now 6% below their mid-2017 suspect it is more probable that dollar and the euro on the fi gures, economist Andrew Wishart from ritish house prices rose economy through the Brexit cri- land, where prices fell for the fi rst peak, albeit a smaller contraction with Brexit most likely being de- while government bond prices consultancy Capital Economics. at the weakest rate in six- sis. time since 2011. than an 18% decline during the layed until October 31, prolonged rose slightly. “Nonetheless, with another Band-a-half years in Febru- House prices were just 0.6% Other surveys have shown fi nancial crisis. uncertainty will weigh down on Rising motor fuel prices were Brexit crunch point looming in ary, dragged down by London’s higher in February than a year Brexit to be a major drag on the “It is possible that the avoid- the housing market and hamper off set by falling food prices and October and growth likely to biggest price slump in a decade ago, slowing sharply from a 1.7% property market in the capital, ance of a ‘no deal’ Brexit at the activity.” computer game prices rising be modest this year, we doubt as Brexit uncertainty sent chills annual rise in January, the Of- which is sensitive to fl ows of mi- end of March could provide a Separately, the ONS said con- more slowly than they did a year the (Bank of England) will press through the property market. fi ce for National Statistics (ONS) grant workers from the European modest boost to the housing sumer prices rose at an annual ago, the ONS said. ahead with another interest rate Offi cial data also showed con- said. Union. market through easing some rate of 1.9% in March, the same Looking ahead, improving hike until next summer,” Wishart sumer price infl ation unexpect- In London, house prices were A surge in prices in London in of the immediate uncertainty rate as in February. A Reuters poll wage growth and poor produc- added.

More than 300 held at Grassroots Extinction Rebellion protests Tories ‘want to

Guardian News and Media London hold no-trust here have been more than 300 arrests linked to the TExtinction Rebellion pro- tests across London and reports suggest the capital’s cells are rapidly fi lling up. The Metropolitan police vote in May’ would not release up-to-date fi gures on cell capacity, but data Guardian News and Media siders her position and resigns, explore other ways of forcing her from two years ago showed they London to allow the Conservative party resignation. had 799 cells available across to choose another leader, and the MPs including Mark Francois London. With cuts to policing country to move forward and ne- and Andrea Jenkyns have already budgets, this number is likely to rassroots Conservative gotiate our exit from the EU.” submitted further no-confi dence have fallen, so reports that cell activists will try to press An extraordinary meeting of the letters in the prime minister to Sir space is under pressure are cred- GTheresa May to stand down NCC – the members’ body com- Graham Brady, the chairman of ible. as prime minister by forcing an ex- prised of about 800 senior party the 1922 Committee of backbench Extinction Rebellion protest- traordinary general meeting to al- offi cers – has never been called in Tory MPs, and urged him to hold ers, activists and legal observ- low a vote of no confi dence from the past and members would need an indicative vote of confi dence in ers have told Guardian reporters party members. to be given at least 28 days’ notice the prime minister. some of those arrested are being The vote would not be binding of the meeting. Party sources also The prospect of such a vote taken to police stations outside on the prime minister, but the Na- suggested there would be no obli- was discussed at length before London, with several saying tional Conservative Convention gation to act quickly. the Easter recess by the commit- demonstrators are being taken to (NCC) would be obliged to hold Glover said there was little tee, which eventually concluded it Luton, while others mentioned the meeting if more than 65 Tory campaigners could do to force the could not take place. The commit- Brighton and Essex. association chairs called for one to party to hold an EGM quickly, but tee has also been asked to present The Met would not confi rm or be held. their fi rst priority was to put pres- May with a timetable for her de- deny the claim. “Those who have The attempt, fi rst reported by sure on backbench MPs and Cabi- parture, but it would not be bind- been arrested are being taken to the Telegraph, has been organised net ministers to act because of the ing on her. MPS custody suites throughout by the Conservatives’ London intensity of grassroots feeling. Another option being ex- London,” a spokesperson said. East area chairman, Dinah Glover. “It is up to the party how quickly plored is a little-known method “Contingency plans are in place The number of signatories has they move, but from my point of to change party rules, which can should custody suites become not been disclosed but Glover said view this is extremely signifi cant be kickstarted by a petition of full. We will not discuss (the she was confi dent of reaching the that this is happening at all,” she more than 10,000 members. One matter) further for operational threshold imminently. said. member, Soutiam Goodarzi, has reasons.” “It’s a snowball, we will defi - “It gives power to the elbow of started a petition to reduce the However, despite the volume nitely meet the numbers and ex- almost half of the backbenchers 12-month grace period after a no- of arrests, anecdotal evidence ceed it,” she said. “It has been that voted no confi dence in the confi dence vote to three months. from those on the ground sug- building for a lot of people. People prime minister in December and However, it is unlikely such a gests the police are approach- were particularly angry when it to those who decided it was not change could be made quickly. ing the protests with a distinctly became apparent that we were not the right time but had sympathy The petition would only trigger lighter touch. One legal observer leaving on March 29, that was a with it. a postal ballot of members of the said the diminishing capac- very low point when we lost mem- “We are seeking to say, this feel- NCC, plus MPs, MEPs and peers, ity might be a reason why police bers. ing is growing, we don’t want to which would take place up to two were arresting people so slowly. “Taking part in the EU elections take this to an EGM, which is a last months after the petition would “The other thing is that if they is also a very physical reminder resort, but we have the numbers.” be received. come in and do a mass arrest, that Brexit has not been delivered. May, who has already pledged to Two former chairmen of the they might lose public support,” It is a very public humiliation, as is step down for the next phase of the 1922 Committee have also ad- she added. going into negotiations with Jer- Brexit negotiations, cannot face vised that MPs could change the Policing protests has long emy Corbyn.” another binding no-confi dence rules among themselves to allow a been a sore point for the Met, The motion drafted by Glover vote in her leadership until De- leadership challenge sooner than with the death of Ian Tomlinson says the party “no longer feel that cember, a year after she success- December. at the G20 summit demonstra- May is the right person to continue fully defeated an attempt by MPs Writing in the Sunday Tele- tions in 2009 leaving a lasting as prime minister to lead us for- to oust her. graph, Michael Spicer and Archie mark on the force’s reputation, ward in the negotiations.” However, the Brexit delay has Hamilton said the 12-month rule as did the scenes of kettling at Climate change activists blockade Oxford Circus on the third day of an environmental protest by the It adds: “We therefore with led Tory grassroots groups and on no-confi dence votes could be the student protests in 2010. Extinction Rebellion group in London yesterday. great reluctance ask that she con- Eurosceptic MPs to attempt to changed if MPs agreed to do so. Priory fi ned £300,000 Official visit Boyfriend suspect in whale trainer’s death over girl’s hospital death the investigation has detected Daily Mail London indications of criminality with Guardian News and Media Amy’s family in this case”. proper care. The Priory has pre- regards to the boyfriend, who London At an earlier hearing, the viously off ered its “sincere apol- has been summonsed to give evi- court heard that Amy, who has ogies” to Amy’s family for what he death of a British killer dence in the next few weeks as a a “known and recent history” of it admitted were serious failings. whale trainer is now being person under offi cial investiga- he Priory healthcare suicide attempts, arrived at the Dingemans said he had tak- Ttreated as possible murder tion over his possible involve- group has been fi ned hospital’s high-dependency unit en into account the company’s with her boyfriend a suspect, it ment in the death of Amy. T£300,000 over the death on August 23, 2012. guilty plea, lack of previous con- was revealed. ‘When the autopsy showed of a 14-year-old girl at one of its On November 12, at 8.15pm, victions, “good health and safety Amy Gerard’s body was found her body had signs of violence, hospitals. she was found in her bedroom record” and its subsequent steps in the sea off Puerto de la Cruz, the judge investigating the case Amy El-Keria was being with a ligature tied around her to close and refurbish the unit Tenerife, on December 4. at the time passed it over to treated at the group’s Ticehurst neck and taken to Conquest hos- Amy was in. The 28-year-old from Grims- the Court For Violence Against House psychiatric hospital in pital in Hastings. She died the The private mental healthcare by had been reported missing Women.” East Sussex when she died in No- following day after life support provider, which had a turno- following a night out at a pub The statement did not name vember 2012. was withdrawn. ver of £133mn and an operating with her German boyfriend Den- Kissling as the man under inves- A jury inquest in 2016 heard Sarah Le Fevre, prosecuting, profi t of £2mn in 2017, was also nis Kissling and other friends on tigation, although he was widely neglect contributed to her death told the court that a ligature au- ordered to pay the HSE’s costs November 30. described at the time as Gerard’s and found she died accidentally dit of her room, carried out by an of £65,801.38 and a victim sur- Spanish police have placed boyfriend. He was a colleague at of unintended consequences of a untrained member of staff , iden- charge of £120. Kissling under investigation and Loro Parque and it was known deliberate act. tifi ed medium risks which were Speaking outside court, Amy’s a court specialising in violence she was with him the night she The Health and Safety Execu- not followed up. mother, Tania El-Keria, said: against women is handling the disappeared after leaving Molly tive (HSE) pursued a criminal The 2016 inquest jury ruled “The public’s eye has been fi rmly case. Malone pub in Puerto de la Cruz. investigation and the company that staff failed to dial 999 quick- opened to what the Priory stand Offi cials have lifted a secrecy She was fi lmed looking happy admitted to a charge of being ly enough, failed to call a doctor for, profi t over safety. Today is a order that had been imposed on and relaxed as she and Kissling an employer failing to discharge promptly and were not trained in historic day in our fi ght for jus- the inquiry into the disappear- danced to Fairytale Of New York its duty to ensure people were CPR. It found that staffi ng levels tice for Amy. Our Amy died in ance and death of Gerard, who by The Pogues. not exposed to health and safety were inadequate and that Amy what we know to be a criminally was working at Loro Parque – The pair were said to have been risks. had to be removed from the hos- unsafe hospital being run by the which means Parrot Park – on spotted going their separate ways Justice Dingemans, sentenc- pital on a bodyboard because the Priory.” She added: “This whole the outskirts of Puerto de la after leaving the pub. ing the London-based private ambulance stretcher could not fi t painful process has been marked Cruz. University graduate Gerard company at Lewes crown court in the lift. by the Priory’s long and bitter Irish Parliament Speaker Sean O’Fearghail bids farewell to US An offi cial speaking on behalf was estranged from her husband yesterday, said the penalty could The jury agreed that Amy may failure to show any level of re- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Dublin, Ireland, yesterday. of the investigating judge, said: Ryan Docherty, a personal trainer “never refl ect the loss suff ered by have lived if she had received morse ... or responsibility.” “The court has confi rmed that in the UK. Gulf Times 16 Thursday, April 18, 2019 EUROPE

Romanian justice France launches global minister sacked for Notre-Dame competition shunning AFP niques and the challenges of our tling to outshine each other with reforms Paris era.” displays of generosity. A descendant of the 19th- However, the slew of an- century architect Eugene Viol- nouncements raised eyebrows AFP rance has announced that let-le-Duc, Jean-Marie Henri- in France, with some leftist Bucharest it would invite architects quet, 76, told AFP that it would politicians arguing that the ul- Ffrom around the world to be a “great shame” not to rebuild tra-rich could best help protect submit designs for replacing the the spire, adding this would the country’s cultural heritage omania’s ruling Social spire of Notre-Dame cathedral equate to “amputating an ele- by fully paying their taxes – or Democratic Party (PSD) after a devastating blaze, as the ment that belonged to it”. helping the “human cathedral” Rsacked justice minister government braced for a mam- Philippe described the task of people in need. Tudorel Toader yesterday for moth restoration challenge. of rebuilding it as “a huge chal- The huge tax breaks avail- spurning controversial changes Prime Minister Edouard lenge and historic responsibil- able on the donations also to the national penal code that Philippe said the contest would ity”, a day after President Em- caused some unease, prompting critics say benefi t PSD chief Liv- decide whether the monument manuel Macron said the entire Francois-Henri Pinault, the bil- iu Dragnea. should have a new spire at all restoration should be completed lionaire chief executive of the “Mr Toader promised to bring and if so, whether it should be in just fi ve years. Kering luxury goods empire, to forward several measures but identical to the fallen 19th-cen- The bells of French cathedrals announce he would forfeit his he failed to accomplish every- tury model or be a wholly new rung out at 1650 GMT yesterday rebate. thing he promised,” Prime Min- design. to mark the exact moment when Pinault had led the pledges of ister Viorica Dancila said after a The world looked on in horror the fi re started on Monday. donations starting on Monday meeting of leading PSD politi- on Monday as fl ames engulfed Macron had vowed to rebuild night with a promise of €100mn. cians, adding that colleagues had the 850-year-old gothic mas- the iconic monument, the real Billionaire Bernard Arnault People are seen on a bank of the river Seine, with the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral in background, in voted in favour of his dismissal. terpiece seen as encapsulating star of Victor Hugo’s Hunchback and his LVMH luxury conglom- the aftermath of a fire that devastated the cathedral. The opposition says that new the soul of Paris and the spire of Notre Dame, by 2024 when erate, Total oil company and amendments pushed by the PSD came crashing down. France hosts the summer Olym- cosmetics giant L’Oreal also Trump said he spoke to Pope the roof, “battered but appar- the precious oak “forest” that would curb the statute of limi- Explaining that having no pics. each pledged €100mn or more, Francis and off ered “the help of ently restorable” according to propped up the roof. tations and abolish an off ence new spire at all was an option, “We can do it,” he said on while US tech giant Apple said our great experts on renovation a spokesperson for the culture “I’d say decades,” Eric Fischer, related to abuse of offi ce, under Philippe noted that Notre-Dame Tuesday, calling France “a na- it would give an unspecifi ed and construction” to rebuild ministry. head of the foundation in charge which Dragnea was sentenced had been without a steeple for tion of builders”. amount. Notre-Dame. The walls, bell towers and the of restoring the 1,000-year-old in June 2018 to three and a half part of its history. No sooner had fi refi ghters Disney, which scored millions On Tuesday evening Macron most famous circular stained- Strasbourg cathedral, told AFP. years in prison. “The international con- extinguished the fl ames than with the 1996 animated block- set out an ambitious timeline for glass windows also remain in- Investigators trying to deter- He is appealing the verdict. test will settle the question of pledges of donations towards buster The Hunchback of Notre restoring the landmark that took tact. mine the cause of the blaze are The European Commission whether we should build a new restoring France’s best-loved Dame based on the Victor Hugo nearly two centuries to build But the fl oor of the nave was questioning workers who were has warned against adopting the spire, whether we should re- monument, which attracted novel, said it would give $5mn. and which has played a role in left strewn with blackened roof renovating the steeple, an oper- new changes, saying it would build the spire that was designed 12mn visitors in 2018, began to US President Donald Trump, many of the defi ning moments beams and chunks of the col- ation suspected of accidentally “act swiftly” if Bucharest took and built by (Eugene) Viollet- pour in. who was ridiculed by the French of French history. lapsed upper vaulting. triggering the blaze. any more steps to give “de facto Le-Duc, in identical fashion, or Within 24 hours, the pledges fi re services after urging the use In a sign of the monument’s Experts have warned that full The police have already spo- impunity” to high offi cials sen- whether we should ... endow had reached more than €800mn of water bombers to put out the resilience, the copper rooster restoration could take longer ken to around 30 people from tenced for corruption. Notre-Dame cathedral with a ($900mn), with French business fi re at the fragile edifi ce, also that topped its spire was found than fi ve years, with one of the fi ve diff erent construction com- The reforms dispute has over- new spire adapted to the tech- magnates and corporations jos- pitched in with an off er of help. on Tuesday in the rubble of biggest tasks involving replacing panies. shadowed Romania’s fi rst term as European Union president, which began in January. The reforms are to be voted on by MPs next week and are almost certain to be approved, setting Pope meets teen Estonia’s Ratas wins up another clash with Brussels. Toader, 59, was named justice minister in February 2017, but he confi dence vote to gradually lost support within the climate activist cabinet for refusing to issue pro- posed changes to the penal code continue as premier as emergency decrees. DPA end of the Pontiff ’s weekly au- “He prolonged this discussion Vatican City dience. for several months,” Dragnea She gave a slightly diff erent- AFP came in second in the March said yesterday, while acknowl- ly-worded account of meeting Tallinn 3 ballot and is backed by the edging that Toader’s removal wedish environmental ac- the leader of the world’s Catho- Russian-speaking minority, was a “political decision”. tivist Greta Thunberg had lics in comments to Swedish declined Kallas’s invitation to Sa brief meeting with Pope newspaper Dagens Nyheter. Thunberg meets Pope Francis during the weekly audience at Saint stonia’s outgoing prime hold coalition talks. Francis yesterday on the side- “He was very friendly. He Peter’s Square. minister Juri Ratas, Instead, the party signed a Presidential lines of a Vatican event in Saint smiled the whole time,” Thun- Eleader of the left-leaning coalition agreement with the Peter’s Square. berg said. “I thanked him for since organising a school strike saying during the journey. Centre Party, has won a vote conservative Isamaa and the candidates finally “Thank you for standing up fi ghting for climate. And he and rally outside the Swedish In the Italian capital, Thun- of confi dence in parliament to far-right EKRE that gives them agree debate for the climate and for speaking said: ‘Carry on, Greta. Just carry parliament in August. berg is scheduled to speak at the form a new coalition govern- 56 seats in parliament. the truth and really, it means a on!’” At the European Parliament Italian Senate today and take ment with the conservatives Around 40 people protest- Comedian Volodymyr Zelenskiy lot,” the 16-year-old campaign- In pictures of the event, in Strasbourg on Tuesday, she part in a “Fridays for Future” and far-right. ed in front of the parliament and Ukrainian leader Petro er told the Pontiff , according to Thunberg could be seen holding called for a reduction in CO2 protest expected to be attended Ratas now has a week to against the prospect of a gov- Poroshenko have finally agreed a 17-second video released by up a banner reading “Join the emissions by at least 50% within by thousands of Italian stu- present his cabinet line-up ernment with politicians from to a debate to close a presidential Vatican News. climate strike” and referring to 10 years, the EU assembly said in dents. to the president after 55 law- the eurosceptic EKRE, which is campaign that has at times “God bless you, continue to “Laudato Si”, a landmark papal a statement. “Fridays for Future” events makers voted for him and 44 known for its populist rhetoric descended into farce. work, eh! Continue ... go on, go document Francis dedicated to To limit her carbon footprint, are school strikes which encour- against in the Baltic EU mem- and anti-migrant stance. The press teams of both ahead!” Francis replied, after environmental issues. Thunberg is travelling around age pupils to skip their Friday ber’s 101-seat parliament. Last month, EKRE party candidates however confirmed which they shook hands. The Vatican said that Thun- Europe by train. classes and take to the street to President Kersti Kalju- leader Mart Helme threatened the pair would meet tomorrow The exchange was in English, berg asked for the meeting with Arriving at Rome’s Tiburtina push politicians towards stricter laid tasked him with forming riots should he fail to secure afternoon at the sports arena that a language the Argentine Pope Francis, who has a reputation station, she was greeted by fans climate policies. a government after her fi rst a coalition deal with Ratas’s seats 70,000 people, ahead of rarely uses. as a green pope: among other who asked her to pose for selfi es. This week’s demonstration, choice Kaja Kallas – leader of Centre and Isamaa. Sunday’s second-round vote. Thunberg, known for spear- things, he has labelled climate “Don’t talk about me, talk however, takes place on Good the liberal Reform Party that EU Council president Don- Poroshenko originally called heading student protests across change deniers “stupid”. about climate change,” Italian Friday, when Italian schools are won last month’s general elec- ald Tusk immediately sent the event for last Sunday but Europe, was among the selected She has galvanised youths daily La Repubblica, who trav- closed, so students taking part tion – lost a vote of confi dence Ratas a letter yesterday to con- Zelenskiy was a no-show, leading guests allowed a handshake op- across Europe and beyond with elled with Thunberg from Stras- will be taking time out of their on Monday. gratulate him on his “second the incumbent to hold a one-man portunity with Francis at the her environmental activism bourg to Rome, quoted her as Easter holidays to attend. Ratas, whose Centre Party term as prime minister”. debate at a Kyiv stadium.

Energy crisis is declared in Portugal Election body declares opposition

DPA/Reuters government’s vote-winning candidate winner of Istanbul vote Lisbon reputation as good economic stewards. Economist Filipe Garcia, of AFP full rerun of Istanbul election. he Portuguese govern- consultancy fi rm Informacao Istanbul It was not clear how long that ment has declared an en- de Mercados Financeiros, said decision would take. Tergy crisis due to a strike that 90% of freight transport in Electoral authorities fi nished a by fuel-truck drivers, with Portugal was by road, meaning urkish election authori- recount of some Istanbul ballots nearly 2,800 petrol stations re- a prolonged strike could have ties have confi rmed op- late on Tuesday, but the CHP had porting shortages, local media a major impact on an economy Tposition candidate Ekrem already dismissed any challenges reported yesterday. expected to grow 1.9% this year. Imamoglu’s win over President as without merit and urged the The indefi nite strike began on After at least one fl ight was Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling AKP to concede. Monday. called off on Tuesday, there were AKP candidate after a recount of Imamoglu: We are aware of our Erdogan had backed Binali Late on Tuesday, the socialist no reports of additional cancel- last month’s disputed Istanbul responsibilities and the needs of Yildirim, a former premier and government of Prime Minister lations yesterday. election. this city. AKP heavyweight, as the party Antonio Costa called the emer- A placard reading ‘Diesel sold out’ is seen at a gas station in Porto. Airport authority ANA said Thousands of cheering sup- candidate for Istanbul. gency. fuel supply had been resumed porters greeted Imamoglu out- opment Party (AKP) won the The president has described The minimum services man- of hospitals, airports and mili- The strike follows a wave of at airports in the capital Lisbon side the Istanbul town hall after most votes nationwide in the the Istanbul vote as marred by dated during a strike by Portu- tary installations would be fully disputes in a nation that had and Faro in the Algarve region – he received his mandate certifi - March 31 election, but the loss of “organised crimes” and last guese law were not adhered to, met. been lauded by European insti- Portugal’s two top tourist hubs. cate, though electoral authorities Ankara and Istanbul to the Re- week called for the ballot to be which is why it came to a short- The military has off ered 15 tutions as an economic model, The airport in Porto, another must still rule on an AKP appeal publican People’s Party (CHP) annulled. age, said the government in ex- drivers “well-equipped for the implementing painful austerity tourist spot, was coping as fuel for a rerun over alleged irregu- was a stinging setback after a Soon after voting had ended, plaining the measure. transport of fuel” who can step measures after the global fi nan- arrives through a pipeline, news larities in its narrow Istanbul de- decade and a half in control. electoral authorities said Ima- Long queues had formed at in as replacements for the strik- cial crisis a decade ago to under- agency Lusa said. feat. The AKP has won every elec- moglu led by nearly 30,000 bal- petrol stations in some parts of ing workers. pin recovery. Under the government decree “This is a new dawn for Istan- tion since it came to power 17 lots. the country on Tuesday, snarl- “The government will do eve- Costa’s minority Socialist declaring a national energy cri- bul,” Imamoglu told the chanting years ago, in part by tying its suc- Both he and Yildirim claimed ing traffi c near highways and rything to overcome the con- government, backed in parlia- sis, drivers must supply fuel to crowds from the roof of a cam- cess to strong economic growth victory as early results showed nearby streets. fl ict,” Costa, whom the opposi- ment by the Left Bloc and the 40% of gas stations in Portu- paign bus. “Istanbul is proud of and improvements in living them in a dead heat. Observers expect the situa- tion accuses of mishandling the Communists, faces a general gal’s biggest cities Lisbon and you.” standards during Erdogan’s years Imamoglu’s margin narrowed tion to ease soon, with the re- crisis, told parliament. election in October this year. Porto. He urged Istanbul residents to in power, fi rst as premier then as to around 14,000 after a recount sponsible unions SNMMP and “This political war will only Though expected to win, the The union said workers will set grudges aside, promising to president. of void ballots over the last fort- ANTRAM assuring the govern- harm people,” taxi driver Anto- Socialists may struggle to win comply but not supply more. be “everybody’s mayor”. The AKP had sought several night. ment after long negotiations nio Santos told Reuters in Lis- enough seats to form a majority. However, Portugal’s Associa- “The people granted me the recounts of the Istanbul vote, and The CHP said yesterday that early yesterday that they would bon. “It aff ects everyone. There Unrest is growing, as health tion of Oil Companies told Lusa honour of leading the most beau- the Supreme Electoral Council, the fi nal result was around 13,800 comply with the minimum work are taxi drivers unable to work. and education workers also that many gas stations were not tiful city in the world ... I pledge which is known by its Turkish ballots in favour of Imamoglu. requirements. I had to spend almost two hours complain about low wages, being refuelled despite the de- that I will repay my debt.” initials YSK, has yet to rule on Each candidate won around They promised that the needs at a petrol station to refuel.” threatening to undermine the cree. Erdogan’s Justice and Devel- the party’s formal demand for a 4mn votes. Gulf Times Thursday, April 18, 2019 17 INDIA My ties with Wayanad will be forever, says Rahul

IANS Earlier in the day, he made dressed three political rallies and I am not like Prime Minister rains, a huge crowd had gathered tar Pradesh, the Congress chief While he won his first elec- Wayanad, Kerala a quick visit to a temple at soliciting votes for himself Narendra Modi and will never to hear him. faces the Communist Party of tion by a margin of over 1.5 Thiruneli where he performed and for United Democratic give you a false promise. I wish to Some people had a heated India’s P P Suneer, who is the lakh votes – the state’s highest a ritual in memory of his father, Front candidates. thank everyone here who gave me argument with the security of- candidate of the ruling Left margin of victory in 2009, in eaching out to the people former prime minister Rajiv “I stand here not as a politician, a chance to contest from here,” he fi cials, but the moment Gandhi Democratic Front, and Bharath 2014 his majority fell to around in Kerala’s Wayanad dis- Gandhi. but as a son, brother and a friend. added. arrived and started to speak, all Dharma Jana Sena chairperson 20,000 votes. Rtrict, Congress president Gandhi had on his previous I decided to contest from here so In between, Gandhi met the became calm. Tushar Vellapally, who is the The top brass of the state Con- Rahul Gandhi yesterday assured visit to Kerala expressed his wish as to project that south India is as 25-year-old Sreedhanya Suresh, After his rally, Gandhi left National Democratic Alliance gress is leaving nothing to chance that he will be with them forever. to visit the temple and perform important as other places. I seek who earlier this month became from the Kozhikode airport and candidate. and is determined to give their He was making his first visit the ritual, but the Special Pro- a relation with Wayanad that will the fi rst person from the Sched- it would now be the turn of Pri- Wayanad Lok Sabha constitu- president a record margin of vic- to the Wayanad Lok Sabha con- tection Group (SPG), however, be there forever,” Gandhi said to a uled Tribe community in the yanka Gandhi to arrive for a brief ency came into being in 2009 and tory. stituency after April 4 when he did not allow it due to security huge round of applause at Sultan state to have cleared the Civil visit to round off the campaign. it was won by senior Congress Elections to Wayanad will be came along with his sister Priy- reasons, former chief minister Battery. Services examination and se- In Wayanad, from where he leader M I Shanawaz in the elec- held along with the state’s other anka Gandhi to file his nomina- Oommen Chandy said. “I have come to know all the cured the 410th rank. is contesting besides from his tions since then, but he passed 19 seats in the third phase of the tion. The Congress chief ad- problems that you are facing here At Wandoor, despite heavy traditional seat Amethi in Ut- away last year. Lok Sabha polls on April 23. Top investor says BJP is unlikely to get majority

IANS that the channel cannot air any New Delhi political content during the si- lence period – the 48 hours be- fore the conclusion of voting. illionaire investor and Meanwhile, Congress leader trader Rakesh Jhunjhun- Navjot Singh Sidhu yesterday Bwala has said the ruling asked Modi if he considered the Bharatiya Janata Party may not prevailing problems of hunger get a clear majority in the elec- and poverty in the country as na- tions. tionalism. He, however, said the BJP Addressing an election rally, would be a major partner in the Sidhu said: “People are hun- Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur speaks to reporters as former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and other BJP leaders look on in Bhopal yesterday. next national government. gry and they have been asked Jhunjhunwala’s current posi- to do yoga. Make them (yoga tion is different from his view guru) Baba Ramdev. There in February when he predicted is no money with the people that Prime Minister Narendra but bank accounts are being Modi-led BJP would come back opened. Is this nationalism, to power with a comfortable Narendra Modi?” majority. The BJP has made nationalism Talking about market trends, the core of its electoral campaign BJP fi elds bomb blast the ace investor said the poor had by invoking the Balakot airstrike not benefi ted from the bull run in and other security issues. the markets in the past four dec- A case was lodged against ades. the cricketer-turned-politician Jhunjhunwala advised the on Tuesday for violating the market participants to exercise model code of conduct after caution and wait till the end of he made an objectionable ap- accused from Bhopal the elections to be aggressive and peal to Muslims to vote against invest. the BJP while campaigning in Agencies made national headlines after the said that she would “fi ght against Bhopal’s sitting BJP MP Alok view as objectionable, to refer to In other election-related Barsoi in Katihar parliamentary Bhopal blast close to a mosque in Male- those who are conspiring against Sanjar welcomed the decision, acts of violence by right-wing news, the Election Commission constituency. gaon that also injured around 100 the nation.” saying the party members would extremists targeting areas with (EC) yesterday ruled that the Also yesterday, the EC ap- people. “I will bring honour to saf- support Sadhvi and work hard to large Muslim populations. BJP-sponsored NaMo TV cannot pointed Bihar’s former chief he ruling Bharatiya Ja- She was arrested shortly after fron,” she said soon after her ensure victory for her. India’s election is taking place air political programmes in con- electoral offi cer Ajay V Nayak as a nata Party yesterday an- the attack and was described by name was announced by former Sanjar said the charges against in seven phases, with voting in stituencies during the “silence special observer for West Bengal. Tnounced it will fi eld Sad- authorities as a leading plotter. Madhya Pradesh chief minister Thakur were false. Bhopal not scheduled until May period” in any phase of the on- Nayak is likely to reach the hvi Pragya Singh Thakur accused Indian law allows candidates Shivraj Singh Chouhan. “A woman was harassed. Now 12. going elections. state by today. He will oversee of involvement in a deadly 2008 facing court cases to run up until She said people who insult re- it’s time for revenge,” Sanjar told Results in the vote, the world’s The poll panel also asked Del- the last fi ve phases of elections bomb blast in the ongoing na- the time of any conviction. ligion are weak by nature. reporters. largest, are expected on May 23. hi’s chief electoral offi cer – who and report to the EC on a daily tional election. “All conspiracies against me Chouhan said Thakur will Thakur was released on bail in The election is seen as a ref- has to pre-certify political con- basis. Thakur, a 48-year-old female have failed. I am an ascetic monk work for the welfare of the na- 2017 after spending nine years erendum on Prime Minister tent on pan-India TV channels The Commission has ear- monk, is out on bail while she and will ensure justice and respect tion, providing a better life to the in jail and has had one charge Narendra Modi, who is seeking a – to ensure that its directions are lier appointed Vivek Dube as the faces charges related to the at- for my country,” Thakur said, clad people, and make national secu- against her dropped but still second term from the country’s followed. special police observer for the tack in Malegaon, Maharashtra, in traditional saff ron clothes, at a rity of the country stronger. faces other charges in the ongo- 900mn voters. The decision came a week after state. He has been looking after that killed six people. press conference in Bhopal. “I welcome Sadhvi Pragya ji in ing trial. The opposition Congress Party the EC ruled that since the con- the deployment of central and She announced yesterday that “I am confi dent, fully confi - Bhopal. Hope you enjoy the civi- Her candidacy in Bhopal – a has tried to undermine support tent being aired on NaMo TV – a state forces. she will stand from Bhopal con- dent. I am ready for politics and lised atmosphere of this delight- BJP stronghold constituency in a for Modi by pointing to his lack- channel dedicated to the prime Three constituencies – Jal- stituency in Madhya Pradesh. (this) religious war,” she added, ful city,” Singh tweeted. key heartland state – is expected lustre economic performance in minister’s rallies and speeches paiguri, Darjeeling and Raiganj Her main rival is the outspo- fl anked by regional party leaders. Chouhan told reporters that to polarise local voters. the last fi ve years. – was not certifi ed, it should im- – will vote in the second phase ken and controversial Digvijaya The announcement of the party has made a strategy Hindu nationalists accuse The BJP meanwhile has focus mediately stop telecast. of the Lok Sabha elections to- Singh, a senior Congress leader. Thakur’s candidature was made to ensure Thakur’s victory from her opponent Singh of using the on Modi’s key social schemes and However, the new order means day. Thakur, a fi rebrand speaker, hours after she joined the BJP and Bhopal. term “saff ron terror”, which they a hardline nationalist stance. Security shutdowns and patrols as tense Kashmir prepares to vote

AFP as a police convoy moved along it. Srinagar Yesterday, authorities briefl y lift- ed the restrictions, but they are oth- erwise expected to remain in place ecurity forces shut down roads until the elections are over. and stepped up patrols yester- The vote also comes against the Sday in Jammu and Kashmir, a backdrop of a bitter war of words day before voters in the state go to between Prime Minister Narendra the polls. Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party and Tens of thousands of security politicians in Kashmir over two forces have poured into the state contentious constitutional arti- ahead of today’s vote, which is the cles. second phase of India’s massive The BJP has long sought to repeal elections. Articles 370 and 35A, which give Tensions have skyrocketed in residents of Kashmir exclusive ac- Kashmir since a February suicide at- cess to local land, state government tack that killed 40 paramilitaries and jobs and higher education spots. led to India and Pakistan exchanging Paramilitary troopers check the identity card of a polling off icial outside a Opponents argue that the articles cross-border strikes. polling station in Srinagar yesterday. give Kashmir a status that sets it The two countries briefl y ap- apart from the rest of India. peared on the brink of war after the Across the city, police and para- than 3,000 vehicles to ferry polling But supporters of the articles in exchange of fi re, though a more seri- military troops in combat fatigues offi cials around parts of the state Kashmir say their repeal would risk ous clash was averted. and wielding automatic rifl es have during the vote. changing the demographics of the But Indian authorities are taking been deployed, including along the Security measures taken after the Muslim-majority state. no chances during voting, deploying banks of the Jhelum river that winds February attack have stirred some They also accuse Modi of exploit- tens of thousands of security forces through Srinagar. resentment, in particular new re- ing tensions in Kashmir in a bid to to the state to join the half a million Barbed wire barricades have been strictions on a 200km stretch of key pander to nationalist Hindu voters. soldiers already stationed there. erected and police have issued traffi c highway that runs north-south in The prime minister – who is seek- “We have made elaborate security advisories asking residents to avoid the state. ing a second term from the country’s arrangements for peaceful polling,” parts of the city. After the attack, the stretch of 900mn voters in the record-break- Swayam Prakash Pani, inspector Many residents have simply opted road was ordered closed every Sun- ing election – campaigned only in general of police, told AFP. to stay home, with the traffi c in the day and Wednesday while govern- Hindu-majority parts of the state. All civilian vehicles have been city dominated by troops and polling ment forces move along it. Another fi ve days of voting strung banned from Srinagar’s main boul- staff moving in military vehicles. Earlier this month, a patient out over several weeks will follow to- evard, which leads to a poll material A local private transport operator died inside an ambulance that day’s polls, with results expected on distribution centre. said the government had hired more was forced to stop on the highway May 23. Gulf Times 18 Thursday, April 18, 2019 INDIA

COMPENSATION CONTROVERSY TRAGEDY INVESTIGATION POLITICS Jaypee homebuyers can Ex-Kolkata police chief Two Telugu TV actresses Four held for killing man Gehlot remarks on Kovind sue JAL after SC order sees political vendetta killed in road accident in S Delhi farm house trigger controversy

The Supreme Court has declined to stay a In a new twist to the Saradha chit fund scam, Two Telugu television actresses were killed in a car Delhi police have arrested four people for Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot yesterday consumer commission’s order, which said that the tussle between former Kolkata police crash in Telangana’s Vikarabad district yesterday, killing a man in a South Delhi farm house over said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made home buyers in Jaypee Infratech Ltd can move commissioner Rajeev Kumar and the Central police said. Bhargavi, 20 and Anusha Reddy, 21, personal enmity, a police off icer said yesterday. Ramnath Kovind the president ahead of the 2017 the consumer forum against JIL’s parent company, Bureau of Investigation took a political colour were returning to Hyderabad after completing The incident, which occurred on Monday some assembly elections in Gujarat to balance caste Jaiprakash Associates Ltd (JAL), for compensation yesterday. Kumar, in an affidavit filed in shooting of a serial. Car driver Chakri and another 800m away from the Neb Sarai police station, equations and garner votes from a particular and possession of their respective flats. JIL is the Supreme Court, there was a conspiracy person Vinay Kumar travelling with them were was reported to police on Tuesday when community. Addressing a press conference, undergoing insolvency proceedings. The Life hatched by two senior Bharatiya Janata Party injured. The police said the driver tried to avert the victim’s family informed them that Surjit Gehlot said, “I had read in an article, they were Insurance Corporation declared JIL as a non- leaders in West Bengal to target him in the collision with a truck coming from the opposite Kashyap, 22, was missing. “The accused persons worried that they might be unable to form the performing account (NPA) on September 30, 2015, scam. Kumar, in response to a CBI application direction and in the process hit a roadside tree have been identified as Sombir Singhal, who government in Gujarat. Then Amit Shah worked and other lenders declared it as an NPA on March in the top court seeking his custodial near in the early hours of the day. While Bhargavi works as a cab driver, Vicky Jha, who works as his mind – make Kovind ji the president to keep 31, 2016. On August 9, 2017, the National Company interrogation, alleged that in an audio clip, BJP died on the spot, Anusha Reddy succumbed to a helper in Max hospital, Satbir, and Vicky Bhatt, caste’s arithmetic correct. I believe the party Law Tribunal (NCLT) admitted an application filed leaders Mukul Roy and Kailash Vijayvargiya her injuries while being shifted to hospital. The who works as a data entry operator. They are therefore decided to make Kovind the president, by one of JIL’s financial creditors, IDBI Bank Ltd, for can be heard talking about “targeting a few injured were admitted to government-run Osmania residents of the Devli and Ambedkar Nagar leaving veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani initiating insolvency proceedings. JAL had moved senior police officers.” The audio clip, he said, Hospital in Hyderabad. Bhargavi was acting in the areas”, Deputy Commissioner of Police Off ice behind in the race.” But late Gehlot said, “my the apex court challenging the National Consumer is widely available. Kumar has submitted the popular daily soap Mutyala Muggu. Anusha Reddy (DCP) Vijay Kumar said. “They were arrested on comments during the press conference have Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) order. audio clip to the court. was an up and coming actress. Tuesday night “, he said. been misquoted by a few media houses.”

5mn lost jobs between 2016 and 2018, Jet Airways says report

Reuters New Delhi suspends t least 5mn people lost their jobs between 2016 Aand 2018, and young ur- ban men are being hit hardest, a Bengaluru-based private univer- sity said in a report yesterday. The report by the Azim Premji University comes as Indians are all fl ight voting in a staggered general election, which is due to end on May 19, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government keen to defend its economic record, including on jobs. “In addition to rising open un- employment among the higher operations educated, the less educated (and likely informal) workers have Agencies most of the money and the banks a blow to Prime Minister Narendra also seen job losses and reduced Mumbai also failed to agree how to pro- Modi’s pro-business reputation as work opportunities since 2016,” ceed after a meeting of several he seeks a second term in ongoing said Amit Basole, an economist hours on Monday. national elections. and lead author of the report. ebt-stricken Jet Airways The SBI-led consortium is Bad investments, competition The report did not say how halted all of its operations looking for a buyer for Jet and from several low-cost carriers, many jobs were created during Dyesterday after failing to a deadline passed on Friday for high oil prices and a weak rupee the period. secure emergency funding from prospective bidders to express have led to Jet’s current fi nancial Modi’s abrupt withdrawal of lenders, leaving it teetering on an interest in acquiring a 75% predicament, experts say. high value currency notes from the edge of bankruptcy. stake in the carrier. Mismanagement has also circulation in November 2016, “Jet Airways is compelled to The SBI is yet to announce a plagued the airline. Analysts with the aim of curbing tax cancel all its international and shortlist of prospective bidders trace the start of Jet’s fi nancial evasion and promoting digital domestic fl ights. The last fl ight but media said four were in the problems to its 2006 purchase of transactions, disrupted small will operate today,” it said in state- running including Etihad Air- Air Sahara for $500mn in cash. businesses and sparked layoff s. ment, adding that the decision ways, which already owns a 24% Founder Naresh Goyal report- The introduction of a national would take “immediate eff ect.” stake. edly ignored the advice of asso- sales tax the following year com- Jet had asked a consortium of “Jet Airways will now await ciates who said the cost was too pounded diffi culties for some lenders led by the State Bank of the bid fi nalisation process by much. Goyal, 69, launched Jet businesses. India to urgently provide Rs4bn SBI and the consortium of In- in 1993 after the Indian govern- The unemployed were mostly ($57.5mn) but said that this had dian Lenders,” the airline said, ment passed a series of reforms higher educated and young peo- not been forthcoming. adding that it hoped to resume designed to make the economy ple, in the 20-24 age range, ac- “This has been a very diffi cult services “as soon as possible”. more market-driven. cording to the study titled “State decision but without interim An analysis of the latest data The Mumbai-based carrier of Working India 2019”. funding, the airline is simply un- disclosed by the Directorate quickly gained a reputation for “Among urban men, for ex- able to conduct fl ight operations General of Civil Aviation shows introducing new initiatives – Jet ample, this age group accounts in a manner that delivers to the that Jet’s lessors have, so far, was the fi rst Indian airline to of- for 13.5% of the working age very reasonable expectations of sought to deregister and repos- fer a frequent fl yer programme population but 60% of the un- its guests, employees, partners sess at least 48 planes operated and in-fl ight entertainment. employed,” it said. and service providers,” it added. by Jet. Once deregistered, lessors But it began to take a batter- Modi has faced criticism for The airline was once India’s are free to reclaim a plane and ing from new, well-run budget not doing enough to create jobs second-biggest by market share lease it to another airline. airlines including IndiGo, GoAir for millions of unemployed but is on the brink of collapse A collapse of Jet, and the loss of and SpiceJet, which were found- young people despite offi cial an- with debts of more than $1bn. more than 20,000 jobs, would deal ed between 2005 and 2006. nual economic growth of about Jet was operating just fi ve 7% for the past fi ve years. planes yesterday because it could DGCA orders safety audit of IndiGo An offi cial survey that the not pay its bills, down from a fl eet government withheld showed of more than 120 at its peak. India’s aviation regulator is last such lapse was when unemployment rose to its high- The carrier has cancelled hun- conducting an audit of private IndiGo’s Delhi-Mumbai flight est level in at least 45 years in dreds of fl ights in recent weeks, carrier IndiGo due to recurring had to perform a mid-air “turn 2017/18, the Business Standard stranding thousands of passen- glitches and non-reporting of back” manoeuvre on April 10. newspaper reported in February. gers. It has repeatedly defaulted incidents with its A320 Neo That time, sources said, the The unemployment rate rose on loans and failed to pay staff in fleet. The Directorate General manoeuvre was performed to 7.2% in February 2019, its recent months. of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has after excessive vibration was highest since September 2016, The consortium took control ordered a special safety audit noticed from the aircraft’s and up from 5.9% in February of Jet in March, pledging to give of IndiGo after several lapses engine number two. However, 2018, according to data compiled $218mn in “immediate funding of non-reporting and irregular an airline off icial said the by the private research house, support” as part of a debt reso- reporting of IndiGo A320 Neo aircraft suff ered a bird hit en Centre for Monitoring Indian Passengers stand at the Jet Airways counter to find the status of their flights, at the international lution plan. incidents came to light. The route from Delhi to Mumbai. “ Economy (CMIE). airport in Mumbai yesterday. But they have failed to release

TikTok vanishes from Google, 60 die as storms and Apple app stores after ban lightning hit 4 states

Agencies son, according to a Twitter post Reuters court’s order, according to an IT More than 30mn users in- New Delhi by his offi ce. New Delhi ministry offi cial. stalled the app in January 2019, Rajasthan Chief Minis- Google blocked access to Tik- 12 times more than in the same ter Ashok Gehlot has also an- Tok in its Play store in India to month last year. t least 60 people died in nounced a compensation of he Chinese video app Tik- comply with the court’s direc- Jokes, clips and footage related thunderstorms in several Rs400,000 to the families of the Tok is no longer available tive, a person with direct knowl- to India’s thriving movie indus- Aparts of India on Tuesday deceased. Tin Google and Apple app edge told Reuters on Tuesday. try dominate the app’s platform, and yesterday, offi cials and news The Indian Meteorological stores in India after a state court The app was not available in along with memes and videos in reports said. Department has forecast more prohibited its downloads, a set- Apple’s app store yesterday. which youngsters, some scant- Rajasthan reported 25 deaths thunderstorms accompanied by back for developer Bytedance Google said in a statement it ily clad, lip-sync and dance to while 10 died in Gujarat, accord- lightning and gusty winds across Technology’s eff orts to tap users does not comment on individual popular music. ing to Disaster Management Au- northern India over the next 24 in a key market. apps but adheres to local laws. Bytedance challenged the high thority offi cials. hours. TikTok, which allows users Apple did not respond to re- court’s ban order in the Supreme At least 15 people died in simi- The IMD had predicted thun- to create and share short vid- quests for comment. Court last week, saying it went lar storms in Madhya Pradesh derstorm accompanied by eos with special eff ects, is hugely A spokesman for TikTok in In- against freedom of speech rights and 11 in Maharashtra, the offi - lightning, hailstorm and squall popular in India but some politi- dia declined to comment on the in India. cials said. with wind speed reaching 60- cians say its content is inappro- app’s removal, saying the matter The top court had referred Most of the deaths were 70kmph in the region. priate. was still in the courts. the case back to the high court, caused by lightning, as well as Delhi and surrounding areas The Madras High Court The company had faith in the where a judge on Tuesday re- the uprooting of trees and the have already witnessed rain and asked the federal government judicial system and was “optimis- jected Bytedance’s request to put collapse of houses caused by duststorm in the last 24 hours, on April 3 to ban TikTok, saying tic about an outcome that would the ban order on hold, K Neela- strong winds, the offi cials said. bringing mercury down by 5-6 it encouraged pornography and be well received by” its millions of megam, a lawyer arguing against Prime Minister Narendra Modi degrees Celsius. warning that sexual predators users in India, he added. Bytedance in the case, said. expressed grief at the loss of lives. Wheat crop was damaged in could target child users. TikTok had been downloaded The state court has requested He announced compensa- Punjab and Haryana . The federal government sent more than 240mn times in India, written submissions from Byted- A farmer inspects his wheat crop on the outskirts of Amritsar tion of Rs200,000 for the next Harvesting of wheat is on for a letter requesting Apple and app analytics fi rm Sensor Tower ance in the case and has scheduled yesterday. Standing wheat crop was damaged after rain, of kin of those who had died and the past 10 days in most parts of Google to abide by the state said in February. its next hearing for April 24. duststorm and strong winds lashed Punjab on Tuesday. Rs50,000 for each injured per- the two states. Gulf Times Thursday, April 18, 2019 19

LATIN AMERICA Facing arrest, former Peru president kills self

AFP Garcia was resuscitated three The attempted arrest took place condolences to his family and Garcia, a social democrat, thing. He was one of four Peruvian Toledo faces extradition from Lima times after suff ering cardiac arrest at 6.30am (1130GMT) at Garcia’s loved ones,” Vizcarra wrote in a claimed to be the target of political ex-presidents embroiled in various the US, having been charged with while undergoing emergency sur- home in Lima’s upmarket Mira- tweet. persecution, an accusation denied corruption scandals — alongside taking a $20mn Odebrecht bribe. gery, before fi nally succumbing, fl ores neighbourhood. Garcia, who was president from by centrist Vizcarra. Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (2016-18), Odebrecht has admitted paying eru’s former president Alan Peru’s Health Minister Zulema To- Police were acting on an arrest 1985-90 and again from 2006- On Tuesday, Garcia said he Ollanta Humala (2011-16) and Ale- $29mn in bribes to Peruvian of- Garcia died in hospital yes- mas said. warrant for money laundering that 11, was suspected of having taken would neither try to fl ee nor hide jandro Toledo (2001-06). fi cials over three administrations. Pterday after shooting him- The Casimiro Ulloa Emergency would have allowed Garcia to be bribes from Brazilian construc- again. Kuczynski, who is accused of Some of those payments were self in the head at his home as po- Hospital in Lima earlier confi rmed held for 10 days, giving authorities tion giant Odebrecht in return for In recent weeks, Garcia insisted money laundering and was being allegedly made during Garcia’s lice were about to arrest him in a he had suff ered “a bullet wound to time to gather evidence and pre- large-scale public works contracts. that “there is no statement, evi- held under a 10-day preliminary second term in offi ce to secure a sprawling corruption case, a party his head.” vent him from fl eeing, the pros- In November, he sought refuge dence or deposit that links me to detention until April 20, was also contract to build the Lima metro. offi cial said. He was 69. “Yesterday morning there was a ecutor’s offi ce said. in the Uruguayan embassy after a any crime and even less so with the taken to hospital yesterday suff er- Peruvian press reports also “Alan Garcia has died, long regrettable accident: the president Peru’s President Martin Vizcar- court ordered him not to leave the Odebrecht company or the execu- ing from high blood pressure. claim Garcia received a $100,000 live Apra,” said Omar Quesada, took the decision to shoot himself,” ra expressed his sympathy on his country for 18 months. tion of any of its projects.” The 80-year-old was being payment from an illicit Odebrecht the general secretary of Garcia’s Erasmo Reyna, Garcia’s lawyer, Twitter account. He applied for asylum but fol- Although under investigation by treated in intensive care and had a fund for giving a speech to Brazil- American Popular Revolutionary told reporters outside the hospital “Dismayed by the death of ex- lowing 16 days in the embassy he the public prosecutor’s offi ce, Gar- cardiac catheter fi tted, lawmaker ian business leaders in Sao Paulo in Alliance (Apra) party. after Garcia was admitted. president Alan Garcia. I send my left when his request was denied. cia had not been charged with any- Gilbert Violeta said. May 2012.

Long road to US UN warns Nicaragua police ahead of protest anniversary

DPA Costa Rica has maintained Geneva its open-door policy, but serv- ices are overstretched with about 26,000 Nicaraguans waiting to icaragua’s security forces have their asylum claims proc- must avoid further blood- essed, the UNHCR said. Nshed at upcoming mass The Nicaraguan government, demonstrations marking one year meanwhile, announced the re- of protests, government repres- lease of 636 inmates detained in sion and political crisis, UN rights prisons across the country. chief Michelle Bachelet said. The inmates will be placed un- More than 300 have been killed der house arrest under rules fa- and 2,000 injured as the govern- vouring family reunifi cation “on ment has cracked down on pro- the occasion of Easter,” according tests against the rule of President to a government statement. Daniel Ortega, according to the The government did not say UN Human Rights Offi ce. whether those released included The protests started on April inmates regarded by the opposi- 18 last year as demonstrations tion as political prisoners. against a controversial social se- It has released about 200 such Central American migrants gather in an improvised shelter during a break in their journey towards the US, in Huixtla, Mexico. curity reform. inmates since relaunching talks “I am concerned that the pro- with protesters in February. tests planned for later in the week Those talks were suspended may trigger another violent reac- earlier this month over the pris- tion,” Bachelet said, calling for oners’ continued detentions and security forces’ restraint. the government’s refusal to stage Students, opposition fi gures, early elections, among other is- journalists and doctors are among sues. the estimated 62,000 people who The government has also con- have fl ed the country, most of tinued dispersing public rallies, them going south to neighbour- despite having agreed to restore Cuba rejects new US steps ing Costa Rica, UNHCR spokes- protest rights. woman Liz Throssell told report- Amnesty International called ers in Geneva. on the government to “put an im- Most of the refugees were mediate end to its strategy of re- adults, but families with children pression,” in a statement released are now also embarking on the on the occasion of the fi rst anni- against foreign investors diffi cult trek to Costa Rica that versary of the protests. leads through humid, malaria- “Throughout the last year, the AFP “Any person or company do- munist experiment,” Pompeo allowed lawsuits against foreign Canadian courts,” the three of- infested terrain. government of President Or- Havana ing business in Cuba should heed said. companies operating in Cuba, in- fi cials said. “The kinds of reasons that peo- tega has brutally and repeatedly this announcement,” Secretary The decision could spark thou- cluding EU and Canadian fi rms. “The US decision to allow suits ple have been giving for fl eeing repressed anyone who dares to of State Mike Pompeo told re- sands of lawsuits in the US and “The EU and Canada consider against foreign companies can are the fear of losing their lives, stand up to his administration,” uba yesterday rejected porters. discourage foreign investment in the extraterritorial application of only lead to an unnecessary spiral being attacked or kidnapped by Amnesty’s Americas director Eri- Washington’s decision The measure was originally Cuba, which is in desperate need unilateral Cuba-related meas- of legal actions,” they warned. paramilitary groups,” Throssell ka Guevara-Rosas said. Cto allow lawsuits in US passed by the US Congress in of capital to boost its stuttering ures contrary to international Mogherini and Malmstrom said. “Some have received direct “The Nicaraguan authorities courts against companies oper- 1996 but until now had been economy, already hampered by law,” they said in a joint state- had previously sent a similar threats or have been persecuted; continue to violate the rights to ating in properties seized during delayed systematically by each US sanctions. ment from Brussels. warning to Pompeo in a letter others fear for their lives because justice, truth and reparation of the communist revolution in Ha- president every six months. In 2017 it attracted only $2bn It was signed by EU foreign dated April 10. their communities have been a hundreds of victims, while also vana, calling it an “attack.” Under the provision of the in investments — it needs $5bn to policy chief Federica Mogherini In their letter, Mogherini and target of violence...so we do feel preventing civil society organi- “It is an attack against inter- Helms-Burton Act, companies spark growth. and Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom urged Pompeo to that it is overwhelmingly a refu- sations and international human national law and the sovereignty that operate in property seized The US announcement coin- Malmstrom, along with Cana- stick to what they said was an gee fl ow.” rights monitors from working of #Cuba & third States,” Foreign by Cuba during or after Fidel cides with Wednesday’s anniver- dian Foreign Minister Chrystia agreement on managing policy The UNHCR has been help- freely in the country,” she added. Minister Bruno Rodriguez wrote Castro’s 1959 communist revo- sary of a failed attempt in 1961 by Freeland. diff erences over Cuba under ing Costa Rica improve reception Amnesty said it and other in- on Twitter. lution could face lawsuits in US the Central Intelligence Agency “We are determined to work which the US waived Title III and centres, train asylum offi cials and ternational organisations had On Tuesday, President Don- courts from the vast and politi- to overthrow Castro. together to protect the interests the EU suspended a threatened provide schooling to Nicaraguan documented cases of serious hu- ald Trump’s administration de- cally powerful Cuban American Rodriguez said the “aggres- of our companies in the context case at the World Trade Organi- children man rights violations and crimes fi ed warnings from the European diaspora. sive escalation” of US sanctions of the WTO”, the Geneva-based sation against Washington. “UNHCR, the UN Refugee under international law, includ- Union by forging ahead with the “Those doing business in Cuba against Cuba would fail. World Trade Organisation. They said they were calling on Agency, commends Costa Rica’s ing torture and extrajudicial long-delayed Helms-Burton Act, should fully investigate whether The European Union and Can- “Our respective laws allow Washington “to maintain a full eff orts to enable people to enter executions carried out by pro- saying it would go into eff ect on they are connected to property ada yesterday warned of repris- any US claims to be followed by waiver of Title III for EU compa- its territory and access its asylum government armed groups and May 2. stolen in service of a failed com- als after the US for the fi rst time counter-claims in European and nies and citizens,” the letter said. procedure,” Throssell said. police. Bolsonaro meets students Argentina freezes Govt pledges to keep prices to curb infl ation

Reuters in Argentina sipped through a hands off Petrobras Buenos Aires metal straw. There were also separate measures to help keep domestic Reuters economy humming. eries for yesterday. rgentina will freeze prices meat prices low. Brasilia It left investors doubting It made the announcement on dozens of staple prod- “In this period where we have a the liberal bona fides of Bol- shortly after the end of a news Aucts, including rice, sugar temporary acceleration in infl a- sonaro’s government, which conference in Brasilia where and milk, in a bid to rein in ram- tion, it’s very important to bring etroleo Brasileiro SA’s has decried state intervention- government offi cials announced pant infl ation and support hard- relief to Argentine families,” Ar- market-based diesel pric- ism under some of its pred- measures designed to avoid a hit consumers ahead of national gentine Economy Minister Nico- Ping policy remains un- ecessors. threatened truckers’ strike. elections at the end of the year. las Dujovne told reporters yes- changed and Brazil’s president After a meeting of high-rank- In separate comments, Econ- The government yesterday terday, adding that infl ation was has no intention of meddling in ing offi cials in Brasilia, the gov- omy Minister Paulo Guedes ac- said it had agreed with retailers at a “peak.” Petrobras’ internal aff airs, high- ernment sought to portray the knowledged that Bolsonaro had to fi x prices on 60 “essential” Macri will seek re-election ranking government offi cials Friday incident as a one-time been responding to political con- products for at least six months, later this year, but is facing fl ag- said. event and said Petrobras can cerns when he called Petrobras’ and that it would hold public ging popular support as he seeks A call by President Jair Bol- choose when and how to adjust chief executive, Roberto Castello service prices steady for the rest to restore growth in the country, sonaro last week to the chief fuel prices, which had not been Branco, last week. of the year. rein in infl ation that rose 50% executive of Petrobras led the the practice under previous gov- He said, however, that the gov- The measures come after in- last year, prevent a run on the state-run company to call off a ernments. ernment was now committed to fl ation sped up to 4.7% in March peso currency and halt a rise in sharp diesel price increase and “I cannot and I will not in- full price autonomy at Petrobras. and was running at a 12-month poverty. revived investor fears about po- terfere in Petrobras,” Bolsonaro The comments will come as a rate of almost 55%, a trend that Thomaz Favaro, regional direc- litical infl uence, hammering the said in a written statement, read relief to investors. has sapped people’s spending tor for consultancy Control Risks, share price of Petrobras. aloud by presidential spokesman While his economic team is led power and hammered President said the price freezes refl ect the The episode underscored the Otavio Rego Barros. by free-market advocates, Bol- Mauricio Macri in the polls. government’s concern as it looked leverage of truckers in Brazil, Petrobras on Tuesday an- sonaro, who for years pressed for Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro poses for a picture with Other staples in the price to win back wary voters. which relies overwhelmingly nounced in a daily filing that heavy state involvement in Bra- students of the military college during an Army Day freeze include cooking oils, fl our, But he said the measures were on road freight to get agricul- it would not adjust the price zil’s economy, is a newcomer to ceremony, in Brasilia, Brazil, yesterday. yogurts, jams, biscuits and Yerba generally an ineffi cient way to tural exports to port and keep its of gasoline or diesel at refin- liberal economic ideas. mate tea, a ubiquitous beverage temper infl ation. Gulf Times 20 Thursday, April 18, 2019 PAKISTAN

Imran to address PTI’s foundation Law protecting forex day event on May 1 The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e- remittances at risk Insaf (PTI) has decided to hold the main ceremony of the party’s Massive fl oods foundation day in the capital on Internews reading shows that if the law May 1. Islamabad is abolished completely, it will It will be addressed by the party’s also aff ect the provision that founding chairman and Prime allows citizens to transfer for- Minister Imran Khan. he Pakistan Tehreek- eign exchange within or out of The PTI was formed by the e-Insaf (PTI)-led gov- Pakistan. cricketer-turned-politician in Ternment is considering Although the abolition of Lahore on April 25, 1996. leave 50 dead abolishing the Protection of PERA 1992 is expected to create “Prime Minister Imran Khan Economic Reforms Act (PERA) a stir among the business com- will address the foundation day DPA/Internews where authorities had declared merged, local police chief Ha- Pakhtunkhwa, at isolated places 1992, which gives immunity to munity, former secretary fi - ‘Yaum-e-Tasees’ ceremony that Islamabad an emergency. roon Rashid said. in Quetta, Zhob, Sibi, Kalat, all residents of Pakistan against nance Dr Waqar Masood Khan is being held on May 1 at Jinnah The northwestern province Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Sukkur, Larkana divisions, and any inquiry from the income in his article wrote: “While Convention Centre Islamabad. In of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Usman Khan Buzdar said that Gilgit-Baltistan. tax department or any other the country is moving towards his address, founding chairman t least 50 people have Baluchistan in the southwest all resources should be spent to Islamabad received 57mm of authority, for any amount of documentation, it would be of the PTI and Prime Minister died in Pakistan after were worse hit, and a number of tackle continued heavy rains in rain, Rawalpindi 24mm, Lahore remittances (in foreign curren- imperative to also remove a Imran Khan will deliver a historic Aheavy rains triggered towns were inundated, Zuberi the diff erent parts of the prov- 43mm, Gujranwala 40mm, and cy) received through the bank- distortion that continues to speech and explain future massive fl oods that have de- added. ince. Peshawar 16mm in the past 24 ing channels from abroad. plague our forex regime, the strategy and targets of PTI,” said stroyed houses and crops, offi - Military and rescue agen- He directed the concerned hours. A ministerial source said so-called Protection of Eco- a statement issued by the PTI’s cials said yesterday, as the South cies were evacuating stranded authorities to ensure their pres- The fl oods usually hit South that discussions are ongoing in nomic Reforms Act (PERA).” central media department. Asian nation struggles to deal people in towns and villages of ence in the fi eld to facilitate the Asia in monsoon season, which this matter, and there is likeli- He explained: “This law pro- The decision to celebrate the with these deadly eff ects of glo- Baluchistan, local rescue worker people promptly. begins from July and lasts until hood that the PERA 1992 may vides an uncalled for facility to party’s foundation day – the first bal warming. Mohamed Younas said. The government has put the the end of August. not survive. residents to maintain a foreign after coming to power – on May Most of the deaths were The wheat crop on hundreds military and rescue agencies on Experts attribute the untime- It is said that the PERA 1992 currency account (FCA) and 1 was taken at a meeting chaired caused by gushing waters fl ow- of hectares of land was de- high alert as more rains were ly rains to global warming. was enacted to welcome for- hold, deposit and remit foreign by PTI’s chief organiser Saifullah ing down into valleys from stroyed in the central province predicted, Information Minister Floods and weather-related eign remittances but the im- currency through this channel. Khan Niazi. mountains and winds bellowing of Punjab, known as the food Fawad Chaudhry said. incidents kill hundreds of peo- munity off ered by the law has “Residents can buy dollars The meeting was attended by at a very high speed, said Reema basket of Pakistan. More widespread dust-thun- ple every year in Pakistan, which been grossly used by the busi- from money changers and de- the party’s central additional Zuberi, spokeswoman for the Hundreds of villagers were derstorm and rain accompanied faces imminent threat from cli- ness community of the coun- posit them in their FCAs. secretary general Ejaz Ahmed national disaster agency. being evacuated to safety in the by gusty winds is expected in mate change due to its proximity try to “whiten” their untaxed “The process of dollarisa- Chaudhry, Senator Faisal Javed, Nearly 150 injured people Dera Ghazi Khan region as large Punjab, Islamabad, Kashmir, with highly industrialised China money. tion is a sure recipe for creating Dr Abulhassan, and others. were being treated at hospital, swathes of land had been sub- at scattered places in Khyber- and India. However, the PERA 1992 forex shortages.” The meeting also decided that a revised draft of the party’s constitution would be presented for formal approval by the PTI’s Rain or shine National Council. Following the approval of the Deal signed to boost party’s constitution, the process of raising party structures at the central and provincial levels will Pakistan’s Internet be initiated. Speaking on the occasion, Niazi said that the PTI is at a very capacity by 96Tbps significant stage of its evolution. “It is the need of the hour to transform the party into an Internews to extend gigabit speeds to the exemplary political institution. Islamabad local population and will be in- We pledge to play our part in the strumental in meeting the ex- progress of the country and will ponential growth in bandwidth continue to strive hard to achieve landing party agree- demand from mobile and fi xed our milestones,” he added. ment signed between broadband users in Pakistan ACybernet Pakistan and and neighbouring countries. PEACE Cable International “The system design will Network Company Limited is adopt the latest 200G technol- Foreign secretary set to increase Pakistan’s In- ogy and WSS (wavelength se- takes charge ternet infrastructure capac- lective switching) technology, ity by 96 terabits per second which provides the capability Foreign Secretary Sohail (Tbps) with the country’s fi rst to transmit over 16 terabits per Mahmood took charge of his carrier-neutral, open-access fi bre pair, servicing growing off ice yesterday and called on submarine cable system. regional capacity needs,” the Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Pakistan and East Africa statement said. Qureshi in Islamabad. Connecting Europe (PEACE) Cybernet is the PEACE Ca- Qureshi congratulated the newly- Cable International Network ble Landing Station Partner in appointed foreign secretary on Company Limited and Cyber Pakistan and will be deploying assuming charge and said that Internet Services Pvt Ltd (Cy- PEACE Pakistan Cable Landing Mahmood is a seasoned and bernet Pakistan) signed the Station (CLS) and managing its experienced diplomat. agreement on Tuesday in Cai- operations. Mahmood, who previously ro, a press release said. Cybernet will also be build- served as Pakistan’s High A memorandum of under- ing Pakistan’s fi rst carrier- Commissioner to India, replaces standing for the project was neutral cable landing station Tehmina Janjua, who retired inked in 2018. for PEACE cable by March People head for prayers to Lahore’s Badshahi Mosque during heavy rain. on April 16 after serving in the The PEACE cable system, 2020 in Karachi. position for two years. with landings in Pakistan, Cybernet Pakistan chief ex- Djibouti, Egypt, Kenya, and ecutive Danish Lakhani, while France, will provide critical addressing a ceremony in this interconnectivity to the eco- regard, said that the submarine nomic corridors of Asia, Eu- cable system would have an rope, and Africa. “out-sized impact on the dig- It is a 12,000km, private- ital landscape in Pakistan”. Journalist’s bail extended for a week ly-owned cable system “that “With its ultra-low latency provides an open, fl exible and design, the cable will cut down carrier-neutral services for its transit time between Pakistan Internews case on the next date. that Jillani had passed remarks the sovereignty of Pakistan”. customer”, the press release and France to under 90 mil- Islamabad The judge, therefore, extended through which law enforcement Haider said that the act of the said. liseconds – dramatically im- the interim bail for Jillani till next agencies had been “directly or suspect was in connivance with The fi rst phase of the project proving the response time of Wednesday. indirectly, deliberately and in- “others responsible at Dunya will connect Asia, Europe, and Internet-based applications district court in Karachi The court once again sum- tentionally accused of infl uenc- News as well as in collusion with Africa. and the experience of our us- has extended by a week moned the investigating offi cer ing the democratic system of the enemy countries”. PEACE is slated for comple- ers,” he explained. “The cable Athe interim pre-arrest bail for the hearing. Pakistan, due to which the soli- According to the complainant, tion in the fi rst quarter of 2020. will also bolster the redundan- granted to journalist Shahzeb Ali The complainant, Moulvi Iqbal darity, sovereignty, integrity and Jillani’s actions “are tantamount The statement said that the cy of our country’s connectiv- Shah Jillani in a case pertaining Haider, has alleged in a fi rst in- security of the state had been to creating a sense of fear, panic, project would enable carriers ity to the rest of world.” to alleged cyber-terrorism, elec- formation report (FIR) that, dur- damaged and personal senti- insecurity in government insti- tronic forgery and defamatory ing an episode of Dunya Kamran ments of the voters/general pub- tutions, general public and soci- remarks regarding state institu- Khan Kay Sath on December 8, lic had been hurt”. ety”. Survey finds 38% Pakistanis spend tions. 2017, Jillani, who was the co- According to Haider, Jillani The Karachi Union of Journal- Last week, the journalist had ordinator of the programme, had had fi rst “made a reference to the ists (KUJ) has condemned the two hours daily on mobile phone been granted interim bail before Jillani: accused of toeing the ‘line “articulated defamatory remarks history of army generals nega- case against Jillani under a “coer- arrest in a case registered by the of foreign agencies on social against respected institutions tively infl uencing democracy”, cive law” for merely “expressing According to survey carried out by Gallup and Gilani Pakistan, 38% Federal Investigation Agency media ... against the sovereignty of the country while answering then suddenly referred to “the his independent views”. of Pakistanis spend two hours or more in a day using a mobile (FIA) under Sections 10(a) (cy- of Pakistan’. questions posed by the show’s invisible force”, adding that “they The KUJ also criticised the law phone, while 29% claim not to spend any time at all. ber-terrorism), 11 (electronic host”. select rulers”. under which the case has been A nationally-representative sample of men and women from across forgery), and 20 (malicious code) for the second consecutive time, The petitioner said that the Haider, as per the FIR, further registered against Jillani, noting the four provinces was asked: “How many hours in a day do you of the Pakistan Electronic Crimes despite the court’s direction for journalist had made remarks stated that Jillani had said that that “PECA was enacted in 2016 spend using a mobile phone?” Act (PECA) 2016. him to show up along with police against the “invisible security “Prime Minister Imran Khan without consulting the journal- In response, 33% said that they spend an hour, 20% said two hours, Jillani appeared before Dis- papers of the case. forces of the country” and had cannot survive in the assembly ist community and other stake 8% said three hours, 3% said four hours, 3% said five hours, 4% said trict and Sessions (South) judge The prosecutor expressed his alleged that “the law enforce- if he works for public welfare and holders”. more than five hours, and 29% said they do not use a mobile phone. Justice Imdad Hussain Khoso inability to argue against the ment agencies were directly does not follow the directions of “The law seems to be in con- The study was released by Gilani Research Foundation and carried yesterday and sought confi rma- bail application since the police involved in kidnapping of the the establishment”. travention of Article 19 of the out by Gallup and Gilani Pakistan, the Pakistani aff iliate of Gallup tion of his interim bail, granted papers were with the investigat- citizens, which leads to cases of The complainant also accused Constitution, which gives free- International. last week against a surety of ing offi cer, who also could not be ‘missing persons’”. Jillani of toeing the “line of for- dom to any citizen of the country The recent survey was carried out among a sample of 1,178 men and Rs100,000. contacted. The complainant said that in eign agencies on social media and to express his or her views with- women in rural and urban areas of all four provinces of the country, The FIA’s investigating offi cer He requested for an adjourn- the March 18 episode of the pro- had also been blogging in order out any fear,” a KUJ statement between February 23 and March 3. did not appear before the court, ment to enable him to argue the gramme, he once again noticed to implement his agenda against said.

Four police offi cers arrested aft er toddler is killed in Karachi shootout Top judicial council to act against ‘ineffi cient’ judges Four police off icers have been arrested after a 19-month-old boy was killed in crossfire in Karachi, in yet another incident of alleged police negligence dur- Internews lation of the Judges’ Code of Con- nual report reveals that the council for slow progress in deciding cases, judge over the violation of Article X. ing a shootout with suspected criminals. Islamabad duct. took notice of various complaints of which is in violation of Article X of Amina Sheikh, a lawyer, believes The toddler, Ahsan, died when a bullet entered his chest The SJC has remained active for misconduct received against judges the Judges’ Code of Conduct. that ensuring effi ciency in the dis- and exited through his back, the post- mortem report the last three years. of superior courts. According to the article, a judge pensation of justice is a condition revealed. or the fi rst time in Pakistan’s Many show-cause notices have After due procedure enshrined should take all steps to decide cases precedent for the rule of law. The bullet also grazed and injured the child’s father, judicial history, the Supreme been issued to judges of superior under Article 209 of the Constitu- within the shortest time and make A Pakistan Bar Council execu- Kashif Raja. FJudicial Council (SJC) is go- courts over charges of misconduct. tion and the SJC Procedure of En- every eff ort to minimise the suf- tive member said that the decision The child’s funeral prayers were off ered yesterday. ing to proceed against members of The notices have mostly been quiry 2005, it disposed of 56 cases fering of litigants by deciding cases to proceed against any judge who is Four off icers were arrested on charges of murder and the judiciary over charges of “inef- discharged after the judges submit- during one year. expeditiously through proper, writ- found to be ineffi cient is becoming attempted murder, after a first information report (FIR) fi ciency”. ted satisfactory replies to the coun- Now the SJC under the chair- ten judgments. increasingly unavoidable. was registered on behalf of the toddler’s father. The fi ve-member council led by cil. manship of Chief Justice Khosa “A judge who is unmindful or “It is an essential step in judicial Speaking to the media, the deceased’s mother said she, Chief Justice of Pakistan Asif Saeed A couple of judges decided not to is proceeding against judges over indiff erent towards this aspect of accountability and if executed fairly her husband, and her son were going to the market to Khosa is the only constitutional contest the notices and preferred to charges of “ineffi ciency”. his duty is not faithful to his work, and transparently, it will signifi - buy groceries in a rickshaw near Safoora Chowrangi forum invoked under Article 209 tender their resignations to secure Sources said that the council had which is a grave fault,” it reads. cantly improve the overall effi cien- neighbourhood on Tuesday. when police off icers on a of the Constitution for removing pension benefi ts. already issued a show-cause no- However, the council had never cy and eff ectiveness of our judicial motorcycle started firing. superior court judges over the vio- The Supreme Court’s 2018 an- tice to a Lahore High Court judge issued a show-cause notice to any system,” he added. Gulf Times Thursday, April 18, 2019 21 PHILIPPINES Govt protests over Chinese fi shing at disputed shoal By Ralph Villanueva with our legal department now,” Manila Times he said. The report came a few weeks after Chinese vessels were spotted around the Philippine- he Foreign Aff airs depart- controlled Pagasa (Thitu) Island ment has formally pro- and Kota (Loaita) Island in the Ttested China’s reported Kalayaan (Spratly) Island Group. mass harvesting of giant clams Panelo earlier told the Chinese at the disputed Panatag (Scar- vessels to “go away” from the is- borough) Shoal, which Malaca- lands because “they do not have nang has called as an “aff ront” to any business there.” the Philippines. Duterte had also said China A television news report by should “lay off ” Pagasa Island. ABS-CBN showed Filipino fi sh- Former Foreign Aff airs sec- ers saying Chinese boats had retary Albert del Rosario and been doing clam extraction at former ombudsman Conchita Panatag “for years,” clouding the Carpio Morales last month fi led waters and aff ecting their fish a communication against Chi- catch. nese President Xi Jinping before In a news briefi ng, Palace the International Criminal Court spokesman Salvador Panelo said for “implementing a “systematic the Chinese move was “defi nite- plan to control” the contested ly” a breach of the Philippines’ sea and violating the rights of sovereignty. “It is surely a vio- Filipino fi shers. lation of our sovereignty…If it’s Last week, Panelo invoked for The disputed Panatag shoal. our territory, therefore, it is an Salvador Panelo: concern over breach of sovereignty. the fi rst time the 2016 ruling of aff ront to our territory and to our the Permanent Court of Arbitra- Rene Medina, commander of the there,” Medina told reporters at ran aground the shoal, after con- sovereignty,” he said. Sea). “We have to be consistent seized control of the shoal in tion siding with the Philippines Palawan-based WesCom, said Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. ducting patrols. In a related development, a with ours. As far as we’re con- 2012 after a standoff with the in the sea dispute and junking Chinese vessels were circling not Hasa-Hasa shoal is located General Benjamin Madrigal Jr, group of Filipino fi shers sought cerned, that is ours, we will be Philippines. China’s claims. Panelo on Tues- just at Pa-asa, but other islands 68 nautical miles from Balabac the Armed Forces chief of staff , a Writ of Kalikasan from the objecting to any intrusion to our Earlier in the day, Foreign Af- day said it would be up to Duterte in the Spratly archipelago. Island in Palawan. The shoal is confi rmed the presence of about Supreme Court on Tuesday, to own territory,” he said. fairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin if he would tap the United States’ Medina did not specify all of said to be the trading post of Fili- 200 Chinese fi shing vessels in compel the government to pro- Panatag is considered a tra- J said the Philippines had fi led a help over the maritime dispute. the Philippine-occupied islands pino fi shermen transacting with the disputed waters. tect the disputed islands. ditional fi shing ground of Fili- diplomatic note with China re- Chinese fi shing vessels con- and reefs surrounded by Chinese Chinese fi sh traders. Panelo and Madrigal backed Panelo, however, noted that pino, Chinese and Vietnam- garding the TV news report. tinue to roam around the Ka- vessels, but replied in the affi rm- Last year, the Philippine Na- the decision of Locsin to fi le a China was only being consistent ese fi shers, but falls within the In a tweet, Locsin also said layaan Island Group, the mili- ative when asked if it included vy’s fl agship BRP Gregorio del protest against China for its har- with its claim on the whole West Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile the Philippines was mulling le- tary’s Western Command Hasa-Hasa (Half Moon) Shoal. Pilar ran aground in the area. vesting of giant clams within Philippine Sea (South China exclusive economic zone. China gal action against China. “It is (WesCom) said. Vice Admiral “They are still roaming around In 2012, a Chinese frigate also Scarborough Shoal. Police chief’s assurance on Boracay back to ‘pristine security during Holy Week state’ a year after closure By Neil Jayson Servallos “Together with Aboitiz 339 hotels and tourism estab- Manila Times Foundation, we’re doing a lishments have been reopened, By Roy Narra wetland project, we are mak- accounting to more than 12,000 Manila Times ing it into a park, eco-tourism rooms. Puyat also said respec- oracay Island is back to zone. There are so many places tive hotels and resorts were told its pristine state almost a to go to in Boracay, not just the to supply potable water for both hilippine National Police Byear after it was ordered beaches,” she added. domestic and foreign travellers (PNP) chief Oscar Albay- closed for rehabilitation, the The Tourism chief said col- while local government offi cials Palde yesterday said there Department of Tourism (DoT) iform bacteria levels in Boracay were religiously monitoring the were no threats to peace and se- said. waters were now down to zero garbage.“Garbage is continu- curity during the observance of Tourism Secretary Berna- from the very high level of one ously being monitored by the Holy Week. dette Romulo Puyat said the million most probable number. LGUs (local government units), Police, however, were not Department of Public Works The DoT attributed the we have ground enforcers who putting their guard down and and Highways had fi nished re- progress to the relentless eff orts ensure that the tourists will dis- were prepared to deal with vari- pairing all roads there. of the Department of the Inte- pose trash properly. Receptacles ous situations, he told reporters. The Tourism Infrastructure rior and Local Government and have also been placed every- “So far, we haven’t received and Enterprise Zone was also the Department of Environment where,” she said. any kind of threats or whatso- on track in fi nishing the con- and Natural Resources (DENR). While the BITF and the local ever. Of course, even if there is struction of a sewerage sys- The DENR is also regularly do- government of Boracay have al- no threat, we have to be always tem, part of the Boracay Inter- ing the tests on the coliform level lowed parties since the reopen- on alert and our intelligence Agency Task Force’s (BITF) every two weeks to maintain the ing of the island last October, monitoring is in place,” Albay- Phase 2 of the island rehabilita- present condition of Boracay Is- Puyat said there would be no alde said. The PNP has deployed tion. Businesses had also start- land, especially during the peak more La Boracay or any other more than 91,000 police offi c- ed to boom, Puyat said. season. As of April 8, more than beach parties this year. ers all over the country to ensure peace and security, especially in tourist destinations and public areas such as churches. Plan to integrate drug education into curriculum Explosives units have also been stationed at bus terminals. The Department of Education (DepEd) plans to The drug programme would be implemented in Metro Manila is under full integrate the government’s drug education pro- diff erent stages. Kindergarten to Grade 3 pupils will alert status, which means that gramme into the curriculum in the coming school learn about healthy habits, safety practices, correct all police personnel must report year, Manila Times reported. During the 1st 2019 use of medicine and personal wellness. Grades 4 to to duty except those in emergen- Balik Eskwela orientation on Monday, Glene Basio, 6 pupils will have lessons on how to be healthy and cy situations. This also means supervising education programme specialist of the drug-free by understanding the consequences of their leaves are cancelled until Bureau of Curriculum Development, presented the substances that threaten health and safety. the end of Holy Week. drug education programme that President Rodrigo Grades 7 to 10 students will be taught the con- Albayalde and Maj. Gen. Philippine National Police Director General Oscar Albayalde boards a bus at Araneta Center Bus Terminal Duterte has been pushing since the start of his sequences of using substances based on drug Guillermo Eleazar, the National in Cubao, Quezon City, yesterday, to check on passengers. term. The programme is based on RA 7624 of 1992 control laws, policies and programmes, while those Capital Region Police Office or “an act integrating drug prevention and control in Grades 11 to 12 will be taught life skills to sustain a director, went to bus terminals for not bringing dangerous and terminals. “So far, there are no PNP, the Bureau of Jail Man- in the intermediate and secondary curricula as well healthy and drug-free life and to promote wellness in Cubao and Pasay and to the banned items. contrabands caught from pas- agement and Penology and the as in non-formal, informal, and indigenous learning as a way of life. At present, the DepEd is develop- Ninoy Aquino International He said the public had “fi - sengers here. I think they are Bureau of Fire Protection are systems and for other purposes” and RA 9165 or ing an updated comprehensive supplemental Airport for inspections. Albay- nally learned” what to do when already educated, that’s why,” also on full alert status for the the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.” drug programme. alde commended passengers going to public transportation Albayalde said. Besides the Holy Week. Duterte threatens to sack water agency offi cials

By Ralph Villanueva “The MWSS. You know that Maynilad Water Services Inc, politicians. I will not hesitate Manila Water came under Manila Times is… seasonal. It comes with reg- on March 19, water supply was to replace you all,” he added. fire as customers — from low- ularity, El Nino. You have been back. “The afternoon, there was Last month, Malacanang income families to commercial there for several years and you already water. You see? Why do said a visibly irked Duterte and industrial establishments resident Rodrigo Duterte do not prepare for it? And when you have to cause problem for threatened to fire officials of — suffered major inconven- has threatened to fi re of- it comes, the people have no wa- the people when there are things MWSS and end the contracts ience because of an unprec- Pfi cials of the Metropolitan ter,” he said. that you can do at once… It just of its concessionaires during a edented water shortage that Waterworks and Sewerage Sys- The board of MWSS is headed means, you derail everything 40-minute meeting, if the wa- started on March 6 with the tem (MWSS) for failing to pre- by Franklin Demonteverde, a re- in life. They cannot drink, they ter shortage was not addressed. implementation of a sched- vent a water shortage in parts tired Negros Occidental judge, cannot…. Foolishness,” he said. Duterte had directed the uled water service interruption of Metro Manila and Rizal prov- and its administrator is a retired The president said he had no MWSS to demand from Ma- scheme to refill 28 reservoirs. ince, saying there were more police general, Reynaldo Ve- patience for people sleeping on nila Water, Maynilad and other The utility has an alloca- qualifi ed people to do their jobs. lasco. their jobs, saying they “either responsible offices to release tion of 1,600mn litres per day Speaking at the campaign rally Other members of the MWSS hack it or not.” water good for 150 days from (MLD) from Angat Dam. How- of the ruling PDP-Laban party board are Jose Hernandez, Vale- “You know, there are a lot of the Angat Dam, Metro Manila’s ever, the company was forced in Tuguegarao City on Tuesday riano Pasquil, Merly Cruz, Mela- Filipinos here, engineers out- main water source. to tap its reserves from La Mesa night, Duterte hinted at fi ring nie Sia-Lambino, Mariano Ale- side that are skilled but are On Tuesday, the Chief Oper- Dam to make up for a supply offi cials in the government be- garbes and Melchior Acosta Jr. not known. There are millions ating Officer of Manila Water deficit, as demand increased to cause of corruption. Duterte again noted that a day of Filipinos waiting outside, Geodino Carpio stepped down about 1,750 MLD over the pre- He then shifted to the MWSS, after scolding MWSS offi cials brighter than you (smarter),” following last month’s water vious weeks. saying the water agency knew and executives of the agency’s he said. shortage that hit about 1.2mn The listed water utility de- the El Nino dry spell was com- two water concessionaires, Ma- “But, they are not well- households in Metro Manila clared a one-time bill relief for Reynaldo Velasco: facing criticism ing, but did not prepare for it. nila Water Company Inc and known because they are not and Rizal province. its customers. Gulf Times 22 Thursday, April 18, 2019 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka 18 - 04 -2019 Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Finnish election highlights dilemma about welfare state

Voters across the Nordics are telling politicians to safeguard their cherished, comprehensive welfare model but Sunday’s election in Finland shows how prohibitive costs and a surge in nationalism make it hard for parties to deliver. The Finnish Social Democrats, who played a signifi cant role in the growth of public services after World War Two, won the ballot for the fi rst time in two decades, feeding off a rising sense of insecurity among voters following years of austerity. Their victory was limited, however, by a strong showing by the anti-immigrant, nationalist Finns Party, which fi nished a close second at 17.5 % of the vote behind the SDP’s 17.7%, fi nal results showed. The West’s dirty The split underscores the fragmentation of politics in Finland and elsewhere in the Nordics where populist parties are becoming mainstream, as well as divisions over how to tackle the soaring costs of healthcare and other welfare provisions. The Finnish left argues that tax hikes are inescapable at a time when care costs are rising and people are living longer. fi nancial laundry Many voters in Finland agree, even though the nation has one of the highest taxation rates in the world. money laundering has again become a the Treasury estimates that as much The Danske Bank illustrated this The nationalists, echoing a continent-wide backlash against By Anders Aslund Kyiv matter of national security. as $300bn is laundered domestically shortfall. As a major EU-based bank, it migration over open European Union borders, say that reversing Europe, too, has been subjected each year. And, as of June 2018, $1.7tn in is supervised by the European Central an infl ux of foreigners can relieve the pressure on services. to Russian election meddling. But US securities were held in the Cayman Bank. But the ECB’s remit does not That is a red line for he money-laundering scandals it also faces diff erent problems Islands, which is more than are held in include policing money laundering. keep rolling in, most recently than the US. Because its banking China (and second only to Japan). That responsibility falls to the Danish At stake for the Social Democratic leader in Estonia, where a subsidiary system is fragmented and not well As for Europe, there are similar laws fi nancial regulator. But it is not as Antti Rinne, a 56-year-old Tof Danske Bank reportedly policed, Northern European fi nancial against money laundering, but the though Denmark’s banking authorities Finns is a wide former trade union boss, processed some €200bn ($225bn) in institutions apparently are not always situation diff ers in important ways. can keep themselves constantly leaving him just one option suspicious payments from around the aware of illicit activities occurring The EU takes ownership transparency informed of Danske Bank’s activities array of services — seeking out coalition region in recent years. under their noses. The US banking seriously. Its fi fth anti-money- in Estonia. And even when Estonia’s Nonetheless, the United States and system, by contrast, is very well policed. laundering directive, adopted in banking regulator raised warnings, the that now come partners among centre-right the European Union have yet to muster Yet the US has eff ectively legalised June 2018, goes much further than Danish authorities were slow to react, groups that favour reforming a co-ordinated response to the problem. practices outside of the banking system the Patriot Act by requiring public suggesting that Denmark’s dominant nearly cost-free welfare to cut costs. On the contrary, the US Department that should be prohibited. reporting of benefi ciary ownership bank may in fact be too big to regulate. In Finland, which of the Treasury recently chastised the After the US adopted the 2001 Patriot for all assets across sectors, not just in For its part, the US needs to stop struggles with one of the fastest rates of population ageing EU Commission for including four US Act to combat terrorist fi nancing, US banking. allowing ultimate benefi ciary owners territories (American Samoa, Guam, banks were required to know their Yet Europe has been too timid in of US assets to hide their identities. in the world, public debt is expected to fall within EU limits Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands) customers, or risk draconian fi nes. And policing cash fl ows into and out of The Secretary of the Treasury can end this year after austerity steps by the outgoing centre-right on a list of jurisdictions with “weak in the fi ve years after the 2008 fi nancial banks. The fi nes for money laundering the temporary exemption for real- government of Prime Minister Juha Sipila. anti-money laundering and terrorist crisis, banks operating in the US paid have been so small that they create no estate assets with the stroke of a pen. But social and healthcare costs are expected to jump to 26.5bn fi nancing regimes.” But instead of some $230bn in fi nes for various real deterrent. Banks themselves view Abolishing anonymous companies and euros per year ($30bn) in 2035 from 18.7bn in 2018. blaming each other, the US and the EU violations. The result is that US banks the preventive measures in place as prohibiting law fi rms from operating should be working together to develop are terrifi ed of wading into legal trouble, merely a bureaucratic nuisance, and as banks, however, will require federal That would jack up such costs as a share of gross domestic a new consensus on how to address the and have therefore established powerful have no incentive to develop the kind legislation. Fortunately, the new product to 9.6% in 2035 from 7.9%. At stake for the Finns is a issue. internal compliance departments. of strong compliance departments that Democratic chair of the House Financial wide array of services that now come nearly cost-free such as Money laundering, in its current The Patriot Act was eff ective in one fi nds in the US. Services Committee, Maxine Waters, comprehensive healthcare, state pensions and home visits by form, is relatively new. Starting in cleaning up banking and expelling To establish the appropriate has reportedly put these issues at the nurses for the elderly. the late 1980s, fi nancial liberalisation anonymous shell banks from the incentives, European fi nancial top of her agenda. around the world led to a substantial international fi nancial system. The authorities should follow the US The US and Europe should stop The state was even more generous in earlier decades, when increase in tax evasion. But the problem problem is that it applies only to example and start imposing severe fi nes bickering, each take a page from the deductibles on medicine costs were lower and the state would wasn’t really on policymakers’ radar the fi nancial sector. Since 2002, the for banking violations. But another other’s book, and fi x the glaring fl aws pay for nannies to help with childcare free of charge while until the attacks of September 11, 2001, real-estate sector has been exempted problem is that Europe lacks a powerful in their enforcement regimes. In a another child in the family was in hospital. which revealed the connection between from the law’s key anti-money- anti-money-laundering agency on globalised economy, that is the only In Denmark, opinion polls ahead of an election due no later money laundering and terrorist laundering provisions, as are countless par with the US Financial Crimes way to beat the bad guys. - Project fi nancing. Shockingly, though, the US shell corporations “headquartered” Enforcement Network. As Joshua Syndicate than June forecast victory for opposition parties led by the Social Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens in Wilmington, Delaware, and law Kirschenbaum of the German Marshall Democrats who are calling for a partial rollback of welfare cuts. United v. Federal Election Commission fi rms, which can transfer money under Fund and Nicolas Véron of the Peterson z Anders Aslund is a senior fellow The Danish left has echoed some of the anti-immigration allowed unlimited amounts of so-called the protection of attorney-client Institute for International Economics at the Atlantic Council and author of tilt of the nationalist Danish People’s Party, in what Social dark money to pour into the country’s confi dentiality. have shown, Europe desperately needs a the forthcoming book Russia’s Crony Democratic leader Mette Frederiksen said is an eff ort to ensure elections. And since Russia’s attacks These loopholes have had profound new central body to focus solely on this Capitalism: The Path from Market Economy to Kleptocracy. her party remains relevant. on the 2016 US presidential election, implications. The US Department of problem. Running in fi rst place with some 28% of popular support, the Danish Social Democrats endorsed a “jewellery bill” which, passed in 2016, allows police to confi scate refugees’ valuables to help pay their costs, among other measures. The Danish People’s Party is now polling at 14%, down from the 21% they had in 2015. While the jewellery bill has not itself ensured their lead in the polls, it lent nuance to the Social Democrats’ stance on immigration, winning back some voters from the populists. In Sweden, left-wing leader Stefan Lofven faced a similar dilemma. His only route to retaining power after an inconclusive election last September was to join forces with reform-oriented liberal parties that, like his own Social Democrats, shun the fi ercely nationalist Sweden Democrats.

To Advertise [email protected] Display 44466621 44418811 Classified 44466609 44418811 Subscription [email protected]

Customers use an automated teller machine (ATM) outside a Danske Bank A/S bank branch in central Copenhagen, Denmark, in this Sept 19, 2018 file photo. Danske Bank © 2019 Gulf Times. All rights reserved was allegedly at the centre of a major European money laundering scandal with as much as $225bn flowing through a tiny unit in Estonia. Gulf Times Thursday, April 18, 2019 23 COMMENT The American populist reckoning

By Simon Johnson a recent version of populism (though Fed’s Board of Governors with people Washington, DC sustained by oil revenues for longer who want to say yes to him and will than usual). With Venezuela now mobilise his base against Fed staff and experiencing a classic populist regional bank presidents if they resist opulism is an approach to collapse, who else is displaying obvious easing monetary conditions. government that relies on symptoms today? Could pumping up the economy lavish promises that ultimately The United Kingdom is one in this fashion clear Trump’s path to Pcannot be met. The most prominent potential case. It is entirely re-election? Trump has been lucky prominent historical cases since 1945 possible that Britain can still avoid before, and the global economy were, for a long while, mostly found the disaster of leaving the European looks relatively benign (unless Brexit in Latin America. There are always Union in a way that avoids a massive brings bad surprises). And while all apologists who claim that a new disruption of trade. The worry, of of Trump’s macroeconomic promises source of economic miracle has been course, is that the path to a soft landing will prove as ephemeral and fl eeting discovered. But the ending is always remains unclear – and it is very late as those of Perón, populism always the same: some form of crisis and in the day, relative to the politically lasts longer than most people think disaster. Populism today is again in the established deadlines (for the EU and possible. ascendancy, but now one of the most for the UK). The reckoning, when it comes, virulent forms is in the United States – Some British political leaders, will likely be diff erent from that in and with the credibility of the central mostly on the right, continue to play Argentina or Venezuela. The US has a bank very much on the line. the populist card to a disconcerting stronger, more diversifi ed underlying Argentina under Juan Perón (1946- degree. It remains to be seen whether economy with a better track record 1955 and 1973-1974) and his successors they need to cause a collapse before the over the past century. And the dollar is often held out as the canonical hollowness of their promises becomes is used widely around the world, example of populist misrule. Each self-evident. as reserves for central banks, as a iteration of populism has its special The good news is that key UK private-sector store of value, and to features, but the general pattern is institutions, including the Bank of invoice most international trade. The this: unsustainable wage increases, England, remain strong and reasonably most likely outcome will be slower an overvalued exchange rate, and independent. Let’s hope that this growth, further increases in inequality, massive foreign borrowing (enabled by remains the case, regardless of what People queue to receive drums to collect water and water purification tablets from members of the Venezuelan Red Cross and erosion of public services. And local recklessness and foreign short- happens within the Conservative Party in Catia neighbourhood in Caracas, Venezuela, on April 16. The first shipment of Red Cross humanitarian aid arrived in America’s ability to out-innovate sightedness). Critics are persecuted, and to Prime Minister Theresa May’s crisis-wracked Venezuela on Tuesday following approval from President Nicolas Maduro’s government, the organisation others, including China, will absorb experts disparaged, and ridicule government. confirmed. Venezuela is now experiencing a classic populist collapse. another blow. piled onto anyone with any kind of A much bigger problem looms in the Trump will leave the scene soon reasonable concern. Central banks US, where President Donald Trump slowing as the country reaches full mild downward correction in house spent a decade aiming their rhetorical enough. Will his legacy be even and other independent governmental has combined disregard for the fi scal employment. As a true populist, prices became a system-wide (and fire at the wrong target within the more populism, made possible by bodies, such as courts, are always impact of tax cuts with an apparent Trump has promised growth rates global disaster). Subsequently, the Fed’s sphere of activities, claiming the destruction of the Fed’s political subverted through personnel changes desire to start trade wars. Now comes that are unattainable except through Fed attempted to make amends by that its post-crisis policies were “too legitimacy? Such an outcome looks and other pressures. his most dangerous move to date: extraordinary and unsustainable easing credit to an unprecedented loose” and would cause inflation. The entirely possible. – Project Syndicate Then the reckoning comes, with increased pressure on the Federal measures – such as signifi cant easing degree. Unfortunately, “cleaning up” Republican critique proved entirely some combination of infl ation, Reserve to stimulate the economy. of monetary policy. in this fashion proved diffi cult and the without merit: inflation remained z Simon Johnson, a former chief signifi cant exchange-rate devaluation, The pressure on the Fed is The Fed is weak politically today damage to millions of lives remains all low. But the political damage was economist of the IMF, is a professor and a deep recession (or worse). All too understandable in political terms, because it has had a bad 15 years. too tangible. done, and now Trump’s pressure for at MIT Sloan, a senior fellow at the often, the cycle then starts again with because the temporary sugar high First, it not only oversaw but actually The defence mounted by Fed leaders much looser monetary policy is being Peterson Institute for International another round of promises that cannot of the tax cuts enacted at the end cheered on the breakdown in consumer at the time was that crises happen and supported by members of Congress Economics, and co-founder of a leading possibly be met. The central bank’s of 2017 is wearing off , and there is protection that made rapacious real- nothing can be done about it. That who previously argued for the exact economics blog, The Baseline Scenario. credibility, once dismantled, does not insuffi cient congressional support estate lending possible in the run up view is entirely wrong. The US avoided opposite. He is the co-author, with Jonathan easily return. to cut taxes further. Expanding to 2008. Then the Fed completely serious fi nancial crises from the 1940s Now the Fed is weak, and Trump is Gruber of Jump-Starting America: Looking around the world today, defi cits already stretch as far as the failed to understand how the structure to the early 2000s because good clutching at straws, desperate to jack How Breakthrough Science Can Venezuela is an obvious Latin eye can see. Although US economic of derivatives could amplify risks, enough regulation remained in place. up growth by any means until the 2020 Revive the Economic Growth and the American example that experienced growth is satisfactory, it is naturally so that what should have been a Leading congressional Republicans presidential election. He is packing the American Dream.

Three-day forecast

TODAY Who’s afraid of low infl ation? Maximum Temperature : 370c Minimum Temperature : 250c

By Daniel Gros additional economic stimulus, because situation in the 1930s, when prices fell steadily increased. Today, the eurozone FRIDAY Maximum Temperature : 360c Brussels national central banks in the eurozone by 20%-30%. As a defl ationary event, has a higher proportion of economically already hold large amounts of their own the Great Depression remains unique. active adults than the US. Employment Minimum Temperature : 250c governments’ bonds. Making these Nonetheless, some argue that is at a record high, and unemployment SATURDAY year ago, the European Central central banks buy even more would put even mild defl ation could cause continues to fall, although it remains Maximum Temperature : 360c Bank took advantage of a them in a very diffi cult position if any unemployment, because reducing high in some southern European Minimum Temperature : 240c government were to experience fi nancial nominal wages is generally diffi cult. On countries. temporary uptick in prices to Fisherman's forecast declare victory in its fi ght to stress. This is why the ECB has so far this conventional view, falling prices Overall, the eurozone economy A WARNING bring eurozone infl ation up to its target limited itself to announcing that it will would lead to excessively high real has not performed as badly as the of “below, but close to, 2%.” But the continue to provide commercial banks wages, resulting in job losses. consistently gloomy headlines would Inshore : Nil triumph proved short-lived. Headline with longer-term, three-year fi nancing But recent experience shows suggest. Some countries are still Offshore : Nil infl ation has since come down again, at ultra-low rates. that most advanced economies struggling to recover from the euro and core infl ation, which strips out The ECB is not alone in facing have maintained high employment crisis at the beginning of this decade, WEATHER Inshore : Relatively hot daytime volatile energy prices, is back to about unexpectedly low infl ation. The Bank of despite infl ation being close to but others are doing much better. And with slight dust and 1%. Yet this should not be a major Japan launched an even larger bond- zero. The obvious example is Japan, although average per capita GDP growth some clouds, mild by concern for the ECB. buying programme and capped interest which currently has record-high across the eurozone has slowed over night

The ECB’s staff projections still see rates at zero, and yet infl ation remains employment and a low unemployment the past 20 years, this deceleration is no Offshore : Scattered clouds to eurozone infl ation reaching close to minimal. And although infl ation in the rate – undermining the standard worse than in the US or other developed partly cloudy at times 2% by 2021-2022. But, having wrongly United States is much closer to 2%, it is narrative that the country is “mired” economies. WIND Inshore : Southwesterly-South- predicted a pickup in infl ation for the still far lower than expected. or “stuck” in a low-infl ation trap. And The fact that eurozone infl ation is easterly 08-15/20 KT past several years, these forecasts now Central banks in advanced economies although the Japanese economy has closer to 1% than 2% is not ideal, but have little credibility. This is apparent fear that this lack of infl ation could grown very little in recent decades, this is a minor inconvenience that most Offshrore : Southeasterly - Easterly in fi nancial-market expectations of quickly turn into falling prices, and that this is mainly due to a shrinking people do not even notice, and which 05-15/20 KT eurozone infl ation as measured by so- any slide into such outright defl ation working-age population. In terms of has not impeded a continuous decline in Visibility : 4 - 8 KM called infl ation swap rates, which are would be catastrophic. But are these per capita growth, Japan has not done unemployment. The ECB does not need stuck below 1% even fi ve years into the worries justifi ed? signifi cantly worse than Europe or the to pull out all the stops and invent ever Offshore : 2 -4/6 FT more instruments in the forlorn hope future. And markets predict that euro- Those fearing defl ation point to the US. Around the region area infl ation will still be below 1.5% a Great Depression of the 1930s, when Smaller European economies such of increasing infl ation by a few tenths Weather decade from now. unemployment rose to about 25% in as Switzerland and Sweden show a of a percentage point. The message for Weather tomorrow Max/min This puts the ECB in a quandary. The the US and some Western European similar pattern of low infl ation and Europe’s nervous central bankers is today Max/min P Cloudy 28/13 eurozone economy is weakening, which countries, and widespread economic high employment. More signifi cantly, clear: don’t worry, be happy. – Project Baghdad M Cloudy 28/15 Sunny 32/22 might further diminish infl ationary hardship fostered political extremism. the much larger eurozone has also been Syndicate Kuwait CityP Cloudy 29/21 P Cloudy 33/24 pressures. But the ECB does not dare But one cannot really compare recent moving in this direction for some time. Manama M Sunny 33/24 Sunny 31/26 to restart its sovereign bond-buying mild bouts of defl ation, such as prices Despite low eurozone infl ation, the z Daniel Gros is Director of the Center Muscat Sunny 31/25 S Showers 19/12 program with the aim of providing falling by 1% per year in Japan, to the labour-force participation rate has for European Policy Studies. Tehran Cloudy 19/12

Live issues C-section complication risk rises with mother’s age

have caused mothers to get these women, Deneux-Tharaux said. For C-sections scheduled before By Lisa Rapaport Around the world Reuters Health operations. To do this, they examined “The physiological stop in bleeding women went into labour, however, data on 1,444 women who experienced after birth involves a contraction of only the oldest women in the study Weather Weather severe complications after delivery the uterus; that might be reduced in had an increased risk of complications. today Max/min tomorrow Max/min regnant women are more that were unrelated to pre-existing older women,” Deneux-Tharaux said. Mothers 35 and older who had Athens S Showers 17/09 P Cloudy 18/09 likely to have complications health problems. They also looked at About 85% of the complications C-sections without fi rst going into Beirut P Cloudy 18/14 T Storm 16/14 during labour and caesarean a comparison group of 3,464 women involved bleeding after delivery. labour were fi ve times more likely Bangkok P Cloudy 37/29 M Sunny 37/28 Pdeliveries than during normal who didn’t have complications. Roughly 36% of the women who to have severe complications than Berlin Sunny 21/07 Sunny 22/06 births, and a new study off ers fresh Women who had C-sections were had severe complications delivered mothers who had normal births. Cairo Sunny 25/13 Sunny 26/13 evidence that older mothers are most 80% more likely to have complications by C-section, compared with 18% The study wasn’t a controlled Cape Town Sunny 23/14 S Showers 19/14 at risk. than those who delivered normally, of the mothers who didn’t have experiment designed to prove whether Colombo S T Storms 31/26 T Storm 31/26 Rates of caesarean deliveries, researchers report in the journal CMAJ. complications. or how C-sections might cause Dhaka Sunny 35/26 M Sunny 34/25 or C-sections, have risen in the And women over age 35 who had Women of all ages had an increased complications or to determine how Hong Kong S T Storms 24/22 T Storm 26/23 developed world to more than 20% of C-sections were almost three times risk of complications with C-sections the timing of these surgeries relative Istanbul Cloudy 12/08 P Cloudy 12/06 births, even though the World Health more likely to have severe complications. that were performed after mothers went to the start of labor might impact the Jakarta T Storm 32/26 T Storm 32/25 Organisation recommends this surgery “Overall, delivery is safe,” senior into labour, a decision that is often made risk. The researchers also acknowledge Karachi Sunny 34/23 Sunny 33/24 only for the roughly 10 to 15% of cases study author Dr Catherine Deneux- because of medical issues that arise for that they could not account for every London P Cloudy 21/09 M Sunny 21/08 when the health of the mother or baby Tharaux of INSERM in Paris said by women or for their babies. circumstance when a pre-existing Manila P Cloudy 36/27 M Sunny 37/27 is in danger. While C-sections can e-mail. “However, in a minority of Mothers under 25 years old who had problem or complication might have Moscow Cloudy 10/01 M Cloudy 11/02 be life-saving, the procedures carry cases, severe complications can occur C-sections done after they started been the reason a C-section was New Delhi M Sunny 29/20 M Sunny 32/21 risks like infection, excessive bleeding, in the mother during or soon after the labor were 60% more likely to have performed. New York Showers 14/12 Showers 20/16 damage to reproductive organs and delivery. This happens in about 1.5% of complications than their counterparts Even so, the results should give Paris P Cloudy 23/10 Sunny 25/11 blood clots. deliveries and the main cause is major who had a normal delivery. women another reason to be cautious Sao Paulo M Sunny 27/16 P Cloudy 28/16 For the current study, researchers haemorrhage.” Pregnant women 35 or older who about scheduling a C-section unless Seoul Cloudy 16/07 M Cloudy 20/07 wanted to get a clearer picture of how As women age, the uterine muscle had C-sections after they went into they’re certain it’s necessary, said Laura Singapore P Cloudy 33/27 T Storm 32/27 often complications might result from loses its ability to contract effi ciently, labour were four times more likely to Schummers, a researcher at the University Sydney P Cloudy 24/17 P Cloudy 22/16 the surgery versus from underlying and this can contribute to heavy have complications than mothers over of British Columbia in Vancouver who Tokyo Clear 22/12 Cloudy 21/11 medical problems that might bleeding after C-sections among older 35 who had normal births. wasn’t involved in the study. Gulf Times 24 Thursday, April 18, 2019 QATAR

Artist’s impression of Qatar’s first cable-stayed bridge as seen from Faleh Bin Nasser Intersection on Salwa Road. Work on Qatar’s fi rst cable-stayed bridge begins From Page 1 „A 48-hour Once complete, the signallised partial closure of intersection will consist of six lanes in each direction including Faleh Bin Nasser two right turns to the left and one Intersection on for U-turn. The intersection will help the traffi c in all directions to Salwa Road from connect Sabah Al Ahmad Cor- tonight ridor to Haloul Street and Salwa Road. The bridge will serve Abu Hamour and Al Mamoura and „An 8-month bring a boost to the Wholesale Market and commercial places partial closure of on Salwa Road. Faleh Bin Nasser The Ashghal engineer said the bridge will be without pylons for Intersection on a distance of 150m, but cables Salwa Road from instead for support. Considering the length of the bridge, the con- April 21 struction will require 854 precast reinforced concrete pieces, each weighing 200 tonnes, and 20 „ Haloul pylons and 16 piers to reach the Intersection to highest point of 30m. Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor be ready in 2020 extends for about 25km from Hamad International Airport turns are open. Road users head- to Umm Lekhba Interchange ing and coming from Doha have (known as Landmark Inter- been can take right turn at Faleh change) on Doha Expressway. Bin Nasser Intersection, make a Parts of the Corridor, such as Al U-turn at around 250m and then Watiyatt Interchange as well as turn right to get back on Salwa Al Rayyan Tunnel, which is Qa- Road. Road users coming from tar’s longest and deepest, are al- Mesaimeer Road towards Abu Artist’s impression of Haloul Intersection. ready complete. Samra and from Sabah Al Ahmad The Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor Corridor towards Doha have been Ashghal will install road signs be a vital alternative and parallel This signifi cant improvement to the longest fl yover in the The new Corridor is a major project was launched on Febru- told to continue straight through advising motorists of the traffi c route that will serve thousands of in traffi c will be achieved by in- country, which spans 2.6km ex- link facilitating connections to ary 24 this year by HE the Prime Faleh Bin Nasser Intersection for change. Road users should abide daily commuters from the north creasing the capacity of the road tending from Al Bustan Street to 15 main roads namely Al Wakrah Minister and Interior Minis- 250m and then turn right to get by the speed limit and follow the to the south of Doha. Commuters to 20,000 vehicles per hour in Bu Erayyen Street and crossing Road, Ras Abu Abboud Road, ter Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser back on Salwa Road. road signs to ensure safety. travelling from Hamad Interna- both directions, after the current over Al Waab Street and Rash- E Ring Road, F Ring Road, In- bin Khalifa al-Thani and Sheikh Ashghal has also announced tional Airport will be able to reach expansion to four and fi ve lanes eeda Street. dustrial Road, Salwa Road, Al Nasser al-Mohamed al-Ahmad partial closure of Faleh Bin Nass- Overview of Sabah Al Ah- Umm Lekhba Intersection in in each direction rather than Largest Interchange Rayyan Road, Al Waab Street, al-Sabah, representative of Ku- er Interchange ‘at-grade’ for mad Corridor about 18 minutes compared to the three or two in each direction. Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor will Al Luqta Street, Al Markhiya wait Amir Sheikh Sabah al-Ah- traffi c on Salwa Road from April Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor’s current 50 minutes via Doha Ex- Doha Expressway currently ac- include the largest Interchange in Street, Doha Highway and mad al-Jaber al-Sabah. The fi rst 21 morning for eight months scope includes the upgrade of pressway and 22 February Street commodates 12,000 vehicles per Qatar. The impressively complex Khalifa Avenue. It will serve 25 Corridor in Qatar, scheduled for in order to allow construction seven main roads namely, E Ring, reducing traffi c time by 70%. hour in both direction. Umm Lekhba (Landmark) Inter- densely populated residential completion in 2021, will provide works of the bridge on Sabah Al F Ring, Mesaimeer, Al Bustan, Bu The new Corridor will also The project will convert all change has nine bridges provid- areas such as Al Thumama, Al access to more than 25 residential Ahmad Corridor. Erayyen, Lebday and sections of form a vital link between the roundabouts to more effi cient ing a free traffi c fl ow in all direc- Nuaija, Abu Hamour, Al Waab, areas and facilitate access to fi ve During the closure period de- Al Markhiya Street. In addition, north and the south through Al and safer signallised junctions as tions highlighting its signifi cance Al Rayyan, Al Luqta, Al Gharra- 2022 FIFA World Cup stadiums. signed in co-ordination with the Ashghal will enhance 12km of Doha. This interchange will also well as build and upgrade 17 in- as a key access point on Doha fa, etc. Sabah Al Ahmad Corri- General Directorate of traffi c, local and peripheral roads inter- create a vital connection between terchanges. These interchanges Expressway for local residential dor will facilitate access to most Partial Closures road users have been requested secting with the Corridor. The Doha Expressway and Southern will deliver 32 bridges and 12 ve- areas and malls. of the World Cup FIFA 2022 sta- Ashghal has announced par- to make use of alternative routes total road works of the project is Part of Doha Express Highway hicular underpasses to enhance The project consists of the re- diums including Ras Abu Ab- tial closure of Faleh Bin Nasser as shown in the map. Traffi c on about 37km. (Al Wakrah Bypass) as well as to connectivity and provide smooth cently opened Al Rayyan Road, boud, Al Thumama, Al Wakrah, Intersection on Salwa Road from Salwa Road heading and coming Once completed in 2021, Sabah Mesaieed Road through Al Wati- traffi c movements. which is the longest and deepest Khalifa International and Qatar tonight for 48 hours to allow from Doha can take right turn Al Ahmad Corridor will signifi - yyat Interchange at F-Ring Road, The project’s scope of works bi-directional tunnel in Qatar. It Foundation Stadiums. construction works on Sabah Al at Faleh bin Nasser Interchange, cantly contribute to the relief of which will constitute a key point include, 12 pedestrian and cycle sits 25m below ground level and The Corridor provides easy ac- Ahmad Corridor. Traffi c move- take U-turn at around 250m and traffi c congestion on Doha Ex- to accommodate traffi c to Doha paths with a length 65km along extends for 2.1km connecting cess to some of Doha Metro sta- ment through Sabah Al Ahmad then turn right to get back on pressway in particular, 22 Febru- Expressway and Sabah Al Ahmad with 1.5mn sq m of landscaping. Bu Erayyen Street and Lebday tions such as the Economic Zone, Corridor are allowed while right Salwa Road. ary Street. The new Corridor will Corridor. The Corridor will be the home Street. Al Waab and Old Rayyan.

Map of eight-month partial closure of Faleh Bin Nasser Intersection at-grade on Salwa Road Map of 48 hour partial closure.