BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 Veteran Verdasco advances, World Bank forecasts Tsonga Qatar GDP to grow falls to continually until 2022 Kecmanovic published in QATAR since 1978

THURSDAY Vol. XXXX No. 11422 January 9, 2020 Jumada I 14, 1441 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir watches tennis match US, Iran back off from escalating tensions z‘No one hurt’ as Iranian missiles hit bases housing US troops in Iraq

Reuters American killing of Iranian military military and equipment, however, does Washington/Baghdad/Tehran commander Qassem Soleimani. not mean we have to use it. We do not Speaking from the White House, want to use it. American strength, both Trump said no Americans were harmed military and economic, is the best de- resident Donald Trump said yes- in Iranian missile attacks on military terrent,” he said. terday the United States did not bases housing US troops in Iraq over- “Our great American forces are pre- Pnecessarily have to use its mili- night and suggested Washington might pared for anything. Iran appears to be tary power against Iran, in an appar- not carry out immediate retaliation. standing down, which is a good thing ent attempt to defuse a crisis over the “The fact that we have this great for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world,” he said. Trump stopped short of making any direct threat of military action against Iran but said the United States “will immediately impose additional pun- ishing economic sanctions on the Ira- nian regime” in response to what he called “Iranian aggression.” His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani witnessed part of the competitions of the second round of the He off ered no specifi c measures. 28th Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2020 tennis tournament at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. The Amir Iranian forces fi red missiles at mili- watched the match that took place between Fernando Verdasco of Spain and Filip Krajinovic of Serbia, which ended tary bases housing US troops in Iraq with a 7-5, 4-6, 6-0 victory for Verdasco to qualify for the quarter-finals. The match was also attended by a number of yesterday in retaliation for the killing Sheikhs, ministers, guests and a huge audience of tennis fans. Sport Pages 1, 2 last week in Iraq of Iranian general So- leimani, raising the stakes in its con- fl ict with Washington amid concern about a wider war in the Middle East. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, addressing a gathering 63 Canadians among 176 killed in of Iranians chanting “Death to Amer- ica,” said the missile attacks were a “slap on the face” of the United States What appears to be new damage at Al Asad air base in Iraq is seen in a satellite and said US troops should leave the Ukrainian jet crash near Tehran picture taken yesterday. region. To Page 6

Reuters In brief Ghosn justifi es escape from Japan Tehran/Kyiv Ukrainian airliner crashed short- QATAR | Offi cial ly after take-off from Tehran yes- Amir condoles with Aterday, bursting into fl ames and killing all 176 people on board. Iran, Ukraine leaders The Boeing 737 crashed hours after His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim Iran fi red missiles at bases housing bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness US forces in Iraq, and offi cials said the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah speculation about what happened bin Hamad al-Thani sent yesterday was premature. cables of condolences to Iranian It is unlikely that the crash is con- President Dr Hassan Rouhani and nected to the regional confl ict, ana- Ukrainian President Volodymyr lysts said. Carrier Ukraine Interna- Zelensky on the victims of the tional Airlines said the plane was last Ukrainian passenger plane that serviced two days ago. crashed shortly after taking off from Smouldering parts and debris, in- Tehran. HE the Prime Minister and This combination of pictures created yesterday shows former Renault-Nissan cluding shoes and clothes, were strewn Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah boss Carlos Ghosn gesturing as he addresses a large crowd of journalists across a fi eld southwest of the Iranian People stand near the wreckage after a Ukrainian plane carrying 176 bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani on his reasons for dodging trial in Japan, at the Lebanese Press Syndicate in capital where rescue workers in face passengers crashed near Imam Khomeini airport in Tehran yesterday. also sent similar cables to Iranian Beirut. masks laid out scores of body bags. President Rouhani and Ukrainian Among the victims were 82 Ira- were killed, children were on board computer science at the University of Prime Minister of Oleksiy Honcharuk. nians, 63 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians, and many passengers were under 35. Alberta. Four members of their wed- 10 Swedes, three Germans and three A newlywed couple that had gone to ding party were also on board with QATAR | Exhibition Britons, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Iran to get married were among the another 24 Iranian-Canadians from Doha Book Fair gets Vadym Prystaiko said. Canadian victims. Edmonton, said Reza Akbari, presi- A passenger list from the airline Arash Pourzarabi, 26, and Pouneh dent of the city’s Iranian Heritage So- underway today showed members of the same family Gourji, 25, were graduate students in ciety. To Page 5 Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the 30th edition of the Doha International Book Fair kicks off at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre today. France Qatar 1st in food security in Arab world will be the guest of honour of the exhibition, which coincides with the celebration of the Qatar-France atar maintained its fi rst posi- ronment (MME), and a number of The production of dates in the 2020 Year of Culture. Organised by tion in the Arab world in the offi cials engaged in the sector spoke country grew from about 28,000 the Qatar Center for Cultural and QGlobal Food Security Index about the outcome of the imple- tonnes in 2017, accounting for about Heritage Events of the Ministry of for 2019 and jumped nine spots to mentation of the National Strategic 84% in terms of self-suffi ciency, Culture and Sports, the fair will run 13th globally, the offi cial Qatar News Plan for Food Security in the State for to some 29,500 tonnes in the same until January 18. Agency (QNA) reported yesterday. 2019. period, helping raise the self-suffi - A photograph provided by Istanbul Police Department yesterday shows the case The latest edition of the index was With the ministry’s strategy aim- ciency percentage to 86%. Similarly, BRITAIN | Monarchy which the former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn allegedly hid in while fleeing from issued in December 2019, compris- ing to achieve food security, a “large the production of green fodder in Harry, Meghan to step Japan, where he was being held under house arrest, via Turkey to Lebanon. The ing three sub-indices - a consumer’s production boom” has been wit- 2017 was about 95,000 tonnes with fugitive tycoon, who denies any wrongdoing, skipped bail in Japan while awaiting ability to aff ord food, food availabil- nessed in terms of vegetables, live- a self-suffi ciency rate of 44%, rising back as ‘senior’ royals trial on multiple charges of financial misconduct. Page 8 ity, and food safety and quality. Qatar stock and fi sh during the recent pe- to around 115,000 tonnes in the same Britain’s Prince Harry and his wife was ranked 22nd globally in 2018. riod. This, in turn, has contributed to period and representing a self-suffi - Meghan will step back as senior In 2018, the State launched strate- Qatar occupying an advanced posi- ciency rate in excess of 54%. members of the royal family gic projects to support food security tion in the fi eld of food security, the Signifi cant strides were also made and spend more time in North Thundery rain expected today and had “great achievements in this report states. towards achieving food security in America, the couple said in a shock regard”, the report noted. The production of local vegetables the livestock sector in the said peri- announcement yesterday. The Thundery rain is expected in some according to the weather off ice. The This was highlighted yesterday increased from some 55,000 tonnes od. Dairy production increased from surprise news follows a turbulent places of the country today, the Met department had said in a report during a press conference in which in 2017, covering about 20% of the about 60,000 tonnes in 2017, with a year for the monarchy, with signs Qatar Met department has said. on Tuesday that there are chances of Sheikh Dr Falih bin Nasser al-Thani, local consumption, to around 74,000 self-suffi ciency rate of only 28%, to that the couple have increasingly Off shore areas, too, are likely to scattered rain in the country during the Assistant Undersecretary for Agri- tonnes at present, raising the per- about 230,000 tonnes at present, ac- struggled with the pressures of see thundershowers today along coming weekend, followed a spell of culture and Fisheries Aff airs at the centage of self-suffi ciency in local counting for a self-suffi ciency rate of royal life and family rifts. with strong winds and high seas, cold weather and strong winds. Page 5 Ministry of Municipality and Envi- vegetables to 27%. more than 106%. To Page 4 Gulf Times 2 Thursday, January 9, 2020 QATAR

Al-Attiyah discusses Defence minister meets Iranian envoy regional issues with leaders

HE the Deputy Prime Minister Cabinet calls for and Minister of State for Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah yesterday held telephone conversations with the UK Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace, the reducing tension Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) Jens Stoltenberg and the French Minister of the Armies Florence Parly. During the phone conversations, the latest in the region developments in the region and the need to reduce escalation QNA sion of the State of Qatar to the of tension were discussed, Doha International Convention for the emphasising the importance of Protection of All Persons from stability in Iraq. Enforced Disappearance and he Cabinet’s regular Optional Protocol to the Con- Foreign Ministry meeting, presided over vention against Torture. issues advisory on Tby HE the Prime Minis- The Cabinet also reviewed ter Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser the fi rst report on the results of HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed hunting trips bin Khalifa al-Thani, expressed the work of the Study Commit- al-Attiyah met the Iranian ambassador to Qatar Mohamed Ali Subhani, in Doha yesterday. During the concern over the current devel- tee of the legislation in force in meeting, they discussed the latest developments in the region and the need to reduce escalation of An off icial source from the opments taking place in the re- Qatar and its suitability with the tensions. Department of Consular Aff airs gion, stressing the need to raise provisions of the International at the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs the voice of reason and wisdom, Covenant On Civil And Politi- said that Qatari citizens wishing reduce tension, stop escalation cal Rights and the International to go on hunting trips abroad and ensure regional security and Covenant on Economic, Social must visit the department to stability. HE the Prime Minister Sheikh and Cultural Rights. obtain the necessary related Following the meeting, which Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa The Cabinet reviewed the re- guidelines. was held at the Amiri Diwan, HE al-Thani port of the Appeals Committee Citizens must also fill out a the Minister of Justice and Act- of Qatar Financial Markets Au- QRCS holds disaster form for hunters and present ing Minister of State for Cabi- subjected to the provisions of thority for the period from Janu- an approval issued from net Aff airs Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali Law No (8) of 2019 on the regu- ary to June, 2019. the destination country for al-Nuaimi stated that the Cabi- lation of road transport, and the The Appeals Committee, es- ratification. net called for pursuing peaceful provisions of Law No (9) of 2019 tablished in Qatar Financial management workshops The Ministry of Foreign Affairs ways to resolve diff erences and on road transport of hazardous Markets Authority and chaired called on Qatari citizens to praised the role of all regional substances. by one of the presidents of the abide by the rules regulating and international parties seek- Meanwhile, the Cabinet re- Appeals Court and includes the QNA ing urgent needs assessment, demic staff , particularly safety the hunting process, and to ing to defuse the crisis and urged viewed the report of the Plan- membership of two Appeals Doha risk analysis, shelter and camp and security committees, ad- contact Qatari embassies when the rest of countries and the in- ning and Statistics Authority Court judges and two experts in planning, health in emergency, ministrators, supervisors, and needed. ternational community to deal regarding the implementation the fi eld of securities dealings, is nutrition and food aid, Sphere bus drivers. responsibly towards the people of the proposed solutions to competent to rule on grievances atar Red Crescent Socie- Project, and water and sanita- They also showed willing- Qatar condemns of the region. address the imbalance in the from the penal decisions issued ty (QRCS) has concluded tion. ness to attend advanced disaster Quetta bombing The Cabinet then considered demographics, and the views by the Authority. Qa series of disaster man- Executive Director of Vol- management courses. the topics listed on its agenda as of the Standing Committee The Cabinet reviewed the agement training workshops for unteering and Local Develop- A number of participants, follows: for Public Supervision and the outcome of the second session 200 public school leaders, in ment Division at QRCS, Mona from principals and adminis- Qatar has voiced its strong The Cabinet approved a draft Follow-Up of the Implemen- of the Joint Trade Committee co-operation with the Ministry Fadel al-Sulaiti appreciated the trators of schools, praised the condemnation and denunciation Cabinet decision amending the tation of National Develop- between the State of Qatar and of Education and Higher Educa- co-operation from the Training importance of these training of the explosion which took organisation of certain admin- ment Strategies in this regard, Malaysia. tion’s Training and Educational and Educational Development courses and activating them place in the city of Quetta in istrative units that make up the and took the appropriate de- The Cabinet reviewed the out- Development Centre. Centre saying that this lays the among students and staff in southwestern Pakistan, leaving Ministry of Commerce and In- cision. come of the fi fth session of the Five 2-day courses were held foundation for further bilateral schools, in addition to its im- two killed and a number of dustry and defi ning its terms of The Cabinet reviewed the let- Qatar-Korea High-Level Strate- over one month as part of the work to support the school com- portance for the practical and wounded. reference. ter of HE the Minister of Justice gic Committee. workshops. munity and promote a culture of human life in the society, they In a statement yesterday, the The Cabinet also approved and Acting Minister of State for The Cabinet reviewed the The sessions were conducted preparedness. affirmed the close association Ministry of Foreign Aff airs draft decision of the Minister of Cabinet Aff airs on the outcome outcome of the second session of by a group of QRCS’s disaster According to her, the partici- of these activities with the na- reiterated Qatar’s firm position Transport and Communications of the study of the recommen- the Qatari-Chinese Joint Com- management specialists. A wide pants recommended that such ture of the school’s work, and rejecting violence and terrorism, to extend the time limit for regu- dation of the National Human mittee for Economic, Trade and range of emergency-related activities should be expanded to called for more field training in regardless of the motives and larisation of the status of those Rights Committee on the acces- Technical Co-operation. topics were covered, includ- include administrative and aca- the future. reasons. - QNA Gulf Times Thursday, January 9, 2020 3 QATAR

Chief of Staff meets Kenyan counterpart

HE the Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces Lieutenant General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem yesterday met the Chief of Staff of the Kenyan Army General Samson Mwathethe. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral military relations, issues of joint interest, as well as ways to promote and develop them. The meeting was attended by Qatar’s ambassador to Kenya Jaber bin Ali al-Dosari and senior off icers of the Qatari and Kenyan armed forces.

Police College, GCC Criminal Information Centre sign MoU to promote co-operation

he Ministry of Interi- Criminal Information Centre said that signing of the MoU illegal traffi c in narcotic or (MoI), represented For Drug Control Co-oper- with the Ministry of Interior drugs, psychotropic sub- Tby the Police College ation Council For The Arab represented by the Police stances and related crimes. and the GCC Criminal In- Gulf States, Brigadier Saqr College comes within the In this view, the GCC formation Centre to Com- Rashid al-Muraikhi. framework of the centre’s Criminal Information Cen- bat Drugs (GCC-CICCD), The Director General endeavour to co-operate tre for Drug Control ensure signed a memorandum of of the Police College said and co-ordinate with vari- to sign the MoU with the understanding (MoU) to that the MoU aims to ben- ous regional and interna- Police College, which is a enhance co-operation be- efi t from the experiences, tional security agencies, pioneering security, aca- tween the two sides in the whether on the training including the centres and demic and scientifi c edifi ce fi eld of research, studies, level or research needed by specialised security agen- in the fi eld of legal and po- publications, and exchange both parties, and the ex- cies in the fi eld of strategic lice sciences, considering of experiences related to change of information and studies, academic research it an important step in en- combating illicit traffi c in feedback through statistics and security training. hancing cooperation in the narcotic drugs and psycho- and measurements pre- He said that this co-oper- academic fi eld and training tropic substances. pared by the GCC Criminal ation contributes to uniting and exchange of experienc- The MoU was signed by Information Centre, noting eff orts at all levels in various es and knowledge in a way Director General of the Po- that the MoU will be imple- security fi elds, including that contributes to achiev- lice College Brigadier Dr Mo- mented soon. combating transnational ing the mutual goals of both hamed Abdullah al-Mohan- For his part, Brigadier organised crime, foremost parties, Brigadier al-Mu- na al-Marri and the Director Saqr Rashid al-Muraikhi among them the crime of raikhi added. - QNA Gulf Times 4 Thursday, January 9, 2020 QATAR

Workshop on Ooredoo Doha Marathon Qatar’s maritime borders held he Standing Com- a series of workshops that mittee of the Con- the standing committee Tvention of the Law will hold in the next few to take place tomorrow of the Sea concluded months, with a focus on yesterday a workshop on joining the civilian and nternational running super- the technical aspects of military sectors to iden- stars will line up with local maritime borders and base tify the challenges and ex- Iparticipants at the start line of points of Qatar. change expertise. the 2020 Ooredoo Doha Marathon, The workshop was or- The Ministry of Inte- one of the most popular events on ganised in co-operation rior represented was the the sporting calendar, tomorrow. with Cooley Consultants. Coasts and Sea Borders The 2020 Ooredoo Doha participants and spectators”, with 10pm. No race pack collection will The three-day work- Security Department, and Marathon features a range of plenty of vantage points from be available on the day. shop that took place at the the permanent committee distances, from a 1km children’s where families and friends can en- All race participants are also Diplomatic Club focused for the management of sea run to the full 42.2km mara- joy the action on the tarmac, the reminded that they should ar- on the technical elements ports. thon, ensuring that the event is statement notes. rive at the gathering point well in of hydrography, base The Ministry of Defence accessible to all. The starter’s All Doha residents are encour- advance of their race start time points and Qatar’s territo- was also represented by gun for the full marathon will aged to come along to off er sup- tomorrow morning, as the event – rial waters. the Amiri Naval Forces, be fi red at 6.30am, followed by port and encouragement to those as always – has attracted a record The workshop aimed to in addition to the par- staged starts for all other cat- taking part, as well as to enjoy number of participants and is ex- enable the participants to ticipation of the Ministry egories, culminating in the 1km the various activities that will be pected to be “phenomenally busy”, understand the technical of Communications and race at 9.30am. available in MIA Park for all the the statement points out. an incredible event with a record motes a healthy, active lifestyle, aspects of these subjects. Transport, and Qatar Pe- This year’s event participation family. Manar Khalifa al-Muraikhi, di- number of participants and spec- in line with our corporate social The event is the fi rst in troleum. (QNA) is “record-breaking”, with more Organisers have advised that all rector, public relations and corpo- tators. responsibility strategy. We extend than 5,000 runners signed up to race packs must be collected prior rate communications at Ooredoo, “It’s always a great pleasure to our sincere gratitude to all our take their places at the start line, to the event, with teams of volun- said, “We’re extremely proud to welcome so many international sponsors who help us make the Ooredoo has said in a statement. teers handing out the packs at the be hosting yet another Ooredoo athletes to Doha and to see so marathon happen, and of course The marathon is known for its Museum of Islamic Art Park yes- Doha Marathon, and proud to say many citizens and residents get- we wish all the runners the best of “electric atmosphere, both for terday and today, from 4pm until that, yet again, we are expecting ting involved in an event that pro- luck for a successful race.”

Sheikh Dr Falih bin Nasser al-Thani and other off icials at QIC sponsors International QNTC brings the press conference. Exhibition for Kahraman atar Insurance Company (QIC) has tradition of Qatar and in playing a vital role in Qatar food security announced that it is sponsoring the sustainability of Qatar’s social fabric.” Cirque du Soleil’s Qthe Katara International Exhibition He added: “Through sponsorships such for Kahraman. The event, which opened as this, we want to showcase Qatar’s rich From Page 1 the production grew from yesterday, will display rare and expensive culture and deep rooted heritage. In fact, about 4,000 tonnes in 2017, beads made of authentic ‘kahraman’ (am- we have always ensured that the core val- Further, Qatar has been representing about 14% of ber) from around the world. ues of our business and operating princi- ‘Messi 10’ able to achieve a signifi cant the domestic consumption, A fi rst of its kind, the exhibition will bring ples align with our objectives for Corpo- boom in the production of to around 9,000 tonnes together traders and collectors of kahraman rate Social Responsibility. chicken. Production of per year, covering more beads, along with experts making the beads “Being socially conscious has allowed chickens grew from about than 28% of consump- by hand from natural fossilised resin. The us to respond, engage, and solve the com- 11,000 tonnes in 2017, rep- tion in the Qatari market. exhibition will also display how amber beads mon concerns of the society, along with the show to Qatar resenting about 50% of the Also, the production of red are measured and perforated, as well as vari- co-operation of our customers, business domestic consumption, meat increased from some ous parameters used for quality tests. partners, and affi liates. Contribution to and to approximately 28,000 8,000 tonnes in 2017, rep- Commenting on the partnership, QIC participation in the Katara International hether they are fans of football tonnes annually in the giv- resenting about 13% of the deputy CEO Fahad al-Suwaidi, stated, “As Exhibition for Kahraman also underpins talent or captivating acrobatics, en period, covering more domestic consumption, to the leading insurer in Qatar, we have a long our keenness towards maintaining and re- Waudiences are in for a spectacular than 124% of the Qatari reach about 10,000 tonnes, standing commitment towards upholding the viving our legacy for our future generation.” treat this spring as Qatar National Tourism market’s consumption. with a self-suffi ciency rate Council (QNTC) partners with Cirque du With regard to eggs, of around 18%. Soleil to bring their latest production ‘Messi 10’ to Qatar. ‘Messi 10’ is an immersive experience Workshop for judicial assistants which combines classical circus acts such as trampoline, trapeze and tightrope art- The Supreme Judiciary of First Instance Judge ists with never-before seen disciplines, Council (SJC) held a Ayedh bin Saad al-Qahtani, audiovisual material and videos highlight- workshop to help its cadres discussed the development ing Messi’s best plays, as well as exclusive obtain new skills in the field. of the judiciary throughout images especially produced for the show. It The week-long workshop, history and the role it plays tells the story of a young man with bound- which is dedicated to in achieving justice and less ambition who overcomes all obstacles judicial assistants, will championing the rights of to become one of the greatest football play- provide lectures and people. ers of his time. presentations on the He discussed some of the HE Akbar al-Baker, secretary general of principles of the judicial biggest example of the QNTC and Group CEO of Qatar Airways, sector and its latest judiciary in Islamic times, such commented, “We are excited to host the developments. Yesterday’s as Omar bin Al Khatab and Asia and Middle East debut of this show lecturer, President of Court Abu Musa Ashaari. – QNA which brings together unique entertain- Cirque du Soleil artists present a show. ment and football, two things dear to audi- Mercedes-Benz, Lexus models recalled ences in Qatar. The Ali bin Hamad al-Atti- many of its productions”, said Leo Messi. “I yah Arena off ers the ideal multi-purpose loved the show and I was deeply touched. It The Ministry of Commerce upper hood catch. Fahad al-Suwaidi attending the opening of the Kahraman exhibition yesterday. venue for a show that will inspire, entertain truthfully refl ects what I feel every time I and Industry, in co- The Ministry of Commerce and provide a unique attraction for visitors set foot on the football fi eld.” operation with Nasser and Industry, in co-operation from around the region.” Forty-seven artists from 19 diff erent Bin Khaled Automobiles, with Abdullah Abdulghani Organised in collaboration with Alche- countries lead the audience on a euphoric announces the recall of & Bros Co, announced my Project Entertainment, the show will 90 minute thrill ride that brings together Mercedes-Benz Sprinter the recall of Lexus RX350 be performed from February 27 to March7, the electric atmosphere of stadiums and the model of 2019 due to models of 2018-2019 due to 2020 in Ali bin Hamad al-Attiyah Arena. intimacy of theatre. improper tightening of the possible defect in the Engine Tickets will go on sale on Tixbox starting “Interpreting the greatness of Lionel screw connection on the ECU software. from January 15. Messi in a live show was a thrilling challenge ‘Messi 10’ comes to Doha as part of a lim- for Cirque du Soleil, and we couldn’t be more ited tour through Barcelona, Buenos Aires, proud of this premiere,” explained Jonathan and other Argentinian cities. Tetrault, president, Cirque du Soleil. “When I was fi rst approached, it seemed “Together with PopArt Music and Sony both crazy and incredible that Cirque du Music Latin America, we have created a Soleil would create a show based on my pas- stunning show that will raise the audience sion for football. Cirque du Soleil is a fam- from their seats and inspire them to reach ily favourite of ours and we have enjoyed the impossible.” (QNA)

Traffi c shift on G Ring Road he Public Works Authority has an- Traffi c, is to allow completion of the instal- nounced a traffi c shift on G Ring lation of the ITS Gantry. Ashghal will install Tmain road between Interchange 31 road signs advising motorists of the tem- and Interchange 32 from midnight to 5am porary closure and requested road users to tomorrow. The shift, implemented in co- abide by the speed limit and follow the road ordination with the General Directorate of signs to ensure safety. Gulf Times Thursday, January 9, 2020 5 QATAR/REGION Qatargas CSR campaign supports orphans in South Korea

atargas launched a new Corporate Social Respon- Qsibility (CSR) initiative in South Korea, entitled ‘Warm their hearts’, in line with the company’s “commitment to make a diff erence in the communities” it has energy relations with. As part of its 2019 CSR pro- gramme, Qatargas South Korea Liaison Offi ce (KLO) launched its winter-focused campaign to pro- vide assistance to the Sundukwon and Angel’s Haven orphanages lo- cated in Seoul. Qatargas embraced this year’s campaign theme “Warm their hearts,” and extended its sup- port to several orphans in foster As part of its 2019 CSR programme, Qatargas South Korea Liaison Off ice (KLO) launched its winter-focused care and disability facilities. The campaign to provide assistance to the Sundukwon and Angel’s Haven orphanages located in Seoul. orphans are of diff erent ages and are in dire need of love and warmth. cials, representatives from Qatar’s benefi t directly from more than Mashel al-Merekhi, general Sundukwon and Angel’s Ha- embassy in Seoul, directors of the 300 special winter clothes and manager & representative of KLO ven have already raised and cared orphanages, teachers and volun- other accessories including jack- said, “Qatargas is very proud and for more than 1,500 children since teers. The ceremonies also featured ets, gloves, scarves, thermal blan- delighted to launch this CSR activ- 1965 and 1959 respectively and are cultural performances by the chil- kets, and heated beds donated ity for the children of Sundukwon currently looking after some 200 dren. by Qatargas. The donations also and Angel’s Haven. It gives us great orphans. Special ceremonies were With temperatures in Seoul ex- include weatherproofi ng and im- pleasure to be able to touch these held at both orphanages, which pected to fall below zero for most provements to the facilities such as children’ hearts and to bring them were attended by Qatargas offi - of the winter, these children will indoor and outdoor heaters. some warmth and joy this winter.”

AZF, Truxtun Capital reveal details of Qatar Esports Global Games grand opening

spire Zone Foundation Foundation has said in a press online competition allows the international events, especially (AZF) and Truxtun Capital statement. best gamers/teams to qualify for that the Egames industry is cur- Ayesterday announced the The alliance between AZF and the Great Final in Doha. rently one of the most promising details of the Qatar Esports Wega Truxtun will off er 2.3bn gam- Mohamed Mubarak Alkuwari, industries that achieve an annual Global Games Grand Ceremony, ers players across the world chief of Marketing at AZF, said: growth of up to 40%, attracting to be held at Khalifa International the chance to meet, share and “On this occasion, I would like many groups and formal federa- Stadium at 8pm on January 16 to compete, the statement notes. to emphasise that collaborat- tions, as Egames are being estab- launch the long-term partner- For this fi rst edition, the Glo- ing with Truxton Capital in this lished in many countries now.” ship signed on March 24, 2019. bal Games are a “unique multi- championship underpins our Patrick Moynier, president of Hosted by AZF and organ- game competition” featuring approach at Aspire Zone Foun- Truxtun Capital, added: “As a ised by fi ntech company Trux- CSGO, DOTA2, Street Fighter dation as we seek to expand fi ntech company providing an tun Capital, the Qatar Esports V and eFootball PES series. The the scope of our business in the innovative digital fi nancial plat- Wega Global Games invite fans programme includes four big fi eld of sports entertainment - form, it was a strategic decision and players to its offi cial Glo- moments: the Grand Ceremony ‘sportainment’, especially after to invest in a market expect- bal Games Grand Ceremony “to Doha at Khalifa International achieving great success in the ing 6bn players in the next 10 celebrate Esports, live the pas- Stadium on January 16, the Wega world of professional sports, years. Looking ahead to the next sion of gaming, share an epic Champions in March 2020, fol- talent development, sports sci- FIFA World Cup, when all eyes digital experience and witness lowed by a worldwide online Aspire Zone Foundation and Truxtun Capital off icials. ence and technology, and sports will be on Doha, our technology and feel cutting-edge technol- competition starting September, medicine. and services will signifi cantly ogy in an immersive visual jour- the Qatar Esports Wega Global March, open to Middle East- Aspire Zone. The best players/ sions until December, and be- “We hope this tournament enhance the entire player ex- ney” launching the Qatar Esports Games, and the Global Games ern players to compete and cel- teams will be entitled to a range ing a guest honour of the Global will be an additional platform perience and transform funda- Wega Global Games’ 2020, 2021 Great Final in December. ebrate Esports, will take place at of prizes, including cash ones, Games Great Final in December. through which we highlight Qa- mentally the Esports economic and 2022 editions, Aspire Zone The Wega Champions in the state-of-the-art facilities of Esports personal coach ses- The Global Games worldwide tar’s capabilities in organising model.” Gold prices high but market ‘not aff ected’

By Peter Alagos will gradually pick up again; and this is day, a gram of 22-carat gold pegged at Business Reporter what the market has been experienc- QR183.50, a QR10 increase compared ing in the past years. to prices last month, he said. Similarly, Malabar Gold & Diamonds “From June 2019, gold prices saw ewellery buyers remain cautious regional head Santhosh TV said: “Peo- steady growth. In December, during amid growing uncertainty over the ple are not buying gold because of the the school break, many expatriates, Joutcome of continued tensions be- high prices, but this is just a temporary particularly Indians going on vacation, tween the US and Iran, whose retalia- issue; gold prices will eventually come purchased gold, thus giving jewellery tion yesterday to a US drone strike ear- down, which is why people just are shops good business,” he explained. lier caused a surge in gold prices. waiting for the right time. Giving a forecast for 2020, Santhosh “The initial shock could hold peo- “Once the market has stabilised said the jewellery industry in Qatar ple back, but then they will get used then people will start buying again … would “benefi t greatly” from the prep- to the rates and will start purchasing but if there is prolonged fl uctuation arations for the upcoming 2022 FIFA again because gold is also seen as an in gold prices, then that would impact World Cup, which is seen to attract investment…even if prices are up and business, he also pointed out. thousands of tourists during the event. people buy gold, they can hold on to After Iran fi red rockets at an airbase Adam added: “I’m sure all jewellers it for longer periods and still sell at a housing US military personnel in Iraq in Qatar are preparing for this event; higher price,” Shine Gold & Diamonds yesterday, the price of gold surged considering the high taxes on gold and marketing head – Gulf Region Sameer more than 2%, breaching the $1,600 jewellery in the US and other European Adam told Gulf Times yesterday. mark, driven by heavy investor buy- countries, and comparing gold prices He also said: “Because of the sudden ing. According to Santhosh, the gold in Qatar, I am expecting many tourists surge in gold prices, some people may market has witnesses a steady up- to make gold and jewellery purchases hesitate for a few of days but business ward trend in the past years. Yester- here during the games.” Ukrainian jet crash near Tehran From Page 1 US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo fi re” and then a brighter fl ash as it ap- said the United States was calling for pears to hit the ground. Reuters could Canadian Prime Minister Justin complete cooperation with any inves- not authenticate the footage. Trudeau said he was “shocked and sad- tigation into cause of the crash and was In Paris, the maker of the plane’s dened” and added: “Our government prepared to off er Ukraine all possible engines, French-US fi rm CFM said will continue to work closely with its assistance. speculation regarding the cause was international partners to ensure that Under international rules, respon- premature. this crash is thoroughly investigated, sibility for investigating the crash lies Iranian TV put the crash down to and that Canadians’ questions are an- with Iran, and Iranian state television unspecifi ed technical problems, and swered.” said both of the plane’s black box voice Iranian media quoted a local aviation Ukraine will send a team of experts and data recorders had been found. offi cial as saying the pilot did not de- to Iran to investigate the crash, Presi- An amateur video, run by Iranian clare an emergency. dent Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in the news agencies and purportedly of the The plane that crashed was a three- Ukrainian capital. He said he had in- crashing plane, showed a fl ash in a dark year-old Boeing 737-800NG en route structed Ukraine’s prosecutor general sky descending. It was accompanied to Kiev. Its last scheduled maintenance to open criminal proceedings. by comments that the aircraft was “on was on January 6, the airline said.

Thundery rain forecast in parts of Qatar today

Thundery rain is expected in some at times in some areas. “Please be Khor and Ruwais, and 18C in Doha. The places of the country today, the Qatar careful, avoid marine activities and stay maximum, on the other hand, will range Met department has said. Off shore tuned for latest updates,” it advised. from 19C in Abu Samra to 24C in Doha areas, too, are likely to see thunder- The detailed forecast says partly cloudy and other places. showers today along with strong winds to cloudy conditions are expected Yesterday, a minimum temperature of and high seas, according to the weather today and there is a possibility of scat- 10C was recorded in Abu Samra, 11C in off ice. The Met department had said tered rain, which may turn thundery in Ghuwairiyah, Karana and Turayna, 12C in a report on Tuesday that there are some places at times. A similar forecast in Mesaieed, Sheehaniya, Mukaynis chances of scattered rain in the country has been issued for off shore areas, too. and Jumailiyah, 13C in Shehaimiya, 14C during the coming weekend, followed a The wind speed may go up to 24 knots in Wakrah, 15C in the Hamad Interna- spell of cold weather and strong winds. during thundershowers in off shore tional Airport area, Qatar University area, Yesterday, it tweeted that “unsettled areas and 25 knots inshore, with the Mesaimeer, Al Khor and Umm Bab, and weather conditions” are expected to sea level rising to 8ft. The minimum 16C in Doha (airport area). The maximum aff ect the country today and tomorrow temperature today is expected to be ranged from 18C in Abu Samra to 25C in and there is a chance of rain of variable 12C in Abu Samra, 15C in Wakrah and the Qatar University area and Mesaimeer, intensity, which may become thundery Mesaieed, 16C in Dukhan, 17C in Al with Doha recording a high of 24C. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, January 9, 2020 QATAR/REGION Qatar’s focus against aggression for collective security in Gulf stressed

Experts participate in the seminar yesterday. PICTURE: Jayan Orma QNA for launch of two wars against accordance with the provisions based on our broader Islamic Tehran Iraq and Afghanistan by the of international law and resolu- values and the principles of US. In 2011, the region again tions of the international legiti- respecting international law witnessed a disruptive event macy,” al-Khater said. and legitimacy. We actively E Director of the Policy of a diff erent nature, the Arab Al-Khater expressed regret contribute to solving confl icts Experts rule out escalation and Planning Depart- Spring, that shook the founda- that opportunistic policies vis- peacefully through mediation Hment at the Ministry of tion of governments across the a-vis Iran of some countries in and providing a space for dia- Foreign Aff airs Dr Khalid Fahad Middle East, he noted. the region have contributed to logue. We respect sovereignty, al-Khater underlined that the “Nearly a decade later, as we creating an environment con- and reject the threat or the use of tensions in Middle East State of Qatar believes that the start 2020 there is again a de- ducive for further tensions, of force,” he added. collective security in the Gulf fi ning moment that may lead to escalation and confrontation, Al-Khater underlined that it must adhere to the principles of series of events that could shake saying: “The result of these is a fundamental pillar of Qa- non-aggression and non-inter- the region yet again and to an- policies have not only contrib- tar’s foreign policy to call for By Ayman Adly senior researcher at Al Jazeera fragmented weak states that ference in the internal aff airs of other war in the region,” he add- uted to the brink that we are the peaceful settlement of dis- Staff Reporter Centre for Studies; Haoues could be easily controlled by Iran other states and the inviolabil- ed. The offi cial said that what witnessing today in the region, putes, “Believing in the sound- Taguia, researcher at Al Jazeera and spread its dominance in the ity of international borders. this underlines are two factors: but have also contributed to di- ness of our approach, and in Centre for Studies, and Moham- Middle East. Addressing the Tehran Dia- there is a systemic problem at visions within countries of the the necessity of peaceful set- l Jazeera Centre for Stud- ed al-Sharqawi, researcher at Al Dr al-Sharqawi also analysed logue Forum yesterday, al- the regional level, and there is region, like Yemen and Libya.” tlement of disputes, and in dia- ies organised yesterday a Jazeera Centre for Studies. the origins of the US-Iranian Khater said that it is a sad time need for a region wide approach He also noted the attempted logue as the best way to resolve Apublic seminar on “Where Dr Zweiri talked about the disputes and expected that the and immense challenge for Iran to address sources of instability coups, blockades and other crises,” he added. is the Middle East headed after the history of the troubled Ameri- crisis created by Soleimani’s and other states in the Gulf and confl ict. rogue acts that negatively im- Al-Khater said that regional killing of Soleimani?” at Al Jazeera can-Iranian relations and how killing will be there for a long including Iraq. It is a defi n- He stressed that there is pacted not only the region, but approaches based on meaning- Media Institute auditorium, the problems started with the time to come. He expected that ing moment, he said stressing no need for the region to go also sought to galvanise exter- ful processes of mutual delib- where specialists in the fi eld dis- advent of the Iranian revolu- the US forces in Iraq will not that “decisions in this critical through yet another cycle of nal support for their regional eration to determine new ways cussed the potential implications tion. He pointed out that since be withdrawn but redeployed. period will have consequences war that will that have conse- ambitions. of addressing collective secu- of the slaying on the region. the start of 2019, the Americans Eventually, he said Iraq will be that will impact all of us in the quences which will impact the “Today, these same countries rity in the Gulf are necessary The seminar comes conse- were hammering the ruling re- the victim of the potential US- region and beyond.” region for many years, and that are calling for de-escalation to promote peace, stability and quent to the killing of General gime in Iran, shuttering its hopes Iranian confrontations. “As we look back to the se- there is no need to add another and want to avert the possibil- prosperity on a much more eq- Qasem Soleimani, commander for returning to the world as an Maki agreed that Iraq has been curity history of our region source of confl ict, war and in- ity of confrontation, that is the uitable and sustainable basis. of the Quds Force, and Abu open country for economic and the victim of the situation since and the major events that have stability at a great human cost result of the very policies they “It is through such collective Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy political development. “Iran can the US invasion in 2003, where it had great impact, with perma- to the people of the region. have pursued only yesterday,” eff orts that the government of head of the Iraqi Popular Mobi- exploit this situation internally has a weak government control- nent consequences, we can see “What is needed is a policy he said. Qatar believes that the scourge lisation Forces, in a US air strike and externally to get the sym- led by Iranian backed militias. a pattern of instability created of maximum restraint. It is in- “In contrast, the relation- of terrorism, the menace of vio- near Baghdad International Air- pathy and support of others as He further expected that the by events approximately every cumbent upon the internation- ship between Qatar and Iran lent extremism and sectarian- port on January 3 this year and a targeted or a victim country. It absence of Soleimani from the decade,” he said. al community to mobilise, with have always been consistent, ism can be countered,” he said, the ensuing reactions and vows could use also the current situa- scene could weaken the grip of In 1980 there was the eight urgency, to undertake its legal rather than opportunistic, as it adding, “Qatar believes this is of Tehran to retaliate. tion to garner more local support Iran on the region. years long Iraq-Iran war, in and moral responsibilities. If is based on key principles of our why there is a greater need than It tackled the US motives be- for the regime.” Taguia praised the role of Qa- 1990 there was the invasion of we want to achieve security and foreign policy, and therefore ever to promote approaches hind Soleimani’s killing and the Dr Zweiri explained that So- tar in attempting to defuse the Kuwait by Iraq, in 2001, the stability, we should go beyond serves as a bridge to peaceful to Gulf security through fa- possible political and security leimani had been the main ex- crisis through talks with Iran and September 11 terrorist attacks managing crises and seek com- co-existence,” al-Khater said. cilitation of mutual dialogue implications of the operation on ecutor of the Iranian project in calling for a peaceful solution. against the US paved the way prehensive and just solutions in “Our policies in Qatar are processes.” Middle East in general and the the Arab region to spread the The speakers also hoped that US interests in particular. Iranian and Shia infl uence, dat- the issue will become clearer as The participants in the semi- ing back to the 1980s. He was the events unfold in the days to nar were Dr Mahjoob Zweiri, di- also responsible for Iranian in- come and said the chances for rector of the Gulf Studies Center terference in Yemen, Syria, Iraq serious escalation from both at Qatar University; Liqaa Maki, and others. He tried to create sides seem to be unlikely. Acclaimed Huqqa and The Market US, Iran back off from escalating tensions in grand opening at St Regis Doha

From Page 1 described the US president’s impeached last month and faces he famed Huqqa and The remarks as a “big retreat from an election in November this Market, one of Turkey’s Iranian Foreign Minister Mo- threats”. year, had at the weekend threat- Tleading restaurants and hamed Javad Zarif had said the Trump’s reaction in the imme- ened to target 52 Iranian sites if lounges, hosted its grand open- strikes “concluded” Tehran’s diate aftermath of yesterday’s at- Iran retaliated for Soleimani’s ing at the St Regis Doha, in the response to the killing of Solei- tacks had been to say on Twitter killing. presence of a galaxy of digni- mani, who had been responsible that “All is well!” and that Wash- Iranian state television said taries. for building up Iran’s network of ington was assessing damage. Iran had fi red 15 ballistic missiles Located at a premium loca- proxy armies across the Middle That tweet and the com- from its territory at US targets in tion in the West Bay at the St East. He was buried in his home- ment by Iran’s foreign minister its neighbour Iraq early yester- Regis Doha, Huqqa and The town Kerman on Monday after had acted to soothe some initial day. The Pentagon said Al-Asad Market restaurant off ers an un- days of national mourning. concerns about a wider war and air base and another facility in precedented food and beverage “We do not seek escalation or calmed jittery fi nancial markets. Erbil in Iraq were struck. experience, relying on long- war, but will defend ourselves Oil prices slipped back after an Iranian television reported an standing heritage, according to against any aggression,” he wrote early spike. offi cial in the supreme leader’s a statement. on Twitter. US and European government offi ce as saying the missile at- More than 500 guests en- Trump again vowed that he sources said they believed Iran tacks were the “weakest” of joyed the grand opening of the would not allow Iran to obtain a had deliberately sought to avoid several retaliation scenarios. It restaurants with laser lights, nuclear weapon and urged world US military casualties in its mis- quoted another source saying a whirling dervish, world-re- powers to quit a 2015 nuclear ac- sile strikes to prevent an escala- Iran had lined up 100 other po- nowned Turkish DJ Mahmut cord with Iran that Washington tion. tential targets. Orhan, and a performance by a abandoned in 2018 and work for But an Iranian army spokes- But analysts said Iran wanted three-piece Turkish band fl own a new deal, an issue that has been man had denied “foreign media to avoid any conventional mili- in from Istanbul. Guests were at the heart of rising tensions be- reports” suggesting there had tary confl ict with superior US served a selection of the high- tween Washington and Tehran. been some kind of coordination forces. end food and beverages that Iran has rejected new talks. between Iran and the United US offi cials said Soleimani was both restaurants will off er to There was no immediate re- States before the attack to allow killed because forces under his their clientele. action from Iranian offi cials bases to be evacuated, Fars news command planned attacks on “We are excited about this Omar Hussain Alfardan and other dignitaries at the opening of Huqqa and The Market at the St to Trump’s comments. The agency said. US targets, although they did not collaboration with Alfardan Regis Doha. semi-offi cial Fars news agency The US president, who was provide evidence. Group which facilitates the launch of our restaurants here market. Alfardan Hospitality serving global cuisine and sig- early morning until late evening in Qatar,” said Cihan Kamer, strives to partner with distinc- nature fl avours inspired by the every day of the week with spe- Huqqa Group chairman. tive brands to bring new con- rich culture of Turkey and be- cial additions made for special “Qatar is a key destination in cepts and experiences to the yond. “Following a successful occasions. Launched in 2006, the region, and the opening of people of Qatar. This launch re- soft opening, Huqqa’s name Alfardan Hospitality looks to Brisk ticket sales for Indian Huqqa and The Market restau- iterates Alfardan Hospitality’s became widely known as one of bring the highest levels of serv- rants is in line with our expan- position as a key player in sup- the most popular hangouts in ice experience across Alfardan sion plans. We aim to provide porting tourism and hospitality Doha. The restaurant is located Group to the management of premium food and service to in Qatar in line with the Qatar at the main courtyard of the St the Group’s hotel ventures such singer Nigam’s concert Qatari people and visitors. Our National Vision 2030”. Regis Hotel with easy access, as Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The restaurants both off er a place Huqqa is set to become one of nice views, and a unique ap- Pearl-Doha, Kempinski Resi- where people can socialise with the most popular food destina- proach to people-centric hos- dences & Suites, Doha and The he Sonu Nigam Live in Qatar mega concert, their friends in comfort, enjoy- tions in Doha, thanks to its ev- pitality. St Regis Doha. scheduled on January 23 in Asian Town Am- ing our authentic food and am- er-changing menu of fresh and “Huqqa provides one of the Alfardan Hospitality blends Tphitheatre as part of Shop Qatar 2020 under bience,” he said. expertly prepared food with an best venues for city-dwellers its highest levels of service with the aegis of the Qatar National Tourism Council, Omar Hussain Alfardan, international fl avour, according to enjoy; whether its for a tra- the unique delivery of high- has been receiving an overwhelming response, it president and CEO, Alfardan to the statement. ditional Turkish breakfast or profi le versatile F&B outlets, was announced yesterday. Group said: “This partnership “The trendy Turkish eatery a relaxed dinner. Huqqa and catering to discerning food and “Many have purchased tickets from our Early with such a renowned brand is known for its contemporary the Market lounge and res- entertainment lovers, the state- Bird promo,” event organiser Q-Tickets co-founder adds much value to the Qatar menu and dazzling ambience, taurant welcomes diners from ment added. and COO Aarti Mahajan said, according to a state- ment. Q-Tickets is bringing the highly anticipated event soon after the success of Mughal-E-Azam: The Grand Musical. “Sonu Nigam is a big name in the music indus- try. With his extraordinary talent in singing, it is no First lunar eclipse of year on Jan 10: QCH surprise that he has numerous international awards Aarti Mahajan and millions of fans around the world. We are cer- tain that everyone in Qatar is looking forward to and actor. His unmatched singing prowess and he fi rst lunar eclipse of the year will penumbral lunar eclipse. A telescope is re- seeing him once more,” explained Mahajan. mastery of performing in diff erent languages cata- occur on the evening of January 10 quired to view such an eclipse as only the A global icon and music revolutionary, the Indian pulted him to stardom. Tand end around midnight, Qatar Cal- moon’s colour will be changing and the playback singer is a live performer, composer, host, Tickets are available on www.q-tickets.com endar House (QCH) has said. Earth will not hide any part of the moon, Dr The phenomenon is classifi ed as a pe- Marzouk noted. numbral lunar eclipse, wherein about 90% The penumbral phase will begin in the of the full moon will be inside Earth’s pe- Qatar sky at 8.08pm on Friday, with the numbral area during the peak of the eclipse, eclipse peaking at 10.10pm. The penumbral ICBF to conduct second counselling session QCH astronomy expert Dr Beshir Marzouk phase will end 12 minutes past midnight, Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) is health workshop will be conducted with the has said in a statement. the statement explained. conducting its second counselling session on theme, “Positive Edge”. The session is open to The total duration of the eclipse’s phases Solar eclipses occur before the fi rst of January 10 at its office in IICC Building, Thu- all, but specially meant for parents and stu- will be four hours and four minutes. Hijric months (before the new crescent), mama, from 5.30pm to 8pm. Experienced and dents. The session will be led by Dr Shashi Goel, The penumbral lunar eclipse will be vis- while lunar eclipses take place in the middle qualified counsellors will provide their services eminent social scientist and researcher, who has ible from Asia, Europe and Africa, most of of Hijric months (in the full moon phase), it free of cost to the needy members of the Indian worked in many countries including the US, India Australia, parts of North America and the added. community, according to a statement. A mental and Qatar. eastern part of South America. There are three types of lunar eclipse: to- People in Qatar can see all phases of the tal, partial and penumbral. The moon during a penumbral lunar eclipse. Gulf Times Thursday, January 9, 2020 7 HOL STIC Wellbeing How to start running marathons? A Vegan New Year By Kate Carter “time on feet”, so don’t worry The Guardian about pace, but stick to a set time. sourced produce and foods has Don’t fret too much about this, been a major factor among people though. “Your body likes routine looking to change their dietary unning has long been linked and consistency,” says Craggs. lifestyle, and over the last twelve with health benefi ts, from “So four to fi ve smaller runs a months we as members of the Rstrengthening your bones week will trump two big runs.” worldwide vegan community were (yes, even the knees) to improving frequently shining the light on mental health. Now, in another Find running friends how mass consumption of meat is boon for us smug pavement- Whether it’s your local run- putting a strain on the environment, pounders, scientists have found it ning club or a friend who signs accelerating the harmful eff ects of can turn back time. up with you, running buddies are climate change, and killing animals. Researchers at University Col- brilliant for motivation and con- Getting into the ‘animal-free’ market lege London and Barts health fi dence. Don’t feel you need to be has proven to be a profitable move NHS trust tracked a group of 138 fast to join a club (many run pro- By Ghanim al-Sulaiti for so many companies — and marathoners and, using MRI and grammes are specifi cally for be- already The Times has reported that ultrasound, calculated the “bio- ginners) or be put off by cost. 3.6 million fewer animals were eaten logical age” of their aortas (the I’m back! First of all, I’d like to wish in the first six months of 2019. largest artery in the body) before Do I need to change my life- all readers a happy, healthy (and Dairy-free milk is now the choice and after their training. As we age, style? hopefully vegan) New Year. During drink for 25% of French citizens, and the aorta can stiff en, leading to No, and you don’t need expen- my break over the New Year period, a report by Rethinking Food and an increased risk of heart disease, sive protein shakes or supple- I was able to reflect on the year 2019 Agriculture, 2020-2030 predicting failure or stroke. According to the ments. “Just focus on a healthy which was considered ‘The Year that the dairy and beef industries research, training for a marathon varied diet and getting consist- of the Vegan’ — and I’m pleased to will ‘totally collapse’ by 2030. can not only reduce but even re- ent, high-quality sleep,” says say, it definitely was. This time last This month is ‘Veganuary’ — the verse this – in this study, by an Start slow you give yourself enough time to properly supportive sports bra. It Craggs. year, The Economist had predicted month where a huge number of impressive four years. “Training for your fi rst mara- build sustainably. If you are new is advisable to get your gait ana- that veganism would be the most people are eating vegan, some for It is especially encouraging thon can feel daunting but, to running, build up off a patient lysed, which involves jogging on Do I need to do mental prep? popular topic of the year, and added the first time in their lives, and each given that all participants were with patience and a plan, it is mix of running and walking,” says a treadmill for a couple of minutes This will happen naturally as that it would be “the year veganism for various reasons. Some con- fi rst-time marathon runners, an achievable challenge,” says Craggs. so that experts can suggest shoes you train. Motivating yourself goes mainstream.” Forbes also pub- sider it a detox by only consuming with fi nishing times between 4.5 England Athletics coach Tom that give the appropriate support. on a freezing winter morning lished an article predicting that 2019 healthy, organic, plant-based foods. and 5.5 hours — very similar to the Craggs. If you don’t run yet, then What gear do I need? is hard, but that mental tough- would be the year more people Others want to experiment if the UK average. So for anyone feeling the NHS’s Couch to 5k plan is Running is – in theory, anyway How to structure training ness is what you will need to get “embrace a plant-based lifestyle.” Vegan way of life could be for them. inspired to train for a marathon the perfect introduction – I did – pretty cheap, but the one thing Beginner marathon plans of- around 26.2 miles, so those runs Over the last twelve months it’s safe If just 350,000 people worldwide as a result of the research, here’s it myself in 2012 and have since worth investing in is the right ten last 16 weeks. The aim of the are training your brain as well as to say that the world has embraced who were not vegan before, go what you need to know. run 13 marathons. “Make sure pair of trainers and, for women, a weekly long run is to build up your legs. veganism like we’ve never seen vegan for January 2020…it will save before. Multi-national corporations the carbon dioxide equivalent of and businesses were in a desperate 450,000 flights and more than one race to launch vegan products in a million animals. bid to tap into the growing vegan These new figures demonstrate Why always me? The Power of Pause demand. The word ‘vegan’ was the huge impact that trying vegan made mainstream by high profile for just 31 days has — and the good figures, celebrities, heads of states, news is, 2020 is already setting on time and maintains the trust of it’s very important that if you have Pause for clarity presidents — even members of the new records for our vegan world. people. agreed to hand in a task, you should Stories are designed to stir up emo- royal family of countries like Great Less than one week in, Veganuary do it eff iciently and on time. Follow tions, shape narratives and blur Britain. 2020 is by far the biggest and most Build long-lasting relationships: your commitments; it helps you to lines of objectivity. If one piece of Now as we enter a new decade, and widespread yet. People wish to have friends who build a routine of taking care of oth- news can be successful in causing an era of growing environmental If your New Year’s resolutions were are responsible and trustworthy. ers and their tasks. emotional turbulence, imagine the and health awareness, introducing not specifically around veganism, Everyone makes mistakes but the impact of five, ten or fifteen media vegan alternatives is being consid- but were to try something new, or one who can accept them takes Be Consistent: Set schedules and stories. This high of emotions can ered as a must for food retailers do your ‘bit’ for the planet — I invite the leap. People prefer to live with a routines for yourself and stick to it. trick us into believing that we’re to attract increasingly mindful, you to join in on Veganuary, it’s not person who takes responsibility of Before becoming responsible for doing enough – being sympathetic, ethical consumers into buying their too late, and feel free to reach out his actions. Empathy and responsi- someone, show eff iciency and con- feeling for the cause. However, products. Last summer during to me on Instagram to let me know bility go hand in hand. A responsible sistency to yourself. Control every constantly reacting emotionally a trial of their vegan ‘Imposter’ how it’s going for you, your ques- person takes care of others’ feelings part of your life, it will give a mes- can drain our energy and push us burger, fast-food giant KFC sold one tions and updates. and supports them. sage to others as well. Consistency By Sanah Thakur into a state of numbness. So how burger a minute during the first With the right vegan food choices, By Hala Bader al-Humaidhi brings the feeling of accomplish- do we turn this rush of chemicals days following the launch. Also keen you can feel the best you have felt Confidence and power: When ment and happiness in your life. into instruction rather than destruc- to cash in on the meat-free trend, in a very long time! you finish your tasks on time like The play button is jammed in the tion? Most stories play on our high McDonald’s will introduce a ‘Veggie Happy New Year. How many times were you given a responsible person and remain Don’t blame others: A responsible stereo of bad news. Twitterstorms energy emotions, such as anger, Dippers’ meal this month in a bid a responsibility which was a total accountable to what you have done, person is always accountable for his frequent headlines as commonly as sadness and surprise. It is these to keep fast-food lovers who have „ The author is an expert in vegan burden? Do you always feel that you it doesn’t only make people believe actions. He receives the appreciation real natural disasters. ‘Human rights emotions that deplete our energy switched to being vegan. wellbeing and health. Instagram are responsible for every person you, but it builds confidence in your- of his good actions happily. He also violations’ is an Olympic sport, with levels quicker than low energy A desire to consume ethically handle: @Ghanim92  in your life? When something goes self. When you know what you have accepts criticism of his mistakes and competing governments outdoing emotions such as joy or love. Tak- wrong is it always your fault? Well, done is right, you don’t worry, and works on them. For example, you one another. Forests are on fire, ing a second to pause and focus on here’s the upside of the situation, if on the other hand when you realise don’t blame a signal for being late policies are deeming futile, media the level at which our energy is, can you answered yes to the previous that you did something wrong and to work, you just accept that you is spurring moral panic and citizens change this equation dramatically. questions, then congratulations, you you stood for it then you don’t have should have left home earlier. are confused. More importantly, the After reading or hearing a few are a RESPONSIBLE person! to worry either. stakeholders of power are reacting pieces of news, ask yourself how Now, let’s look at what responsibility Don’t complain: Life is not a bed with oppressive action, leaving you feel emotionally? On a scale Wellness Meal Plan means. Responsibility is an attribute Control situation: Time can be of roses the whole time. You should most individuals in the world, com- of 1 through 10, how energetic do of being accountable of your acts easy and tough. A responsible per- accept the diff erent situations in pletely powerless. Yet, power can you feel? Can you separate the and behaviours, either good or bad. son knows how to handle any situ- it, don’t blame your job, spouse, or be cultivated by anyone who asks objective facts from the pieces of A person is called responsible when ation. He observes and learns from people around you. Instead of giving the right questions. It is in the midst information that triggered your he does what he says, when he his daily routine and balances his negative comments, say something of chaos, that as an individual, I look subjective experience? During accepts what he has done, when he life. Even in tough times, he remains positive. Similarly, don’t make up ex- to myself for answers. What is the your emotional experience, saying thinks critically and performs well calm and peaceful and understands cuses when you are unable to keep power I hold and is it strong enough PAUSE to yourself, can help you even without supervision. what he can control and tries to up with a commitment, simply just to press pause? direct this energy into action that Responsibility has its own value in solve it. He accepts his mistakes and explain why you haven’t done it. can solve a problem as opposed to our lives, it brings trust, credibility, doesn’t blame others. Luxury of Time magnifying the rippling eff ect of respect and love by others. There Learn multi-tasking: Bad news is standard to a global feelings. are many reasons that can cause Being responsible and trustwor- It is common for a responsible society like ours and living in a us to become a responsible person, thy is a good feeling that everyone person to juggle many tasks at the world where information spreads Pause to Point Back here’s a few: wishes for. This encourages one same time. Like a single mom, she in supersonic speed, it only seems Another problem with hurried to become strong and self-reliant. takes care of her children, she works overwhelming when there’s no lull decisions of action is the ignorance Ability of becoming a leader: It helps to enhance someone’s hard at her job, she manages her in the storm. And yet despite the of responsibility. Getting caught up Responsibility is a common trait self-worth and self-esteem. It’s not households and looks after herself. crashing world, the capitalist wheel with our emotions and opinions observed in leaders. A leader is a diff icult to become a responsible Feeling better now about having all still turns, forcing us to continue about a topic can naturally lead us person who thinks before doing person. You just have to follow some those responsibilities? working – because hey, bills still to look for blame; the bad guy, the something and stays consistent. It guidelines in your life: need to be paid even if the world power to direct all energy towards. represents a person who arrives at „ The author is a consultant in is on fire. This arrogance comes By allowing ourselves to pause appointments and meetings on time, Just do your tasks properly and Public Relations and Personality with a privilege, but why let it blind and take a look at the situation, we ensures to complete his/her work on time: As a responsible person, Types. Instagram: @Tipsbyhalahill you to the benefits of the same can focus on taking responsibility privilege. Time is a luxury not many for the information we take in, the can aff ord to buy, especially when action we choose and the people problems directly impact their we plan to join forces with. Discus- survival. The haphazard nature in sions and arguments are necessary which everyone rushes into a reac- and almost inevitable, yet using a You don’t have to post it, to prove it tion so they can become ‘reacted’, personal narrative at a time when isn’t a healthy or eff icient way of objectivity is most desired, can be dealing with anything. I watch as redundant. This is where taking am not trying to prove something to become a reality. You have to story reels are replayed with anger, responsibility is key. We can only be to the world. want something because you fear, hate and irritation, only to lead in control of the things we say and Raw Vegan Date Pie are not vegan you can use Greek Here are a couple of questions want it, not because you think to uninformed, quick emotional do, so using the childish method of yogurt or any kind of organic I ask myself: Does my post other people will approve of it. gasps of breath. This luxury of time blame is pointless, even if it feels Crust cream cheese you like) represent me? Would I be proud if I came to the conclusion a long is not an excuse to be complacent gratifying. Ingredients 5-6 medjool dates my children saw my posts? What time ago, it’s not my job to prove with our reaction, but an invitation 2 cup walnuts 1/2 cup walnuts type of energy am I inviting into anything to anyone; my job is to to garner a reaction that can have The world rings with instantane- 2 cup almonds 1/2 cup almonds my life with this post? Am I look- live the best life I possibly can. the most impact. With every action ous; actions and reactions. That 1 cup powdered biscuits 2 tb tahini ing for instant gratification with You have an opportunity to cre- or opinion we voice/back, highlight- doesn’t imply that we don’t have a 1 tb coff ee 2 tb cacao powder this post? ate a joyful life for yourself. You ing your own intentions allows choice. I believe it’s important that A pinch of salt 2 tbs date or maple syrup It can be very easy to fall into have an opportunity to create you to maintain consistency. Why we use our seats of choice to make 5 medjool dates By Shefa Ali the trap of feeling like you have wonderful things that have mean- do I think this is important? What informed decisions by exploiting 1/4 cup date or maple syrup Method to prove who you are and the ing to you. Whether or not other about the matter is personal to the time, clarity and objectivity that 1/4 cup tahini Mix all in a food processor until amount of worth you deem your- people agree with your creations me? How can I separate my action privilege can off er us. You can only Method it’s creamy and thick. This week on my weekly Insta- self. This can result in the route of or would want them is irrelevant, from the emotions surrounding use your power eff ectively if you Mix everything in a food proces- Add a little water or cashew milk gram live show, we talked about trying to better your life circum- because they are yours. my intentions? If I need to react have paused long and hard enough sor and press into a pie plate. if needed. the need some of us have to post stances, rather than enriching Ultimately, there is no competi- immediately, which is the most to understand it. Pause, because Refrigerate until you prepare the Pour in and refrigerate for 30 things on social media to prove your soul by demonstrating tion. There are no winners and direct and eff ective way I can? Who you can. fi lling. minutes. our worth to others. Don’t get me that your life can measure up to losers, and nobody’s passing am I really doing this for? These are You can add some date syrup or wrong; I get it, I do understand. society’s standards of what ‘the out prizes at the end for being some questions I use to understand „ The author can be contacted on maple syrup to glaze. It’s difficult not to feel pressure in good life’ looks like. In my opin- perfect. Perfection, after all, is an my own moral dilemma. Instagram @sincerelysanah Filling a society that praises ‘the hussle,’ ion, this route can be dangerous. enigma, and it doesn’t actually Ingredients being busy and happy all the When we worry about proving exist. We each have a life to live, 1/2 cup of cashew cheese (if you Enjoy the taste of eating right! time and of course unattainable ourselves to others, we fall out of and we all get to choose how beauty standards, when all you’re alignment with ourselves. Instead to live it. We each get to do it trying to concern your mind with of working towards the things we differently, and we each get to be creating a good life for yourself. truly want, we start to go after unique. Life is a gift that is given I post regularly on social media, the things we think other people to all of us, but to make the most at the same time I make an effort need to see from us in order of it we have to be honest about to check in with my intentions for to accept us. This is an issue, how we really want to live it. posting. I want to be sure that I because, I believe when you are am posting because I genuinely praying or manifesting some- „ The author is a consultant and have something to share that thing, you have to have a pure coach. Instagram handle: @miss_ could be of value to others, and I desire in order for your dream shefa, Website: missshefa.com Gulf Times 8 Thursday, January 9, 2020 ARAB WORLD/AFRICA US imposes sanctions Anti-government protest on South Sudan VP

Reuters ing on the government and op- corruption, freeze any of Gai’s Washington position leaders to create dis- US assets and generally prohibit tance from those who spoil the Americans from doing business peace process. with him. “Taban Deng Gai’s at- he United States yester- He said Gai, on behalf of Kiir, tempt to silence the opposition day imposed sanctions acted to “divide and sow dis- party is derailing the country’s Ton South Sudanese First trust, extend the confl ict in ability to implement a peace Vice President Taban Deng Gai, South Sudan, and impede the agreement,” said Treasury Dep- the US Treasury Department reconciliation and peace proc- uty Secretary Justin Muzinich in said in a statement, in Washing- ess.” Gai could not immediately the statement. ton’s latest move to pressure the be reached for comment. Kiir and opposition leader country’s politicians to form a A government spokesman did Riek Machar signed a peace deal unity government. not immediately respond to a re- in 2018 to form the unity govern- The Treasury Department quest for comment. ment by Nov 12. said Gai reportedly arranged and Gai is the latest South Suda- But days before the deadline, directed the alleged killings of nese offi cial to be sanctioned by the two leaders gave themselves opposition politician Aggrey Idri Washington. an extension of 100 days to im- Ezibon and human rights lawyer Last month, the United States plement the agreement, a move Dong Samuel Luak in a move to blacklisted two South Sudanese criticised by Washington. solidify his position in the gov- cabinet ministers, days after In November, the US recalled ernment and intimidate mem- slapping sanctions on fi ve lower its ambassador from South Su- bers of the opposition. level offi cials it says are respon- dan and said it was re-evaluating Gai, former governor of an oil- sible for the likely murder of the its relationship with the African rich region in South Sudan, has two human rights activists in country’s government. long been a powerful govern- 2017. The sanctions, implement- Civil war broke out in oil-pro- ment fi gure in the country with ed under the Global Magnitsky ducing South Sudan in 2013, less An Iraqi student waves the national flag during ongoing anti-government demonstrations in the southern city of Basra yesterday, close ties to President Salva Kiir. Human Rights Accountability than two years after the country shouting slogans against turning Iraq into a battleground for the conflict between Iran and the US. For three months, US Secretary of State Mike Act that targets perpetrators of gained independence from Su- youth-dominated rallies in the capital and the south have condemned Iraq’s ruling class as corrupt and inept. Pompeo issued a statement call- serious human rights abuses and dan following decades of war.

REFUGEES Norway ‘to take nearly 500 evacuated from Libya’ Germany warns of ‘second Norway has agreed to take in nearly 500 people evacuated to Rwanda from Libyan deten- tion centres, Rwanda’s foreign minister said yesterday, a sign some European nations are willing to welcome migrants Syria’ as EU hosts Libya PM despite rising populist senti- ment. Rwanda, from where more AFP ya with his French, British and sisting they will not take part in than 2mn people were displaced Brussels Italian counterparts, said Sarraj any fi ghting. amid genocide in 1994, signed a had given his full support to the Libya has been plunged into deal with the United Nations in Berlin process and pledged to chaos since a 2011 Nato-backed September that is meant to help U leaders met the head of “push ahead with what is to be uprising that killed longstand- resettle people detained in Libya Libya’s UN-recognised agreed there — both a ceasefi re ing dictator Muammar Gaddafi , while trying to reach Europe. The Egovernment yesterday as and an arms embargo with the and is now divided between the migrants evacuated to Rwanda they scramble to contain the neighbouring states, but also GNA and Haftar’s rival authori- have been given asylum-seeker escalating crisis there, with above all the political process ties based in the country’s east. status there while the UN refugee Germany warning the country under the aegis of the United Tensions escalated last year agency determines whether they could deteriorate into a “second Nations.” when Haftar launched an of- are refugees. “Norway accepted to Syria”. As part of Europe’s acceler- fensive to capture Tripoli and receive close to 500 people and Fayez al-Sarraj, whose belea- ating diplomatic eff orts, Italian the confl ict is complicated by Sweden took in seven last month. guered Government of National Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte the involvement of outside Others are still waiting,” Foreign Accord is facing an off ensive held talks with Haftar in Rome. forces and by Russian merce- Minister Vincent Biruta told a by rival forces who control the No date has been fi xed for naries backing the strongman news conference in the capital country’s east, met EU diplo- the Berlin conference, but Maas — though Moscow denies play- Kigali. The Norwegian foreign matic chief Josep Borrell, who suggested it could happen in the ing a role. ministry referred queries to the cautioned that Libya was facing coming weeks. The EU is keen to stop the justice ministry. a “watershed point”. He also met Borrell, earlier in the day confl ict spiralling out of con- EU Council President Charles warned that the situation in trol, fearing that terror groups Michel and German Foreign Libya was becoming increas- such as the Islamic State could UNREST Minister Heiko Maas, who told ingly perilous. exploit the instability to launch Clashes over reporters that “we want to pre- Michel is due in Turkey this attacks and concerned the tur- vent Libya from becoming the weekend for talks with Presi- moil could lead to more mi- town kill three scene of a proxy war or Libya dent Recep Tayyip Erdogan, grants trying to cross the Medi- Nigerian soldiers becoming a second Syria.” while Borrell plans to meet terranean. Borrell’s and Maas’ warnings Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj (left), poses with European Council President Charles Michel other Libyan leaders includ- Elsewhere, Libya was on the Three soldiers have been killed in came after military strongman (centre) and European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell before their meeting at the Europa ing Haftar in search of a break- agenda as Russian President intense fighting between Nigeria’s Khalifa Haftar’s forces seized building in Brussels, yesterday. through. Vladimir Putin joined his Turk- army and militants over a key north- control of the coastal city of Ankara says it has sent 35 ish counterpart Recep Tayyip eastern garrison town, a security Sirte as part of his drive to take eff orts towards a peaceful and ing the so-called Berlin process off er a way out. Turkish troops who are carrying Erdogan in calling for a ceasefi re source said yesterday. Tripoli and oust the GNA. political solution” in a state- — UN-sponsored talks planned Maas, who a day earlier took out training and co-ordination in Libya from midnight on Sun- The soldiers died when an army The EU pledged to “step up ment released afterwards, hop- for the German capital — can part in emergency talks on Lib- tasks to support the GNA, in- day as they met in Istanbul. vehicle burst into flames after a car filled with explosives rammed into a convoy on Tuesday afternoon, the source said. The attack occurred during fighting with Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP) militants in the Ghosn says can help town of Monguno some 135 kilo- Four killed in car bomb metres north of Borno State capital Maiduguri. Just three days earlier, Lebanon after summons Chad withdrew 1,200 troops from the region – including hundreds from Monguno – after completing near Somalia parliament Reuters though Ghosn’s French, Leba- a nine-month mission fighting a Beirut nese and Brazilian passports are rival militant group, Nigeria’s Boko with lawyers in Japan. Haram. The pullout from the largest AFP was very heavy”. “Thanks to On Tuesday, Japan’s ambassa- base in the volatile Lake Chad re- Mogadishu God I was a distance away but I x-Nissan boss Carlos dor to Lebanon requested great- gion, which straddles the borders of saw the smoke and several ve- Ghosn has been sum- er co-operation from President Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad, hicles caught on fi re,” he said. Emoned for questioning by Michel Aoun in dealing in the had sparked widespread fears of t least four people were Mogadishu is regularly hit a Lebanese public prosecutor case. increased militant attacks. killed, including a sen- by attacks by the Shebaab, over an Interpol notice issued Three sources close to Ghosn Aior government offi cial, which has fought for more by Japan calling for his arrest on have said he met Aoun after fl ee- when a car bomb exploded than a decade to topple the fi nancial misconduct charges ing Japan. CRISIS close to a checkpoint near Somali government. after he fl ed last month ahead of During yesterday’s news con- SA’s Eskom cuts Somalia’s parliament in the The powerful blast comes his trial. ference, Ghosn declined to say capital Mogadishu yesterday, after the Shebaab claimed a Ghosn said yesterday he was with whom he had met in Leba- power for second police said. car bombing in Mogadishu ready to stay for a long time in non. night in a row A plume of thick black on December 28 that killed 81 Lebanon, which does not allow A meeting between Aoun and smoke was seen over the city people. the extradition of its nation- Ghosn has not been made public South Africa’s troubled state and witnesses said a number That attack, which hit a als, and a source close to the and a media adviser to the presi- power utility Eskom said it would of vehicles were on fi re. busy checkpoint in the south- 65-year-old has said his legal dent’s offi ce denied the two men have to cut power for the second Al Shebaab claimed the at- west of the city, was Somalia’s team is pushing for him to be had met. consecutive night yesterday to tack, after a rise in activity in deadliest assault in two years. tried in the country. The sources said specifi cs of allow emergency reserves to be recent days by the Al Qaeda Scores were wounded. The prosecutor is also due to- the meeting were described to replenished to levels that can linked group which has seen it The Shebaab has also man- day to hear a statement by Ghosn them by Ghosn. meet daytime demand. infl ict mass casualties in So- aged to expand its network in relating to a legal complaint over Ghosn said of a complaint Eskom, which supplies 90% of malia and attack a US military People gather at the site where a car bomb exploded near the the region, especially in Kenya a visit Ghosn made to Israel as submitted by a group of Leba- South Africa’s power, has been base in Kenya. Somali parliament in Mogadishu, yesterday. which has suff ered several chief executive of the Renault- nese lawyers over a visit he made battling to keep the lights on in “Explosives were packed in devastating attacks in retali- Nissan alliance in 2008, Leba- to Israel that he made the trip as the continent’s most industrialised a vehicle which the security women and human rights, was Abdirahman Mohamed, ation for sending troops into non’s state news agency said. a French citizen and an executive economy despite a lull in demand forces think was trying to pass among those killed, relatives who was at a nearby grocery Somalia in 2011. Ghosn, whose assets in Leba- of Renault to sign a contract with over the festive period. It had through the checkpoint, but and colleagues said. store when the blast occurred, On Sunday, three US citi- non include stakes in a bank and a state-backed Israeli fi rm to sell already cut power overnight on because he could not do that, “We have indeed lost a said he saw several corpses. zens died and several aircraft a winery, said during a news electric vehicles. Tuesday, and said it would need to the suicide bomber detonated brother and good friend in the “I saw the dead bodies of and military vehicles were conference in Beirut he had es- “I was obliged to go because do the same again after a further it,” said police offi cer Adan blast this morning,” Abdiqani several people, some of them destroyed when the Shebaab caped to Lebanon, his childhood the board asked me to go because loss of generation capacity meant Abdullahi. Omar, the ministry’s former killed by shrapnel inside their stormed a military base in home, to clear his name and was they deemed me French and the emergency reserves had to be used “Initial reports we have re- director general, said. vehicles. Kenya’s coastal Lamu region. ready to stand trial anywhere he director of a French company,” during the daytime.“In the event ceived indicate four people “He was sitting in the car There was chaos...and am- Also Sunday, just hours af- could get a fair hearing. he said. that we lose other generation units were killed and more than 10 waiting in line at the check- bulances reached the scene ter the attack, police arrested Lebanese offi cials have said He also off ered to use his ex- or are unable to bring back those others were wounded in the point when the blast occurred soon after the blast,” he said. three men who tried to force there would be no need to take pertise to help Lebanon, if asked, that were out for maintenance, load- blast.” and his body (was) badly Shamso Ali, another wit- their way into a British mili- legal measures against Ghosn as it grapples with a fi nancial shedding may be implemented,” Bile Ismail, the manager of burned inside the car,” he ness, described “smoke and tary training camp in the cen- because he entered the country crisis, although “not as a politi- it said. fi nances at the ministry for added. chaos along the road, the blast tral Kenyan town of Nanyuki. legally on a French passport, al- cian”. Gulf Times Thursday, January 9, 2020 9 AMERICAS

INVESTIGATION WEATHER AMBUSHED JUSTICE ON HOLD One dead, three seriously Alaska had warmest year 40 suspects in Mexico Federal court blocks Trump US govt rejects women’s hurt in Canada shooting ever in 2019: new report Mormon massacre on green card rule change rights amendment push

A shooter killed one person and seriously Last year was Alaska’s warmest year on record Mexican authorities believe at least 40 people A federal appeals court yesterday refused to The Trump administration yesterday poured wounded three others yesterday morning on and the second wettest in the contiguous United were involved in killing nine Mormon women and set aside an injunction blocking the Trump cold water on a new eff ort to ratify a decades-old a residential street near Canada’s parliament States, according to a government report on the children in the north of the country in November, a administration from enforcing a rule that would proposed amendment to the US constitution before fleeing, local police said. Police were US climate released yesterday. Alaska’s average lawyer for one of the families said on Tuesday. The withhold green cards from immigrants likely to that would ensure women have equal rights called to the scene, about 10 blocks from the temperature was 32.2F (0.1C), 6.2F above the three women and six children from a breakaway require government assistance such as Medicaid to men. The US Justice Department’s Off ice of legislature in the capital, Ottawa, after reports of long-term average, the National Oceanic and Mormon community with dual US-Mexican or food stamps. In a brief order, the 2nd US Legal Counsel issued a legal opinion saying it multiple gun shots around 7.30am (1230GMT). Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers nationality were on a remote road in a lawless Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan also set was too late for additional states to sign on to “At this time, three people have been transported for Environmental Information said in the annual region between the states of Chihuahua and an expedited schedule for the White House’s the push started in 1972 that led to 35 states to hospital with serious injuries and one person report. Average temperatures have risen steadily Sonora when gunmen attacked their cars. The appeal of a lower court ruling against the rule, backing it, three short of the required number. has been confirmed deceased,” Ottawa Police in Alaska in recent years. Alaska’s previous record authorities said last month they had made seven with legal papers to be submitted by February 14 The proposed Equal Rights Amendment, which said in a statement. A 15-year-old boy was among average was set in 2016. In Anchorage, Alaska’s arrests. They now suspect many more people and oral arguments to be held soon afterwards. gained traction with the rise of the feminist the wounded, local television reported. The largest city, the temperature hit 90F (32.2C) for than that were involved, said lawyer Abel Murrieta, Neither the US Department of Justice nor the US movement, states in part: “Equality of rights incident could have been a targeted killing, a the first time on record in July. following a meeting between victims’ relatives and Department of Homeland Security immediately under the law shall not be abridged by the police spokesperson told a press briefing. Attorney-General Alejandro Hertz in Mexico City. responded to requests for comment. United States or any state on account of sex.”

Guaido calls for fresh protests Critical of Trump record on against Maduro

AFP Caracas

enezuela opposition Iran, Americans expect war leader Juan Guaido called Von Tuesday for three days By Chris Kahn, Reuters No draft, and definitely no of protests against President New York draft by text message: US Nicolas Maduro, hours after he Army warns of hoax was sworn in for another term as National Assembly speaker fol- he American public is increas- The US Army is not drafting young lowing a standoff with the armed ingly critical of President Donald Americans — and definitely not doing forces. TTrump’s handling of Iran after he so by text message — military off icials Guaido was barred from enter- ordered the US military to kill a power- said following a spate of hoax messag- ing the assembly by the National ful Iranian military commander, and a es that sparked panicked phone calls Guard for around half an hour majority of US adults now expect the and e-mails to recruiters this week. in dramatic and chaotic scenes, countries to be at war in the near future, The US Army Recruiting Command while a rival claimant to the according to Reuters/Ipsos polling re- said in a statement on Tuesday that speaker’s post occupied the chair. leased on Tuesday. it had received inquiries throughout “It’s time to stand up and to The national opinion poll found that the country about the fraudulent mes- stand up with force,” Guaido said 53% of adults in the US disapprove of sages and “wants to ensure Americans later during a press conference. Trump’s handling of Iran, which is an understand these texts are false and “We will mobilise for street pro- increase of about 9% points from a were not initiated by this command or tests on Thursday and Friday, similar poll that ran in the middle of the US Army.” and on Saturday we will all be in December. The number of adults who The US military has been an all- the streets.” “strongly disapprove” of Trump’s ac- voluntary force since 1973 when a draft Guaido, self-appointed act- tions in Iran — 39% — is up 10 points was last in eff ect. ing president of Venezuela, leads from the December poll. The fake texts urge the recipients the opposition to leftist Maduro, The survey ran January 6-7, shortly to contact the sender and report to who remains in power despite after Trump ordered the drone strike in the nearest branch for “immediate Guaido’s year-long eff ort to oust Iraq that hit Iranian commander Qassem departure to Iran.” the man he calls a “usurper.” Soleimani and escalated tensions in the One also threatens recipients with a The National Assembly legisla- region. According to the poll, Trump’s fine and prison sentence if they fail to ture is the only branch of govern- overall popularity remained stable fol- report for duty. ment in opposition hands, and lowing his strike on Soleimani, with 41% Guaido’s holding of the speaker’s approving of his performance in offi ce post is important for continuation and 54% disapproving. The Reuters/Ipsos poll was con- of his struggle with Maduro. Americans also appeared to be much ducted online, in English, throughout Guaido is backed by the Unit- more concerned now about the risk President Donald Trump speaking yesterday about the situation with Iran in the Grand Foyer of the White House. the United States. It gathered responses ed States and more than 50 other of war with Iran. A separate Reuters/ from 1,108 adults in the January 6-7 poll countries but, despite Venezue- Ipsos poll that ran January 3-6 found in May 2019. It also found that 71% of A growing minority of Americans say should strike fi rst, up 15 points from and 1,005 adults in the January 3-6 poll. la’s economic collapse, Maduro that 41% consider Iran to be an “im- Americans believe that the US will be at they are now in favour of a “preemp- May. Another 41% said the United The results have a credibility interval, appears entrenched with crucial minent threat” to the United States, up war with Iran within the next few years, tive attack” on Iran’s military. The poll States should not strike fi rst and 33% a measure of precision, of about four support from the armed forces. 17 points from a similar poll that ran up 20 points from May’s poll. found that 27% said the United States said they do not know. percentage points. He is also backed by China, Russia and Cuba. “Here we are, showing our face,” Guaido said, taking his seat in the assembly after rival claimant Luis Parra and pro- McConnell: Won’t haggle with House over impeachment trial plan government lawmakers left. Lawmakers sang the na- tional anthem but electricity to Reuters in a letter to her fellow Democrats on If Pelosi sought leverage over the istration offi cials and agencies not to co- and expect a speedy trial and acquittal the chamber was cut off , leav- Washington Tuesday night, had indicated she would Senate, McConnell said, “no such lev- operate with the impeachment inquiry. by the Senate. ing deputies to use fl ashlights continue holding back the House- erage exists...it will never exist.” He ac- Under the US Constitution, the McConnell said on Tuesday he had on their mobile phones. Guaido passed articles of impeachment from cused Pelosi of wanting to keep Trump House brings impeachment charges, enough support from his fellow Republi- then raised his right hand and S Senate Majority leader Mitch the Senate until she knows more about “in limbo” over the trial indefi nitely. while impeachment trials are held by cans to set the rules for the impeachment took the oath of offi ce for anoth- McConnell said yesterday the Senate plans for the impeachment trial. The House in December charged the Senate. trial, dealing a blow to Democrats’ eff orts er term as leader of the assembly. USenate would not haggle with the McConnell did not specifi cally an- Trump with abusing his power for But McConnell has said that Senate to call new witnesses against the president. Earlier, dozens of National House of Representatives over procedures swer Pelosi’s demand, but lambasted personal gain by asking Ukraine to an- rules prevent the Senate from starting Democrats responded by saying they Guard troops wearing helmets for President Donald Trump’s impeach- her actions as “game-playing” and said nounce a corruption investigation of the trial until the House sends it the ar- still want more details on the trial proc- and carrying riot shields blocked ment trial, adding that the Senate would she could not dictate the Senate’s trial former Vice President Joe Biden, a lead- ticles of impeachment, and the House ess before any further action is taken. Guaido from entering the build- make a decision on calling witnesses for proceedings. ing contender for the Democratic nom- has not done so. In her letter, Pelosi said she needed to ing. “These are not barracks!” the trial at the appropriate time. “There will be no haggling with the ination to face Trump in November’s Trump says he did nothing wrong and see the details of McConnell’s plan for the Guaido shouted. Speaking on the Senate fl oor, the Re- House over Senate procedure. We will presidential election. has dismissed his impeachment as a par- trial so that “we can see the arena in which Some of his allies and mem- publican senator expressed exaspera- not cede our authority to try this im- It also charged the president with ob- tisan bid to undo his 2016 election win. we will be participating, appoint managers bers of the press were also tion that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, peachment,” McConnell said. structing Congress by directing admin- White House offi cials say they want and transmit the articles to the Senate.” blocked from getting inside.

‘We’re going to war, bro’: Fort Bragg’s 82nd Airborne deploys to the Middle East

By Rich McKay, Reuters The 82nd’s commander, US tried to hitch it to the belt of an little less than a pint each. Fort Bragg, North Carolina Army Major General James Min- unwitting friend, a last prank be- While members of the unit — gus, waded through the sea of fore shipping out. considered the most mobile in camoufl age-uniformed men and The older soldiers, in their the US Army — are used to quick or many of the soldiers, it women as they prepared to leave 30s and 40s, were visibly more deployments, this was diff erent, would be their fi rst mis- the base near Fayetteville on somber, having the experience said Lieutenant Colonel Mike Fsion. They packed up am- Sunday. of seeing comrades come home Burns, an Army spokesman. munition and rifl es, placed last- He shook hands with the from past deployments learn- “The guys are excited to go, but minute calls to loved ones, then troops, wishing them luck. ing to walk on one leg or in fl ag- none of us know how long they’ll turned in their cellphones. Some One soldier from Ashboro, draped coffi ns. be gone,” Burns said. “That’s the gave blood. Virginia, said he wasn’t surprised “This is the mission, man,” toughest part.” The 600 mostly young soldiers when the order came. said Brian Knight, a retired Army Soldiers were ordered not to at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, “I was just watching the news, veteran who has been on fi ve bring cellphones, portable video were headed for the Middle East, seeing how things were going combat deployments to the Mid- games or any other devices that part of a group of some 3,500 US over there,” said the 27-year-old, dle East. could be used to communicate paratroopers ordered to the re- one of several soldiers Reuters He is the current director of with friends and family back gion. was allowed to interview on con- a chapter of the United Service home, out of concern that details Kuwait is the fi rst stop for dition they not be named. Organizations military support of their movements could leak many. Their fi nal destinations “Then I got a text message charity. out. are classifi ed. from my sergeant saying ‘Don’t “They’re answering America’s “We’re an infantry brigade,” “We’re going to war, bro,” one go anywhere.’ And that was it.” 911 call,” Knight said. Burns said. cheered, holding two thumbs up While the killing of Soleimani “They’re stoked to go. The “Our primary mission is and sporting a grin under close- has ratcheted up tensions be- president called for the 82nd.” ground fi ghting. This is as real as shorn red hair. tween the United States and Iran, There was lots of wrestling it gets.” He stood among dozens of it remains to be seen whether holds as the troops tossed their A sergeant started rattling soldiers loading trucks outside they will escalate to full-out con- 34kg backpacks onto transport off last names, checking them a cinder-block building housing fl ict. trucks. off from a list after “heres” and several auditoriums with long Trump last week said he or- The packs hold everything “yups” and “yos.” Army paratroopers assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, prepare for benches and tables. dered the killing to stop a war, not from armour-plated vests, ex- For every fi ghter, there were departure from Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Days after President Donald to start one. tra socks and underwear, to 210 seven support crew members Trump ordered the drone killing Risks seemed to be pushed rounds of ammunition for their shipping out: cooks, aviators, taxes and we get to do this.” leave in his hometown of Dayto- to go. We drove right back.” of Iranian military commander to the back of the minds of the M4 carbines. mechanics, medics, chaplains, The reality of the deployment na Beach, Florida, taking his two On a single order, hundreds Qassem Soleimani, raising fears younger soldiers, though many A sergeant pushed through and transportation and supply wouldn’t sink in until the troops young daughters to visit relatives of soldiers jumped to their feet. of fresh confl ict in the Middle packed the base chapel after a the crowd shouting for anyone managers. All but the chaplains “walk out that door,” he said, and maybe go to Walt Disney They lined up single fi le and East, the men and women of the breakfast of eggs, waffl es, oat- with Type O blood, which can be would carry guns to fi ght. pointing to the exit to the tarmac World. marched out carrying their guns US Army’s storied 82nd Airborne meal, sausages and 1,000 dough- transfused into any patient. A 34-year-old senior mas- where C-5 and C-17 transport “We just got there and I got the and kits and helmets, past a vol- Division are moving out in the nuts. “The medics need you now. ter sergeant said: “The Army planes and two contract com- call to turn right around and head unteer honour guard holding largest “fast deployment” since One private took a strap teth- Move,” he said, before a hand- is an all-volunteer force. We mercial jets waited. back to base,” he said. aloft fl ags that fl apped east in the the 2010 Haiti earthquake. ered to a transport truck and ful of troops walked off to give a want to do this. You pay your His call came when he was on “My wife knows the drill. I had January wind. Gulf Times 10 Thursday, January 9, 2020 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

US report calls for human rights sanctions on China for Uighur abuses

Reuters Executive Commission on China istration should develop talking China’s human rights record, nese government also has used To address abuses, the report systems, machine learning and Washington said that human rights and rule points for US Government offi - particularly the treatment of Ui- facial recognition cameras and recommended a range of actions, biometric technology by placing of law conditions worsened in cials – including those engaged ghur Muslims in the northwest- mobile telephone monitoring including tightening access to Xinjiang government and secu- China from August 2018 to Au- in trade negotiations – that con- ern region of Xinjiang, where at systems to create what has been US capital markets for Chinese rity agencies on the US Depart- US congressional study gust 2019, the period covered by sistently link freedoms of press, least a million people have been called an “open-air prison.” companies that have provided ment of Commerce’s “Entity released yesterday called the report. speech, and association to US detained in what is seen as a “US foreign policy must pri- support or technical capabilities List”, which would prevent them A for sanctions against The report focused exten- and Chinese interests,” the re- grave abuse of human rights and oritise the promotion of univer- to repression in Xinjiang. from buying from US suppliers. China over human rights abuses, sively on treatment of minor- port said. religious freedom. China rejects sal human rights and the rule of It also recommends imposing It recommended that Congress and for US offi cials to keep rights ity Muslim Uighur population in The Commission is led by the charges. law in China, not only to respect human rights sanctions against pass legislation putting ex- concerns in mind in dealings Xinjiang, “where the Commis- Democratic Representative Jim Legislation to address the sit- and protect the basic dignity of Chinese businesses and offi cials port controls and limits on US with Beijing, including trade ne- sion believes Chinese authori- McGovern and Republican Sen- uation has stalled in Congress, the people of China, but to bet- involved in the mass internment government purchasing from gotiations. ties may be committing crimes ator Marco Rubio. amid Trump administration ter promote security and pros- and surveillance of Uighurs. China, to allow a “more robust” The annual human rights re- against humanity,” the report The report was only the lat- trade talks with China. In Xin- perity for all of humanity,” the And it recommended control- reaction to Beijing’s actions in port from the Congressional- said. “In addition, the Admin- est salvo from Washington over jiang, the report said, the Chi- report said. ling sales of facial recognition Xinjiang. Man pleads not guilty in Japan murder of 19 at care home

AFP Yokohama, Japan Care centre general director Junji Kusamitsu (left) and care centre director Kaoru Irikura speak during a press conference in Yokohama yesterday after the first day of the trial of Satoshi Uematsu.

he man accused of mur- year’s Paralympic Games – and dering 19 disabled people activists hailed last year’s elec- Tat a Japanese care home in tion of two disabled lawmakers. one of the country’s worst ever But some critics feel the country mass killings pleaded not guilty still falls short of fully integrat- yesterday to the horrifying at- ing people with disabilities. The tack as his trial began. Satoshi case has attracted signifi cant at- Uematsu, a former employee of tention, with hundreds of people the care centre outside Tokyo, did lining up in the rain for a chance not dispute his involvement in to attend the fi rst session. “I the horrifying stabbing rampage want to know why he came to during his fi rst court appearance have such ideas about disabled on charges including murder. people,” Yuki Kuriyama, 41, who After prosecutors read out the uses a wheelchair, told AFP. details of the charges, the judge “I am worried not only about a asked Uematsu “is there any- man who thinks that way but also thing in the charges that diff ers about this entire society where from the facts?” “No there isn’t,” there are some people who ap- Uematsu replied, dressed in a Satoshi Uematsu’s lawyer (centre) leaves the Yokohama District Court yesterday after the first day of parently agree with his ideas.” navy suit with a white shirt and the trial of Satoshi Uematsu, accused of murdering 19 disabled people at a care facility in the town of Many of the names of those tie, his long black hair tied back Sagamihara in 2016. killed in the rampage have been in a ponytail. withheld by family members But despite admitting the at- security restrained Uematsu af- at the home just months earlier alty if convicted on some of the fearful of similar attacks or dis- tack, Uematsu’s lawyers entered ter he reportedly attempted to and had been forcibly hospital- six charges, including murder, crimination. a plea of not guilty, saying their put something in his mouth. The ised after telling colleagues he with a verdict expected on March The relative of a 55-year-old client was suff ering a “men- disturbance prompted the judge intended to kill disabled people 16. Since his arrest, he has shown man killed at the home told NHK tal disorder” linked to his use of to call an unscheduled recess, at the centre. no remorse, telling Japan’s Main- that a long-time neighbour had marijuana. and Uematsu was not in court He had been discharged after ichi Shimbun daily in an inter- remarked afterwards: “It’s sad “He abused marijuana and when the session briefl y resumed 12 days when a doctor decided view that people with mental that it happened, but wasn’t it suff ered from mental illness. He in the afternoon. he was not a threat. He had also disabilities “have no heart”, and good for you?” Among the few became a diff erent person and as Uematsu has reportedly said written a letter outlining plans to “there’s no point in living” for victims to be identifi ed publicly a result, this incident happened,” he wanted to eradicate all disa- attack the home, claiming “disa- them. “I had to do it for the sake was a 19-year-old woman, Miho, his lawyer said. bled people in the horrifying at- bled people only create unhap- of society,” he said of the attack. whose mother told Japanese me- “He was in a condition in tack at the Tsukui Yamayuri-en piness.” Prosecutors said they Uematsu’s beliefs shocked Ja- dia she hoped the trial would which either he had no capacity centre in the town of Sagamihara would prove he was capable of pan, with experts and activists start a conversation on “how we to take responsibility or such a outside Tokyo, which also injured taking responsibility for the at- raising questions about whether can build a society to prevent a A vehicle believed to be transporting Satoshi Uematsu, accused capacity was signifi cantly weak- 26 people. He turned himself in tack, adding the rampage was others might hold similar views. recurrence of this sad incident”. of murdering 19 disabled people at a care facility in the town ened.” to police after the attack, carry- “inhumane” and left “no room Japan has been making eff orts “I want Miho to be remem- of Sagamihara in 2016, leaves the Yokohama District Court in The session was disrupted ing bloodied knives, and it later for leniency.” to increase accessibility – par- bered,” she added. “She was a Yokohama yesterday. shortly after it began when court emerged that he had left his job Uematsu faces the death pen- ticularly in Tokyo ahead of this daughter we were very proud of.” Don’t be put off by fi res, Australia tells tourists Philippines orders

Reuters a vehicle crash last Friday while evacuations in light Sydney on duty, bringing the death toll to 26. In Victoria state, authorities urged people in fi re-risk areas of US-Iran tensions ustralian Prime Minis- to consider evacuating, ahead ter Scott Morrison urged of a temperature spike on Friday Aforeign tourists not to that could fan fi res. “These fi res Reuters cluding undocumented labour- be deterred by deadly wildfi res remain dangerous, they remain Manila ers, Bello said. that have razed large swathes dynamic, remain volatile, and The foreign ministry said and sent smoke as far as South the conditions we are going to more than half of the 1,600 Fili- America, even as authorities see can give signifi cant life to he Philippines is bracing pinos working in Iraq, were in the fretted about renewed dangers these fi res,” Victoria Emergency for a broader confl ict in Kurdistan region and the rest at ahead. Services Minister Lisa Neville Tthe Middle East, ordering US and other foreign facilities Morrison made the plea yes- said. Thousands of people are the evacuation of tens of thou- in Baghdad and in commercial terday as he visited Kangaroo homeless due to fi res that have sands more of its citizens from establishments in Erbil. A Phil- Island, a usually wildlife-rich scorched more than 10.3mn hec- the region after Iran fi red rock- ippine patrol vessel, newly ac- tourist attraction off the south tares (25.5mn acres) of land – an ets at US-led forces in Iraq. The quired from France and en route coast hit twice in recent weeks area the size of South Korea. order to leave Iran and Lebanon to the Philippines, was ordered by blazes. “Australia is open, Many towns were without followed a previously announced to sail to Oman to assist citizens Australia is still a wonderful power and telecommunications mandatory evacuation of citi- who may need to be extricated, place to come and bring your and some were running low on zens from Iraq, Labour Secretary the coast guard said in a state- family and enjoy your holidays,” drinking water supplies. Smoke Silvestre Bello said yesterday. ment. Morrison told reporters after has blanketed cities including Australian Department of Defence shows an orphaned baby koala being fed by Private Tyler It would be a “nightmare” if Environment Secretary Roy meeting tourism operators and Sydney, Melbourne and Canber- Moseley-Greatwich from the 10th/27th Battalion, Royal South Australia Regiment, at the Kangaroo the confl ict between Iran and the Cimatu, a retired general named farmers. ra. The bushfi res follow a three- Island Wildlife Park in Kingscote. Philippines’ close ally, the United by President Rodrigo Duterte “Even here on Kangaroo Is- year drought that experts link to States, turned into a full-blown as special envoy to the Middle land, where a third of the island climate change and that has left 40 compatriots already on the warned about online donation Minister Lisa Neville asked ac- war, Bello said, but the govern- East, will leave head to Baghdad has obviously been decimated, bushland tinder-dry. Following ground. Australian authorities scams. tivists to “reconsider” a planned ment was readying measures to oversee the evacuation eff ort. two thirds of it is open and ready are latest events in the crisis: have requested another 140 per- „ Smoke has drifted across protest on Friday, suggesting it to assure jobs for those who re- Cimatu, who oversaw a similar for business,” he said. “It’s im- „ Prime Minister Scott Mor- sonnel, who are expected in the the Pacifi c, aff ected cities in would distract police from fi re turned. “We appeal to them to go move during the Iraq war, said portant to keep the local econo- rison announced an A$11mn next two weeks. South America, and may have zones. home,” he added. “When condi- the current confl ict presented mies vibrant at these times.” ($7.56mn) relief package while „ A university of Sydney reached the Antarctic, the UN „ The group, Uni Students for tions get better, they can return if more challenges as it was not Tourism accounts for 3.1% visiting Kangaroo Island. ecologist doubled his estimate World Meteorological Organiza- Climate Justice, was undeterred, they want to.” confi ned only to Baghdad. “It is of Gross Domestic Product and „ The three major cities in of animals killed or injured in tion said. saying tens of thousands wanted More than 2mn Philippine a guessing game which would be last summer season Australia at- Australia’s southeast, Sydney, fi res to 1bn. „ The fi res have already to protest. “Cops are not wor- citizens live and work in the the next target,” Cimatu told re- tracted 2.71mn holidaymakers. Melbourne and the capital Can- „ Community leaders asked emitted 400 megatonnes of ried about resources, they are Middle East, sending home bil- porters. But this year, hotel occupancy berra, were blanketed in thick people to donate money instead carbon dioxide and produced worried about people standing lions of dollars in annual remit- Defence Secretary Delfi n has dropped and some normally smoke. of food and clothing because harmful pollutants, the Europe- up against the government’s in- tances that could be dented by Lorenzana said there are plans crowded resorts are ghost towns „ Sixty-seven fi refi ghters small communities are being an Union’s Copernicus monitor- action. The rallies on Friday are a full-scale confl ict. More than to send two battalions of troops due to the crisis. Offi cials con- from the United States and Can- overwhelmed by goods they ing programme said. going ahead,” it said on Face- 30,000 of these are in Lebanon, and marines to Iraq to assist the fi rmed another fi refi ghter died in ada landed in Australia, joining do not need. Authorities also „Victoria Emergency Services book. and more than 1,000 in Iran, ex- evacuation. Gulf Times Thursday, January 9, 2020 11 BRITAIN/EUROPE

ALL CLEAR REPORT BREXIT FROST FEARS ENVIRONMENT ‘Aggressive’ man held on 2019 second hottest year Minister: UK farm bill to be Early almond blossom Italy slaps curbs on cars as Amsterdam-Paris train on record: EU monitor introduced this month worries Spain farmers pollution chokes cities

Dutch police yesterday arrested a man who The year 2019 was the second hottest ever An agriculture bill is to be introduced in Britain’s The almond blossom on the Spanish holiday More than a dozen cities and towns across Italy acted “aggressively” and was heard shouting recorded and a virtual tie with 2016, the parliament later this month as the country island of Mallorca has started much earlier yesterday introduced traff ic curbs in a bid to cut ‘Allahu Akbar’ on a train from Amsterdam to warmest El Nino year, the European Union’s prepares to develop its own farm policy for the first than usual in many regions in 2020. While the harmful emissions following a spike in pollution. Paris, causing the train to be halted. No weapons climate monitor says in its round up of the time in decades. Environment minister Theresa pink and white splendour will delight tourists, A prolonged period of sunny weather with little were found and no one was injured in the hottest decade in history. Data released by Villiers told the Oxford Farming Conference that farmers dread late frosts which could damage rain or wind has pushed up air pollution across incident on the high-speed Thalys train, said the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) future funding for agriculture would be linked to the blossoms and the young fruit. Unusually the country, triggering smog alerts in more than police in the port city of Rotterdam where the showed that worldwide temperatures were just providing public benefits such as tackling climate high temperatures in December have caused 60 municipalities. Off icials in Turin banned cars train stopped. “In the train from Amsterdam to 0.04 degrees Celsius lower than 2016, when change or improving animal welfare. “We have to the premature blossoming, which can usually built before 2013 from taking to the roads, as did Paris, a 28-year-old man behaved aggressively temperatures were boosted 0.12 degrees Celsius create a virtuous circle between agriculture, tackling only be observed from the end of January. On at least 11 other municipalities in the surrounding this morning. Travellers heard the man shouting by a once-in-a-century El Nino natural weather climate change, protecting biodiversity, and securing Christmas Day, Spain’s weather service recorded Piedmont region. Cities and towns in the ‘Allahu Akbar’, and panic broke out briefly,” event. The five last years have been the hottest investment in our rural economy.” she said. National a record high of 23.1 degrees in Arta, a village neighbouring region of Lombardy, including Milan, the police said on Twitter. “The man has been on record, and the period of 2010-2019 was the Farmers Union president Minette Batters said in the east of the island. In addition to frost had also announced similar curbs for yesterday, arrested and the police are investigating the hottest decade since records began, C3S said. Britain’s departure from the European Union was “the damage, farmers also worry about the impact of but temporarily lifted the order because a public case. No injuries and no weapons were found.” Last year was Europe’s hottest ever. greatest reset of agricultural policy since the 1940s”. the bacterium Xylella Fastidiosa. transport strike risked leaving locals stranded.

Stowaway child ‘Impossible’ to agree full discovered dead at Paris airport

AFP EU-UK deal by year-end Paris

Reuters an agreed transition phase means it child stowaway was found dead yester- London will remain bound by all the bloc’s day in the undercarriage of a plane at a rules and pay into the EU’s budget AParis airport, offi cials said, having prob- until the end of the year. ably frozen to death or asphyxiated on the fl ight t will be “basically impossible” to Unless London asks for an exten- from Ivory Coast. The child, aged around 10, had negotiate all aspects of the future sion of the transition period beyond clambered into the underbelly of the Air France Irelationship between the Euro- 2020, trade relations between the Boeing 777 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. pean Union and Britain by the end of EU and Britain from the start of 2021 It took off on Tuesday evening and landed at this year, the head of the European will either be governed by whatever Charles de Gaulle airport, north of the capital, Commission said yesterday, adding agreement can be hammered out by yesterday morning. The corpse, not warmly that both sides must pick priorities. the end of this year, or World Trade dressed, was found in the plane’s undercarriage Speaking at the London School of Organisation rules. cavity after landing, in what Air France de- Economics before meeting British The British government does not scribed as “a human tragedy”. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Ur- want an extension of the transition Sources close to the investigation told AFP the sula von der Leyen cast doubt on his period and is in the process of writ- boy was about 10 years of age, and that he had timetable for an agreement defi ning ing that promise – made during an “died either from asphyxiation, or from the cold”. the long-term post-Brexit relation- election campaign last month – into Temperatures drop to about minus 50 degrees Cel- ship by the end of 2020. law, making it illegal for Johnson to sius at altitudes of between 9,000m and 10,000m “The transition time is very, very ask for more time. at which passenger planes generally fl y. The un- tight...so it is basically impossible to “Without an extension of the dercarriage is neither heated nor pressurised. negotiate all that I have been men- transition period beyond 2020, you In recent years, several clandestine passen- tioning, so we will have to prioritise,” cannot expect to agree on every sin- gers, notably adolescents from Africa, have been she said. gle aspect of our new partnership,” found frozen to death or crushed in the under- Johnson has said that Britain will von der Leyen said. carriage of Western-bound planes. not extend the transition period, and She noted that the further Britain “Aside from the human drama, this shows a will not seek a deal based on close diverges from the EU, the less access major failing of security at Abidjan airport,” an alignment with EU rules, although it will have to the bloc’s single mar- Ivorian security source told AFP, asking how a his spokesman said trade talks did ket. child, alone, could gain such access. not need to be completed all at once. “Without the free movement of Laure Palun, director of an association help- Von der Leyen’s views are widely people, you cannot have the free ing migrants, told AFP this type of drama was shared in the EU. movement of capital, goods and the inevitable result of the “closure and control Croatian Prime Minister Andrej services,” von der Leyen said. of borders”. Plenkovic, whose country holds the She reiterated the EU wanted a “It questions the logic of European migratory rotating six-month presidency of new partnership with Britain un- policy: As soon as there is no route for legal migra- the bloc, told reporters that Britain der which there would be “zero tar- tion, people have to hide to reach the country they had to be sensible. iff s, zero quotas and zero dumping” wish to go to, and this results in such tragedies.” “We should adopt a negotiating and that would address everything framework which is inclusive but to Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson hosts European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at 10 Downing from climate action to data protec- approach the negotiations in a real- Street in London yesterday. tion, fi sheries to energy, transport to Big tech warns against istic manner,” he said in Zagreb. space, fi nancial services to security. “That means not to put on a plate ics that would need to be addressed to uphold the integrity of the bloc’s mer” ideally, with a view to deciding She also stressed the need for a tougher EU content rules too many dossiers which we might were the areas where there were no single market and its customs union. then whether or not more time was comprehensive security partnership not be able to deal with in the allot- international trade treaties to fall She suggested that progress in needed. to fi ght cross-border threats “rang- he European Union must hold back from ted time.” back on, adding that there could be the talks should be reviewed in the Britain leaves the EU on January 31 ing from terrorism to cyber-security making major platforms such as Facebook Von der Leyen said the fi rst top- no compromise on the EU priority middle of the year, “or before sum- but, while no longer an EU member, to counter-intelligence”. Tor Twitter liable for illegal content on their websites, the US big tech lobby urged yesterday. The suggestion came as the European Com- mission, the EU’s vast regulatory arm, is busy drawing up a new set of laws to keep a tighter leash on Silicon Valley, especially when it comes ‘Spoon bender’ applies as Britain seeks ‘weirdos’ to hate speech and disinformation. The planned European Digital Services Act Uri Geller revealed yesterday he has longstanding claims he has worked for They include data scientists, soft- performances of spoon bending and “I attended nuclear disarmament has triggered a lobbying frenzy in the EU’s de applied to work for the British govern- US and Israeli intelligence services. ware developers, economists, policy other illusions — had actually been negotiations with Russia, bombarding facto capital, with internet giants worried that ment after Prime Minister Boris John- “I am currently busy organising the experts, project managers, commu- “the perfect mask” for espionage their chief negotiator with positive Brussels will muzzle its wildly successful and son’s chief adviser called for “weirdos opening of The Uri Geller Museum in nications experts, as well as “weirdos work. thought waves so that the Soviet profi table social platforms. and misfits” to apply for jobs. Israel but would consider a move back and misfits with odd skills”. “In my intelligence work, I assisted delegation would sign the Nuclear Lobbyists representing the likes of Google and In an application sent to Johnson’s to Britain for the right position,” the The appeal resonated with Geller, an with Operation Desert Storm, helped Arms Reduction Treaty,” he noted in Twitter warned in a letter to the commission, unorthodox top aide Dominic Cum- British-Israeli illusionist said. apparent Johnson supporter. to locate secret tunnels in North Korea his letter. seen yesterday by AFP, that reversing limited li- mings, the British-Israeli spoon-bender Cummings last week released a In December, he claimed to have and used my skills to erase crucial dip- “Perhaps you could have used my ability would have the perverse eff ect of increas- off ered up the use of his “genuine 3,000-word post on his personal blog helped the prime minister retain pow- lomatic discs on their way to Moscow,” abilities in your dealings with Michel ing hate speech online, with companies turning a psychic powers”. detailing what he said was the need to er by giving him a spoon fused with he wrote. Barnier,” Geller added, referring to the blind eye to dangerous content when it occurred. “You say you want someone on the diversify the skills and backgrounds of “positive energy” which had belonged “While many have doubted my EU’s chief Brexit negotiator. “The law should continue to assign primary ‘frontiers of the science of prediction’? UK policy makers and advisers. to former Israeli leader Golda Meir. abilities, my achievements cannot be Geller concluded the 264-word liability to those users that act illegally or harm Well look no further,” Geller, 73, wrote The controversial adviser, who In his job pitch, which included dismissed as trickery or illusions.” letter, accompanied by his resume, by others and limit the liability of online service in a cover letter seen by AFP which headed the 2016 referendum cam- an endorsement from current Israeli Geller suggested his talents could saying: “Thank you for considering providers whose services are abused by others,” begins “Dear Dom”. paign for Britain to leave the EU, said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, be deployed as Britain enters a year me.” wrote Siada El Ramly, director-general of Edima. “I have genuine psychic powers the government wanted to hire “an Geller touted his varied life experience. of likely tough negotiations with the The British government did not The lobbyist urged the continuation of the so- — just ask Mossad, the CIA and the unusual set of people with diff erent He claimed his career as an European Union over their post-Brexit immediately respond to a request for called “notice and action regime” where plat- Pentagon,” he added, referring to skills and backgrounds”. entertainer — featuring trademark TV trading relationship. comment. forms are only under a legal obligation to delete illegal content when it has been fl agged up. Sanchez sworn in to lead fi rst Spain coalition govt in decades

AFP lowing inconclusive elections lar Party (PP), centre-right Ciu- The new coalition has pledged Madrid in April and again in November, dadanos and the far-right Vox. to raise the minimum wage and both of which were won by the “Sanchez never would have hike taxes on high earners and Socialists but without an abso- won the elections if he had ac- large businesses, while also re- edro Sanchez was yes- lute majority. knowledged he would ally him- pealing elements of the con- terday sworn in as prime Sanchez will now focus on self with these partners,” said PP troversial 2012 labour market Pminister, becoming head piecing together his government, leader Pablo Casado in a radio reforms, prompting industry of Spain’s fi rst coalition govern- with the line-up to be announced interview, accusing the premier warnings it could hurt job crea- ment since the return of democ- next week, party sources said. of “massive deception”. tion. racy in the 1970s. He won Tuesday’s confi dence Sanchez fi rst took over as pre- It has also pledged to “respect He took the oath before King vote by an extremely tight margin mier in June 2018 after an am- the mechanisms of budget disci- Felipe VI a day after being nar- in the bitterly-divided 350-seat bitious play saw him topple PP pline” without setting a specifi c rowly confi rmed as premier in chamber, with 167 votes in favour premier Mariano Rajoy in a no- target for the reduction of the parliament and will take offi ce and 165 against — and 18 cru- confi dence vote. national debt, which stands at as head of a minority coalition cial abstentions by Catalan and But his new government will nearly 100% of Spain’s total an- government with the radical Basque separatist lawmakers. face an uphill battle to end the nual economic output. leftwing Podemos. November’s election left the chronic instability that has Last year the European Com- In a brief televised appearance Socialists weakened, and even plagued Spain since 2015 when mission chided Spain for its slow at the Zarzuela palace, Sanchez after the deal with Podemos, the the decades-long hegemony of pace of debt reduction. swore to uphold the constitution two only accounted for 155 seats, the Socialists and the PP fell apart. “We have negotiated a very in a secular pledge with no Bible 21 seats short of a majority, push- With only 155 seats, it will moderate programme, precisely nor crucifi x in sight — as he did ing Sanchez to seek support from struggle to push through legisla- because we thought of Europe. when fi rst taking offi ce in June smaller regional groups. tion, with its fi rst order of busi- We are perfectly well aware there 2018 which, back then, was a fi rst. He also had to secure the all- ness to pass the long-overdue are limits,” Podemos leader Pablo The investiture draws a line important abstention of Catalan state budget — a thorny issue Iglesias said late on Tuesday, ex- under nearly a year of politi- and Basque separatist parties, which brought down Sanchez’s plaining the government’s poli- Spain’s re-elected Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez poses with King Felipe VI, flanked by the speakers cal deadlock in the eurozone’s sparking a furious response from fi rst government and triggered cies would “focus on ordinary of the Parliament and the Senate, Meritxell Batet (right) and Pilar Llop, after taking the oath of office fourth-largest economy fol- his rightwing rivals in the Popu- April’s election. people with modest means”. during a swearing-in ceremony at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid yesterday. Gulf Times 12 Thursday, January 9, 2020 INDIA Corrupt, substandard equipment led to Kota kids’ deaths

IANS health offi cials in Jaipur, adding Superintendent H L Meena and ing in from government hos- Similarly, in Bikaner’s PBM government hospital, but the tal of 30% commission is being Jaipur that Additional Chief Secretary ex-paediatrician HoD Amritlal pitals in Jodhpur, Bikaner and hospital, 162 infant deaths government hospital mecha- shared by doctors. Health Rohit Kumar Singh shall Meena could not be reached. Ajmer too when Kota’s JK Lon were reported in the month of nism remains the same every- “There are around 20 phar- investigate the matter to fi nd out Eventually, ways and means to was being discussed nationwide December. where. The mushrooming of maceutical companies operat- fter the death of around who was behind the purchase of fi x commission cycles could not for its irregularities and child Dr H S Kumar, principal medicine shops and diagnostic ing in Jaipur whose drugs are 112 infants in a Kota hos- such equipment. be decided between the two due deaths. of Sardar Patel Medical Col- centres outside any govern- being prescribed by doctors. Apital in 35 days, substand- Earlier, the committees to which things were left the way Jodhpur’s SN Medical Col- lege, also said that the infant ment hospital speaks many si- Being small, their samples ard Chinese medical equipment, formed by the state and central they were in the hospital, staff lege’s Department of Pae- deaths recorded were mostly lent stories yet no strong initi- are never tested and eventu- corruption and commission cy- government confi rmed hypo- said. diatrics reportedly recorded critical cases that were sent to ative has ever been taken by the ally they are not high in qual- cles have emerged as major rea- thermia as the major reason for Hospital superintendent deaths of around 146 children in the hospital from villages af- government offi cials to kill the ity, but still are being endorsed sons behind the tragedy besides deaths in JK Lon in Kota, how- Suresh Dulara when asked if December 2019. ter the condition of the babies booming nexus between gov- by doctors and therefore are the cold weather. ever, the stories of commission commission sharing was the These deaths were report- deteriorated. ernment doctors and chemists being sold.” On Tuesday, Rajasthan Health and corruption cycles going on reason why the equipment re- ed in two government hospi- In both the hospitals, there and owners of these diagnostic “Surprisingly, this system has Minister Raghu Sharma said that in the hospital have been nar- mained dysfunctional said, tals namely Umaid and MDM were same reports pouring in centres,” said a retired doctor become like a communicable inferior Chinese-made equip- rated by the hospital employees “Commission sharing can be a hospitals. which confi rmed that many from SMS, which is the big- disease which aff ected the en- ment was being used in Kota’s JK themselves. wrong word, but yes there were However, according to SN doctors were busy in private gest government hospital of tire medical system which seems Lon hospital. Hospital offi cials confi rmed grave irregularities rampant Medical College principal, S S practice and that they too were Rajasthan. unstoppable now. Then the lob- “We have initiated an in- that no private fi rms or techni- across the top level due to which Rathore, “Most of the children working on commission-sharing A chemist working outside bying by doctors is also quite quiry into the purchase of Chi- cians were called in to rectify the they were shunted.” who died were those referred basis with chemists and private SMS hospital said that his shop strong, you take action against nese equipment,” he said on the equipment lying dysfunctional Meanwhile, there were reports from other surrounding districts diagnostic centres. works on regular commission one and they all stand united,” sidelines of a meeting of senior for months as former Hospital of deaths in high numbers com- in a critical condition.” “This is not the plight of one with government doctors. A to- he said.

Kerala investors meet Millions strike in protest is a fraud: opposition

IANS tooth and nail by the Left Thiruvananthapuram and they even led a protest march to the venue. Today with hardly only 11 ‘eff ective’ fter opposing each and months left for this Vijayan at govt labour policies every investors meet government, this investors Aheld during the time meet is nothing but an eye- AFP of the Congress-led UDF wash. Not even the opposition New Delhi government in the past, the was taken into confi dence as present CPI-M-led Pinarayi it was only yesterday that the Vijayan government’s attempt State Industries Minister E P illions went on strike to conduct one starting to- Jayarajan came and extended throughout India yes- day at Kochi is nothing but an an invite to me to take part in Mterday, unions said, as eyewash and a fraud, said the the meet that starts tomorrow workers angry at the govern- Congress-led opposition in at Kochi,” said Chennithala. ment’s labour policies brought Kerala. “Strange are the ways of the travel chaos across the country. The two-day investors CPI-M led Left government in The widespread action was in meet, organised by the De- Kerala, as they oppose every- opposition to what unions called partment of Industries, will be thing when in the opposition, the “anti-worker and anti- held at Kochi from today and but when they come to power, people policies” of right-wing will be inaugurated by chief it’s nothing but mere rhetoric Prime Minister Narendra Modi. minister Vijayan. and attempt to do everything They highlighted the recent Around 100 projects will be what they opposed. This in- privatisation of public fi rms and showcased during the meet. vestors meet is nothing but a natural resources and demanded Speaking to the media here fraud and taking Kerala for a a rise in the minimum wage and on Wednesday, Leader of Op- ride. They brought Nissan’s IT pensions. position Ramesh Chennithala hub into Kerala with big fan- Farmers and students joined tore into the ‘double stand- fare and the situation is such some of the protests called by 10 ards’ adopted by the CPI-M that, nothing has moved and trade unions who claim 250mn led Left, especially when it the MoU between Nissan and members between them. came to inviting investors. Kerala government has now Bus and train services and “The Global Investor meets expired. So is the case with state-owned banks bore the were organised here when A the second campus of Infosys brunt of the national strike ac- K Antony headed the gov- for which land was given dur- tion that was staged in defi - ernment (2001-2004) and ing Chandy’s tenure, nothing ance of government warnings of Emerging Kerala Meet (dur- happened and they have re- “consequences” for anyone who ing Oommen Chandy’s tenure turned the land,” added Chen- took part. from 2011-16) was opposed nithala. Protesters blocked roads and railway tracks, while those at rallies also chanted slogans CJI bats for deployment of CISF in courts against the government’s new nationality law that opponents The Supreme Court yesterday Justices B R Gavai and Surya say is anti-Muslim and has recommended the centre to Kant said the incident could sparked widespread demonstra- Activists of Communist Party of India Marxist (CPIM), along with members of diff erent workers unions, shout slogans as they block train tracks examine the possibility of a have been averted had CISF tions. during a nationwide general strike called by trade unions aligned with opposition parties to protest against the Indian government’s economic separate cadre within the CISF been deployed there. In West Bengal state, strik- policies, near the railway station in Amritsar yesterday. to secure courts. The Chief Justice said that ers targeted railways and key The apex court’s suggestion he has communicated to highways and burned tyres on a and Kerala and Karnataka in the over the nationality law passed backed the strikers. fi ce forecast on Tuesday that an- gains significance in the the Ministry of Home Aff airs main road in the state capital of south were also hit by the action. on December 11. Rahul Gandhi, former leader nual growth would slow to 5% in backdrop of the violence to consider a CISF wing for Kolkata. Some workers at state oil and More than 25 people have been of the main opposition Congress 2020, the slowest pace in 11 years. which broke out between the courts. Protesters carried red fl ags at coal fi rms joined the strike. killed in the protests. party said the government had Last month the International lawyers and the police on The apex court told Solicitor rallies in the city. The government had warned Growing unrest in universities “created catastrophic unem- Monetary Fund said the Indian court complexes in Delhi, as General Tushar Mehta that Police said there had been strikers that they would face has added to social tensions. ployment” in a Twitter message government must take steps also in other court premises the authorities concerned some “clashes” in Kolkata and “consequences” including hav- “The attitude of the govern- praising the action. quickly to reverse the slowdown. susceptible to violence. could look into establishing a other districts between sup- ing wages deducted and other ment is that of contempt towards A government’s move to pri- It said declining consumption Apparently referring to the separate cadre of CISF which porters and opponents of the disciplinary action if they joined labour,” said the Centre of Indian vatise big state-run fi rms as it and investment, coupled with recent violent clashes between would provide security in strike. the protest. Trade Unions, one of the groups struggles to get out of a severe falling tax revenue, had com- the lawyers and the police at certain courts after a decision The eastern states of Bihar But the strike added to pres- organising Wednesday’s 24-hour economic slowdown has riled the bined to put the brakes on what the Tis Hazari court complex, a is taken by the Chief Justice and Odisha, Maharashtra in sure on the Modi government al- strike. opposition and unions. was once the fastest growing of bench headed by Chief Justice of the high courts on the the west, Haryana in the north ready hit by widespread protests Opposition parties have The government statistics of- the world’s major economies. S A Bobde and comprising deployment of CISF. (IANS)

Furore after Deepika Ready to hang Nirbhaya attends students demo convicts as I desperately AFP as students screamed in terror. New Delhi No-one has been arrested in connection with the violence. need money: hangman The incident has been blamed ne of Bollywood’s top on the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi stars sparked a social Parishad (ABVP), a student body IANS (January). They (offi cials) have Asked about the payment Omedia storm yesterday, linked to Prime Minister Naren- Meerut told me, in any of these coming by the government for hang- attracting admiration and vit- dra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Ja- days, maybe, by the day after ing the convicts of Nirbhaya riol after showing solidarity with nata Party. The group denied tomorrow or so, they would take case, Pawan Jallad explains: students who were attacked at a involvement. ith folded hands, me from here to Tihar. I have to “For every execution, a hang- Indian university this week. Padukone’s appearance led Pawan Jallad thanks reach much earlier as we have man gets Rs25,000. As there Indian fi lm stars have tradi- to calls - including from BJP WGod for being tasked to do a lot of rehearsals to en- are four death row convicts (in tionally shied away from politics, spokesman Tajinder Pal Singh by UP jail administration for sure everything goes smoothly Nirbhaya case) so I would get fearing their fi lms could be boy- Bagga - for her upcoming fi lm Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone (centre) visits students executing the death sentence on the day of hanging,” said Pa- Rs100,000. It’s a big reward. cotted or their safety threatened. Chhapaak to be boycotted, while protesting at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) against a recent of all four convicts of Nirbhaya wan, the fourth generation Jallad Earlier my grandfather Kalu- The industry also relies others accused her of a public- attack at JNU on students and teachers in New Delhi. rape and murder case. of the Laxman Kumar family in ram (aka Kallu) used to be paid heavily on government support. ity stunt ahead of its release “I am almost broke. If I Meerut’s Bhumiyapull area. only Rs200 per hanging. I re- But Deepika Padukone, 34, the on Friday. leading to a battle of hashtags you @deepikapadukone. Bravo!! hang all these four convicts Even before any questions member in 1989, I went to Agra country’s top-earning female “It is said Bollywood doesn’t including “#ISupportDeepika” #ISupportDeepika,” the youth (in Tihar), I will be awarded are asked to him, he recounts Central Jail to execute the death celebrity according to Forbes take a stand,” Advaita Kala, a and “#boycottChapaak”. wing of the main opposition Rs100,000 by the govern- his poor fi nancial condition. row convict of a rape and mur- India, broke the mould when screenwriter and commentator, “The female of the species is, Congress party tweeted. ment ... I need this money for “The UP jail administration der case. I tied the feet of the she attended a demonstration in said on Twitter. and was, and will always be the The violence at JNU is the lat- my daughter’s marriage,” says pays me only Rs5,000 (per convict while my grandfather New Delhi on Tuesday evening. “@deepikapadukone has de- strongest of the two #Deep- est in a series of clashes that have Pawan Jallad, 57, adding: “For month). I have no other source pulled the rope. We got only The protest came two days cided to take a stand with the ikaPadukone,” tweeted Anurag killed at least two dozen people months I have been waiting for of earning. Only by executing Rs200 for this execution.” after masked attackers went on Leftist students at JNU. She shd Kashyap, a leading Bollywood amid protests over a controver- this opportunity... God fi nally the death penalty can I earn my He says that his father and a rampage inside the campus of be informed that ABVP students director. sial new citizenship law Modi’s heard my prayers.” living,” Pawan said. grandfather executed the the prestigious Jawaharlal Ne- have also been injured. Rather “Let’s all those who stand government passed in December. In a one room set house al- “My daughter is grown up. hanging of Satwant Singh and hru University (JNU), leaving 34 than a partisan approach, wish against the violence go to @book- It speeds up citizenship claims lotted to him by the Meerut But I have no money to marry her Kehar Singh, convicted in as- students and faculty members she’d used her celebrity to build myshow and show them. Make from persecuted non-Muslim administration under the Kan- off . My ancestral house is in di- sassination of Prime Minister injured. a bridge between students,” Kala our silent statement which will be minorities from Pakistan, Af- shiram Awas Yojna, the hang- lapidated condition but I have no Indira Gandhi, and also re- Police reportedly stood by and added. the loudest,” Kashyap added. ghanistan and Bangladesh, stok- man reveals that UP jail of- funds for repairs. I am already in calls names of several other did nothing, while videos pur- But others jumped to her de- “We are proud to see so many ing fears that Modi wants to fi cials have alerted him not to debt and hounded by lenders. Be- infamous death row convicts portedly from the scene showed fence, calling for people to go voices from the fi lm industry marginalise India’s Muslim mi- move out of the district. lieve me, this money (Rs100,000) whose hanging was executed masked men swinging batons and see her movie in solidarity, take the lead. More power to nority, which he denies. “I am preparing myself for 22 gives me a new lease of life.” by Kallu or Mammu. Gulf Times Thursday, January 9, 2020 13 PAKISTAN

Resentment Terrorist attacks declined among PTI leaders after KP cabinet 30% last year, says report expansion Internews It notes that on the whole, On the whole, marking tacks, or about 52% of the to- and 436 others were injured in 84 groups in 99 search and comb- Islamabad marking a 13% decrease as com- a 13% decrease as tal terrorist attacks recorded reported attacks from the prov- ing operations conducted all Internews pared to the previous year, 2019 compared to the across Pakistan. ince. Fourteen terrorist attacks over the country. Peshawar saw 229 terrorist attacks in Pa- previous year, 2019 saw Over all 91% of the total re- took place in Sindh - 10 in Kara- “With a slight decline of over he Tehreek-e-Taliban kistan, including four suicide 229 terrorist attacks in corded attacks in 2019 concen- chi alone and four in other parts 2% from the previous year, 128 Pakistan (TTP) and the assaults. Pakistan, including four trated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of the province - which killed 18 cross-border attacks were report- xpansion of the provin- TBalochistan Liberation These attacks claimed in all suicide assaults (KP) and Balochistan. In KP, people and injured two others. ed from Pakistan’s borders with cial cabinet in Pakistan’s Army (BLA) emerged as major 357 lives, a decline of 40%, from 125 terrorist attacks claimed 145 Five terrorist attacks took Afghanistan (four), India (123) and Enorthwest Khyber Pa- actors of instability in Pakistan the number of those killed in Besides, 14 of the reported lives and injured 249 others. place in Punjab and one in the Iran (one),” the report states. khtunkhwa (KP) province has in 2019 by perpetrating 82 and such attacks in 2018 - and in- terrorist attacks in 2019 were North Waziristan remerged federal capital Islamabad. These attacks claimed the caused resentment among the 27 terrorist attacks, respective- jured another 729 people. sectarian-related, which caused as a major hotspot of militant Security forces and law en- lives of 91 Pakistani citizens, ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf ly, including some high-impact Militant groups such as the 38 deaths. violence, which was the only forcement agencies killed as including 61 civilians, 29 army (PTI) leaders. ones. TTP, its splinter group Hizbul The report further notes that district of the country with over many as 113 militants in 2019 in offi cials and one Rangers man. Sources said that those in- However, the incidence of Ahrar and others with similar ob- those killed in terrorist attacks in- 50 attacks in the year. military/security operations as The report also identifi ed cluded in the provincial cabinet terrorist violence by Islamic jectives perpetrated 158 terrorist cluded 164 civilians, 163 personnel In terms of terrorism-relat- well as their armed clashes and some critical security challeng- were fi nalised by Prime Minister State (IS) group declined sig- attacks, killing 239 people. of security and law enforcement ed casualties, Balochistan was encounters with the militants es and provided recommenda- Imran Khan and KP Governor nifi cantly during that year, ac- Nationalist insurgent groups, agencies as well as 30 militants. the most aff ected region of the compared to 105 militants killed tions, such as despite govern- Shah Farman. cording to the data provided mainly Baloch insurgent groups Personnel of security and law country in 2019. As many as 171 in such actions in 2018. ment eff orts, curbing terrorism After the notifi cation of the in the Pak Institute for Peace BLA and the Balochistan Liber- enforcement agencies suff ered people were killed about 48% of The forces/agencies also ap- fi nancing stood out as one of cabinet expansion was made Studies’ (PIPS) annual security ation Front (BLF), carried out 57 signifi cant casualties because the total 357 people killed in ter- prehended 231 suspected ter- the most critical security chal- public, several provincial minis- review of the country for 2019. attacks, which claimed 80 lives. they were targeted in 118 at- rorist attacks across Pakistan - rorists and members of militant lenges facing Pakistan. ters, advisers and special assist- ants decided to resign from their portfolios. However, after in- tervention of KP Chief Minister Mahmood Khan and other senior Business on track party members of the province, Senate panel nod they reversed their decision. The sources further said that women members of the provin- cial assembly have also registered for changes in their concerns and expressed dis- pleasures with the chief minister and party leadership that not a single woman lawmaker has been laws on forex and inducted in the provincial cabinet. Health Minister Hasham Ina- mullah Khan was replaced with Local Government Minister money laundering Shahram Khan because of tus- sle between Hasham and doc- tors’ community, the provincial Internews by Finance Secretary Naveed health department on Medical Islamabad Kamran Baloch and Addi- Teaching Institutions Act, 2018, tional Secretary Kamran Afzal, the sources added. the committee unanimously Also, the sources said that Ha- fter unanimously strik- rejected a proposed clause to sham had failed to achieve the ing down certain claus- restrict the inland movement pre-set goals like eradication Aes, the Senate Standing of foreign currency to $10,000 of polio from the province and Committee on Finance ap- or equivalent and to enhance other tasks. proved amendments to two punishment of money laun- Several party leaders were crucial bills on anti-money dering as the authorities failed surprised over the change in the laundering and foreign ex- to put up a convincing de- education, communication and change regulations to meet fence. works, mineral and information stipulations of the Financial Besides other weaknesses, technology portfolios. Action Task Force (FATF). ruling party senator Mohsin The provincial cabinet has 16 This came almost two Aziz said 40% of Pakistan-Af- ministers, four special advisers, 10 weeks ahead of Pakistan’s ghan trade took place in cash special assistants. The news faces face-to-face meetings with and remaining 60% through inducted in the cabinet include the Joint Group of the FATF banking channels and hence Arif Ahmed Zai, Ahmed Hussain in Beijing later this month, to the limit of $10,000 was too Shah, Ghazan Jamal, Shafi Ullah be followed by a FATF plenary meagre that would cripple Khan, Riaz Khan, Zahoor Shakir, next month. business interests. A milkman fills a pot with milk on a railway track during a cold and foggy morning in Lahore yesterday. Ahmed Khan Swati, Taj Mohamed The proposed laws cleared However, the panel ap- Tarind and Wazirzada. by the Senate panel the Anti- proved an amendment to al- Money Laundering (Amend- low offi cers to arrest anybody ment) Bill (AMLA) 2019 and on suspicion of money laun- the Foreign Exchange Regula- dering without court war- tions (Amendment) (FERA) rants. Bill 2019 have been envisaged The coalition party senators Prices of 89 essential Major govt hospitals in to address legal defi ciencies (PTI, MQM and Balochistan pointed out by the FATF. Awami Party) voted in favour The draft laws would now go of the amendment to declare medicines reduced to the Senate for approval and money laundering a “cogniza- Sindh lack medicines then sent back to the National ble off ence”. he prices of 89 essential misleading the nation by claim- Assembly for reconsideration. The senators disagreed medicines have fi nally ing that the cabinet had reduced Internews over its reforms in the health- “For instance, three major However, the passage of the with the impression from the Tbeen reduced by 15%, six the prices of 89 medicines at a Karachi care system across Sindh and hospitals in Karachi - Jinnah bill was not a smooth aff air. government side that these months after a notifi cation in meeting held on December 24. won a majority in the province. Postgraduate Medical Centre While senior offi cials of the - fi amendments would strength- this regard was issued by the The association claimed that During his speeches at rallies (JPMC), Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hos- nance ministry grumbled over en its position before the FATF Ministry of National Health it was a six-month-old decision mid challenges of sever- in diff erent parts of the country, pital and the National Institute unanimous rejection by the that Pakistan was committed Services. which was announced again af- al public service issues, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto- of Child Health (NICH) have no committee of some impor- to ending money laundering The ministry announced that ter the cabinet meeting. Aanother crisis is looming Zardari had referred to the health medicines for their patients. tant proposed clauses, like the and terror fi nancing and noted the reduced prices had come to The association also shared a large as major hospitals across facilities in the province, calling “Among such hospitals are limit on domestic movement that these issues could eas- force with immediate eff ect. notifi cation issued by the min- Pakistan’s southern Sindh are them the best in the country. the two hospitals [JPMC and of foreign currency and sever- ily be settled with better ex- On December 24, Special As- istry on June 19 in which phar- running their operations with- Right now, however, the Civil Hospital], which take care ity of punishment for money change of information among sistant to Prime Minister on maceutical companies had been out medicines. fact is that poor patients are of thousands of patients every laundering, the panel mem- the fi nancial institutions and Health Zafar Mirza told media directed to reduce the prices of The authorities concerned forced to spend more and more day with each having around bers noted that the authorities improved governance. that the federal cabinet had de- 89 medicines. fi rst delayed the procurement at public hospitals for their 2,000-bed capacity. So you were going beyond what had The standing committee cided to decrease the prices of However, the ministry plan and then they remained healthcare. can well imagine the situation been expected by the FATF approved most of the amend- the 89 medicines in line with the claimed that the prices of medi- unable to supply the required “The Sindh government in other hospitals of Karachi, from Pakistan. ments proposed by the gov- Pricing Policy of 2018. cines were fi nally reduced as the medicines to the health fa- hospitals across the province other Sindh cities and rural That was not all. Some ernment, except the proposal Under the policy, prices of notifi cation had been published cilities at the right time where right now are running their districts,” he added. clauses were passed by the to restrict movement of for- innovator drugs have to be de- in the gazette of Pakistan. hundreds of thousands of pa- operations without medi- The authorities, on the other committee with a major- eign currency by individuals creased by 10% three years af- Drug Regulatory Authority of tients are now compelled to cines and in some cases several hand, are well aware of the crisis ity vote against the will of the to only $10,000 within the ter their launch in the market. Pakistan (Drap) chief executive buy the prescribed drugs from health facilities have formally but cite diff erent reasons for the opposition members, includ- country. However, considering all the as- offi cer Dr Asim Rauf said that private stores, offi cials and informed the authorities about current situation. They appear ing chairman of the standing The limits for authorised pects it was decided to decrease in June an advisory regarding sources said. their inability to operate even confi dent that once those causes Committee Farooq H Naek, dealers, exchange companies the prices by 15%, he said. reduction of prices was issued The crisis also challenges the their emergency units in such a are addressed, it would not take who presided over the meet- and money changers would be On December 26, Pakistan as all pharmaceutical fi rms and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) situation,” said a senior health more than a week to meet the ing. prescribed by the State Bank Medical Association (PMA) ac- stakeholders needed to be in- which had built its campaign professional citing the gravity demands of supplies of hospitals Despite repeated pleadings of Pakistan. cused the Ministry of NHS of formed in advance. (Internews) for the 2018 general election of the situation. across the province. Senate panel for improving Zardari to be indicted in fake accounts case Internews found opened in three banks - PPP co-chairman’s counsel Fa- Islamabad Summit Bank, Sindh Bank and rooq Naek fi led a petition on his PAF’s combat worthiness United Bank. client’s behalf seeking exemp- The Federal Investigation tion from appearance on medical Internews Abdul Qayyum, the committee fectively counter threats. Indi- he accountability court of Agency (FIA) had named Zard- grounds. Islamabad emphasised according top priority genisation, it said, would reduce Islamabad has fi xed Janu- ari, Talpur, Omni Group chair- Zardari is currently in Karachi to enhancing combat worthiness reliance on foreign countries. Tary 22 for indictment of man Anwar Majeed, his sons and after the Islamabad High Court of PAF, innovative research and Commercialisation, the former president Asif Ali Zard- over 10 others as suspects in an granted him bail in both the he Senate Standing Com- self-reliance through indigenous committee maintained, would ari, pictured, his sister Faryal Park Lane Estate and others”. interim charge sheet fi led in a cases on medical grounds. mittee on Defence Pro- pursuits, commercialisation of not only earn much-needed Talpur and others accused in The National Accountability banking court in August 2018. The court was informed that Tduction has called for en- products, making products com- foreign exchange but would the Park Lane and fake bank ac- Bureau (NAB) has alleged that The case was transferred in the NAB had removed the names suring Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) petitive through reduction of pro- also help reinforce bilateral ties counts references. the national exchequer suf- March 2019 from the bank- of fi ve suspects from the list and improved combat worthiness. duction costs and overheads, and with friendly countries. The Park Lane case has been fered a loss of Rs3.77bn because ing court in Karachi to the ac- added nine new names in the The directives were given dur- ensuring foolproof security of the “This would need excessive registered under diff erent sec- of the irregularities. Securities countability court of Rawalpindi supplementary reference. ing an in-camera briefi ng by the defence production installations. marketing, reasonable prices and tions of the National Account- and Exchange Commission of for trial. The court issued notices to Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Qayyum remarked that Pakistan qualitative edge over the prod- ability Ordinance, 1999, and Pakistan’s records indicate that During the hearing, Ac- Asif Zardari, Faryal Talpur, An- Kamra, on the projects it was would develop combat worthiness ucts of our competitors,” it said. the Anti-Money Laundering Zardari and Bilawal are 50% countability Court Judge Azam war Majeed, Abdul Ghani Ma- undertaking and its plans for to protect its sovereignty and ter- The committee underscored Act, 2010. shareholders of Park Lane. Khan conducted the proceed- jeed, Hussain Lawai, Zain Malik, achieving self-suffi ciency. ritorial integrity at all costs. the need to follow a realistic The PPP co-chairman has The fake bank accounts case ings of Park Lane and fake bank Nimr Majeed, Younus Kidwai According to a statement issued The Senate committee said costing system and curtailment been accused of being involved involves alleged money-laun- accounts cases. along with others and directed by the Senate Secretariat on the that all requirements of PAF of unnecessary manpower and “in extending loan and its mis- dering worth billions of rupees Zardari’s sister Faryal ap- that they be presented during meeting presided over by Senator should be met to enable it to ef- logistic burdens. appropriation by Parthenon, through 29 accounts, which were peared before the court while the the next hearing. Gulf Times 14 Thursday, January 9, 2020 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka 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 The beef industry is freaking out over plant-based meat?

The Impossible Burger, which fi rst appeared in US grocery stores in September, is made entirely of plant- based ingredients. But it looks, smells, feels and – most importantly – tastes so much like real hamburger beef that it’s hard to tell the diff erence between, say, the Impossible Whopper now available at Burger King and the original charred fl esh version that the fast food chain has been selling for decades. In fact, plant-based burger alternatives from companies such as Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat, Electric vehicle charging both based in California, have evolved so far from the cardboard-tasting alternatives of yore that they have triggered a backlash from the beef industry. The Centre for Consumer Freedom, a nonprofi t that advocates on behalf of the fast food and meat industries, among stations are hard to fi nd others, has launched an “informational” campaign In addition, state utilities have just approaching half a million. But North of chargers. Tesla is the exception, with targeting plant-based meats. The campaign has By Elaine S Povich Stateline.org begun to cope with how to regulate Dakota has 36 charging locations and its own style of plug and outlet, but included TV and online adverts, as well as print ads the power supplied by the chargers by Alaska 26. Tesla drivers can buy an adapter that in newspapers. The ads seem to imply that not only is setting cost per kilowatt, peak charges “There is very good data that will fi t the other outlets. lectric vehicle owners – nearly and subsidies. shows that (electric) vehicle adoption States utility boards face questions a faux burger an “ultra- 1.2mn of them on United States Legislatures in Colorado, is slowed by a shortage of charging on how to regulate charging stations, The plant- processed” patty, but that roads today – share the thrills Washington, California and New infrastructure,” Stanberry said. including how to set the price drivers it might be junk food that Eof being energy-effi cient and Mexico passed laws in 2019 calling “Consumer surveys cite a very must pay. based burger progressive. But they also have one big on state utility boards to write rules high percentage level of charging One model for charging for is even junkier than the worry in common: where to plug in. governing electric charging stations to infrastructure as one of their key electricity involves so-called demand alternatives average beef burger. Depending on the state, access encourage EV adoption. In New Jersey, concerns.” charges, which calculates the amount While it’s true that to public charging stations can be a bill to incentivise electric car buying A survey for Volvo conducted in 2018 of electricity used in 15-minute have triggered adequate – or nearly nonexistent. and installation of charging stations by the Harris polling fi rm showed that increments. But high demand charges a plant-based meat Purchases of electric vehicles are passed a Senate committee in December the No. 1 barrier to buying an electric make fast-charging stations in places a backlash alternative is processed growing at an astronomical rate – an 81% with just one vote in opposition. vehicle was running out of power (58%), like malls and grocery stores costly and increase from 2017 to 2018, according to Other states also are considering following by low availability of charging impractical, according to a report from from the beef – meaning altered in the the Edison Electric Institute, which tracks bills addressing electric vehicles and stations (49%). And more charging the nonprofi t Rocky Mountain Institute. preparation process, like electricity use – and nothing indicates charging stations. stations was the No 1 factor that would Many states give residents incentives industry just about everything else the trend will slow dramatically any time Electric vehicles used for short increase respondents’ likelihood of to buy electric vehicles. California soon. But if anything could stunt the commutes can be plugged in at home buying. allows alternative-fuel cars to use at the grocery store – and it’s true that eating one is not growth, it’s the lack of power charging daily; the worry stems from longer trips. “We are short on charging high-occupancy lanes (a godsend in Los as healthy as say, a pile of raw vegetables, it’s best to stations in some states. Ford, maker of the electric Mustang, infrastructure across the board in every Angeles traffi c) and provides a rebate of take the ads with a generous pinch of salt. (Or sodium, Drivers can experience “range says the new 2021 model’s range could state, even the states that are doing between $1,500 and $2,000 on plug-in anxiety” wondering how far they can be up to 300 miles, though auto experts better,” Stanberry said in a telephone electric vehicles and hybrids. which the ads correctly note is higher in precooked drive before the next charge and where say it’s more like 240. But rather than interview. “We are all playing catch-up.” A federal programme also gives plant patties than in the beef kind.) to fi nd a station before the car dies. It’s touting the range, Ford is promoting There are three levels of charging rebates on a sliding scale. But both the electric vehicle equivalent of driving the car’s “sleek silhouette and muscular available for plug-in electric vehicles, of those programmes are phasing For instance, the additives and preservatives in a traditional car on an isolated country curves.” according to the Council of State out; some credits expired January 1. plant-based meat highlighted in one ad sure sound road with the gas gauge hovering near That could be because a lack of public Governments. A congressional eff ort to extend the scary. Who wants something called titanium dioxide empty. charging stations turns off potential Most can be plugged into an ordinary programme failed in 2018. Many states want to encourage buyers, say many experts, including 120-volt outlet, but charging is slow. One of the biggest pushes for electric in their meal? But the truth is that additives such as electric vehicle use to reduce carbon Matt Stanberry, managing director at The most popular charger resembles the vehicles came with the 2017 Volkswagen those listed in the ads are regularly used in all sorts of emissions and tackle climate change. Advanced Energy Economy, a business 240-volt outlet used for refrigerators pollution settlement, under which the packaged foods. But ensuring that there are enough trade group focused on non-carbon and washing machines, which provides car company settled with the federal charging stations has been a challenge. sources of energy. 10-20 miles of range per hour of government for violating emissions The truth is that beef and other industrial meats Some states provide incentives for California has the most charging charging. The third choice, a direct laws. The settlement allowed states to are often packaged with things a lot more dangerous private investment, while others are stations – more than 22,600 (some current “fast charging” outlet, zaps 60- allocate up to 15% of their share of the to human health than food additives. You want to relying on millions from a settlement with multiple outlets) at last count in 80 miles of driving into the car in only nearly $3bn Environmental Mitigation with Volkswagen over its falsifi cation of May by the website evadoption.com, 20 minutes. Trust from the Volkswagen payout talk about a public health threat? The widespread emissions tests to subsidise the building which tracks electric vehicle issues. The Most electric cars have plug heads to electric vehicle infrastructure. – prophylactic use of human grade antibiotics in cows of commercial charging stations. state also has the most electric vehicles, that are compatible with the three types Tribune News Service and other livestock has contributed greatly to the rise of lethal antibiotic-resistant organisms. Besides, the ad campaign misses the bigger point. Choosing an Impossible or Beyond burger at one of the growing number of fast food and sit-down restaurants that off er them isn’t just about eating healthy (though they typically have less fat and cholesterol than beef hamburgers). Burgers, be they made from processed pea protein or processed slaughtered mammal, will never be as healthy as organic raw vegetables. A plant-based meat that satisfi es meat cravings and delivers protein but with a smaller climate footprint is a potential environmental game changer and the reason Impossible Foods was one of the recipients of the UN Global Climate Action Award in 2019. No wonder the meat industry is on guard. – Tribune News Service

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The Tesla Model 3 is displayed during AutoMobility LA, ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 29, 2018. The Model 3 sold in serious volume, with website © 2020 Gulf Times. All rights reserved InsideEVs.com estimating almost 160,000 sales for the year. Other automakers investing billions to roll out electric models have serious catching up to do. Gulf Times Thursday, January 9, 2020 15 COMMENT Drug developers take fresh aim at ‘guided-missile’ cancer drugs

By Ludwig Burger and John Miller compiled for Reuters, based on a review of facilities, in hopes drugmakers will farm out Frankfurt/Zurich companies’ pipelines. complex ADC production. Dozens more ADC prospects are in pre- Merck expects the overall ADC market clinical review. to grow by more than 20% in coming years, ozens of drugmakers are conducting London-based Beacon advises drugmakers boosting its business, which includes human trials for a record 89 therapies on targeted therapies, helping them decide manufacturing of monoclonal antibodies, that pair antibodies with toxic agents whether to pursue prospective drugs or redirect linkers and cytotoxic agents. Dto fi ght cancer, evidence of renewed eff orts, based on industry trends. Rival Lonza, which helps make Roche’s confi dence in an approach that has long fallen Current ADC projects include two ADCs and sees annual 9% growth for the short of its promise, an analysis compiled for GlaxoSmithKline testing its belantamab so-called bioconjugates market, is investing Reuters shows. mafodotin against multiple myeloma. millions of dollars in its Swiss site, where it These antibody-drug conjugates, or ADCs, ADC Therapeutics, part-owned by private produces ADCs for other drugmakers. from companies including AztraZeneca and equity fi rm Auven Therapeutics, has several “What we see over time at Lonza is a good GlaxoSmithKline, are described by researchers studies on experimental drugs, including with request for capacity,” said Iwan Bertholjotti, as “guided missiles” packing a powerful anti- Danish partner Genmab, on blood cancers and Lonza’s bioconjugate commercial development cancer punch. solid tumours. head. “That’s a good sign that the market is They are engineered to zero in on tumours US biotech Immunomedics’ market booming.” and then release cytotoxins that deliver up capitalisation gained more than 60% to $4.3 Still, enthusiasm is not universal. to 10,000 times the potency of standard billion in the last six months, ahead of the US AbbVie in August abandoned its ADC chemotherapy, while minimising damage to Food and Drug Administration’s late-December candidate Rova-T after fl unking a lung cancer healthy tissue. decision to review its ADC against triple- trial and wrote off most of the $5.8bn it paid for The approach has for decades been a major negative breast cancer, which is hard to treat the drug’s developer, Stemcentrx, in 2016. biotech industry focus. and has poor prognosis. Roche, which helped pioneer ADCs with Many experimental ADCs, however, failed Massachusetts-based ImmunoGen, hit Kadcyla and Polivy, has also backed off . due to the complexity of pairing the right by past trial failures, got a lift in December In 2013, the Basel-based company had about antibody with the appropriate toxic agent. Scientists have devised better ways to connect payloads and antibodies and more precisely reach for its ADC against ovarian cancer when the a dozen experimental ADCs. Some were abandoned as too weak; others tumours. FDA indicated it may become a candidate for Today, only one remains, and it is being were too harmful. accelerated approval. developed for Staph infections, not cancer. From 2000 to 2018, only fi ve ADCs won pioneer Chris Martin, CEO of Switzerland’s approval in December, based on evidence that The surge in ADC investment has been “We have shifted our technology priorities,” approval. ADC Therapeutics. “It took at least a decade, 44% of patients who had failed immunotherapy fuelled, in part, by improvements in the Roche CEO Severin Schwan told Reuters. Just one, Roche’s Kadcyla, approved in probably more like 15 years, to really begin to showed improvement, and in some cases, no so-called “linker” technology that binds the “Maybe others will be luckier, but we failed to 2013 for breast cancer, has surpassed $1bn turn the art into a science.” evidence of cancer, when they were assessed antibody to its cancer-killing toxins, keeping master the complexity.” in annual sales after data last year showed it In 2019, US regulators approved three ADCs, after treatment. them stable in the circulatory system until AstraZeneca aims to do just that. boosted disease-free survival for some patients the most ever in a single year, as last-ditch Roche’s Polivy was green-lighted against the poison can be unleashed on the targeted In March, the Cambridge, England-based compared with the standard treatment, Roche’s treatments based on studies showing they helped lymphoma in June after producing complete tumour. drugmaker struck a $7bn deal with Japan’s Herceptin. patients whose survival outlook was bleak. response rates, with no signs of disease, in 40% ADCs are generally delivered via repeated Daiichi Sankyo for rights to Enhertu, getting Over time, however, scientists devised better They include AstraZeneca’s and Daiichi of patients when combined with two other infusions, similar to chemotherapy. $1.35bn up-front, and more if it challenges ways to connect payloads and antibodies and Sankyo’s breast cancer drug, Enhertu, which therapies. “There is a revival again because there is a Roche drugs’ dominance in breast cancer. more precisely reach tumours. was shown to help patients who had failed While all three drugs must prove their mettle new generation of molecules in which the linker Some industry analysts see Enhertu sales There is a growing understanding, too, of numerous previous treatments survive a in further studies, the industry is growing is more effi cient,” Giuseppe Curigliano, clinical eventually reaching up to $7bn annually. how to design ADCs to kill even surrounding median of more than 16 months before their optimistic that ADCs’ time may have arrived. director of early drug development at Milan’s “Our plan is to expand the number of studies cancer cells that previously evaded destruction. disease worsened. The number of ADC drug candidates is European Institute of Oncology, told Reuters. in diff erent tumour types,” said Gilles Gallant, “What we’re seeing now are the benefi ts Astellas’ and Seattle Genetics’ bladder at unprecedented levels, according to data This optimism has contract manufacturers head of oncology R&D at Daiichi Sankyo. “This of the science becoming mature,” said ADC cancer drug, Padcev, also received expedited from consultancy Beacon Targeted Therapies like Merck KGaA and Lonza ramping up agent has potential.” – Reuters The end of the free-market paradigm Three-day forecast

TODAY By Diane Coyle of data, the rapidly increasing one another’s preferences, and that incomplete contracts, and principal- volume of which is fuelling artifi cial companies aff ect one another’s costs agent problems. Standard government Maximum Temperature : 240c Cambridge Minimum Temperature : 180c intelligence and other innovative of production, depending on the scale action is no more likely than laissez- services (as well as, less positively, the of their operations. The assumption faire to succeed. The nature of the FRIDAY he 2020s will be the decade digital advertising market). Data have that interdependence could be ignored digital economy makes these classic Maximum Temperature : 220c when the idea that economic the technical economic characteristics made economic analysis simpler, of challenges even more acute, and we Minimum Temperature : 160c problems can be “left to the of a classic public good (like air) in course. But, Baumol wrote, “Such are just in the early stages of thinking SATURDAY market” to solve is fi nally the sense that they are “non-rival” – an assumption is not neutral; it about how best to regulate it. When Maximum Temperature : 190c T Minimum Temperature : 140c put to rest – after some 40 years more than one person can use data at leads inexorably to the acceptance of hundreds of millions of people live during which that belief has caused the same time without depleting the laissez-faire.” in densely populated areas, interact Fisherman's forecast untold damage to society and the overall stock. And basic economics Furthermore, if the assumption in myriad ways, and depend on the environment. shows that markets cannot be is false, then the conclusion is actions of others who are thousands WARNING Inshore : Thundery rain ex- We can foretell this with such expected to generate and allocate such wrong – as we have seen with of miles away, there is no reason to pected at some places confi dence because of the nature goods effi ciently. certain damaging economic policies expect easy solutions. Offshore : Expected thunder rain of the digital economy. The long- Moreover, raw data are processed since the 1980s. The deregulation As the recent global surge of associated with strong standing economic theory, according into knowledge containing valuable of fi nancial markets resulted in the reports on competition policy and wind and high sea. WEATHER to which fi rms or people deliver information, which, even when 2008 global fi nancial crisis, while the digital regulation suggests, the search Inshore : Partly cloudy to cloudy the best outcomes for society by provided by an individual, generally “market for corporate control” led for possible answers is underway. with a chance of to merger booms and the increased Unfortunately, academic economics scattered rain may be acting individually to maximise relates to other people or other data. In thundery at places at profi ts or “utility,” has never been other words, the value of data-driven concentration of many sectors of the is behind the curve. As Thomas times. valid. If it were, businesses would knowledge comes from its social economy. Philippon remarks in his excellent Offshore : Partly cloudy to cloudy see no advantage in becoming much context. In addition, Milton Friedman’s recent book The Great Reversal, in with a chance of scattered rain maybe larger, and advertisers would never Digitalisation has created extended view that a company’s sole social studying the growing dysfunction thundery at times use social pressure to manipulate global supply chains, linking together responsibility is to increase its profi ts of the American economy, “I was WIND consumers. But in the digital world, the fates of millions of businesses. encouraged overpaid executives to surprised by the gap between Inshore : Southeasterly-South- westerly 05-15/25 KT it is simply impossible to ignore our Social media are making societal ignore the environmental and social economic research and policy.” Offshore : Southeasterly-South- interdependence. infl uences on consumer demand more damage caused by their businesses. Policymakers know they need westerly 04-14/24 KT Consider today’s pervasive digital important than ever. And economic The “free” market of laissez-faire is sharper analytical tools to direct the Visibility : 4-8 KM platforms. One reason why there are progress is more than ever driven by a chimera, and if individuals do not economy so that it once again starts Offshore : 2-4/8 FT just a few globally dominant players ideas, which come attached to people recognise the consequences of their to deliver broad-based progress. To Around the region is the existence of network eff ects: and multiply with exchange. actions for others, the result will be help them, economic researchers must Weather Weather whether a platform matches diners The observation of fundamental markets shaped by greed and power. ditch their unscientifi c attachment to today Max/min tomorrow Max/min with restaurants or enables users to fl aws with the methodological This is not to argue that alternative the assumption of isolated individuals Baghdad P Cloudy 17/08 S Showers 16/07 connect with each other, the more individualism that underpins policy approaches are easy. As I have transacting in free markets, and Kuwait City Sunny 20/09 P Cloudy 19/10 users it has, the better it is for all users. conventional economic prescriptions explained in detail elsewhere, both instead focus on the economy of the Manama S Showers 21/17 P Cloudy 21/16 As a platform becomes larger, the is far from new. In a 1952 book government and market failures tend 2020s. – Project Syndicate Muscat Sunny 27/19 Cloudy 26/21 benefi ts for everyone increase, often at based on his PhD dissertation, the to occur in the same contexts and Tehran Rain&Snow 07/0 P Cloudy 07/0 an accelerating pace. late American economist William J for the same reasons – including z Diane Coyle is Professor of Public Or consider the evident importance Baumol noted that people infl uence information asymmetries, uncertainty, Policy at the University of Cambridge.

Live issues What really works for dry winter skin?

our skin doesn’t like winter. Jeff erson Laser Surgery and Cosmetic dry knees, ankles, and elbows. your muscles and your sinuses and Around the world The combination of cold Dermatology Centre – for advice. Q: Do men and women or people of your soul, but they dry out skin. The Weather Weather air outside and heated air Q: Are there medical reasons to diff erent races have diff erent rates of doctors want you to take lukewarm today Max/min tomorrow Max/min inside often leads to dry, worry about dry skin? dry skin? showers that last fi ve to 10 minutes. Athens P Cloudy 11/02 Sunny 14/04 Y Beirut 14/11 S Showers 14/11 itchy, scaly skin. A: Usually not. If you neglect it A: Mostly not. However, dryness (Trust us, 10 minutes is a long time in Showers There’s plenty of advice on the web and let your skin crack, you could be may be more visible on darker skin. lukewarm water unless you keep your Bangkok M Sunny 36/26 M Sunny 34/26 about what to do and plenty of heavily at higher risk of infection. In some And oil gland activity declines earlier house really toasty, and you’re not Berlin Showers 10/08 S Showers 10/03 marketed products that claim they’ll cases, dry skin can be a symptom of in older women than in older men, supposed to do that, either.) Cairo P Cloudy 16/09 P Cloudy 18/08 solve this seasonal problem, often at a underactive thyroid, Saedi said. It is Patel said. There’s no need to lather all over. Cape Town P Cloudy 22/17 Sunny 27/17 hefty price. But how many of us have more common in people with allergies, Q: Will drinking more water or Unless you are covered in dust or mud, Colombo P Cloudy 31/23 P Cloudy 29/24 tried a watery lotion that made big eczema or atopic dermatitis, and eating certain foods make skin less you only really need to soap the smelly Dhaka S Showers 21/14 P Cloudy 24/14 promises and stopped working by the asthma. Patients with neuropathy, dry? parts. Hong Kong P Cloudy 19/17 P Cloudy 20/18 time we got from home to the offi ce? a nerve problem common in people A: No. “For the average person, Q: What soap should I use during Istanbul Cloudy 07/02 M Sunny 09/03 How many have tried one that made with diabetes, may not realise their there’s nothing you could consume my short, chilly shower? Jakarta T Storm 29/24 T Storm 29/24 the itching worse? And, really, how skin is dry and may wait too long to that would make your skin better,” A: Doctors like simple, unscented Karachi Sunny 23/09 Sunny 22/12 exactly are we supposed to slather use moisturisers, Patel said. Dry skin Lipoff said. bar soaps with added moisturisers. London Showers 13/05 M Sunny 08/04 slippery concoctions on skin still wet may also be a sign of autoimmune Q: Is using a loofah or washcloth Lipoff says people tend to overuse Manila P Cloudy 32/23 P Cloudy 31/23 from a shower when everyone knows conditions such as Sjogren’s disease or to rub dry skin during showers a good the liquid soaps. If you must use a Moscow Snow 02/-1 Cloudy 01/-2 that oil and water don’t mix? of certain cancers, he said. idea? liquid, Saedi says, go with one that New Delhi Sunny 14/06 Sunny 16/06 In the interest of cutting through Q: Is it more common in older A: No. You want to be gentle to dry is fragrance-free and says it’s for New York M Sunny 02/0 P Cloudy 11/09 the noise and possibly solving our own people? skin. Exfoliating “just makes it worse,” sensitive skin. Patel likes cleansers Paris Rain 12/07 P Cloudy 09/03 dry-skin problems, we asked three A: Yes. Older skin becomes less Saedi said. from Vanicream and Cetaphil. Sao Paulo T Storms 28/21 S T Storms 31/22 dermatologists – Jules Lipoff of Penn effi cient at attracting moisture to Q: What about showers? Steer clear, the doctors said, of Seoul Sunny 02/-6 P Cloudy 04/-4 Medicine, Gopal Patel of Aesthetic itself. However, Saedi said she has A: Sadly, these doctors want to strongly scented soaps such as Irish Singapore T Storms 30/25 T Storms 30/25 Dermatology Associates in Media and teenage patients with dry skin. Their take all the joy out of showers. Hot, Spring and Zest because they can Sydney S Showers 24/19 Cloudy 28/19 Paoli, and Nazanin Saedi, director of the faces may still be oily, but they have steamy showers may feel good for irritate skin. – Tribune News Service Tokyo Clear 14/05 Cloudy 12/05 Gulf Times 16 Thursday, January 9, 2020 QATAR Amber show gets bigger in second edition he second edition of the of participants from Qatar and for Amber, and signing a set of Katara International Am- outside, and the number of visi- agreements to hold training and Tber Exhibition at Katara – tors. “This shows that the Katara educational workshops under the Cultural Village was opened International Amber Exhibition the supervision of international yesterday by general manager Dr has succeeded in becoming an experts, will further embellish Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti. A important international platform this position.” number of diplomats, other dig- that brings together the most Khalid Abdul Raheem al- nitaries, and representatives and prominent traders, experts and Sayed, general supervisor of the delegates from the amber indus- enthusiasts in the fi eld of amber,” Katara International Exhibition Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti and other dignitaries tour the exhibition after its opening yesterday. try were present at the event at he said. He added that Katara was for Amber, said that the second Building 12. keen, through this exhibition, to edition has participation from 13 rare materials in amber from There are more than 90 stalls merge the marketing, economic Arab and foreign countries, while various sources, like Germany, at the exhibition featuring par- and cultural aspects of amber the fi rst edition did not exceed Poland and India, in addition to ticipants from 13 Arab and other trade and is off ering the rarest fi ve. “The increase in the number ancient and rare beads that do foreign countries. The exhibition types of amber catering to the of companies and exhibitors, not exist today. will continue until January 11, diff erent tastes of the audience. especially those known for the Sheikh Talal bin Khalifa said from 9am-1pm and 4pm-10pm. There are also several activi- quality of amber they specialise the pavilion shows his collec- The participating countries in- ties being held as part of the ex- in, such as from Germany, Po- tions over the years. He praised clude Turkey, Iraq, Kuwait, Swe- hibition. Al-Sulaiti pointed out land and Russia guarantee the the Katara International Amber den, Lebanon, the UK, Germany, that the second edition provides continuity and uniqueness of the Exhibition as it gave amber ama- Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Lithua- an exceptional and distinctive exhibition in the Middle East,” he teurs an opportunity to view the nia, Latvia, as well as representa- shopping experience, as it con- said. exhibits of amber lamps and ma- tives of associations and inter- stitutes an important forum that He said the Katara Center for terials from various sources. national bodies specialising in brings together merchants and Amber includes a permanent Sheikh Mohamed bin Mubarak amber. This is the fi rst exhibition experts in one place. showroom and laboratory. It al-Thani, another participant, dedicated to amber in Qatar, and “We are working through this will become a meeting place for said he was impressed by the the second largest international exhibition to enhance Qatar’s amateurs and experts and trad- success of the second edition. exhibition on amber ore after the position as an international des- ers from inside and outside Qa- There are companies that had international exhibition held in tination for the trade and ac- tar, and thus Katara will become to register and wait to obtain a Poland. quisition of amber, especially a major station for amber in the space in the event, which is one Inaugurating the four-day as the exhibition has become a Middle East. Among the distin- of the most successful exhibi- Some of the amber products on display at the exhibition. event, Dr al-Sulaiti said that the preferred destination for global guished participants in the sec- tions, he said. exhibition witnessed a remark- companies. “The opening of a ond edition is Sheikh Talal bin He pointed out that his pa- Ukraine. The amber stones are pebbles and for other uses such lery, but in the Gulf region in able growth in its second year, permanent headquarters for am- Khalifa bin Abdul Rahman al- vilion in the exhibition includes designed at specialised work- as handles of sticks, and previ- general the interest is focused on both in terms of the number ber through the Katara Center Thani, whose pavilion includes rare stones from the Baltic Sea, shops in Doha and converted into ously included women’s jewel- amber lamps.

Fire Station hosts exhibition by Qatari artist

Al Meera opens Rawdat Al Hamama branch By Shafeeq Alingal Staff Reporter

By Peter Alagos Business Reporter he Fire Station in Doha yesterday hosted the Topening of Digital Trans- l Meera Consumer Goods action, an exhibition by Qatari Company inaugurated the architect, animator and design- Anew Rawdat Al Hamama er Mohamed Faraj al-Suwaidi. branch in the presence of senior The exhibition features the offi cials and government execu- artist’s exploration during his tives in an opening ceremony held three-month residency at the yesterday. International Studio and Cura- In a statement, Al Meera said torial Program (ISCP) in Man- the opening of the Rawdat Al hattan, New York. Hamama branch marks an im- “Digital Transaction is the portant milestone in the devel- depiction of my New York days. opment of local communities, I want to share my experience in Qatari artist Mohamed Faraj al-Suwaidi at the exhibition opening bringing the total number of Al New York with Qataris and resi- yesterday. PICTURE: Jayaram Meera stores in Qatar to 53. dents here in a creative way,” al- At the same time, Al Meera also Suwaidi told Gulf Times. talented and promising artists tion for al-Suwaidi. Its screens announced that its Sealine branch The exhibition has a series and curators. Last year, Qatar and advertisements which il- is now off ering customers more of digital prints, composed of Museums (QM) announced luminate the streets and expose retail space and bigger selection scenes captured around New the launch of the New York numerous amounts of content of their favourite items after the Al Meera officials and government executives lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Rawdat Al York and altered using 3D soft- edition of its residency pro- within a short time frame to physical expansion of the store, as Hamama branch yesterday. PICTURE: Nasar K Moidheen ware in a repetitive manner. gramme in collaboration with consumers is al-Suwaidi’s most part of the company’s expansion These scenes are digitised and the ISCP. memorable takeaway that aided strategy. shopping centre brings Al Meera’s fordable, high-quality grocery tailer’.” Al Meera also added that reformed into virtual spaces to The initiative aims to provide in developing the exhibition. Rawdat Al Hamama is strategi- popular ‘Favourite Neighbour- items, and we are glad to extend it is currently pursuing a strategic alter the lens of the observer. Qatari artists with opportuni- Al-Suwaidi has a BA in Archi- cally located halfway between Lu- hood Retailer’ philosophy to resi- this experience to the community growth plan that will see a slew “The works experiment with ties to forge life-long connec- tecture from Plymouth Univer- sail City and Umm Salal Ali, and dents of Rawdat Al Hamama, and in Rawdat Al Hamama. of branch openings in upcoming new mediums and concepts tions with international peers, sity and an MA in Architecture perched between two major high- provides a wide range of shopping “As with every new branch that localities. The supermarket chain that address socially-driven engage in inspiring conversa- from the University of Liver- ways of Al Khor Expressway and services to the community under Al Meera opens, this branch off ers is working in close coordination contexts in today’s world,” he tions, and nurture their artistic pool. Al Shamal Road. The area is cur- one roof. something for everyone. We invite with the Ministry of Municipality added. skills. The exhibition is open to the rently witnessing major develop- Commenting on the occasion, everyone to visit the store, shop and Environment to further con- The ISCP is New York’s most Times Square, a major com- public until February 8, from ments including a new housing the company stated: “Al Meera is for fresh groceries, and discover tribute to the development and rigorous international visual mercial intersection and iconic Saturday-Thursday, from 9am- subdivision, Al Meera said. built on the principle that con- the off ers that make us Qatar’s urbanisation of more districts and arts residency programme and district in New York played a 7pm, and on Fridays, 1.30pm- Measuring 2,505sq m, the sumers should have access to af- ‘Favorite Neighbourhood Re- territories in Qatar. a centre for the world’s most crucial starting point of inspira- 7pm. Al Khansaa School students join in planting saplings

s part of the ongoing ‘Qa- tar Beautifi cation and Our AKids Planting Trees’ cam- paign to plant a million trees, 30 students from Al Khansaa School For Girls joined hands with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) to plant saplings at Al Watiyyat Interchange in Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor Project. The Supervisory Committee of Beautifi cation of Roads and Pub- lic Places in Qatar is implement- ing the campaign, which will continue until the end of 2021. Students from Al Khansaa School For Girls at the tree planting venue. The committee works under the Ministry of Municipality and En- environmental pollution and vironment (MME), in co-ordina- reducing the emission of CO2 tion with several ministries and through minimised consump- other entities such as the Minis- tion and conservation of energy try of Transport and Communi- resources. It focuses on the pro- cations, Ministry of Culture and vision of more public transport Sports, Qatar Museums Author- options aiming at reduced use ity, Qatar Railway Company, Pri- of private cars and improved vate Engineering Bureau among lifestyle through clean and safe others. transportation. This committee is responsi- The project also works for en- ble for fi ve major tasks including suring a healthy environment the construction of central pub- tation and greenery areas. ed al-Haidous, said that she is cludes planting over 1,030 trees within residential neighbour- lic parks, provision of dedicated While taking part in the cam- glad to be part of the programme and about 1,030sq m develop- hoods and places of public gath- lanes for pedestrians and bicy- paign, student Mariam Samir as the trees provide shade and ment. ering through increased aff or- cles, development of the Doha said that she loved planting trees oxygen. The supervisory commit- estation and landscaping, which Corniche, development of Cen- and the eff orts in this regard. An- Al Watiyyat Interchange with- tee’s work will enhance sus- will greatly help in reducing the tral Doha and increasing aff ores- other student, Alanoud Moham- in Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor in- tainability through minimising temperature in cities. Students planting saplings during the campaign.