TWITTER SPORTS @newsofbahrain OP-ED 8 Turkey-Russia ceasefire deal has failed the Syrian refugees INSTAGRAM BBA sets up key Cup /nobmedia 9 and league fixtures LINKEDIN MONDAY newsofbahrain MARCH 2020 The Bahrain Basketball 210 FILS BBA WHATSAPP Association ( ) 38444692 ISSUE NO. 8411 has announced the resumption of its national FACEBOOK /nobmedia competitions following the postponement of several MAIL [email protected] games recently due to Coronavirus concerns. WEBSITE newsofbahrain.com P16

Pop star Katy Perry performs at Women’s T20 World Cup 14 CELEBS WORLD 10 India’s PM hands over social media accounts to mark Women’s Day

LIC (INTERNATIONAL) IN BAHRAIN FOR 30 YEARS AT YOUR SERVICE

Tens killed in Syria crash Saudi Arabia to close Damascus schools from today t least 32 people died Riyadh Ayesterday after a fuel tanker crashed into two buses and several other ve- chools and universities will hicles on a road connecting be closed in Saudi Arabia Thank God, the To all citizens and residents the Syrian capital to Homs Sfrom Monday to control situation is province, state media re- the spread of Coronavirus. reassuring, and there For further developments on the ported. The Saudi Ministry of Edu- has been no case A break failure caused the cation said the “preventive and in any educational Coronavirus (COVID-19) and updates on tanker to crash into 15 ve- precautionary” measures were facility. hicles and two large busses recommended by the health the Public Awareness Campaign to Combat carrying several Iraqi pas- authorities and are designed to MR AL RABIAH sengers, said Interior Min- protect students and staff. process continues in an effec- Coronavirus, please visit the ister Mohammad Khaled Al The decision covers all edu- tive and quality manner,” the Rahmoun, while inspecting cational institutions, including ministry said. the site of the accident out- public and private schools, and The Kingdom’s Education Ministry of Health's website side Damascus. technical and vocational train- Minister, Hamad bin Moham- Another 77 people were ing institutions. med Al Asheikh, confirmed that injured in the accident, he “The Minister of Education the decision was a precaution- added, in comments carried directed that virtual schools and ary step and said that they are www.moh.gov.bh/COVID19 by SANA. distance education be activat- conducting daily and weekly Footage aired on state ed while the schools are closed evaluations before returning media showed rescue teams to ensure that the educational to school. deployed around the man- gled remains of two cars. SANA released photos of a passenger bus with one end blown off. ‘A model to Kamala Harris endorses Biden New York

alifornia Senator Kama- emulate’ Cla Harris has endorsed Joe Biden with “great en- thusiasm” as the Democrat- Task Force highlights the Kingdom’s ic party’s US presidential candidate. unwavering commitment towards “Biden has served our coun- combating the Coronavirus Dr Manaf, Dr Jameela at the Press conference. try with dignity and we need him now more than ever,” she said in a Twitter post. • Four cases out of the 30 more discharged total 79 active cases are he Ministry of Health yes- among individuals who Tterday announced that have interacted with 30 individuals have been dis- active COVID-19 patients charged after completing the arriving from abroad. mandatory 14-day quarantine DON’T MISS IT period, bringing the total num- ber of individuals discharged Dr Jameela Al Salman from quarantine to 68. •reiterated the importance The ministry outlined that ‘A land of of abiding by guidelines the individuals,16 male Bah- Health Minister Faeqa Al Saleh being briefed on facilitates to handle Coronavirus-infected arrivals from abroad. rainis, 12 female Bahrainis, a 02 tolerance’ to ensure the safety and Chinese male and a female In- health of community. tious Diseases Consultant and Task Force for Combating the a press conference yesterday. donesian, tested negative for Drunken driver Microbiologist at the BDF Hospi- Coronavirus, Lieutenant Colo- The Kingdom’s efforts and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) 03 held TDT | Manama tal and Member of the National nel Dr Manaf Al Qahtani, during comprehensive strategy to com- before being discharged. The Pradeep Puravankara bat COVID-19, led by HRH the ministry noted that all quar- Crown Prince, is designed to antined individuals are being Royal Charity he Kingdom has been Edu measures reviewed ensure citizens and residents monitored and cared for by a Organisation ‘to successful until now eputy Premier and President of the Supreme Council for the De- health remains the top priority, specialised medical team, in cover’ expenses Twhen it comes to tack- Dvelopment of Education and Training, HH Shaikh Mohammed he said. line with guidelines established 04 ling the Coronavirus threat, it bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, chaired a meeting dedicated to reviewing “The Kingdom’s commit- by the World Health Organisa- of Bahraini emerged. the efforts of the Ministry of Education during the preventive sus- ment to combating the spread tion, to guarantee the health citizens abroad All preparations taken by the pension and the measures taken by the ministry. Education Minister of the virus has set a good and safety of the community. country to combat the virus briefed the council on the steps taken by the ministry to deal with example to other countries. 210 fils (includes VAT) has won praise from the World the extraordinary situation, including the services currently available Health professionals, a crucial “The surge in active COVID-19 Health Organisation (WHO). on the ministry’s educational portal. He also referred to the actions component of Team Bahrain, cases over the last 24 hours The recent WHO report com- accomplished by the teams of various sectors of the ministry in should be commended for their have been cases flagged at mending Bahrain is testimony terms of the curriculum and the intensification of work related to tireless work to ensure the Bahrain’s entry points. There to the global recognition of the the design and download of enrichment courses on the portal. health and safety of citizens remain no local cases (commu- Kingdom’s efforts, said Infec- and residents is safeguarded. nity) in Bahrain.” MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2020 02

e-service system reviewed Bahraini women congratulated Manama ter Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and supported by he Shura Council has His Royal Highness Prince praised the role and Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Tefforts made by Bah- the Crown Prince, Deputy Su- raini women, valuing their preme Commander and First contributions in building and Deputy Premier. advancing society in various Marking International Wom- fields. en’s Day, the Council praised The council praised His Her Royal Highness Prin - Majesty King Hamad bin Isa cess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Interior Minister, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa yesterday received, in the presence of the Chief of Public Security and Interior Ministry Al Khalifa’s initiatives to el- Khalifa, Wife of HM the King Undersecretary, Director of Information Technology, Lt-Col Ibrahim Al Sada who introduced to him the Interior Ministry team who designed the e-service system evate the status of Bahraini and President of the Supreme launched during the Arab Interior Ministers Council session that was held recently in Tunisia. The system was designed by the Interior Ministry of Bahrain to the women, through steps and Council for Women, for the ma- Council General Secretariat, including the website, smart application and e-magazine. The Interior Minister expressed thanks and appreciation to the Interior procedures implemented by jor role she has played and the Ministry’s team for their distinguished efforts in designing the system within a remarkable time and in a way that ensures work efficiency. He said that the the government, led by His awards offered in advancing initiative was part of the importance of Arab security co-operation and the development of joint Arab work. Royal Highness Prime Minis- Bahraini women in all fields.

Manama

ahrain, thanks to its toler- ant people and readiness Bto accept the others with their differences, represents an exceptional model for civilised and human societies, the Rt Revd Michael Augustine Owen Lew- ‘A land of tolerance’ is, Archbishop of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Archbishop lauds Bahrain as exceptional model for civilised, human societies Middle East, has said. He stressed that Bahrain has been known since ancient times for its unique tolerance and peaceful openness to the world. The archbishop was speaking at a reception hosted in his hon- our by the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence in Manama. Dr Shaikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the chairman of the broad of trustees of the centre, said the centre was looking forward to enhancing cooperation with the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem Rt Revd Michael Augustine with Dr Shaikh Khalid and other dignitaries at the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence.

and the Middle East. the world as a means to combat The centre is also keen on terrorism, extremism and rad- discussing various aspects icalisation, by studying the vi- of coordination to help pro- Bahrain has been known sionary leadership philosophy of mote the values of tolerance since ancient times for His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa and peaceful coexistence and its unique tolerance and Al Khalifa. guarantee religious freedoms peaceful openness to His Majesty’s philosophy is in various regions, he added. the world. based on His Majesty’s belief that “Since its foundation, Bah- Religious Freedom is the foun- rain has been an international RT REVD MICHAEL AUGUSTINE dation for Peaceful Coexistence centre for tolerance and reli- with Inter-Faith Dialogue at its gious freedom. It has boosted the peoples of the region and heart. over the last decades its keen- in working to achieve further Founded in 1303, Sapienza Uni- ness to spread the noble prin- prosperity based on promoting versity in Rome is one of Europe’s ciples of peace and coexistence the civilisational coexistence of most prestigious seats of learning among different adherents of cultures and on contributing ef- and its multi-site campus is home religions and beliefs, based on fectively to the development of to around 120,000 students. the values and principles laid humanity at various levels. With the launch of The King down by His Majesty King The King Hamad Chair in In- Hamad Chair, it is aimed to reach Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa,” ter-Faith Dialogue and Peaceful the hearts and minds of young Shaikh Khalid said. Coexistence is a new Academic people all over the world, pro- He stressed the role of the discipline and the first of its kind viding them with the knowledge Episcopal Church in Jerusa- in the World. and inspiration to invoke peaceful lem and the Middle East in Designed to enlighten and en- coexistence and love on a global enhancing the ties that bind gage young people from around basis. ‘Bahrain GP 2020 will be participants-only event’ Manama rapid, proactive measures, iden- n consultation with inter- tifying those affected by the vi- national partners and the To ensure that neither rus, of which the overwhelming IKingdom’s national health the sport, nor its global majority of cases relate to those Task Force, Bahrain has made travelling into the country by the decision to hold this year’s supporter base, is air. Bahrain Grand Prix as a par- unduly impacted, the “Aggressive social distanc- ticipants-only event, Bahrain race weekend itself ing measures have further in- International Circuit (BIC) has will still go ahead as a creased the effectiveness of said. televised event. preventing the virus’ spread, “As an F1 host nation, balanc- something that would clearly ing the welfare of supporters BIC be near impossible to maintain and race goers is a tremendous the sport, nor its global support- were the race to have proceed- responsibility. Given the con- er base, is unduly impacted, the ed as originally planned,” the tinued spread of Covid-19 glob- race weekend itself will still go BIC said. ally, convening a major sporting ahead as a televised event,” the “We know how disappointed event, which is open to the pub- BIC said in a statement. many will be by this news, es- lic and allows thousands of in- Bahrain’s own early actions to pecially for those planning to ternational travellers and local prevent, identify and isolate cas- travel to the event, which has fans to interact in close proxim- es of individuals with Covid-19 become a cornerstone event of ity would not be the right thing have been extremely successful the international F1 calendar, to do at the present time. to date, it added. but safety has to remain our “But to ensure that neither “The approach has involved utmost priority.” MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2020 03

EWA strides discussed Manama

lectricity and Water EAffairs Minister, Wael Al Mubarak, received here Drunken driver held yesterday the member of the Council of Represent- A video showing him recklessly driving a minivan had raised nationwide condemnation atives, MP Abdulla Ibrahim Al Dossari. The minister reviewed several damages to it. the Electricity and Water Traffic Prosecution “The truck driver was un - Authority (EWA)’s future • der the influence of alcohol at plans and projects, in ad- confirmed that the the time of the accident. The dition to its recent achieve- man was under the accused was arrested, interro- ments. influence of alcohol and gated and confronted with the The two sides discussed that he was remanded video. ways to enhance co-oper- “He confessed to the accusa- ation between EWA and the pending trial. tions attributed to him and the Council of Representatives, Prosecution ordered that he be through supporting EWA’s The accused held in pre-trial detention, and plans aimed at improving drove• the vehicle in a that he should be referred to its services. manner, which risked the concerned court,” Mr Al The minister lauded the Dhahrani added. dedicated efforts of law- the lives of people and Meanwhile, Traffic Direc- makers to raise and discuss property, according tor-General Brigadier Shaikh issues related to the citi - to Prosecutors. Abdulrahman bin Abdulwahab zens’ interests, as well as Al Khalifa revealed in a press cooperation between the TDT | Manama statement released on Saturday Executive and Legislative that a smartphone application, branches to meet the citi- which will enable residents and zens’ aspirations and im- drunken driver was re- A screenshot of the video showing the truck in motion violating traffic norms. citizens to contribute to moni- prove the quality of ser - manded yesterday, a few toring traffic violations, will be vices delivered to them, in A hours after he was seen vehicle being driven in the same and risking the safety of others.” launched soon by the General line with His Majesty King driving recklessly in a viral vid- risky manner on Shaikh Jaber A few hours later, Traffic Directorate of Traffic. Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s eo that raised nationwide con- Al Ahmed Al Subah Highway Prosecution confirmed that the Brig Shaikh Abdulrahman directives to strengthen co- demnation. near Sitra, where the driver was He confessed to man was under the influence specified that the app would operation between the two In the video, a white cooler eventually involved in a minor. the accusations of alcohol and that he was re- enable users to monitor wrong branches. minivan was seen “wobbling” Interior Ministry first con- attributed to him manded pending trial. parking violations, considering The lawmaker highlighted from one lane to another while firmed the arrest of the driver in Chief Prosecutor Mohammed its frequency, as he said it will his constituency’s needs re- being driven on Shaikh Isa Bin a tweet posted in the early hours and the Prosecution Al Dhahrani said in a statement create community control of garding services, and praised Salman Al Khalifa Highway yesterday, stating: “Regarding ordered that he be yesterday that the driver was wrong parking violations. the minister’s interest in is- near Umm Al Hassam in the a circulated video, traffic takes held in pre-trial driving in a manner that is risk- However, the Director-Gen- sues that serve the citizens, Capital Governorate. legal steps against a truck driv- detention. ing people’s lives and property, eral’s statement didn’t mention as well as his keenness to Other footage that were wide- er who looks to be under the MR AL DHAHRANI and confirmed that he rammed if users could report other traf- deliver the best services for ly circulated online showed the influence for hitting a vehicle into another vehicle causing fic violations through the app. the citizens and residents.

Appeals court admits murder accused to psychiatric hospital

but I couldn’t find a job,” the The defendant defendant said in his state - • ments. had earlier confessed “I didn’t have any relation- to killing the Indian ship with the victim. I saw victim, 31 years old him on the day of the incident Specialized in Brain Surgery Abdul Nahas, after at dawn and he was drunk. u Brain Tumors I was talking with my Bah - u Brain Hemorrhage (Bleeding) seeing him “walking raini friends on the road and I drunk on the road”. stopped him. u Head Trauma “I asked him about his re- u Epilepsy Surgery Court files showed ligion because I love Bahrain u Brain Endoscopic Surgery Abdul Nahas…the victim that• the defendant and I don’t like to see drunk people walking in public. I Spine Surgery then proceeded with shocking as the 41-year-old ordered him to show me his u Lumbar & Cervical Microscopic torturing the victim tortured his victim, raped him identity card, but he ran away,” Disc Surgery & Fixation and later killing him. and videotaped the process. he explained. DR. SAMY GOUDA The Defence Attorney, Mo- The man claimed that he en- Surgery of Spinal Cord Tumors MD, MS, PHD TDT | Manama hammed Bumtai, pleaded that quired in the neighbourhood his client isn’t guilty, as med- and learnt where the victim Surgery of Peripheral Nerve Consultant of Neurosurgery ical reports proved he isn’t lived. “I went to his apartment Injury & Entrapment & Spine Surgery Sudanese man, who mentally fit at the time when because I wanted to advise Syndromes was sentenced to death the crime took place, claiming him. A last year for raping and that he wasn’t responsible for “He opened the door for me Management of Cases : killing an Indian man in the his actions. and I entered the apartment. Capital Governorate, will be The details of the case show He locked the door and started u Headache admitted to the Psychiatric that the defendant had mur- attacking me. I responded in u Low back pain & leg pain (Sciatica) Hospital as per the orders of dered the victim after encoun- self-defence,” he alleged. the High Criminal Court of tering him on a public road at Court files showed that the u Facial pain & Trigeminal Neuralgia Appeal. dawn. defendant then proceeded u Pain of arms & hands u Neck pain This comes after the Cas- He also sodomised him with torturing the victim and u Dizziness & Vertigo u Epilepsy sation Court has rejected the while he was dying, accord- later killing him. u Weakness & difficulty in walking capital punishment handed ing to medical reports. The To mislead investigators, he u down to a Sudanese man ac- report stated that the victim is said to have written slogans Bleeding in the brain (Stroke) cused of murdering an Indian was strangled to death after on the walls of the apartment u Memory, Cognitive & Behavioral Diseases national, ordering the High he was beaten up. with an intention to get people u Head, Spine & Spinal Cord Injuries Appeals Court to re-hear the The defendant told the pros- belonging to a certain sect in- case. ecutors earlier that he killed dicted in the murder. The Sudanese national was the victim out of his “love for “I decided to pour chlorine FOR APPOINTMENTS 1736 2233 3612 9777 sentenced to death by the First Bahrain” and refusal to see on the body of the victim be- High Criminal Court. drunk men walking publicly. cause I saw in movies that they The court also ordered to He said that he had come to were using chemicals to con- imprison him for five years. Bahrain in search of a job and ceal the traces of crimes. The defendant had earlier that he was a holder of a med- “I also poured alcohol and confessed to killing the Indian ical engineering certificate. powder all around the apart- victim, 31 years old Abdul Na- “I was looking for a job and ment. Before I left I wrote has, after seeing him “walking my sister works as a doctor at some slogans on the walls drunk on the road”. a hospital here. Her employers to mislead investigators,” he The gruesome killing was sponsored me for some time, added. MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2020 04

• The team has already contacted the official Royal Charity Organisation ‘to cover’ concerned parties that have provided the list of names of citizens to be assisted. expenses of Bahraini citizens abroad The team will also co-ordinate• with the Move in line with His Majesty’s directives tour operators to look Security Adviser, Chairman of the citizens who are still abroad be- co-ordinate with the relevant au- Force for Combating the Corona- into the various options Supreme Council for Youth and cause of the Coronavirus (COV- thorities and cover the expenses virus (COVID-19), in addition to all for prompt financial Sports and RCO Board of Trustees ID-19), in co-ordination with the of the citizens during their stay relevant parties. compensation. Chairman,” Mahmood Al Too- relevant authorities, and until The Jaffari Endowments abroad until their return, noting The team’s tasks include deter- blani, the head of the follow-up their return home, the Jaffari Directorate will co- that the expenses will be added to mining the names of the relevant Manama team at the Jaafari Endowments Endowments Council held an ordinate with relevant the Directorate’s budget, based on citizens, in co-ordination with the Department, said. emergency meeting on Saturday authorities and cover HM King Hamad’s instructions. competent authorities, allocating “The follow-up team has under the chairmanship of Yusuf The Jaffari Endowments Coun- a hotline (phone and WhatsApp) he Royal Charity Organi- launched a form to be filled in by Saleh Al Saleh. the expenses of the cil said that the other relevant to follow up on the remarks of sation (RCO) will cover the Bahraini citizens abroad and we Mr Al Saleh extended, on be- citizens during their authorities will follow up on the the citizens, co-ordinating with Texpenses of the Bahrainis look forward to everyone coop- half of the council’s members, stay abroad until their return of the citizens according to all the relevant sides, including in Iran, a Jaafari Endowment De- erating in providing the required deepest thanks and gratitude to return. the pre-set plan. travel agencies, and discussing partment officer has said. data.” HM the King for his kind gesture MR AL SALEH The Jaffari Endowments Coun- the mechanisms to compensate The department has been The team has already contacted that adds to the multiple royal cil formed a work team, led by its the citizens, as well as the period tasked under directives of HM the official concerned parties that achievements for the sake of his ute to His Royal Highness Prince Chairman, to follow up on the on which compensations will be King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa have provided the list of names of loyal people during his prosper- Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the implementation of the royal di- made. to follow up on the expenses of citizens to be assisted, he added. ous era. Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme rectives, and take the necessary The panel will have to submit the Bahraini citizens abroad with The team will also co-ordi- He also praised the precious Commander and First Deputy procedures, in coordination with its recommendations to the com- regard to the coronavirus until nate with the tour operators to royal trust bestowed upon them, Prime Minister, for the tremen- the competent authorities. petent authorities, appoint an their repatriation. look into the various options for pledging to carry on the national dous efforts he is making, as well The work team held its first independent financial auditor, “We truly appreciate this initi- prompt financial compensation. mission to the fullest in order to as his follow-up on all precau- meeting to develop a plan to submit an audited final account ative and the generous gesture by Following the issuance of His meet HM the King’s aspirations. tionary and preventive measures translate HM the King’s directives of the project, regulate media His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Mr Al Saleh stressed that the adopted to combat COVID-19 and into the ground, in co-ordina- communication, respond to all Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative Khalifa’s directives to the Jaffari sound royal directives reflect HM prevent its spread. tion with the Interior Ministry, inquiries and contact all parties of His Majesty the King for Char- Endowments Directorate to fol- the King’s care for all citizens in He pointed out that the Jaffari Foreign Affairs Ministry, Health to implement the royal directives ity and Youth Affairs, National low up the expenses of Bahraini Bahrain and abroad, paying trib- Endowments Directorate will Ministry and the National Task to the fullest. Muharraq ID Centre hailed for providing best services TDT | Manama branch team members urging team to continue their contribu- he Chief Executive of the tions which reflect positively on Information and eGovern- iGA’s services . Tment Authority (iGA), Mo- Muharraq ID Center was part hammed Ali Al Qaed, praised the of the government service centers employees at the Muhraaq Seef (8) centers which were classified Mall branch - ID Card Center for as part of the centers that have their efforts in providing stream- received golden category in Taqy- lined services to all visitors and in eem 2 program following its im- record time. Mr AlQaed during his visit to Muharraq ID Centre. plementation of a host of proce- Mr AlQaed commended the dures and measures that are in line Center’s achievement of winning aimed at evaluating government ed highlighted that iGA has given citizens and residents in ID card service system. with the standards of the evalua- the gold category for a second year service centers performances its utmost care and attention to of- centers, and to provide services ac- Mr AlQaed added that this tion committee, and has resulted in a row as part of His Royal High- “Taqyeem 2” for 2019, expressing fering services to customers in line cording to a flexible work method achievement reaffirms the work in the Golden Shield hanging at ness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al his gratitude and appreciation for with the directives of the Minister to achieve the desired objectives team’s diligence in elevating per- the center due to its excellence Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy this achievement. of Interior Gen Shaikh Rashid bin while ensuring the highest levels formance, increasing productivity in providing services in accord- Supreme Commander and First During his visit to the Muharraq Abdulla Al Khalifa, which called to of comfort for visitors by relying and excelling in service delivery. ance with the highest levels of Deputy Prime Minister’s initiative ID Center this morning, Mr AlQa- continue developing services for on a comprehensive electronic He thanked the supervisor and quality.

Trafco participates in Gulfood Exhibition for seventh consecutive year TDT | Manama the field of food industries with cluding famous brands such as a view to strengthening Bahraini Rainbow, Sadia, Tetley and many rafco Group, the company exports and contributing signif- more. Being one of the oldest food known for providing some icantly to the Bahraini national companies in Bahrain, Trafco has Tof the finest locally pro- economy. gained customers’ trust for its duced and imported from world- On the other hand, visitors commitment to quality and out- wide food products, participated to the Bahraini pavilion at Gul- standing service. for the seventh consecutive year food were able to learn about The Gulfood Expo 2020 was a in Bahrain Pavilion at Gulfood the products of Trafco Group as great success this year as it was 2020, which was held recently in a pioneering Bahraini company attended by 5,000 exhibitors, wel- Dubai World Trade Centre. established in 1977 to become comed more than 100,000 visitors Trafco’s keenness to partici- one of the leading companies in from 200 countries around the pate at this regional exhibition the Kingdom of Bahrain in the world, and included 120 national reflects its constant endeavour food industry. pavilions packed with many spe- to strengthen its local, regional Today the name Trafco has be- cialised products. and global reputation as one of come synonymous with a group This is the seventh participa- the largest food companies in the Trafco officials at the Bahrain Pavilion of Gulfood Exhibition. of the best food products made tion of the Bahraini pavilion in the region. This participation repre- locally and imported from all exhibition. The Bahraini pavilion sents a huge opportunity to ex- This participation also reflects the global markets, in addition to ness relationships with interna- over the world. The company was organized by Worksmart for plore new markets for Trafco’s Trafco’s consideration of Gul- sharing experiences and exper- tional companies and learning provides a wide range of brands Events Management in partner- food products. food as a wide gateway to enter tise, building constructive busi- about modern global trends in and high-quality products in- ship with Alwane Society.

Expo participation success

The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) has concluded its participation in the 20th Saudi International Wedding Exhibition. The Bahraini Pavilion, which covered an area of 25 sam, included exhibitors from hotels including Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa, Al Areen Palace and Spa Bahrain in addition to the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Gulf Air. On the occasion, Acting Director of Marketing and Tourism Promotion Directorate at BTEA, Dr Ali Follad said, “We are delighted to take part in this exceptional event where we will be promoting the Kingdom of Bahrain as a leading destination for weddings and celebrations.” 05 MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2020 business

Gulf Air confirms no change in pricing policy BAC, Travelex ink five-year deal

The airline said it has introduced more flexibility to its traditional fare structure TDT | Manama seat inventory for its network. On the pricing of the Bah- rain – Dammam route, the ulf Air, the national carrier airline said the restriction of Gof Bahrain, confirms that travel through the King Fahad it has not changed its pricing Causeway to Saudi Arabia has policy alongside the preventa- resulted in a spike in demand tive measures taken to combat for air travel between Bahrain Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah and Travelex Managing Director, Tom Fane signed the deal in the presence of the Coronavirus COVID-19. and Dammam. the Minister of Transportation & Telecommunications and BAC Chairman, Kamal Ahmed, and members of the BAC commercial team. The airline said it has in - “Historically, passengers troduced more flexibility to have travelled through the in the region. expectations.” Passenger Terminal Building.” its traditional fare structure King Fahad Causeway and Travelex will operate Commenting, Al Binfalah Fane said: “Over the years, Travelex has also launched to allow passengers to change the airline has seen extremely • said: “Travelex has been a trust- we have built a strong reputa- its website, www.travelex.bh, or refund their tickets during minimal direct travel demand four stores in the ed partner of Bahrain Airport tion in the Kingdom of Bah - enabling customers to book all flight cancellations and sus- for travel between these two airport’s new Passenger Company for many years, and rain by providing efficient and their travel money in advance pensions that have been out of airports. As a result of this new Terminal Building we look forward to offering a customer-centric services. We and collect it at the airport on the airlines’ control. demand, the airline is reducing full range of foreign exchange remain committed to deliver- the day they travel, with a guar- The national carrier said it its pricing between these two Two will be located at services that meet travellers’ ing the same high quality at our antee they get the best rate at applies global airline industry airports and will publish these • last-minute requirements and new branches within the new the time of collection. standards in building its pric- new fares today,” the state- landside, accessible ing structure and managing its ment said. to the public, and two more at airside

TDT | Manama ITHMAAR HOLDING B.S.C. (THE "COMPANY") INVITATION FOR THE ANNUAL ORDINARY “Lucky” Hits Town ravelex, a Finablr company and mar- GENERAL MEETING ket-leading foreign T The Board of Directors of the Company cordially invites the shareholders of the Company ("Shareholders") to attend the Annual exchange specialist, said it will continue to offer its Ordinary General Meeting of the Company (the “Meeting”). The Meeting will be held on Monday 30 of March 2020 commencing at 1:30 p.m. at Ramee Grand Hotel, Al Seef District, Kingdom of Bahrain, to discuss items set forth in the following agendas. In the event services at Bahrain Interna- that the quorum for the Meeting is not achieved, a second Meeting will be held on Wednesday 8 of April 2020 at the same time and tional Airport (BIA) follow- in the same venue. In the event that the quorum for the second Meeting is not achieved, a third Meeting will be held on Thursday ing the signing of a five-year 16 of April 2020 at the same time and in the same venue, regardless of the number of the shareholders who will be in attendance. concession agreement for the operation of multiple AGENDA OF THE ANNUAL ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING: outlets at the new Passenger 1. To receive and approve the minutes of the Ordinary General Meeting of the Company held on 29 of August 2019. Terminal Building. 2. To discuss and approve the Directors’ Report on the Company’s business and financial position for the financial year ended 31 Bahrain Airport Compa- December 2019. ny (BAC) Chief Executive 3. To receive the Sharia Supervisory Board’s Report on the Company’s business for the financial year ended 31 December 2019. Officer, Mohamed Yousif 4. To receive to the External Auditors’ Report on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the financial year ended 31 Al Binfalah and Travelex December 2019. Managing Director, Tom 5. To discuss and approve the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the financial year ended 31 December 2019. Fane signed the deal in the 6. To ratify and authorize, as applicable, the transactions during the financial year ended 31 December 2019, with any related parties or major shareholders, as stated in Note No. 38 of the financial statements in accordance with Article 189 of the Bahrain presence of the Minister Commercial Companies Law No. 21 for the year 2001 and its amendments (“BCCL”). TDT | Manama like. of Transportation & Tele- 7. To discuss and approve the Board of Directors report on the Company’s Corporate Governance for the financial year ended 31 “This is different from any communications and BAC December 2019 and the Company’s compliance with the requirements of the Central Bank of Bahrain (“CBB”) and the BCCL. niquely designed to serve other Prepaid product in the Chairman, Kamal Ahmed, 8. To discharge the Board of Directors of the Company from any liability resulting from the performance of their respective duties Uthe needs of the South market, providing you with and members of the BAC during the financial year ended 31 December 2019. Asian expat community living everything you need in mobile commercial team. 9. To review the aggregate benefits and remuneration of the members of the Sharia Supervisory Board for the financial year in Bahrain, Lucky is launched service,” said Lucky Marketing Travelex will operate four ending 31 December 2020. to deliver great value for the and Communication Specialist stores in the airport’s new 10. To adopt the Board of Directors’ recommendation to appoint the external auditors of the Company for the financial year ending Mobile Prepaid market. Jeevan Sasi. Passenger Terminal Build- 31 December 2020, subject to the approval of the CBB, and to authorize the Board of Directors to determine their remuneration With Lucky, there are many “Being close to the South ing, providing travellers accordingly. chances to win. All-new Asian community, we under- with access to a wide vari- 11. Any other matters arising in accordance with Article 207 of the BCCL. “Lucky” members will receive stand their preferences and are ety of currencies and ser- a Scratch & Win voucher, and delighted to bring this fantas- vices to match their travel NOTES: everyone is a winner! Prizes tic product to the market. We needs. Two will be located 1. Each Shareholder, regardless of the number of the shares he or she owns, shall have the right to attend the Meeting, and shall include a wonderful selection look forward to welcoming our at landside, accessible to have a number of votes equal to the number of shares he or she owns in the Company. Any provision or decision to the contrary shall be null and void. of gift vouchers, motorbikes Lucky members to our family,” the public, and two more and lots more. he added. at airside after passengers 2. Any Shareholder may appoint a proxy to attend the Meeting on their behalf, provided that the proxy holder may not be the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Director serving on the Board of Directors or an employee of the Company. However, this Lucky, powered by Bahrain The new Lucky Shop, lo - pass through security and shall not prejudice the right to delegate a first-degree relative. Legal representatives of the members lacking capacity or under Telecommunications Compa- cated in Batelco Commercial immigration. legal incapacity shall represent them in the Meeting (Article 203 of the BCCL). ny, is a Prepaid product packed Centre Manama, is open every The new terminal, one 3. Shareholders intending to appoint a proxy to represent them at the Meeting are requested to present the proxy form to the with fantastic features. For day from 11 am to 9 pm except of the biggest construction Company or Bahrain Clear B.S.C. (Closed) no later than 24 hours prior to the time of the Meeting. Proxy forms may be obtained only BD8 per month, inclusive Sunday. works undertaken in the from the offices of Bahrain Clear in Bahrain Financial Harbour Gate, Level 4, PO Box 3203, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. of VAT, Lucky members will The lucky sales team in - Kingdom, is four times larg- 4. The Board of Directors report, financial statements of the financial year ended on 31 December 2019 and explanatory benefit from unlimited Lucky troduced the new offer er than the existing facility memorandum may be obtained electronically from the Company's website, Bahrain Bourse website, Boursa Kuwait website, to Lucky calls, 200 minutes for at Lulu Supermarkets in and will boost the airport’s or Dubai Financial Market website, or from the Company's head office at Al Seef Tower, Al Seef District, Manama, Kingdom of calls to other local operators, Hidd, Riffa and Al Dana capacity to 14 million pas- Bahrain or from the share registrar. 10GB of Data and attractive dis- Mall from 4 pm to 10 pm on sengers a year. With this Amr Mohammed Al Faisal counts on international calls to Saturday. new contract, Travelex’s Chairman of the Board of Directors India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Recharge vouchers are avail- tenure as a leading currency Sri Lanka and Nepal. able at the Lucky shop or from exchange provider to Bah- Additionally, “Lucky” mem- authorised resellers through- rain’s airport customers hits Ithmaar Holding B.S.C., C.R.: 15210-20, P.O. Box 2820, Seef District, Kingdom of Bahrain. bers have access to unlimited out Bahrain. For more details, the 20-year mark, making it Tel: (+973) 17584000, Fax: (+973) 17584017, Website: www.ithmaarholding.com TikTok to enjoy hours of fun, visit the Lucky website lucky. one of the longest-standing making as many videos as they com.bh or call 123. relationships Travelex has Licensed as an Investment Firm Category 1 by the Central Bank of Bahrain MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2020 06 Aluminium Bahrain AGM approves dividend

Aluminium Bahrain held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) /Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) yesterday at Al Dana Hall, Alba, Askar, Bahrain

distribution of cash dividend of 1 fils per share of 3% of Alba’s issued share capital and subject rector representing the 10pc public listed shares. Dividends to be distributed [1 per cent of the paid-up capital] equivalent to to the approval of the Central Bank of Bahrain. Commenting, Chairman of Alba’s Board of • BD1.412 million (US$3.756m) for the year ended Besides, the 2019 Corporate Governance Report Directors, Shaikh Daij Bin Salman Bin Daij Al from 25 March 2020 31 December 2019. was tabled before the shareholders and KPMG was Khalifa said: “For 2020, we aim higher and will The dividends will be distributed from 25 re-appointed as the Company’s External Auditors continue to go above and beyond to achieve more Shareholders approve the March 2020 to Alba’s Shareholders of record as for 2020. than our set targets.” appointment• of six directors of 11 March 2020. Shareholders approved the appointment of six During the EGM, the shareholders also ap - Approvals were also given to the recommenda- directors by Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding [names proved the addition of new service activity in tion of the Board of Directors’ total remuneration to be provided once received), Ahmed Al-Duriaan connection to sale/trade of pharmaceutical and TDT | Manama of BD210,000 for the year ended 31 December 2019 and Eyad bin AbdulRahman Al Qaraawi by Sabic medical goods – Pharmacy (non-importing). Also, during the meeting held at Al Dana Hall, Alba, Industrial Investments Co. (SIIC) with Omar bin the amendment and restatement of the Mem- luminium Bahrain’s (Alba) Annual General Askar, Bahrain. Abdulla Al Amoudi representing Sabic Industrial orandum and Articles of Association following Meeting (AGM) /Extraordinary General SICO was approved to provide Market-Making Investments Co. (SIIC) and the election of Mutlaq the amendment to Article 5 were approved by AMeeting (EGM) yesterday approved the services by utilising at any given time a maximum Hamad Al Morished as an independent board Di- the shareholders.

CrediMax launches new card NBB in deal with StartUp Bahrain to boost startup ecosystem payment feature on “MaxWallet” TDT | Manama TDT | Manama he National Bank of Bah- Train announced signing an rediMax announced agreement to become Start- Claunching its latest fea- Up Bahrain’s newest strategic ture allowing users to register partner at its headquarters in and use their debit cards on Manama. MaxWallet. The move NBB said aims at Users are now able to pur- ramping up its efforts to lead chase using any debit card is- the financial sector’s sup - sued by local banks in Bahrain, port in growing and devel - CrediMax statement said. oping the startup ecosystem, CrediMax said it is also cur- its startups and stakehold - rently running its “Use and ers under its #TeamBahrain Win” campaign for MaxWal- vision. let users, giving a chance for Yousif Ali Mirza, Chief Executive The announcement was made three lucky winners to win an in the presence of represent- iPhone 11 Pro Max each. all our POS terminals including atives from the National Bank The campaign will run till the latest smart POS without of Bahrain (NBB), and StartUp 30th of April, 2020 where the need to use separate de- Bahrain stakeholders. The deal signing cardholders can enter the vices. CrediMax QR solution Commenting on the occa - raffle for any usage amount. supports the acceptance of sion, Head of Commercial & local talent to realise their goal words and this partnership is a with Startup Bahrain will be Full campaign details can be both MaxWallet and Benefit- SMEs at NBB, Arif Janahi said, of becoming future business clear testimony of the National an opportunity for young chal- viewed on CrediMax website Pay users on all CrediMax POS “Through our partnership with leaders while helping them Bank of Bahrain’s vision and lengers and disruptors to learn or social media channels. terminals StartUp Bahrain, we look for- to unleash their full potential drive to help grow and develop from one of Bahrain’s most Users are able to scan and MaxWallet is available on ward to stepping into the next and thrive in today’s business the startup ecosystem and the established financial institu- pay using their MaxWallet on both Android and iOS. wave of innovation and contrib- environment.” innovation it brings to Bahrain’s tions. It is collaborative, mutu- uting towards the Kingdom’s Speaking on this partnership, digital economy.” ally beneficial partnerships like national efforts to progress as a representative of StartUp Bah- Pakiza Abdulrahman, Head this that Bahrain’s thriving, the a digital economy. We endeav- rain, Bader Kamal, said, “I be- of Startups at the Bahrain EDB, world-class startup ecosystem GCCCAC names Al Amri as board our to support and empower lieve actions speak louder than said: “This new partnership is founded upon”. member representing Saudi NBB partners with Eagle Hills Diyar for Marassi Al Bahrain project

The agreement allows• NBB customers Fahad Bin Ali Al Amr Nasser Al Mogahwi to benefit from special TDT | Manama Arbitration Centres. Besides, offerings on mortgage he previously served as Vice loans when purchasing President of the Discipline he Gulf Cooperation Committee of the Saudi Arabi- properties in Marassi Al TCouncil Commercial Ar- an Football Federation for two Bahrain Development bitration Centre (GCCCAC) has years and he is also an accred- announced appointing legal ited Arbitrator by the Saudi TDT | Manama advisor Fahad Bin Ali Al Amri Ministry of Justice.” the board member represent- Al Mogahwi continued, “In he National Bank of ing the Kingdom of Saudi Ara- addition to that, Al Amri is a Bahrain (NBB) said it has bia. member of the Advisory Com- Tsigned a collaborative Al Amri replaces previous mittee of the Ministry of Econ- agreement with Eagle Hills Di- Saudi representative in the omy and planning for evaluat- yar (EHD) to provide NBB cus- GCCCAC’s board of directors ing the governance of the audit tomers with special offers for The deal was signed by Subah A. Latif Al Zayani, Head of Retail Banking at NBB and Dr Maher Al Shaer, Managing Director Mansour Al Shathri, said Sec- system and control and an - properties within a waterfront of Eagle Hills Diyar retary-General in charge Nas- ti-corruption, he is a member development project, Marassi ser Al Mogahwi. of the Arab Federation of In- Al Bahrain in Diyar Al Muhar- Al Mogahwi added, “Al Amri ternational Arbitration and an raq. when purchasing properties in the deal extends housing solu- tration charges.” occupies a leading role in the arbitrator as well. Moreover, The signing ceremony was Marassi Al Bahrain Develop- tions at competitive rates, and Also commenting, Dr Al Shaer council of Saudi chambers Al Amri previously served as a held on 18th February 2020 at ment. The deal was signed by “our mortgage loans to prospec- said, “As a highly successful ad- since he is the Secretary-Gen- member of the Advisory Group the EHD Sales Centre in Marassi Subah A. Latif Al Zayani, Head tive buyers, facilitating their dition to the Kingdom’s real es- eral’s assistant in the legal of the National Exhibition and Al Bahrain. of Retail Banking at NBB and purchase of any of the resi - tate sector, we look forward to matters of the council and, he Conference Program of the The agreement allows NBB Dr Maher Al Shaer, Managing dential units under Marassi Al welcoming NBB customers to is the Vice-Chairman of the General Authority for Tourism customers to benefit from spe- Director of Eagle Hills Diyar. Bahrain development including the Marassi way of life i.e. true Standing Committee of Saudi and National Heritage.” cial offerings on mortgage loans Commenting, Al Zayani said complementary property regis- waterfront living.” MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2020 07

India’s Yes Bank founder remanded in police custody on money-laundering charges UK to deliver post-Brexit budget under virus cloud

ing costs and damage to wildlife. Finance minister Analysts also expect the new • budget to provide greater de- Rishi Sunak, will tail on the government’s fiscal present the budget plans. “There’s the implication that Sunak’s task is to there will be a lot of increased carry• out Johnson’s goal investment spending,” said Paul Johnson, director of the Insti- of boosting improved tute for Fiscal Studies. productivity in cities “But for all the chanting about Yes Bank founder Rana Kapoor arrives at the Enforcement Directorate outside London the number of additional police office after leaving Sessions Court for alleged money laundering charges in officers and hospitals and so Mumbai, India The prime minister on... there’s very little in there, • in terms of actual promises for due to public outrage against wants greater say over changes to day-to-day spend- Yes Bank tried Yes Bank after India’s central Treasury policy Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak is looking to deliver on Boris Johnson’s ing or indeed promises for tax unsuccessfully• for bank placed the bank under election promises changes.” a moratorium and imposed The coronavirus The government is promis- months to raise the limits on withdrawals. is• also expected to Brexit and allowed Britain to ing 20,000 extra police officers capital it needs to Weighed down by an in - quit the European Union on and greater investment in the cloud the outlook for stay above regulatory creasing pile of bad debt, Yes January 31. country’s state-run hospitals Bank tried unsuccessfully for the British economy. Sunak won’t sit on “Sunak won’t sit on his hands -- but details on National Health requirements months to raise the capital it his hands in the in the budget, in the face of the Service spending, in particular, needs to stay above regulatory AFP | London budget, in the face meltdown in financial markets have been sketchy. Reuters | Mumbai requirements. of the meltdown in and growing concerns that the Britain’s departure from the On Thursday, the Reserve financial markets coronavirus is developing into European Union has cost tax- n Indian court yesterday Bank of India (RBI) took con- ritain unveils its first and growing concerns a pandemic,” said Ruth Gregory, payers more than £4 billion Aremanded the founder trol of Yes Bank and said it post-Brexit budget on that the coronavirus economist at Capital Economics ($5.2 billion, 4.6 billion euros) and former managing direc- would work on a revival plan. BWednesday and analysts is developing into a research group. in extra government costs, the tor of crisis-hit Yes Bank Ltd in State Bank of India said on expect Prime Minister Boris “The chancellor’s first prior- National Audit Office said on police custody until March 11 Saturday it would invest funds Johnson to press ahead with pandemic ity will be to unveil a package Friday. after he was arrested on mon- to buy a 49% stake in Yes Bank major spending on infrastruc- RUTH GREGORY, ECONOMIST AT CAPITAL of targeted measures to help ey-laundering charges. as part of the initial phase of ture, despite the economic fall- ECONOMICS RESEARCH GROUP. offset any damage inflicted by Viral fallout India’s Enforcement Direc- a rescue deal for the troubled out from the coronavirus. the virus.” The coronavirus is also ex- torate, the country’s federal fi- lender. Finance minister Rishi Sunak, pected to cloud the outlook for nancial crime agency, arrested Last week finance minister who will present the budget Javid resigned, and was re- Delivering on promises the British economy. Rana Kapoor early yesterday Nirmala Sitharaman said Yes after his predecessor Sajid placed by his deputy Sunak, The second “will be to deliver On the eve of Brexit, the Bank after hours of interrogation Bank had granted loans to enti- Javid resigned unexpectedly after Johnson offered to keep the government’s 2019 manifes- of England cut its growth fore- and searches at his and his ties including bankrupt Dewan last month, is also scheduled on the former chancellor only to promises and set the wheels casts for this year and next, as daughters’ residences in Delhi Housing and Finance Ltd. to outline emergency funding if he sacked all of his political in motion on raising investment the country faces tough nego- and Mumbai. In the court the Enforce - measures in the battle against advisers. spending,” Gregory said. tiations with the EU on a new Kapoor was produced in a ment Directorate lawyer COVID-19. The prime minister wants The government has said trade deal. Mumbai court in western Ma- alleged that Yes Bank had Before the novel coronavirus greater say over Treasury poli- full construction work on the Recent official data showed harashtra state and a case of bought 37 billion rupees worth hit the headlines, Chancellor cy following the Conservatives’ long-delayed HS2 would be- that growth slowed to zero in money laundering has been debentures of Dewan Housing, of the Exchequer Sunak had victory in the general election in gin next month after Johnson the final quarter of last year as registered against him. which had granted a 6 billion said the budget “will deliver” December that finally unlocked backed the project despite soar- manufacturing shrank. Sunil Gonsalves, represent- rupee loan to a company called on recent government promis- The Bank of England is pre- ing the Enforcement Direc- Doit, owned by Kapoor’s three es of “unleashing the country’s dicted to follow the lead of the torate, said at the hour-long daughters. potential”. US Federal Reserve and cut its hearing the total proceeds of The lawyer said the feder- However, the government has own interest rates to support the alleged crime amounted al agency believes the loan to now delayed publication of its the British economy as the coro- to 43 billion Indian rupees Doit was a kickback for Yes National Infrastructure Strate- navirus hurts global growth. ($581.07 million), and that Ka- Bank subscribing to the de - gy -- a more long-term outlook Last week, the BoE’s incom- poor had refused to cooperate bentures of Dewan Housing. on improving British transport ing chief Andrew Bailey said with the investigation. Kapoor and his lawyers said connections while achieving UK-based companies would Kapoor denied this. the debentures were AAA rated net-zero emissions nationwide need help in the face of disrup- “I want to cooperate with and Doit is servicing the debt by 2050. tions to supplies triggered by them,” he told the court on time. In the immediate term, the disease. through tears. “I’m willing to The Enforcement Direc- 39-year-old Sunak’s task is to Bailey, who takes over from cooperate day and night de- torate lawyer also said that carry out Johnson’s goal of governor Mark Carney on spite the fact that I haven’t the loan to Doit was extended boosting improved productivi- March 16, singled out small and slept a wink.” against a collateral of 7 billion ty in cities outside London via medium-sized firms for such Zain Shroff, Kapoor’s law- rupees, while the actual value massive infrastructure projects, aid, likely under a joint effort yer, told the court his client of the assets is just 400 million such as the new high-speed rail- with British retail banks and the had been made “a scapegoat” rupees. way HS2. Sajid Javid resigned unexpectedly last month government. Women’s bank helps Ivorian children to swap labour for class Kokoti-Kouamekro | Ivory Coast ed to back about 30 women in women of the village associa- the people who work on the In a poor farming village in an association called Bakpa-elai, tion chose to save almost one land in place of the children we Ivory Coast, women are cele- which watches out for children’s euro apiece, after harvesting and used in the past. One of us has brating a new development that interests. selling yams, cassava, corn and even been able to buy a comput- is allowing them to send their It helped create a “feminine other food products. er for her student son,” Amani children to school instead of cell for economic reinforcement The collected money was said. working in the country’s cocoa (Cefrec)”, the formal term for placed in a box that requires Empowered by working to- plantations. the women’s bank. three “key keepers” with joint gether, women are also challeng- Until now, many families earn- Since 2018, the ICI has set access, to reduce any risk of ing traditions in a rural culture ing less than a dollar (a euro) a up 14 Cefrec units in the co - embezzlement or tempta - where the father of the family day had no choice but to send coa-growing parts to specialise tion. People who are late for makes all the decisions. The their offspring to work beside in savings and credit with the weekly financial meetings are number of women members of adults in the fields. aim of promoting children. fined. the Bakpa-elai association in Crippling poverty is a major For these Ivorian children, the canteen is a big draw of primary schooling made These local units opened the “In one year, we mobilised Kokoti-Kouamekro doubled in factor in the widespread use possible by village women way for numerous money-mak- about 3.8 million CFA francs one year. of child labour in Ivory Coast, ing activities, including small (about 5,800 euros / $6,500), “I find the women formida- which is the world’s top cocoa with the goal of protecting chil- The ICI identified 200 child shops and other business con- and spent two million, with a ble,” said Marcel Amani, a cocoa producer. dren. workers out of 900 people on cerns, in Kokoti-Kouamekro and positive balance of 1.8 million,” planter. But now with the help of a The International Cocoa In- the plantations of Kokoti-Koua- other villages. said Patricia Kouadio Amami, “We used to send the kids out Swiss-based foundation, wom- itiative (ICI) has been working mekro, a village of some 2,000 the president of the association, into the fields. Since the women en in plantations around Koko- since 2007 towards the goal of people in the Taabo region, 200 Paying the workers clad in a multicoloured dress created this association, all that ti-Kouamekro are turning to a ending child labour in Ivory kilometres (125 miles) from With seeds, boots and ma - and headscarf. has stopped,” he said. “They de- network of small savings banks Coast and neighbouring Ghana. Abidjan. The foundation decid- chetes supplied by the ICI, the “Thanks to our bank, we pay serve our respect.” GIVE A MAN A FISH AND YOU FEED HIM FOR A DAY; TEACH QUOTE OF THE A MAN TO FISH AND YOU DAY FEED HIM FOR A LIFETIME. MAIMONIDES MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2020

How Joe Biden went from political heavyweight to underdog and back again? The former American vice-president has pulled off an astonishing rise to the head of the Democratic pack

HUSSEIN IBISH ents in South Carolina. egates going into the convention Two other centrist Democratic this summer, Democratic leaders ast week saw one of the great- candidates, Pete Buttigieg and Amy and elected officials will choose est political comebacks in Klobuchar, withdrew from the race between a long-time stalwart and LAmerican history, not only for and endorsed Biden, as did many someone who never even agreed to Joe Biden, or even the Democratic other leaders in the party. join their party at all. The outcome Party, but for reason, seriousness Until then, the Democrats seemed is obvious. and sanity. on course to repeat the Republican Meanwhile, Mr Trump looks in- Two weeks ago, Mr Biden, a for- debacle of a hostile takeover by Mr creasingly vulnerable. mer American vice president, was Trump in 2016. After the Iowa and The spread of coronavirus has given up for dead. He suffered mas- Nevada results, the party seemed to cast his administration as woefully sive defeats in primaries – as party be collapsing in the face of a con- unprepared, particularly when it elections in the US are known – in certed insurgency from a radical comes to testing. Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada. but unified minority of about 25 per The President’s wild statements Now he is not only the likely Dem- cent that supported Mr Sanders. – such as declarations that criti - ocratic nominee for president, but It now appears, however, that the cism of his handling of the virus is a it seems increasingly realistic he party is more resilient than many “hoax”, or his blaming slow testing could go on to beat incumbent Pres- thought. on his predecessor, Barack Obama, ident Donald Trump in November. Mr Biden emerged as the main and many other comments that sig- Mr Biden spent much less than competitor to Mr Sanders after nificantly downplay the crisis or many of his competitors. He had South Carolina. Mainstream Dem- cast it in political, and even personal also barely set foot in several of ocrats suddenly united, handing Mr terms – may well haunt him. A lack the states he won. What happened Biden a stunning set of victories on of testing available throughout the was the sudden coalescing of the March 3, a day known in the jar - US, in particular, is a potentially Democratic Party’s moderate centre gon of American politics as “Super devastating scandal. around a plausible and time-test- Tuesday.” Once the personal, social and eco- ed leader, no matter how elderly Still, Mr Sanders and another sen- nomic impact of the crisis is truly and uninspiring, as the best cor- ator, Elizabeth Warren, have pushed felt by ordinary Americans in their rective to both Mr Trump and the the Democratic conversation sig- daily lives, Mr Trump, as president, self-described “democratic social- nificantly to the left. To unite their clearly unreachable. However, mil- world exploit this fear and anger, strong poll numbers. will – fairly or not – inevitably be ist” Bernie Sanders, who has yet party and effectively challenge Mr lions of Trump voters are primarily promising to reorient society in the Of course, Mr Sanders could make held responsible. As with the econ- to even formally join the party for Trump, centrist Democrats must motivated by economic and social favour of their respective bases. a comeback, particularly since Mr omy, no one else, including the vice which he is running. now develop serious policies to – not racial or cultural – grievances. It is a potent message, but Mr Biden did. Mr Trump’s win in 2016, president or a predecessor, can be The turning point was the South tackle the pressing issues those two They are angry at feeling left behind Sanders now seems to have no real moreover, is evidence that the im- effectively blamed when a calamity Carolina primary on February 29, senators ran on, such as income in an era of unprecedented – and path to the nomination. Primaries probable is still very possible. But in ensues. which delivered a landslide win to inequality, health and child care, frightening –technological, social in his strongest areas, including Mr Sanders’s case, it seems increas- Americans are already watching Mr Biden, mainly due to the backing immigration and student debt. and economic transformation. California, are over. Mr Biden has ingly unlikely. not only their government failing to of Jim Clyburn, an African-Ameri- White nationalists and religious Mr Trump, Mr Sanders and other momentum, the support of numer- If, as seems more plausible, nei- meet the challenge, but also serious can congressman and his constitu- fanatics among Mr Trump’s base are left and right populists around the ous trusted and popular figures and ther has a majority of pledged del- and once-respected officials and Turkey-Russia ceasefire deal has failed the Syrian refugees Missing in Moscow was a longer-term view on ending the war. This is a problem, as the quagmire will only expand in the country

RAGHIDHA DERGHAM forces, Ankara’s response would be even harsher than it has been so far. f there is one takeaway from In other words, the ceasefire Thursday’s meeting between might amount to a mere tempo - ITurkey’s President Recep Tayy- rary cessation of hostilities. Even ip Erdogan and his Russian counter- the safe corridor under discussion part Vladimir Putin, it is that their between the Turkish and Russian ceasefire deal will not bring long- defence ministers holds little sig- term stability to Syria. The summit nificance beyond keeping a channel in Moscow might have offered some open between their forces. face-saving measures for both lead- Missing from Moscow was a ers, but it did not revive the political longer-term view on ending the process or offer a roadmap for a Syrian conflict that began in 2011. lasting ceasefire. This is a problem because, absent For sure, the summit did not pro- this, any ceasefire is bound to be vide either leader with a win. Mr short-lived and the quagmire will Erdogan received none of what he only expand in Syria with all the demanded – neither the withdrawal stakeholders further digging in their of Syrian regime forces back to the heels. lines stipulated by an agreement For Mr Erdogan in particular, this made between Turkey and Russia is a deepening crisis. Problems be- last year, nor the end of Russian tween Ankara and Moscow could support for the regime’s offensives. deprive the Turkish president of an Mr Putin, too, failed to receive what important bargaining chip in his on- he was after – namely, a commit- going negotiations with the US and ment from his Turkish counter - Nato, of which Turkey is a member. part to take action against groups Second, insistence upon Turkish in north-western Syria that Russia dominance in northern Syria will in- considers to be terrorists. evitably lead to a confrontation with If the meeting had any positive Russia, because Moscow will not outcome, it was that Russia’s foreign cease its support for Syrian regime ministry had succeeded in urging forces. In the absence of any sign of Mr Putin to seek a diplomatic res- an imminent political settlement – olution rather than military con- and with Mr Erdogan’s public oppo- frontation with Turkey. That said, sition to elections in Syria until the to go to Moscow, and could not European continent, where leaders Erdogan’s position inside Nato is – including Ankara’s purchase of the joint news conference that fol- country’s refugees are repatriated convince the Russian leadership to are accusing him of blackmail: Mr at an especially low point. Indeed, the Russian-made S-400 missile lowed the meeting did not inspire – the Turkish president will strug- hold the meeting in Ankara is fur- Erdogan is currently encouraging the US – the leading member of the system, despite strong American confidence. For his part, Mr Erdo- gle to resolve the many challenges ther evidence of the pressure Mr Er- the travel of large numbers of Syrian alliance – does not trust Mr Erdo- and Nato opposition. The system is gan made it clear that if the Assad facing his political career. dogan is under. Adding to the voices refugees from Turkey to Europe. gan and was unimpressed by his not yet operational in Turkey, with regime continued to attack Turkish The fact that Mr Erdogan had against him are several from the It has also not helped that Mr policy directions in recent times Washington considering the possi-

Hon. Chairman Najeb Yacob Alhamer | Editor-in-Chief Mahmood AI Mahmood | Chairman & Managing Director P Unnikrishnan | Advertisement: Update Media W.L.L | Tel: 38444692, Email: [email protected] | Newsroom: Tel: 38444680, Email: [email protected] Subscription & circulation: Tel: 36458394 | Email:[email protected] | Website: www.newsofbahrain.com | Printed and published by Al Ayam Publishing GIVE A MAN A FISH AND YOU FEED HIM FOR A DAY; TEACH TODAY 1776 1796 1811 1815 QUOTE A MAN TO FISH AND YOU OF THE DAY IN The Wealth of Nations by Napoléon Bonaparte marries Paraguayan forces defeat Francis Ronalds describes the DAY FEED HIM FOR A LIFETIME. HISTORY Scottish economist and his first wife, Joséphine de Manuel Belgrano at the first battery-operated clock in the MAIMONIDES philosopher Adam Smith is Beauharnais. Battle of Tacuarí. Philosophical Magazine. MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2020 published.

How Joe Biden went from political heavyweight to underdog and back again? Heavy metals in dust TOP a growing threat The former American vice-president has pulled off an astonishing rise to the head of the Democratic pack TWEETS4 HUSSEIN IBISH ents in South Carolina. egates going into the convention Mr Trump has also have rejected him because they do Two other centrist Democratic this summer, Democratic leaders blundered by saying he not feel part of any “democratic ast week saw one of the great- candidates, Pete Buttigieg and Amy and elected officials will choose socialist” coalition, and because 01 est political comebacks in Klobuchar, withdrew from the race between a long-time stalwart and intends to cut popular they sense that Mr Trump’s 2016 LAmerican history, not only for and endorsed Biden, as did many someone who never even agreed to government services winning coalition is larger. Joe Biden, or even the Democratic other leaders in the party. join their party at all. The outcome including public pension Their more serious bet, though, is Party, but for reason, seriousness Until then, the Democrats seemed is obvious. payments and health care. that Mr Biden’s emerging coalition, KOTA SRIRAJ and sanity. on course to repeat the Republican Meanwhile, Mr Trump looks in- In 2016, he was elected very similar to that of Mr Obama, Two weeks ago, Mr Biden, a for- debacle of a hostile takeover by Mr creasingly vulnerable. by loudly insisting he was is significantly larger than that of mer American vice president, was Trump in 2016. After the Iowa and The spread of coronavirus has the only Republican, and Mr Trump. e have a perfectly he heavy metals content in indoor and outdoor dust given up for dead. He suffered mas- Nevada results, the party seemed to cast his administration as woefully Mr Biden’s astonishing and un- Wcoordinated and in Bahrain is fast becoming a growing concern. The sive defeats in primaries – as party be collapsing in the face of a con- unprepared, particularly when it even the only candidate, precedented political resurrection fine tuned plan at the presence of lead, zinc, cadmium and chromium be- who would protect such T elections in the US are known – in certed insurgency from a radical comes to testing. demonstrates the folly of presum- White House for our at- sides nickel are being found in increasing quantities in the Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada. but unified minority of about 25 per The President’s wild statements programmes. ing anything and the importance of tack on CoronaVirus. We dust content leading to the same being inhaled and therefore Now he is not only the likely Dem- cent that supported Mr Sanders. – such as declarations that criti - remembering that the unexpected moved VERY early to close posing immense health issues. There is an urgent need to ocratic nominee for president, but It now appears, however, that the cism of his handling of the virus is a can happen. borders to certain areas, conduct periodic checks to establish the source and concen- it seems increasingly realistic he party is more resilient than many “hoax”, or his blaming slow testing Given the supersonic speed of which was a Godsend. tration levels of these heavy metals and how the same can be could go on to beat incumbent Pres- thought. on his predecessor, Barack Obama, Washington politics in the Trump V.P. is doing a great job. controlled and brought down. The correlation of these dust ident Donald Trump in November. Mr Biden emerged as the main and many other comments that sig- agencies publicly embarrass them- era, November seems an aeon away. The Fake News Media is particles rich in heavy metals to various respiratory and other Mr Biden spent much less than competitor to Mr Sanders after nificantly downplay the crisis or selves to serve Mr Trump’s personal But if the Democrats continue doing everything possible diseases must also be researched and conclusions drawn. many of his competitors. He had South Carolina. Mainstream Dem- cast it in political, and even personal messaging and self-regard. to refuse any repetition of the Re- to make us look bad. Sad! Vehicular and refinery pollution is playing a major role also barely set foot in several of ocrats suddenly united, handing Mr terms – may well haunt him. A lack Mr Trump has also blundered publican Party’s shift to the radical @realDonaldTrump in the increasing incidence of heavy metals in dust. This is the states he won. What happened Biden a stunning set of victories on of testing available throughout the by saying he intends to cut popu- right after Mr Obama’s election, and causing a threat to the health of the population especially the was the sudden coalescing of the March 3, a day known in the jar - US, in particular, is a potentially lar government services including its subsequent inability to defeat a 02 elderly citizens and small children. The first step is to ensure Democratic Party’s moderate centre gon of American politics as “Super devastating scandal. public pension payments and health hostile takeover by Mr Trump, they that the daily quantification of the emissions levels of these around a plausible and time-test- Tuesday.” Once the personal, social and eco- care. In 2016, he was elected by will be throwing moderate Ameri- harmful substances is done accurately especially around traf- ed leader, no matter how elderly Still, Mr Sanders and another sen- nomic impact of the crisis is truly loudly insisting he was the only can politics a crucial lifeline. fic hot spots. This will enable the authorities to take remedial and uninspiring, as the best cor- ator, Elizabeth Warren, have pushed felt by ordinary Americans in their Republican, and even the only can- Democrats, from the grassroots to measures and help cut down the sources of these emissions rective to both Mr Trump and the the Democratic conversation sig- daily lives, Mr Trump, as president, didate, who would protect such party leaders, appear determined to either by bringing down traffic volume in that specific area self-described “democratic social- nificantly to the left. To unite their clearly unreachable. However, mil- world exploit this fear and anger, strong poll numbers. will – fairly or not – inevitably be programmes. nominate Mr Biden. or tightening the pollution check on the vehicles. ist” Bernie Sanders, who has yet party and effectively challenge Mr lions of Trump voters are primarily promising to reorient society in the Of course, Mr Sanders could make held responsible. As with the econ- Biden attack adverts for the No- They would not only be rejecting But heavy metals in dust has been an abiding problem in to even formally join the party for Trump, centrist Democrats must motivated by economic and social favour of their respective bases. a comeback, particularly since Mr omy, no one else, including the vice vember election on the economy, their own self-defeating maximal- oo many barriers have Bahrain. In a study conducted in 1992 by Salim Akhter, M which he is running. now develop serious policies to – not racial or cultural – grievances. It is a potent message, but Mr Biden did. Mr Trump’s win in 2016, president or a predecessor, can be the virus and the future of these ism. They would offer millions of Tkept women from Madany, I M heavy metals in street and house dust in Bahrain The turning point was the South tackle the pressing issues those two They are angry at feeling left behind Sanders now seems to have no real moreover, is evidence that the im- effectively blamed when a calamity programmes may write and produce other Americans, including Repub- equal opportunities in far were found to be at significant levels. Nearly 18 years later Carolina primary on February 29, senators ran on, such as income in an era of unprecedented – and path to the nomination. Primaries probable is still very possible. But in ensues. themselves. licans and former Trump voters, too many parts of the world. the problem is still persisting not to mention the fact that the which delivered a landslide win to inequality, health and child care, frightening –technological, social in his strongest areas, including Mr Sanders’s case, it seems increas- Americans are already watching Mr Sanders has a sizeable and the chance to elect a reasonable, Women’s participation in population is facing the adverse impacts of this pollution all Mr Biden, mainly due to the backing immigration and student debt. and economic transformation. California, are over. Mr Biden has ingly unlikely. not only their government failing to devoted coalition, and the 2016 competent and serious government. society leads to more peace- along. Apart from controlling the vehicular pollution, Bah- of Jim Clyburn, an African-Ameri- White nationalists and religious Mr Trump, Mr Sanders and other momentum, the support of numer- If, as seems more plausible, nei- meet the challenge, but also serious election shows that anything can That would be powerfully appeal- ful, prosperous, and safe raini authorities must also engage a sharp focus can congressman and his constitu- fanatics among Mr Trump’s base are left and right populists around the ous trusted and popular figures and ther has a majority of pledged del- and once-respected officials and still happen. But many Democrats ing. Don’t bet against it. communities. @StateDept on other aspects such as metalloid emissions is dedicated to promoting The role of from industrial areas, the usage of leaded gas- equality on #International- authorities, oline and paints, use of certain pesticides and WomensDay and every day. corporate and fertilisers all of which have a role in the spiking @SecPompeo the scientific of heavy metals in dust and soil. environmental There are have been numerous researches Turkey-Russia ceasefire deal has failed the Syrian refugees done that provide sufficient evidence that the 03 community is ingestion and inhalation of heavy metals via very important their presence in dust lead to the same accu- Missing in Moscow was a longer-term view on ending the war. This is a problem, as the quagmire will only expand in the country in bringing about mulating in the fatty tissues. Of human body thereby eventually disrupting the nervous sys- the much required tem functioning and also adversely impacting change in the soil the endocrine system. The worst part is the RAGHIDHA DERGHAM forces, Ankara’s response would be Unfortunately, the en the fate of Iran’s regime, not only quality as well as fact that constant exposure to the heavy metal even harsher than it has been so far. policies pursued by because the ruling clerics there have ailways celebrated ensuring that that in dust can cause mutagenic, teratogenic and f there is one takeaway from In other words, the ceasefire obstructed the measures necessary R#InternationalWom- presence of heavy carcinogenic impact on human beings. Apart Thursday’s meeting between might amount to a mere tempo - all the stakeholders in to prevent an epidemic, but also ensDay by flagging off an from the adverse health impacts the presence ITurkey’s President Recep Tayy- rary cessation of hostilities. Even Syria’s future do not take because authorities seem to have all-women crew train at metals is brought of heavy metals in ambient dust content also ip Erdogan and his Russian counter- the safe corridor under discussion into consideration the no system in place to measure how the Hubli Railway Station down significantly has a detrimental impact on ecology, flora and part Vladimir Putin, it is that their between the Turkish and Russian humanitarian crisis. What is much the virus has spread. As one in Karnataka. Creating an in the dust levels. fauna. Those aspects of ecology that survive on ceasefire deal will not bring long- defence ministers holds little sig- distressing about it is, there Iranian told me, the bazaar culture atmosphere for women to the quality of soil find it extremely challenging term stability to Syria. The summit nificance beyond keeping a channel seems no light at the end of cannot be stopped and quarantines grow & succeed, Railways to survive in good health if the soil is laced with in Moscow might have offered some open between their forces. the tunnel for the millions are a strange concept to their cul- is proud of the accomplish- chemicals and heavy metals. face-saving measures for both lead- Missing from Moscow was a ture. So far, controlling the outbreak ments of the women em- The reversal of these conditions is critical for Bahrain’s ers, but it did not revive the political longer-term view on ending the of ordinary civilians. has proved extremely difficult, and ployees. #SheInspiresUs ambient air quality as well as the health of its people. Regular process or offer a roadmap for a Syrian conflict that began in 2011. the Iranian leadership might not be @PiyushGoyal dust sample from the streets and indoors are essential to es- lasting ceasefire. This is a problem because, absent able to avert a larger disaster. tablish whether the problem is contained, growing or critical. For sure, the summit did not pro- this, any ceasefire is bound to be It is therefore possible that Iran’s 04 There must be a baseline data, and a target data against which vide either leader with a win. Mr short-lived and the quagmire will external agenda, especially in Syria the regularly compiled readings can be compared to. Also, the Erdogan received none of what he only expand in Syria with all the but also Iraq and Lebanon, could in- incidence of health complaints must be researched with the demanded – neither the withdrawal stakeholders further digging in their creasingly take a backseat. However, help of the citizens and hospital authorities to establish the of Syrian regime forces back to the heels. bility of helping Ankara to replace this does not mean that the Islamic diseases that are on rise due to the presence of heavy metals lines stipulated by an agreement For Mr Erdogan in particular, this it with the Patriot Missile system Revolutionary Guard Corps – the in dust levels. This will help scientists, environmentalists made between Turkey and Russia is a deepening crisis. Problems be- – although the idea is likely to fall regime’s militia – will suspend their isolate the specific heavy metals that are causing a direct last year, nor the end of Russian tween Ankara and Moscow could through. operations in the various theatres impact on health of the people and resulting in the onset of support for the regime’s offensives. deprive the Turkish president of an Meanwhile, a notable absentee across the Middle East. And it will n #International- related health disorders. Mr Putin, too, failed to receive what important bargaining chip in his on- from the Moscow summit – aside not necessarily mean that Iran’s OWomensDay we’re The role of authorities, corporate and the scientific envi- he was after – namely, a commit- going negotiations with the US and from Mr Al Assad himself – was woes could force it to reconsider inspired by the gener- ronmental community is very important in bringing about the ment from his Turkish counter - Nato, of which Turkey is a member. Iran. The regime in Tehran and its policies and respond to US and ations of women who much required change in the soil quality as well as ensuring part to take action against groups Second, insistence upon Turkish Hezbollah, its ally in Lebanon, are European calls to renegotiate the fought for equal rights and that that presence of heavy metals is brought down signifi- in north-western Syria that Russia dominance in northern Syria will in- knee-deep in Syria’s troubles for nuclear deal and abandon its ex- women around the world cantly in the dust levels. The fact that we tend to disregard considers to be terrorists. evitably lead to a confrontation with a variety of reasons. But both Iran pansionist ambitions. As I have been fighting for equality today. household and street dust as inconsequential can prove quite If the meeting had any positive Russia, because Moscow will not and Lebanon are struggling through told, flexibility is out of the question Rights have never been costly as the same can cause irreparable damage to health and outcome, it was that Russia’s foreign cease its support for Syrian regime deepening crises in their own coun- despite the regime being weighed given from above. They environment both. So therefore apart from the authorities, ministry had succeeded in urging forces. In the absence of any sign of tries. Their choice today is between down by sanctions. are always won through corporate and scientific community, it is absolutely critical Mr Putin to seek a diplomatic res- an imminent political settlement – staying in Syria and participating Unfortunately, the policies pur- collective struggle. for the common man to be aware of this problem of exposure olution rather than military con- and with Mr Erdogan’s public oppo- in the conflict in a mere auxiliary sued by all the stakeholders in Syr- @jeremycorbyn to heavy metals in his absolute proximity of daily life. Once frontation with Turkey. That said, sition to elections in Syria until the to go to Moscow, and could not European continent, where leaders Erdogan’s position inside Nato is – including Ankara’s purchase of role, or withdrawing to attend to ia’s future do not take into consid- the assistance and cooperation of the common man is availed the joint news conference that fol- country’s refugees are repatriated convince the Russian leadership to are accusing him of blackmail: Mr at an especially low point. Indeed, the Russian-made S-400 missile their domestic problems, ranging eration the humanitarian crisis. Disclaimer: (Views expressed through awareness generation, the first successful step to- lowed the meeting did not inspire – the Turkish president will strug- hold the meeting in Ankara is fur- Erdogan is currently encouraging the US – the leading member of the system, despite strong American from economic crises to mass pop- What is distressing about it is, there by columnists are personal and wards controlling the levels of heavy metals can begin. It is confidence. For his part, Mr Erdo- gle to resolve the many challenges ther evidence of the pressure Mr Er- the travel of large numbers of Syrian alliance – does not trust Mr Erdo- and Nato opposition. The system is ular discontent to the outbreak of seems no light at the end of the need not necessarily reflect our time to act as heavy metals in street and house hold dust are gan made it clear that if the Assad facing his political career. dogan is under. Adding to the voices refugees from Turkey to Europe. gan and was unimpressed by his not yet operational in Turkey, with coronavirus. tunnel for the millions of ordinary editorial stances) silent killers that must not be ignored at cost of health and regime continued to attack Turkish The fact that Mr Erdogan had against him are several from the It has also not helped that Mr policy directions in recent times Washington considering the possi- Indeed, coronavirus could threat- civilians. environment.

Hon. Chairman Najeb Yacob Alhamer | Editor-in-Chief Mahmood AI Mahmood | Chairman & Managing Director P Unnikrishnan | Advertisement: Update Media W.L.L | Tel: 38444692, Email: [email protected] | Newsroom: Tel: 38444680, Email: [email protected] Subscription & circulation: Tel: 36458394 | Email:[email protected] | Website: www.newsofbahrain.com | Printed and published by Al Ayam Publishing 10 MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2020 world

India’s PM hands over social media accounts to mark Women’s Day Senator Joe Biden receives Kamala Harris endorsement AFP | Washington

enator Kamala Harris en- dorsed Joe Biden for the SDemocratic presidential nomination Sunday, while his chief rival Bernie Sanders won the backing of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson as the rival can- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of the world’s most-followed politicians on social media didates competed for African American support. New Delhi Harris said she was coming Their posts attracted thou- out for Biden because she be- sands of likes and drew many lieves the former vice president ndian Prime Minister Nar- positive responses across the can best unify the country going Iendra Modi gave prominent platforms. into crucial November US elec- women control of his social Modi -- one of the world’s tions against Donald Trump. media accounts yesterday to most-followed politicians on “I have decided that I am with mark International Women’s social media -- said Monday great enthusiasm going to en- Day in a move critics dismissed he was thinking of going of- dorse Joe Biden for president as a publicity stunt. fline before revealing his plan of the United States,” she said in A disability activist and a to “give away” his accounts to a videotaped statement posted Jesse Jackson, the US civil rights water campaigner were among inspirational women. on Twitter. Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders are frontrunners in the race for the Democratic activist and past presidential the women who tweeted from “This will help them ignite Biden later responded, also presidential nomination candidate, is seen here at a gala in Los Modi’s Twitter, Facebook and motivation in millions,” he on Twitter, saying to Harris, Angeles on January 15, 2020; he has Instagram accounts where he tweeted, calling for people to “You’ve spent your whole ca- US schools in the 1970s. support for Biden had changed endorsed Bernie Sanders’s bid for the has tens of millions of follow- share stories with the hashtag reer fighting for folks who’ve But many African American the dynamics of the race, but he Democratic party nomination ers. #SheInspiresUs. been written off and left be - leaders have since swung be- questioned whether moderate hind -- and no small part of that hind Biden, helping to resur- policies would benefit African alongside Beau. From our fami- rect his once flagging campaign Americans. television talk shows, calling ly: thank you.” with decisive victories in South “A people far behind cannot Jackson “one of the great civil Biden’s late son Beau worked Carolina and a string of Super catch up choosing the most rights leaders in the modern China quarantine hotel closely with Harris when he was Tuesday contests. moderate path,” he said. history of this country.” attorney general of Delaware “I believe in Joe, I really be- “The most progressive social “He changed American pol- collapse kills six and she held the same position lieve in him and I have known and economic path gives us the itics with the concept of the in California. him for a long time,” Harris said. best chance to catch up and Rainbow Coalition -- getting the A onetime rival of Joe Biden’s, She follows former candi- Senator Bernie Sanders repre- blacks and whites and Latinos Harris made waves early in the dates Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klo- sents the most progressive path. together in ‘84 and ‘88,” Sanders Democratic race by chastising buchar and Beto O’Rourke in That’s why I choose to endorse said on ABC’s “This Week.” him in a televised debate in June endorsing Biden. him today.” “He’s been a leader in helping 2019 over his warm words for Jackson, in a statement posted Sanders, who has had trouble to transform this country, an past segregationist senators and by the Sanders campaign, not- attracting black support, tout- aide to Dr. Martin Luther King opposition to busing to integrate ed that the “black firewall” of ed the endorsement on Sunday Jr., so we’re proud.”

Dutch trial over flight MH17 to start without suspects Reuters | Amsterdam At least ten people were killed in the collapse of a hotel used as a it was hit by a surface-to- coronavirus quarantine facility in eastern China air missile. There were no our fugitive suspects go on survivors. ministry. Ftrial in the Netherlands to- Arrest warrants were issued Beijing Another video released by day charged with the murder of last year for three Russians the ministry showed rescuers 298 passengers and crew aboard and a Ukrainian identified by t least ten people were squirting water from a bottle Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, shot a Dutch-led Joint Investigation Akilled in the collapse of into the mouth of a trapped down with a Russian-made mis- Team (JIT) which spent several a hotel used as a coronavirus man. sile over eastern Ukraine in July years collecting evidence. quarantine facility in eastern Rescuers were also seen 2014. The four, Russians Sergey Du- China, authorities said Sunday. spraying disinfectant on each Wreckage of the Boeing 777 binsky, Oleg Pulatov and Igor Rescuers pulled 48 people other as part of “strict de - fell into fields surrounding the Girkin, and Ukrainian Leonid from the rubble, of whom 38 contamination” measures be- Ukrainian village of Hrabove in Kharchenko, had senior posi- are still alive, the Ministry of tween shifts. territory held by pro-Russian tions in the pro-Russian militias Emergency Management said separatists fighting Ukrainian in eastern Ukraine in 2014. The on social media. Collapsed in seconds government forces. Russian nationals Igor Girkin, Sergey Dubinskiy and Oleg Pulatov, as well as JIT said they had not pulled the The building in the coast- Footage published by local It was flying from Amster- Ukrainian Leonid Kharchenko, accused of downing of flight MH17, are shown on trigger, but colluded to carry out al city of Quanzhou had been media appears to show the ho- dam to Kuala Lumpur when screen the attack. repurposed to house people tel collapsing in seconds, with who recently had contact with the building’s facade crum- patients confirmed with COV- bling to the ground, exposing ID-19, the state-run People’s the structure’s steel frame. Daily newspaper reported. Nine people escaped on Judge rules Ronaldinho must remain in jail The city has recorded 47 their own, the ministry said. cases of the virus. The first floor had been un- Reuters | Asuncion Roberto Assis. Video posted online by the dergoing renovation since be- The duo had petitioned for re- ministry’s firefighting depart- fore the Lunar New Year hol- ormer Brazilian interna- lease but judge Clara Ruiz Diaz ment showed rescuers helping iday, and construction work- Ftional Ronaldinho Gaucho said their alleged offence was a children don surgical masks ers called the hotel’s owner was ordered to remain in jail “serious one against the inter- before pulling them from the minutes before the collapse in Paraguay on Saturday af - ests of the Paraguayan state”. wreckage of the six-storey to report a deformed pillar, ter a judge ruled him a flight Because the pair posed a flight Xinjia hotel. authorities said. risk. risk they must remain in custo- A 12-year-old boy told rescu- The owner has been sum- The ex-Barcelona forward dy, she added. ers his mother was still buried moned by police while inves- was arrested on Friday for at- Ronaldinho’s lawyer said he in the rubble. tigators work to determine tempting to enter Paraguay with found the decision “incredible” “She was next to me just whether the renovation or an a false passport two days pre- and would appeal. now,” he said in the video. original structural issue was viously and spent Friday night Former soccer player Ronaldo Assis de Moreira (popularly known as Ronaldinho “He (Ronaldinho) doesn’t His mother was rescued alive at fault, according to the min- in a police cell along with his Gaucho) arrives to a meeting with Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro (not pictured) understand what’s going on,” hours later, according to the istry. brother and business manager at the Planato Palace in Brasilia, Brazil Tarek Tuma told reporters. MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2020 11 Ardern faces election struggle, despite global praise AFP | Wellington

ew Zealand Prime Minis- ter Jacinda Ardern won Nglobal acclaim for her response to the Christchurch mosque shootings -- but 12 months on, her political future hangs in the balance and there are signs “Jacinda-mania” has peaked. The centre-left leader had been in office barely 18 months on March 15 last year when a self-avowed white supremacist opened fire at two mosques dur- ing Friday prayers, killing 51 and injuring another 40. Faced with a crisis unprece- dented in New Zealand’s mod- ern history, Ardern rose to the challenge with a mixture of compassion and decisive action. She offered support for New Zealand’s Muslims, rejected the shooter’s ideology, immediately Opinion polls indicate this year’s election will be a tight Ardern donned a headscarf while comforting victims’ families after Ardern is often more popular overseas than with domestic audiences moved to tighten gun laws and race for New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern the Christchurch shooting, later saying it was a spontaneous gesture launched a global initiative to of respect to the Muslim community curb online extremism. nor parties to form a govern - international Ardern’s personal populari- ment after the 2017 election, observers would be baffled that the world to give birth while in nated globally was when Ard- lifted Labour’s polling by almost ty rating peaked at 51 percent but one of its coalition partners, a charismatic, widely praised office -- after Pakistan’s Benazir ern donned a headscarf while 15 points after she became leader shortly after the shootings and New Zealand First, is currently leader was facing such an un- Bhutto in 1990. comforting victims’ families -- came with in-built limitations. her Labour Party briefly reached flatlining in the polls. certain future. But it was the way she handled after the shooting, later say - “For a lot of people in this similar levels, setting her on a Professor Stephen Levine, a “For an outsider looking at the horrors of Christchurch that ing it was a spontaneous ges - country, it’s part of their identity path to reelection in polls set for political scientist at Wellington’s New Zealand, we have this defined Ardern’s image. ture of respect to the Muslim to be National or Labour -- these later this year. But the September Victoria University, said Ardern amazing prime minister, she’s “This is one of those crucial community. are tribes really and that’s just 19 vote is now looking uncom- -- like US leaders John F. Kenne- ticking so many boxes but guess moments when a leader has to She was among the bookies’ the way it is,” he said. fortably tight for the 39-year-old, dy and Barack Obama before her what, she might not be prime rise above politics to really rep- favourites for last year’s Nobel Duncan said many National with the centre-right National -- was more popular overseas minister after the next election,” resent the country symbolically Peace Prize and just this month supporters admired Ardern’s Party edging ahead five points than with domestic audiences. he said. -- and she nailed it,” Duncan featured on the cover of Time handling of the Christchurch in opinion polls to 46 percent. “Internationally, people are Ardern won office on a wave said. magazine accompanied by a pos- shootings but it would not sway Labour’s support has not fall- looking at the big picture, not of “Jacinda-mania” after being “She focused on the victims, itive article. them at the ballot box. en off a cliff but appears to have the day-to-day details,” he said. thrust into the Labour leader- not the perpetrator. What she But Levine said Ardern re - “They’re not being budged plateaued amid perceptions it ship just seven weeks before the said was healing and the nation mained a centre-left leader in a because we have this celebrity has failed to deliver on issues ‘Nailed it’ 2017 election. needed healing at that time.” country which, despite its pro- prime minister, even if they ap- such as affordable housing and Massey University politics She made headlines again a gressive reputation, has a large preciate what she did with the reducing child poverty. specialist and associate profes- year later when she became only ‘It’s tribal’ conservative base. He said this mosque shootings,” he said. It joined forces with two mi- sor Grant Duncan said many the second prime minister in The moment that most reso- meant Ardern’s appeal -- which “That doesn’t cut it for them.” Lego’s colourful plastic bricks to go green

it aims to improve on the mate- That diversification has sources since 2017. Lego, based in the rials it uses. helped the group recover from “They made climate savings • Currently, most of its pieces its financial woes in the ear - and shifted to more windcraft, western Danish town of are made of acrylonitrile-buta- ly 2000s. In 2019, it posted a now they’re looking into alter- Billund, has no plans to diene-styrene (ABS), a petrole- six-percent rise in sales. natives to their plastic,” said abandon plastic. Rather, um-based substance also used Lego encourages customers the head of WWF Denmark, Bo it aims to improve on to make household appliances. to hand down their bricks to Oksnebjerg, of the company’s “We want to use plastic in a re- younger generations. efforts. the materials it uses sponsible way, and particularly “The brick has been com - Kirkby, Lego’s parent com- where it is in a high quality, du- patible since 1958. You can buy pany, has meanwhile invested For now, two percent rable and reusable application. something from the shelves to- almost $1 billion in wind farms. of• its plastic pieces, or And that’s what Lego bricks are,” day that works with something Lego is also working to im- 80 of the around 3,600 said Brooks. from the late 1950s,” Brooks said. prove its packaging, reducing For now, two percent of its The company estimates that the amount of plastic bags sep- construction pieces, are plastic pieces, or 80 of the 96 per cent of consumers either arating pieces and slashing the made of a biosourced around 3,600 construction piec- hold on to their Lego kits or pass size of its boxes to reduce trans- material, a sugarcane- es, are made of a biosourced ma- them on, stressing the distinc- port volumes. based polyethylene terial, a sugarcane-based poly- tion between Lego’s bricks and It aims to use only recycled The company estimates that 96 percent of consumers either hold on to their ethylene. single-use plastics. or renewable materials by 2025. Lego kits or pass them on These pieces are mostly trees, Antidia Citores, spokeswom- Billund | Denmark leaves and bushes in the kits, Recycling and wind farms an of the environmental group which do not have to meet the In addition to developing bio- Surfrider Europe, stressed here may be a global revolt material, plastic is increasingly 2030. same durability requirements plastics, Lego, which is leading a meanwhile that Lego needed Tagainst plastic, but Danish being shunned due to the lasting With pieces that are virtu - as bricks, which have to stick project in the US providing sec- to also look at the production toymaker Lego, famous for its harm its chemical components ally unbreakable and reusable together tightly. ond-hand kits to disadvantaged end, as replacing one plastic multi-coloured plastic building do to the planet. for generations, Lego -- whose It is a technical challenge, as children, is making cautious ad- with another would not reduce bricks, remains a raging success, As a result, Lego has vowed name is a contraction in Danish Lego wants to ensure that cus- vances in the field of recycled emissions. even if it, too, aims to go green. that its iconic bricks will be 100 for “Leg Godt” or “Play Well” tomers do not notice any differ- plastic. “Changing one plastic for an- Once revolution- percent sus- -- has always had sustainability ence between the old plastic and “Recycled materials is a very other is not a revolution, not ary, then a tainable as a leitmotiv, Tim Brooks, head any new materials. interesting area but you need to in terms of pollution or carbon ubiqui- b y of corporate responsibility, said. “We don’t want you to notice understand where that material emissions,” she said. tous Now, the company just has it,” Brooks insisted. comes from,” Brooks said. to adapt to environmental and New pieces must have the The company refuses to di- consumer demands. same physical properties as the vulge its production secrets, but A study by the NPD market old ones: strength, colour fast- insists it reuses its own plastic research group showed that 47 ness and sticking power, in order waste products in its production. percent of Christmas shoppers to remain compatible with older In 2014, Lego vowed to worldwide chose not to buy a toy pieces. reduce its carbon foot- due to sustainability concerns. print, partnering with “Toy manufacturers are really Passing the brick the environmental embracing this topic... There’s a Over the years, the Danish group WWF. It says lot of innovation in both pack- company has evolved from sim- it has relied aging and material for toys,” ple brick kits to complex de - solely on Frederique Tutt, a toy industry signs, such as its Harry Potter renew- expert at NPD, said. or architecture themed kits, and able Lego, based in the western has made a strong foray into vid- en- Danish town of Billund, has no eo games, apps, movies, cartoons er- plans to abandon plastic. Rather, and amusement parks. g y MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2020 12 Thousands rally in Asia for Int’l Women’s Day AFP | Bangkok line campaigns instead of street housands took to the marches, using hashtags such as streets across Asia for #FemaleStrike, #PowerUp and TInternational Women’s #38InternationalWomensDay Day yesterday even as the coro- to raise awareness of gender in- navirus outbreak forced the can- equality. cellation of events in the region. In Bangkok, protesters called In China -- the epicentre of for improved labour protec - the epidemic that has killed tions amid the epidemic that more than 3,500 people and in- has infected dozens in Thailand, fected over 100,000 worldwide and greater rights under a mili- -- state broadcaster CCTV high- tary-aligned government. lighted the work of female med- But turnout was lower than ical workers on the frontlines in last year with organisers saying the fight against the virus. some had stayed away because Despite growing fears over the of virus fears. worsening epidemic, marches Hundreds of women and men went ahead in Thailand, Indo- rallied in the Philippine capital Rallies were held in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines nesia and the Philippines while Manila, burning a giant effigy women rallied in ultra-conserv- of President Rodrigo Duterte ative Pakistan demanding “free- -- who they accuse of misogyny dom”. -- to mark the day. A women’s marathon planned “The violence and pover - in India was postponed over vi- ty among women are getting rus concerns as Prime Minister worse,” Joms Salvador of wom- Narendra Modi said prominent en’s group Gabriela said. women would run his social me- “While we have 37 laws re - dia accounts for the day. lated to women’s rights, on the In South Korea, where more ground what is happening is than 7,000 virus infections make a widespread violence in the it the hardest hit country out- forms of domestic abuse, sexual side China, several events were harassment and rape,” he said. cancelled. At a march in the Indonesian “Although we can’t be phys- capital Jakarta hundreds of ically together, our minds for people, some wearing rainbow US singer Katy Perry performed ahead of the women’s T20 match realising gender equality are make-up, demanded the govern- stronger than ever,” the coun- ment revoke laws seen as gender ers. US singer Katy Perry -- wearing try’s gender equality minister discriminative. A big crowd turned out in Mel- an outfit emblazoned with the Lee Jung-Ok said in a video They also called for laws bourne to watch the women’s female symbol -- performing message. In Indonesia, roughly 800 people in the capital Jakarta rallied to demand the against sexual violence and for Twenty20 World Cup final be- her hit single “Roar” ahead of Many feminist groups held on- government revoke gender-discriminative laws the protection of domestic work- tween India and Australia, with the game. Therapy dogs bring respite to Ukraine war veterans

ing from the government to ad- feeling isolated. dress the problem, he tells AFP. Olga Smirnova, the coordi- The Ukranian authorities do nator of the dog therapy pro - not keep records on the numbers gramme, says more than one of soldiers battling PTSD, says thousand soldiers have bene- Oksana Kolyada, minister for fited since it launched with the With some veteran’s affairs who lost her help of Canadian instructors in post this week in a government 2015. 10,000 reshuffle. Its canine participants wear She said that generally over 10 bright harnesses bearing the soldiers injured per cent of veterans worldwide programme’s name “Hero’s experience post-war trauma, friend”, and have been trained in the conflict, with symptoms including flash- not to “react aggressively”, backs, depression, aggressive says Natalia Chuprun, who has one group of behaviours and self-harm. been volunteering with the pro- gramme with her dog Ricky for volunteers Moments of despair four years. There are no official statistics Chuprun says that interacting hopes dog on suicide rates among veterans, with the animals makes it easi- therapy can be but Oleksandr Tretyakov, then er for veterans to engage with chairman of the parliamentary “people who care about them”, a resource for committee on veterans, said including those who want to in 2018 that at least help them professionally. veterans whose 1,000 Ukranian The dogs also intervene in veterans had moments of despair, Chuprun injuries are taken their says, recounting how when own lives. one veteran was in the middle hidden. What’s of a panic attack, “Ricky lay more, down next to him, so he calmed Former Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Oksana Kolyada looks on as ex-sol- down.” a soldier who was admitted for treatment, plays with “therapy Victoria, a psychologist at the dog” Ricky, who helps him overcome his post-conflict trauma Kiev military hospital, says she has noticed a drop in anxiety and country, was wounded fighting depression, and “better sleep” in AFP | Kiev Former Russian-backed separatists in Ukraine more than half of her patients fighters icky, a larg- eastern Ukraine. in 2014, say therapy who take part in the dog therapy Rer than life Now, he is one of the partici- its military dogs have sessions. golden retriever, wags pants in an initiative to help sol- inherited helped them to Oleksandr, a 38-year-old vet- his tail as he nestles his diers overcome post-traumatic from the Soviet get over their post- eran who spent one year at the head on Vasyl’s lap. But still stress disorder (PTSD) with the Union was not pre- combat trauma frontline in eastern Ukraine, the war veteran looks tense. help of therapy dogs. pared for an onslaught of says his “life has changed” since Then the dog throws his front In it’s sixth year, Kiev’s con- veterans suffering from stress. Deep Purple, a labrador, was paws onto the shoulders of the flict with separatists in the Although some 500,000 assigned to him in his flat on the 47-year-old suffering from post- breakaway areas of Donetsk Ukrainians have served in the outskirts of Kiev. war trauma, and a smile forms and Lugansk regions has military since, discussing men- diers report feeling misjudged in He says Deep Purple has across his face. claimed more than 13,000 tal health and the psychologi- society over the perception that brought calm to his life and sta- “This is probably the most lives, including 4,000 Ukranian cal impact of the war remains the military is an easy life, free bility to his sleep patterns. soothing thing,” says Vasyl in troops. taboo. from the economic hardships Once he was overwhelmed in the corridor of a large medical With some 10,000 soldiers in- “There are positive steps from experienced by many Ukrain- the middle of the street by imag- centre for veterans in Kiev. jured in the conflict, one group the state,” says Rodion Grigor- ians. es from the conflict, he said. But Vasyl, who along with other of volunteers hopes dog therapy yan, a psychologist who volun- As a result, half of veterans in the touch of his dog’s wet snout interviewees declined to give can be a resource for veterans teers with veterans. a recent EU-sponsored poll said on his hand helped ground him. his full name due to the stigma whose injuries are hidden. “But there is a lack of system- they felt discriminated against “He acts before I even realise around mental health in the When war broke out in atic effort,” including little fund- and more than a third reported it, Oleksandr says. 13 MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2020

اااااا (THAPPAD (PG-15) (HINDI/DRAMA/THRILLER اا (COME TO DADDY (18+) (THRILLER) DOLITTLE (PG)(ADVENTURE/COMEDY/FAMILY SEEF (II):10.30 AM + 12.30 + 2.30 + 4.30 + 6.30 + 8.30 + 10.30 PM CITY CENTRE:10.45 AM + 3.30 + 8.15 PM OASIS JUFFAIR 2.30 + 8.15 PM ELIJAH WOOD, STEPHEN MCHATTIE, GARFIELD WILSON ROBERT DOWNEY JR., ANTONIO BANDERAS, MICHAEL SHEEN TAAPSEE PANNU, TANVI AZMI, SUSHIL DAHIYA THE ASSENT (15+) (HORROR) (MALANG (PG-15)(HINDI/ACTION/ROMANTIC/THRILLER اا (SEEF (II):12.00 + 2.00 + 4.00 + 6.00 + 8.00 + 10.00 + 12.00 MN BRAHMS: THE BOY II (15+)(HORROR/THRILLER ROBERT KAZINSKY, PETER JASON, FLORENCE FAIVRE CITY CENTRE: 11.00 AM + 3.15 + 7.30 + 11.45 PM SEEF (I):11.30 AM + 5.30 + 11.30 PM KATIE HOLMES, RALPH INESON, OWAIN YEOMAN ADITYA ROY KAPOOR, ANIL KAPOOR, DISHA PATANI ا ( THE INVISIBLE MAN (15+)(THRILLER/HORROR OASIS JUFFAIR 11.45 AM + 5.30 + 11.15 PM TRANCE (PG-15)(MALAYALAM) OASIS JUFFAIR (VIP): 6.15 + 9.00 + 11.45 PM CITY CENTRE:10.30 AM + 1.00 + 3.45 + 6.30 + 9.15 + 12.00 MN + (1.00 AM OASIS JUFFAIR: 10.30 AM + 1.45 + 5.00 + 8.15 + 11.30 PM THURS/FRI.) SEEF (I):2.15 + 8.15 PM CITY CENTRE (VIP II) : 12.30 + 3.15 + 6.00 + 8.45 + 11.30 PM FAHADH FAASIL, NASRIYA NAZIM, GAUTHAM MENON, SOUBIN SHAHIR, VINAYA- SEEF (I):12.30 + 3.15 + 6.00 + 8.45 + 11.30 PM KAN, DILEESH POTHEN WADI AL SAIL: 12.45 + 3.30 + 6.15 + 9.00 + 11.45 PM DRAUPATHI (PG-13)(TAMIL) ELISABETH MOSS, ALDIS HODGE, STORM REID SEEF (I): 11.00 AM + 2.00 + 5.00 + 8.00 + 11.00 PM KARUNAS, NISHANTH, RICHARD RISHI AYYAPPANUM KOSHIYUM (PG-15)(MALAYALAM) OASIS JUFFAIR: 1.15 + 7.30 PM PRITHVIRAJ, BIJU MENON, RENJITH, SABUMON FORENSIC ( PG-15) (MALAYALAM) OASIS JUFFAIR: 11.00 AM + 1.30 + 4.00 + 6.30 + 9.00 + 11.30 PM SEEF (I):11.15 AM + 1.45 + 4.15 + 6.45 + 9.15 + 11.45 PM SEEF (II): (12.30 MN THURS/FRI.) BAD BOYS FOR LIFE (PG-15)(ACTION) WADI AL SAIL:11.00 AM + 1.30 + 4.00 + 6.30 + 9.00 + 11.30 PM OASIS JUFFAIR: 1.00 + 6.00 + 11.00 PM AL HAMRA: 12.00 + 3.00 + 6.00 + 9.00 + (12.00 MN THURS/FRI.) CITY CENTRE: 12.45 + 3.30 + 6.15 + 9.00 + 11.45 PM + ( 12.30 MN THURS/FRI.) TOVINO THOMAS, REBA MONICA JOHN, SRIKANT MURALI, MAMTA MOHANDAS, ONWARD (PG) (ANIMATION/ADVENTURE) CITY CENTRE (VIP I) : 12.00 + 2.45 + 5.30 + 8.15 + 11.00 PM PRATHAP POTHEN OASIS JUFFAIR (KIDS CINEMA):12.00 + 2.15 + 4.30 + 6.45 + 9.00 + 11.15 pm SEEF (II): 10.30 AM + 1.00 + 3.45 + 6.30 + 9.15 + 12.00 MN OASIS JUFFAIR (VIP):11.30 AM + 1.45 + 4.00 PM WADI AL SAIL: 1.15 + 6.15 + 11.15 PM CITY CENTRE:(ATMOS): 12.15 + 2.30 + 4.45 + 7.00 + 9.15 + 11.30 PM WILL SMITH, MARTIN LAWRENCE, VANESSA HUDGENS CITY CENTRE:(3D): 10.45 AM + 1.00 + 3.15 + 5.30 + 7.45 + 10.00 PM CITY CENTRE (IMAX 2D): 11.15 AM + 1.30 + 3.45 + 6.00 + 8.15 + 10.30 PM SONIC THE HEDGEHOG (PG) (ADVENTURE) SEEF (II):10.30 AM + 12.45 + 3.00 + 5.15 + 7.30 + 9.45 + 12.00 MN OASIS JUFFAIR :10.45 AM + 3.45 + 8.45 PM BIRD OF PREY (15+)(ACTION/ADVENTURE/CRIME) SEEF (II): (3D)11.45 AM + 2.00 + 4.15 + 6.30 + 8.45 + 11.00 PM CITY CENTRE: 12.00 + 2.15 + 4.30 + 6.45 + 9.00 + 11.15 PM CITY CENTRE : 10.45 AM + 1.15 + 3.45 + 6.15 + 8.45 + 11.15 PM WADI AL SAIL: 11.45 AM + 2.00 + 4.15 + 6.30 + 8.45 + 11.00 PM SEEF (II): 12.00 + 2.15 + 4.30 + 6.45 + 9.00 + 11.15 PM MARGOT ROBBIE, MARY ELIZABETH WINSTEAD, EWAN MCGREGOR CHRIS PRATT, JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUS, OCTAVIA SPENCER WADI AL SAIL: 11.00 AM + 4.00 + 9.00 PM AL FELOUS (THE MONEY) (PG-15)(ARABIC/COMEDY/CRIME) BAAGHI 3 (PG-15) (HINDI/ACTION/CRIME) JIM CARREY, BEN SCHWARTZ, JAMES MARSDEN CITY CENTRE: 10.45 AM + 1.15 + 3.45 + 6.15 + 8.45 + 11.15 PM اااا (From Thursday 05th 7pm onward THE CALL OF THE WILD (PG)(ADVENTURE/FAMILY OASIS JUFFAIR: 11.00 AM + 2.00 + 5.00 + 8.00 + 11.00 PM TAMER HOSNY, ZEINA, KHALID EL-SAWI CITY CENTRE: 12.30 + 2.45 + 5.00 + 7.15 + 9.30 + 11.45 PM CITY CENTRE: 11.30 AM + 2.30 + 5.30 + 8.30 + 11.30 PM SEEF (II):12.15 + 2.30 + 4.45 + 7.00 + 9.15 + 11.30 PM ااا (SEEF (I): 12.00 + 3.00 + 6.00 + 9.00 + 12.00 MN PARASITE (15+)(KOREAN/COMEDY/DRAMA/THRILLER WADI AL SAIL: 11.30 AM + 2.30 + 5.30 + 8.30 + 11.30 PM HARRISON FORD, DAN STEVENS, OMAR SY Winner of 4 Oscar Award CITY CENTRE: 12.30 + 6.00 + 11.30 PM TIGER SHROFF, SHRADDHA KAPOOR, RITEISH DESHMUKH 1917 (PG-15)(WAR/ACTION/DRAMA) 1917 SONG KANG HO, LEE SUN KYUN , MARIA SIMON THE WAY BACK (PG-15)(DRAMA) Winner of 3 Oscar Awards CITY CENTRE:11.15 AM + 1.45 + 4.15 + 6.45 + 9.15 + 11.45 PM OASIS JUFFAIR:11.30 AM + 4.15 + 9.00 PM THIEF OF BAGHDAD (PG-13)(ARABIC/ACTION) SEEF (II): 12.30 + 5.45 + 11.00 PM CITY CENTRE: (DISTRACTION FREE SCREEN):11.30 AM + 2.00 + 4.30 + 7.00 + CITY CENTRE: 1.00 + 5.15 + 9.30 PM PON MANICKAVEL (15+)(TAMIL) 9.30 + 12.00 MN GEORGE MACKAY, DEAN-CHARLES CHAPMAN, MARK STRONG SEEF (II):11.00 AM + 1.30 + 4.00 + 6.30 + 9.00 + 11.30 PM MOHAMMED EMAM, YASMINE RAEIS, AMINA KHALIL From Friday 06th OASIS JUFFAIR: 10.45 AM + 1.15 + 3.45 + 6.15 + 8.45 + 11.15 PM ااااا (WADI AL SAIL: 12.00 + 4.45 + 9.30 PM JUMANJI THE NEXT LEVEL (PG-15) LITTLE WOMEN (PG)(DRAMA/ROMANTIC SEEF (I):3.00 + 8.30 + 11.00 PM BEN AFFLECK, AL MADRIGAL, MICHAELA WATKINS CITY CENTRE: 12.00 + 2.45 + 5.30 + 8.15 + 11.00 PM Winner of 1 Oscar Award SEEF (II):3.00 + 8.15 PM PRABHU DEVA, NIVETHA PETHURAJ, J. MAHENDRAN, SURESH MENON ESCAPE FROM PRETORIA (PG-15) CITY CENTRE: 3.15 + 8.45 PM DWAYNE JOHNSON, JACK BLACK, KEVIN HART OASIS JUFFAIR: 2.00 + 6.45 + 11.30 PM SAOIRSE RONAN, EMMA WATSON, FLORENCE PUGH GYPSY (PG)(TAMIL) From Friday 06th اااا (FANTASY ISLAND (15+)(THRILLER/HORROR ااااااا اااااا (CITY CENTRE: 10.30 AM + 12.45 + 3.00 + 5.15 + 7.30 + 9.45 + 12.00 MN THE GENTLEMEN (15+)(CRIME/ACTION SEEF (II):12.30 + 2.45 + 5.00 + 7.15 + 9.30 + 11.45 PM CITY CENTRE: 11.00 AM + 1.30 + 4.00 + 6.30 + 9.00 + 11.30 PM OASIS JUFFAIR: 10.30 AM + 4.30 + 10.45 PM WADI AL SAIL: 2.30 + 7.15 + 12.00 MN CITY CENTRE: 1.00 + 5.45 + 10.30 PM SEEF (I):12.00 + 5.30 PM MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY, CHARLIE HUNNAM, HENRY GOLDING DANIEL RADCLIFFE, DANIEL WEBBER, IAN HART LUCY HALE, MAGGIE Q, PORTIA DOUBLEDAY JEEVA, NATASHA SINGH MOVIE REVIEW ‘The Gentlemen’ stocks Guy Ritchie’s latest crime comedy with plenty of stars he Gentlemen is a 2020 cember 3, 2019, and was released win writer-director Guy Rit- action comedy film writ- theatrically the United Kingdom chie many new converts, but Tten and directed by Guy on January 1, 2020, and in the for those already attuned to the Ritchie, from a story by Ivan At- United States on January 24, filmmaker’s brash wavelength, kinson, Marn Davies, and Rit- 2020, by STXfilms. It received The Gentlemen stands tall.” chie. The film stars Matthew positive reviews from critics, DON’T MISS IT On Metacritic, the film has McConaughey, Charlie Hun- with many regarding it as a wel- a weighted average score of 51 nam, Henry Golding, Michelle come return to form for Ritch- out of 100, based on 44 critics, Dockery, Jeremy Strong, Eddie ie. It has grossed $102 million Guy Ritchie makes a indicating “mixed or average Marsan, Colin Farrell and Hugh worldwide, making it the fifth very Guy Ritchie movie, reviews.” Audiences polled by Grant. It follows an American highest-grossing film of 2020. CinemaScore gave the film an marijuana kingpin in England On review aggregator Rotten this time with Matthew average grade of “B+” on an A+ who is looking to sell his busi- Tomatoes, the film has an ap- McConaughey, Hugh to F scale, while PostTrak re- ness, setting off a chain of black- proval rating of 74% based on 231 Grant and Charlie Hun- ported an average 3.5 out of 5 mail and schemes to undermine reviews, with an average rating nam stars, with 48% of people saying him. The film premiered at the of 6.4/10. The website’s critics they would definitely recom- Curzon Mayfair Cinema on De- consensus reads, “It may not Colin Farrell and Charlie Hunnam in ‘The Gentlemen’ mend it.

SUDOKU CROSSWORD Across 1- First name in photography; 6- Spicy stew; 10- Mamie’s predecessor; 14- Model Camp- Yesterday’s solution Yesterday’s solution bell; 15- Ovid, e.g.; 16- Ayatollah’s land; 17- Center of Florida; 18- Sea-going eagle; 19- Infatuated; 20- Seasoned; 22- Western; 23- Green land; 24- Assume; 26- WWII female enlistee; 29- Golden rule preposition; 31- Dupe; 32- Cabinet dept.; 33- Lepidopterous insect; 34- Apportions; 38- Camaro model; 40- Exclamation of relief; 42- Facilitate; 43- Puget Sound city; 46- Hindu hero; 49- Laugh syllable; 50- Down; 51- Seth begat him; 52- Metro area; 53- Cleansing preparation; 57- Comprehends; 59- Warsaw residents; 60- Screenplay; 65- Busy; 66- Capital of the Ukraine; 67- Liquid waste component; 68- Hindu mother goddess; 69- Memo opener; 70- Where Hercules slew the lion; 71- Util. bill; 72- Antlered animal; 73- Judges; Down 1- All over again; 2- Neck part; 3- Caribbean dance music; 4- Chew the scenery; 5- Soft metallic element; 6- Light musical work; 7- Traditional passed-down knowledge; 8- Gives for a time; 9- Had a little lamb; 10- Nickname for New York City; 11- Muse of love poetry; 12- Wise ones; 13- Capture; 21- Cube creator Rubik; 22- Iridescent gemstone; 25- Country bordered by Canada and Mexico; 26- Hold off; 27- Pearl Mosque city; How to play 28- Gator’s cousin; 30- Chicago’s airport; 35- “Magnum, P.I.” setting; 36- Boris Godunov, Place a number in the empty boxes in such for one; 37- Belgrade native; 39- Skin preparation; 41- Aftereffects of drunkenness; 44- a way that each row across, each column Charts; 45- Foofaraw; 47- Champagne name; 48- Shock with wonder; 53- One in a black down and each 9-box square contains all suit; 54- The Hilton, e.g.; 55- Not dead yet; 56- Suppose; 58- Carousal; 61- In this place; of the numbers from one to nine. 62- Like some excuses; 63- Up and ___!; 64- Votes for; 66- Young goat; 14 MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2020

Mandy Shania Moore Twain

Shania Pop star Katy Perry performs at Twain: Women’s T20 World Cup I’m never Los Angeles #FILLTHEMCG.” going to The picture featured Katy ust days after news of her flaunting her baby bump on have my pregnancy, Global music the ground along with backup Jsuperstar Katy Perry per- performers. old formed at the ICC Women’s On Saturday, Perry met the T20 World Cup on Sunday. Indian Cricket Team voice Celebrating Interna- at the Melbourne tional Women’s Day, Cricket Ground again Katy opened the finale (MCG) and even between Australia and shared a series India with two of her of pictures biggest hits ‘Roar’ and from the day Los Angeles ‘Fireworks.’ on her Insta- Los Angeles tion on coming of age in this the expression of my voice,” Katy looked drop- gram. industry,” usmagazine.com said the “From this moment dead gorgeous as she inger-actress Mandy quoted Moore as saying. inger Shania Twain says on” hitmaker. gave a powerful per- Moore says she “really “I think I really apologised her battle with Lyme dis- After taking some time away for mance at Sapologised” for a lot of for a lot about my early work Sease has been “devastat- from the spotlight to recover, her early work because she because I was embarrassed ing”. She says due to it, she is Shania made her music come- was embarrassed about it. and being a teenager, not hav- never going to have her old voice back in 2017, with a new grav- Moore grew up in the musi- ing creative control and not back but she is okay with that. elly tone to her voice, which cal spotlight after her 1999 hit fully standing behind some She got the tick-borne illness she now believes is “kinda “Candy”, which was released of the choices that were made in 2003, and had to undergo sexy”. the Mel- when she was 15. The single on my behalf,” added the open-throat surgery after her Speaking in a preview clip bourne was part of her debut studio 35-year-old. voice was damaged by the ef- for an upcoming interview, she Cricket album “So Real”. Moore signed with Epic fects of dysphonia as a result said: “I’m never going to have Ground Moore has returned to Records in 1999 and dropped of the disease. Now, Shania has my old voice again. I’m okay ( MCG) on music after a decade for her “Candy” that year. Now, she is said she “mourned” the loss of with that. I’ve found a new Sunday. album “Silver Landings”. In able to positively reflect back her voice, reports dailymail. voice and I like it.” T20 World Cup even the album, she is more honest on the experience. co.uk. Meanwhile, the 54-year- posted a snap of the and in control of her own She feels lucky that some “It was devastating. I felt I old recently spoke about pop star on their of- sound. Her track “Fif - people love her older music, had no other choice but to just needing to “rediscover” her ficial Twitter handle teen” is very close to and is glad that she is now accept it — in that I would nev- voice following her series of and wrote, “@katyp- Katy her heart. able to distance herself from er sing again. I was mourning surgeries. erry#T20WorldCup Perry “It’s sort of rumina- her past.

Jesse Tyler It’s not like the world changed Kareena looking for right script Coronavirus: China Ferguson: ‘Modern post #MeToo: Kiara Advani to work with sister Karisma postpones Beijing Los Angeles International Film Family’ ending think of the film. Mumbai heartbreaking “The topic is not just rel - Festival ctor Kiara Advani says evant but is something that ctress Kareena Kapoor Beijing Los Angeles people today are finally bothers each one of us in a very Khan is looking for the having “uncomfortable different way. To be a part of a right script to work he 10th Beijing Inter- ctor Jesse Tyler Fer- conversations”A about abuse story that somewhere gave me withA her elder sister Karisma Tnational Film Festival guson says “Modern and consent, but it’s a stretch a character to even voice out a Kapoor in a film. (BJIFF) has been postponed AFamily” ending is to assume that the world post lot of my own thoughts about “We have always wanted until further notice in view very “profound and heart- the #MeToo movement has it, opinions, complications, to work together but till now of the coronavirus epidem- breaking”. changed. confusions and all that about we haven’t got that kind of ic, the festival’s organising The popular comedy The #MeToo movement, a subject as sensitive as this. script. We have not liked committee announced on show is coming to an end which began in Hollywood, “Without being preachy, anything. Somebody should Sunday. after 11 seasons. gained momentum in India still telling so much. That for come with a good script The movie gala was sched- “We actually filmed our in 2018, with women calling me was really liberating and then, we will consider,” said uled to take place between last episode a few weeks out comedians, journalists, the story itself, the way Ruchi Kareena at a special screen- April 19-26. ago and it was a lot more authors, actors and filmmak- has written it, the entire nar- ing of Karisma’s debut web The annual festival has profound and heartbreaking ers. rative, it really holds. It’s an series, ‘Mentalhood’. been deferred in considera- than I expected it to be,” Kiara features in the latest immersive experience.” ‘Mentalhood’ marks tion of the safety and health usmagazine.com quoted the Netflix Original film, “Guilty”, Karisma’s return to act- of all the guests, participants 44-year-old as saying. which explores the different ing after a long time, and and the public, as well as to The series wrapped film- versions of truth that emerge Kareena feels fans were coordinate with the overall ing on February 21. The cast, when a small-town girl accuses waiting for the comeback epidemic prevention work including Ferguson, Julie the college heartthrob of rape. to happen. in the city. Bowen, Sarah Hyland and In the post #MeToo world, “We apologise for the in- Sofia Vergara, shared mo- the gaze has changed, but Ki- convenience caused by the ments from their final day ara said the change isn’t sig- Anushka postponement of the event on set via social media. nificant. Sharma: Let the girl and we will announce the “It’s not like #MeToo hap- discover herself possible date of the festi- pened and the world changed. Mumbai val as soon as possible,” the CHANGE OF NAME We don’t live in a post #MeToo statement read. world. We live in the #MeToo The novel virus originated I, NIKHIL SATHEESH world. We are not there yet,” ctress Anushka Sharma has said in the Chinese city of Wuhan Father of THAPTHI, Kiara told PTI. she grew up in an environment in December last year and holder of Indian Passport The actor, however, feels Awhere she was allowed to do what- has claimed over 3,000 lives No R8310931 dated people who didn’t question ever she wanted, and hopes every girl can in the country. 11/09/2017 issued at anything “uncomfortable” un- be free and experience life the way she Many events around the Bahrain, having permanent til now, have started to talk. did. world have been cancelled residence at Sradha, Post “Now it’s shaking. We have “I have grown up in an environment amid the COVID-19 out- Moozhikkara, Thalassery, always suppressed it. But now where I was allowed to do whatever break, including film fes- Kannur, Kerala-670111. we are finally having these I wanted. My father gave me that. It’s tivals and music concerts. Presently residing at Flat uncomfortable conversa- sad that even now in so many homes in Release of much-await- No. 11, Bldg No. 605, Road tions. It’s high time we did. India, you don’t let the girl just be free,” ed James Bond film “No No. 816 , Block No. 308, Everything has to start with Anushka said. Time to Die” has also Al Qudaybiyah, Bahrain a conversation.” That’s what attracted her to be been pushed by seven do hereby change my “Guilty” is produced by part of the video of the song “Kudi months to November. daughter’s name as Karan Johar’s Dharmatic, nu nachne de” from Irrfan Apart from China, ( Given Name) THAPTHI, the digital content arm of Khan’s film “Angrezi Medi- over 3,400 people (Surname) NIKHIL the filmmaker’s Dharma um”. The song cele- have died of the SATHEESH, objection if Production and helmed by brates women- deadly dis- any may be forwarded to Ruchi Narain. hood. ease and over Embassy of India , P.O.Box The “Kabir Singh” actor 101,000 have 26106, Bldg No. 1090, Road says when she was narrated been infected No. 2819 , Block 428, Al the script, its story enveloped from the virus Seef, Kingdom of Bahrain. her, making her constantly globally. 15 MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2020

10DAYS TO BAHRAIN sports GRAND PRIX 2020

England’s Archer likely to miss IPL Aussies seal women’s T20 World Cup and play for Sussex Dominant Australia crush India to win fifth T20 World title AFP | Melbourne

rampant Australia em- phatically swept to their Afifth women’s Twen - ty20 World Cup title yesterday, crushing India by 85 runs in 99 front of more than 86,000 fans at runs were onl y scored by India before being England’s Jofra Archer looks on the Melbourne Cricket Ground. during a match Alyssa Healy smashed a quick- all out fire 75 and Beth Mooney an Reuters | London unbeaten 78 as the defending champions plundered an omi- ngland’s Jofra Archer is nous 184 for four -- the highest quietly went about her busi - Elikely to miss the Indi- score ever in a women’s T20 ness to bring up her ninth T20 an Premier League (IPL) as final. half-century before three late national team coach Chris India could only manage 99 wickets fell. Silverwood wants the fast all out in reply to end a 17-day bowler to play cricket with tournament that reinforced Horror start for India Sussex to get up to speed Australia’s dominance, having India got off to a horror start before the home test series now won five of the seven World with explosive 16-year-old against West Indies in June. Cups held. opener Verma, who has used Archer, who has a con - “I’m just really proud of this the tournament to announce tract with the Rajasthan group of players,” said Australi- herself, out for two. Royals franchise in the IPL, an skipper Meg Lanning. Taniya Bhatia retired hurt has been out of action since “There was a lot of expecta- after being hit on the helmet January with an elbow in- tion on us, inside and out. Defi- Australian team members celebrate their victory before Jemimah Rodrigues fell jury. nitely some tough times in there, without scoring. India were in The 24-year-old said ear- but we stuck with each other, or played behind closed doors. team in the opening game of Opening partner Mooney also big trouble at 32 for four after lier this week he had his had each other’s backs. They were targeting the of- the tournament, but they never had an early let-off, with Rajesh- Smriti Mandhana and Kaur both “fingers crossed” on play- “It’s been massive, 86,000 ficial world record for a wom- got a look in yesterday. wari Gayakwad putting down a went cheaply. ing at some stage in the IPL, people at the MCG, I’ve never en’s sporting fixture -- set at the “I still have a lot of faith in my caught and bowled chance when Sharma hit a battling 33 but it which begins on March 29, seen it before and didn’t think 1999 football World Cup final team,” said disappointed Indian she was on eight. was never going to be enough as but Silverwood wants him I’d be part of it in the middle,” when 90,185 watched the United skipper Harmanpreet Kaur. India was jittery and an ag- Megan Schutt took 4-18. to rebuild his fitness under she added. States beat China in California “We need to focus, especially gressive Healy smashed two big It capped an engrossing fi - the watchful eye of the staff The blockbuster showdown -- but fell just short. in fielding. But I trust this team. sixes in succession off Gayak- nal that Cricket Australia chief at Sussex. between the world’s top-ranked It was nevertheless a record It’s part of the game, sometimes wad before bringing up her 12th Kevin Roberts said reflected “My priority is getting team and fast-improving India crowd for a women’s crick - you win and sometimes you lose. T20 half-century. the sport’s growing popularity, him right for England and was billed as the biggest in wom- et game helped by the lure of You have to keep learning.” They reached 91 without loss while a boost in prize money our international summer,” en’s cricket history. pop superstar Katy Perry, who After Australia won the toss, at the halfway mark, with Healy strengthened a push for gender Silverwood told reporters A #FilltheMCG campaign was performed before and after the Healy showed her intent with then hitting three consecutive equality. during England’s warm-up launched to help bring the sport game. a boundary off Deepti Sharma’s sixes off Shikha Pandey. The International Cricket match ahead of a two-test to a new generation and fans re- Australia came into their sixth first ball. Her luck finally ran out going Council bumped up the tourna- series in Sri Lanka. sponded with 86,174 attending, successive final as heavy favour- She smacked two more in an for another big one, caught for ment prize pool by 320 percent “Sussex will play a big despite fears about the deadly ites, in contrast to India who eventful opening over which 75 from just 39 balls. from the 2018 event, but it still part in that and we will coronavirus that has seen other were playing their first decider. also saw her dropped by Shafali At the other end, play - fell short of what the men re- work very closely with them global sporting events cancelled India had upset Lanning’s Verma. er-of-the-tournament Mooney ceive. to make sure he gets the best preparation possible. The only things we have been talking about are what’s best for England and what’s best SPAL beat Parma Pandya back, India rest recovering to get him right for that. “We just want him to be fit, full stop. We want him to behind closed doors Rohit for South Africa series be 100% ready, 100% fresh Reuters | New Delhi and 100% fit for the inter- after delayed kickoff national season.” it-again all-rounder Hardik FPandya returned to India’s one-day squad yesterday but opener Rohit Sharma, who is Opener Iqbal named recovering from a calf injury, Bangladesh’s ODI was left out of the three-match series against South Africa be- captain ginning next week. Reuters | Dhaka Pandya underwent back sur- gery in October last year and angladesh opening bats- was in fine form on his return to Bman Tamim Iqbal has action in an invitational Twen- been named the team’s new ty20 tournament earlier this one-day international (ODI) month. captain, replacing Mashrafe Andrea Petagna of Spal celebrates after scoring a goal Opener Shikhar Dhawan also Mortaza who stepped down Reuters | Rome zo Spadafora to suspend the returned after a shoulder injury earlier this week, the coun- league amid the coronavirus kept him out of the team’s re- India’s Hardik Pandya during nets try’s cricket board said. n Andrea Petagna penalty outbreak. [nL8N2B10IF] cent tour of New Zealand. Iqbal, 30, is Bangladesh’s Aearned SPAL a 1-0 win at The game eventually start- Fellow opener Rohit, howev- India begin their series leading scorer in ODIs, hav- Parma in the first closed-door ed 75 minutes later than er, continues to be sidelined by against South Africa in Dhar- ing compiled 7,202 runs match of the Serie A season, planned, and SPAL earned a the injury which cut short his amsala on Thursday, followed since making his debut in but the game faced a long de- valuable three points thanks tour of New Zealand. by matches in Lucknow (March 2007. The left-hander also lay after scenes of confusion to a second-half Petagna spot Swing bowler Bhuvneshwar 15) and Kolkata (March 18). has the most ODI centuries before kickoff. kick, which lifted them off Kumar, who was sidelined with KNOW WHAT India’s ODI squad: Shikhar (13) and half-centuries (47) Chaos reigned minutes be- bottom and into 19th place a hernia last year, was also back Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Virat for Bangladesh. fore the match was scheduled on 18 points, two ahead of in the Virat Kohli-led side. Kohli (Ccaptain), KL Rahul, With all-rounder and to start, as players were called Brescia. India dropped opener Ma- Pandya underwent Manish Pandey, Shreyas Iyer, former captain Shakib Al back into the dressing room All Serie A matches will be yank Agarwal, middle or - back surgery in Octo- Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Hasan unavailable until Oc- from the tunnel as they await- played without fans attending der batsman Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvnesh- tober as he serves a one-year ed a decision on whether the until April 3 as part of govern- all-rounder Shivam Dube and ber last year war Kumar, Yuzvendra Cha- ban for breaching the Inter- game was to go ahead. ment measures put in place to quicks Shardul Thakur and Mo- hal, Jasprit Bumrah, Navdeep national Cricket Council’s That followed a call from try and stop the spread of the hammed Shami from the squad Saini, Kuldeep Yadav, Shubman Anti-Corruption code, Iqbal Italy’s sports minister Vincen- virus. which lost 3-0 in New Zealand. Gill. was handed the captaincy. MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2020 16

Svitolina and Bouzkova to BBA sets up key Cup clash in Monterrey final and league fixtures

On Wednesday, a pair of mas- 2020 Khalifa bin sive match-ups between last • year’s semi-finalists will be Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina celebrates her win over Dutch’s Arantxa Rus Salman Cup ties will be held. At 5.45pm, Muharraq face held from tomorrow off with Isa Town, and then Reuters | Mexico City at 7.30pm the titanic clash be- Zain Bahrain tween Manama and Cup holders op seed Elina Svitolina Basketball• League will Riffa takes place. Tsteamrolled her way into It was an amazing In the Cup’s final four, the final of the Monterrey Open commence next Sunday match for me. I was winner of the Ahli-Bahrain when she routed Arantxa Rus very solid from the Club game will face the victor 6-0 6-1 in an evening semi-final baseline, and was TDT | Manama of Muharraq’s clash with Isa in Mexico on Saturday. Town; and the winner between Ukrainian Svitolina, who has serving really well he Bahrain Basket - Hala and Nuwaidrat battle the not dropped a set in her four ELINA SVITOLINA ball Association (BBA) winner of the Manama-Riffa matches, will try to keep her Thas announced the re- game. record intact when she meets sumption of its national com- Meanwhile, the Golden Czech ninth seed Marie Bou- petitions following the post- Square semi-finals of the Zain zkova in yesterday’s decider. really well,” said Svitolina, who ponement of several games Bahrain Basketball League are Bouzkova has not lost a set literally did not break into a recently due to Coronavirus set to feature a pair of best-of- either, after surprising British sweat in the cool conditions. concerns. three series. second seed Johanna Konta A winner of 13 career WTA These include the quarter-fi- The first will be between 6-3 6-4. titles, she was a semi-finalist at nal fixtures in the 2020 Khalifa Manama and Riffa, who are Spectators who arrived for both Wimbledon and the U.S. bin Salman Cup and the semi-fi- meeting once again following the evening session had barely Open last year. nal games of the 2019/2020 their Cup encounter; while the settled into their seats before Earlier, an emotional Bouzk- Zain Bahrain Basketball other will be between Ahli and Svitolina dispatched Rus in ova was in tears after clinching League. defending league champions only 50 minutes. victory. The Cup ties will be held from Muharraq. Playing as though in a hurry “It’s an amazing feeling and tomorrow while the league con- Following Sunday’s open- to keep a dinner reservation, I feel like I’m playing at home. tests will commence on Sunday er, Game Two will be held on Svitolina was merciless in I’m really excited to be in the next week. Bahrain Club’s Hussain Lulu will face a tough task tomorrow against opponents March 18, while the decisive pouncing upon the serve of her final tomorrow,” she said. All games will be held at the Al Ahli (File photo) third game, if necessary, has 76th-ranked Dutch opponent. The world number 57 saved Khalifa Sports City arena in Isa out games are scheduled to be to-head against Bahrain Club been scheduled for March 23. “It was an amazing match all five break points she faced Town. held in the Khalifa bin Salman followed at 7.30pm by Al Hala Fans will not be allowed to for me. I was very solid from in the match, and broke Konta Tomorrow, two crucial knock- Cup. At 5.45pm, Al Ahli go head- facing Nuwaidrat. attend the games at the venue. the baseline, and was serving once in each set.

Defending champ Andreescu out of Five nations seal Davis Cup Finals debuts Indian Wells Reuters | London in the doldrums, beat Chile 3-1 lo Cuevas to give his side a 3-1 ive nations sealed their de- with Mikael Ymer claiming the win. Fbuts in the revamped Davis decisive point. India caused a stir in Zagreb Cup Finals in the weekend’s Hungary, who will host this where veteran duo Leander Paes qualifiers while heavyweights year’s revamped Fed Cup finals, and Rohan Bopanna edged Mate Germany, Australia, United claimed a thrilling 3-2 win over Pavic and Franko Skugor in Sat- States and Croatia also booked Belgium. urday’s doubles to keep alive the their places in Madrid. Trailing 2-1 after Saturday’s tie with Croatia. But Marin Cilic Ecuador, Sweden, Hungary, doubles, they went through with quickly doused Indian hopes Czech Republic and Austria will singles wins for Attila Balazs with a 6-0 6-1 win over Sumit all be in next week’s draw for the and Marton Fuscovics. Nagal. Bianca Andreescu celebrates 18-nation showdown at La Caja Fuscovics trailed Riben Be- Germany beat Belarus 4-1 winning the title last year at Indian Wells (file photo) Magica in the Spanish capital melmans by a set but hit back to while Colombia beat Argentina in November, having missed the win 6-7(9) 6-4 6-2. in a South American derby. inaugural finals last year when Czech Republic did not have Italy crushed South Korea 4-0 AFP | Indian Wells the international teams event to travel far to book their ticket, in Cagliari in another tie shorn was revamped. just across the border to Brati- of fans because of coronavirus orld number four Ecuador’s 3-0 victory over Ja- slava where they completed a concerns. WBianca Andreescu pan was less surprising than it 3-1 victory over Slovakia. Kazakhstan will be in Madrid won’t defend her title at might look as hosts Japan were India’s Leander Paes hits a return In a late-night finish, Czech for the second year after beating Indian Wells, pulling out without Kei Nishikori because number one Jiri Vesely dug deep Netherlands. of next week’s BNP Paribas of injury and world number 48 The match in Miki was played the winning point in a decisive to beat Andrej Martin 4-6 7-5 Lleyton Hewitt’s Australia Open with a left knee injury. Yoshihito Nishioka, who did with no fans. doubles victory over Ben McLa- 7-5. beat Brazil 3-1 while the Unit- The Canadian was hurt at not travel because he was con- The South Americans made chlan and Yasutaka Uchiyama. Austria, without world num- ed States, the only nation with the WTA Finals in Shenzhen cerned that the coronavirus cri- light of the strange environment, Sweden, who won the Davis ber three Dominic Thiem, ended more Davis Cup titles than in October, and the injury sis would prevent his return to however, with Gonzalo Esco- Cup on seven occasions between the hopes of Uruguay in Graz Australia, defeated Uzbekistan has delayed her start to the the United States. bar and Diego Hidalgo securing 1975 and 1998 but have been with Dennis Novak beating Pab- 4-0. 2020 campaign. Andreescu withdrew from four events to start the year, including the Aus- tralian Open, and said Sat- Champions League football in West Asia postponed over virus urday she wouldn’t be at Indian Wells -- where her AFP | Hong Kong pions League match day three tic leagues are on hold over the scintillating run to the title were postponed in the West virus, all have teams in the com- launched a 2019 campaign he AFC Champions League zone,” the Asian Football Con- petition. capped by her first Grand Twas put on temporary hold federation said after emergency The West zone’s quarter-fi- Slam title at the US Open. in West Asia yesterday while talks in Doha and Dubai. nals will be moved to September “As many of you know, football officials work out ways “The AFC has now asked for KNOW WHAT to accommodate the extended I’ve been working through to get the remaining group the cooperation of the member group phase, and the two-legged an injury I suffered last year matches played despite the new associations in producing a plan semi-finals will be on October during the WTA Finals,” An- coronavirus outbreak. by which the remaining matches The AFC Champions League logo is The West zone’s 14, 15, 28 and 29. The final re- dreescu said in a statement. With the competition’s East can be played before the round displayed at a venue mains on November 22 and 28. “It has been a long road to Asian zone already severely dis- of 16.” quarter-finals will “As with the East Zone, the recovery, and while I was rupted by COVID-19, delegates Hard-hit Iran has four teams The tournament’s East zone, be moved to Sep- MAs (member associations) pro- looking forward to getting from West Asia suspended in Asia’s premier club competi- kept separate from the West tember to accommo- vided some proposals which will back on court and defend- group play to evaluate a “series tion, while Saudi Arabia, UAE, until the final, last week moved date the extended now be considered by the AFC ing my title at Indian Wells, of proposals” to complete the Iraq, Uzbekistan and Qatar, the back the start of its knock-out group phase and the various stakeholders, unfortunately, I’m still not pool stage. 2022 World Cup hosts, are also rounds to August. China, South including commercial partners,” 100 percent.” “All matches in AFC Cham- involved. Korea and Japan, whose domes- the AFC statement said.