24
Cairo M ilitants killed 235 people at the Al Rawdah mosque in Egypt’s north Sinai region yesterday, detonating a bomb and shooting at fleeing worshippers, state media reported yesterday. The bomb explosion ripped through the Al Rawdah mosque frequented by Sufis roughly 40km west of the North Sinai capital of El Arish before gunmen opened fire on those gathered for weekly Friday prayers, officials said. Witnesses said the assailants had surrounded the mosque with all- terrain vehicles then planted a bomb outside. The gunmen then mowed down the panicked worshippers as they attempted to flee and used the congregants’ vehicles they had set alight to block routes to the mosque. State television reported at least 235 people were killed and 109 wounded in the Egypt mosque attack, the scale of which is unprecedented in a four- year insurgency by Islamist extremist groups. Egypt’s president declared three days of mourning, state television reported, as President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met his security ministers to follow developments. UK foreign minister Boris Johnson condemned the “barbaric attack” in a post on Twitter, while his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian expressed his condolences to the families of victims of the “despicable attack”. Ahmed Abul Gheit, head of the Arab League, which is based in Cairo, condemned t h e “terrifying crime which again shows that Islam is innocent of those who follow an extremist terrorist ideology,” his spokesman said in a statement. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the mosque attack. The Islamic State group’s Egypt branch has killed hundreds of policemen and soldiers, and also civilians accused of working with the authorities, in attacks in the north of the Sinai peninsula. They have also targeted followers of the mystical Sufi branch of Sunni Islam as well as Christians. - Agencies (More on Page 6 and 7) www.newsofbahrain.com www.facebook.com/nobonline newsofbahrain 38444680 nob_bh 200 Fils Saturday, November 25, 2017 Issue No. 7576 x Havana C uba, Nicaragua and Argentina are set to commemorate the first anniversary of the death of Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro this weekend. Signs and banners reading,“Fidel is With Us” and “I am Fidel” cover the streets. Today’s Weather Max Min 25°C 19°C @realDonaldTrump Will be calling the President of Egypt in a short while to discuss the tragic terrorist attack, with so much loss of life. We have to get TOUGHER AND SMARTER than ever before, and we will. Ironman 70.3 today P P 05 P 03 10 Municipalities’ revenue up by BD30m: Minister ‘‘Wiping out’ extremism my mission: Al Issa ‘Gunfire’ sparks panic in London 8P 08 235 killed in attack on Egypt mosque Tel: 1722 8888 www.bfc.com.bh GREAT RATES ON MONEY TRANSFER AND CURRENCY EXCHANGE GUARANTEED! Castro death anniv to be observed DT News Network Manama B ahrain has strongly denounced the heinous terror attack in the North Sinai mosque that targeted innocent lives. His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, sent cable of condolences to the Egyptian President. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed its sincere condolences to the leadership and people of Egypt and to the families of the victims. The Ministry reaffirmed Bahrain’s stance with the Arab Republic of Egypt in combating terrorism and extremist organisations. The Embassy of Bahrain to the Arab Republic of Egypt also condemned the terror bombing. The Bahraini flag will be flown at half-mast on its building in Cairo for three days in solidarity with the Arab Republic of Egypt and its brotherly people. The Embassy expressed its sincere condolences to the families of the martyrs, wishing those injured a speedy recovery. Bahrain denounces terror attack The mosque targetted by terrorists

 · Africa and Far East Asia. ... Kapi Ragam, Ramayana Sabdam in Ragam Mohanam and a patriotic note by dancing to the iconic verses Vandematharam choreographed in

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Page 1:  · Africa and Far East Asia. ... Kapi Ragam, Ramayana Sabdam in Ragam Mohanam and a patriotic note by dancing to the iconic verses Vandematharam choreographed in

Cairo

Militants killed 235 people at the Al Rawdah mosque in

Egypt’s north Sinai region yesterday, detonating a bomb and shooting at fleeing worshippers, state media reported yesterday.

The bomb explosion ripped through the Al Rawdah mosque frequented by Sufis roughly 40km west of the North Sinai capital of El Arish before gunmen opened fire on those gathered for weekly Friday prayers, officials said.

Witnesses said the assailants had surrounded the mosque with all-terrain vehicles then planted a bomb outside. The gunmen then mowed down the panicked worshippers as they attempted to flee and used the congregants’ vehicles they had set alight to block routes to the mosque.

State television reported at least 235 people were killed and 109 wounded in the Egypt mosque attack, the scale of which is unprecedented in a four-year insurgency by Islamist extremist groups.

Egypt’s president declared three days of mourning, state television reported, as President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met his security ministers to follow developments.

UK foreign minister Boris Johnson condemned the “barbaric attack” in a post on Twitter, while his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian expressed his condolences to the families of victims of the “despicable attack”.

Ahmed Abul Gheit, head of the

A r a b League , which is based in Cairo, condemned t h e “terrifying crime which again shows that Islam is innocent of those who follow an extremist terrorist ideology,” his spokesman said in a statement.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the mosque attack.The Islamic State group’s Egypt branch has killed hundreds of policemen and soldiers, and also civilians accused of working with the authorities, in attacks in the north of the Sinai peninsula. They have also targeted followers of the mystical Sufi branch of Sunni Islam as well as Christians. - Agencies (More on Page 6 and 7)

www.newsofbahrain.com www.facebook.com/nobonline newsofbahrain 38444680 nob_bh

200 FilsSaturday, November 25, 2017 Issue No. 7576

x

Havana

Cuba, Nicaragua and Argentina are set to

commemorate the first anniversary of the death of Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro this weekend. Signs and banners reading,“Fidel is With Us” and “I am Fidel” cover the streets.

Today’s WeatherMax Min

25°C 19°C

@realDonaldTrump

Will be calling the President of Egypt in a short while to discuss the tragic terrorist attack, with so much loss of life. We have to get TOUGHER AND SMARTER than ever before, and we will.

Ironman 70.3 today

P P05P 03 10Municipalities’

revenue up by BD30m:

Minister

‘‘Wiping out’ extremism

my mission:Al Issa

‘Gunfire’ sparks panic in London

8P 08

235 killed in attack on Egypt mosque

Tel: 1722 8888www.bfc.com.bh

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AND CURRENCY EXCHANGE

GUARANTEED!

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Castro death annivto be observed

DT News NetworkManama

Bahrain has strongly denounced the heinous terror attack in the

North Sinai mosque that targeted innocent lives. His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, sent cable of condolences to the Egyptian President.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed its sincere condolences to the leadership and people of Egypt

and to the families of the victims. The Ministry reaffirmed Bahrain’s stance with the Arab Republic of Egypt in combating terrorism and extremist organisations.

The Embassy of Bahrain to the Arab Republic of Egypt also condemned the terror bombing. The Bahraini flag will be flown at half-mast on its building in Cairo for three days in solidarity with the Arab Republic of Egypt and its brotherly people.

The Embassy expressed its sincere condolences to the families of the martyrs, wishing those injured a speedy recovery.

Bahrain denounces terror attackThe mosque targetted

by terrorists

Page 2:  · Africa and Far East Asia. ... Kapi Ragam, Ramayana Sabdam in Ragam Mohanam and a patriotic note by dancing to the iconic verses Vandematharam choreographed in

Manama

Mohammed Shahid, President of Brave Combat Federation

has revealed that the promotion is ambitious to look forward to host editions of Brave in more geographical destinations. Among the destinations hinted were Europe, Africa and Far East Asia.

“Brave Combat Federation provides opportunity for fighters without distinguishing them. We want mixed martial arts overcome the barrier of nationality and language. Martial arts unites athletes around the world. We aim to become that platform that will truly globalise the sport of mixed martial arts and want

to look beyond marketing elements that restricts the sport. We will work close with nations and businesses by adding value to the initiatives. Also we aim to create a social and cultural impact through the sport,” said Mohammed Shahid in the press conference. 

Shahid also acknowledge that the promotion will play a proactive role in galvanising the gaining momentum and social relevance of the organisation.

Events will be hosted considering multiple factors. Value creation for the sport and globalising the sport will be the main aim during the year. The Kingdom of Bahrain also

announced to host 2018 IMMAF World Championships previously.

“Mixed Martial Arts teaches athletes discipline and the benefits of working hard. It makes the practitioner, healthy and hardworking. MMA fighters do have a social impact and influence. I would encourage fighters to create a positive impact in the society with their influence and social reach”, added Frankie Edgar, Former UFC Champion and veteran martial artist.

Brave Combat Federation has hosted nine events in six nations during the first year of operations. Brave also features 135 athletes from 32 nations.

2 Saturday, November 25, 2017

Brave eyes newnations to host events in 2018

BRAVE will turn MMA into a global sport: Al-SelwadyManama

Veteran coach, manager and the father of Abdul Kareem

Al Selwady believes Brave Combat Federation will transform and assimilate mixed martial arts as a global sport. According to the veteran coach and highly distinguished martial artist, mixed martial arts has progressed at an astonishing rate within a short time in Middle East.

“The world is taking Middle Eastern athletes seriously due to the intervention of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa. This is transforming lives of athletes and bringing definitive changes. I suggest the inclusion of the elderly in a much organised and protective way as well. This will help to utilise their treasure of knowledge they hold as well as bringing forward many legends who would like to experience the latest developments themselves. Also working alongside elderly legends will transfer values and ethics to the new generation of martial artists.”, said Husam Mubarak.

Husam also explained his happiness

about the success of his son, Abdul Kareem Al Selwady. Abdul Kareem is undefeated in Brave Combat Federation and is one of the elite who will be chasing the championship title in the coming days. Abdul Kareen Al-Selwady fought the veteran Erick Silva from Brazil who was on a nine fight winning streak. Not only Abdul ended his winning streak but defeated his opponent in a dominant fashion.

Husam Mubarak

Page 3:  · Africa and Far East Asia. ... Kapi Ragam, Ramayana Sabdam in Ragam Mohanam and a patriotic note by dancing to the iconic verses Vandematharam choreographed in

3Saturday, November 25, 2017

Rolex Boutique - Bahrain City Centre

DT News [email protected]

Manama

The total revenues of the municipalities rose by around BD30 million

this year, according to latest data revealed by Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf.

In his reply to the p a r l i a m e n t a r y queries

raised by MP Abdulhameed Al Najjar with respect to the debts collection procedures of the municipalities of four governorates, the minister said that the revenues of the municipalities are expected to reach BD90 million, in comparison with BD62 million collected last year.

The minister’s reply, which will be reviewed before the House of Representatives in their next weekly session on Tuesday, mentioned that BD67, 120, 000 was the income of the municipalities until September 30 this year, while BD64, 668, 750 was

the revenues of 2016.Khalaf attributed the

increase to the urban growth the Kingdom is witnessing in recent years.

Commenting on the arrears owed to the ministry, Khalaf affirmed that the municipalities reduced the arrears to BD29. 461, 068 in 2017, from BD39, 549, 908 in 2016.

He also mentioned that the ministry is cooperating with several authorities, including the Electricity and Water Affairs Authority, in completing these procedures.

More discussion will be held in the presence of the minister at the Parliament session on Tuesday.

Municipalities’ revenue up by BD30m: Minister

Crackdown on illegal vendors continuesDT News [email protected] Manama

The crackdown on illegal street vendors in the alleys

and roads of residential areas in the Capital Governorate continues, with authorities combatting this “phenomenon” by confiscating the goods illegally sold by the vendors.

Capital General Secretariat (municipality previously) conducted several campaigns in different areas in the Capital where illegal vendors are active in the past few days.

Vendors faced the heat at Shaikh Hamad and Sasa’h bin Sohan avenues in the heart of the old capital. The secretariat confiscated around 70 trolleys used by the vendors to sell foodstuff and other products on the road, in addition to 54 scales used to weigh vegetables and fruits, and several gas cylinder used to cook illegally and against the safety standards set by Health Ministry and Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry.

“The confiscated equipment and goods were moved to the stores of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry in Tubli,” the secretariat confirmed in a statement. The campaigns were organised in coordination with Interior Ministry, Health Ministry and the Labour Market Regulatory Authority,

as a big percentage of the vendors were illegal residents in the Kingdom.

Similar campaigns are being conducted in the other governorates of the Kingdom,

especially that complaints have increased regarding the dangers of illegal vendors selling spoilt products on the roads without any official supervision or accountability.

Equipment seized from the vendors

Municipal workers removing the products

Vegetables confiscated by authorities

Page 4:  · Africa and Far East Asia. ... Kapi Ragam, Ramayana Sabdam in Ragam Mohanam and a patriotic note by dancing to the iconic verses Vandematharam choreographed in

Manama

Embassy of India in Bahrain is organising an Indian classical dance performance

today at the Bahrain Cultural Hall from 6:30 pm onwards.

As part of the event, a ‘Lecture-cum-Demonstration’ for dance lovers and fans was held on Thursday in the presence of Indian Ambassador Alok Kumar Sinha at the Indian Embassy premises in Seef.

Two dance troupes - Kathak led by Sanjeev Kumar Agnihotri and Kuchipudi led by Deepa Shashindran sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India led the presentation.

Deepa Narayanan Shashindran is a fine versatile artiste of the Kuchipudi dance style mastered under guru the renowned Kuchipudi exponent Manju Barggavee.

The troupe would perform an invocatory Slokham on Lord Ganesha, followed by composition “Vandeham”, choreography on Pravesha Daruvu in Ragam Bhairavi, Chandrasekaram in Carnatic music with slokham in Kapi Ragam, Ramayana Sabdam in Ragam Mohanam and a patriotic note by dancing to the iconic verses V a n d e m a t h a r a m choreographed in Kuchipudi style.

Sanjeev Kumar

Agnihotri is a post-graduate in theatre arts from Bhartendu Academy of Dramatic Arts

in 1996. His experience includes working as a production coordinator in CIET (NCERT), coordinator/ production assistant with National School of Drama, Technical Director for the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Sangeet Naatak Academy

etc. The troupe would perform

Shiv Vandana, dance on patriotic songs of Kavi

Pradeep, Tarana in pure Kathak form, and culminate with

Holi, a festival of colours in Kathak and folk style.

4 Saturday, November 25, 2017

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(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or

position of this newspaper.)

IMPACTS OF RAIN

Rain is expected this week in Bahrain as it was witnessed last week in many cities

of Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries, where the rain has created standing water and causing drainage problems. Though like last year, the predicted extreme heavy rainfall in the region has not started which was there last year starting from November 23. The weekend in Bahrain is witnessing cloudy weather with mild rain and few thunderstorms. The country has been experiencing its driest winters since last decade. The unusually low amount of rainfall and higher than average temperatures in the current year continuing from the past years indicate that there has been no real winter and freezing low temperatures, which the country was earlier witnessing.

The average monthly amount of precipitation throughout the month of November has been restricted from mild to low rainfall and drizzle, with an average of rain falling on three days of the month only. With the previous months of this year have already broken the record of being the warmest on record is very alarming and has greatly affecting the local climate. The sign of rain is a good omen to be enjoyed by all.

While rain brings change of weather, mood and energy, it is necessary that we understand the importance of safeguarding and protecting ourselves and our surroundings during and after the heavy rain. Though the annual rainfall in the country is around 80 mm per year, but often high intensity rain occurs for a shorter period of time causing flash floods and rain water standing at many places and low lying areas causing inundation of services and utilities and affecting moving traffic. The Meteorological department has warned regarding the change in weather, which is usually expected at this time of the year in the country. But the residents are often found not prepared for the sudden heavy downpour.

The last many heavy showers in the country have witnessed a record number of traffic accidents on major highway and roads due to the road being wet, slippery and inundated. Most drivers simply don’t change their driving habits enough to operate a vehicle

safely during rainy weather. People do not regard the slow moving traffic and potholes of standing water and their excessive speed cause traffic accidents causing not only the damage to their vehicles and to the one they collide with but also hurting and killing the drivers, people sitting in the vehicles and pedestrians who become the victim of such irresponsible behaviors and attitude.

Rain has many beneficial and environmental advantages. The first and foremost is cleansing of the polluted air system, nourishing the plants, herbs, shrubs, trees and landscaping, replenishing local ground water supplies and provides a good aesthetic environment elevating the peoples mood and boosting energies. However, too much rain can lead to a host of problems, many of which can linger long after the storm ends.

The excess rain brings negative effects on wildlife, the environment and even the economy. The impacts are also on housing and shelter, the flooding of streets and urban areas, choking of sewerage system and other infra structures, standing pools of water causing germs, bacteria and proliferation of other water borne diseases are some other adverse impacts.

As raindrops splash against the ground, they loosen the soil. When the soil can no longer absorb any more rain, the rain washes across the ground, carrying loose soil with it. This type of runoff carries pollutants to larger water bodies, which can harm fish and marine organisms and reduce water quality.

To minimize the impact of rain, let us be more careful in our habits and daily life activities by:

- Slowing down and being careful in driving.- Walking carefully to avoid potholes,

manholes and drainage ditches.- Switching electrical gadgets in case of any

power disruption and voltage fluctuations* Head of Waste Disposal Unit, Supreme

Council for Environment, Kingdom of Bahrain (Email: [email protected])

Festivalof India

Ambassador addressing the gathering

Demonstration by the performers

Page 5:  · Africa and Far East Asia. ... Kapi Ragam, Ramayana Sabdam in Ragam Mohanam and a patriotic note by dancing to the iconic verses Vandematharam choreographed in

DT News NetworkManama

Under the Patronage of HRH Prince Salman bin

Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, the Ironman 70.3 Middle East will kick-off at Bahrain Bay today, featuring 2000 athletes from all over the world.

On this occasion, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of Bahrain Olympic Committee, expressed his sincerest thanks and appreciation to HRH the Crown Prince for his generous patronage of the championship, stressing HRH’s keenness to supports sports in general and triathlon in particular.

HH Shaikh Nasser affirmed that the Crown Prince’s backing would have a great impact on the triathlon sport in the Kingdom which has achieved tremendous results in the era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, explaining that the Ironman 70.3 Middle East Championship Bahrain represents a new milestone for this sport as the Kingdom has become a new destination for triathlon activities. His Highness Shaikh Nasser said that he is ready to compete and would seek to show results in all the three races of the event, including the swimming, cycling and running.

“I am ready to take this new challenge and will do my best to achieve advanced positions in the championship,” HH Shaikh Nasser said while acknowledging the obstacles ahead of him in the event given the long roster of the

internationally-recognised athletes who are taking part in the event. “Bahrain Triathlon Team has been training very well in the past for the Championship and our team members are ready to compete in this event and record positive results,” HH Shaikh Nasser underlined.

IronkidsHH Shaikh Nasser watched the Ironkids competition held yesterday. Featuring in the event were HH Shaikh Nasser’s children; HH Shaikha Sheema, HH Shaikh Hamad and HH Shaikh Mohammed, all of whom successfully completed the races of the event. HH Shaikh Nasser rewarded the participants who completed the race, praising the performances featured in the Ironkids.

Route The Organising Committee had earlier announced the approval of the three-stage route of the championship. Swimming competition will be held in Bahrain Bay for a distance of 1.9 km, the cycling competition for 90 km, ending with a running race of 21.1 km. The track of the three competitions will pass by the urban, developmental and heritage sites in the Kingdom to introduce participants to Bahrain’s growth, which is one of the objectives of the Ironman Championships.

Triathlon team readyBahrain Triathlon Team expressed its readiness to participate in the Ironman 70.3 under the leadership of HH Shaikh Nasser. The Bahraini team, and in particular HH Shaikh Nasser hopes to secure a podium finish in the race. HH Shaikh Nasser will be the most prominent candidate for the first place after the great results and continuous achievements established in previous championships.

5Saturday, November 25, 2017

Event to set a new milestone for triathlon in the Kingdom

70.3 todayIronman

Avoid lanes allocated to contest, public urgedDT News [email protected]

Manama

The General Directorate of Traffic has called

upon motorists and road users to be alert as some road lanes will be closed for Ironman 70.3 Middle East Championship.

“Follow instructions and cooperate with traffic personnel and avoid entering lanes allocated for contestants of the race,” General Director of Traffic Colonel Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulwahab Al Khalifa urged road users. The public was also asked to avoid driving through the race’s allocated roads during the competition, except one has to, while the roads would

be gradually opened with the last contestant. The race starts at 6 am at the Bahrain Bay, Four Seasons Hotel, to Zallaq through King Faisal Highway in Manama and Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway, and back again to the Bahrain Bay. King Faisal highway will be closed from 6:30 am to 11:30 am to the Bahrain Financial Harbour signal.

Those coming from Muharraq should take the Bahrain Bay Road. The Bahrain Gulf Road that leads to Al Jazaer Beach will be closed from 8 am to 11 am. One lane would be allocated for the race in all remaining roads, except Zallaq Road in which two lanes would be kept for the race from Rashid Equestrian Club to Bahrain Bay road.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa with children who participated in the Ironkids contest

Page 6:  · Africa and Far East Asia. ... Kapi Ragam, Ramayana Sabdam in Ragam Mohanam and a patriotic note by dancing to the iconic verses Vandematharam choreographed in

6 Saturday, November 25, 2017

Brutal attackAt least 235 people were killed when gunmen opened fire and bombed a

mosque in Egypt’s volatile Sinai Peninsula. Government officials said 109

more had been injured in the attack. This was the first major militant attack

on a Muslim mosque and the startling bloodshed eclipsed any past attacks

of its kind, even dating back to a previous militant insurgency in the 1990s.

What happened?

What has the reaction been?

Officials said around 40 gunmen arrived in four off-road vehicles

blocked all escape routes by blowing up cars in area before opening fire on worshippers inside the mosque.

“They were shooting at people as they left the mosque,” a local resident who had relatives there told Reuters news agency. “They were shooting at the ambulances too.”

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, but IS has targeted sufis several times in the area in the past.

Images circulating on social media shows bloodied bodies wrapped up in sheets laid across the floor of the mosque.

Egypt’s state news agency reported the casualty toll, citing “official sources,” revising it upward several times following the officials’ initial reports.

President Sisi has declared three days of mourning and vowed “deterrent and firm punishment”.

In a televised statement, el-Sissi said that the attack “will not go unpunished” and that Egypt will persevere with its war on terrorism. The suffering of the victims was not in vain, he added, and will only “add to our insistence” to combat terrorism.

Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit condemned the attack as a “terrifying crime which again shows that Islam is innocent

of those who follow extremist terrorist ideology”.UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International

Cooperation said the horrible incident exposes the “ugly face of terrorism that does not respect the human soul and the sanctity of places of worship.”

UK Prime Minister Theresa May tweeted: “Appalled by the sickening attack on a mosque in North Sinai. Condolences with all those in #Egypt affected by this evil and cowardly act.”

Donald Trump said on Twitter: The world cannot tolerate terrorism, we must defeat them militarily and discredit the extremist ideology that forms the basis of their existence!

Paris’ mayor says the Eiffel Tower will go black at midnight in homage to the victims of the deadly assault in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.

French President Emmanuel Macron also went to Twitter to send his “condolences to the victims of the terrible attack”

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, but the Egyptian

military has been battling a militia in Sinai called Ansar Beit al-Maqdis

Page 7:  · Africa and Far East Asia. ... Kapi Ragam, Ramayana Sabdam in Ragam Mohanam and a patriotic note by dancing to the iconic verses Vandematharam choreographed in

7Saturday, November 25, 2017

Locals are quoted as saying that followers of Sufism, or Islamic mysticism, regularly gathered at the mosque.Some jihadist groups, including so-called Islamic State (IS), see Sufis as heretics.

Who was targeted?

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, but the Egyptian

military has been battling a militia in Sinai called Ansar Beit al-Maqdis

Egyptian military declared a curfew in Bir al-Abed and Sinai town of El Arish

“The scene was horrific,” said Ibrahim Sheteewi, a resident of Bir al-Abed, the north Sinai town where the attack took place. “The bodies were scattered on the ground outside the mosque. I hope God punishes them for this.”

A victim is carried away from the scene of the attack

Mourners gather around the bodies of vic-tims following the attack

People gather as bodies are brought out of the mosque

Page 8:  · Africa and Far East Asia. ... Kapi Ragam, Ramayana Sabdam in Ragam Mohanam and a patriotic note by dancing to the iconic verses Vandematharam choreographed in

BUSINESS Saturday, November 25, 20178

‘Gunfire’ sparks panic in LondonLondon

Shoppers scattered in panic and police flooded one of

London’s busiest areas yesterday after multiple reports of shots being fired at Oxford Circus subway station.

But an hour later police said they had found no sign of any gunshots, suspects or casualties.

The panic erupted on one of the busiest shopping days of the year, in a jittery city that has been hit by four violent attacks this year.

The area, full of big-name chain shops and department stores, was packed with shoppers browsing Black Friday sales.

Amid reports of several shots

being fired, commuters and shoppers ran from Oxford Circus station and took shelter in nearby stores.

“I was next to the Tube station and everyone started screaming and shouting and then a flood of people came up the stairs,” said Greg Owen, 37.

Police said they were responding “as if the incident is terrorist related,” sending armed officers to the scene, cordoning off several blocks and telling people to avoid the area.

Some stores filled with people taking shelter; others were evacuated. At upmarket department store Selfridges, shoppers were ordered to leave.

At least three heavily armed men believed to be police could be seen on the escalators inside.

About an hour after the first report of shots, the Metropolitan Police force said officers “have not located any trace of any suspects, evidence of shots fired or causalities.” Oxford Circus subway station reopened soon afterward.

British Transport Police said one woman suffered a minor injury while leaving the station. The force, which patrols the train and subway network, said it was investigating what had caused the initial report of shots inside the station. After declaring the incident over, the Metropolitan

Police said that “given the nature of the information received, the Met responded in line with our existing operation as if the incident was terrorism, including the deployment of armed officers.”

Britons in general, and Londoners in particular, have been jumpy after a string of extremist attacks this year, including deadly attacks using vehicles to hit pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, London Bridge and outside a London mosque.

Britain’s official terrorist threat level is set at “severe” indicating an attack is considered highly likely. (Chicagotribune)

Armed officers secure a police cordon near

Oxford Circus in London.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

‘Vast majority of suspects in probe agreeing to settle’

Dubai

The vast majority of about 200 businessmen and officials implicated in a sweeping crackdown

on corruption are agreeing to settlements under which they hand over assets to the government, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told the New York Times.

“We show them all the files that we have and as soon as they see those about 95 percent agree to a settlement,” which means signing over cash or shares in their companies to the Saudi Treasury, the newspaper quoted Prince Mohammed as saying.

“About 1 percent are able to prove they are clean and their case is dropped right there. About 4 percent say they are not corrupt and with their lawyers want to go to court.”

Prince Mohammed repeated a previous official estimate that the government could eventually recover around $100 billion of illicit money through settlements.

The government said two weeks ago that it had questioned 208 people in the crackdown and released seven without charge. Dozens of princes, senior officials and top businessmen are believed to be held in Riyadh’s opulent Ritz Carlton hotel as their cases are processed.

“We have experts making sure no businesses are bankrupted in the process,” Prince Mohammed told the Times.

He dismissed suggestions that the crackdown aimed to strengthen his political power as ludicrous, noting that prominent people held at the Ritz had already publicly pledged allegiance to him and his reforms. “A majority of the royal family” is behind him, Prince Mohammed said. (Reuters)

‘Spectra 2017’ art contest winners honouredManama

Winners of the ninth Faber-Castell ‘Spectra 2017’ art

contest were honoured on Thursday following a Grand Finale held at Dr Abdul Kalam Memorial Hall, The Asian School, Tubli.

Net proceeds from the annual art

carnival, organised by the Indian Community Relief Fund (ICRF), goes to a Family Welfare Fund formed to support the families of deceased Indian labourers drawing wages below BD100 per month.

The winners were honoured by Meera Sisodia First Secretary at the

Embassy of India in the presence of ICRF Chairman Bhagwan Asarpota, ICRF General Secretary Aruldas Thomas, Spectra Convener U K Menon, Jt. Convener Rosaline, Indian School Chairman Prince Natarajan, Asian School Principal Molly Mamman along with Sanjay Bhan of

title sponsor Faber Castell.Around 1,300 children from 22

schools participated in the competition held on 3 November 2017 at the Indian School. Competitions were held in four categories namely: 5 to 8 years, 8 to 11 years, 11 to 13 years and 14 to 18 years. Top 25 contestants from each

group were awarded mementoes and certificates.

The winning entries and other outstanding creations were pictured on wall and desktop calendars for the year 2018. Meera Sisodia, First Secretary at the Embassy of India, released the calendars.

Winners: Group 1:  Devna Praveen -The New Horizon School, Durga Sumesh - Indian School Bahrain, Ashley Theresa Wales - Indian School Bahrain.

Group 2 : Madhav R Nair, Albin Thomas and Ishika Pradee-  all from the Indian School Bahrain.

Group 3 : Nandhana Santhosh- Indian School Bahrain, Angellei O. Padua - Philippine School, Veena Kizhakkethil - Indian School Bahrain.

Group 4 : Devika Babu - New Indian School, Amisha Devan - Indian School, Rithukul Nath - Indian School Bahrain.

Page 9:  · Africa and Far East Asia. ... Kapi Ragam, Ramayana Sabdam in Ragam Mohanam and a patriotic note by dancing to the iconic verses Vandematharam choreographed in

The idea of auto updates is great. The reality is far more difficult as most updates require testing in the environ-

ment prior to implementation. Many companies also have large backlog of updates

or patches, which requires prioritisation. Ultimately, if companies build updates into their normal IT opera-tions, it becomes more feasible to have auto-updates turned on for the most common systems.

BUSINESSSaturday, November 25, 2017 9

to protect your business from hackers

Mumbai

Part of a four-storey  building collapsed in the suburbs of Mumbai on Friday, killing at least one person and

trapping more than a dozen, police said. “We have rescued six people and recovered one dead body,” said a police official, who declined to be identified. A National Disaster Response Force team was likely to join the rescue operation, the official said.

Manila

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he has terminated intermittent peace talks with Maoist-led rebels and would

consider them “terrorists”. Duterte said he would consider the political arm of the Maoists a “terrorist group” and was demanding the rebel leaders he freed in order to restart talks turn themselves in.

Theresa May,

Building collapse in Mumbai kills one Duterte ditches peace process “These negotiations are continuing but what I’m clear about is that we must step forward together. This is for both the UK and the European Union to move to the next stage,”

British Prime Minister on Brexit divorce deal

Crime committed online by cyber hackers is increasingly becoming daily news. Politicians, newspapers, telecoms and energy firms have all been targeted. Here are certain tips to protect yourself and your business from hackers

Keep software up to date

Practise good password behaviour

Make security part of your buying

decision

This may be one of the oldest tips for security but it’s still a huge problem. Forcing the use of strong password usage

is still the most effective approach to this issue - ensuring a minimum password length and complexity, making sure they get updated regularly and not letting staff re-use old passwords. 

Use password vaults to store passwords safely - here are a few to consider: LastPass, Dashlane, KeePass and 1Password. 

As we move more to software as a service, cloud, and other operating models, the

importance of incorporating security from the start becomes more important. 

This means product and development teams should engage the security depart-ment from the very beginning of the decision and implementation process.

There is always a temptation to con-sider turning off security measures

such as firewalls when running into appli-cation or system implementation issues. 

But sometimes the problem with this is that they are not turned back on, which can expose the entire company or your personal computer to compromise.

Keep firewalls turned on

Change wifi passwords from the default

All default passwords on all IT devices and software

should be changed as part of the initial implementation pro-cedures. Since wifi is a gateway into a company’s network or your home network, it is criti-cal that there are no easy ways for unauthorised users to gain access. (Thisismoney)

S&P affirms India’s rating

Mumbai

Standard & Poor’s stuck with its “BBB-minus”

sovereign rating and “stable” outlook for India yesterday, declining to follow Moody’s recent decision to upgrade the country’s rating, citing low income levels, high debt and weaker government finances.

Moody’s Investors Services had a week ago upgraded India’s credit rating to “Baa2” from “Baa3”, one notch higher than S&P’s current rating, citing progress on economic and institutional reforms would lift the country’s growth potential.

But in a statement, S&P said it was comfortable with its current rating, which leaves India at its lowest investment-grade standing, despite welcoming recent actions such as the unveiling of an ambitious national goods and services tax (GST), India’s biggest-ever tax reform.

“Sizable fiscal deficits, a

high net general government debt burden, and low per capita income detract from the sovereign’s credit profile,” S&P said in a statement.

S&P has long maintained a more cautious approach than Moody‘s, having kept India at the current rating of “BBB-minus”, the lowest investment-grade, since 2007.

The agency did change its outlook to “stable” from “negative” in 2014, several months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi was elected with promises of ambitious economic and fiscal reforms, but has not budged even as the government has lobbied rating agencies hard for an upgrade.

In its statement on Friday, S&P said it welcomed government reforms, including the rollout of GST and a planned $32 billion capital infusion into its struggling state-run lenders, while predicting the country’s economy would “grow robustly” in 2018-2020.

But S&P reiterated its concerns about India’s gross domestic product (GDP) per capita income, saying on Friday it was “the lowest of all investment-grade sovereigns that we rate” at an estimated $2,000.

The ratings agency also said India’s general government revenue was “low”, at an estimated 22 percent of 2017 GDP, while noting “the large general government debt load and India’s overall weak public finances continue to constrain the ratings.”

S&P added it would need to see more evidence that government reforms would “markedly improve” the government’s finances and reduce its net general government debt to justify an upgrade - reiterating language it had used in affirming India’s rating late last year.

Fitch Ratings also currently rates India at “BBB-minus” with a “stable” outlook, in line with S&P’s ratings. (Reuters)

‘BBB-minus’ with ‘stable’ outlook

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks in Lok Sabha, in New Delhi. (file)

Page 10:  · Africa and Far East Asia. ... Kapi Ragam, Ramayana Sabdam in Ragam Mohanam and a patriotic note by dancing to the iconic verses Vandematharam choreographed in

Saturday, November 25, 201710

COUNTRY/CURRENCIES SELLBUY

Rates are for indication purpose only. For firm rates or for currencies not listed above please call Bahrain Financing Company. Telephone: 17228888, Website: www.bfc.com.bh

COUNTRY 1 US DLR 1 UK STG 1 SFR 100 YEN

BAHRAIN 0.3770 0.5738 0.3799 0.3354

KUWAIT 0.2855 32.0873 0.2877 0.2540

OMAN 0.3849 0.3820 0.3878 0.3425

QATAR 3.6420 3.6143 3.6699 3.2405

UAE 3.6730 3.6451 3.7011 3.2681

SAUDI 3.7500 3.7215 3.7787 3.3366

AUSTRALIA 0.2920 0.2896BANGLADESH 0.00483 0.00458CANADA 0.3018 0.2985DENMARK 0.0627 EGYPT 0.0241 0.0218EURO 0.4501 0.4476HONGKONG 0.04970 0.04930INDIA 0.00582 0.00585INDONESIA 0.00003017 0.00002855IRAN TUMAN 0.00010964 IRAQI DINAR 0.000300 JAPAN 0.00352 0.003450JORDAN 0.5362 0.5354KOREA 0.00039646 KUWAIT 1.254 1.254MALAYSIA 0.0938 0.0936NEW ZEALAND 0.2616 0.2616NORWAY 0.0481 NEPAL 0.00395 0.00365OMAN 0.98220 0.98340PAKISTAN 0.00366 0.00358PHILIPPINES 0.00758 0.00747QATAR 0.10386 0.10381SAUDI ARABIA 0.10065 0.10071SINGAPORE 0.2834 0.2814SOUTH AFRICA 0.02850 0.02840SRI LANKA 0.00283 0.00246SWEDISH 0.0479 SWITZERLAND 0.3891 0.3861SYRIA 0.001740 0.0018TAIWAN 0.013100 THAILAND 0.011730 0.011710TURKEY 0.1024 UNITED KINGDOM 0.5076 0.5047UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 0.102850 0.102870UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 0.37790 0.37800YUAN 0.056800 0.056800

‘Wiping out’ extremist ideology is my mission:

Head of Saudi-based Muslim bodyParis

The head of a Saudi-based organisation that for decades was charged with

spreading the strict Wahhabi school of Islam around the world has said those times were over and his focus now was aimed at annihilating extremist ideology.

Former justice minister Mohammed al-Issa, appointed secretary-general of the Mecca-based Muslim World League (MWL) just over a year ago, said during a European tour that his organisation would no longer sit by and let Islam be taken hostage by extremists.

The push for a more moderate Islam underscores efforts by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to modernize the kingdom, which finances groups overseen by the organisation, and cleave to a more open and tolerant interpretation of Islam.

“The past and what was said, is in the past. What happened in the past and the way in which we worked then, is not the subject of debate,” Issa said in an interview late on Thursday.

“We must wipe out this extremist thinking through the work we do. We need to annihilate religious severity and extremism which is the entry point to terrorism. That is the mission of the Muslim World League.”

Issa said the MWL would be much more hands on now and aim to tackle any sign of extremism in areas where it operates, but also if it became aware of any other schools, centres or mosques where an extremist ideology was being propagated.

While he declined to give specific details, a week earlier he was in Geneva where he vowed to reform the city’s largest mosque after French and Swiss authorities raised concerns that it had become a hub of extremism. The mosque

is supported by the MWL.“Every time we spot such a message,

we won’t keep our arms crossed, we will do everything to annihilate this ideology,” the 52-year-old said through a translator.

“ONLY THE TRUTH”“What we are doing and want to do is purify Islam of this extremism and these wrong interpretations and give the right interpretations of Islam,” he said. “Only the truth can defeat that and we represent the truth.”

Issa said part of his work was to address the difficulties Muslims may have in adapting their religion to non-Muslim nations.

“We try to bring answers to face down these messages that change the reality of Islam. We want to offer the real interpretation of the sacred texts that have been taken hostage and interpreted in a wrong way,” he said.

As part of those efforts, Issa said he was also working with other faiths. After the Lebanese Maronite patriarch made a historic visit to Riyadh last week, Issa visited religious officials at Paris’ landmark Notre Dame Cathedral, but also Paris’ Grand Synagogue.

“We have a common objective to end hatred,” he said. “The Muslim World League really believes that we can accomplish that, and religions are very influential in doing that.” (Reuters)

Former justice minister Mohammed al-Issa

Pentagon likely to acknowledge 2,000 troops in SyriaWashington

The Pentagon is likely to announce in the coming

days that there are about 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria, two U.S. officials said yesterday, as the military acknowledges that an accounting system for troops

has under-reported the size of forces on the ground.

The U.S. military had earlier publicly said it had around 500 troops in Syria, mostly supporting the Syrian Democratic Forces group of Kurdish and Arab militias

fighting Islamic State in the north of the country.

Two U.S. officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the Pentagon could, as early as Monday, publicly announce that there are slightly more than 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria. They said there was always a possibility that last minute changes in schedules could delay an announcement.

That is not an increase in troop numbers, just a more accurate count, as the numbers often fluctuate.

An accounting system, known as the Force Management Level (FML), was

introduced in Iraq and Syria during former President Barack Obama’s administration as a way to exert control over the military.

But the numbers do not reflect the extent of the U.S. commitment on the ground since commanders often found ways to work around the limits - sometimes bringing in forces temporarily or hiring more contractors.

The force management levels are officially at 5,262 in Iraq and 503 in Syria, but officials have privately acknowledged in the past that the real number for each country is more than the reported figure. (Reuters)The Pentagon is shown in Arlington, Virginia, U.S.

Page 11:  · Africa and Far East Asia. ... Kapi Ragam, Ramayana Sabdam in Ragam Mohanam and a patriotic note by dancing to the iconic verses Vandematharam choreographed in

Saturday, November 25, 201710

COUNTRY/CURRENCIES SELLBUY

Rates are for indication purpose only. For firm rates or for currencies not listed above please call Bahrain Financing Company. Telephone: 17228888, Website: www.bfc.com.bh

COUNTRY 1 US DLR 1 UK STG 1 SFR 100 YEN

BAHRAIN 0.3770 0.5738 0.3799 0.3354

KUWAIT 0.2855 32.0873 0.2877 0.2540

OMAN 0.3849 0.3820 0.3878 0.3425

QATAR 3.6420 3.6143 3.6699 3.2405

UAE 3.6730 3.6451 3.7011 3.2681

SAUDI 3.7500 3.7215 3.7787 3.3366

AUSTRALIA 0.2920 0.2896BANGLADESH 0.00483 0.00458CANADA 0.3018 0.2985DENMARK 0.0627 EGYPT 0.0241 0.0218EURO 0.4501 0.4476HONGKONG 0.04970 0.04930INDIA 0.00582 0.00585INDONESIA 0.00003017 0.00002855IRAN TUMAN 0.00010964 IRAQI DINAR 0.000300 JAPAN 0.00352 0.003450JORDAN 0.5362 0.5354KOREA 0.00039646 KUWAIT 1.254 1.254MALAYSIA 0.0938 0.0936NEW ZEALAND 0.2616 0.2616NORWAY 0.0481 NEPAL 0.00395 0.00365OMAN 0.98220 0.98340PAKISTAN 0.00366 0.00358PHILIPPINES 0.00758 0.00747QATAR 0.10386 0.10381SAUDI ARABIA 0.10065 0.10071SINGAPORE 0.2834 0.2814SOUTH AFRICA 0.02850 0.02840SRI LANKA 0.00283 0.00246SWEDISH 0.0479 SWITZERLAND 0.3891 0.3861SYRIA 0.001740 0.0018TAIWAN 0.013100 THAILAND 0.011730 0.011710TURKEY 0.1024 UNITED KINGDOM 0.5076 0.5047UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 0.102850 0.102870UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 0.37790 0.37800YUAN 0.056800 0.056800

‘Wiping out’ extremist ideology is my mission:

Head of Saudi-based Muslim bodyParis

The head of a Saudi-based organisation that for decades was charged with

spreading the strict Wahhabi school of Islam around the world has said those times were over and his focus now was aimed at annihilating extremist ideology.

Former justice minister Mohammed al-Issa, appointed secretary-general of the Mecca-based Muslim World League (MWL) just over a year ago, said during a European tour that his organisation would no longer sit by and let Islam be taken hostage by extremists.

The push for a more moderate Islam underscores efforts by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to modernize the kingdom, which finances groups overseen by the organisation, and cleave to a more open and tolerant interpretation of Islam.

“The past and what was said, is in the past. What happened in the past and the way in which we worked then, is not the subject of debate,” Issa said in an interview late on Thursday.

“We must wipe out this extremist thinking through the work we do. We need to annihilate religious severity and extremism which is the entry point to terrorism. That is the mission of the Muslim World League.”

Issa said the MWL would be much more hands on now and aim to tackle any sign of extremism in areas where it operates, but also if it became aware of any other schools, centres or mosques where an extremist ideology was being propagated.

While he declined to give specific details, a week earlier he was in Geneva where he vowed to reform the city’s largest mosque after French and Swiss authorities raised concerns that it had become a hub of extremism. The mosque

is supported by the MWL.“Every time we spot such a message,

we won’t keep our arms crossed, we will do everything to annihilate this ideology,” the 52-year-old said through a translator.

“ONLY THE TRUTH”“What we are doing and want to do is purify Islam of this extremism and these wrong interpretations and give the right interpretations of Islam,” he said. “Only the truth can defeat that and we represent the truth.”

Issa said part of his work was to address the difficulties Muslims may have in adapting their religion to non-Muslim nations.

“We try to bring answers to face down these messages that change the reality of Islam. We want to offer the real interpretation of the sacred texts that have been taken hostage and interpreted in a wrong way,” he said.

As part of those efforts, Issa said he was also working with other faiths. After the Lebanese Maronite patriarch made a historic visit to Riyadh last week, Issa visited religious officials at Paris’ landmark Notre Dame Cathedral, but also Paris’ Grand Synagogue.

“We have a common objective to end hatred,” he said. “The Muslim World League really believes that we can accomplish that, and religions are very influential in doing that.” (Reuters)

Former justice minister Mohammed al-Issa

Pentagon likely to acknowledge 2,000 troops in SyriaWashington

The Pentagon is likely to announce in the coming

days that there are about 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria, two U.S. officials said yesterday, as the military acknowledges that an accounting system for troops

has under-reported the size of forces on the ground.

The U.S. military had earlier publicly said it had around 500 troops in Syria, mostly supporting the Syrian Democratic Forces group of Kurdish and Arab militias

fighting Islamic State in the north of the country.

Two U.S. officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the Pentagon could, as early as Monday, publicly announce that there are slightly more than 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria. They said there was always a possibility that last minute changes in schedules could delay an announcement.

That is not an increase in troop numbers, just a more accurate count, as the numbers often fluctuate.

An accounting system, known as the Force Management Level (FML), was

introduced in Iraq and Syria during former President Barack Obama’s administration as a way to exert control over the military.

But the numbers do not reflect the extent of the U.S. commitment on the ground since commanders often found ways to work around the limits - sometimes bringing in forces temporarily or hiring more contractors.

The force management levels are officially at 5,262 in Iraq and 503 in Syria, but officials have privately acknowledged in the past that the real number for each country is more than the reported figure. (Reuters)The Pentagon is shown in Arlington, Virginia, U.S.

With wide boulevards, fashionable shopping and a Roman-style amphitheatre, the newly built Palestinian city of Rawabi is the culmination of a decades-long dream

11Saturday, November 25, 2017

Rawabi (Palestinian Territories)

With wide boulevards, fashionable shopping and

a Roman-style amphitheatre, the newly built Palestinian city of Rawabi is the culmination of a decades-long dream for developer Bashar al-Masri.

The Palestinian-American businessman has struggled to overcome Israeli hurdles, critics in his own community and political instability to turn the $1.4-billion project in the occupied West Bank into reality -- but now he hopes it can become a beacon in the quest for statehood.

So far only some 3,000 people live in the pristine rows of beige tower blocks that have gone up since work began from scratch in the barren hills just north of Ramallah almost a decade ago on the first ever planned city to be built by Palestinians in the territory.

Construction is still rumbling on and some streets can feel eerily quiet, but eventually it is hoped 40,000 people will one day call the city home.

“Rawabi, especially in the past four or five months, has become a destination for all Palestinians,” sharply dressed Masri, 56, insisted, as he sat at a cafe in the city’s new shopping mall.

“Every month, at least 100,000 Palestinians visit and come out impressed.”

The symmetrical housing and careful planning of Rawabi -- which means hills in Arabic -- has led some to say it resembles more the Israeli settlements that most Palestinians cannot visit than other towns in the occupied territory.

It boasts an extreme sports centre and 15,000-seater amphitheatre hung with giant pictures of Arab and Western entertainment stars, while a cinema and winery are set to be built.

The city’s design and high-end facilities have sparked criticism that it caters only for the elite and is out of place and out of reach in an impoverished region where unemployment is rampant.

But Masri insists there is demand and says the Palestinians themselves will determine if his project will succeed.

“I do not know who decides what the Palestinians want. Is it the occupation? The world? We decide for ourselves what we want and not all of us want the same thing,” he insisted.

“The Palestinians deserve a better life. We should not be oppressed because we live under occupation.”

‘Everything is available’For the Palestinians flocking to catch a glimpse, the city is meant to offer another vision for life in their troubled territories.

Saed Abu Fkheida and his wife were only window shopping at the

international brands like Max Mara, Juicy Couture, Armani Jeans and Lacoste in the sleek Q Center mall, built like the rest of the city with the help of state funds from Qatar.

While many shops still remain to be filled some six months after the shopping complex opened, he was impressed by facilities that you can’t find elsewhere in the West Bank.

“Everything is available here in one place. There are clothes, toys,” he said. “In Ramallah, you would need to visit several places to find what you are looking for.”

The first residents moved into Rawabi in 2015 and the price for flats now runs from $70,000 to $180,000.

Those fortunate enough to have managed to buy a place -- often well-heeled Palestinians who worked in the Gulf states or even Arab Israelis -- say they now feel at home.

Fatima Nazzal admitted the development felt “kind of empty” when she moved in with her husband Iyad and three daughters after returning from Saudi Arabia -- but the family now says the standard of living matches what they experienced abroad.

“We found the same things we were used to here in relation to infrastructure, comfort and a way of life we are used to,” Iyad said.

“Now, with the opening of the Q Center, there are people coming here and there are activities,” Fatima added. (AFP)

Some say it resembles more like Israeli settlements

So far only some 3,000 people live in the pristine rows of beige tower blocks

Construction is still rumbling on

Page 12:  · Africa and Far East Asia. ... Kapi Ragam, Ramayana Sabdam in Ragam Mohanam and a patriotic note by dancing to the iconic verses Vandematharam choreographed in

Saturday, November 25, 201712

Supreme Council for Youth & Sport Chairman, Bahrain Olympic Committee President & Royal Charity Organisation (RCO) Chairman HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa witnessed the IRONKIDS competitions which was held on the sidelines of IRONMAN 70.3 Middle East Championship Bahrain. Featuring in the event were HH Shaikh Nasser’s children HH Shaikha Sheema, HH Shaikh Hamad and HH Shaikh Mohammed, all of whom have successfully completed the races of the event. At the end of the competition, HH Shaikh Nasser rewarded the participants who completed the race, praising the performances featured in the IRONKIDS.

Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel Humaidan visited Bapco and met Bapco CEO Dr Peter Bartlett, Deputy CEO Ebrahim Talib, executive management members and officials. The Minister toured the refinery and inspected the Awali-based Oil and Gas Academy.

Marking the Bahrain Women’s Day that falls on the first of December, Northern Governor Ali bin Alsheikh Abdulhussain Al-Asfoor praised the Bahraini women’s successes at various levels, pointing out the royal reforms that opened new horizons for the empowerment of Bahraini women.

BTEA CEO Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa received a delegation from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce Industry. The delegation included the Second Deputy Chairman Walid Abdulrahman Bukhatir, the Honorary Treasurer Ziad Mahmoud Al Hajji and Board Member Mohamed Ali Al Hazami.

Page 13:  · Africa and Far East Asia. ... Kapi Ragam, Ramayana Sabdam in Ragam Mohanam and a patriotic note by dancing to the iconic verses Vandematharam choreographed in

Saturday, November 25, 2017 13

Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel Humaidan visited Bapco and met Bapco CEO Dr Peter Bartlett, Deputy CEO Ebrahim Talib, executive management members and officials. The Minister toured the refinery and inspected the Awali-based Oil and Gas Academy.

Deputy Chairman of the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club High Committee HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa attended the fourth race for this season, 2017-2018, organised by the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club, at its racecourse in Riffa, Sakhir. Shaikhs, representatives of sponsors and the eques-trian and horse-racing fans also attended.

BTEA CEO Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa received a delegation from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce Industry. The delegation included the Second Deputy Chairman Walid Abdulrahman Bukhatir, the Honorary Treasurer Ziad Mahmoud Al Hajji and Board Member Mohamed Ali Al Hazami.

Ombudsman Nawaf Mohammed Al Ma’awda received Egyptian Attorney General Chancellor Nabil Sadaq, in the presence of Public Prosecutor Dr. Ali bin Fadhel Al Buainin. He briefed him about the Ombudsman Office and its specialties as well as main data and statistics announced in its annual reports and its role in boosting respect of human rights.

The former King of Spain Juan Carlos I has depart-ed the Kingdom of Bah-rain, following a visit in which he met the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa. King Juan Carlos I was bidden farewell by HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Ha-mad Al-Khalifa. The visit reflects the distin-guished, long-standing relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Spain.

Page 14:  · Africa and Far East Asia. ... Kapi Ragam, Ramayana Sabdam in Ragam Mohanam and a patriotic note by dancing to the iconic verses Vandematharam choreographed in

Los Angeles

Singer Miley Cyrus has slammed her “rude” fans for spreading rumours that she is expecting her first child with fiance Liam Hemsworth.

Cyrus had shared a photograph of her pre-birthday celebration on Twitter. A lot of fans

later started speculating that the singer is expecting a baby.

However, she later clarified that she is “not pregnant”, reports aceshowbiz.com.

Showing off balloon decorations, Cyrus wrote in the caption: “It’s my

B-Day in less than 24 hours!”Her Twitter followers noticed her belly which looked rounder

than before.“Miley looks pregnant,” one fan wrote. (IANS)

Los Angeles

Singer Demi Lovato, actress Idina Menzel and p r o d u c t i o n

banner Disney have been sued by rapper Jaime Ciero, who claims the popular song “Let it go” from 2013 film “Frozen” was ripped off from his single “Volar”.

Ciero said in the lawsuit

that he recorded the song in 2008

and it was played globally, reports tmz.com. “Volar”

was recorded in Spanish.

He calls the song “a huge international

success reaching millions of listeners

and landing on numerous charts of

the most popular, top-performing songs”.

Ciero says the striking similarities include

note combinations, structures, hooks, melodies,

lyrics, themes, production and textures.

If Ciero wins, he wants profits from the movie, the music and the

marketing. (IANS)

Actor, screenwriter, producer, and director who stars as Dominic Toretto in the Fast and the Furious films and Richard B. Riddick in the Chronicles of Riddick franchise. He also played lead roles in Pitch Black and xXx and voices the character Groot in the

Guardians of the Galaxy films.

@jes_chastain

I am so thankful to be in this moment with all of you.

It is the time we stand shoulder to shoulder, with

every human being. We are building a society filled

with love, support, compassion, and healing. I hear

you. I trust you. I believe you. I love you.

14 Saturday, November 25, 2017

Vin Diesel

November 25, 1986

Katie Cassidy

Played Amanda in the thriller Taken and portrayed Juliet Sharp in the TV series Gossip Girl. In 2017, she joined the cast of The CW’s Arrow as Black Siren.

Page 15:  · Africa and Far East Asia. ... Kapi Ragam, Ramayana Sabdam in Ragam Mohanam and a patriotic note by dancing to the iconic verses Vandematharam choreographed in

Los Angeles

Singer Miley Cyrus has slammed her “rude” fans for spreading rumours that she is expecting her first child with fiance Liam Hemsworth.

Cyrus had shared a photograph of her pre-birthday celebration on Twitter. A lot of fans

later started speculating that the singer is expecting a baby.

However, she later clarified that she is “not pregnant”, reports aceshowbiz.com.

Showing off balloon decorations, Cyrus wrote in the caption: “It’s my

B-Day in less than 24 hours!”Her Twitter followers noticed her belly which looked rounder

than before.“Miley looks pregnant,” one fan wrote. (IANS)

Los Angeles

Singer Demi Lovato, actress Idina Menzel and p r o d u c t i o n

banner Disney have been sued by rapper Jaime Ciero, who claims the popular song “Let it go” from 2013 film “Frozen” was ripped off from his single “Volar”.

Ciero said in the lawsuit

that he recorded the song in 2008

and it was played globally, reports tmz.com. “Volar”

was recorded in Spanish.

He calls the song “a huge international

success reaching millions of listeners

and landing on numerous charts of

the most popular, top-performing songs”.

Ciero says the striking similarities include

note combinations, structures, hooks, melodies,

lyrics, themes, production and textures.

If Ciero wins, he wants profits from the movie, the music and the

marketing. (IANS)

Actor, screenwriter, producer, and director who stars as Dominic Toretto in the Fast and the Furious films and Richard B. Riddick in the Chronicles of Riddick franchise. He also played lead roles in Pitch Black and xXx and voices the character Groot in the

Guardians of the Galaxy films.

@jes_chastain

I am so thankful to be in this moment with all of you.

It is the time we stand shoulder to shoulder, with

every human being. We are building a society filled

with love, support, compassion, and healing. I hear

you. I trust you. I believe you. I love you.

14 Saturday, November 25, 2017

Vin Diesel

November 25, 1986

Katie Cassidy

Played Amanda in the thriller Taken and portrayed Juliet Sharp in the TV series Gossip Girl. In 2017, she joined the cast of The CW’s Arrow as Black Siren.

Los Angeles

Singer Nick Jonas says he is in no rush to settle down and start a family.

The 25-year-old, who is reportedly dating Victoria’s Secret model Georgia Fowler, is currently focusing on his career, reports people.com.

“That’s the goal eventually. I’m certainly in no rush. I think right now the focus is on diving in and being as busy as I can be, but eventually I’m looking at a family,”

said Jonas.W h i l e

Jonas doesn’t have his own children, he can get into p r a c t i c e during the h o l i d a y season by having fun with his b r o t h e r K e v i n ’ s d a u g h t e r s , Alena Rose and Valentina A n g e l i n a . (IANS)

Los Angeles

Model Kendall Jenner and her Kardashian-Jenner clan is reportedly being blamed for her boyfriend and basketball player Blake Griffin’s team Los Angeles Clippers losses in the past few games.

“The Clippers are playing terrible and have lost nine in a row and the blame is going all around to every player in the organisation,” a source told hollywoodlife.com.

“Some of the teammates of Blake who are superstitious to it all believe that the Kardashian Curse is a real thing and has something to do with their woes,” the source added.

The source said that Griffin is not taking the blames seriously. (IANS)

Saturday, November 25, 2017 15

“Wedding in Galilee’’ cannot help but seem exotic to Western eyes, as it lures us into a

ritual wedding feast in a Palestinian village in Israel. Michel Khleifi, a writer and director who was born and raised in Nazareth and now lives in Brussels, relies on a wandering, Eastern-style narrative to depict.

‘’Wedding in Galilee’’ cannot help but seem exotic to Western eyes, as it lures us into a ritual wedding feast in a Palestinian village in Israel. Michel Khleifi, a writer and director who was born and raised in Nazareth and now lives in Brussels, relies on a wandering, Eastern-style narrative to depict Palestinian traditions threatened by 20th-century inroads.

His film is lyrical and extravagantly detailed when portraying the Palestinians. But because Khleifi turns simplistic and leaden whenever he points his camera at an Israeli, always viewed as the one-dimensional enemy, his often dazzling first feature is diminished by his insistently narrow vision.

Khleifi’s sympathies are unexplored but instantly obvious. When the village leader, or mukhtar, decides his son must have a traditional wedding celebration that lasts through the night, he must ask the Israeli military governor for permission to break the curfew. The mukhtar wears a headdress and long robe, and with his weathered, impassive face is the picture of composed dignity. He faces an Israeli officer whom Khleifi presents as an ogre of injustice, who yells that the ‘’extremist village’’ must be taught a lesson, who will lift the curfew only if he is present as the guest of honour at the wedding.

Though it unhinges his film, Khleifi’s dismissive attitude toward the Israelis ironically frees him; he goes on to depict his Arab village in loving, almost anthropological detail. (nytimes.com)

Kendall blamed for beau’s performance

Los Angeles

Singer The Weeknd reportedly sent flowers and a “sweet note” to his former girlfriend Bella Hadid to congratulate her after walking in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, has got back in touch with Hadid after splitting with fellow singer Selena Gomez.

“Bella loved every minute of the show, and she looked absolutely stunning. The event went off without a

hitch, and it was a raging success,” a source told hollywoodlife.com.

“Bella was on a high the whole night. Abel sent

her a gorgeous, huge bouquet of flowers along with a super sweet note telling her how amazing she is and how proud of her he is,” the source a d d e d . (IANS)

Page 16:  · Africa and Far East Asia. ... Kapi Ragam, Ramayana Sabdam in Ragam Mohanam and a patriotic note by dancing to the iconic verses Vandematharam choreographed in

FUEGO: ANTONIO GADES COMPANY

Date : 1 December 2017, 8:00pmVenue : Bahrain National TheatreThe Antonio Gades Company, a major pillar of Spanish flamenco dance, will be presenting “Fuego”, which is inspired by the work of the late Spanish legendary composer, Manuel de Falla. The plot, choreography and lighting made by the late Antonio Gades and the Spanish film director, photographer and writer Carlos Saura. Coinciding with the tenth anniversary of the death of Antonio Gades, the foundation that carries his name decided to under-take a very significant challenge setting up another version of the Manuel de Falla’s ballet “Enchanted Love”. Titled “Fuego”, this production was the sec-ond scenic interpretation which the choreographer had of Manuel de Falla’s work. Being an exponent of Gades’ core idea “return to tradition if you want to evolve”, this ballet is a transi-tional piece between the almost mythi-cal setups in the classic plays, Carmen and Fuenteovejuna. It was also the last of the joint mythical flamenco works by Gades and Saura, with the same overlaying structure they followed in Carmen, first as a film and secondly as a ballet.

FINE DINING WITH THE OLIVETO BAND.Date : 12th October 2017 to 31st March 2018Venue : Oliveto Bahrain

Join us from Wednesdays to Saturdays with the sultry sounds of The Oliveto Band and the finest Italian cuisine on the Island.

RSVP +97317716747Website :www.oliveto.net

KARTERS SET TO RETURN TO ACTION WITH SECOND ROUND OF SPRINTS AT BIKCDate: Friday Venue: Sakhir

BIC, Sakhir – Bahrain International Karting Circuit (BIKC) hosts the sec-ond round of the 2017/2018 Bahrain Karting Sprints Championship on Friday in Sakhir.The meeting will see action in

both the Bahrain Rotax Mojo Max Championship (BRMMC) and the Bahrain Sodi Sprint SWS Championship (BSSWS).The BRMMC is for Rotax kart owners and they compete in different classes. The BSSWS is an arrive-and-drive competition that has all participants racing on identical Sodi karts.Action is set to be held along BIKC’s 1.414-kilometre Commission Internationale de Karting (CIK) Track. All are welcome to attend and cheer for the island’s top talent.The BRMMC kicks things off with a practice session at 3pm. Qualifying will then be held from 4pm, with the Pre-Final set for 4.55pm and the Final scheduled for 6.15pm.The BSSWS gets things going with Qualifying at 3.335pm. The Pre-Final will then be held from 4.30pm and the Final will begin at 5.40pm.All the racing will be followed by the podium ceremony.This year’s BKSC is set to feature five rounds. The season-opener took place several weeks back, with Rashid Almuammari taking victory in the BRMMC and Yousef Khamiri winning IN the SSWS.Round three is scheduled for January 5, round four on March 2 and the cham-pionship finale will be held on April 6.For more information on the upcom-ing Bahrain SWS Sprint Championship or other activities at BIKC, call +973-1745-1745 or visit www.bahrain-kart-ing.com.

DESIGN YOUR OWN DILMUNI SEALDate : 25 November 2017, 11:00amVenue : Bahrain National Museum Children will learn about the function and uses of the stamp seals during the Dilmun Period in Bahrain during a guided visit to the newly opened exhibition “The Stamp Seal: Hallmark of Dilmun and its Hidden Art” at the Bahrain National Museum. Each par-ticipate will create and design his/her own seal and get inspired by the designs and motifs used by the Dilmun people to personalize their seals 5000 years ago.

This workshop is for kids from 6–10 years old, book your seats and register today!. The workshop will be held on 25 November 2017, and will be re-scheduled every month during the cur-rent exhibition.

ORCHESTRAL BAHRAINI TUNES BY COMPOSER MUBARAK NAJEMDate : 26 November 2017, 7:00pmVenue : Art Centre We are pleased to invite you to the album launch of “Orchestral Bahraini Tunes by Composer Mubarak Najem” on Sunday, 26 November at 7pm, at the Art Centre. The musical album contains the most well-known, national and sentimental songs of our beloved Bahrain. The launch will be followed by

a panel discussion.

THE PEARLING PATH EXHIBITION Date: Till 18 December 2017, 8:00am - 8:00pmVenue : Bahrain National Museum Four years after the inscription of the “Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy” site on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the exhibition will show-case the built vision for the site through architectural models, images, studies and mock-ups of the different compo-nents of the project. From the conser-vation aspects to the new architectural interventions, the exhibition will give an indepth overview of this unique project that aims to spearhead the reha-bilitation of the Old City of Muharraq.

LIGHT FESTIVAL

Date : Till 2nd December 2017Venue : Bahrain Bay An exciting showcase of lights and colours await tourists and residents as the ‘Bahrain Light Festival’ opens at Bahrain Bay. The outdoor festival will introduce the latest innovations in lighting by international contemporary artists and it will include technical artis-tic dynamics in addition to remarkable artistic performances .

THIRST FOR THANKGIVING

Date : 30th November 2017Venue : Level 34,Le Sauvage,The Domain Hotel and Spa The Master’s Wine Dinner celebrates this traditional and federal holiday to commemorate the harvest season and this November 30 we discharged this love affair with holiday wine featuring Beaujolais Nouveau accompanied by a 6-Course menu of jubilant autumn fare.

TEDDY BEAR HOSPITAL

Date : 1st December 2017 to 2nd December 2017Venue : Enma Mall Unique educational program actively run by volunteer medical students at Arabian Gulf University to reduce young children fear toward doctors.

BAHRAINI FARMERS MARKET

Date : 2nd December 2017 to 31st March 2018Venue : BUDAIYA BOTANICAL GARDENS Bahrain Farmers Market targets pro-moting Bahrain’s agricultural prod-ucts and highlighting the development taking place in Bahrain’s agricultural sector. It also aims to contribute to improving the Bahraini farmers’ income through a marketing sys-tem prepared by the Agriculture and Marine Resources to assist in meeting the farmers’ aspirations.

NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION

Date : 16 December 2017, 8:00pmVenue : Bahrain National Theatre

Coinciding with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s National Day celebrations, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities presents a variety of events and cultural activities with the partici-pation of a number of musical bands and Bahraini musicians. Tickets will be available soon at Virgin Megastore .

KOREAN FILM FESTIVAL

Date : 6th December 2017 to 27th December 2017Venue : Seef mall - Seef I cinema complex The 4th edition of the Korean Film Festival kicks off its program in December 2017 every Wednesday evening at 7:00pm at Hall no. 13 at Cinema Complex I at Seef mall. The movies are as follows:

- December 6th: Take Off - A 2009 sports/Drama production, part of the “Take off” film series, starring Ha Jung-woo and Lee Eun-sung.

- December 13, 2017: The Berlin File: a 2013 thriller/drama starring Ryoo Seung-bom and Jun Ji-hoon. The movie was awarded the Baeksang Arts Award for Best Leading Actor in a Film. Jong-seong (Jung-woo Ha), a North Korean ghost agent, interrupts an illegal arms sale in Berlin. A notori-ous North Korean agent tests the loyal-ties of everyone involved as Jong-Seong prepares to make the ultimate sacrifice.

- December 20th, 2017: The Fatal Encounter: a 2014 South Korean Thriller Fantasy film based on a real-life assassination attempt on King Jeongjo.

- December 27th, 2017: 200 Pounds Beauty, a 2006 Melodramatic film about a famous pop singer decides to have full-body plastic surgery to change her look and the deep meanings of inner beauty.

All movies will play at Theatre 13 at Seef mall Cinema Complex “Seef I” at 7:00pm. Entry is free and open for everyone.

16 Saturday, November 25, 2017

HOW TO REACH US “Out & About’, a

ready reckoner for the events taking place

on the island, is published from Friday to Tuesday. To be

included, pleasesend the matter to the

following email ID: [email protected]

Page 17:  · Africa and Far East Asia. ... Kapi Ragam, Ramayana Sabdam in Ragam Mohanam and a patriotic note by dancing to the iconic verses Vandematharam choreographed in

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Page 18:  · Africa and Far East Asia. ... Kapi Ragam, Ramayana Sabdam in Ragam Mohanam and a patriotic note by dancing to the iconic verses Vandematharam choreographed in

18 Saturday, November 25, 2017

CROSSWORDYESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

Your star today

Across Down

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

How to play: Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

(Mar 21st - Apr 20th)

(Apr 21st - May 21st)

(May 22nd - Jun 21st)

(June 22nd - July 23rd)

(July 24th - Aug 23rd)

(Aug 24th - Sep 23rd)

(Sep 24th - Oct 23rd)

(Oct 24th - Nov 22nd)

(Nov 23rd - Dec 21st)

(Dec 22nd- Jan 20th)

(Jan 21st - Feb 19th)

(Feb 20th - Mar 20th)

You have a pleasant day ahead. People may be a little less playful, but they’ll be all the more caring in their relationships. That’s just how you like them! Everything is on your side for you to express your feelings to someone close. Do it now! This atmosphere will only last a few days.

You should expect to feel warmth in your contact with other people today. Your relations will have something particularly tender and caring about them. It’s like people are suddenly much more attentive and sensitive. The universe is like one big, happy family. Don’t be afraid to talk about your most intimate feelings with a friend.You won’t be disappointed today. Over the next few days you’re going to put your analytical way of thinking aside and let your feelings guide you. You’ll be attentive to the people you love. If someone needs your help, you can be counted on to come to rescue. You’ll spare them lecture about what they did wrong!

Today is great for creativity, especially the kind that shows your special style. You’re productive, although what you’ve been creating is just a reflection of the latest fashions. This is one of your drawbacks, as it keeps you from being true to your special style. Today you should use your feelings as your inspiration.

Today someone might ask what you’re thinking about. You often think about things that are inaccessible to others. Today it will be like you’ve gone inside yourself on your quest for answers to spiritual questions or the secrets of life. Just tell him or her you’re trying to rest, as they probably won’t understand what you’re thinking about anyway.

You love to have very serious discussions about important issues well into the night. You rebuild the world the way you’d like to see it with your friends. But now you start yawning around ten and are in bed within the hour. This is true today, too. Are you tired or do you need to be alone to think about things?

Do you often act as if the world is static and nothing ever changes? Sometimes you may think that humankind is a certain way, the world is a certain way, and so this is what you’re going to do. Have you ever heard of evolution? The human race is constantly evolving, and so is the world. Look around!

Today let your emotions mingle with your thoughts. What good is telling yourself that you must like something if you really can’t stand it? What good are grand principles if your heart isn’t in them? Take the time to put your head in sync with your heart today.

Do you have a talent for writing? You seem to have a precise and clear way of expressing yourself. And it’s possible you use this gift of yours in your career. Today you might want to use it to express your feelings about someone. Whether you write to a family member or compose a love letter, you’ll be particularly inspired.

Today you may feel like going into your past. One half of you feels nostalgia for the “good old days.” The other half lives for the future and is unafraid to project into the unknown. Even though this sounds a bit contradictory, both these sides of you help the world move forward. Think about this today.

You’re sensitive to the world around you. It’s like you’re thinking with your heart. It’s possible you’ll be more impressionable and less objective when your emotions get the better of you in your relationships. If you’d hoped to hide something from someone, it won’t work. Even if you say nothing, it’s written on your face.

If you had to take a test today and had a choice between poetry and physics, you wouldn’t hesitate. Poetry. Today is about interpretation, not analysis. A change in the atmosphere over the next few days is going to affect your thinking. You should expect some confusion in your contact with the people closest to you.

1 Assertable; 11 Farming prefix; 15 Act of reciting; 16 Waste allow-ance; 17 Insoluble; 18 Writer Janowitz; 19 Bumped into; 20 Superman foe Luthor; 21 Showing up; 23 I’ve Got ___ in Kalamazoo; 25 Carnival site; 27 Oldsmobile model; 28 Slacken; 30 Large burrowing African mammal; 33 Locations; 35 ___ yellow ribbon...; 36 Harvest goddess; 38 Chilly; 41 Insult; 43 Yellow fever mosquito; 45 Medieval church; 49 Take exception; 51 No nos; 52 Attorneys’ org.; 54 Alone; 55 Masquerade ball; 58 Nabokov novel; 60 Half of D; 61 Olive genus; 62 Consisting of a single chamber; 65 Orderly; 66 Regain health; 67 Sea eagles; 68 Thwarted;

1 Original; 2 Goes back on; 3 Glad all over; 4 God, in Italy; 5 ___ never work!; 6 One giving in; 7 Loss of muscle coordination; 8 Front part of an apron; 9 “Damn Yankees” vamp; 10 Cabinet dept.; 11 King of the Huns; 12 Sculptor; 13 Comment; 14 Novelist Calvino; 22 Laid waste; 24 Stringed instrument; 26 Muesli bit; 29 Continue steadily; 31 River inlet; 32 Boxer Oscar ___ Hoya; 34 Auction off; 37 ___ generis; 39 Mid month times; 40 Advocate of citizen sovereignty; 42 Color TV pioneer; 44 Having long, narrow grooves; 45 Hot water tank; 46 Like llamas; 47 Summer ermines; 48 Calculating device; 50 Like some oats; 51 Honeybee; 53 Make fit; 56 Sod; 57 Lulu; 59 From the U.S.; 63 Hosp. section; 64 Period of history;

BEETLE BAILEY R

Page 19:  · Africa and Far East Asia. ... Kapi Ragam, Ramayana Sabdam in Ragam Mohanam and a patriotic note by dancing to the iconic verses Vandematharam choreographed in

#PollToday

For more, catch us online at: www.newsofbahrain.com

/nobonline/newsofbahrain

Saturday, November 25, 2017 19

Seoul

North Korea has reportedly replaced

guards and fortified a section of its border with South Korea where a North Korean soldier defected last week, while South Korean and U.S. soldiers have been decorated for their role in the defector’s rescue.

The North Korean defector was shot and wounded by his fellow soldiers as he dashed into the South Korean side of the Joint Security Area (JSA) last week.

The South Korean and

U.S. soldiers who led a rescue attempt to drag the gravely injured soldier to safety have been awarded medals, according to U.S. Forces Korea.

A group of senior diplomats based in Seoul visited the JSA on Wednesday morning where they  saw five North Korean workers digging a deep trench in the area where the soldier had dashed across the line after getting his jeep stuck in a small ditch, a member of the diplomatic delegation told Reuters on Friday. (Reuters)

“I intend, nay, am required, to serve our country as the presi-dent of all citizens, regardless of color, creed, religion, tribe or political affiliation,

Pope Francis on Friday excoriated politicians who foment fear of migrants, saying they were sowing violence and racism.

Pope Francis has urged politicians to show compassion towards migrants, instead of fomenting fear and sowing violence over political reasons. Do you support the call?

Yes No Cant Say

South Korea awards medals after defector’s border dash

Hope fades as submarine search enters ninth day

Emmerson MnangagwaPresident Zimbabwe

Pope urges compassion from politicians

Conditions not in place for safe Rohingya returnsConditions in Myanmar’s northern Rakhine state “are not in place to enable safe and sustainable returns” of more than 600,000 Rohingya refugees.

Pakistani authorities acting on a court order released a U.S.-wanted militant Friday who allegedly founded a banned group linked to the 2008 Mumbai, India attack that killed 168 people.

The Saudi-led coalition fight-ing in Yemen has given the United Nations permission to resume flights of aid work-ers to the Houthi-controlled capital on Saturday.

Pakistan releases US-wanted suspect on court order

Aid workers to return to Yemen at weekend

Copenhagen

A 17-year-old Danish girl who offered to fight for

Islamic State was found guilty of planning bomb attacks at two schools, one of them Jewish, state broadcaster DR reported.

The High Court ruling upholds a ruling in the

Holbaek district court in May that found the girl - who was not named - guilty of attempted terrorism.

The girl was arrested at her home in January last year, when she was aged 15, and charged with planning the attacks after acquiring chemicals for making bombs. (Reuters)

Girl guilty of planning bomb attacks against schools

Mar Del Plata

Hopes diminished that the 44 crew members

on a Argentine submarine missing for nine days would be found alive after evidence pointed to the possibility that it had exploded and because it only had a seven-day supply of oxygen.

Crew members’ relatives who had been waiting for news at the submarine’s base in the city of Mar del Plata started going home late on Thursday, while the navy vowed to keep searching.

“At this point, the truth is I have no hope that they will come back,” Maria Villareal, mother of one crew member,

told local television on Friday morning.

Some family members accused the navy of putting their loved ones at unnecessary risk by sending them out in a more than 30-year-old vessel that they suspected was not properly maintained, an accusation the navy has denied.

The submarine, called the San Juan, was launched in 1983 and underwent maintenance in 2008 in Argentina. The armed forces have had to face dwindling resources and lack of training since the end of a military dictatorship in the early 1980s. (Reuters)

Tokyo

A baby brought into a Japanese municipal

assembly chamber by his lawmaker mother was promptly ejected because his presence was against the rules, an official said yesterday, highlighting the hurdles faced by working women in Japan.

Yuka Ogata, a member of the Kumamoto city assembly, brought her seven-month-old son into the chamber on Wednesday but she was asked to take him out because of a rule limiting attendance to assembly members, city official Naoya Oshima said.

Ogata tried to stay but the speaker of the assembly eventually persuaded her to take the infant out. She handed him over to a babysitter and returned.

“I wanted to highlight the difficulties facing women

who are trying to juggle their careers and raise children,” the 42-year-old Ogata was quoted by the Asahi Shimbun daily as saying.

Ogata was not immediately available for comment.

Economists say given Japan’s rapidly aging population, bringing women into the workforce is essential.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made increasing the number of women workers a key part of his economic plan, pledging, among various measures, to increase daycare for children.

He told the United Nations in 2013 that he would create “a society where women can shine”, but little progress has been made.

Japan ranked 114 out of 144 in the World Economic Forum’s 2017 Global Gender Gap report, falling

13 places since Abe took power.

Abe appointed only two women to ministerial posts in a cabinet reshuffle in August, down from three and five respectively in his previous two cabinets.

Only 14 percent of Japan’s lawmakers are women.

Japanese labour law has no official system in place for maternity or parental leave for politicians.

In 2000, a national lawmaker in Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party took three days off from parliament to give birth, prompting the legislature to allow maternity leave for members.

A total of 12 lawmakers have taken advantage of the time off, being granted up to three months of maternity leave at the most, the Mainichi Shimbun daily reported this year. (Reuters)

Somerset West

Oscar Pistorius’ prison sentence was more

than doubled to 13 years and five months on Friday, a surprisingly dramatic intervention by South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal in the Olympic athlete’s fate after the murder of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

In an announcement that took a matter of minutes, Supreme Court Justice Willie Seriti said a panel of judges unanimously upheld an appeal by prosecutors against Pistorius’ original six-year sentence for shooting Steenkamp multiple times in his home in 2013.

Under that initial sentence, which the court called

“shockingly lenient,” the double-amputee runner could have been released on parole in mid-2019. Now, the earliest he’ll be eligible for

parole is 2023. Steenkamp’s parents, Barry and June, were “emotional” as they watched Seriti deliver the verdict live on television at their home. (AP)

Pistorius’ sentence increased to 13 years

Baby banned from Japanassembly

Oscar Pistorius, center, arrives at the High Court in Pretoria

Yuka Ogata holds her 7-month-old baby, Dogen, during a meeting of the Kumamoto Municipal Assembly.

Page 20:  · Africa and Far East Asia. ... Kapi Ragam, Ramayana Sabdam in Ragam Mohanam and a patriotic note by dancing to the iconic verses Vandematharam choreographed in

Saturday, November 25, 2017 SPORTS20

Michael Owen ‘delighted’Michael Owen, the

former England striker, finished second on his debut in the saddle in a charity race at Ascot.

Owen, 37, who also starred for Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle and Manchester United in his playing days, was one of 10 amateur riders to take part in the seven-furlong contest in aid of the Prince’s Countryside Trust.

Partnering the Tom Dascombe-trained Calder

Prince, Owen made his move rounding the home turn and briefly hit the front, but ultimately had to make do with the runner-up spot behind Golden Wedding, in the hands of Tom Chatfield-Roberts.

Owen, who was presented with a memento after the race by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, said: “The horse was great and I’m really pleased with how it’s gone. I can’t keep the smile off my face, I loved it.

“They seemed to go really quick, it was the fastest I’ve ever been on a horse, but the horse slowed into the back and whipped up on the inside and all of a sudden I was in front - I was thinking ‘come on now’. But

that was a long way (out) and I got very tired in the last furlong.

“It was such good fun and I’m really pleased with the whole outcome. My horse ran a cracking race and I’m delighted to be second.

“I’d like to think plenty of good will come out of it, lots of money raised for charity. We’re all home in one piece and I had the time of my life.”

Since hanging up his football boots in 2013, Owen has devoted most of his time to his Manor House Stables in Cheshire and it was a horse

trained there that gave him his

first taste of race-riding.

C a l d e r Prince, a four-year-old gelding rated 88, had

previously won four of his 27 starts.

Owen cut a confident figure for much of the way, but was unable to quite keep tabs on the Eve Johnson Houghton-trained Golden Wedding, who

pulled comfortably clear in the final furlong.

Leading owner Sheikh Fahad finished third aboard Ghalib

for David Simcock.Owen has previously

enjoyed success at Ascot as an owner-breeder with Brown Panther at the Royal meeting in 2011.

Owen admitted the process had been far from easy, but is perhaps not going to hang up his riding boots just yet.

He added: “I’ve been coached brilliantly at home. I’ve had so many people help me out. Tom Dascombe has been brilliant, as has his

ass is tant Colin

(Gorman).“Closer to the race the likes

of Hayley Turner came and rode out and gave me a lesson and so did Richard Kingscote. I’ve had messages from the likes of Frankie (Dettori), Tony McCoy, Barry Geraghty and Ruby Walsh. Everyone was wishing me well.

“It was almost like playing in the World Cup quarter-final against Brazil when your phone goes mental for a day or two with hundreds of texts. I think my phone is cooling down somewhere.

“The not eating bit was hard. I’ve lost 20lb in the last three weeks and that was a killer. I’m going to stop at every service station on the way home and eat everything again.

“I enjoyed it enough to say I would do it again. It would be a shame to stop riding after that. However, I’ve got four kids and I don’t want to hurt myself. I absolutely loved

it and I wouldn’t put it past me.” (The

Telegraph)

with jockey debutIt was such good fun and I’m really pleased with the whole outcome. My horse ran a

cracking race and I’m delighted to be

second.- Michael Owen

The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles meet Michael Owen at Ascot on Friday

Michael Owen pushes Calder Prince to the line

Michael Owen

Page 21:  · Africa and Far East Asia. ... Kapi Ragam, Ramayana Sabdam in Ragam Mohanam and a patriotic note by dancing to the iconic verses Vandematharam choreographed in

Saturday, November 25, 2017 SPORTS20

Michael Owen ‘delighted’Michael Owen, the

former England striker, finished second on his debut in the saddle in a charity race at Ascot.

Owen, 37, who also starred for Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle and Manchester United in his playing days, was one of 10 amateur riders to take part in the seven-furlong contest in aid of the Prince’s Countryside Trust.

Partnering the Tom Dascombe-trained Calder

Prince, Owen made his move rounding the home turn and briefly hit the front, but ultimately had to make do with the runner-up spot behind Golden Wedding, in the hands of Tom Chatfield-Roberts.

Owen, who was presented with a memento after the race by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, said: “The horse was great and I’m really pleased with how it’s gone. I can’t keep the smile off my face, I loved it.

“They seemed to go really quick, it was the fastest I’ve ever been on a horse, but the horse slowed into the back and whipped up on the inside and all of a sudden I was in front - I was thinking ‘come on now’. But

that was a long way (out) and I got very tired in the last furlong.

“It was such good fun and I’m really pleased with the whole outcome. My horse ran a cracking race and I’m delighted to be second.

“I’d like to think plenty of good will come out of it, lots of money raised for charity. We’re all home in one piece and I had the time of my life.”

Since hanging up his football boots in 2013, Owen has devoted most of his time to his Manor House Stables in Cheshire and it was a horse

trained there that gave him his

first taste of race-riding.

C a l d e r Prince, a four-year-old gelding rated 88, had

previously won four of his 27 starts.

Owen cut a confident figure for much of the way, but was unable to quite keep tabs on the Eve Johnson Houghton-trained Golden Wedding, who

pulled comfortably clear in the final furlong.

Leading owner Sheikh Fahad finished third aboard Ghalib

for David Simcock.Owen has previously

enjoyed success at Ascot as an owner-breeder with Brown Panther at the Royal meeting in 2011.

Owen admitted the process had been far from easy, but is perhaps not going to hang up his riding boots just yet.

He added: “I’ve been coached brilliantly at home. I’ve had so many people help me out. Tom Dascombe has been brilliant, as has his

ass is tant Colin

(Gorman).“Closer to the race the likes

of Hayley Turner came and rode out and gave me a lesson and so did Richard Kingscote. I’ve had messages from the likes of Frankie (Dettori), Tony McCoy, Barry Geraghty and Ruby Walsh. Everyone was wishing me well.

“It was almost like playing in the World Cup quarter-final against Brazil when your phone goes mental for a day or two with hundreds of texts. I think my phone is cooling down somewhere.

“The not eating bit was hard. I’ve lost 20lb in the last three weeks and that was a killer. I’m going to stop at every service station on the way home and eat everything again.

“I enjoyed it enough to say I would do it again. It would be a shame to stop riding after that. However, I’ve got four kids and I don’t want to hurt myself. I absolutely loved

it and I wouldn’t put it past me.” (The

Telegraph)

with jockey debutIt was such good fun and I’m really pleased with the whole outcome. My horse ran a

cracking race and I’m delighted to be

second.- Michael Owen

The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles meet Michael Owen at Ascot on Friday

Michael Owen pushes Calder Prince to the line

Michael Owen

Saturday, November 25, 2017 21SPORTS

Ashwin, Sharma make India shine against Sri LankaNagpur

Ravichandran Ashwin and Ishant Sharma led a powerful

bowling display by India to skittle out Sri Lanka for 205 on the opening day of the second Test.

The hosts were 11 for one at the close, trailing by 194 runs, after opener Lokesh Rahul fell for seven, bowled by Sri Lankan paceman Lahiru Gamage.

Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara, both on two, were batting at the close in Nagpur. The day belonged to India’s bowlers however. Ashwin took four wickets and fellow spinner Ravindra Jadeja and Sharma three each.

“I think me and Ashwin were trying to bowl in good areas. Trying to restrict them by not giving easy boundaries,” Jadeja, who took 3-56, told reporters.

“We were just providing a supporting role to the fast bowlers who bowled well in the first session.”

Skipper Dinesh Chandimal top-scored for Sri Lanka with 57 while opener Dimuth Karunaratne made 51 on a green pitch that helped India’s fast bowlers.

Sharma, who got Karunaratne after lunch, made the most of the favourable conditions to claim his three wickets for just 37 runs.

The spinners then took centre stage once the sun came out. Ashwin trapped Chandimal lbw to put the visitors in trouble.

Chandimal, who hit a six in

his 122-ball knock, was given not out by the on-field umpire but skipper Virat Kohli called for a review which went in India’s favour.

“Ashwin is an intelligent bowler with some subtle variations. He is going to be a handful on any wicket he is going to play,” Sri Lanka coach Nic Pothas said.

‘No demons in the wicket’Chandimal and Karunaratne, who registered his 14th Test fifty, put on a crucial 62-run stand for the fourth wicket before the Indian bowlers struck back.

Wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella also tried to resist before falling to Jadeja’s left-arm spin.

Sri Lanka lost Sadeera Samarawickrama early after the opener edged a seaming delivery from Sharma to Cheteshwar Pujara at first slip for 13.

Left-handers Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne then tried to resist a persistent Indian attack during a 24-run second wicket stand that lasted 121 balls.

Karunaratne, who got reprieves on 17 and 21, passed 1,000 Test runs for the year, with South

Africa’s Dean Elgar the only other opener to achieve the feat in 2017.

The batting duo were solid in defence before Ashwin bowled Thirimanne after his 58-ball nine.

“I think India bowled very well. I don’t think that there were many free balls going around that we missed out on,” Pothas said.

“Certainly a disappointing day, there are no demons in the wicket and we probably haven’t batted as we should have. This wicket has done nothing. (AFP)

UFC targets Asia with Shanghai fight cardShanghai

Fighters and fans in Asia are relishing the prospect of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s first

visit to mainland China, with a 12-fight card showcasing a lot of local talent set for a sell-out in Shanghai on Saturday.

The UFC continues its global expansion with a card featuring an unprecedented eight Chinese fighters, as well as the debut of Indian featherweight Bharat Kandare, and for Chinese fans it’s a chance to show the world what they have to offer.

“I want to see whether China can replicate the atmosphere we see over in the U.S.,” 38-year-old business manager and MMA fan Kim Li told Reuters.

“It’s really full-on over in the U.S., and I want to see if they can replicate that in China too.”

Kim is one of thousands of fans with a ticket for the event, which takes place at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.

“For around 10 years, I’ve been watching it (the UFC) on TV and I’ve never had a chance to go to the U.S. where most of the fights take place,” he said. “It’s really exciting for them to come over to give us a chance to take a look for the first time.”

Based in Las Vegas, the UFC has transformed itself from an outlier running a brutal, bloody sport to a global brand on the back of star fighters such as Irish lightweight champ Conor McGregor and former women’s bantamweight title-holder Ronda Rousey.

The promotion has held a number of events outside its traditional strongholds of North America and Brazil in 2017, visting cities from Swedish capital Stockholm to Saitama in Japan and giving local prospects prominence on the card where possible.

The 16-hour time difference between Shanghai and Las Vegas means that the card will start at 4 a.m. in Nevada, a concession to the Asian TV audience that the UFC is looking to attract.

The main event sees British former middleweight champion Michael Bisping step back into the octagon just three weeks after losing his belt to Canada’s Georges St-Pierre. Bisping, whose brawling style has made him a global favourite, will face American Kevin Gastelum in a five-round, non-title fight.

Asked what he found most appealing about the sport, Kim echoed the answer of fight fans all over the world.

“It’s gladiatorial, (like) back in the Roman days when they had big fights in coliseums. You get that atmosphere in the U.S., it’s very primal,” he said. (Reuters)

Stonewall Smith drags Australia back from brinkBrisbane

Captain Steve Smith frustrated England with a fighting half-

century and pushed Australia to 165 for four at the close of a see-sawing day two, rescuing the hosts after a top order collapse in the series-opening Ashes test in Brisbane on Friday.

With his team in peril at 76 for four, Smith’s unbeaten 64 in an 89-run stand with number six Shaun Marsh gave Australia hope of reeling in England’s first innings 302 at the Gabba.

Lefthander Marsh, under pressure to perform after winning his eighth recall to the test team, played a fine support role to be 44 not out at stumps.

“I think the game’s in the balance

still,” Australia spinner Nathan Lyon told reporters.

”There are two unbelievable batters at the crease.

“Hopefully we can put (England) under pressure in the second innings but there’s a lot of cricket in this game.”

After day one saw only four wickets fall, 10 tumbled on day two as the Gabba pitch recovered some of its customary bounce and pace.

England lost their last six wickets in a hurry to be out for 302 at lunch and Australia seemed to be back in control at their Brisbane fortress.

But the pendulum swung again as England’s bowlers scythed through the hosts’ top order.

After replacing Matt Renshaw in

the squad, opener Cameron Bancroft’s first bat in his Ashes test debut lasted 19 balls after he nibbled at a teasing

ball from Stuart Broad and was caught behind for five.

Number three Usman Khawaja’s

problems against spin in the subcontinent followed him home as he was trapped lbw for 11 by Moeen Ali.

The alarm bells began ringing when opener David Warner holed out for 26, pulling paceman Jake Ball straight to Dawid Malan at short mid-wicket to give the Ashes debutant his first wicket in Australia.

And Australia were left reeling at 76 for four when Peter Handscomb was trapped lbw for 14 by James Anderson in the first over after tea. (Reuters)

BRIEF SCOREAustralia 165 - 4 (62.0 overs)England 302 all out (116.4 overs)

BRIEF SCOREIndia  11 for 1 trail  Sri Lanka  205 (Chandimal 57, Karunaratne 51, Ashwin 4-67, Ishant 3-37, Jadeja 3-56) by 194 runs

India’s Virat Kohli and R Ashwin appeal against Sri Lanka on the opening day at Nagpur

Australia’s Mitchell Starc watches a shot by Stuart Broad off a short delivery

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Saturday, November 25, 2017 SPORTS22

Manama

In the presence of the Deputy Chairman of the Rashid

Equestrian and Horse Racing Club High Committee, HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club yesterday held the fourth race for this season, 2017-2018, at its racecourse in Riffa, Sakhir.

Shaikhs, representatives of

sponsors and the equestrian and horse-racing fans also attended.

Seven rounds were held over the cups of the late Hassan bin Saleh Al-Ruwaie, the Ali Venture Company and the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club.

The winners were honoured.Nassem Hassan bin Saleh

Al-Ruwaie crowned trainer Abdulla Kuwaiti, the winner of the late Hassan bin Saleh

Al-Ruwaie.Director-General of the Rashid

Equestrian and Horse Racing Club, Tawfik Al-Alawi, presented the trophy of the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club to HH Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, while Ali Hassan presented the trophy of the Ali Venture Company to winner owner, Raed Al-Buainain.

Manama

The second day of the 20th annual AMH Island Classic Charity Golf

Tournament concluded yesterday at the Private Golf Course of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Patron of the tournament.

Today marks the final day of the three-day tournament. The event which is held annually, and is one of the most awaited event in the calendars of the golfing enthusiast has completed 20 years.

More than 72 golfers once again enjoyed superb conditions on the premium nine-

hole grass golf course yesterday. Excitement is intensifying as the teams

wait to see who will be the ultimate winner today.

Dr. George Cheriyan, CEO/ CMO of American Mission Hospital said, “The excitement continues to build up as the teams will battle it out for the coveted titles of champions. There will be three winning teams from two groups- the Premier flight and the Championship flight. This is to ensure that all the teams irrespective of their handicaps get a chance at winning the titles.”

American Mission Hospital Golf tournament

TODAY’S RESULTS:Championship Flight (average handicap 6.1or over): Top team today_E.K. Kanoo 2Second place team today Coca ColaThird place team today Jawad Business Group

Premier Flight (average handicaps 6.0 and under): Top team today Ministry of Interior 3Second place team today Bahrain Golf AssociationThird place team today Royal Golf Club 2

Prizes for the Championship Flights and Premier Flights will be presented to the overall winning teams fol-lowing the full three days of play at an event to be held at the Diplomat RadissonBlu Hotel and Spa . The overall winners will not be known until today after-noon but the current leaders after two days are listed below:

After two days: Championship Flight (average handicap 6.1 and over): Team currently in the lead E.K. Kanoo 2Team currently in second place Coca ColaTeam currently in third place Jawad Business Group

Premier Flight (average handicaps 5.9 and under): Team currently in the lead Ministry of Interior 3Team currently in second place Bahrain Golf AssociationTeam currently in third place Ministry of Interior 2

SIDE CONTESTSFlight C (morning) Side Contest winners were:Closest to the Pin (Hole 6) Khalifa DaijMost Accurate Drive (Hole 8): Sharif AhmedLongest Putt (Hole 4): Arun Verma

Flight D (afternoon) Side Contest winners were:Closest to the Pin (Hole 6): Yusuf Majid

Horse Racing Club holds fourth race

Man United boss Mourinho fears Fellaini exitManchester

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho fears that midfielder Marouane Fellaini will leave

the Premier League club at the end of the season.Fellaini was criticised by United supporters for

his inconsistent performances after arriving from Everton in 2013 but the Belgian international has since become a key figure in Mourinho’s midfield.

United triggered a one-year extension in the 30-year-old’s contract at the start of the year, but agreeing a deal beyond the end of the current campaign is proving difficult.

When asked if he was concerned about the uncertainty surrounding Fellaini’s future, Mourinho replied: “Yes, I am.”

The decision, however, is out of the Portuguese manager’s hands.

“It’s a discussion between the player and the board -- I‘m not involved in contracts or deals -- and I respect both,” Mourinho said.

“I respect the player because the player has the right to decide his future when he finishes his contract. And I respect the board because the decisions are not in my control. I adjust to it, wishing that they have an understanding.”

Mourinho confirmed that United defenders Eric Bailly and Phil Jones will miss Saturday’s Premier League visit of Brighton and Hove Albion through injury.

Bailly picked up a knock this month and has missed United’s past two fixtures, while Jones aggravated a thigh problem on England duty during the international break. (Reuters)

Award ceremony for sports achieversManama

Bahrain’s sports achievers were rewarded for their remarkable

achievements in their respective sports competitions.

Staged at Shaikh Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Hall at the University of Bahrain Sakhir, the awarding ceremony involved more than 800 men and women athletes, administrators and coaches with exceptional achievements between 2015 and 2017.

The event was patronised by Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Deputy chairman of the Supreme Council for Environment, and Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president, who presented cash prizes to the honourees.

Others present on this occasion include Supreme Council for Youth and Sports deputy general secretary and BOC general secretary Abdulrahman Askar, BOC board members and representatives of national sports federations.

A short introductory film on Bahrain’s most outstanding achievements over the last three years was screened at the ceremony, followed by the

opening remarks by Askar, who extended his gratitude to all Bahraini athletes for their efforts to raise Bahrain’s flag high in regional and international competitions.

“It gives us great honour to memorize the encouraging words from His Majesty the King, who showed pride for your giving and contributions to set Bahrain

among the world’s leading nations in different sporting events,” he said.

“We are all proud and delighted for such an ideal environment that have here that helped us achieve what have been accomplished over the past years in different areas, and now we live this graceful moment that honours our efforts for

this country”.Askar also expressed

appreciation to Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports Chairman, and BOC President, who directed to hold this special occasion.

A group photo with the Organizing Committee of the celebration and the staff of the Olympic Committee

Action from the race

Action from the tournament

Page 23:  · Africa and Far East Asia. ... Kapi Ragam, Ramayana Sabdam in Ragam Mohanam and a patriotic note by dancing to the iconic verses Vandematharam choreographed in

Saturday, November 25, 2017 23SPORTS

Mercedes’ Formula One driver, Lewis Hamilton of Britain drives during the second practise

Abu Dhabi

Four times world champion Lewis Hamilton kept

Mercedes on top in the last Friday practice of the Formula One season with Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel close behind.

Hamilton, chasing a 10th win of the year after wrapping up the championship in Mexico last

month, lapped the floodlit Yas Marina circuit in one minute 37.877 seconds in the evening session.

“It’s been a good Friday, but I‘m happy that it’s the last one of the season,” said Hamilton.

“We got lots of laps in today and made good progress with the balance of the car. We have a

bit of work to do, but I feel like we’re quite competitive here. It’s relatively close still, but I like that.”

Vettel, who had set the pace in the afternoon with a lap of 1:39.006 and looked quick on long run pace, ended the day 0.149 slower and also expected a close battle in Saturday’s qualifying.

The German is set to become the first non-Mercedes driver of the last four years to finish in the top two of the championship, leading Valtteri Bottas by 22 points into the final round.

Both Hamilton and Vettel, a quadruple world champion with Red Bull, are three-time winners in Abu Dhabi although Ferrari

have yet to triumph there.Red Bull were third in both

sessions, with 20-year-old Dutch driver Max Verstappen taking that place in the first and Australian Daniel Ricciardo in the second.

Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen and Mercedes’ Bottas were fourth and fifth. (Reuters)

Hamilton fastest in Abu Dhabi practice

Milan, Villarreal and Nice reach Europa League knockout round

Alonso launches his own eSport team

London

AC Milan, Villarreal and Nice reached the knockout

stage of the Europa League after posting wins on Thursday in the penultimate round of the group stage.

Arsenal lost to Cologne 1-0 in Germany but still finish top of Group H while Hertha Berlin crashed out of the competition after a 3-2 loss to Athletic Bilbao.

Everton, already eliminated, suffered a humiliating 5-1 defeat at home to the Italian side Atalanta with Danish forward Andreas Cornelius and midfielder Bryan Cristante each claiming a brace.

The Bergamo club progress from Group E along with Olympique Lyon, who crushed Apollon Limassol 4-0.

Seven-times European champions AC Milan crushed Austria Vienna 5-1 after going a goal down. Portuguese forward Andre Silva and Patrick Cutrone each scored twice.

Spain’s Villarreal moved into the

next round after beating Astana 3-2 to end the Kazakh club’s 17-game unbeaten run.

Substitute Cedric Bakambu scored twice after being introduced on the hour to put Villarreal 3-1 up; an 88th-minute Patrick Twumasi goal for the hosts made no difference to the result.

Italian Mario Balotelli scored twice, including a penalty, for Nice as they went through from Group

K with a 3-1 victory over Belgium’s Zulte Waregem.

European debutants Ostersunds, who now top Group J with ten points, triumphed 2-0 at home to Ukrainian side Zorya Luhansk, taking the lead through an own goal from Dmytro Hrechyshkin in the 40th minute before a long-range effort from Saman Ghoddos secured the win 13 minutes from the end. (Reuters)

Abu Dhabi

Fernando Alonso has become the first Formula 1 driver to branch out in to

eSports, after launching his own team ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The two-time world champion has formed a partnership with McLaren sponsor Logitech and Spanish professional outfit G2 to expand into the gaming world.

The team, which will be called FA Racing G2 Logitech, will compete in a host of top-line series both in F1 and other online categories.

“I am a team principal finally,” smiled Alonso at the launch of the team in the Yas Marina paddock on Thursday.

“ T h e r e will be no m e e t i n g s very early. We will c h a n g e completely the way we work!!”

Alonso said he had been approached by Logitech and G2 a few months ago about the idea, and believed it was the right time to get

involved with gaming as eSports racing was starting to take off.

“It is very exciting, and it is a completely new thing to discover,” he explained.

“I think eSports in other formats has been very successful but in racing,

it is at the very beginning, and huge potential will come.

“I am happy to be one of the first investing in this direction and I think good and fun times are coming - not only for us, but for

gamers at home and for fans.”

(Autosport)

McLaren’s Fernando Alonso ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix

AC Milan’s Cristian Zapata and Leonardo Bonucci in action with Austria Vienna’s Christoph Monschein

Page 24:  · Africa and Far East Asia. ... Kapi Ragam, Ramayana Sabdam in Ragam Mohanam and a patriotic note by dancing to the iconic verses Vandematharam choreographed in

SPORTS

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2424 Saturday, November 25, 2017

Hamilton fastest in Abu Dhabi practiceP23

Messi receives

Barcelona

Lionel Messi said he understood the importance of resting occasionally in order to stay ripe for the end of the season as

he accepted the European Golden Shoe award on Friday for being the top scorer in the continent last season.

The Barcelona striker had played every minute of their season in the Liga and Champions League until left out of the starting line-up against Juventus on Wednesday, four days before Sunday’s top-of-the-table showdown at Valencia.

Messi came on for a very rare appearance as a substitute in the second half as Barca drew 0-0 with the Serie A champions to seal their place in the last 16 of the Champions League as group winners.

Messi told reporters: ”Every time I‘m on the bench, there’s a lot of commotion because I usually play, I don’t like sitting out, I like to participate and help from the inside.

“But I understand it’s a long season and that I have to look after myself more b e c a u s e the seasons

keep getting tougher.”Messi, who turned 30 in June, has

been instrumental in Barca’s fine start as they also fly high in the Liga and can strike an early blow in their bid

to reclaim the title when they visit Valencia.

A win at Mestalla would see Ernesto Valverde’s side stride seven points clear of Valencia, their nearest challengers, while staying at least 10 points clear of champions Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

“We are at the early stage of the season but Valencia have a good squad, a great coach who is doing well, he has clear ideas about his team and they know exactly how they want to play,” added Messi.

“They have the advantage that they only play once a week so it’s a very difficult game for us,

even more because it’s at their place, but we’ll go there with lots of enthusiasm and we’ll go all out

to win the game.”Messi received the European Sports Media Golden

Shoe for the fourth time in his career after hitting 37 league goals last season, collecting it from his team mate Luis Suarez, who won it last year with 40.

Messi also won the award for 2009-10, 2011-12 and 2012-13. (Reuters)

Lionel Messi with European Golden Shoe award