saudi downs missile targeting mecca - news of bahrain

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200 FilsSaturday, July 29, 2017 Issue No. 7457

P 03Cabbies say malltrying to drive them ‘out’

P 04Amin enjoys ‘mind-blowing’ experience

x

Washington

The heads of the US and South Korean

militaries discussed “military response options” after North Korea test launched an intercontinental ballistic missile, the Pentagon said.

US, SKorea mull ‘response options’ after NKorea ICBM test: Pentagon

Saudi downs

missiletargeting

Mecca

Palestinian shot dead by Israeli army

Gaza City

Israeli troops shot dead a Palestinian teenager

and wounded seven others yesterday during clashes near the border fence in Gaza, said the health ministry of the Hamas movement that rules the enclave.

Abdulrahman Abu Hmeisa, 16, was killed in the clashes east of the Al-Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said. He said seven others were also wounded.

An army spokeswoman, contacted by AFP, said soldiers opened fire at demonstrators trying to damage the security fence that separates the Jewish state from the Palestinian territory, without being able to confirm the casualties.

Warning shot were initially fired as protesters set fire to tyres and hurled stones, she said. The clashes erupted after hundreds of youths reached the border area in response to a call by Hamas for protests to take place in solidarity with Palestinians in Jerusalem.

Israeli-Palestinian tensions have been high over the past few weeks due to a dispute over controversial security measures at a sensitive Jerusalem holy site. (See page 2)

Riyadh

A ballistic missile fired by Yemeni rebels was shot

down late Thursday close to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, a month before the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Islam’s holiest site, the Arab military coalition fighting in Yemen said.

The missile was intercepted 69 kilometres (43 miles) south of the city in western Saudi Arabia, the coalition said in a statement, calling it “a desperate attempt by Huthi rebels to disrupt Hajj”, which begins at the end of August.

Occasional ballistic missile attacks, as well as more frequent short-range

rocket fire over the southern border, have in the past been conducted after coalition air strikes against the rebels in Yemen and is not the first time rebels have fired in the direction of Mecca.

In October they launched one of their longest-range strikes against Saudi Arabia, firing a ballistic missile that was brought down near the holy city, an attack condemned by Riyadh’s Gulf allies.

But the new attack is thought to pose a threat ahead of Hajj, when some two million faithful from across the world will visit the site.

The Huthi rebels and

their allies, former members of Yemen’s security forces linked to ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh, began retaliatory attacks against the kingdom two years ago.

The Saudi-lead coalition intervened in the country in March 2015 to support President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi.

The Arab coalition said the new missile strike was proof of “continued arms trafficking (for the benefit of the rebels) at the port of Hodeida” on the Red sea.

“The missiles continue to be smuggled in due to a lack of controls at the port of Hodeida,” it said in the statement.

It said permits given by the Arab coalition for the delivery of humanitarian aid and commercial cargo were being abused at the port.

Hodeida is the main entry point for crucial humanitarian assistance to the north of the country and to the capital Sanaa, which is under rebel control.

The coalition wants to place the port under its control or that of the UN, which rejects the idea, fearing complications for the arrival of aid. In the southern part of the country, which was taken over by the rebels in the summer of 2015, aid passes through the port of Aden. (AFP)

Arab states to meet in Bahrain to discuss QatarCairo

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and

Bahrain will meet in Manama to discuss the latest developments on their blockade of Qatar, Egypt’s foreign ministry said yesterday.

In the two-day meeting, the four countries will press Qatar to comply with their demands,

which include stopping interference in their internal affairs, the Egyptian statement said.

The four Arab countries added 18 more groups and individuals they say are linked to Qatar to their terrorist lists last week.

The countries have demanded that Qatar

break its longstanding ties with the Muslim Brotherhood -- blacklisted as a terror group by the four governments.

They also demanded that it close Al-Jazeera and a Turkish military base, and fall in line with Saudi-led policy in the region, particularly towards Iran.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, following talks with European Union diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini, warned that the four governments would accept no compromise in their dispute with Qatar.

“We cannot compromise with any form of terrorism,

we cannot compromise or enter into any form of negotiations,” Shoukry told a press conference.

Efforts led by Kuwait and Turkey and calls from the U.S. administration have failed to ease what has become the worst rift between Arab states in years. (Agencies)

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The missile was intercepted 69 kilometres (43 miles) south of the city in western Saudi Arabia

2 Saturday, July 29, 2017

Jerusalem

Israel barred men under 50 from Friday prayers at

Jerusalem holy site after two weeks of tensions and deadly unrest, leading thousands of Palestinians to hold mass prayers outside.

Thousands of others entered the Haram al-Sharif compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, for prayers after Palestinians ended a boycott of the site the previous day.

Despite fears of violent clashes around the compound, which includes Al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock, the area was largely calm following Friday’s midday prayers.

Dozens of young Palestinians shouted and protested near one entrance to the compound and minor scuffles broke out with police.

Clashes did erupt between Israeli forces and Palestinians in parts of the occupied West Bank, including in the Nablus, Bethlehem and Hebron areas, the Israeli army said.

Israeli troops shot dead a Palestinian teenager and wounded seven others during clashes near the border fence in Gaza, Palestinian authorities in the enclave said.

The Palestinian Red Crescent recorded 52 injuries in total, including 22 from live or rubber bullets.

Tensions at the holy site were high -- even after thousands of worshippers returned to the compound on Thursday, ending a boycott over new security measures set up following an attack

that killed two policemen.

‘Victory for your beliefs’The outside prayers on

Friday were due to the Israeli age restrictions and were not the start of a new boycott, after Israel removed the security measures this week.

“It was a victory for you and for your beliefs and for Jerusalem,” Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Muhammad Ahmad Hussein told worshippers at Al-Aqsa of the boycott.

Police said early in the day there were “indications that disturbances and demonstrations will take place today”, prompting them to bar men under 50 from praying at Al-Aqsa.

Roads around Jerusalem’s Old City, where the compound is located, were closed and some 3,500 police were deployed.

Police said they had also removed a number of people who attempted to stay inside Al-Aqsa mosque overnight.

“It is a cowardly act,” Amjad Hassoun, a young man from Jerusalem who was walking near the Damascus Gate entrance to the Old City, said of the age restriction.

Dozens woundedOn Thursday, the Palestinian Red Crescent said 187 people were wounded inside the mosque compound and in adjacent areas of the Old City after clashes erupted.

Amnesty International alleged Israeli security forces fired “stun grenades, tear gas and sponge-tipped bullets into a peaceful crowd” at an

entrance to the compound.The Palestinian Prisoners

Club said some 119 people were detained and 21 were still in custody, including nine minors, adding that a number were beaten by police.

Thousands of worshippers streamed into the compound for afternoon prayers Thursday for the first time in two weeks, ending a boycott after Israel removed controversial new security measures, installed after a July 14 attack killed two policemen.

Muslims had in previous days refused to enter the compound and prayed in the streets outside after Israel installed the new security measures.

Palestinians viewed the move as Israel asserting further control over the site.

Israeli authorities said the measures, including metal detectors, were needed because the July 14 attackers smuggled guns into the compound and emerged from it to attack the officers.

The United States lauded “the efforts undertaken to de-escalate tensions in Jerusalem”.

Jordan, the custodian of Jerusalem’s Muslim holy sites, welcomed the removal of the security measures but said Israel should not provoke Palestinians there.

“Unless Israel acts responsibly, then we’ll be facing another crisis that will push us all towards the abyss,” Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said on Thursday. (AFP)

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Palestinians pray outside

holy site afterrestrictions


Jerusalem

Israel barred men under 50 from Friday prayers at

Jerusalem holy site after two weeks of tensions and deadly unrest, leading thousands of Palestinians to hold mass prayers outside.

Thousands of others entered the Haram al-Sharif compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, for prayers after Palestinians ended a boycott of the site the previous day.

Despite fears of violent clashes around the compound, which includes Al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock, the area was largely calm following Friday’s midday prayers.

Dozens of young Palestinians shouted and protested near one entrance to the compound and minor scuffles broke out with police.

Clashes did erupt between Israeli forces and Palestinians in parts of the occupied West Bank, including in the Nablus, Bethlehem and Hebron areas, the Israeli army said.

Israeli troops shot dead a Palestinian teenager and wounded seven others during clashes near the border fence in Gaza, Palestinian authorities in the enclave said.

The Palestinian Red Crescent recorded 52 injuries in total, including 22 from live or rubber bullets.

Tensions at the holy site were high -- even after thousands of worshippers returned to the compound on Thursday, ending a boycott over new security measures set up following an attack

that killed two policemen.

‘Victory for your beliefs’The outside prayers on

Friday were due to the Israeli age restrictions and were not the start of a new boycott, after Israel removed the security measures this week.

“It was a victory for you and for your beliefs and for Jerusalem,” Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Muhammad Ahmad Hussein told worshippers at Al-Aqsa of the boycott.

Police said early in the day there were “indications that disturbances and demonstrations will take place today”, prompting them to bar men under 50 from praying at Al-Aqsa.

Roads around Jerusalem’s Old City, where the compound is located, were closed and some 3,500 police were deployed.

Police said they had also removed a number of people who attempted to stay inside Al-Aqsa mosque overnight.

“It is a cowardly act,” Amjad Hassoun, a young man from Jerusalem who was walking near the Damascus Gate entrance to the Old City, said of the age restriction.

Dozens woundedOn Thursday, the Palestinian Red Crescent said 187 people were wounded inside the mosque compound and in adjacent areas of the Old City after clashes erupted.

Amnesty International alleged Israeli security forces fired “stun grenades, tear gas and sponge-tipped bullets into a peaceful crowd” at an

entrance to the compound.The Palestinian Prisoners

Club said some 119 people were detained and 21 were still in custody, including nine minors, adding that a number were beaten by police.

Thousands of worshippers streamed into the compound for afternoon prayers Thursday for the first time in two weeks, ending a boycott after Israel removed controversial new security measures, installed after a July 14 attack killed two policemen.

Muslims had in previous days refused to enter the compound and prayed in the streets outside after Israel installed the new security measures.

Palestinians viewed the move as Israel asserting further control over the site.

Israeli authorities said the measures, including metal detectors, were needed because the July 14 attackers smuggled guns into the compound and emerged from it to attack the officers.

The United States lauded “the efforts undertaken to de-escalate tensions in Jerusalem”.

Jordan, the custodian of Jerusalem’s Muslim holy sites, welcomed the removal of the security measures but said Israel should not provoke Palestinians there.

“Unless Israel acts responsibly, then we’ll be facing another crisis that will push us all towards the abyss,” Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said on Thursday. (AFP)

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WIN 3 CARS AND 300 GOLD COINS!



Month 3 Grand Prize - Mitsubishi ASX SUV x 1 Winner + 2.5 grams of Gold x 100 Winners

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Palestinians pray outside

holy site afterrestrictions

3Saturday, July 29, 2017

Cabbies say malltrying todrive them

Harpreet Kaur/[email protected]

Disputes between drivers of local taxi operators and City Centre Bahrain

(CCB) continue to remain unresolved with the drivers there now levelling serious allegations against the mall management.

Over 250 Bahraini taxi drivers operating from the City Centre Bahrain told DT News that the mall management there is preventing them from entering the complex to make way for a new private taxi company.

Drivers also claim that the ongoing construction work at the mall is having a heavy toll on their already falling business as their vehicles are also now hidden behind a fence from customers.

“This situation has given the private taxi company an advantage, as we are now forced to wait for hours to get a customer,” a Bahraini Taxi driver told DT News.

Highlighting the prejudice against Bahraini taxi drivers, they have also made a plea to the authorities to intervene.

“It is not fair to help private companies by preventing us,” a taxi driver said.

“We are already at a loss because of the construction and now with the fences in place, we are losing more,” he added.

New player in the fray“A new private taxi company has parked their cars at the mall entrance now,” pointed out another driver.

He told DT News that all this trouble started with a new radio taxi service renting a space at the City Centre gate number 4, next to the Bahraini taxi stand, to advertise their services.

“The problem, however, got worse only three weeks ago, when CCB started their construction works,” he said claiming: “This situation had proved advantageous to the private taxi company, as we are now hidden behind a fence from the customers.”

The mall management, according to him, has been informed about the situation. “They assured me that they are trying their best to complete the construction soon.”

Rude behaviour!He, however, also revealed to DT News about the wrong behaviour of some of the taxi drivers there, which resulted in escalating the situation.

“The way some taxi drivers here responded to the situation was absolutely wrong, as they also harassed some of the customers,” he revealed.

“The drivers then complained to the authorities and also took the matter to media without even trying to sort it out peacefully with the mall management, “ the driver told DT News.

The mall management repliesWhen approached the CCB management for a response, Duaij al Rumaihi, Senior Mall Manager, City Centre Bahrain, told DT News, “We do understand the difficulties of the Bahrain taxi drivers, but we also had customers approaching us looking for alternate taxi services as some of them are refusing to use the meter and demanding unreasonable prices.”

“We have CCTV footages of taxi drivers entering the mall and harassing customers to force them to accept their services.

“We are encouraging more services instead of just one to avoid creating a monopoly,” Rumaihi stressed.

“A lot of private companies are paying rent. However, we are providing the drivers free stands along with an ‘air-conditioned waiting area’ and a pantry to wait for their turns,” he revealed.

“They, however, called the police and transport authorities and accused us of showing partiality

“But the officials found that the CCB is doing its best to provide excellent services to its customers,” Rumaihi claimed.

Rumaihi also said that the mall will not support any kind of felony, harassment or violence “that would affect the consumers, mall’s reputation or portray the Kingdom in poor light.”

About construction Responding to the trouble caused by the construction works, Rumaihi told DT News that the City Centre Bahrain is working on to enhance visitors’ experience, “which involves some renovations at the mall’s main entrance, where the taxi services are located”.

“Throughout the renovations, all operations will remain normal and taxi ‘Pickup/Drop-off area will continue to remain at the main entrance where drivers can line up for visitors,” he clarified.

He further pointed out that directional signage has been placed around the mall and in directories to guide visitors.

“For the convenience of the taxi drivers at our mall, City Centre Bahrain will continue providing a multi purpose indoor room for the drivers throughout the mall operating hours,” he added.

‘out’Taxi stand at the mall

Sign posts at the mall


(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.)

Energy Efficient Air Conditioning System

The country is spending huge resources in generating electricity and providing it to the residents at subsidized and affordable rates. The electricity generated

is used in domestic, commercial, industrial and agricultural sectors. However, the major energy demand is by the residential sector, which consumes more than 45 % of the energy produced. The demand for electricity is continuously growing due to population increase, development, urbanization, industrialization and commercialization. Thus, Energy Efficiency has become a mandatory term and idea to be utilized in every sphere it is being used.

Out of domestic uses, air-conditioning alone is the major source of electricity consumption in the Kingdom due to hot and humid weather especially in summer months when temperatures frequently exceed 40C. The domestic electricity demand is high during the months from July till October every year.

It is assessed that the air-conditioning units accounts for major electricity consumption for households and commercial establishments. The current status shows that major air conditioning units are energy in-efficient and are not maintained properly leading to higher consumption of electricity and higher energy bills for the consumers. The power rating and energy efficiency of the AC units are considered to be less due to non-standardization, import and use of cheaper AC equipment.

Energy Star is an international standard for energy efficient consumer products originated in the United States. It was created in 1992 by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. Since then, many developed countries have adopted this program. Equipment and devices carrying the Energy Star service mark, such as computer products, peripherals, air conditioners, kitchen appliances, generally use 20–30% less energy than normal equipment available in the market. Energy Star qualified room air conditioners are considered to be at least 10% more energy efficient than the minimum U.S. federal government standards.

Improper installation of AC units can reduce system efficiency by up to 30%. Properly sized Energy Star qualified equipment can significantly reduce the annual energy bill. Programmable thermostats, can save even more with improved energy savings, home comfort and peace of mind that the equipment is operating at peak efficiency.

Electricity & Water Authority (EWA) in cooperation with several government and private bodies, has advised mandatory thermal insulation in buildings. This came after it emerged that 75% of the total electricity consumed in Bahrain was the result of air conditioning and lighting. The EWA is urging all suppliers and manufacturers of ACs and lighting for the registration of their products with EWA and is providing the necessary support to all concerned.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce issued Regulation regarding approval of efficiency code for window or split system non-ducted AC’s aimed to reduce electric energy consumption. The regulation on energy labeling and minimum energy requirements for ACs has been promulgated and was published in the Official Gazette on 20th August 2015 and was enforced last year. The new code is another success for Bahrain in energy saving and environmental protection that is compatible with global trends and regulations to conserve energy, protect the environment, curb waste and improve energy consumption.

The Regulation on energy efficiency for ACs was released by EWA to regulate the energy efficiency in the country. This regulation provides the star ratings for ACs based on the EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio). The star ratings are from 1 to 6 and it is determined by factory tests conducted at set temperature conditions. A 1.5 ton split AC has cooling capacity of 18000 BTU/hr. For a 1 star AC the Annual power consumption is approx. 2400 units and 6 star AC is 1750 units. The Annual power savings of 6 star AC over 1 star AC is approx. 650 units. Thus, energy efficiency will reduce electricity costs and will result in a financial cost saving to consumers. This means the higher the star rating, higher will be the energy savings which will in turn will save our electricity bills.

It is heartening to note that air conditioners will now be available in Bahrain with its energy efficiency based on the Energy Star system. The legal Decree has been issued by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. The move comes as a means to import efficient equipment and ultimately reduce energy consumption of ACs in the Kingdom.

Let us use energy efficient AC system, use minimum lighting during day time and when ACs are working, avoid leaving doors, windows, ventilators, curtains open when ACs are working, adjust the thermostat to 24-25 C, switch off the exhaust fans when ACs are working, clean the AC filters regularly and do service and maintenance of ACs.

* Head of Waste Disposal Unit, Supreme Council for Environment, Kingdom of Bahrain (Email: [email protected])

‘mind-blowing’Amin enjoys

experience

Budapest

Like many her age, Bahraini teenager Ritaj Amin, 13, likes

listening to American pop idol Charlie Puth on her phone, reading books, and wearing nail polish.

This week though, as the youngest competitor at the world championships in Budapest, Amin has been rubbing shoulders with swimming greats like US superstar Katie Ledecky, and South Africa’s Chad Le Clos.

“I used to watch Le Clos on the phone and now he’s over there in front of my face, it’s mind-blowing, I can’t really believe it,” she told AFP Friday at the meet venue.

Benefitting from the Bahraini federation’s policy of putting young swimmers on the world stage, Amin has followed closely in the slipstream of Alzain Tareq who was 10 when she competed at the last world championships in Kazan, Russia, in 2015.

After a rule change by the sport’s governing body FINA, Tareq -- “my best friend” says Amin -- was unable to swim in Budapest.

Currently Bahrain’s fastest female swimmer, Amin posted a personal best in her 50m butterfly heat on Friday, although she fell well short of reaching the semi-

final, over 10 seconds behind pace-setting Olympic champion Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom.

“I’m proud though of what I achieved today and before,” said the youngster, who began the sport when she was just six.

“Seven years since then is not a lot of time to get to this level of competition,” she said.

“I just checked my phone, the messages from friends and family, and Alzain, are flooding in”.

With her mother and brother watching from the stand in Budapest, she said she kept her eyes firmly focused on getting her dive right.

“I was shaking with nerves before I got on the start block, if I had looked up and seen my mum I would have started crying,” she said.

“I was so nervous it took me three hours to drop off to sleep last night,” she added.

Training two hours before and after school every day, her dream is to take part in the 2020 Olympic

Games in Tokyo.Budapest is her second major

meet after she attended a World Cup event in Dubai last year.

Not shy to approach stars like Britain’s Adam Peaty or Ryan Murphy (United States), she introduces herself, and asks for tips on technique, as well as selfies.

Hungarian Olympic champion Katinka Hosszu told her in Dubai that “being the best is all about technique in the 50 fly, the kick needs to be strong to win the race,” she said. Hosszu and Ledecky, who have won one and four gold medals respectively so far in Budapest, are particular heroes for the teenager.

“Katinka is an all-rounder who tries new things like backstroke and fly every single competition she goes to, while Katie sprints the whole race, no matter if it’s 800 or 1500 metres,” she said.

“I’ll try to do that one time and see how far I get, I just like trying things,” she added with a grin.(AFP)

“I used to watch Le Clos on the phone and now he’s over there in front of my face”

Ritaj Amin of Bahrain during 17th FINA World Aquatics Championships. Picture courtesy of Reuters


(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.)

Energy Efficient Air Conditioning System

The country is spending huge resources in generating electricity and providing it to the residents at subsidized and affordable rates. The electricity generated

is used in domestic, commercial, industrial and agricultural sectors. However, the major energy demand is by the residential sector, which consumes more than 45 % of the energy produced. The demand for electricity is continuously growing due to population increase, development, urbanization, industrialization and commercialization. Thus, Energy Efficiency has become a mandatory term and idea to be utilized in every sphere it is being used.

Out of domestic uses, air-conditioning alone is the major source of electricity consumption in the Kingdom due to hot and humid weather especially in summer months when temperatures frequently exceed 40C. The domestic electricity demand is high during the months from July till October every year.

It is assessed that the air-conditioning units accounts for major electricity consumption for households and commercial establishments. The current status shows that major air conditioning units are energy in-efficient and are not maintained properly leading to higher consumption of electricity and higher energy bills for the consumers. The power rating and energy efficiency of the AC units are considered to be less due to non-standardization, import and use of cheaper AC equipment.

Energy Star is an international standard for energy efficient consumer products originated in the United States. It was created in 1992 by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. Since then, many developed countries have adopted this program. Equipment and devices carrying the Energy Star service mark, such as computer products, peripherals, air conditioners, kitchen appliances, generally use 20–30% less energy than normal equipment available in the market. Energy Star qualified room air conditioners are considered to be at least 10% more energy efficient than the minimum U.S. federal government standards.

Improper installation of AC units can reduce system efficiency by up to 30%. Properly sized Energy Star qualified equipment can significantly reduce the annual energy bill. Programmable thermostats, can save even more with improved energy savings, home comfort and peace of mind that the equipment is operating at peak efficiency.

Electricity & Water Authority (EWA) in cooperation with several government and private bodies, has advised mandatory thermal insulation in buildings. This came after it emerged that 75% of the total electricity consumed in Bahrain was the result of air conditioning and lighting. The EWA is urging all suppliers and manufacturers of ACs and lighting for the registration of their products with EWA and is providing the necessary support to all concerned.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce issued Regulation regarding approval of efficiency code for window or split system non-ducted AC’s aimed to reduce electric energy consumption. The regulation on energy labeling and minimum energy requirements for ACs has been promulgated and was published in the Official Gazette on 20th August 2015 and was enforced last year. The new code is another success for Bahrain in energy saving and environmental protection that is compatible with global trends and regulations to conserve energy, protect the environment, curb waste and improve energy consumption.

The Regulation on energy efficiency for ACs was released by EWA to regulate the energy efficiency in the country. This regulation provides the star ratings for ACs based on the EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio). The star ratings are from 1 to 6 and it is determined by factory tests conducted at set temperature conditions. A 1.5 ton split AC has cooling capacity of 18000 BTU/hr. For a 1 star AC the Annual power consumption is approx. 2400 units and 6 star AC is 1750 units. The Annual power savings of 6 star AC over 1 star AC is approx. 650 units. Thus, energy efficiency will reduce electricity costs and will result in a financial cost saving to consumers. This means the higher the star rating, higher will be the energy savings which will in turn will save our electricity bills.

It is heartening to note that air conditioners will now be available in Bahrain with its energy efficiency based on the Energy Star system. The legal Decree has been issued by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. The move comes as a means to import efficient equipment and ultimately reduce energy consumption of ACs in the Kingdom.

Let us use energy efficient AC system, use minimum lighting during day time and when ACs are working, avoid leaving doors, windows, ventilators, curtains open when ACs are working, adjust the thermostat to 24-25 C, switch off the exhaust fans when ACs are working, clean the AC filters regularly and do service and maintenance of ACs.

* Head of Waste Disposal Unit, Supreme Council for Environment, Kingdom of Bahrain (Email: [email protected])

‘mind-blowing’Amin enjoys

experience

Budapest

Like many her age, Bahraini teenager Ritaj Amin, 13, likes

listening to American pop idol Charlie Puth on her phone, reading books, and wearing nail polish.

This week though, as the youngest competitor at the world championships in Budapest, Amin has been rubbing shoulders with swimming greats like US superstar Katie Ledecky, and South Africa’s Chad Le Clos.

“I used to watch Le Clos on the phone and now he’s over there in front of my face, it’s mind-blowing, I can’t really believe it,” she told AFP Friday at the meet venue.

Benefitting from the Bahraini federation’s policy of putting young swimmers on the world stage, Amin has followed closely in the slipstream of Alzain Tareq who was 10 when she competed at the last world championships in Kazan, Russia, in 2015.

After a rule change by the sport’s governing body FINA, Tareq -- “my best friend” says Amin -- was unable to swim in Budapest.

Currently Bahrain’s fastest female swimmer, Amin posted a personal best in her 50m butterfly heat on Friday, although she fell well short of reaching the semi-

final, over 10 seconds behind pace-setting Olympic champion Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom.

“I’m proud though of what I achieved today and before,” said the youngster, who began the sport when she was just six.

“Seven years since then is not a lot of time to get to this level of competition,” she said.

“I just checked my phone, the messages from friends and family, and Alzain, are flooding in”.

With her mother and brother watching from the stand in Budapest, she said she kept her eyes firmly focused on getting her dive right.

“I was shaking with nerves before I got on the start block, if I had looked up and seen my mum I would have started crying,” she said.

“I was so nervous it took me three hours to drop off to sleep last night,” she added.

Training two hours before and after school every day, her dream is to take part in the 2020 Olympic

Games in Tokyo.Budapest is her second major

meet after she attended a World Cup event in Dubai last year.

Not shy to approach stars like Britain’s Adam Peaty or Ryan Murphy (United States), she introduces herself, and asks for tips on technique, as well as selfies.

Hungarian Olympic champion Katinka Hosszu told her in Dubai that “being the best is all about technique in the 50 fly, the kick needs to be strong to win the race,” she said. Hosszu and Ledecky, who have won one and four gold medals respectively so far in Budapest, are particular heroes for the teenager.

“Katinka is an all-rounder who tries new things like backstroke and fly every single competition she goes to, while Katie sprints the whole race, no matter if it’s 800 or 1500 metres,” she said.

“I’ll try to do that one time and see how far I get, I just like trying things,” she added with a grin.(AFP)

“I used to watch Le Clos on the phone and now he’s over there in front of my face”

Ritaj Amin of Bahrain during 17th FINA World Aquatics Championships. Picture courtesy of Reuters


Muhannad Mansour/[email protected]

Police on Thursday arrested several Bahraini

youngsters in connection with an attack at the Al Hala Sports Club.

The suspects, according to the police, broke into the Al Hala Sports Club and attacked players and employees there with planks and sticks, on Wednesday.

Sources confirmed to DT

News that national coach Abdulnasser Hassan also the assistant coach of Al Hala football team was injured in the attack.

He was rushed to the hospital after suffering a deep

cut underneath his eyes in the attack.

A CCTV footage of the attack obtained by DT News shows several miscreants fleeing the club after attacking players and the coach there.

According to sources, the brawl was apparently caused by a youngster who had issues

with one of the players there.“He gathered his friends and

reached the club located in the southern parts of Muharraq and attacked and injured the players and the coach who were engaged in their evening training,” the source informed DT News.

Chief Prosecutor of Muharraq Governorate

Prosecution Abdulla Al Dossary confirmed the arrest of the suspects and said that the case has been referred to the court.

Al Dossary said that the arrests were made after reviewing the footages from the security cameras at the club and interrogating several people.

Al Hala brawl: Several arrested

Minister visits Al Hala ClubManama

Youth and Sports Affairs Minister Hisham Al

Jowder yesterday strongly condemned the attack on Al Hala Sports Club and affirmed that the “protection of sporting facilities in the Kingdom is a national

responsibility”. The minister said this during his visit to the club on Thursday.

Al Jowder met the officials and players there and assured them that the government would take all necessary measures to prevent “all sort of violence”.

The officials informed the minister about the condition of Coach Abdulnasser Hassan, who is recovering from the injury.

Al Jowder was accompanied by a number of ministry officials and club representatives.

Minister Al Jowder during his visit to the club

A screen grab of a CCTV footage obtained from the Al Hala Sports Club


One killed in knife attack at Hamburg supermarketHamburg

A man wielding a large kitchen knife stormed into

a supermarket in the German city of Hamburg yesterday, killing one person and wounding four others before being detained by police.

“There is no valid information yet on the motive” of the man, who “entered a supermarket and suddenly began attacking customers”, said police.

German daily Bild published a picture of the attacker in the back of a police car with a white, blood-soaked bag over his head, and reported that he cried “Allahu Akbar” (God is Greatest) in the supermarket.

A female witness standing in line at the supermarket till also told NTV rolling news channel that “as he was running out... he held up his arms and shouted ‘Allahu Akhbar’.”

She said she was “afraid of dying,” as she was “queuing for the till and couldn’t get away”.

A police spokeswoman said

the “Allahu Akhbar” accounts could not be confirmed.

The suspect, who has not yet been identified, fled the

supermarket after the attack.But witnesses gave chase and

overpowered the man, who was slightly injured.

“It was definitely a sole attacker. The first reports about a possible motive of a robbery have not been confirmed,”

Hamburg police tweeted.Police have blocked off the

lively and diverse high street dotted with cafes and shops

in the northeast of the port city, Germany’s second largest and host of the G20 summit of world leaders in early July.

Anti-terror police have also been deployed to the scene, according to Bild.

Homicide investigators are leading the probe, said police, adding that they were pursuing “all leads” for a motive.

There was no information immediately available about the dead person. Police said that one of the four injured was in a serious condition.

Germany has been on high alert about the threat of a jihadist attack, especially since last December’s truck rampage through a Berlin Christmas market that killed 12 people.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the carnage in which a Tunisian rejected asylum seeker and ex-convict, Anis Amri, 24, ploughed the stolen truck through a crowd.

It was Germany’s deadliest attack by an Islamist militant, but not the first. (AFP)

Russia has stepped up security since a suicide bomb attack in the Saint Petersburg subway killed 15 and

injured dozens on April 3.

US slams ‘provocative’ Iran satellite-rocket testWashington

The United States on Thursday hit out at Iran

over its test of a satellite-launch rocket, calling it an act that undermined regional stability and saying it appeared to violate UN Security Council resolutions.

“We consider that to be continued ballistic missile development,” State

Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters. “We consider this to be provocative action.”

Nauert added that if confirmed, the test could be a “violation of UN Security Council resolutions.”

Iranian state television broadcast footage of the takeoff from the Imam Khomeini space centre, named after the

late founder of the Islamic republic, in Semnan province in the east of the country.

The report said the launch vehicle, named Simorgh after a bird in Iranian mythology, was capable of propelling a satellite weighing 250 kilograms (550 pounds) to an altitude of 500 kilometres (300 miles) above earth.

Western states suspect Iran

of developing the technology capable of launching long-range ballistic missiles with conventional or nuclear payloads, a charge denied by Tehran, which insists its space programme has purely peaceful aims.

Tensions have mounted between Washington and Tehran since US President Donald Trump took office.

Russia arrests 7 for ‘preparing’ attacksMoscow

Russia’s FSB security agency said yesterday it

had detained seven nationals from Central Asia who were “preparing terrorist attacks” in Saint Petersburg, which suffered a metro bombing in April.

Those held were suspected of planning to hit “the railway system and major public gathering places” in Russia’s second city, the FSB said in a statement.

Russia has stepped up security since a suicide bomb attack in the Saint Petersburg subway killed 15 and injured dozens on April 3.

The alleged perpetrator, Akbarjon Djalilov, was a 22-year-old Russian citizen who was born in ex-Soviet Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia.

The bombing was claimed by a little-known group, the Imam

Shamil Battalion, which experts say is linked to al-Qaeda.

Jihadists including the Islamic State group have repeatedly threatened to attack Russia over its intervention in Syria on the side of leader Bashar al-Assad.

Citizens of Central Asia have been prominent among foreign fighters who headed to Syria and Iraq to fight for jihadist groups.

Russia hosts large populations of mainly migrant workers from ex-Communist Central Asia and they face frequent harassment and discrimination in the country.

The Russian security services regularly announce that they have thwarted plans for attacks.

The prosecutor’s office said Friday that twelve attacks have been foiled on Russian soil since the beginning of the year, state news agency reported.

Police officers secure the area after a knife attack at a supermarket in Hamburg, Germany (Source AP)

Simorgh (Phoenix) satellite rocket at its launch site at an undis-closed location in Iran


One killed in knife attack at Hamburg supermarketHamburg

A man wielding a large kitchen knife stormed into

a supermarket in the German city of Hamburg yesterday, killing one person and wounding four others before being detained by police.

“There is no valid information yet on the motive” of the man, who “entered a supermarket and suddenly began attacking customers”, said police.

German daily Bild published a picture of the attacker in the back of a police car with a white, blood-soaked bag over his head, and reported that he cried “Allahu Akbar” (God is Greatest) in the supermarket.

A female witness standing in line at the supermarket till also told NTV rolling news channel that “as he was running out... he held up his arms and shouted ‘Allahu Akhbar’.”

She said she was “afraid of dying,” as she was “queuing for the till and couldn’t get away”.

A police spokeswoman said

the “Allahu Akhbar” accounts could not be confirmed.

The suspect, who has not yet been identified, fled the

supermarket after the attack.But witnesses gave chase and

overpowered the man, who was slightly injured.

“It was definitely a sole attacker. The first reports about a possible motive of a robbery have not been confirmed,”

Hamburg police tweeted.Police have blocked off the

lively and diverse high street dotted with cafes and shops

in the northeast of the port city, Germany’s second largest and host of the G20 summit of world leaders in early July.

Anti-terror police have also been deployed to the scene, according to Bild.

Homicide investigators are leading the probe, said police, adding that they were pursuing “all leads” for a motive.

There was no information immediately available about the dead person. Police said that one of the four injured was in a serious condition.

Germany has been on high alert about the threat of a jihadist attack, especially since last December’s truck rampage through a Berlin Christmas market that killed 12 people.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the carnage in which a Tunisian rejected asylum seeker and ex-convict, Anis Amri, 24, ploughed the stolen truck through a crowd.

It was Germany’s deadliest attack by an Islamist militant, but not the first. (AFP)

Russia has stepped up security since a suicide bomb attack in the Saint Petersburg subway killed 15 and

injured dozens on April 3.

US slams ‘provocative’ Iran satellite-rocket testWashington

The United States on Thursday hit out at Iran

over its test of a satellite-launch rocket, calling it an act that undermined regional stability and saying it appeared to violate UN Security Council resolutions.

“We consider that to be continued ballistic missile development,” State

Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters. “We consider this to be provocative action.”

Nauert added that if confirmed, the test could be a “violation of UN Security Council resolutions.”

Iranian state television broadcast footage of the takeoff from the Imam Khomeini space centre, named after the

late founder of the Islamic republic, in Semnan province in the east of the country.

The report said the launch vehicle, named Simorgh after a bird in Iranian mythology, was capable of propelling a satellite weighing 250 kilograms (550 pounds) to an altitude of 500 kilometres (300 miles) above earth.

Western states suspect Iran

of developing the technology capable of launching long-range ballistic missiles with conventional or nuclear payloads, a charge denied by Tehran, which insists its space programme has purely peaceful aims.

Tensions have mounted between Washington and Tehran since US President Donald Trump took office.

Russia arrests 7 for ‘preparing’ attacksMoscow

Russia’s FSB security agency said yesterday it

had detained seven nationals from Central Asia who were “preparing terrorist attacks” in Saint Petersburg, which suffered a metro bombing in April.

Those held were suspected of planning to hit “the railway system and major public gathering places” in Russia’s second city, the FSB said in a statement.

Russia has stepped up security since a suicide bomb attack in the Saint Petersburg subway killed 15 and injured dozens on April 3.

The alleged perpetrator, Akbarjon Djalilov, was a 22-year-old Russian citizen who was born in ex-Soviet Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia.

The bombing was claimed by a little-known group, the Imam

Shamil Battalion, which experts say is linked to al-Qaeda.

Jihadists including the Islamic State group have repeatedly threatened to attack Russia over its intervention in Syria on the side of leader Bashar al-Assad.

Citizens of Central Asia have been prominent among foreign fighters who headed to Syria and Iraq to fight for jihadist groups.

Russia hosts large populations of mainly migrant workers from ex-Communist Central Asia and they face frequent harassment and discrimination in the country.

The Russian security services regularly announce that they have thwarted plans for attacks.

The prosecutor’s office said Friday that twelve attacks have been foiled on Russian soil since the beginning of the year, state news agency reported.

Police officers secure the area after a knife attack at a supermarket in Hamburg, Germany (Source AP)

Simorgh (Phoenix) satellite rocket at its launch site at an undis-closed location in Iran


US convicts Chinese billionaire in United Nations bribery case

10 hurt in Istanbul storm

US orders diplomats’ families to leave Venezuelan capital

New York

A New York jury unanimously convicted Chinese billionaire Ng Lap Seng on Thursday in connection with a UN bribery

scandal that leaves him risking years in a US prison.The 69-year-old was found guilty of bribing a former

president of the UN General Assembly, who was arrested in October 2015, and a former deputy ambassador for the Dominican Republic.

The wealthy real estate developer from Macau was convicted after a four-week trial on six counts in connection with a years-long scheme to pay more than $1.3 million in bribes to UN officials.

The most serious offenses -- money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering -- each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years. The other counts are punishable by up to five and 10 years each.

Istanbul

At least 10 people were hurt, two of them seriously, when a violent thunderstorm struck Istanbul on Thursday,

bombarding the city with hailstones the size of golfballs, local media said.

The storm, which lasted about 20 minutes, paralysed traffic and caused flash floods that submerged cars in some streets, according to pictures on social media.

Sixteen planes which had been heading to the city’s Ataturk airport were routed to other destinations, the pro-government Anadolu news agency reported.

City hall said more than 7,000 people had been mobilised to deal with the aftermath of the storm.

Around 230 trees were uprooted, nearly 90 roofs collapsed and a number of fires broke out but were quickly extinguished, it said in a statement.

Further storms were possible in the night, it added.The incident occurred just nine days after Istanbul was

pounded by heavy rains and winds of up to 80 kilometres (50 miles) per hour, flooding streets and metro stations and disrupting tram lines, but without causing casualties.

The municipality said on average 65 millimetres (2.5 inches) of rain fell on July 18 while the district of Silivri experienced as much as 128 millimetres.

Animals evacuated to Turkey from Syria zooIstanbul

An international animal welfare charity was

yesterday completing the evacuation of a dozen animals stranded in a neglected zoo in the conflict-torn Aleppo province of northern Syria.

The Four Paws group was seeking to move two lions and two domestic dogs from the “Magic World” zoo and amusement park in Syria over the border into Turkey and then to an animal protection centre in the north of the country, a spokesman for the charity said.

A Four Paws team is currently at the border close to the town of Kilis, with the remaining animals expected to arrive shortly before being

transported to their new home on Saturday, said spokesman Martin Bauer.

In an initial operation, Four Paws said it had on July 21

evacuated nine animals -- three lions, two tigers, two Asian black bears and two hyenas -- from the “neglected” Magic World.

After a one-day journey, they arrived safely at their new home, an animal protection facility in Karacabey, outside the northwestern Turkish city of Bursa.

“The nine animals currently treated in Karacabey are doing fine. The last years have taken quite a toll on them but they’re on their way to recovery,” said Bauer.

He confirmed that with the evacuation of the last four animals Friday “there will be no more animals left at the zoo in the Magic World amusement park.”

Once all the rescued animals are out of Syria, the organisation will decide where their final homes should be, partially based on the health of the animals.

Washington

The US State Department on Thursday ordered the family members of its embassy staff in Caracas to leave Venezuela

and authorized the voluntary departure of its employees as a political crisis appeared headed for a dangerous showdown.

Its advisory also warned citizens against travelling to the South American country “due to social unrest, violent crime, and pervasive food and medicine shortages.”

The move came as the embattled government of President Nicolas Maduro was on a deadly collision course with the opposition, which defied a government ban to hold a nationwide strike ahead of a controversial weekend vote.

Maduro has scheduled an election for a constitutional assembly on Sunday to rewrite the country’s basic law -- a move slammed by his opponents as an attempt to strengthen his grip on power.

The US on Wednesday imposed sanctions on 13 current or former senior Venezuelan officials in retaliation for Maduro’s refusal to scrap the vote.

Jordan says to bar Israel envoy until shooting probed

Amman

Jordan will not allow the return of Israel’s

ambassador until the shooting of two Jordanians by an embassy security guard has been properly investigated, a government official said yesterday.

“Jordan will not allow ambassador Einat Shlein or the rest of the embassy staff to return until a thorough investigation has been opened” into Sunday’s shooting, the official said, adding Jordan informed Israel of its decision.

Israel’s foreign ministry late Friday said it had launched a “verification procedure” into the shooting.

Israel’s attorney general “gave instructions to implicated (Israeli) bodies to provide all elements in their possession concerning the incident”, a ministry spokesman said in a statement.

“Israel will inform Jordan of developments and information gathered during this procedure,” the spokesman said, without providing further details.

Hundreds of Jordanians held a protest earlier Friday near the Israeli embassy in

Amman, calling on the government to shut it down, expel the ambassador and cancel the 1994 peace treaty with Israel.

Emerging from a mosque hundreds of metres (yards) away from the embassy, the protesters chanted “Death to Israel” and “No Zionist embassy on Jordanian soil”, an AFP correspondent said.

On Thursday, King Abdullah II called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to try the guard,

who travelled home on Monday night with other embassy officials after being briefly questioned by Jordanian investigators.

The guard was welcomed home and greeted as a hero by Netanyahu, who embraced him and said: “You acted well, calmly and we also had an obligation to get you out.”

Israel maintained the guard had diplomatic immunity.

The Israeli foreign ministry said the security guard shot dead a Jordanian worker who

had come to an apartment to install furniture and had stabbed him in the back with a screwdriver.

A second Jordanian, the landlord of the apartment, was also killed -- apparently by accident. He was buried on Thursday in Madaba, southwest of the capital.

A Jordanian police report released Monday said an argument had broken out with the Israeli complaining the Jordanians were late in delivering the furniture. (AFP)

Storm clouds gather over a ferry on the B o s p h o r u s near Istanbul

Members of a rapid response team of FOUR PAWS trans-porting a lioness in Cobanbey, after it was rescued from the destroyed Magic World amusement park near Aleppo

Policemen are seen near the Israeli embassy in Amman(file photo)

BUSINESS8 Saturday, July 29, 2017

Virtual real-ity games usually promise shoot ‘em up adventures but in Hong Kong lovelorn tech fans donned headsets to go on imaginary dates. The city’s annual Ani-Com and Games fair sees thousands queue to try out the latest consoles or buy up comic book collect-ibles, often dressed up as their favour-ite characters.

Users can choose between four female models and spend a vacation with them in either Japan or Thailand, joining them on trips to cafes, hot springs and kara-oke. They slot their phones into a plastic headset and are then immersed on a date, during which they can choose options for activities.

Promoters of the Hong Kong-made app, which is known by its Cantonese name “leoi yau” or “VR trav-el friend”, said it was to help what they called “Otakus” to practise their dating skills.

The app is free, while the plastic headset and maga-zine introducing the women to date cost HK$48 ($6).

Several choices

VR travel friend

App is free, but…

“We want to allow more people to try out what it’s like to date a girl because there are a lot of Otakus who don’t know how to communicate with girls,”

Margaret Ming, the app’s communication officer

Biggest in AisaThe show at the city’s harbourside convention centre is one of the big-gest of its kind in Asia and was packed with

teenagers, many of them in coloured

wigs and cos-tumes mimicking their favourite Japanese comic book heroes.Die-hard comic fans posed with life-size ultra-realistic mod-els of Wonder Woman, Thor and the Hulk at the stall for Hot Toys, a local firm famous for its figurines.

Health bill collapses in bitter blow to TrumpWashington

US Republicans failed spectacularly yesterday in their latest effort to

dismantle Obamacare, leaving the party shocked and in disarray and signalling the potential death knell for President Donald Trump’s dream of repealing his predecessor’s health reforms.

The vote -- held in the dead of night -- came down to the wire, with the decisive moment resting with Senator John McCain, recently diagnosed with brain cancer, who sided with two moderate Republicans and all Democrats in opposing the legislation.

“This was a disappointment, a disappointment indeed,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told colleagues after one of the most tense votes in years on the Senate floor.

“I regret that our efforts were simply not enough this time.”

The collapse marks a major setback for Republican leadership and for Trump, who had campaigned relentlessly on a pledge to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act that passed into law under his predecessor Barack Obama in 2010.

Friday’s vote, which capped a series of failed efforts in recent months to get an Obamacare repeal measure over the line, was on a so-called “skinny repeal” bill that would have rolled back only parts of Obamacare but kept the bulk of the law intact. (AFP)

Russia to cut US diplomatsMoscow

Russia’s foreign ministry yesterday announced

counter measures in response to tough new sanctions proposed by the United States, ordering Washington to reduce its diplomatic staff.

Moscow ordered the US to reduce its diplomatic presence in Russia to 455 diplomats and staff and also barred it from using a Moscow summer house and storage facility.

The ministry said that this was in response to the passing of a new bill on sanctions by the Senate late Thursday. US President Donald Trump will now have to decide whether to accept or veto the measures.

US Ambassador John Tefft “expressed his strong disappointment and protest” at the development, the US embassy spokesperson said, adding that “we have passed the notification back to Washington for review.”

The embassy spokesperson declined to comment on the current number of US diplomats and staff in Russia.

President Vladimir Putin

on Thursday slammed what he called “anti-Russian hysteria” in Washington and said that Russia could not “endlessly tolerate this kind of insolence.”

Moscow complained that the “new sanctions bill showed with all clarity that relations with Russia have fallen hostage to the domestic political struggle in the US.”

It warned that it “reserves the right to carry out other measures that could affect the interests of the US” while acting in a reciprocal fashion.

The move comes after Russia has repeatedly expressed anger at Washington barring its diplomats access to two compounds in the US

in December last year, under Barack Obama, in response to suspected Russian meddling in the US election.

Obama at the same time expelled 35 Russian diplomats for spying.

President Vladimir Putin initially held off from retaliating, saying he would wait to see how Trump reacted after he came into the White House.

Trump and Putin discussed this diplomatic spat at their first meeting at the G20 in Hamburg this month.

Russia’s deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov had said after subsequent talks in Washington that the matter was “almost” resolved.

Los Angeles to have e-bus fleet by 2030

Apple kills iPod nano and iPod shuffle

Los Angeles

Known for its bouts of heavy smog, the city

of Los Angeles on Thursday announced plans to have a fleet of fully electric, zero-emissions buses by 2030.

Authorities in the US metropolis said the project, which involves the purchase of 2,200 vehicles, would cost some $1 billion over the next ten years.

“Today’s vote represents an enormous investment in the future of a healthy and prosperous Los Angeles,” said Hilda Solis, a Metro Board Member.

San Francisco

Touch became the last iPod standing on Thursday

as Apple removed nano and shuffle stand-alone digital music players from its lineup.

Late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs introduced the devices some 12 years ago with his legendary showmanship flare, and the small, easy to operate players helped the company revolutionize how music was sold.

Apple confirmed to AFP that it is no longer selling nano and shuffle, and the MP3 players vanished from the Apple website.

The US Embassy in Moscow

Sen. John McCain leaves the the Senate chamber at the U.S. Capitol after voting on the GOP ‘Skinny Repeal’ health care bill

BUSINESS8 Saturday, July 29, 2017

Virtual real-ity games usually promise shoot ‘em up adventures but in Hong Kong lovelorn tech fans donned headsets to go on imaginary dates. The city’s annual Ani-Com and Games fair sees thousands queue to try out the latest consoles or buy up comic book collect-ibles, often dressed up as their favour-ite characters.

Users can choose between four female models and spend a vacation with them in either Japan or Thailand, joining them on trips to cafes, hot springs and kara-oke. They slot their phones into a plastic headset and are then immersed on a date, during which they can choose options for activities.

Promoters of the Hong Kong-made app, which is known by its Cantonese name “leoi yau” or “VR trav-el friend”, said it was to help what they called “Otakus” to practise their dating skills.

The app is free, while the plastic headset and maga-zine introducing the women to date cost HK$48 ($6).

Several choices

VR travel friend

App is free, but…

“We want to allow more people to try out what it’s like to date a girl because there are a lot of Otakus who don’t know how to communicate with girls,”

Margaret Ming, the app’s communication officer

Biggest in AisaThe show at the city’s harbourside convention centre is one of the big-gest of its kind in Asia and was packed with

teenagers, many of them in coloured

wigs and cos-tumes mimicking their favourite Japanese comic book heroes.Die-hard comic fans posed with life-size ultra-realistic mod-els of Wonder Woman, Thor and the Hulk at the stall for Hot Toys, a local firm famous for its figurines.

Health bill collapses in bitter blow to TrumpWashington

US Republicans failed spectacularly yesterday in their latest effort to

dismantle Obamacare, leaving the party shocked and in disarray and signalling the potential death knell for President Donald Trump’s dream of repealing his predecessor’s health reforms.

The vote -- held in the dead of night -- came down to the wire, with the decisive moment resting with Senator John McCain, recently diagnosed with brain cancer, who sided with two moderate Republicans and all Democrats in opposing the legislation.

“This was a disappointment, a disappointment indeed,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told colleagues after one of the most tense votes in years on the Senate floor.

“I regret that our efforts were simply not enough this time.”

The collapse marks a major setback for Republican leadership and for Trump, who had campaigned relentlessly on a pledge to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act that passed into law under his predecessor Barack Obama in 2010.

Friday’s vote, which capped a series of failed efforts in recent months to get an Obamacare repeal measure over the line, was on a so-called “skinny repeal” bill that would have rolled back only parts of Obamacare but kept the bulk of the law intact. (AFP)

Russia to cut US diplomatsMoscow

Russia’s foreign ministry yesterday announced

counter measures in response to tough new sanctions proposed by the United States, ordering Washington to reduce its diplomatic staff.

Moscow ordered the US to reduce its diplomatic presence in Russia to 455 diplomats and staff and also barred it from using a Moscow summer house and storage facility.

The ministry said that this was in response to the passing of a new bill on sanctions by the Senate late Thursday. US President Donald Trump will now have to decide whether to accept or veto the measures.

US Ambassador John Tefft “expressed his strong disappointment and protest” at the development, the US embassy spokesperson said, adding that “we have passed the notification back to Washington for review.”

The embassy spokesperson declined to comment on the current number of US diplomats and staff in Russia.

President Vladimir Putin

on Thursday slammed what he called “anti-Russian hysteria” in Washington and said that Russia could not “endlessly tolerate this kind of insolence.”

Moscow complained that the “new sanctions bill showed with all clarity that relations with Russia have fallen hostage to the domestic political struggle in the US.”

It warned that it “reserves the right to carry out other measures that could affect the interests of the US” while acting in a reciprocal fashion.

The move comes after Russia has repeatedly expressed anger at Washington barring its diplomats access to two compounds in the US

in December last year, under Barack Obama, in response to suspected Russian meddling in the US election.

Obama at the same time expelled 35 Russian diplomats for spying.

President Vladimir Putin initially held off from retaliating, saying he would wait to see how Trump reacted after he came into the White House.

Trump and Putin discussed this diplomatic spat at their first meeting at the G20 in Hamburg this month.

Russia’s deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov had said after subsequent talks in Washington that the matter was “almost” resolved.

Los Angeles to have e-bus fleet by 2030

Apple kills iPod nano and iPod shuffle

Los Angeles

Known for its bouts of heavy smog, the city

of Los Angeles on Thursday announced plans to have a fleet of fully electric, zero-emissions buses by 2030.

Authorities in the US metropolis said the project, which involves the purchase of 2,200 vehicles, would cost some $1 billion over the next ten years.

“Today’s vote represents an enormous investment in the future of a healthy and prosperous Los Angeles,” said Hilda Solis, a Metro Board Member.

San Francisco

Touch became the last iPod standing on Thursday

as Apple removed nano and shuffle stand-alone digital music players from its lineup.

Late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs introduced the devices some 12 years ago with his legendary showmanship flare, and the small, easy to operate players helped the company revolutionize how music was sold.

Apple confirmed to AFP that it is no longer selling nano and shuffle, and the MP3 players vanished from the Apple website.

The US Embassy in Moscow

Sen. John McCain leaves the the Senate chamber at the U.S. Capitol after voting on the GOP ‘Skinny Repeal’ health care bill

S U B M A R I N E F L E E T S

Sources: Global Security, FAS, IISS Military Balance Picture: Indian Navy © GRAPHIC NEWS

India has begun the process of acquiring six advanced stealthsubmarines as part of a $12 billion project, seen as crucial to counter

China’s growing undersea prowess and its build-up in the Indian oceanPROJECT 75I: Shipyards in Russia,

France, Japan, Germany,Spain and Sweden will bidto build six diesel-electric

submarines incollaborationwith an Indian

shipyard

India kicks off mega submarine project

INS Kalvari:First Scorpene-

class to beinducted

Aug 2017

P-75Isubmarinesto be more

advanced thanProject 75 Scorpene-class

subs being built at MazagonDocks in Mumbai in collaboration

with French naval defencecompany DCNS

Andaman andNicobar Islands:India expandingits securitypresence to trackincreasing traffic ofChinese submarinesin Indian Ocean

MalaccaStrait

INDIAINDIANOCEAN

CHINA

I N D I A C H I N A

INS Arihant

INS Chakra

Sindhugosh-class (9)

Shishumar-class: (4)

Six Scorpene-class subs (6).Expected to be delivered 2017-21

Under construction or planned

New P-75I submarines (6)

Likely to be armed with BrahMossupersonic cruise missiles for seaand land targets

Qing-class

Jin-class (4)

Xia-class (1)

Han-class (3)

Shang-class (2)SSN: 5

SSBN: 5Nuclear-powered ballistic missilesubmarine (SSBN): 1

Diesel-electric submarines (SSK): 13

SSK: 47

Nuclear attack submarine (SSN): 1

Ballistic missile submarine(SSB): 1







shipyard


class to beinducted

Aug 2017






MalaccaStrait

INDIAINDIANOCEAN

CHINA

I N D I A C H I N A

INS Arihant

INS Chakra







Qing-class

Jin-class (4)

Xia-class (1)

Han-class (3)




SSK: 47









shipyard

India kicks off mega submarine project


class to beinducted

Aug 2017






MalaccaStrait

INDIAINDIANOCEAN

CHINA

I N D I A C H I N A

INS Arihant

INS Chakra







Qing-class

Jin-class (4)

Xia-class (1)

Han-class (3)




SSK: 47









shipyard


class to beinducted

Aug 2017






MalaccaStrait

INDIAINDIANOCEAN

CHINA

I N D I A C H I N A

INS Arihant

INS Chakra







Qing-class

Jin-class (4)

Xia-class (1)

Han-class (3)




SSK: 47



BUSINESSSaturday, July 29, 2017 9

Moscow

Russia’s central bank hit the pause button on rate cuts, deciding to hold off following three consecutive reductions

amid a slight uptick in inflation. The bank insisted “short-term and mid-term inflation risks persist” as it announced in a statement that it was sticking at the present 9.0 percent rate. It said that it is looking to resume its policy of lowering the rate to revive economic growth

Tokyo

Japan slapped sanctions on two Chinese firms, including a bank accused of laundering North Korean cash, while Pyongyang

was prepping for another missile test, the government said. Japan has stepped up calls for further sanctions against North Korea since Pyongyang tested an intercontinental ballistic missile earlier this month in defiance of repeated UN resolutions.

Sigmar Gabriel,

Russian central bank keeps rate at 9% Japan sanctions Chinese firms Sanction policy is neither a suitable nor an adequate instrument to advance the interests of national exports and the domestic energy sector.”

German Foreign Minister on US sanctions against Russia

US economy grows 2.6% in second quarterWashington

The US economy gathered speed in the second

quarter, more than doubling the growth pace of the first three months of the year as consumer and defence spending accelerated, according to data released yesterday.

Gross domestic product (GDP) increased 2.6 per cent in the April-June period, compared to 1.2pc in the first quarter, the Commerce Department reported.

The preliminary result, which is calculated from incomplete data that will be revised in the coming months, undershot analyst

expectations by two-tenths of a point and portrayed an economy facing significant headwinds.

A widening trade gap as well as slowing housing sales, business inventories and spending by state and local governments all weighed on growth, according to the Commerce Department.

The outcome for the second quarter and the downwardly-revised growth in the first quarter, put growth in the first half of 2017 at 1.9pc, above the 1.5pc recorded last year and close to the economy’s long-term trend growth rate of 2pc.

The Trump administration

has pledged to push the economy to 3pc growth or higher -- which officials say will pay for deep proposed tax cuts -- but most economists says this is unrealistic.

Defence spending by the federal government had a banner quarter, rising at the fastest pace in six years at 5.2pc, more than offsetting the drop in non-defence spending which sank 1.9pc, the biggest loss since 2013.

Personal consumption spending jumped to 2.8pc from 1.9pc in the first quarter, and exports of services likewise blossomed, adding 6.5pc, the largest quarterly gain in more than four years.

China’s Baidu rebounds in Q2Beijing

Chinese internet giant Baidu said yesterday that

its net income had soared 83 per cent in the second quarter -- a strong recovery from tumbling profits in 2016 thanks to drastic spending cuts.

Though Baidu’s profit had fallen by two-thirds in 2016 and dropped even further in the first quarter of 2017, “China’s Google” pulled

itself together in quarter two, attaining a net income of 4.4 billion yuan ($652 million) in the period from April to June, an 82.9pc increase year-on-year, the company’s financial results stated.

The figure far exceeds analysts’ estimates of 2.9 billion yuan, and is a sign of Baidu’s recovery after authorities cracked down on its online advertising business, the company’s

primary revenue stream. Total revenues in the

second quarter were 20.9bn yuan ($3.08bn), a 14.3pc increase from the same period in 2016. Mobile revenue represented 72pc of total revenues, up from 62pc the same period last year.

“We will execute on two strategic pillars: to strengthen our mobile foundation and lead in AI,” Baidu’s founder Robin Li said.

Representational image

BUSINESS Saturday, July 29, 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

London

World stock markets mostly fell yesterday

before US growth data, as a rash of disappointing company results and auto sector woes sent Europe skidding lower.

Asian equities tumbled after two days of gains, as a US tech sell-off spread to the region and compounded concerns over corporate earnings.

The mood also soured in Europe, where shares in Renault tumbled 5.6 per cent on a weak outlook for the French carmaker despite surging sales and record profits in the first half of 2017.

In Frankfurt, BMW, Daimler and Volkswagen shares each dropped by about 1.7pc in value.

The three were this week hit with lawsuits over their alleged collusion to drive up the prices of their cars.

The suits filed almost simultaneously in US and Canadian courts come as European authorities investigate the German carmakers cartel which allegedly struck unlawful bargains to share technology

and strategy.Elsewhere Friday,

London’s benchmark FTSE 100 index was down nearly 1pc, weighed down by poor results from troubled telecoms and television firm BT Group.

BT shares slid 3.8pc to 304 pence after the group posted

a 42-percent slump in first-quarter profits, rocked by fresh fallout from an Italian accounting scandal.

Barclays shares fell 0.7pc as the bank reported a first-half net loss of £1.21 billion ($1.58bn , 1.35bn euros) after offloading part of its African business.

In New York on Thursday, the tech-heavy Nasdaq’s streak of all-time high closes ended with Apple, Google-parent Alphabet and Netflix shares all slumping at least 1.5pc.

Investors were also spooked after internet colossus Amazon reported its profit shrank despite surging sales as it poured money into growth, with its shares slipping 3pc.

The Dow however closed at its second straight record following strong earnings from Verizon, Procter & Gamble and Boeing.

Meanwhile on Friday, the euro hovered close to a two-year pinnacle ahead of publication of key US second-quarter economic growth.

The European single currency had struck $1.1777 on Thursday -- attaining a level that was last seen in January 2015.

The dollar had also fallen sharply on Wednesday after a Federal Reserve policy statement highlighted a tepid inflation outlook. (AFP)

Global stocks hit skids before US growth data

AUSTRALIA 0.3104 0.3068BANGLADESH 0.00493 0.00467CANADA 0.3103 0.3060DENMARK 0.0628 EGYPT 0.0234 0.0217EURO 0.4503 0.4461HONGKONG 0.04970 0.04930INDIA 0.00606 0.00592INDONESIA 0.00003074 0.00002899IRAN TUMAN 0.000323 IRAQI DINAR 0.000304 JAPAN 0.00356 0.003490JORDAN 0.5350 0.5351KOREA 0.00038934 KUWAIT 1.249 1.249MALAYSIA 0.0911 0.0908NEW ZEALAND 0.2899 0.2886NORWAY 0.0500 NEPAL 0.00389 0.00369OMAN 0.97962 0.98327PAKISTAN 0.00367 0.00358PHILIPPINES 0.00772 0.00748QATAR 0.10381 0.10376SAUDI ARABIA 0.10058 0.10066SINGAPORE 0.2828 0.2808SOUTH AFRICA 0.03060 0.03050SRI LANKA 0.00270 0.00246SWEDISH 0.0494 SWITZERLAND 0.4027 0.3979SYRIA 0.001740 0.0018TAIWAN 0.013000 THAILAND 0.011520 0.011550TURKEY 0.1130 UNITED KINGDOM 0.5056 0.5008UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 0.102810 0.102810UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 0.37780 0.37800YUAN 0.056800 0.056800

COUNTRY 1 US DLR 1 UK STG 1 SFR 100 YEN

BAHRAIN 0.3770 0.5738 0.3934 0.3375

KUWAIT 0.2855 31.8875 0.2979 0.2556

OMAN 0.3849 0.3688 0.4016 0.3446

QATAR 3.6420 3.4901 3.8005 3.2608

UAE 3.6730 3.5198 3.8328 3.2886

SAUDI 3.7500 3.5936 3.9132 3.3575

London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.8pc at 7,387.43 points

Frankfurt - DAX 30: DOWN 0.8pc at 12,119.12

Paris - CAC 40: DOWN 1.4pc at 5,116.44

EURO STOXX 50: DOWN 1.1pc at 3,456.35

Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.6pc at 19,959.84 (close)

Hong Kong - Hang Seng: DOWN 0.6pc at 26,979.39 (close)

Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.1pc at 3,253.24 (close)

New York - DOW: UP 0.4pc at 21,795.55 (close)

Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1714 from $1.1677 at 2100 GMT Thursday

Pound/dollar: UP at $1.3099 from $1.3066

Dollar/yen: DOWN at 111.27 yen from 111.28 yen

Oil - Brent North Sea: UP 29 cents at $51.78 per barrel

Oil - West Texas Intermediate: UP seven cents at $49.11

Key figures

Al Salam Bank-Bahrain congratulated its “Danat Al Salam” 39 draw winners for the month of June with a combined prize pool of USD77,500. The cash prizes were handed over by Mohammed Al Refaie, Relationship Manager from Retail Banking department, to Abdulaziz Zainuddin Mohsen winner of the fourth Gmash Grand prize of USD 40,000. Additionally, Jaffar Mohammed Saleh won the Fusoos Grand prize of USD 10,000, Samar Adel Alabyooki and Fareeda Ali Alsulaiman won the Fusoos monthly cash prize of USD 5,000 each while 35 winners won cash prize of USD 500 each. Congratulating all the winners, Mohammed Buhijji, Head of Retail Banking, said, “Danat Al Salam customers will have a chance to win our 2nd Grand Al Dana Prize “Villa in Riffa” by continuing to invest in the savings scheme until 2nd of August.” In pic, Mohammed Abdulaziz Zainuddin Mohsen (winner’s son) received the Gmash Grand prize winner of USD 40,000 on behalf of the winner.

New York Stock Exchange (file image)

Bergamo

After nearly 20 years working with wheelchair-

bound youngsters, Mario Vigentini wanted to revolutionise their quality of life, inventing a device that raises up users so they are face-to-face with those standing.

The Italian drew inspiration from the Segway -- the two-wheeled, self-balancing, electric vehicle that allows visitors to nip around cities without walking -- and came up with the “MarioWay”, a hands-free, two-wheeled kneeling chair.

With its high seat, it allows users to do everything from ordering a coffee at a bar to plucking a book off a high shelf.

The Italian government was so impressed it proudly showed off the chair to the G7 transport ministers in June.

The aim was to create “a tool of social integration”, Vigentini told AFP at his headquarters in Bergamo.

The 45-year-old found working with young people with mental and physical disabilities “an extraordinary adventure”, but was disheartened by the prejudice they faced.

“At best, people approached them like a child,” he said, as if because they were sitting closer to the ground they were

somehow more infantile.Racking his brains for a

way to change the situation, he came up with the idea of “trying to put an ergonomic seat -- like those from the Nordic countries that were very fashionable in the 1990s -- on a Segway”.

“Nine out of ten people I talked to about this idea looked at me as if I came from

another planet,” he said.But he was persuaded

to take the idea to a start-up competition in Naples in 2012 -- and made it to the final.

Curing wheelchair illsBuoyed, he set up a team to study the ergonomics involved and brought in a dozen disabled people as

collaborators.Users of traditional

wheelchairs are seated so that “the organs in the upper part of the trunk are compressed”, while “almost the whole weight rests on the ischium” -- the lower and back part of the hip bone.

This position “aggravates the pathologies of people with disabilities and results in other issues; digestive, respiratory, urinary or circulatory,” he said, adding it also causes leg muscles to waste away.

But for users of Vigentini’s invention, “the upper part of the trunk is straightened”, strengthening muscles which go unused in traditional wheelchairs.

The chair can go up to 20 kilometres (12 miles) an hour on a battery life of 30 kilometres.

It is equipped with “sensors that read the position of the body”, so that “if I move my upper body slightly forward, the MarioWay advances slightly,” said Flaviano Tarducci, the company’s business development manager.

“It’s the same to move backwards, while to go from side to side you move your pelvis slightly left or right,” he said.

DestigmatizingThe design means that

tasks that have been very challenging for traditional wheelchair users -- such as opening doors or carrying a glass of water to a table -- can be carried out with relative ease.

Vigentini hopes to help destigmatize the wheelchair, which has remained unchanged for nigh on a century.

In the search for cool, his team has even swapped notes with a company that customises Harley Davidson motorbikes.

Its thermally-strengthened hubs and hand-stitched seats are not cheap. The MarioWay went on sale a few weeks ago at 19,300 euros ($22,500), while a standard e l e c t r i c w h e e l c h a i r costs between 1,500 euros and 30,000 euros.

B u t Vigentini said he and his team are “doing

everything we can” to lower the price to around 10,000 euros by signing a deal with an industrial production partner.

And one day he hopes able-bodied people will use MarioWay too as a means of getting about town -- much like a bicycle or Segway --

which could help make mobility

d i f f e r e n c e s , b e t w e e n those who are disabled and those who are

not, a thing of the past.

(AFP)

Saturday, July 29, 2017 11

The “hands-free” electrical wheelchair

The founder of “MarioWay”, Mario Vigentini (L), uses his creation next to Flaviano Tarducci (R), in charge of business development for MarioWay at the Scientific and Technological Park “Kilometro Rosso” in Bergamo

The founder of “MarioWay”, Mario Vigentini, on his creation

Saturday, July 29, 201712Electricity and Water Affairs Minister Dr. Abdulhussain Mirza received Bahrain Mo-bility International (BMI) Chairman Adel Sultan Al Mutawa and its board members. The minister praised BMI activities, its efforts to integrate people with disabilities into soci-ety and remove all obsta-cles to enable them con-tribute to the development of Bahraini society. The two sides discussed a number of topics including services provided by the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) to people with special needs, in addition to the difficulties they face.

The Public Relations Office of the General Directorate of Civil Defence has paid an inspection visit to the Ain Adhari pool to check on its safety before it is reopened. The visit included meetings officials and the staff to improve their awareness about the safety measures that need be followed to check accidents. It was decided to allocate each Monday for maintenance and a certain period each day to clean the pool and test its water to ensure the highest safety level.

The General Coordination of Governorate and the General Organisation of Social Insurance held a three-day course of procedures of retirement and resignation at the Southern Governorate. The event targeted the employees of the governorates and the Interior Ministry.

Employees of Al Hawaj were awarded for their exemplary sales performance from January to June this year. Al Hawaj Chairman and Managing Director, Jawad Al Hawaj and General Manager Abdul Wahab Al Hawaj handed over the awards in the presence of Shyam Narayanan (Operations Manager), Hazem El Razek (Retail Manager), Yousif Abdul Wahab Al Hawaj (Assistant Brand Manager), and Suleiman Turk (HR Officer). Awards were received by (from Left) Hussain Ali Isa, Layla Khalil, Dalal Burashed, Dennis Padilla and Maryam Nedhal

Shukat Ali, MD Hijen Constructions arranged a prize distribution ceremony in honour of the cricket team Shukat CC. Muhammad Sajid Sheikh, Member BCCI Bahrain was the chief guest of the event

The 9th summer camp of the Royal Academy of Police concluded yesterday after a host of activities to enhance loyalty and love of the nation. In the last day of the camp, the students were treated to awareness lectures and fund activities, including a visit to Adhari park and learning swimming. The students were also involved in a programme on diving.

Saturday, July 29, 2017 13The Gulf Petrochemi-cal Industries Company (GPIC) hosted a Corporate Communications and Me-dia team from the Saudi Basic Industries Corpo-ration. SABIC Corporate Relations and Protocols Adviser Saad Mohammed Bin Hussain and Analyst in Corporate Relations and Protocols Fahad Abdullah Alsadon discussed issues of mutual concern, means of communication, in-creased cooperation and coordination between the two companies, in addi-tion to the important role public relations can play in industrial companies.




Saturday, July 29, 2017 13The Gulf Petrochemi-cal Industries Company (GPIC) hosted a Corporate Communications and Me-dia team from the Saudi Basic Industries Corpo-ration. SABIC Corporate Relations and Protocols Adviser Saad Mohammed Bin Hussain and Analyst in Corporate Relations and Protocols Fahad Abdullah Alsadon discussed issues of mutual concern, means of communication, in-creased cooperation and coordination between the two companies, in addi-tion to the important role public relations can play in industrial companies.




Actress Reese Witherspoon feels like she grew up with her daughter, Ava, and can’t believe she is turning 18 in September.

The ‘Big Little Lies’ star said she finds it “weird” that her daughter will be an adult within a matter of months.

“It’s so weird. I can’t believe she’s 18. But she’s great, and we did it together. I feel like we grew up together, it’s great,” she said.

Reese also has Deacon, 13, with her ex-husband Ryan Phillippe and Tennessee, four, with her current spouse Jim Toth. (TOI)

Los Angeles

Actor Jeremy Renner says he won’t make another movie unless he can work with filmmaker Taylor

Sheridan again.The “Avengers” actor teamed up with

Sheridan for his directorial debut “Wind River” and enjoyed the experience so much that he has insisted on working with the filmmaker on his next project, reports hollywoodreporter.com.

“The next job I do, outside of the ‘Avengers’, that I’m doing now, will be with him. Otherwise, I probably won’t be on the screen,” Renner said.

“Being a director is all about perspective. Taylor’s perspective as a writer comes across in the first 10 pages. I get where he’s going. He is patient and raw and unapologetic and harrowing. And when you get that in the first 10 pages you are like,” he

added. (IANS)

Chris Hemsworth is an Australian actor. He is known for playing Kim Hyde in the Australian TV series Home and Away and Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since 2011. Hemsworth has also appeared in the science fiction action film Star Trek, the thriller adventure A Perfect Getaway, the horror comedy The Cabin in the Woods, the dark-fantasy action film Snow White and the Huntsman, the war film Red Dawn, and the biographical sports drama film Rush.

Kevin Hart‏ @KevinHart4real

Brace yourself world....The internet is about to get a

whole lot funnier. “Laugh Out Loud”…


Chris Hemsworth

July 29, 1966

Martina McBride

Country singer who released the album Wild Angels in 1995 and has developed a distinctive pop country sound. She has released multiple Platinum-selling albums, including Evolution.

Actress Reese Witherspoon feels like she grew up with her daughter, Ava, and can’t believe she is turning 18 in September.

The ‘Big Little Lies’ star said she finds it “weird” that her daughter will be an adult within a matter of months.

“It’s so weird. I can’t believe she’s 18. But she’s great, and we did it together. I feel like we grew up together, it’s great,” she said.

Reese also has Deacon, 13, with her ex-husband Ryan Phillippe and Tennessee, four, with her current spouse Jim Toth. (TOI)

Los Angeles

Actor Jeremy Renner says he won’t make another movie unless he can work with filmmaker Taylor

Sheridan again.The “Avengers” actor teamed up with

Sheridan for his directorial debut “Wind River” and enjoyed the experience so much that he has insisted on working with the filmmaker on his next project, reports hollywoodreporter.com.

“The next job I do, outside of the ‘Avengers’, that I’m doing now, will be with him. Otherwise, I probably won’t be on the screen,” Renner said.

“Being a director is all about perspective. Taylor’s perspective as a writer comes across in the first 10 pages. I get where he’s going. He is patient and raw and unapologetic and harrowing. And when you get that in the first 10 pages you are like,” he

added. (IANS)

Chris Hemsworth is an Australian actor. He is known for playing Kim Hyde in the Australian TV series Home and Away and Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since 2011. Hemsworth has also appeared in the science fiction action film Star Trek, the thriller adventure A Perfect Getaway, the horror comedy The Cabin in the Woods, the dark-fantasy action film Snow White and the Huntsman, the war film Red Dawn, and the biographical sports drama film Rush.

Kevin Hart‏ @KevinHart4real

Brace yourself world....The internet is about to get a

whole lot funnier. “Laugh Out Loud”…


Chris Hemsworth

July 29, 1966

Martina McBride

Country singer who released the album Wild Angels in 1995 and has developed a distinctive pop country sound. She has released multiple Platinum-selling albums, including Evolution.

Los Angeles

Singer Katy Perry has been roped in to host MTV’s Video Music Awards.

The singer announced the news on her Twitter account.

“Introducing your Moon Woman. Brace for impact,” Perry captioned a short promo video that finds the singer floating through space, on Thursday, reports billboard.com.

Perry is up for five of the award show’s signature ‘Moon Men’ herself, including Best Pop Video for “Chained to the Rhythm”.

In addition to her new role as host of the event on August 27, the “Swish swish” singer is also set to perform live on stage.

“I’ve been training with MTV in zero gravity, eating astronaut ice cream, and I’m on a group text with Buzz Aldrin and Neil deGrasse Tyson. Come August 27th, I’ll be ready to be your ‘Moon woman’! Brace for impact, kids,” Perry added in a press release. (IANS)


After tackling Southeast Asian tigers, Tibetan monks and Neolithic tribesmen, globetrotting director Jean-Jacques Annaud

sets his sights on the Middle East and the rise of the modern oil industry with the historical epic Day of the Falcon. Yet despite a subject whose geopolitical repercussions are especially pertinent in light of both 9/11 and the Arab Spring, there is something all too old-fashioned and benign about this glossy desert peplum, whose casting of (mostly) non-Arab stars—posing as Arabs—seems out of touch with current tastes. A decent lead turn by Tahar Rahim and a few spectacular set-pieces offer some compensation.

Set “somewhere in Arabia” (the film was actually shot in Tunisia and Qatar) presumably during the 1930s, Day of the Falcon charts the expansion of oil mining in the region, revealing the nefarious effect it has on two rival sultans: the progressive profiteer Nesib (Antonio Banderas) and the Muslim traditionalist Amar (Mark Strong). Following years of tranquility resulting from a pact whereby Amar’s two sons—the studious Auda (Rahim) and the hotheaded Saleh (Akin Gazi)—are entrusted to Nesib as a sort of guarantee, the latter’s choice to team up with an American prospector (Corey Johnson) to dig wells in a neighbouring territory sets off a series of skirmishes, tearing the otherwise peaceful tribes apart. (filmjournal)

Los Angeles

Actor Dylan O’Brien will probably not return for the “potential” revival of popular TV series “Teen Wolf”.

The talks around the revival of “Teen Wolf” after the end of the current series are on. The star cast of the original show

is expected to be part of the show. But O’Brien, who plays Stiles, says he doesn’t see himself in the picture,

reports etonline.com.“I haven’t heard anything about this, but I can

guarantee you I probably won’t be in it,” said the 25-year-old actor.

O’Brien also shared that his return in the final 10 episodes of “Teen Wolf” wasn’t meant to happen originally. (IANS)

London

“Game of Thrones” actor Aidan Gillen, who plays Petyr ‘Littlefinger Baelish, says he doesn’t get booed much as

many people treat him as “their favourite uncle” when they meet him.

“I don’t get booed and hissed that much. I was greeted very cordially by a group of something like 12 students off a train in Manchester the other day. They were like, ‘Littlefinger!’ It was as if they’d met their favourite uncle just stepping off the train with sweets,” Gillen said in a statement.

He think people are confused whether his character is a villain or not.

The actor added: “I think some people are confused. They say to me. (IANS)

I don’t get booed, hissed that much

EXPLORATIONS, ENCOUNTERS AND REMEMBERED STORIES: 200 YEARS OF BRITISH-BAHRAINI RELATIONSDate : Till 31 August 2017Venue : Bahrain National Museum

The rise of piracy in the Arabian Sea in the 18th and 19th cen-turies resulted in a time of unrest that challenged prosperity and regional trade enterprise. In 1816, a friendly agreement between the British repre-sentatives in the Gulf and the Sheikhs of Bahrain secured the protection of shared interests. The agreement was formalised in 1820 with the signing of a General Treaty of Peace, that ushered a new episode in the political and cultural history of both nations. Over the past 200 years, the nature of the British-Bahraini relationship has evolved and the ties between the two nations were strengthened. Above all, this relation-ship was shaped by varied explorations, encounters and personal stories. This exhibition draws on the first explo-rations of Bahrain and its archaeo-logical landscape. It celebrates a few of those who have played a major role in bringing global attention to Bahrain. By shifting the focus from artefacts to people and their documented encoun-ters with local Bahrainis, we attempt to shed light on different perspectives of the bicentenary long British-Bahraini relationship.The exhibition is organised in col-laboration with the British Council in Bahrain.

DINING PLEASURES MEET BUSINESS SUCCESS Date: JulyVenue: The Ritz-Carlton Primavera

The signature Italian restaurant Primavera offers a three-course busi-ness set lunch by two Michelin starred chef Oliver Glowig. Diners can choose one starter or one first course, one main and one dessert and enjoy a relaxing lunch with beautiful views over the landscaped gardens and the poolside. Price: BD 15.000++ per person includ-ing soft beveragesTimings: Sundays to Thursdays, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.Contact details for more information: (+973) 1758 6499 or email [email protected] BACK TO THE 80S AT PRIMAVERADate: JulyVenue: The Ritz-Carlton

Cure your Saturday blues by kicking off the week with a throw-back to the 80s. DJ Elena will be playing your favorite old school tunes throughout the night while enjoying cocktails prepared by our creative mixologists and aperi-tivo menu created by Chef Alfonso Ferraioli.Price: BD 10.000++ per personTimings: Saturdays, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.Contact details for more information:

(+973) 1758 6499 or email [email protected] THALI BUSINESS LUNCHDate: JulyVenue: The Ritz-Carlton Welcome to the Land of Sensory delights – Dine like a Maharajah in Nirvana, where a world of sensory delights and authentic Indian cuisine will transport your palate to new heav-ens.Price: BD 12.000++ per personTimings: Sundays to Thursdays, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.Location: NirvanaContact details for more information: (+973) 1758 6499 or email [email protected] BURGERS AND BREWSDate: JulyVenue: The Ritz-CarltonEnjoy one pint of Peroni paired with your choice of our juicy beef or chicken burger.Price: BD 12.000 net per personTimings: Daily, 12 p.m. onwardsLocation: Burlington ClubContact details for more information: (+973) 1758 6499 or email [email protected] SURF AND TURFDate: JulyVenue: The Ritz-Carlton

Indulge in a sumptuous plate of prime tenderloin and Omani lobster at Plums. The prime tenderloin can be substituted with rib eye or Australian Wagyu and the Omani lobster with tiger prawns or shrimps.Price: Starting from BD 33.000++ per personTimings: Daily, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.Location: PlumsContact details for more information: (+973) 1758 6499 or email [email protected] BEACH LOUNGEDate: JulyVenue: The Ritz-Carlton

Enjoy beachfront dining experience and beautiful outdoor scenery at the newly launched Beach Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. The lounge is located between Kahlo Club and La Plage which makes it a perfect venue to enjoy the best of both outlets.Price: a la carteTimings: Wednesdays to Saturdays, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.Location: BeachContact details for more information: (+973) 1758 6499 or email [email protected] THE AFTER WORK CHILLDate: JulyVenue: The Ritz-Carlton

Lean back and chill before the weekend at Thai Lounge. Enjoy one complimen-tary pint of Kirin Ichiban draught for every order of the same beverage. A

perfect treat for friends and colleagues after a busy work week.Price: a la carteTimings: Wednesdays, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.Location: Thai LoungeContact details for more information: Please call 1758 6499 or email [email protected] LADIES NIGHT AT THAIDate: JulyVenue: The Ritz-Carlton

Ladies get one complimentary beverage from an assorted choice of beverages. Enjoy a chilled midweek evening as you partake with friends in Thai lounge accompanied by the beats of our DJ.Price: ComplimentaryTimings: Tuesdays, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.Location: Thai LoungeContact details for more information: Please call 1758 6499 or email [email protected]

KIDS FOR ALL SEASONS SUMMER CAMPDate: July 1 –September 30 Venue: Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay

Kids For All Seasons Summer Camp will be held from July 1 to September 30 at the Kids For All Seasons Club located in the lower lobby. Operating Hours:Sunday to Wednesday: 9:00am - 6:00pm. Thursday to Saturday: 9:00am - 8:30pm. Kindly note that the sum-mer camp will be complementary for in-house guests and spa members. Activities: Swimming lesson/ cook-ing classes/ French ,English and Hindi basic language writing/ gypsum paint-ing/ t-shirt painting/ non-motorized outdoor fun/ mini soccer/ yoga/ danc-ing classes and many more fun and educational programs. Kids under the age of 4 must be accompanied by their parents or nanny.

FRIDAY BRUNCHDate: Fridays Venue: Bahrain Bay Kitchen International

Friday Brunch: The known lavish culi-nary offerings, including five unique food stations serving Arabic, Western, Indian, Japanese and Chinese delica-cies. Shisha is also available on the res-taurant terrace during brunch hours. Serving hours:Every Friday from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Reservations: +973 17115500.

SUMMER CASH BACK!Date: From 1st July to 30th AugustVenue: The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa

This Summer, earn 20% of your total bill at any of our outlets and spend your cash back on your next visit.For more info 17713000

4 FOR FORTYDate: Every MondayVenue: Zahle Restaurant, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain

Brunch with International and regional dishes, chilled as well as cooked to order seafood. Mexican band, face painting, balloon twister - all you can eat buffet!For more info 17713000

FRIDAY BRUNCH AT AL WAHADate: Every FridayVenue: Al Waha Restaurant, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain

Dine for four and pay BD 40 NET only at Zahle Restaurant every Monday of the week!For more info 17713000

FOSTER YOUR LITTLE CHEFS INTEREST Date: 29 July 2017Venue: The Gulf Hotel Bahrain

Encourage your children to be a pro-fessional cooker with our Executive Pastry, Chef Daniel starting from 10:00am - 12:00pm.BD 18 NET including a 2-course lunch (Kids for free).For more info 17713000

DIM SUM GALOREDate: 3rd to 29 July 2017Venue: China Garden Restaurant, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain

An All-You-Can-Eat Dim SumSpecial Menu with a range of veg, meat and fish options from China Garden! BD 12 net per personFor more info 17713000

TROPICAL FRIDAY NIGHTSDate: Every FridayVenue: By the pool, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain

Relax and party at The Gulf Hotel Bahrain’s lagoon swimming pool every Friday for only BD 15 net per person, inclusive of 2 drinks, BBQ, grills and soothing chill out music!For more info 17713000

CREW NIGHT WITH 50% OFFDate: Every MondayVenue: The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa

Hospitality & air crew relax and enjoy your night to be served with 50% off on all restaurants upon presentation of crew ID! For more info 17713000

LADIES NIGHT Date: Every TuesdayVenue: The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa

Ladies night out with 50% off for the ladies at all our restaurants, lounges and Spa!For more info 17713000

16 Saturay, July 29, 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]

FRIDAY BRUNCH AT FLAVOURS ON 2

Date :30th June 2017 to 29th December 2017Venue :Downtown Rotana

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18 Saturday, July 29, 2017COOL ZONE

S OU UKD

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)

Keep up your psychic shield, because you will need it. People’s comments may seem harsh even if they may mean well. Your best defence against the critical tone of the day is to use other people’s criticisms as constructively as you can in order to build a stronger framework from which to work.

This isn’t a day to focus on fun and games. In fact, you may feel an annoying weightiness about your emotions, making you feel less energetic than usual. There’s a sober tone asking you to look at reality and make some serious decisions about your future goals and plans. You may feel like the timer is about to buzz. The minute hand is ticking.There’s little comfort in your emotions today. You may want to stick to business. Concentrate on getting things done in your regular routine. Create a plan and stick to it. This isn’t a day to deviate from the norm, nor is it a time in which you will find much sympathy from others. Stick close to home and take care of your personal business. Time is precious. Don’t waste it.

Try not to smother others. You may want to seek comfort in their company, but this will only produce grouchiness in all parties involved. Curb your tendency to find fault with the ones you love. Your best bet is to focus on tasks you have on the back burner. Tackle projects that need special attention and discipline.There’s a squeeze on your emotions today, which might leave you feeling like a pot of boiling water. Just by knowing there’s a lid on things, you’re likely to heat up even faster than usual. Try to hold your temper. A rage will get you nowhere. Concentrate your energy on getting your material affairs in order. Deal with finances, investments, and long-term security.

It may be hard for you to feel connected to anyone today. You’re probably better off keeping to yourself. If you’re feeling sad or depressed, it’s best to work through these feelings on your own. Other people aren’t apt to be too sympathetic to your situation. You’re better off sticking to your work to keep the demons out of your head.

You may feel a restriction to the day, but in truth, this is for your own good. Your sense of discipline comes in handy as you tackle your work with incredible enthusiasm. Your goals aren’t far from your reach. Stay focused and don’t get pressured by the ticking clock. Hastiness will lead to careless mistakes. If you’re going to do a job, do it right the first time.Find comfort in your work today. Although it may sound ridiculous, checking things off your list is the most rewarding activity today. Try not to be too critical of others. Focus on your tasks. Mountains that seem too daunting to climb will continue to grow bigger until you take the first step upward. Your perseverance will inspire others.

People may be a bit critical of you today. You would do well to listen to what they say. Be receptive of feedback so you can establish a healthy ego. Keep your sense of humility. You may feel critical as you see people moving like sloths compared to your lightning quick mind. Be patient with others.

Get your head out of the clouds. Nitpicky details you failed to attend to earlier may now come back to haunt you. Don’t postpone your work any further. The time to take care of the job is now. Balance your checkbook and do your laundry. Clean your bathtub and go shopping. The more you accomplish today, the better you will feel about yourself tomorrow.

Whatever you didn’t get done yesterday, you need to finish today. Discipline and attention to the sand slipping through the hourglass are the journey’s themes. The more you’re able to accomplish, the better you’ll feel. Stagnant energy is a sign that it’s time to get moving. Don’t waste a moment waiting for someone else to come up with a solution.

Put aside frivolity for a day. This is an important time to prepare for the future. Don’t take another step before you know you’re on solid ground. This is an important time to establish your goals. Writing them down will help you realize them in life. Think about the long-term harvest. Security and grounding are key themes today.

1Dressed; 5Light wood; 10Wander; 14Tabula ___; 15” Silas Marner” author; 16Let ___; 17Utah city; 18Next largest scoop after tea; 20Chocolate tree; 22Kind of school; 23Creamfilled cookies; 24Bobbin;26Manmouse link; 27Writing implements; 30Tool to break solid water; 34Reasoned; 35Fast fliers; 36College sr.’s test; 37Ladies of Spain: Abbr.; 38Paris subway; 40Futile; 41French pronoun; 42Seniors’ org.; 43Military commission; 45Fizz ingredient; 47Inheritrix; 48Pop; 49Harvest goddess; 50Good point; 53Sheet music abbr.; 54Hosiery thread; 58Waxing; 61Lump of dirt; 62Clock face; 63Fasten again; 64Burt’s ex; 65Look ___, I’m Sandra Dee; 66Flawless; 67Foil alterna-tive;

1Gator’s cousin; 2Zhivago’s love; 3Wait ___!; 4Capital of Syria; 5Stake; 6Los ___; 7Defamation; 8Auctioneer’s cry; 9Munched on; 10Wall of irregular stones; 11Oklahoma Indian; 12Peek follower; 13Department store department; 19Sensitive spots; 21Mayberry kid; 25Spinster; 26Tenth month of the year; 27Personal histories; 28Swashbuckler Flynn; 29Marsh of mystery; 30Neighbor of Syr.; 31___ at the office; 32Weeps; 33Smallville family; 35Indy 500 sponsor; 39West ender?; 40A little verse; 42Glass marble; 44Cambodian currency; 46English Channel swimmer Gertrude; 47Rupture; 49Minotaur’s home; 50Verdiheroine; 51Bad mood; 52Swindle; 53Scored 100 on; 55Sow chow; 56Isolated; 57” What I Am” singer Brickell; 59___ Lanka; 60Aviv preceder;

BEETLE BAILEY R

z #PollToday

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Beijing

Viral video footage of giant panda cubs being

dragged and hurled around by staff at a Chinese breeding centre has sparked online outrage and accusations of cruelty towards the country’s favourite animal.

The footage, shared widely on social media, appears to show keepers grappling with the creatures as they caper around an enclosure at what reports said was the giant panda breeding facility in Chengdu, western China.

“I felt so angry to watch it! This is abuse!” said one commenter, June Xiaoxingxing, on China’s Twitter-like Weibo platform.

The cubs appear to make repeated attempts to sneak out of the enclosure, with staff manhandling them to keep them inside.

“It’s gone too far!!! Don’t

be a breeder if you don’t have patience!” said another post by Qihaofangxin Shangxiong.

In an interview with Chinese language publication The Paper, the head of the Chengdu research facility described the staff actions as inappropriate and said they should treat the pandas “gently”.

He said however that the staff’s hands and feet had been injured by the animals -- something not shown on the video.

The black and white bear, which symbolises wildlife protection efforts worldwide, was previously classified as endangered but its status was improved in the latest IUCN assessment.

It is estimated that fewer than 2,000 giant pandas remain in the wild, in three provinces in China.

The current policy should remain in effect until Trump gives formal direc-tion to the Pentagon. In the meantime, we will continue to treat all of our personnel with respect,”

Man who claimed lawyer used Wikipedia executed

An American has been charged with murdering his wife during a cruise in Alaska because she wouldn’t stop laughing at him.

Texas executed a convicted murderer who had claimed an ill-prepared attorney had botched his case and had relied on Wikipedia for research.

Scientists to unlock secrets of Zealandia

Israel has barred men under 50 from Friday prayers at Jerusalem holy site. do you think Israel is intentionally trying to create tensions in the region?

Yes No Cant Say

China outrage over viral footage of ‘panda abuse’

Joe Dunford, Chairman of US Joint Chiefs of Staff

US woman murdered for laughing at husband

Sydney

Scientists are attempting to unlock the secrets of the

“lost continent” of Zealandia, setting sail yesterday to investigate the huge underwater landmass east of Australia that has never been properly studied.

Zealandia, which is mostly submerged beneath the South Pacific, was once part of the Gondwana super-continent but broke away some 75 million years ago.

In a paper published in the Geological Society of America’s Journal GSA Today in February, researchers made the case that it should be considered a new continent.

They said it was a distinct geological entity that met all the criteria applied to Earth’s other continents, including elevation above the surrounding area, distinctive geology, a well-defined area and a crust much thicker than that found on the ocean floor.

Covering five million

square kilometres (1.9 million square miles), it extends from south of New Zealand northward to New Caledonia and west to the Kenn Plateau off Australia’s east.

Drill ship Joides Resolution will recover sediments and rocks lying deep beneath the sea bed in a bid to discover how the region has behaved over the past tens of millions of years.

The recovered cores will be studied onboard, allowing scientists to address issues such as oceanographic history, extreme climates, sub-seafloor life, plate tectonics and earthquake-generating zones.

Co-chief scientist Jerry Dickens, from Rice University in Texas, said the region was a vital area to study changes in global climate.

“As Australia moved north and the Tasman Sea developed, global circulation patterns changed and water depths over Zealandia fluctuated,” he said.

Kim Jong-Nam murder trial to start in OctoberTwo women accused of the Cold War-style assassination of the half-brother of North Korea’s leader in Malaysia will go on trial in October, a judge said yesterday

India’s Supreme Court yes-terday rejected a plea by a 10-year-old rape victim to have an abortion because doctors said it was a threat to her life.

London

Charlie Gard, the terminally-ill British

baby whose plight drew sympathy from Pope Francis and US President Donald Trump, died yesterday, his mother said.

His parents, Connie Yates and Chris Gard, had fought a lengthy legal battle to allow him to be taken to the United States for treatment for a rare genetic condition.

But despite the international attention brought by his case, he died exactly one week short of his first birthday.

“Our beautiful little boy has gone. We are so proud of you, Charlie,” his mother Yates said in a statement.

A court had ordered that the 11-month-old should be moved from hospital to a hospice, where his life support was withdrawn.

Supporters around the world donated £1.35 million ($1.75 million, 1.5 million euros) via an online fundraising site to support his parents and their efforts to keep their son alive.

Following news of

the boy’s death, US Vice President Mike Pence tweeted: “Saddened to hear of the passing of Charlie Gard. Karen & I offer our prayers & condolences to his loving parents during this difficult time.”

Gard was born on August 4 last year with a rare form of mitochondrial disease that causes progressive muscle weakness, including in key organs such as the heart.

He was admitted to hospital at eight weeks old and his condition progressively deteriorated. (AFP)

New Delhi

A week old baby boy in India survived several hours in a

grave after being buried alive by his teenaged rape victim mother, police said yesterday.

Cries heard by villagers produced the miracle rescue of the infant now recovering in hospital in the central state of Madhya Pradesh.

The 16-year-old mother buried the boy in a graveyard in an attempt “to get rid of him” a few days after secretly giving birth at her parents’ house in Barwani district, a police official said.

The identities of the mother and child are being kept secret.

Children playing nearby reported hearing muffled cries and raised the alarm on July 3. The baby was found

under about 10 inches (25 centimetres) of mud, reports said.

The infant had been bitten by insects and was suffering from cold but was getting better and would be transferred to a state children’s home, officials said.

“The victim decided to get rid of the child and buried him in a pit near her parents’ home,” Barwani police chief Prashant Khare said.

She later returned to her in-laws home in neighbouring Maharashtra state, the officer said.

Charlie Gard dies days before first birthday

Representational image

Court rejects child rape victim’s abortion plea

Chris Gard (R) and Connie Yates, the par-ents of terminally-ill 11-month-old Charlie Gard, arrive at the Royal Courts of Justice in London (file photo)

Baby survives being buried alive

Panda cubs Yuanman and Meilan sleeping at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu in China’s southwest Sichuan province


Islamabad

Pakistan’s Supreme Court yesterday disqualified Prime

Minister Nawaz Sharif from public office over long-running corruption allegations, a decision that ousts him from the premiership for the third time.

The ruling saw political instability take hold in Pakistan once again, dissolving Cabinet and leaving the country without a sitting prime minister.

General elections are scheduled for next year, but Sharif now falls short of becoming the first premier to complete a full five-year term.

As the verdict was announced in Islamabad, opposition supporters rushed into the street chanting slogans and handing out sweets in celebration.

Hundreds also took to the streets in northwestern Peshawar, beating drums and distributing money and sweets while chanting “Go Nawaz Go”.

But in Lahore, capital of Sharif’s power base of Punjab province, sporadic protests broke out, with his supporters burning tyres and locking streets.

The allegations against the prime

minister spiralled from the Panama Papers leak last year, which sparked a media frenzy over details of the lavish lifestyles and luxury London property portfolio of the Sharif dynasty.

Those claims prompted an investigation which said there was a “significant disparity” between the family’s income and lifestyle, and unearthed fresh claims over Sharif’s links to companies based in the United Arab Emirates.

The court cited the UAE allegations in its ruling Friday, declaring they indicated Sharif was “not honest” as it brought his tenure to an unceremonious end.

“He is disqualified as a member of the parliament so he has ceased to be holding the office of Prime Minister,” Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan told the packed courtroom in Islamabad.

Sharif’s ruling PML-N party confirmed he had stepped down with “serious reservations”, a move which automatically dissolves Cabinet.

The party currently has no clear successor in place. The Supreme Court called on President Mamnoon Hussain, who swears in the prime minister, to take the “necessary steps

under the Constitution to ensure the continuation of the democratic system”.

The push against Sharif has been spearheaded by cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party.

“I want to tell the nation that it is a huge victory of yours,” Khan told reporters at his home outside Islamabad Friday, adding that he was “extremely pleased”.

“I am seeing the destination of a new Pakistan in front of me,” he said, announcing a rally to be held on Sunday.

Family fortunes and ‘fontgate’Karachi-based political commentator Farooq Moin said the judgement was “historic”.

“The situation is quite fluid and it is difficult to say at the moment whether there will be snap elections or an interim government will be formed,” he told AFP, though he added chances were “bright” that Sharif’s PML-N would form a new government.

The Sharifs and their allies have consistently and noisily rejected the graft claims against them.

“Not a single penny of corruption has been proved in this decision against Nawaz Sharif and the people of Pakistan also know it,” information minister Maryam Aurangzeb told reporters after the decision.

The court has asked the national anti-corruption bureau to launch a further probe into the allegations, which could see criminal charges brought against the Sharifs.

The controversy erupted last year with the publication of 11.5 million secret documents from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca documenting the offshore dealings of many of the world’s rich and powerful.

Three of Sharif’s four children -- Maryam and his sons Hasan and Hussein -- were implicated in the papers.

At the heart of the case was the legitimacy of the funds used by the Sharif family to purchase several high-end London properties via offshore companies.

The Supreme Court had in April declared there was “insufficient evidence” to oust Sharif over the allegations, and ordered an investigation.

Its findings, including previously

undisclosed links between Sharif and companies in the UAE, sparked an uproar, with the scandal playing out on the country’s frenetic news channels.

Attention focused on the investigation’s conclusion that documents regarding Sharif’s daughter and some of the family’s London properties were “falsified” -- dated 2006, but typed in Microsoft’s Calibri font, which was not released for commercial use until 2007. The Supreme Court’s judgement Friday was typed in Calibri.

Graft is endemic in Pakistan, with the country coming in 116th place out of 176 countries ranked according to corruption levels by Transparency International in 2017.

Sharif has been ousted by corruption allegations once before, when he was sacked by the country’s then-president during his first term in 1993. He was removed from office in his second term by a military coup in 1999.

Sharif’s ousting comes as the civilian government appears to have reached an uneasy detente with the military, which has ruled Pakistan for half of its existence. (AFP)

Pakistan S. CourtdisqualifiesPM sharif Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif (C) looks on after

inspecting a guard of honour during a welcoming ceremony at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad (file photo)

Activists of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PNL-N) protest the Supreme Court (SC) decision against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, in Lahore

Activists of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party gather to celebrate the Supreme Court (SC) decision against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, in Peshawar

Saturday, July 29, 2017 21SPORTS

DT News NetworkManama

Sanad Youth Centre defeated South Sehla Youth Centre 3-1

in a Group 5 match, with the Sanad captain Raed Baba adjudged as man of the match on the fourth day of preliminary round matches in the Fifth Khalid bin Hamad Futsal League for Youth Centres, People with Disabilities and Girls (Khalid 5) on Thursday at the Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town.

In other matches from the same group, Al Qadisiya and Shakhura played out a 3-3 draw with Al Qadisiya’s Hisham Yousif the man of the match, while Aali edged out Busaiteen 4-3 with Ali Hussain of the victors adjudged man of the match.

Meanwhile, in a Group 6 match Sanabis crushed Isa Town in the final match of the day, with Mohammed Abdul Kareem the man of the match.

The tournament is being played under the patronage of HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and Honorary President of Bahrain Sports Federation for Disabilities and organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs and the Media Office of Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, under the slogan #Generations_

Meeting. The league which started on July 24 and continues until September 14, features 59 teams, divided into 36 youth centres teams, 9 unregistered clubs, 8 teams of people with disabilities institutions and 6 girls teams.

Today sees the final match of the first round of group preliminaries and first three matches to open the second round of preliminaries.

Today’s matches: Group 8 (5pm): Eker vs Hamala. Group 1 (6pm): Safra vs Buri. Group 1 (7pm): Buhair vs Karzakan. Group 1 (8pm): Muharraq vs Abu Saiba.

Muller blasts 16 aces to reach Atlanta semisWashington

Gilles Muller, coming off a Wimbledon quarter-

final run and upset of Rafael Nadal, reached the ATP BB&T Open semi-finals yesterday by defeating US qualifier Tommy Paul 6-3, 6-1.

The 34-year-old Luxembourg left-hander blasted 16 aces to oust the 20-year-old world number 291 in only 69 minutes to advance at the Atlanta hardcourt tuneup event for the US Open.

Muller downed world

number two Nadal in a five-set Wimbledon thriller earlier this month, winning 6–3, 6–4, 3–6, 4–6, 15–13 after four hours and 48 minutes to reach his first Grand Slam last-eight since 2008, falling to Marin Cilic in the quarters.

Third seed Muller booked a Saturday matchup against the winner of a later match between US second seed John Isner and Slovakia’s Lukas Lacko.

Muller, ranked a career-high 22nd, seeks his third career

ATP title and third title of the year after wins in January at Sydney and last month at Rosmalen.

Gilles Muller lost his first five career ATP finals from 2004 to last July and was also runner-up two months ago at Estoril.

In later quarter-finals, US top seed Jack Sock was set to face British fifth seed Kyle Edmund and fourth seed Ryan Harrison was set to face American compatriot Christopher Eubanks. (AFP)

Sanad Youth defeat South Sehla

Futsal League:

Sanabis player Mohammed Abdul Kareem receives player of match award

Action between Aali and Busaiteen

Action between Aali and BusaiteenAali ClubAction between Sanabis and Isa Town

Gilles Muller (file pic)

Galle

Virat Kohli and Abhinav Mukund fired quick

runs off dispirited Sri Lankan bowlers yesterday to power India to a hefty second-innings lead of nearly 500 in the first Test.

Skipper Kohli hit an unbeaten 76 and Mukund was out for 81 on what turned out to be the final ball of the third day’s play in Galle.

It was a crushing day for the home side. After smashing 600 in the first innings and then bowling out Sri Lanka for 291 earlier in the day, India reached 189-3 and a lead of 498.

Kohli will head out again on Saturday looking to make a century before trying to finish the job inside four days.

Even an 84-minute rain break could not dampen India’s determination and Sri Lanka’s stand-in captain Rangana Herath went off for the final hour after hurting a finger trying to stop a Kohli drive.

Kohli and Mukund made 133 for the third wicket. No Sri Lankan bowler made much of an impact until Danushka Gunathilaka claimed Mukund lbw. Mukund at first stood his ground, but the TV umpire gave part-time spinner Gunathilaka the wicket.

India lost their first-innings

batting heroes Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara cheaply.

Kohli and Mukund then hit out, scoring at virtually 4.5 runs an over, with 13 boundaries between them. Sri Lanka came back from an overnight score of 154-5. Former skipper Angelo Mathews went from 54 to 83 before flashing at a Ravindra Jadeja ball and

sending it straight to Kohli at short cover.

Veteran Dilruwan Perera hit a top score of 92 -- with 10 fours and four sixes -- but ran out of partners before he could get a deserved century.

Sri Lanka had only 10 batsmen because Asela Gunaratne broke his thumb on Thursday. (AFP)

SPORTSSaturday, July 29, 201722

Neymar fights with team-mate Nelson Semedo in training ground

SCOREBOARDIndia 1st innings: 600 Dhawan 190, Pujara 153; Pradeep 6-132):2nd inningsS. Dhawan c Gunathilaka b Perera 14A. Mukund lbw Gunathilaka 81C. Pujara c Mendis b Kumara 15V Kohli (c) not out 76Extras (w 2, lb 1) 3Total (46.3 overs) 189Sri Lanka 1st innings (overnight 154-5):D. Karunaratne lbw b Yadav 2U. Tharanga run out 64D. Gunathilaka c Dhawan b Shami 16K. Mendis c Dhawan b Shami 0A. Mathews c Kohli b Jadeja 83N. Dickwella c Mukund b Ashwin 8D. Perera not out 92 R. Herath c Rahane b Jadeja 9N. Pradeep b Pandya 10L. Kumara b Jadeja 2Extras (w1, lb4) 5Total (all out, 78.3 overs) 291 D

Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli (L) and Abhinav Mukund run between the wickets

Roland-Jones rips through Proteas in third TestLondon

Toby Roland-Jones removed all of South Africa’s top

four in a sensational debut display as England seized control of the third Test at The Oval yesterday.

The Proteas collapsed to 126 for eight at stumps on the second day, with Middlesex paceman Roland-Jones taking four wickets for 39 runs in 11 overs in what is the 100th Test at The Oval.

South Africa were now 227 runs adrift after all-rounder Ben Stokes’s century against an attack without the ill Vernon Philander propelled England to 353 in their first innings.

Roland-Jones, whose hat-trick sealed Middlesex’s County Championship triumph last

season, struck with just his 10th ball in Test cricket after coming on as first change when Dean Elgar was caught behind to force an early tea.

After the interval, Roland-Jones had Heino Kuhn lbw and South Africa were 23 for two.

Amla falls cheaply Hashim Amla had made 311

not out, South Africa’s highest individual score at this level, when the Proteas last played a Test at The Oval in 2012.

Five years on, however, it was a different story as Amla exited for just six, when he could do nothing other than glove a lifting Roland-Jones ball to wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow.

And when Quinton de Kock, aiming legside, was caught at

gully by Stokes, South Africa were 47 for four with Roland-Jones having taken four for 15

in 24 balls at that stageJames Anderson, England’s

all-time leading wicket-taker,

then had South Africa captain Faf du Plessis lbw for one playing no shot.

And the Proteas were 51 for six when Anderson, who turns 35 on Sunday, gave himself another early birthday present when he caught and bowled Chris Morris.

One meagre consolation for South Africa came when, even with the floodlights switched on, the skies above The Oval were so dark that the only to avoid play being halted for bad light was for England to bowl spin at both ends via captain Joe Root and Moeen Ali. (AFP)

Kohli puts India on top

Toby Ronald-Jones (C) celebrates with teammates

BRIEF SCORESouth Africa 126 for 8 (Bavuma 34*, Morkel 2*, Roland-Jones 4-39) trail England 353 (Stokes 112, Cook 88) by 227 runs

Neymar has stormed out of Barcelona training as his exit from the Spanish giants appears to move closer.

In an exclusive video obtained by Sportsmail, the Brazil superstar walks off the pitch after a fight with new Barca signing Nelson Semedo.

Neymar has been linked with a world-record move to Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth £195million, and his walkout now looks to have made that move even more likely.

In the video, things initially appear to be going well, with the forward tucking away a goal during a small-sided game.

However, Neymar and right back Semedo then tangle in a challenge for the ball, with the striker squaring up to the new arrival from Benfica.

Javier Mascherano quickly intervenes and Semedo runs back to the game, but Neymar is clearly still unhappy, calling and gesturing after the defender, and having to be restrained by Sergio Busquets. The furious striker then tears off his training bib and throws it to the ground as manager Ernesto Valverde stands helpless close by, stalking off with only a rueful pat on the back from Mascherano.

Neymar then angrily fires a ball off the crossbar of a nearby training goal, and then boots another one away as he exits the field. Accompanied by a member of the Barcelona staff, he leaves as training resumes without him, with the player going out into the car park and leaving the training area entirely.

The session took place in Miami, with Barca in the USA as part of their prestigious pre-season tour.

Neymar has been in excellent form on the tour, scoring three goals in two games, but lost his cool half an hour into the training session at Barry University.

The walk-out comes before Barcelona play their final friendly of the tour, against arch rivals Real Madrid on Saturday. (dailymail.co.uk)

Neymar (file pic)

Budapest

Anton Chupkov won the men’s 200m breaststroke final at the world

championships yesterday to give Russia a second gold just minutes after Yuliya Efimova’s victory in the women’s race.

Chupkov clocked a new championships record of two minutes, 6.96 seconds with Japan’s Yasuhiro Koseki taking silver at 0.33 secs and compatriot Ippei Watanabe earning bronze at 0.51.

Having won bronze in the Olympic final last year, the 20-year-old Chupkov has now won the first major title of his career. “I won bronze in Rio, today I’m world champion,” said Chupkov.

Saturday, July 29, 2017 23SPORTS

Everton win in Rooney’s returnLiverpool

Wayne Rooney made his second competitive ‘debut’

for his boyhood club Everton on Thursday, as Leighton Baines grabbed a 1-0 Europa League third-round qualifying victory over Slovakian side MFK Ruzomberok.

The former Manchester United and England captain had revealed in the build-up to the match at Goodison Park that it had been a lifelong ambition to play for Everton in Europe.

Thirteen years after leaving Merseyside for Old Trafford, Rooney finally fulfilled that ambition although it was a frustrating evening for manager Ronald Koeman and his new-look Everton side. The £75-million ($98m) sale of Romelu Lukaku

to United has funded a close-season of big expenditure by the club and Rooney joined England defender Michael Keane, former Ajax captain Davy Klaassen and ex-Southampton full-back Cuco Martina in making debuts.

And while Rooney’s return was greeted with the expected enthusiasm by a sold-out, if reduced-capacity, Goodison Park crowd, last season’s third-placed Slovakian team provided dogged opposition.

It was not until the 65th minute, when a Kevin Mirallas corner was headed out to Baines 25 yards from goal, that Evertonians could finally relax in this first leg tie.

Baines struck a magnificent shot but it still required a kind deflection off Erik Daniel to wrong

foot goalkeeper Matus Macik and fly into the visitors’ goal.

Early signs had been promising for Everton when Ruzomberok captain Dominik Kruzliak sliced the ball horribly as Klaassen surged into the area and almost put the ball into his own goal before the keeper cleared.

Then, on 19 minutes, Rooney spied his first sight of goal back in an Everton shirt after another flowing attack, which ended with Klaassen sweeping the ball wide for Baines to pick out the striker who spun and sent a powerful shot wide. Just before the half-hour, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, hero of England’s under-20 World Cup win this summer, showed great skill to win a tackle on his way into the box and his short cross found

Rooney who slipped as he shot goalwards.

Calvert-Lewin was involved again a minute later, this time setting up Klaassen with an intelligent pass, but the Dutchman shot into the side-netting with the goal seemingly at his mercy.

It was looking an increasing danger that those misses might prove costly and before the break Daniel was given acres of room to deliver a 22-yard shot. (AFP)

Manuel adds world title to Olympic crownBudapest

Simone Manuel of the United States won the women’s

100m freestyle final at the world championships on Friday to add to her Olympic gold from Rio de Janeiro.

Manuel touched the wall at 52.27 seconds with Sarah Sjostrom of Sweden, the world-record holder, at 0.04 back while Pernille Blume of Denmark took bronze at 0.42.

“It was tough. My legs were burning, I really had to dig deep and get my hands on the wall first,” said Manuel, 20, who actually shared

Olympic gold with Canada’s Penny Oleksiak last year.

“I always think I have a shot -- that’s what makes me the swimmer I am.

“I know how to rest and try to get my hand on the wall first.

“I had confidence in the training I had done and in my performance going into the race.”

Sweden’s Sjostrom, who won the 100m butterfly world title on Monday, the day after breaking the women’s 100m freestyle record in the 4x100m relay, was disappointed with silver. (AFP)

Efimova wins women’s 200m breaststroke goldBudapest

Yuliya Efimova of Russia won the women’s 200m

breaststroke title at the world championships yesterday to claim the fifth world gold of her career.

Efimova, 25, touched the wall at two minutes, 19.64

seconds after a powerful final 50 metres with Bethany Galat of the United States winning silver at 2.13 back and China’s Shi Jinglin taking bronze at 2.29.

After winning bronze in the 100m, Efimova, who served a 16-month ban for doping up

until February 2015, now has five world golds spanning four championships.

America’s Lilly King, 20, the 100m Olympic and world champion and Efimova’s main rival over the shorter distance, led after the first 50 metres, but faded to finish fourth at

2.47 back.Australia’s Taylor

McKeown, the 2014 Commonwealth champion, was seventh at 3.42secs.

Shi, who also finished third in the Olympic final last year, was happy with her bronze. (AFP)

Rylov clinches men’s 200m back world goldBudapest

Russia’s Evgeny Rylov admitted he was physically spent after winning the men’s

200m backstroke title at the world championships yesterday.

Rylov clocked one minute, 53.61 seconds to take gold with Olympic champion Ryan Murphy of the United States second at 0.60 and compatriot Jacob Pebley taking bronze at 1.45 back.

Having taken bronze in the event at both the Rio de Janeiro Olympics and the last world championships in Kazan two years ago, Rylov said winning gold had taken a physical toll.

“To tell you the truth, I think I’m just going to fall down,” said Rylov, 20, when asked if it was a dream come true.

“But this is what I’ve been training for, so yes, I did imagine that I would beat them all.

“That was my goal - my strategy was to give it all.“Now I’m exhausted, but my opponents were just as tired as I was.”

Murphy paid his dues to the new world champion and the American said he will have to train hard just to match him.

“Of everyone in that race, he probably had the most potent ia l , ” s a i d M u r p h y , the 100m and 200m O l y m p i c champion in Rio. (AFP)

Chupkov takes 200m breaststroke world title

Wayne Rooney

Simone Manuel (file pic) Anton Chupkov (file pic)

Efimova (file pic)

SPORTS

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P23 Everton win in Rooney’s return

Ricciardo dominates Hungarian practice

Budapest

Daniel Ricciardo hailed a “very positive day” for him and

his Red Bull team yesterday after producing a convincing ‘double top’ in opening practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The Australian led the way in both of the busy free sessions which were punctuated by three red-flag stoppages as the leading three teams were locked in a tight battle for supremacy.

“Yeah, it’s been a positive day for us,” said the beaming Ricciardo afterwards.

“To be able to replicate our performance morning and afternoon

is good and it shows we are doing well.

“Of course, we don’t know what Mercedes are going to come up with on Saturday yet and it looks like Ferrari found some speed in the afternoon. So, I think it’s going to be close.

“But it’s all about qualifying here at this track and we are in with a real chance if we can replicate today, again, tomorrow. Yeah, I think we can do it.”

At a sun-bathed Hungaroring, Ricciardo reeled off a best lap in one minute and 18.455 seconds to outstrip nearest rival and championship leader Sebastian

Vettel of Ferrari by nearly two-tenths of a second.

It was the first time since last year’s Monaco Grand Prix that Ricciardo had topped a free practice session.

Valtteri Bottas was third for Mercedes ahead of Finnish compatriot Kimi Raikkonen in the second Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton in the second Mercedes.

Max Verstappen was sixth in the second Red Bull, slightly less than half a second adrift of the pace, ahead of Nico Hulkenberg in a Renault, who was 1.2 seconds down in seventh.

Fernando Alonso was eighth for

McLaren ahead of fellow-Spaniard Carlos Sainz of Toro Rosso and his McLaren team-mate Stoffel Vandoorne.

The opening session in the morning featured one red flagged stoppage and the second session had two with both Pascal Wehrlein of Sauber and luckless Jolyon Palmer of Renault smacking into the barriers.

Wehrlein was unhurt, but required a visit to the circuit medical centre while Palmer, who had

damaged his car at the end of the morning session in another accident, was able to walk back to the pits, grim-faced, but unhurt.

Several other drivers including Vettel and Hamilton had spins or ‘wobbles’ during the course of the day as the drivers became accustomed to the demanding, dry and dusty low-grip circuit.

“It’s been a tricky day with the red flags, but I think we can improve,” said Vettel.

“We need to move up, but I think we are definitely in i t for qualifying. There

are three teams in it.” (AFP)

Formula One team Sauber in new deal with Ferrari Budapest

Formula One team Sauber have signed a new deal with

Ferrari to act as their engine suppliers next year.

The expected announcement of a ‘multi-year’ deal is a continuation of the Swiss outfit’s long-term association with Ferrari.

Sauber’s newly-installed team chief Frederic Vasseur said the confirmed future deal with Ferrari will allow “them

to move forward swiftly and efficiently, also in terms of the development of the 2018 car.”

He added: “It’s not a matter of money. I think it’s important for the team ... for every single person in the team, to be sure that we are pushing like hell on every single department.

“We need to have the last spec (specification) of engine for sure.”

He said also that Sauber wanted the deal to include the

gearbox.The new deal may bring

some changes to the Sauber driver line-up next year with Ferrari considering moving some of their academy graduates to the Swiss team for experience.

This association has in the past been a successful arrangement for both teams.

The most likely driver to gain from this is Monegasque Charles Leclerc, who is the

leader of this year’s Formula Two championship.

On Thursday Sauber and Honda cancelled their agreement for the Japanese company to supply engines to the Swiss team next year. (AFP)

Daniel Ricciardo drives his car

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