hailed - dt news...the death of a former guantanamo bay detainee, yasir al-silmi,” pentagon...

Efforts to boost ties with GCC hailed

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

200 FilsTuesday, March 7, 2017 Issue No. 7313

Today’s WeatherMax Min

23°C 15°C

x

Former Guantanamo inmate killed in Yemen

@BillGates

80% of the world’s energy comes from fossil fuels. We need clean-energy innova-tion, and lots of it

Washington

A former Guantanamo Bay inmate was killed

in a US air strike in Yemen last week, the Defense Department said yesterday, as part of a stepped-up campaign against Al-Qaeda.

“We can confirm the death of a former Guantanamo Bay detainee, Yasir al-Silmi,” Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis said.

DT News NetworkManama

The Cabinet yesterday lauded the Kingdom’s

efforts to enhance cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries at bilateral and multilateral levels, noting that the efforts in this regard have been successful and fruitful. The Cabinet meeting was chaired by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier.

Reviewing the visits of HRH the Prime Minister and HRH the Crown Prince to the State of Qatar and Kuwait recently, the Cabinet said Bahrain’s policies towards the GCC have been clearly manifested in these visits.

The Cabinet lauded the fruitful outcome of HRH Premier’s official visit to Qatar at the invitation of Father Emir, Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, and praised his talks with the

Qatari Emir, Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani as well as with senior state officials. The session also hailed the results of HRH Crown Prince’s visit to Kuwait and his talks with the Kuwaiti Emir, Shaikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al Sabah as well as the visit to Qatar and his talks with Emir Shaikh Tamim.

While informing the session about his fruitful talks with the Qatari leadership, HRH Prime Minister expressed pride in the gracious welcome accorded to him in Qatar which, he said, reflects the specific nature of the distinguished Bahraini-Qatari relations.

HRH Crown Prince informed the Cabinet about the positive outcomes of his talks with the leaderships of Kuwait and Qatar, noting that it boosted the cooperation with the two countries.

The session underscored the importance of such visits in enhancing the ability to face the economic, political and security challenges created by the regional and global developments.

(Continued on Page 3)

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The Cabinet yesterday endorsed a proposal of the National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA) on funding

a new facility for processing gas. The proposal follows a recommendation by the Supreme Committee for Natural Resources and Economic Security, chaired by HRH the Crown Prince, regarding the plant.

The new facility, a subsidiary of the Bahrain National Gas Company (Banagas), will extract liquefied gas from gas, and re-inject excess gas into the field in order to increase the overall capacity of Banagas, a memorandum presented by the Oil Minister explained.

Cabinet clears proposal to fund new gas plant

HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa during the Cabinet meeting held yesterday

2 Tuesday, March 7, 2017

The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) yesterday organised a sand sculpture workshop by award-winning international artist, Sudarsan Pattnaik as part of Spring of Culture festival. The workshop will be running for five days, for Ministry of Education employees. Pattnaik has won 24 global awards in the field of sand sculpting and represented his home country, India in over 50 global art festivals. The Gold Sponsors of this year’s festival are the National Bank of Bahrain, Huawei and GFH Financial Group, while Silver Sponsors include Bahrain Airport Company, Aluminium Bahrain (ALBA), Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait, DHL and Bahrain Duty Free. Additional support has been provided by the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF), Investate, the National Oil and Gas Authority and Bahrain Maritime & Mercantile International (BMMI) and the embassies of Italy, Japan, USA and Mexico.

The

sand

s of

life


The High Criminal Court has sentenced four people

to five years behind bars for rioting and planting a hoax bomb.

The defendants are believed to have rioted in the village of A’ali, where they put the fake device before they fled.

They were reported to have also burnt tyres during the process. The defendants were arrested after investigations established their involvement

in the act. The first defendant told

prosecutors that he had participated in the riot after receiving a text message from the third accused.

“We met near a mosque, and then we headed to another area where the tyres were stored. We prepared the fake bomb there also,” the first defendant said during questioning.

Bomb experts were called to examine the device, and they declared it as fake.

Four gets prison for planting fake bomb

3Tuesday, March 7, 2017

from Page 1

HRH the Prime Minister recalled with

appreciation and gratitude the virtues, achievements and qualities of the late Emir Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, May Allah the Almighty rest his soul in eternal peace.

The Prime Minister affirmed that the great contributions of the late Shaikh Isa, whose death anniversary is commemorated today, to the Kingdom’s progress, and his services to his people and nation will remain engraved in the national memory.

In this regard, HRH Premier gave directives to document the achievements and giving of Bahraini men and women and their dedicated efforts in the service of their country and people.

Referring to the approval of the Representatives and Shura Councils of the constitutional amendments, HRH the Prime Minister lauded the legislative branch’s cooperation, and valued highly its “responsible” role in backing efforts to increase the efficiency of the measures that safeguard the Kingdom’s security, integrity and stability, as reflected in the amendments.

HRH Prime Minister gave instructions to improve the procedures in force regarding small financial claims, as well as the implementation of the court rulings related to them, through using electronic means, and directed the Executive Committee, chaired by HRH the Crown Prince, to study the matter.

Shaikh Isa rememberedCabinet decisions

The Cabinet reviewed a memorandum presented by the Minister of Education on making amendments to

Decree-Law 25/1998 with respect to Private Educational and Training Institutions. Aiming to encourage investment in the private educational and training institutions within a set of requirements that ensure the quality of their output, the proposed amendments were referred to the Supreme Council for the Development of Education and Training and the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs.

The Cabinet was also informed about the ability of the government to meet the needs of the urban projects, and

was notified about the procedures to run and operate the facility by the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning, along with the company which was awarded the tender.

The session took note of the implementation procedures of the memorandum of understanding on mutual

exemption from visa fees for the holders of normal passports signed between Bahrain and Turkey on the sidelines of the Turkish President’s visit to Bahrain, as highlighted in the memorandum presented by the Interior Minister.

The Cabinet reviewed a memorandum presented by the Minister of Information Affairs on the requests to bring out

specialised sports magazines, and referred it to the Ministerial Committee for Social Services, Telecommunications and Media.

The session also reviewed two draft laws proposed by the Council of Representatives on amending Article

137 of Decree-Law 54/2002 on the By-Law of the Council of Representatives, and on amending some provisions of Law 37/2014 on regulating marine sand dredging. The two bills were referred to the legislative branch, alongside a memorandum including the government’s opinion.

The Cabinet discussed a proposal submitted by the Council of Representatives to establish a special section

at the Bahrain National Museum that would be dedicated to Bahrain’s national work pioneers in the cultural, social, economic and political fields. The session approved the government’s draft reply to the proposal, which had been prepared by the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs.


The Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and

Endowments yesterday said that it filed a lawsuit to dissolve the National Democratic Action Society (Waad), a secular opposition party in the Kingdom.

“The Society committed gross violations in breach of the Kingdom’s laws, Constitution and National Action Charter, including incitement of acts of terrorism and promoting violent and forceful overthrow of the political regime,” the ministry said in a statement, seeking dissolution of the party. “The

Society glorified convicted terrorists and saboteurs who used weapons and detonated bombs in killing and wounding several security, threatened citizens and residents’ safety and damaged private and public properties. The Society continuously violated the principles of the democratic political process, basic freedoms and people’s participation in the process,” the ministry added.

The ministry affirmed that “to maintain Bahrain’s security and sustainability of growth in all fields is the main objective for all patriots who are sincerely involved in serving community and

development in Bahrain regardless of their position or inclination and in spite of such exclusionist extremist groups throughout history.”

The left-leaning former head of Waad, Ibrahim Sharif, was freed in July after he served a one-year jail term.

He had already served four years of a five-year sentence before being released under an amnesty in June last year.

On Sunday the Shura Council approved a constitutional amendment enabling military courts to try civilians accused of terror crimes.

Lawsuit to dissolve Waad filed


An Indian expatriate from Saudi Arabia died

following a heart attack during transit at the Bahrain International Airport on Friday. The deceased is Grurusamy Mookkan, 49, as per a notification from the Ministry of Health. He was travelling on Gulf Air from Riyadh on his way to India after renewing his Saudi visa. The passenger collapsed while transiting through Bahrain Airport. “The passenger was taken to a hospital in Bahrain but was pronounced dead by medical authorities,” Gulf Air stated. Gurusamy is from Kokkadi village in Tamil Nadu. He is survived by wife and two children.

Expat dies of heart attack


The High Criminal Court has sentenced an American

student in a private university here to 10 years in prison for peddling drugs and consuming hashish. The youth has been ordered to be deported after completion of his prison term.

The youth was arrested in a sting operation after a police tip-off revealed that he was selling illicit drugs . The trap was laid by an officer in plain clothes who contacted the student, requesting hashish

cigarettes from him. The duo then met in the defendant’s apartment in Busaiteen, where anti-drug squads pounced on the accused upon completion of the receiving process. It was reported that the defendant was smoking a hashish cigarette at the time of his arrest.

According to court files, police officers seized a digital scale and other types of drugs from the respondent’s apartment. He admitted to the charges levelled against him before the prosecutors, court files read.

US student jailed

for drug peddling

Mohammed Zafran/[email protected]

Manama

Despite the progress and growing relevance of

renewable energy, oil and gas will continue to play a huge role for decades to come, the president and Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Aramco Amin H. Nasser said yesterday.

Renewable energy is not a major threat to the oil and gas industry in the short-term or in “the decades to come”, Nasser assured as he addressed energy experts gathered at the 20th Middle East Oil and Gas Show and Conference.

According to him, renewable energy will play a positive role but the oil and gas industry will continue to prosper regardless.

“Renewable energy has a place definitely, it is growing and is being adopted. Their market-share will increase with

time and they will play a role but I am sure that oil and gas will continue as it is for decades to come. So this is why we encourage investments to the oil and gas sector, the industry is vibrant and will play a major role in the long term,” he said, adding, the investments for the projects must come

today because it takes at least a few years for the projects to materialize.

Over 2000 oil and gas professionals participated at the opening session of MEOS that was held at Ritz Carlton Hotel yesterday. The event, which runs until March 9 is expected to attract over 8000

attendees over the course of four days. Over 270 papers will be presented during 50 technical sessions covering topics related to reservoirs, production and facilities, exploration and appraisal, drilling and completions, project management, human resources and business models. The agenda at MEOS also includes an executive plenary session featuring leading industry figures discussing the conference theme “Transforming the

industry through innovation and operational excellence”, an industry keynote session entitled ‘Oil Price Volatility: Continue Investing in the Future to Meet Future Demands or Control Cost to Survive?,’ six panel sessions discussing important matters relevant to today’s industry, and a special workshop entitled ‘Women in Leadership — Invest, Initiate, Innovate’ with influential speakers.

Minister of Oil and Chairman of National Oil

and Gas Authority Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa lauded the role played by MEOS. “Conferences are where professionals are able to share their ideas and discuss and collaborate. I would like to congratulate the conference organising committee co-chaired by Nabeel I. Al Afaleg of Saudi Aramco and Khalid Ahmed Al Qubaisi of ADMA-OPCO,” he said.

Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) President Darcy Spady assured that the Middle East region will have a special attention from the SPE. Speaking about how the oil and gas industry is changing, he said, “In our lifetime we have seen major changes in the industry, the drilling changes has been massive. We have seen great advancements in deep-water explorations etc, so my question is what will the younger generations invent. Our mission at SPE is to enable the oil and gas industry to share the knowledge needed to fulfil the worlds energy needs in a safe and environmentally friendly manner,” he said.

Tuesday, March 7, 20174

PMI Mothers Day_DT (16cm x 3col)-5 March.pdf 1 2/28/17 9:22 AM

No threat to oil, says expert

Amin H. Nasser Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa

Mohammed Zafran/[email protected]

Manama

Despite the progress and growing relevance of

renewable energy, oil and gas will continue to play a huge role for decades to come, the president and Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Aramco Amin H. Nasser said yesterday.

Renewable energy is not a major threat to the oil and gas industry in the short-term or in “the decades to come”, Nasser assured as he addressed energy experts gathered at the 20th Middle East Oil and Gas Show and Conference.

According to him, renewable energy will play a positive role but the oil and gas industry will continue to prosper regardless.

“Renewable energy has a place definitely, it is growing and is being adopted. Their market-share will increase with

time and they will play a role but I am sure that oil and gas will continue as it is for decades to come. So this is why we encourage investments to the oil and gas sector, the industry is vibrant and will play a major role in the long term,” he said, adding, the investments for the projects must come

today because it takes at least a few years for the projects to materialize.

Over 2000 oil and gas professionals participated at the opening session of MEOS that was held at Ritz Carlton Hotel yesterday. The event, which runs until March 9 is expected to attract over 8000

attendees over the course of four days. Over 270 papers will be presented during 50 technical sessions covering topics related to reservoirs, production and facilities, exploration and appraisal, drilling and completions, project management, human resources and business models. The agenda at MEOS also includes an executive plenary session featuring leading industry figures discussing the conference theme “Transforming the

industry through innovation and operational excellence”, an industry keynote session entitled ‘Oil Price Volatility: Continue Investing in the Future to Meet Future Demands or Control Cost to Survive?,’ six panel sessions discussing important matters relevant to today’s industry, and a special workshop entitled ‘Women in Leadership — Invest, Initiate, Innovate’ with influential speakers.

Minister of Oil and Chairman of National Oil

and Gas Authority Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa lauded the role played by MEOS. “Conferences are where professionals are able to share their ideas and discuss and collaborate. I would like to congratulate the conference organising committee co-chaired by Nabeel I. Al Afaleg of Saudi Aramco and Khalid Ahmed Al Qubaisi of ADMA-OPCO,” he said.

Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) President Darcy Spady assured that the Middle East region will have a special attention from the SPE. Speaking about how the oil and gas industry is changing, he said, “In our lifetime we have seen major changes in the industry, the drilling changes has been massive. We have seen great advancements in deep-water explorations etc, so my question is what will the younger generations invent. Our mission at SPE is to enable the oil and gas industry to share the knowledge needed to fulfil the worlds energy needs in a safe and environmentally friendly manner,” he said.


PMI Mothers Day_DT (16cm x 3col)-5 March.pdf 1 2/28/17 9:22 AM

No threat to oil, says expert

Amin H. Nasser Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa


Arunita Praharaj/[email protected]

Manama

A lush and vibrant stretch of pumpkins near Saar mosque is unbelievably hard

to ignore. The owner of the farm, 17-year-old Hussain Alzeera, is a student of Al Raja School who has been an avid gardener for as long as he can remember. Hussain has been harvesting over 2000 kgs of organic and chemically fertilised pumpkins along with other green goodies since the age of 15.

Well, the pumpkins in his farm by nature are pretty hard to ignore.

During Western falls, you find them just about everywhere, from your local grocery store to your Starbucks latte. But to find a vast carpet of pumpkins laid out in a little corner of Bahrain seems to be something out of Cinderella’s fairy tale and magic.

Hussain disagrees. “It’s love”, says he. “You see these kids playing here?” he asks pointing to at a bunch of giggly children posing away on humpty pumpkins, “They are the ones who add warmth to the field and of course I look after it.

“So there are no specific tricks, gardening equipment or formulae. It is simply a result of heaps of hard-work, persistence and love.” And having met the ‘Pumpkin Man’ himself, one can vouch for his words as the bright and cheerful pumpkins and kids smile right back at you.

“This is something I do annually and it happens almost effortlessly. It takes two to three months to nurture the seeds and they start bearing vegetables around October, just in time for Halloween,” he smiles.

Apart from pumpkins, Hussain also cultivates cauliflowers, butternuts, tomatoes and other vegetables planted on his plot.

In the summers, he transforms his patch of pumpkins into juicy watermelons.

While the young harvester constantly experiments with his green fingers, he also runs an import business in the Kingdom and manages his academics.

“People often ask me how I find the time? My answer to them is: everybody has time if you have the will to find time for things and people you love,” says Hussain with a smile.

“I am a simple person. I am blessed and I have never really wished for more but I do put my heart and soul into the little dreams I pursue. This is my final year of school and once I am done, I am going to travel the world.”

As he globetrots, the Pumpkin Man wishes to explore gardening and cultivation techniques in countries around the world so he can one day open a Bahraini nursery that holds products enabling the growth of every kind of plant in the Kingdom too.

“We often overlook agriculture here. We think the soil is not capable enough. But in all honesty, if you try hard, most things are possible. I love raspberries and I would really like to see them grow here at some point!” he says excitedly.

Although this may be the last year Hussain’s harvest spreads love and joy on the island, if all goes well, he is keen on hosting Bahrain’s very first ‘Pumpkin Picking’ event in October.

The world’s biggest pumpkin on record is worth 2624.6 pounds. While Hussain’s pumpkins may not compare in size, they definitely contain oodles more of the harvester’s special ingredient - love.

His once private pumpkin patch has now turned into a buzzing public attraction, a testimony to everything this beautiful island stands for. After all, the language

of the Kingdom too is inclusivity and love.

You can meet the Pumpkin Man himself every Friday proudly showcasing and selling his harvest right next to his pumpkin plot.

Meet theof Bahrain

Hussain Alzeera

Mellow pumpkins at Hussain Alzeera’s farm near Saar mosque


(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.)

Send your comments to [email protected]

This is in response to the DT News article, ‘Military trial for civilians okayed’, published on 6 March 2017. The

government decision to try civilians involved in terror and armed crimes in military courts can be seen as a move to curb terrorism, but the decision lacks clarity as it does not specify the crimes that will be tried in this order. Legislative tools as this to maintain the homeland’s security and stability should be continued.

- Alli Imran

• InterestedContractorswithprovencapabilitiesandexperienceinprovidingtheaboveservicesmayPurchasetheTenderdocumentsonlineusinge-Tendering system from https://etendering.tenderboard.gov.bh fromTUESDAY MARCH 7, 2017.Tenderdocumentscanbedownloadedafterpayingthenon-refundabletenderfeesasspecifiedabove.AnInitialBondshouldbeenclosedfortheamountspecifiedaboveor1%ofthebidvalue,whicheverislesser(inanycaseInitialBondshallnotbelessthanBD100/-),payablebyaManager’sCheque,CertifiedCheque,LetterofGuaranteeorInsurancepolicyissuedbyLocalAgenciesorCash.Thebondshallremainvalidthroughoutthetenderperiodspecifiedintherelevanttenderdocuments.Formoreinformationpleasecallthefollowingnumbers:36027245-17755845-17752995–17757044.

• QuotationshouldbedepositedinthetenderboxprovidedattheTender Submission Office, Tender Board Office, 7th Floor, Al Moayyed Tower, Seef Area,before01.30pmonthetenderclosingdate.

• This tender is subject to the provisions of LegislativeDecreeNo.36 of 2002with respecttoRegulatingGovernmentTenders-AuctionandtheLegislativeDecreeNo.37of2002withrespect to theTender Law’s ImplementingRegulations.

• Thefollowingconditionsshallbecompliedwith:

Kingdom of Bahrain

The Bahrain Petroleum Company BSC (Closed) hereby invites tender for the following:

1. EncloseacopyoftheCommercialRegistrationCertificatevalidforthecurrentyear,andbeinconformitywiththesubjecttender.

2. Submitquotationson“TenderSubmissionForm”No.(TB02).3. Enclose a copy of Certificate of Compliance with the Employment Percentage for

Bahraini Manpower issued by the Ministry of Labour.4. Ensuretostampwiththeofficialsealonalltheoriginaldocumentsandcopiesthereof,

whichformpartoftheoffer.

Tender Title Tender No.Initial Bond(BD)

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Wednesday29th March, 2017

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Foranyinquirypleasecallhelpdeskemailhelpdesk@tenderboard.gov.bhortelephoneno.+973-17566617.

• This announcement is considered as a part of the Tender Documents.

As one thinks one becomes. You want to live better; you can, if you think you can. This is not wishful thinking but a fact. But the condition is that in order to live better we should

seek to become better. This is not as straightforward as it seems. The human brain is a powerful tool which can be trained to help us achieve exactly what we want and if we want to live better than we are, we can do just that. But we first certainly need to understand what we mean by living better. Is it only about more luxurious living or is it about better living at a more profound level? Does more wealth equate more happiness or are there things other than wealth that make us live better?

Apparently making changes to your own self is the most critical component of the process of seeking to better ourselves. Now that may be easier said than done. Then how do we go about achieving that? By owning up responsibility for our actions and not blaming the others; by learning to not lose one’s temper; by learning to be forgiving, by learning to help others, by listening to others, by being polite and above all by being yourself. Though at first it may be difficult to assume responsibility for one’s actions with patience and perseverance one becomes better at it. This forms the essence of the process of seeking to become better

Gandhi had said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” Unless you endeavour to better yourself, you are hardly likely to better your circumstances or of those around you. Gandhi himself had to overcome his own personal prejudices before he became the shining beacon of humanity. When they say that, “A thousand mile journey begins with a single step,” they don’t necessarily mean a physical journey involving travel. They could just as well, mean a metaphorical journey by an individual in which they undergo a metamorphosis from being a self-centred and overtly materialistic person to a sensitive, kind, warm and helpful individual. Everybody who seeks to live a better life has to embark upon this important journey of self-discovery.

This journey would be no less hard than any journey of discovery that Columbus undertook for some, as vast distances may be covered in a sea worthy vessel, but getting the mind to change its course, takes a lot more out of us. Yet it is we as individuals who have to do it and the reward that we will get by this transformation is to live the most fulfilling and joyous life we had ever hoped to live.

They say about people that everyone has their own journey to complete and no two person’s journey can be identical. While one person may love the sea, another may have a thing for the mountains. They both don’t have to love the same thing or things. But they both can endeavour to live near the kind of place they like, as this will make them very happy. Likewise every human being has to identify the things in life that will make them feel better about themselves and those around them. Once they have identified it, they should go for it and stay the course.

Don’t they say that you should make your passion your profession? For only when your work becomes much more than a means of making money will you immerse yourself in it body and soul and achieve all that you seek to. To be in that position you have to evolve as a person, so as to find happiness and contentment in everything you take up including your professions. If on the other hand you spend your time in nit picking or blaming others you will never really find your true calling and spend a lifetime living a less than optimal life.

Life provides us with opportunities at every step to better ourselves, so as to live the life of our dreams. The life of our dreams is ours to live if only we paused to think about what is really important to us and what we should really be focusing on. The day we learn to do that we will stop dissipating energy on worthless egoistical pursuits and instead get busy doing the things that provide us with the deepest happiness.

So many of us are nothing but square pegs in round holes and yet have no idea it is so. We may spend our lives performing roles and functions we are not suited for and still not make an effort to correct the situation. This may be out of force of habit, plain laziness or societal pressure. For us to break free of this kind of straightjacketing, we need to first want to do that. The first step is always an epiphany.

The very realization that there is a problem that needs to be resolved galvanizes one into action and one begins the process of analysing where one went wrong and then taking corrective steps. If one was for example feeling suffocated in the family business, yet not doing anything to remedy the situation, one only had one’s own timidity to blame. Accepting this fact and owning responsibility of one’s own shortcoming would goad one to take the required step and gather the courage to strike out one one’s own.

This may possibly not provide the same kind of earning, especially in the beginning, but the sheer joy of finally being free to do one’s own thing will make one work with pure passion. Now that is the surest path to achieve unprecedented success if there ever was any. Every human being is born with the potential to achieve self-actualization. The trick lies in igniting one’s desire to achieve that and that is something which a person himself or herself has to create. No one came and whispered in Nelson Mandela’s ear that he should fight passionately for his people’s emancipation. He lit that fire with the power of his own beliefs and conviction. So we all must achieve what we truly desire.

We can live better when we seek to become better

Lamees Alhassar

Heart of the Matter

Manama

AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation announced

yesterday that it will host its first forum under the patronage of Prime Minister, HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa in April.

The forum will discuss the impact of leadership, entrepreneurship and volunteerism in developing the next generation, it was revealed yesterday during a press conference held at the Foundation’s premises.

MKF Forum, which will be held at the Gulf International Conventions Centre on April 22nd, will host various renowned speakers to discuss the three main forum pillars; Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Community Service.

“The Forum aims to build stronger bridges between the different stakeholders and the participating students

in the field of education and further develop the community by creating a sense of responsibility,” said the Board of Trustees’ chairperson Shaikha Zain bint Khalid Al Khalifa. AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation, launched in

2011, aims to have a positive social impact in youth empowerment by providing Bahraini students with comprehensive programs and work experience that facilitate their entry in the labour market after graduation.

AlMabarrah AlKhalifia to hold first forum in April 22

Saba Seyadi and Shaikha Zain bint Khalid Al Khalifa

Jerusalem

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said

yesterday that the United States has warned that annexing the West Bank would lead to an “immediate crisis” with President Donald Trump’s administration.

Lieberman, speaking before his first trip to Washington since Trump took office, sought to push back against those in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition calling for a declaration of Israeli sovereignty over all or part of the occupied territory.

He said annexation would provoke a crisis with Washington and result in steep costs for the Israeli government since it would be required to provide services to Palestinians in the West Bank.

“We have received a very clear, direct message from the United States stating that the application of Israeli law in Judea and Samaria (the West

Bank) would provoke an immediate crisis with the new administration,” Lieberman said before a parliamentary committee.

His office said he would leave Israel Monday night for Washington, where he would meet Vice President Mike Pence, Defence Secretary Jim Mattis, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson “and hold other meetings.”

Some 2.6 million Palestinians live in the West Bank, which Israel occupied

in 1967. The latest call for annexation came on Sunday, when lawmaker Miki Zohar from Netanyahu’s Likud party said in a television interview that “the two-state solution is dead”.

In his comments on Monday, Lieberman also laid out an economic argument against annexation, saying Israel immediately “will be required to spend 20 billion shekels ($5.4 billion/5.1 billion euros)” on various social services.

The defence minister, who heads the rightwing Yisrael Beitenu party, advocates a two-state solution based on territorial and population exchanges. (AFP)


US warns Israel

1. Approve the previous minutes of Annual General Meeting held on 23rd March 2016.2. Discuss and approve the Board of Directors report on the financial year ended

31st December 2016.3. Receive the Sharia’a Supervisory Board report for the financial year ended

31st December 2016.4. Receive the Auditor’s report on the financial statements for the year ended

31st December 2016.5. Discuss and approve the financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2016.6. Discuss and approve the following recommendations of the Board of Directors in

allocating the net profits and the surplus for the year as follows:

7. Inform shareholders about their total liability on Zakat of BD 103,568 (i.e., BD 1.657 for every one thousand share held) for the year ended 31st December 2016, as determined by Shari’a Supervisory Board.

8. Discuss and approve the Corporate Governance report for the year 2016 and the Company’s compliance with Central Bank of Bahrain’s requirements.

9. Discharge the Board of Directors for all the matters related to their conduct for the financial year ended 31st December 2016.

10. Appointment / Re-appointment of the Shari’a Supervisory Board Members for the financial year 2017 after obtaining Central Bank of Bahrain’s approval.

11. Appointment / Re-appointment of the Statutory Auditors for the financial year 2017 subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Bahrain and authorize the Board of Directors to fix their fee.

12. Any additional matter according to article 207 of Bahrain Commercial Companies Law.

Notes:

Transfer BD 39,661 to the statutory reserve.Transfer of the net profit for the year 2016 of BD 356,946 to the retained earnings.Transfer of the net surplus for the year 2016 of BD 227,891 to the surplus in participants’ funds.

i.ii.iii.

1. The financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016 and copies of the proxy card are available with the share registrar (Bahrain Bourse) at their offices in the Bahrain Financial Harbor 4th floor, and at the company’s offices at Seef Area.

2. All registered Shareholders as at the annual general meeting’s date are eligible to attend the meeting in person or assign, in writing, a proxy holder to attend on their behalf. The proxy holder should not be the chairman of the board, a board member or an employee of Takaful International Co.

3. For institutional Shareholders, the proxy holder attending the meeting should present a valid power of attorney that authorizes him to be the representative of that Shareholder. The power of attorney has to be in writing, signed by the company’s authorized person, stamped by the official company’s stamp and submitted to Takaful International Co. before the deadline.

4. The proxy card shall be deposited, at least 24 hours before the AGM, at Takaful International Co.’s main office in Seef Area. The card may be delivered by hand, post, faxed on: 17582688 or emailed to: [email protected]. The Shareholder must ensure delivering the proxy card before the deadline. Any cards received after the deadline will not be valid for the AGM.

5. For any inquiries, please call the board of Director secretary on 17565686.

Licensed as a General and Family Takaful Company by the CBB www.takaful.bh

The Board of Directors of Takaful International would like to invite Shareholders to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) which will be held at 12pm on Wednesday 22nd March 2017 at Asdal Gulf Inn Hotel - Seef. If quorum has not been fulfilled, a second meeting will be held at 12pm on Wednesday 29th March 2017 at Asdal Gulf Inn Hotel - Seef to discuss and adopt the following agenda:

Kuwait to restore citizenshipsKuwait City

Kuwait will restore the citizenship of opposition

figures and dozens of their relatives nearly three years after revoking it in a crackdown on dissent, lawmakers said yesterday.

“Our thanks to the emir for his generous gesture of restoring the revoked citizenships,” Islamist opposition MP Mohammad al-Dallal tweeted after a meeting with Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

Several of the 14 MPs who attended the meeting confirmed that the oil-rich Gulf state’s ruler had ordered the citizenships to be restored.

The Kuwaiti government in

mid-2014 stripped at least four opposition figures and dozens of their family members of their nationality as part of a crackdown on dissent.

The decision, following large street protests demanding political reforms, was slammed by rights groups.

Those affected included Islamist former opposition MP Abdullah al-Barghash and more than 50 members of his extended family.

They also included former spokesman of the opposition Popular Action Movement Saad al-Ajmi, who was later deported to Saudi Arabia.

The owner of the opposition-linked Alam Al-Youm newspaper Ahmad

Jabr al-Shemmari and Islamist preacher Nabil al-Awadhi also lost their nationality.

Several of those affected sued the government.

The move to restore their status comes after a November snap election in which opposition groups participated after a four-year boycott, winning almost half of the 50 seats.

Opposition groups and candidates made restoring citizenship rights a key election pledge.

Kuwait has a native population of 1.35 million, many of whom became citizens through naturalisation. The emirate also has 3.1 million foreign residents. (AFP)

A file picture showing a Parliament session in progress

A Palestinian man helps clear the debris of a home after it was demolished, by Israeli bulldozers

© GRAPHIC NEWSSources: International Organization for Migration, ISW, OCHA

More than 50,000 people have reportedly been displaced since Iraqiforces began the operation to recapture western Mosul from so-called

Islamic State (IS) on February 19

Detailarea

IRAQ

IRANTURKEY

SYRIA

300km200 miles

Baghdad

Shura

Qayyarah

Bartella

Tall Kayf

RiverTigris

Kuwayr

Qayyarah Airstrip: 4,247

Movement of civilians

Qayyarah Jad’ah: 5,364

Haj Ali: 1,708

Khazer: 5,842

Hasansham: 5,623

Qaymawa: 483

Nargizlia: 1,576

Hammam al-Aliel: 3,443

Qaraqosh

EastMosul

Camp for displaced personsNumber of families(Situation as of Mar 5)

Territoryunder

IS control

Iraqi governmentcontrol

Kurdishcontrol

10km6 miles

West Mosul: Estimated750,000 people remain

Total people displaced sinceMosul operations began onOctober 17, 2016: 206,520

BUSINESS8 Tuesday, March 7, 2017

receives topEWAManama

The Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) Customer

Services Centre has been named the best in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC).

The recognition came during the Smart Solutions for Customer Services Forum held in the United

Arab Emirates. The Diamond Award was received on behalf of the EWA by its Customer Services Director Sheikh Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa.

Assistant Undersecretary for Electricity and Energy at the UAE’s Ministry of Energy Fatima Al Shamsi said the award came Bahrain’s way after evaluating the Customer Services

Centre and its work to serve the people. The award was also adjudged on the basis of EWA’s administrative leadership, change management, risks and crises, strategic planning, human resources, corporate resources, operations, products and services administration.

Electricity and Water Affairs

Minister Dr. Abdulhussain Mirza, who visited the centre yesterday, dedicated the award to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness the Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy

Prime Minister, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa who he credited with the attention, guidance and support that resulted in the achievement. The achievement comes as another feather in the cap of the EWA, after the best application for smart phones and the award for the best application

Customer Services award

President Trump’s new travel banPresident Donald Trump’s administration issued a revised immigration ban yesterday that temporarily freezes US visa issuance to anyone from six mostly-Muslim countries and halts for 120 days all refugee arrivals. Here are the key points:

Is this a ban on Muslim arrivals?The US government rejects the notion, pointing out that visa issuance and arrivals remain unchanged from Muslim-majority countries like Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan, as well as those in Northern Africa.

But critics continue to point to Trump and other administration official statements made during and after last year’s presidential campaign to argue that the intention has always been to screen out Muslim arrivals.

“The Trump administration has conceded that its original Muslim ban was indefensible. Unfortunately, it has replaced it with a scaled-back version that shares the same fatal flaws,” said Omar Jadwat, director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Immigrant Rights Project. (AFP)

What about refugees?Trump’s new order places a 120-day ban on refugee arrivals from any country. Officials say they need to strengthen vetting procedures for refugees to prevent potential terrorists from entering the country. They said that the Federal Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating 300 refugees already inside the United States for suspected terror links or sympathies. At the same time, the order -- like its predecessor -- cut the number of refugees the government will admit this year to 50,000 from 110,000 originally envisaged.

How long does the new order last?Ninety days from its implementation date, March 16. The aim is to give the six countries time to improve their databases and screening systems to boost US confidence in the visa issuance process. But officials said there is no guarantee that the bans will be lifted after 90 days. It depends on how well the countries comply with US requirements.

Why a revised order?A Washington state judge halted implementation of the original order on February 3,

accepting legal challenges that said it violated

the constitutional r ights of immigrants and their families

by specifically targeting Muslims.

The judge was supported by an appeals

court, forcing the Trump administration to redraft the

order.

What’s new?Iraq, which was targeted by the original January 27 travel ban, is excluded. Six other countries remain: Syria, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, Sudan, and Iran. The US says that none of the six can supply adequate identity and security information on their citizens to satisfy US needs to safely vet visa applicants. People with pre-existing, valid visas from the six countries will still be able to come to the United States. The original ban had extended to people with valid visas and even those with permanent residency, causing havoc at airport arrival halls and sparking a large number of legal challenges.

This file photo taken on January 23, 2017 shows US President Donald Trump signing an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC

Dr. Mirza with other officials during a honouring ceremony

BUSINESSTuesday, March 7, 2017 9

Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB), the leading Islamic Retail Bank in Bahrain, has announced the launch of its new‘Signature Card’ as an extension to its offerings and an expansion to its existing Visa Credit Card family

Credit Card

Visit www.BisB.com or call 17 51 51 51 or log on to BisB social media channels to find out details of the new BisB Signature Visa card

Beijing

German carmaker Volkswagen will recall nearly 680,000 premium Audi cars in China, over defects in coolant

pumps that could lead to engine fires. Blockages in the system “in extreme circumstances could cause a fire in the engine compartment”, said a statement on the website of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

London

British financial services group Standard Life has agreed to buy Aberdeen Asset Management for £3.8 billion to create

one of the world’s biggest fund managers, the pair said. The deal, worth $4.7bn was presented as a merger but Standard Life shareholders will have overall control with a 66.7pc stake in the new firm.

Alexis Tsipras

Volkswagen to recall over 680,000 Audis Standard Life buys Aberdeen for £3.8bn

Greek Prime Minister

Returning to uncertainty is not the smartest choice, especially while Europe is facing major challenges. A breakdown in talks in order to lead the country to elections would cause a de facto collapse in the (bailout)”

BisBlaunches

the ‘Signature’

Premium benefits The newly introduced card for premier customers, offers cardholders FREE membership to a world of premium benefits.

Exclusive access Customers will have exclusive access to concierge ser-vices, complimentary travel insurance, extended warranty on selected items and lounge access at over 550 airports glob-ally when using BisB Visa Signature Credit Card.

Travel miles Cardholders will have continued access to ben-efits offered by BisB such as; attractive frequent flyer travel miles through Gulf Air or Qatar Airways, dis-counts and special offers on regional with international partners, issuance of unlim-ited free supplementary cards, FREE monthly eState-ment Service, convenient online and offline payment channels, a Lifetime Aramex Shop and Ship Membership, and much more.

“We are proud to introduce the BisB Visa Signature Credit Card for our premier customers. With an ever developing market we are always searching for new ways to add greater value to our Products and Services. Providing new products and outstanding customer service is part of our strategy and mission to be the preferred Retail Bank in Bahrain”

Abdul Rehman Turki General Manager of Retail Banking

Manama

Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) announced

it has received ISO/IEC 27001:2013 accreditation from the International O r g a n i s a t i o n f o r Standardisation (ISO).

The achievement specifies the requirements f o r e s t a b l i s h i n g , implementing, maintaining and continually improving an information security management system (ISMS) within the context of the organisation. It also certifies specific requirements to be met for the assessment and treatment of information security risks tailored to the needs of the organisation (BAS).

BAS is an ISAGO Accredited Ground Service Provider; IATA’s Safety Audit for Ground Operations

(ISAGO) has been built upon a ‘backbone’ of audit standards applicable to all ground handling companies worldwide, coupled with a uniform set of standards relevant for the specific activities of any ground handler. European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has also accredited BAS with EASA part-145 for Aircraft Line Maintenance and part-147 for BAS Aircraft Engineering Training Centre (BAETC).

Saudi Arabian Airlines and BAS shared a strong Line Maintenance relationship from 2006 to mid 2010 whence the agreement was discontinued to revert to maintenance support with another party. The relationship with Saudi Arabian Airlines and BAS has been renewed by

re-establishing a Technical Handling agreement with them in 2017.

“We would be covering all aspects of Technical Handling with the strict governance of the Maintenance Organisation Exposition which is a formal document describing how an approved maintenance organisation or MRO is structured to achieve delivery of its activity,” said Osama Helmi, Manager Line Maintenance.

“BAS is delighted to partner with international airlines for Technical Handling and we remain dedicated towards strengthening the quality of our processes and procedures to ensure the most efficient o n - t i m e - p e r f o r m a n c e , ” said Jalal Mohammed Jalal, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Bahrain Airport Services.

gets topBASrating

Brussels

The European Union yesterday approved plans

for a military headquarters to coordinate overseas security operations, foreign affairs head Federica Mogherini said.

Mogherini, who has pushed hard for the EU to take on an

increased military role, said foreign and defence ministers of the 28 member states “unanimously” backed the project.

“Today we decided to establish a MPCC (Military Planning Conduct and Capability facility) which will command the

EU’s non-executive military missions,” she told reporters.

The facility will initially run three operations -- civil-military training missions in Mali, the Central African Republic and Somalia -- which do not involve the use of force, other than in self-defence.

EU Okays new military HQ

Signs technical handling deal with Saudi Arabian Airlines

Jalal Mohammed Jalal, Chairman of the Board of Directors, BAS

BUSINESS Tuesday, March 7, 201710

COUNTRY/CURRENCIES SELLBUY

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

COUNTRY 1 US DLR 1 UK STG 1 SFR 100 YEN

BAHRAIN 0.3770 0.4699 0.3732 0.3316

KUWAIT 0.2855 32.4614 0.2826 0.2511

OMAN 0.3849 0.3888 0.3810 0.3385

QATAR 3.6420 3.6791 3.6052 3.2032

UAE 3.6730 3.7105 3.6359 3.2304

SAUDI 3.7500 3.7883 3.7121 3.2982

AUSTRALIA 0.2971 0.2947BANGLADESH 0.00506 0.00475CANADA 0.2945 0.2914DENMARK 0.0569 EGYPT 0.0361 0.0219EURO 0.4059 0.4038HONGKONG 0.04983 0.04943INDIA 0.00582 0.00577INDONESIA 0.00002997 0.00002894IRAN TUMAN 0.00010959 IRAQI DINAR 0.000294 JAPAN 0.003520 0.003450JORDAN 0.5346 0.5351KOREA 0.00038401 KUWAIT 1.2580 1.242MALAYSIA 0.087500 0.0873NEW ZEALAND 0.2767 0.2744NORWAY 0.0473 NEPAL 0.00387 0.00353OMAN 0.97962 0.98262PAKISTAN 0.00365 0.00360PHILIPPINES 0.00777 0.00753QATAR 0.10381 0.10376SAUDI ARABIA 0.10061 0.26810SINGAPORE 0.2730 0.2710SOUTH AFRICA 0.03120 0.03110SRI LANKA 0.00277 0.00249SWEDISH 0.0451 .SWITZERLAND 0.3826 0.3801SYRIA 0.001740 0.0123TAIWAN 0.012800 THAILAND 0.010990 0.010990TURKEY 0.1105 UNITED KINGDOM 0.4796 0.4766UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 0.102800 0.102810UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 0.37800 0.37805YUAN 0.058500 0.0585

Manama

The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance

(BIBF) has signed a collaborative agreement with the Bangladeshi Association of Banks (BAB) to further provide specialised Islamic Finance education for its members.

The BIBF and BAB both agreed to incorporate Islamic Banking training

courses and applied research to further develop the Islamic finance industry and provide learners with more insight, knowledge and understanding of the principles of the industry. As part of the agreement, the BIBF and BAB will provide more training platforms in both Bahrain and Bangladesh.

Commenting on the

announcement, Dr Ahmed Abdulhameed Al Shaikh, Deputy Director of the BIBF said: “As part of this collaboration, it is critical to maintain close partnerships with institutions such as Bangladeshi Association of Banks to further strengthen our position as a global content provider of choice for Islamic Finance training & education.”

On his part, Noorulfazal Bulbul, Head of the Bangladeshi Association of Banks (BAB) stated: “As part of this, our agreement with the BIBF will help us offer more specialised training courses and opportunities to allow individuals to acquire globally reputed certifications with the goal of increasing local capacity in all key aspects of banking.”

BIBF in trainingdeal with BAB

Manama

Securities & Investment Company (SICO) announced yesterday

that the US$100 million Bahrain Liquidity Fund has contributed to a substantial increase in volumes traded on the Bahrain Bourse, since its launch in June 2016.

The Fund made a significant impact, immediately following its launch, with turnover on the Bourse improving by 67 per cent over the first five months of 2016, SICO said in a statement.

The Bahrain Liquidity Fund was initiated and co-seeded by SICO, who is also the Fund Investment Manager, in collaboration with four co-seed investors namely Osool, BBK, Mumtalakat and NBB.

They have invested equally in the Fund either by cash, shares in kind or a combination.

Commenting on the achievement, Najla M. Al Shirawi, Chief Executive Officer of Securities & Investment Company (SICO) said: “We are naturally delighted with the performance of the Bahrain Liquidity Fund since its launch in June 2016, which has reflected

positively on market valuations and performance.”

The Fund’s total contribution to turnover for the whole year was 65 per cent, with average daily traded value improving noticeably. The value of turnover for the Bahrain Bourse grew by 2 per cent in 2016, in sharp contrast to the decline posted by all other GCC markets, with the majority witnessing a reduction of between 20 and 30 per cent, the statement added.

“It should also be noted that average daily traded value on the Bahrain Bourse increased more than five-fold from BD192 thousand in January 2016 to BD1 million in January 2017. In that month, the Fund’s average traded value was BD362 thousand, representing 36 per cent of total daily traded value on the Bourse. When normalised for the elevated trading activity on shares of Khaleeji Commercial Bank, average traded value on the Bahrain Bourse in January 2017 was BD 745 thousand – an increase of almost three times – of which the Bahrain Liquidity Fund represented 48 per cent,” Al Shirawi added.

Bahrain Liquidity Fund boostsBHB turnover

Najla M. Al Shiraw

Dr Ahmed Abdulhameed Al Shaikh and Noorulfazal Bulbul exchange collaborative agreement

BUSINESS Tuesday, March 7, 201710

COUNTRY/CURRENCIES SELLBUY

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

COUNTRY 1 US DLR 1 UK STG 1 SFR 100 YEN

BAHRAIN 0.3770 0.4699 0.3732 0.3316

KUWAIT 0.2855 32.4614 0.2826 0.2511

OMAN 0.3849 0.3888 0.3810 0.3385

QATAR 3.6420 3.6791 3.6052 3.2032

UAE 3.6730 3.7105 3.6359 3.2304

SAUDI 3.7500 3.7883 3.7121 3.2982

AUSTRALIA 0.2971 0.2947BANGLADESH 0.00506 0.00475CANADA 0.2945 0.2914DENMARK 0.0569 EGYPT 0.0361 0.0219EURO 0.4059 0.4038HONGKONG 0.04983 0.04943INDIA 0.00582 0.00577INDONESIA 0.00002997 0.00002894IRAN TUMAN 0.00010959 IRAQI DINAR 0.000294 JAPAN 0.003520 0.003450JORDAN 0.5346 0.5351KOREA 0.00038401 KUWAIT 1.2580 1.242MALAYSIA 0.087500 0.0873NEW ZEALAND 0.2767 0.2744NORWAY 0.0473 NEPAL 0.00387 0.00353OMAN 0.97962 0.98262PAKISTAN 0.00365 0.00360PHILIPPINES 0.00777 0.00753QATAR 0.10381 0.10376SAUDI ARABIA 0.10061 0.26810SINGAPORE 0.2730 0.2710SOUTH AFRICA 0.03120 0.03110SRI LANKA 0.00277 0.00249SWEDISH 0.0451 .SWITZERLAND 0.3826 0.3801SYRIA 0.001740 0.0123TAIWAN 0.012800 THAILAND 0.010990 0.010990TURKEY 0.1105 UNITED KINGDOM 0.4796 0.4766UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 0.102800 0.102810UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 0.37800 0.37805YUAN 0.058500 0.0585

Manama

The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance

(BIBF) has signed a collaborative agreement with the Bangladeshi Association of Banks (BAB) to further provide specialised Islamic Finance education for its members.

The BIBF and BAB both agreed to incorporate Islamic Banking training

courses and applied research to further develop the Islamic finance industry and provide learners with more insight, knowledge and understanding of the principles of the industry. As part of the agreement, the BIBF and BAB will provide more training platforms in both Bahrain and Bangladesh.

Commenting on the

announcement, Dr Ahmed Abdulhameed Al Shaikh, Deputy Director of the BIBF said: “As part of this collaboration, it is critical to maintain close partnerships with institutions such as Bangladeshi Association of Banks to further strengthen our position as a global content provider of choice for Islamic Finance training & education.”

On his part, Noorulfazal Bulbul, Head of the Bangladeshi Association of Banks (BAB) stated: “As part of this, our agreement with the BIBF will help us offer more specialised training courses and opportunities to allow individuals to acquire globally reputed certifications with the goal of increasing local capacity in all key aspects of banking.”

BIBF in trainingdeal with BAB

Manama

Securities & Investment Company (SICO) announced yesterday

that the US$100 million Bahrain Liquidity Fund has contributed to a substantial increase in volumes traded on the Bahrain Bourse, since its launch in June 2016.

The Fund made a significant impact, immediately following its launch, with turnover on the Bourse improving by 67 per cent over the first five months of 2016, SICO said in a statement.

The Bahrain Liquidity Fund was initiated and co-seeded by SICO, who is also the Fund Investment Manager, in collaboration with four co-seed investors namely Osool, BBK, Mumtalakat and NBB.

They have invested equally in the Fund either by cash, shares in kind or a combination.

Commenting on the achievement, Najla M. Al Shirawi, Chief Executive Officer of Securities & Investment Company (SICO) said: “We are naturally delighted with the performance of the Bahrain Liquidity Fund since its launch in June 2016, which has reflected

positively on market valuations and performance.”

The Fund’s total contribution to turnover for the whole year was 65 per cent, with average daily traded value improving noticeably. The value of turnover for the Bahrain Bourse grew by 2 per cent in 2016, in sharp contrast to the decline posted by all other GCC markets, with the majority witnessing a reduction of between 20 and 30 per cent, the statement added.

“It should also be noted that average daily traded value on the Bahrain Bourse increased more than five-fold from BD192 thousand in January 2016 to BD1 million in January 2017. In that month, the Fund’s average traded value was BD362 thousand, representing 36 per cent of total daily traded value on the Bourse. When normalised for the elevated trading activity on shares of Khaleeji Commercial Bank, average traded value on the Bahrain Bourse in January 2017 was BD 745 thousand – an increase of almost three times – of which the Bahrain Liquidity Fund represented 48 per cent,” Al Shirawi added.

Bahrain Liquidity Fund boostsBHB turnover

Najla M. Al Shiraw

Dr Ahmed Abdulhameed Al Shaikh and Noorulfazal Bulbul exchange collaborative agreement

Manama

Following public calls for the return of a

desert-driving favourite, Nissan announced yesterday the rebirth of its legendary Patrol Super Safari in the Middle East.

It is one of the most coveted off-road vehicles ever sold in the region.

“The return of the legendary Patrol Super Safari reflects Nissan’s willingness not only to listen to its regional customers, but to also respond to their wishes,” said Samir Cherfan, Managing Director of Nissan Middle East.

“Widely considered as one of the truly all-terrain

vehicles of modern time, the

Patrol Super Safari continues to impress

with its inherent ruggedness, durability

and ability to cope with the extremes of the varied

terrains and temperatures.”The re-imagined Nissan

Patrol Super Safari retains all the elements that have

elevated it to iconic status such as the rugged design and off road capability, while delivering a modern approach by the upgrades and enhancements that add to its usability and visual appeal.

Designed to be a remarkable off-road vehicle while maintaining all the comforts of a road going

full size SUV, the Patrol Super Safari

incorporates some of the latest innovation and features that Nissan customers have come to expect.

Key highlightsThe 2017 Patrol Super Safari boasts all-new tan leather seats and door trim with 8-way power seats for the driver and 4-way for the front passenger. New driver aids include a navigation system as well as front and rear parking sensors with rear view camera, Bluetooth, USB, CD, auxiliary input socket and FM/AM radio to complete the in-car entertainment offering. The vehicle comes equipped with automatic climate control and a built-in, refrigerated cool box.

D i s t i n c t i v e machine cut 17” black alloy wheels, dual-tone body colors, flared fenders, a rear spoiler and a Super Safari body stripe all build on its iconic looks.

The Patrol Super Safari boasts a 4.8L DOHC in-line 6-cylinder engine producing 280hp and a mighty 46kg or 451Nm of torque which allows it to power up dunes or tow heavy objects with ease. The engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) keep everything on the straight and narrow while

driving on the highway.Dual front

a i r b a g s , ABS, an

immobilizer and cruise control are the other features contributing to safety and driver convenience, while the vehicle boasts an electric front winch, as well as front and rear tow hooks as standard equipment for desert use.

Complementing the existing Patrol line up which includes the V8, V6 and Patrol NISMO, Cherfan is confident that the market for the Patrol Super Safari is

a healthy one thanks to

its captive audience a n d devoted fans.

Tuesday, March 7, 2017 11Audi’s product offensive continues with a display of

power at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. Described as a “coupe from Audi Sport that perfectly

combines performance and aesthetics”, the new RS5 Coupe is coming to complete the new A5 Coupe family, and to sit above the S5 in the range.

Created to rival the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, the Audi Q8 will also land at the brand’s stand in Geneva, straight from the 2017 Detroit Auto Show.

Reports also talked about other premieres at the Audi stand, such as the RS1, and RS Q5 but these remain unconfirmed. (carscoops)

Oslo

Norway, which already boasts the world’s highest number of electric cars per capita, said yesterday that electric cars

represented half of new registrations in the country so far this year.

“This is a milestone on road to an electric car fleet, which will reduce (CO2) emissions

by 40 percent by 2030 ” Climate and Environment Minister

Vidar Helgesen said. (AFP)

Half of cars in Norway electric Audi announces new premieres

8 4.8L 6-cyl in-line DOHC engine, max 280hp, 46kg or 451Nm of torque8 5 speed automatic trans-mission with manual mode8 Rear locking differentials, electric front winch, front tow hook, rear pintle hook8 Tan leather seats and trim, leather and wood print

steering wheel, navigation system, 8/4 way pow-

ered driver/passen-ger seats, auto

climate control, r e f r i g e r a t e d cool box

Samir Cherfan

Nissan Patrol Super Safari


BDF Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa received the Commander of the Su-preme Council for Youth & Sport First Vice Chairman and Bahrain Royal Equestrian & En-durance Federation President HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The commander-in-chief lauded Shaikh Khalid’s tremendous efforts to achieve more combat and adminis-trative progress for the Royal Guard’s Special Force

Wife of His Majesty the King & Supreme Council for Women Chairwoman HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibra-him Al Khalifa yesterday received organisers and sponsors of Art Bahrain Across Borders (ArtBAB) 2017 fair. Princess Sabeeka pointed out success of the first edition of the exhibition last year which brought together 43 exhibitors from 17 countries and underlined Bahrain’s richness in artistic talents and long history of creativity

Prime Minister, HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday received Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, at the Gudaibiya Palace. Commenting on their recent tour in some of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the Premier and the Crown Prince expressed satisfaction over the keenness of GCC states to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation

Prime Minister, HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday re-ceived the Saudi Royal Adviser and former Min-ister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Nuaimi at Qudaibiyah Palace. The Prime Minister praised the constantly growing historical relations and cooperation between the two kingdoms at all levels, paying tribute to the Saudi’s supportive stances toward main-taining Bahrain’s stabil-ity and security

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa paid homage to late dignitary Qasim Mohammed Youssef Fakhro, hailing his contribution to national economic and trade development and humanitarian and charity initiatives. This came as the King received yesterday at Al-Safriya Palace members of Fakhro Family. The Fakhros expressed deepest thanks and appreciation to the King. The King also received Khalid Abdulrahman Almoayyed and his daughter Alia Almoayed, Nutritional Therapist, Author and Consultant

Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) Chief Executive Mohammed Ali AlQaed headed the 19th GCC eGovernment Executive Committee Meeting – hosted 5th and 6th of March by Qatar. The highly esteemed meeting was attended by chief executives and general managers of GCC eGovernments.

Honorary Chairman of Bahrain Parents Care Society, Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa said progress of soci-eties is largely due to the efforts who set up the foundation of the renaissance movement, who deserve to be paid back and provide them with care and welfare. This came during Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali’s visit to the society and meeting with president Ahmed Al-Banna and staff, where he was briefed on the society’s activities for promoting the elderly and parents social care values and principles

Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani met the CEO of Bahrain Bourse, Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa and Chairman of the Board, Abdulkareem Bucheeri and Board Member, Ayman Al-moayyed, who briefed the minister on the latest develop-ments of Bahrain Bourse especially after its transformation into self-censorship organization. In this regard, the minis-ter appreciated efforts undertaken by Bahraini Bourse with an aim to enhance its role as major economic institution

Tuesday, March 7, 2017 13

BDF Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa yes-terday received the new-ly-appointed Australian Military Attaché to Bahrain, Colonel Bradley Robert-son and wished the new military attaché every suc-cess in assuming his duties, and reviewed with him the friendship and cooperation relations between the two countries, and ways to bolster them. They also discussed is-sues of common interest

BDF Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa received the Commander of the Su-preme Council for Youth & Sport First Vice Chairman and Bahrain Royal Equestrian & En-durance Federation President HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The commander-in-chief lauded Shaikh Khalid’s tremendous efforts to achieve more combat and adminis-trative progress for the Royal Guard’s Special Force

Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa concluded an official visit to the State of Qatar. The Crown Prince was accompanied by Supreme Council for Youth & Sport Chairman, Bahrain Olympic Committee President & Royal Charity Organisation (RCO) Chairman, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa and a number of Bahraini ministers and senior officials. The official visit provided an opportunity for the Crown Prince to meet the Emir of the State of Qatar His Highness Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and to discuss historic relations and ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across a wide range of areas

Prime Minister, HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday received Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, at the Gudaibiya Palace. Commenting on their recent tour in some of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the Premier and the Crown Prince expressed satisfaction over the keenness of GCC states to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa paid homage to late dignitary Qasim Mohammed Youssef Fakhro, hailing his contribution to national economic and trade development and humanitarian and charity initiatives. This came as the King received yesterday at Al-Safriya Palace members of Fakhro Family. The Fakhros expressed deepest thanks and appreciation to the King. The King also received Khalid Abdulrahman Almoayyed and his daughter Alia Almoayed, Nutritional Therapist, Author and Consultant

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received founders, veterans, President and members of the Bahrain Tennis Club, on the occasion of the club’s 40th an-niversary. The King congratulated them and tasked the Youth and Sport Affairs Ministry to conduct a comprehensive study to set up a central tennis court to pro-mote the game. King Hamad honoured the founders and staff members of the club, including its former presidents: Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa, Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Dr. Ali Mohammed Fakhro, Shaikh Salman bin Sagr Al Khalifa, Yusuf Haider, Khamis Al-Mugla and Dr. Tawfeeq Abdulrahman Al-Moayyad

Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) Chief Executive Mohammed Ali AlQaed headed the 19th GCC eGovernment Executive Committee Meeting – hosted 5th and 6th of March by Qatar. The highly esteemed meeting was attended by chief executives and general managers of GCC eGovernments.

The U.S. Embassy and Bahrain Cinema Club (BCC) hosted a film screening of the award-winning documentary film, “Sriracha”, along with a discus-sion with award-winning Ameri-can documentary filmmaker Griffin Hammond. U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Aimee Cutrona joined with BCC Founding Board Member Nader Al Maskati, BCC Treasurer Huda Tab-barah, and Board Member Hameed Karimi to welcome film enthusiasts to the screening and discussion

Minister of Labour & Social Development, Jameel Hu-maidan met MP Ghazi Al Rahma, in the presence of Jawad Marhoun, the Chairman of Abrar Family Wel-fare Society and several board members. The minis-ter praised the role and efforts of non-governmental organisatons (NGOs) in supporting community de-velopment and humanitarian work as part of com-munity responsibility and reaffirmed the ministry’s support in the initiatives of civil society organisations

Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani met the CEO of Bahrain Bourse, Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa and Chairman of the Board, Abdulkareem Bucheeri and Board Member, Ayman Al-moayyed, who briefed the minister on the latest develop-ments of Bahrain Bourse especially after its transformation into self-censorship organisation. In this regard, the minis-ter appreciated efforts undertaken by Bahraini Bourse with an aim to enhance its role as major economic institution

Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani met with Chairman of Aluminum Bahrain (Alba) Shaikh Duaij bin Salman Al Khalifa, and Chief Executive of Asry, Andy Shaw and Chief Restructuring Officer Dr. Tobias Plate and praised the influential role played by ALBA and Asry in developing nation-al economy. The minister stressed the importance of cooperation and coordination between the public sector and the private sec-tor to make the Kingdom a favorite destination for investors

Emma Watson says she is confused by the Vanity Fair photo controversy and says feminism is not

something one can use to bash women up.Watson, 26, who posed in a see-through top for the cover

of the magazine, was accused by some of being anti-feminist due to her photographs.

“Feminism is about giving women choice. Feminism is not a stick with which to beat other women with. I’m confused. Most people are confused. I’m always just kind of quietly stunned,” says Watson.

The actress, who will be seen in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ opposite actor Dan Stevens, adds feminism is “about freedom, it’s about liberation. It’s about equality.” (TOI)

Actress Dakota Johnson says she has made a pact with her

parents actors Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson not to watch her ‘Fifty Shades’ films.

The 27-year-old actress says it is ‘hard’ for them to come to terms with this condition but is thankful they agreed to it.

“I know it’s tough. But I made them promise and they respect that. That’s hard for them, just this huge movement around these

movies that I’m part of, but not being able to watch them,” says

JohnsonShe adds she is particularly grateful

to her parents for not watching ‘Fifty Shades Darker’ because it’s more erotic than the first film. (TOI)

Veteran actor Patrick Stewart says he made the crew of ‘Logan’ feel jealous when co-star Hugh Jackman carried him around while shooting for the scenes of the film.

The 76-year-old star, who plays the wheelchair-bound character of Professor Charles Xavier, had to be carried up the flights of stairs by Jackman’s Wolverine and Stewart says many people on the sets were green with envy.

“There were numerous envious glances in my direction by certain members of the crew,” says Stewart. He adds, he considers being carried by Jackman was an honour and something that will be a part of his working profile.

Stewart says, “I think that is one thing I shall have on my CV in the future - a Knight of the Realm and also the distinction of being carried in the arms of Hugh Jackman all around the south of the United States. I look it as a significant distinction.” (TOI)

Actress-director Angelina Jolie says she hopes Cambodians will be proud of her film ‘First They Killed My Father’

instead of feeling hatred or resentment for what the country endured in the late 1970s.

The movie throws light on the genocide in Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge communist party’s regime. “I hope this doesn’t bring up hatred. I hope this doesn’t bring up blame. I hope the people of this country are proud when they see it, because they see what they’ve survived,” Jolie says. (TOI)

Kris Jenner‏ @KrisJenner

KUWTK is back next Sunday!! Season 13

premieres Sunday, March 12 at 9/8c on E!

#soexcited #KUWTKSunday #Season13 #family


Weisz gained recognition for her roles in The Mummy and The Constant Gardener. Her other films include The Bourne Legacy and Constantine.

Rachel Weisz

March 7, 1970

Emma Watson says she is confused by the Vanity Fair photo controversy and says feminism is not

something one can use to bash women up.Watson, 26, who posed in a see-through top for the cover

of the magazine, was accused by some of being anti-feminist due to her photographs.

“Feminism is about giving women choice. Feminism is not a stick with which to beat other women with. I’m confused. Most people are confused. I’m always just kind of quietly stunned,” says Watson.

The actress, who will be seen in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ opposite actor Dan Stevens, adds feminism is “about freedom, it’s about liberation. It’s about equality.” (TOI)

Actress Dakota Johnson says she has made a pact with her

parents actors Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson not to watch her ‘Fifty Shades’ films.

The 27-year-old actress says it is ‘hard’ for them to come to terms with this condition but is thankful they agreed to it.

“I know it’s tough. But I made them promise and they respect that. That’s hard for them, just this huge movement around these

movies that I’m part of, but not being able to watch them,” says

JohnsonShe adds she is particularly grateful

to her parents for not watching ‘Fifty Shades Darker’ because it’s more erotic than the first film. (TOI)

Veteran actor Patrick Stewart says he made the crew of ‘Logan’ feel jealous when co-star Hugh Jackman carried him around while shooting for the scenes of the film.

The 76-year-old star, who plays the wheelchair-bound character of Professor Charles Xavier, had to be carried up the flights of stairs by Jackman’s Wolverine and Stewart says many people on the sets were green with envy.

“There were numerous envious glances in my direction by certain members of the crew,” says Stewart. He adds, he considers being carried by Jackman was an honour and something that will be a part of his working profile.

Stewart says, “I think that is one thing I shall have on my CV in the future - a Knight of the Realm and also the distinction of being carried in the arms of Hugh Jackman all around the south of the United States. I look it as a significant distinction.” (TOI)

Actress-director Angelina Jolie says she hopes Cambodians will be proud of her film ‘First They Killed My Father’

instead of feeling hatred or resentment for what the country endured in the late 1970s.

The movie throws light on the genocide in Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge communist party’s regime. “I hope this doesn’t bring up hatred. I hope this doesn’t bring up blame. I hope the people of this country are proud when they see it, because they see what they’ve survived,” Jolie says. (TOI)

Kris Jenner‏ @KrisJenner

KUWTK is back next Sunday!! Season 13

premieres Sunday, March 12 at 9/8c on E!

#soexcited #KUWTKSunday #Season13 #family


Weisz gained recognition for her roles in The Mummy and The Constant Gardener. Her other films include The Bourne Legacy and Constantine.

Rachel Weisz

March 7, 1970


Beauty and the BeastDirector: Bill CondonStars: Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans

T2 Trainspotting Director: Danny BoyleStars: Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Robert Carlyle

Power RangersDirector: Dean IsraeliteStars: Becky G., Elizabeth Banks, Bryan Cranston

LifeDirector: Daniel EspinosaStars: Rebecca Ferguson, Jake Gyllenhaal, Ryan Reynolds

ChipsDirector: Dax ShepardStars: Michael Peña, Dax Shepard, Jessica McNamee

MOVIES... COMING SOON... next week

Musician Katy Perry attends the iHeartRadio Music Awards which broadcast live on Turner’s TBS at The Forum (AFP)

(www.imdb.com)

New York

Adele, who has become a global pop sensation with her songs of heartbreak, has

confirmed years of speculation that she is married.

The English singer has been in a long-term relationship with Simon Konecki, a former financier who founded drop4drop, a charity that presses for global access to clean drinking water.

The couple have a four-year-old son, Angelo, but Adele has been coy about

whether they are married as she tries to maintain her privacy.

But she confirmed their status at a concert in Brisbane, Australia on Sunday

as she introduced “Someone Like You,” her breakthrough 2011 hit written about the

lingering pain of a breakup with a previous boyfriend.

“That feeling when you first fall for someone is the best feeling on earth,” she said, according to a fan’s video posted online.

Attentive fans at last month’s Grammy Awards also heard Adele thanking “my husband and my son -- you’re the only reason I do it.”

Her representative declined at the time to say whether she had been confirming her marriage to Konecki. (AFP)

MEI YUE NIGHTS AT RE/ASIAN CUISINE BY WOLFGANG PUCKDate : Today 7 pm – 11 pmVenue : Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay

Join re/Asian Cuisine’s culinary superstars on an epicurean journey every first Tuesday of the month, and experience the authentic world of the Asian street food culture spiced with world renowned restaurateur Wolfgang Puck’s modern take on traditional Asian cuisine. During this special dining experience available all through March, April and May, 2017 (mei yue means ‘every month’), the restaurant will turn literally upside down switching the regular dining tables to live cooking stations. Seize the opportunity to personally meet the talented culinary team at re/Asian Cuisine - this time preparing delicious street food live behind each action station. You are welcome to enjoy a taste of what they do best: cooking authentic Asian fusion delicacies. If you are a fan of the traditional fried noodle mie goreng, the spicy chili pan mee, or the juicy Korean short rib, you will definitely find re/Asian Cuisine’s Mei Yue Nights a one-of-a-kind culinary experience that needs to be repeated every month.

SWAYTA SHA JEWELLERY EXHIBITIONDate: 8 Mar ch 10 am – 6 pmVenue: Words BookstoreCafé- Jannusan

Join us for Swayta Sha’s Spring 2017 collection of vibrant semi-precious jewels and unique sparkling diamonds, named Dancing Diamonds, beautifully designed by Swayta Toolsidass. Swayta’s love of jewellery started at a young age as she watched members of her own family create fine pieces. Her great grandfather was a jeweller to the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1890 and his jewellery sold across the globe. With the pedigree of this knowledge she has launched her own brand Swayta Sha.

WORLD EDUCATION SUMMIT 2017 Date: 8 Mar ch 10 am - 09 Mar 10 amVenue: Bahrain Bayan School- Isa Town

Since 2011, World Education

Summit has brought together decision makers, influential experts and practitioners at an annual Summit from around the world, to explore groundbreaking innovations and take concrete steps to make significant improvements to worldwide education. The World Education Summit for Education is the premier international platform dedicated to innovation and creative action in education where top decision-makers share insights with on-the- ground practitioners and collaborate to rethink education. The strength of the World Education Summit is its broad multi-sectoral base, which gathers individuals from all fields of the public and private sectors, who together harness their expertise in order to share solutions

to the challenges facing education today and tomorrow. By bringing together some of the leading thinkers in the education from around the world and further a field, World Education Summit will inspire the audience and challenge them to think differently. The World Education Summit aims to gather inspirational speakers not only from Middle East but also from around the World.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Date : 8 Mar ch 7 pm – 11:59 pm Venue: Upstairs Downstairs Restaurant Adliya

Coming soon will be Women’s Day, so it’s a time to make a note in advance. It’s the day of the year for celebrating women around the world, from work colleagues, friends and the family, so it’s a date not to forget, the 8th March. For those wishing to celebrate by making it a special night, we have created a menu for this special event, at just BD. 14/- ++ per person for a four course meal including a welcoming glass of bubbly. Come and celebrate Women’s Day at Up’n’Down, with live entertainment provided by our resident duo Fox & Alchemy.

HOLI FESTIVAL OF COLOURS AT ROTI BOTIDate : 9 Mar ch 12 pm - 13 Mar 11 pm Venue : Al Areen Palace And Spa- Sakhir

Roti Boti invites you to the enthusiastic celebration of Holi, India’s Festival of Colours! From March 9 - 13, tranquilize your taste buds with exotic flavor and aroma of Awadhi cuisine from the city of Lucknow, one of the culinary capitals of India. Paint this day with colorful memories in majestic style with our live Indian band.


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,

please use one of the following: [email protected], or

call 38444680.

HIGHLIGHT

HIGHLIGHT

OUT OF TIME, A GROUP EXHIBITION Date: The opening today from 7:00 – 9:00pmVenue: Albareh Art Gallery in Adliya

Bahrain-based Egyptian artist Jehan Saleh and Moroccan artist Abdellah Ahddaf have announced their group exhibition Out of Time as a part of the 2017 Spring of Culture. The exhibition that features the works of 20 Spanish and Middle-Eastern artists will be held under the patronage of Director of Culture and Arts Shaikha Hala bint Mohammed Al Khalifa at Albareh Art Gallery in Adliya on Tuesday, 7th of March, 2017 from 7 – 9 pm.Artist and curator Saleh, an active member of Bahrain Contemporary Art Society spent a week of solitude in Sant Pere de Reudebitles while attending the Art Biennale by the same name. It is here that she was stimulated to create a similar art scene in Bahrain. Inspired by the idea, Saleh and Ahddaf approached artists to make five pieces each for Out of Time. So, the group show is a visual testament to what artists can accomplish when they take time off from their hectic day-day schedules and worldly matters. The result is a stunning display of creativity in a vast range of styles and media, brought together by a common theme, and unified by the use of square sheets of handmade paper from Sant Pere de Riudetiblles as a physical point of departure on which to execute their art. The 24-month project has transformed into an exhibition featuring 100 works by Abdellah Ahaddaf, Ahmed Anan, Aura Gumà, David Ribas, Faika Al Hassan, Georg Massanés, Hussien Al Mohasen, Jaffar Al Oraibi, Jaume Amigó, Jehan Saleh, Keiju Kawashima, Ko Aarts, Lobna Al Amin, Miquel Sabaté, Mohammed Omar Khalil, Monia Touiss, Nabeela Al Khayer, Nader Al Abassi, Vicky Benitez, and Zuhair Al Saeed. Out of Time continues at the Albareh Art Gallery until 30th of March 2017.

CHERRY TREE TOT RACEDate: March 11Venue: Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir

The American Women’s Association (AWA) is all set to host its fun-filled Cherry Tree Tot Race to raise funds for more than 35 Bahraini charities supported by its Community Service Fund. The oldest and most high profile charity event celebrating the spirit of mentally and physically challenged participants will be held on 11th of March 2017 at the Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir. Divided among three main categories namely adults (over the age of 18), Children and people in wheelchairs, the event includes a 2k race for physically and mentally challenged participants and other 2k, 3k, 5k, and 8k races for able bodied participants. Children aged between 6-12 years can join the 2k runners and those older can enter the 2k, 3k, 5k and 8k races. Those who dislike running can come along to spectate for free, indulge in the food for sale or join the 3k Walkathon. The participants with mental and physical challenges will be supported in

their race by students and adult volunteers, including many from the American Forces based in Bahrain. AWA spokeswoman Lubna Al-Alami said: The Cherry Tree Tot race is such a beautiful platform for the multicultural community in Bahrain to come together and spread the message of good health and positivity while supporting some wonderful causes. For online registration queries, please call on: +973 39132102 / +973 38385099 or email at: [email protected] / [email protected].

For general information, please visit the AWA website at www.awabahrain.org or www.adnanevents.org.

MAJID AL MUHANDIS AND WALEED AL SHAMI CONCERT Date: March 10, 8.30pm Venue: Bahrain Bay

A stellar line-up of Arab music stars will be headlining the third week of the Spring of Culture, which is running for its 12th consecutive year. Arab singers Majid Al Muhandis and Waleed Al Shami will be performing on Friday at 8.30pm in Bahrain Bay.

Among Majid Al Muhandis’ greatest hits are “Waheshni Moot” and “Ouzkourini”, as well as “Nami Ya Ayni”, which is a collaboration with fellow Iraqi and previous Spring of Culture performer Kazem Al Saher.

Born in the city of Baghdad, Iraqi composer and singer Waleed Al Shami studied at Baghdad’s Institute

of Musical Studies, where he mastered playing the Oud. Al Shami then turned his attention to singing, and was shortly signed by Rashed Al Majed’s production company “Funoon Al Jazeera”.

Majid Al Muhandis and Waleed Al Shami’s concert at the Spring of Culture 2017 has been organised by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) as part of its support to the annual festival.

Tickets for the upcoming concert will be sold at the Spring of Culture stand at City Centre Bahrain Entrance Four and online at www.springofculture.org.

For the latest news and updates on events, follow the official Spring of Culture account @springofculture on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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Local Call Assistance - 100Local Directory Enquiries - 181International Call Enquiries (Country & Area Codes) - 191 Weatherline - 17 236 236Flight Information - 17 339 339

Salmaniya Medical - 17288888KIMS Medical Centre - 17822123Royal Bahrain Hospital - 17246811BDF Hospital - 17766666Awali Hospital - 17753333Al Kindi Hospital - 17240444Al Hilal Hospital - 17344199 Al Amal Hospital - 17602602Al Jazira Hospital - 17288000Psychiatric Hospital 00397271 -Bahrain Inter’l Hospital - 17598222Ibn Al Nafees - 17828282International Medical City - 17490006 Al Noor Specialist Hospital - 17260026 American Mission Hospital - 17253447Bahrain Specialist Hospital - 17812222Gulf Dental Speciality Hospital - 17741444

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18 Tuesday, March 7, 2017COOL ZONE

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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)

Suddenly your emotions get much more intense today. You will notice that people are on edge and that they are likely to go to extremes in all situations. Today is a day to do things with passion. If there is any sort of detective work that you need to do, now is the time to do it. Try not to start any arguments, for others are not likely to back down.

There is a strong force that is working to oppose you today. You may find that the unbending attitude of others is holding you back from things you are trying to get accomplished. Take this time to see the other side of the coin. You can gain a great deal of perspective and come to a healthy point of balance, thanks to the events of the day.

There is an intensity about the day that may cause you to recoil from certain events and conversations. Issues may get uncomfortable and perhaps a bit too involved. Other people may want to go places that you simply do not. Don’t get upset or frustrated by these actions. Either join in and roll with the punches, or simply walk away and deal with the issues later.You would do well to join in with the intensity of the day. You have the ability to unravel any riddle and get to the bottom of any dispute. There is a great deal of potential for you to follow through on some major projects today. Work to press through with your ideas, and don’t back down. Your tremendous sensitivity is your greatest asset. Today might end up being combative for you. More than likely there will be people opposing you from all angles. There are apt to be some serious disruptions in your daily routine. Others are apt to be quite stubborn, and you could fall into a stalemate from which no one is willing to back down. Whatever happens, you will be called upon to act.

Your powers of flexibility will be put to the test. More than likely, it will be you who ends up twisting and flexing to fit the contours of the day. You will find, however, that if you join forces with the strong and powerful movers, you will get quite a bit done and be very successful. Don’t be intimidated by the intensity of other people’s emotions. You may have a hard time figuring out why everyone is so worked up today. Don’t waste your time trying,. You are better off accepting that things simply are the way they are, and allowing other people to have their own drama. Your job is to maintain the balance. This may be easier said than done, since you are working with some pretty intense issues, but this is nothing you can’t handle.

If anyone is capable of dealing with the intense emotional energy of the day, it is you. Other people may be flying off the handle. Take care, however, since there is apt to be some major opposition coming at you that may cause a bit of disruption to overall plans. You will be faced with a very practical, grounding force that is questioning your methods of operation. Use these lessons to your advantage.

The intense energy of the day is helping you to streamline your projects and solidify your thoughts, . Work to make the ideas and dreams you constantly have swirling around in your head a reality. This is a great day to bring your mind into focus and get right down to the nitty-gritty. Clean up the scraps off your plate and make room for the next gourmet course to be served.

Your easygoing nature may be challenged today by stubborn forces that are working to solidify their position. You would do well to tap into this aggressive energy, and use it to follow through on some projects that you have left hanging. Other people may be quite unyielding in their position, but you can easily overcome this. Tune into the aggressive energy of the day, and use it to push forward with your intentions. There is a great deal of emotional intensity that will bring you to your knees if not careful. The secret is to use it to your advantage. Try not to get caught between the crossfire of conflict. Tap into the slow-moving, generous force that is helping you to ground your thoughts and your emotions.

Today is one of those days in which you need to act, or else you will be acted upon. There are stubborn, aggressive forces that are working counter to your aims, and you will find that you are easily swept up into the thick of things if you are not careful. Don’t get too worried about what people say is wrong. Have confidence in yourself and in what you know to be right.

1- Actress Sorvino; 5- Assistant, particularly to heads of state; 9- Israelidesert region; 14- Biblical garden; 15- River of Flanders; 16- Win by ___; 17- Turner of “Peyton Place”; 18- ...___ forgive our debtors; 19- Come together; 20- Capital of Bhutan; 22- More reasonable; 23- Loudness units; 24- Get hitched quick; 28- An organization; 34- Suppress; 38- Letters on a Cardinal’s cap; 39- Potpourri; 40- Clan emblems; 41- Threatening words; 43- Space; 44- NFL scores; 47- Talks back to; 48- Underwater coral collection; 51- Water vapor; 52- Spud;57- Attorney follower; 61- Trap; 63- Clamp; 64- Other, in Oaxaca; 66- Ski lift; 67- Punctuation mark; 68- Hourly rate; 69- Joy Adamson’s lioness; 70- Point in the desired direction; 71- First name in stunts; 72- Visualized;

1- Thaws; 2- Spud state; 3- Kidney enzyme; 4- Make ___ for oneself; 5- Indian nursemaid; 6- Flows out; 7- Drops on the grass; 8- Before, to Byron; 9- Sickness at the stomach; 10- Sicilian resort; 11- Enter; 12- Italy’s Villa d’___; 13- Swerve; 21- Sacred song; 25- ___ Angeles; 26- Fall mo.; 27- Furry; 29- Stanza of six lines; 30- Some digits; 31- Misfortunes; 32- River to the Seine; 33- Refusals; 34- Wild guess; 35- When said three times, a 1970 war movie; 36- Roman road; 37- Phobia; 42- Floating platforms; 45- Dr. of rap; 46- Lady of Sp.; 49- Honest!; 50- Come out; 53- Pays to play; 54- Put off, as an agenda item; 55- Wipe away; 56- Aired again; 57- Basics; 58- Jog; 59- Weak, as an excuse; 60- Wile E. Coyote’s supplier; 62- Yuletide; 64- Be in the red; 65- The last letter of the Hebrew alphabet;

BEETLE BAILEY R

z #PollToday

Yes No Can’t Say

GCC nation’s fight against terrorism going in the right direction?

Rest in sight

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

/nobonline/newsofbahrain

Indian police find 19 female foetuses dumped in sewer

Bangladesh orders shutdown of tanneries

Indian police said yesterday they had found 19 aborted female foetuses dumped in a sewer in the western state of Maharashtra, highlight-ing the country’s problem of female foeticide.

Security services have foiled 13 potential terror attacks in Britain since 2013, with more than 500 active investigations at any one time.

A Bangladeshi court ordered to shut down more than 100 tanneries after they were accused of dumping toxic waste into city’s main river.

Tuesday, March 7, 2017 19North Korean missilesreach waters off Japan

Seoul

Nuclear-armed North Korea launched four

ballistic missiles yesterday in another challenge to President Donald Trump, with three landing provocatively close to America’s ally Japan.

Seoul and Washington began annual joint military exercises last week that always infuriate Pyongyang, with the North’s military warning of “merciless nuclear counter-action”.

Seoul said four missiles were fired from Tongchang County in North Pyongan province into the East Sea -- its name for the Sea of Japan. The missiles travelled around 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) and reached an altitude of 260 kilometres, said a spokesman for South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, adding they were unlikely to be ICBMs.

Regional and world powers lined up to condemn the launches.

Geneva

More than one in four deaths in children

under five are linked to polluted environments, according to two new World Health Organisation reports published yesterday.

Each year, environmental risks such as indoor and outdoor pollution, second-hand smoke, unsafe water and poor sanitation kill around 1.7 million children between the ages of one month and five years, the reports found. Harmful exposure can start in the mother’s womb, increasing

the risk of premature birth, which can lead to life-long health problems. When children are exposed to air pollutants they also can face a lifelong increased risk of chronic respiratory diseases, like asthma, and of heart disease, stroke and cancer.

The findings were in line with a WHO study published last year showing that about a quarter of all deaths worldwide, across all age groups, were attributable to environmental factors like air, water and soil pollution, as well as unsafe roads and workplace stress.

Seoul

North Korea said yesterday it would expel

Malaysia’s ambassador after its own envoy was ordered out of the Southeast Asian nation, in an increasingly bitter row over the assassination of Kim Jong-Nam at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

“The Foreign Ministry of the DPRK (North Korea) notifies that the Malaysian ambassador to the DPRK is labeled as a persona non grata... and demanded that

the ambassador leave the DPRK,” state news agency KCNA said, giving a 48-hour deadline.

The KCNA report came shortly after the North’s ambassador Kang Chol flew home from Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia’s ambassador to Pyongyang had already been recalled for consultations as the two countries traded barbs over an investigation into the killing of the North Korean leader’s half-brother with VX nerve agent last month.

Environmental risks kill1.7m kids under 5 a year

Seoul expels Malaysian envoy in retaliation

Let us be very clear, Russia is up to all sorts of no good. They are engaged in cyber warfare, engaged in undermining countries in the Western Balkans, to say nothing of what has happened in eastern Ukraine

Boris JohnsonBritish Foreign Minister

Britain says 13 terror attack plots foiled

Erdogan’s Nazi claim ‘unacceptable’: Germany

Germany’s chancellery hit out against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for lik-ening a German ban on rallies by his ministers to “Nazi prac-tices”, calling the comparison “absolutely unacceptable”.

FrenchMurder

mysterysolved

Washington

The US Defence Department is investigating allegations

that Marines distributed nude pictures of female service personnel taken without their knowledge, officials said yesterday.

The explicit photos, shared on a secret Facebook page which has since been taken down, reportedly showed female Marines and other women in various states of undress.

Posts on the website, called “Marines United.” also contained lewd comments about some of the women.

“The Marine Corps is deeply concerned about allegations

regarding the derogatory online comments and sharing of salacious photographs in Marines United, a closed website. This behaviour destroys morale, erodes trust

and degrades the individual. The Marine Corps does not condone this sort of behaviour, which undermines its core values,” the United States Marine Corps (USMC) said.

Female Marines pictured naked

Brother-in-law confesses to murder of French familyNantes

A crowbar was the murder weapon in a French

family drama that left four people dead in an inheritance dispute over gold coins, the prosecutor of the western city of Nantes said yesterday.

The father’s brother-in-law Hubert Caouissin, who has confessed to the gruesome killings, went on to cut up the bodies, burning some parts and burying others, prosecutor Pierre Sennes told a news conference.

Pascal Troadec and his wife Brigitte, both 49, had gone missing along with their son Sebastien, 21, and their 18-year-old daughter Charlotte on February 16, sparking a mystery that gripped the nation.

Caouissin told investigators that he thought Pascal had kept gold coins for himself that “should have been shared with the rest of the family,” Sennes said, adding that he harboured “great rancour” over the decade-old dispute.

He is to be charged with murder, while his partner

Lydie -- Pascal’s sister -- faces charges of tampering with evidence and abetting the crime by helping him dispose of the bodies, Sennes said.

Caouissin told investigators he sneaked into the home in the Nantes suburb of Orvault on the evening of February 16, hiding in the garage until the four went to bed with the original intention of “obtaining information”, Sennes said.

Pascal and Brigitte came downstairs upon hearing noise on the ground floor, with Pascal wielding a crowbar, he said. “A scene of great violence” ensued, with Caouissin wresting the crowbar from Pascal and using it to kill both him and Brigitte.

He then killed Sebastien and Charlotte, both students who were visiting during school holidays, Sennes said.

Caouissin stayed until dawn before returning to his home in Brittany some 300 kilometres (180 miles) away, where he told Lydie that he had killed her brother and the other three Troadecs.

He returned on February 17 to clean up the house and remove the bodies, which he loaded into Sebastien’s car the following day.

Caouissin and Lydie Troadec spent the next two or three days trying to dispose of the bodies. “It appears the bodies were dismembered, some buried and others burned,” Sennes said.

They cleaned Sebastien’s car, “trying to get rid of the blood” and then left it in a church car park in the port of Saint Nazaire, about an hour’s drive away, “as a sort of diversion”, Sennes said.

A judicial probe into murder, abduction and illegal confinement was opened on February 27, 11 days after Brigitte’s sister raised the alarm. Few clues had emerged since the family’s mysterious disappearance.

The first breakthrough came on March 1 when a jogger found a pair of grey jeans in a forested area by the Brittany town of Dirinon, with Charlotte’s national health card in a pocket. (AFP)

A Police officer leaves after two suspects in the murder of a French family of four arrived at the Nantes court-house

Representative picture

Representative picture


Jeddah

Dana al-Gosaibi’s passion for horses has been hard to pursue in Saudi Arabia.

But the kingdom’s tentative advancement of women’s rights has given the Saudi horse trainer hope that one day she might be able to realise her dream of starting her own business.

“There is this very weird belief that a woman shouldn’t ride a horse,” Gosaibi says, especially if she is not yet married.

“It’s amazing how a lot of people believe these things,” she tells ahead of International Women’s Day on Wednesday.

Herself unmarried, Gosaibi, 35, dreams of opening her own stables to focus on “a more gentle” way of training horses than the standard approach in the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia has some of the world’s tightest restrictions on women. But change is under way, says Gosaibi, who returned to Saudi Arabia four years ago after more than a decade living abroad.

“I came back and I saw all these women” working as cashiers, in sales and in offices, Gosaibi says.

Since last year, a government plan for social and economic reforms has given more impetus to this trend.

The government wants more women in the workforce as part of the Vision 2030 plan to diversify the country’s oil-based economy, and is trying to expand sports opportunities for everyone.

‘Part of the herd’Saudi Arabia last year appointed a princess to oversee women’s sports in the kingdom.

Princess Reema bint Bandar al-Saud in February said authorities would begin granting licences for women-only gyms, local media reported.

“Even (in) sport they’re really encouraging women, which is a very new thing,” Gosaibi says, taking heart that the change heralds a more favourable climate for starting her business training horses.

But the horse trainer, who learned her skills in Britain and the United States, says she has faced resistance -- “especially with my approach” to the animals.

Horses have been central to Saudi life for centuries, and the kingdom is famed for its strong desert-bred Arabians from which the racing thoroughbreds are descended.

The traditional way of training horses in Saudi Arabia requires “a lot of force” including spurs and whips, she says.

But Gosaibi prefers to take her time, observing

the animal and learning to understand the way it thinks until she “becomes part of the horse’s herd”.

“You need to establish a certain relationship and understanding because the horse needs to trust you,” she says, whether you are preparing a horse for show jumping or rodeo.

If she were a man, her unorthodox approach would be taken more seriously, she feels.

‘Let women ride’Many Saudi women are now taking riding lessons, Gosaibi says, “but it’s so much more difficult for a woman” with social norms seeking to keep them out of the public eye.

Tradition requires women to cover themselves from head to toe when outside the home, and unrelated men and women are usually segregated in public places such as restaurants.

Gosaibi’s solution: “Let women ride horses!”

Women rode during the time of the Muslim Prophet Mohammed, she says.

Gosaibi keeps two horses at stables in the Red Sea city of Jeddah, where her baseball cap, collared T-shirt, trousers and riding boots contrast with the traditional black abaya robe.

Other women -- as well as men -- use the facility but its owner doesn’t want to draw attention to the fact that he welcomes both sexes.

He asked Gosaibi that photographs not feature other visitors or show the name of the stables.

“They don’t want it known that women are in this place,” she says.

An entrenched system of male domination makes change difficult, Gosaibi says, but progress is happening nonetheless.

“You can’t be stuck for ever in these old ways of thinking,” she says.

“Women are becoming stronger and they have a voice.” (AFP)

Female Saudi horse trainer sees hope for women

al-Gosaibi poses with a horse


Jeddah

Dana al-Gosaibi’s passion for horses has been hard to pursue in Saudi Arabia.

But the kingdom’s tentative advancement of women’s rights has given the Saudi horse trainer hope that one day she might be able to realise her dream of starting her own business.

“There is this very weird belief that a woman shouldn’t ride a horse,” Gosaibi says, especially if she is not yet married.

“It’s amazing how a lot of people believe these things,” she tells ahead of International Women’s Day on Wednesday.

Herself unmarried, Gosaibi, 35, dreams of opening her own stables to focus on “a more gentle” way of training horses than the standard approach in the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia has some of the world’s tightest restrictions on women. But change is under way, says Gosaibi, who returned to Saudi Arabia four years ago after more than a decade living abroad.

“I came back and I saw all these women” working as cashiers, in sales and in offices, Gosaibi says.

Since last year, a government plan for social and economic reforms has given more impetus to this trend.

The government wants more women in the workforce as part of the Vision 2030 plan to diversify the country’s oil-based economy, and is trying to expand sports opportunities for everyone.

‘Part of the herd’Saudi Arabia last year appointed a princess to oversee women’s sports in the kingdom.

Princess Reema bint Bandar al-Saud in February said authorities would begin granting licences for women-only gyms, local media reported.

“Even (in) sport they’re really encouraging women, which is a very new thing,” Gosaibi says, taking heart that the change heralds a more favourable climate for starting her business training horses.

But the horse trainer, who learned her skills in Britain and the United States, says she has faced resistance -- “especially with my approach” to the animals.

Horses have been central to Saudi life for centuries, and the kingdom is famed for its strong desert-bred Arabians from which the racing thoroughbreds are descended.

The traditional way of training horses in Saudi Arabia requires “a lot of force” including spurs and whips, she says.

But Gosaibi prefers to take her time, observing

the animal and learning to understand the way it thinks until she “becomes part of the horse’s herd”.

“You need to establish a certain relationship and understanding because the horse needs to trust you,” she says, whether you are preparing a horse for show jumping or rodeo.

If she were a man, her unorthodox approach would be taken more seriously, she feels.

‘Let women ride’Many Saudi women are now taking riding lessons, Gosaibi says, “but it’s so much more difficult for a woman” with social norms seeking to keep them out of the public eye.

Tradition requires women to cover themselves from head to toe when outside the home, and unrelated men and women are usually segregated in public places such as restaurants.

Gosaibi’s solution: “Let women ride horses!”

Women rode during the time of the Muslim Prophet Mohammed, she says.

Gosaibi keeps two horses at stables in the Red Sea city of Jeddah, where her baseball cap, collared T-shirt, trousers and riding boots contrast with the traditional black abaya robe.

Other women -- as well as men -- use the facility but its owner doesn’t want to draw attention to the fact that he welcomes both sexes.

He asked Gosaibi that photographs not feature other visitors or show the name of the stables.

“They don’t want it known that women are in this place,” she says.

An entrenched system of male domination makes change difficult, Gosaibi says, but progress is happening nonetheless.

“You can’t be stuck for ever in these old ways of thinking,” she says.

“Women are becoming stronger and they have a voice.” (AFP)

Female Saudi horse trainer sees hope for women

al-Gosaibi poses with a horse

Tuesday, March 7, 2017 21SPORTS


After two back to back events in Bahrain

followed by a set plan for Curitiba, the biggest Middle Eastern MMA platform Brave Combat Federation, founded under the patronage of HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa will land in Abu Dhabi’s IPIC Arena set for 31 March.

Brave 4: Unstoppable is regarded as the biggest fight card in Middle East history and a studded card featuring a historical title fight between Algerian superstar Elias Boudegzdame (13-4) and former UFC fighter Masio

Fullen. The fighters will compete for the inaugural Brave Combat Federation and the crowning of the first ever Brave world champion.

The promotion has added ammo to its arsenal, with the co-main event which features the face of Middle Eastern MMA, Mohammad Fakhreddine (8-1) and facing Marcus Vinicious “Thunger“ Cruz (8-1-1) a highly hyped Brazilian fighter, known to be Anderson Silva’s sparring partner.

Fakhreddine, known for his forward-direction brawling style is on a four-fight win streak, while Cruz has five wins by knockout and on a

five-way winning streak.Jordanian Abdulkareem

Al Selwady (6-1) and Alex “Coringa” Rodrigues (5-1) will meet in a lightweight (70kg) feature fight, while Jarrah Al Selawi (8-2 MMA, 1-0 Brave) and newly signed top Italian prospect Daniele “Scat” Scatizzi go to battle. Two Former UFC fighters Alan Omer (19-5) and Robbie Peralta (18-7-1NC) will make their promotional debut. Lastly, a fantastic welterweight match-up pits Ottman Azaitar (8-0) against Charlie Leary (13-7) is also set for the main card.

The Brave 4 undercard shaped up to be star-studded

with a bouquet of newly signed fighters and returning Brave fighters facing off.

Jordanian bantamweight (61kg) prospect Jalal Aldaja, will look to make his promotional debut against SBG Ireland’s Frans Mlambo in a bantamweight feature. Mlambo came short in his latest fight at Brave1 and will look to redeem, with a win over Aldaja.

Following an explosive start to his promotional career, collecting a victory over BJJ standout Richie “Boogyman” Martinez, Ahmed Amir has returned and will face Kevin Koldobsky in an interesting catchweight (74kg) battle.

Other results (horse, jockey):Race 1: Royal Golf Club Cup for all classes of locally bred 3 yearsonly. 2,000m BD2,500. 1) Sabreh/Hussain Makki2) Parchment/Brett Doyle3) Saif/Alberto Sanna4) World Leader/Abdulla Faisal

Race 2: Banagas Cup for imported maiden 3 years and upwards. 2,000m BD2,000. 1) Taqaseem/Alberto Sanna2) Honest Boy/Andrea Fele3) Broughtons Salsa/Hussain makki4) Speedfit Rules/Jimmy Quinn

Race 3: Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait Cup for 3rd and 4th and maidenclass Arabian horses 3 years and upwards. 1,200m straighr BD1,500. 1) Al Jellaby 1554/Andrew Elliott2) Musannah 1522/Abdulla Faisal3) Al Jellaby 1661/Hussain Makki4) Al Hamdanieh 1664/Alberto Sanna

BravebattleNext stop Abu Dhabi

DHL top Suha Corporate LeagueManama

DHL defeated Collage by nine wickets in the Suha

Corporate League organised by Cricket Bahrain Association (CBA) at the Hunainiya Valley in Riffa.

Batting first, Collage managed 146 in its 20 overs and DHL reached the target in the 13th over after losing one wicket with Imran Anwar (80) top scoring.

In another match, Public Security Yellow beat Lankan Warriors by 57 runs after

the former scored 203 in its 20 overs, thanks to a fine knock by Abdul Mubashar

(80 off 44 deliveries), then Lankan Warriors in reply were restricted to 146 for seven.

Other scores: RCB 104/6 in 20 bt

Indian XI 103/10 in 18 by six wickets.

Sri Lanka Club 155/6 (Vinura 35 off 29) bt Fog Printing 107/10 in 17 by 48 runs.

Imran Anwar Abdul Mubashar

Batelco clinch bowling titleManama

Batelco (42 points, 21,139 pins) clinched the Bahrain

Industrial Bowling League title despite a 4-4 draw against fifth placed Bapco (32, 20,916) in the ninth and final round of competition at the Fun Land Bowling Centre in Manama.

Top scoring for Batelco were guest player Mahdi Assad (263) high game and (655) high series and for Bapco it was Abdulla Abdul Kareem (268) game and team captain Ali Al Helo (675) series.

Finishing second overall was GPIC (40, 20,626) who dropped down following a bye on the last week of competition.

The Ministry of Interior (MOI) (38, 21,111) finished third after a 6-2 win over the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), with the top scorer being Emerson Gotiencio (257) game and (712) series for the winner and for EWA, Emad Al Jahromi (236) game and (656)

series.Other scores (bowler,

game, series): Gulf Air (GM Villanueva, 236, 680) bt Tatweer (Medel Villanueva, 224, 609) 8-0. Banagas (Raed Ahmad, 237, 606) bt Pioneers (Hussain Al Qaseer, 219, 619) 6-2.for this week.

This week the Golden Triangle tournament will take place and those teams who did not reach the top four will challenge each other over the next three weeks.

© GRAPHIC NEWS

European form W D LMatch highlight

FIXTURESFC Copenhagen DENRostov RUSAPOEL Nicosia CYPGent BELOlympiacos GREOlympique Lyon FRACelta Vigo ESP

Ajax NEDMan United ENGAnderlecht BELGenk BELBesiktas TURRoma ITAKrasnodar RUS

-------

LAST 16, 1ST LEG – MAR 9

FormGoals for / against13 / 4 9 / 15Last 32 statistics

Shots on targetShots wide

PassesCorners

Possession

109

9238

54%

1114856

853%

SCHALKE vMÖNCHENGLADBACH

Veltins-ArenaEuropean head-to-head

First meeting

Sources: UEFA, Gracenote Picture: Getty Images *Inc. UEFA Cup

Lars Stindl Mönchengladbach forwardScored 12-minute hat-trick in Last 32 asGermans recovered to eliminate Fiorentina

OLD ENEMIES: Gladbach lost4-0 at Schalke in Bundesligain October, but won 4-2in reversefixture onMar 4

All-timehead-to-head record

D28

SCH 32 MON 40

COMPARING GERMAN RIVALS: With bothteams languishing in Bundesliga, hopes ofprogress in Europe will provide addedincentive to eliminate domestic foes

Europa Leaguerecord*

HonoursBundesliga

Champions League(best finish)

Europa League

W50 D24 L22

7 titlesSemi-final2011Winner1997

W59 D21 L18

5 titlesFinalist

1978Winner

1975, 1979

Schalke - Mönchengladbach

Shipyard winsrichest raceManama

The third favourite Shipyard owned by Ramadhan

Stable, trained by Jaber Ramadhan and ridden by Brett Doyle won the richest race by three lengths for the Banagas Cup for handicap (0-90) over 1,200 metres and worth BD3,000 yesterday at the 17th meeting of the racing season at the Rashid Equestran and Horse Racing Club in Sakhir.

Second place went to the

favourite Lolla Pincess owned by Awal Racing Syndicate, trained by Abdulla Kuwaiti and ridden by Alberto Sanna.

A further length and a half behind in third was Ballyorban owned by Jassim Mohammed Alzaki, trained by Osama Hashim and ridden by Hussain Makki, with second favourite Best Dressed owned by Jawaher Ahmed, trained by Abdulla Nass and ridden by Darren Williams a neck behind in fourth.

Race 4: Bank of Bahrain and Ku-wait Cup for locally bred all classes 3 years and upwards. 1,800m BD1,500. 1) Hobb Nobb/Abdulla Faisal2) Snake Eagle/Brett Doyle3) Missour/Alberto Sanna4) Farange Abdulla Faisal

Race 5: Bank of Bahrain and Ku-wait Cup for locally bred handicap(0-75) 3 years and upwards. 1,400m BD2,000. 1) Shamikh/Alberto Sanna2) Wayne Looney/Sadiq Hameed3) Caped Crusader/Ahmed Makki4) Nardeen/Jimmy Quinn

Race 7: Bank of Bahrain and Ku-wait Cup for imported 3 years andupwards. 1,800m BD2,000. 1) Gomati/Stephane Ladjadj2) Feed The Goater/Alberto Sanna3) Empiricist/Salem Ghoolam4) Tom Hark/Brett Doyle

Batelco team

ScoreboardFinal standings (points, pins):

1) Batelco (42, 21,319)

2) GPIC (40, 20,626)

3) Ministry of Interior (38, 21,111)

4) Gulf Air (38, 20,552)

5) Bapco (32, 20,916)

6) Banagas (28, 20,457)

7) EWA (28, 20,251)

8) Pioneers (22, 20,148)

9) Tatweer (20, 20,045)

SPORTSTuesday, March 7, 201722

gamesbegin

Manama

The Fifth GCC Women’s Games are set to

commence today in Doha, Qatar with nearly 900 athletes and technical team personnel representing four Gulf

countries – Bahrain, Oman, UAE and hosts Qatar, are lined up for the 11-day event which concludes on 17 March.

GCC female athletes will participate in 10 sports - basketball, handball, table

tennis, volleyball, chess, athletics, shooting, fencing, taekwondo and bowling, with an opening ceremony at 7.30pm at Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex under the patronage of Shaikha Hind

bin Hamad Al Thani.Meanwhile, the last batch

of the Bahrain delegation to the games arrived in Doha yesterday with the handball, volleyball and fencing teams headed to their respective courts for their inaugural training sessions.

Bahrain is competing in nine games as they look forward to becoming the overall winners of the games for the third consecutive time, having captured the title in the third and fourth editions held in Bahrain (2013) and Muscat (2015) respectively.

The nationals dominated the previous edition Games winning 33 medals including 22 gold, 6 silver and 5 bronze.

They will compete in athletics, taekwondo, bowling, shooting, volleyball, basketball, handball, fencing and table tennis.

Supreme Council for Youth and Sports Deputy

General Secretary and Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) board member and Women’s Sport Committee chairwoman Shaikha Hayat bint Abdulaziz Al Khalifa heads the Bahraini delegation to Doha games, which also includes the Bahrain administrative delegation comprising Maryam Mirza, Mohammed Al Zayed, Maryam Mardana, Shareed Mohammed, Mohammed Al Rumaili and Hassan Ali.

Shaikha Hayat arrived in Doha on Sunday and will be attending the GCC Women’s Organising Committee meeting today, to be held on the sidelines of Games.

GCC women’sThe handball team reaches Doha

Shaikha Hayat arrives at the Bahrain delegation residence Bahrain handball team launch their training programme

Bahrain administrative delegation meeting with the organising committee

Nearly 900 athletes from four countries - Bahrain, Oman, UAE and Qatar will participate in the 11-day event

Five championships to be held this weekendManama

One of the biggest race weekends of the year is

set to take place on Friday and Saturday at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir, with five highly competitive championships making up the latest edition of National Race Day, including two regional series, Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East and the TCR Middle East Series.

They will be joined in the packed programme of events by top local championships ,the BIC 2,000cc Challenge, the Bahrain Superbike Championship (BSBK) and

the Bahrain Motorcycle Racing (BMR) 600.

Action will take place from 9am until after 5pm on both days at BIC’s 2.55-kilometre Inner Track.

Race enthusiasts are welcome to attend with tickets available at the gate at BD2 each for both days. Meanwhile, those with tickets to the 2017 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix can get in for free.

The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, the most successful GT series in the region holds the fifth and penultimate round of its 2016/2017 season. Race one on Friday is scheduled for 4.30pm,

while race two on Saturday will be at 3pm.

TCR is a leading touring car championship that stages series in various continents. It is capable of offering close and exciting races and some of the world’s most prestigious car manufacturers are represented in the series, including SEAT, Honda, Volkswagen, Opel, Subaru and Alfa Romeo. This year’s TCR Middle East season is the first of the championship.

Bahrain marks the third and final round, following events in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Races for TCR on Saturday are at 12.02pm and 3.45pm.

The BIC 2,000cc Challenge

will be holding the fifth round of its season, with race one at 12.46pm and race two at 4.26pm.

The BSBK is a motorcycle

championship and a first for the region. It involves 15 racers who battle over a season that includes 12 races. Riders compete on identical 899

Ducati Panigale sports bikes.This weekend’s events will

mark the fifth and penultimate round of the season. Both races will take place on Saturday, with the first at 10.50am followed by the second at 2.20pm.

Finally, in the BMR 600, competition is divided into two categories, including the Superstock Series and the Hornet Series. The Hornets participants will be in identical 600cc Honda Hornet bikes.

Also staging round five, BMR 600 will have both races on the final day of National Race Day. Race one will flag off at 10.25am while race two will begin at 1.55pm.Representation image

SPORTSTuesday, March 7, 201722

gamesbegin

Manama

The Fifth GCC Women’s Games are set to

commence today in Doha, Qatar with nearly 900 athletes and technical team personnel representing four Gulf

countries – Bahrain, Oman, UAE and hosts Qatar, are lined up for the 11-day event which concludes on 17 March.

GCC female athletes will participate in 10 sports - basketball, handball, table

tennis, volleyball, chess, athletics, shooting, fencing, taekwondo and bowling, with an opening ceremony at 7.30pm at Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex under the patronage of Shaikha Hind

bin Hamad Al Thani.Meanwhile, the last batch

of the Bahrain delegation to the games arrived in Doha yesterday with the handball, volleyball and fencing teams headed to their respective courts for their inaugural training sessions.

Bahrain is competing in nine games as they look forward to becoming the overall winners of the games for the third consecutive time, having captured the title in the third and fourth editions held in Bahrain (2013) and Muscat (2015) respectively.

The nationals dominated the previous edition Games winning 33 medals including 22 gold, 6 silver and 5 bronze.

They will compete in athletics, taekwondo, bowling, shooting, volleyball, basketball, handball, fencing and table tennis.

Supreme Council for Youth and Sports Deputy

General Secretary and Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) board member and Women’s Sport Committee chairwoman Shaikha Hayat bint Abdulaziz Al Khalifa heads the Bahraini delegation to Doha games, which also includes the Bahrain administrative delegation comprising Maryam Mirza, Mohammed Al Zayed, Maryam Mardana, Shareed Mohammed, Mohammed Al Rumaili and Hassan Ali.

Shaikha Hayat arrived in Doha on Sunday and will be attending the GCC Women’s Organising Committee meeting today, to be held on the sidelines of Games.

GCC women’sThe handball team reaches Doha

Shaikha Hayat arrives at the Bahrain delegation residence Bahrain handball team launch their training programme

Bahrain administrative delegation meeting with the organising committee

Nearly 900 athletes from four countries - Bahrain, Oman, UAE and Qatar will participate in the 11-day event

Five championships to be held this weekendManama

One of the biggest race weekends of the year is

set to take place on Friday and Saturday at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir, with five highly competitive championships making up the latest edition of National Race Day, including two regional series, Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East and the TCR Middle East Series.

They will be joined in the packed programme of events by top local championships ,the BIC 2,000cc Challenge, the Bahrain Superbike Championship (BSBK) and

the Bahrain Motorcycle Racing (BMR) 600.

Action will take place from 9am until after 5pm on both days at BIC’s 2.55-kilometre Inner Track.

Race enthusiasts are welcome to attend with tickets available at the gate at BD2 each for both days. Meanwhile, those with tickets to the 2017 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix can get in for free.

The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, the most successful GT series in the region holds the fifth and penultimate round of its 2016/2017 season. Race one on Friday is scheduled for 4.30pm,

while race two on Saturday will be at 3pm.

TCR is a leading touring car championship that stages series in various continents. It is capable of offering close and exciting races and some of the world’s most prestigious car manufacturers are represented in the series, including SEAT, Honda, Volkswagen, Opel, Subaru and Alfa Romeo. This year’s TCR Middle East season is the first of the championship.

Bahrain marks the third and final round, following events in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Races for TCR on Saturday are at 12.02pm and 3.45pm.

The BIC 2,000cc Challenge

will be holding the fifth round of its season, with race one at 12.46pm and race two at 4.26pm.

The BSBK is a motorcycle

championship and a first for the region. It involves 15 racers who battle over a season that includes 12 races. Riders compete on identical 899

Ducati Panigale sports bikes.This weekend’s events will

mark the fifth and penultimate round of the season. Both races will take place on Saturday, with the first at 10.50am followed by the second at 2.20pm.

Finally, in the BMR 600, competition is divided into two categories, including the Superstock Series and the Hornet Series. The Hornets participants will be in identical 600cc Honda Hornet bikes.

Also staging round five, BMR 600 will have both races on the final day of National Race Day. Race one will flag off at 10.25am while race two will begin at 1.55pm.Representation image

Paris

Barcelona striker Neymar vowed his side will throw everything at Paris

Saint-Germain in their bid to overturn a four-goal deficit in the Champions League last 16 this week.

PSG fired a significant warning of intent throughout Europe with a 4-0 rout of Barca in the French capital three weeks ago and will aim to complete the job in

the return leg at the Camp Nou on Wednesday.

But the Catalan giants go into the game buoyed by thumping 6-1 and 5-0 wins in their past

two league matches and haven’t given up hope of staging an

unprecedented comeback.No side has lost 4-0 away from home in Europe and gone

through in a two-legged tie, but with Barca’s prolific front three of Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez they cannot be

entirely discounted.“Against PSG we will run

and fight and then we will see what happens,” said Neymar.“It’s really important that our

spirit is on the way up and our confidence too. I see us on the up and with confidence. On Wednesday we are going to play really well.”

Barca knocked PSG out at the quarter-final stage in both 2012-13 and 2014-15, but the reigning

French champions have the upper hand this time and

January signing Julian Draxler is confident of

reaching the last eight for the fifth year in

succession.“Many teams have

lost 5-0 at the Camp Nou, we know that anything is

possible,” Draxler told PSG’s

club website. “But deep down I’m convinced w e ’ l l q u a l i f y for the

quarter-finals.“I think it will be important to attack

and not just think about defending.”Bayern Munich have one foot in the

next round after thrashing Arsenal 5-1 at the Allianz Arena and look set to eliminate the Gunners in the last 16 for the third time in the past five seasons.

‘Full throttle’“We have a big advantage, but Arsenal are dangerous, so we have to go full throttle to win,” said Spain international Javi Martinez, who netted his first goal of the season in Saturday’s 3-0 victory at Cologne.

Philipp Lahm will miss the game through suspension, but the Bayern skipper said his team-mates would aim to extinguish any lingering hopes Arsene Wenger’s men have right from kick-off in London.

“We have to be highly focused and, most importantly, show Arsenal in the first quarter-hour they can forget the next round,” Lahm said ahead of Tuesday’s clash, with the Premier League side staring at a seventh straight last-16 exit.

Holders Real Madrid head to Napoli as clear favourites after a 3-1 win in the Spanish capital, but such an advantage has not always proved a guarantee of success for the record 11-time champions.

Real have held a similar lead on eight previous occasions in European competition but only progressed half of the time, providing Napoli with reason to dream they can pull off a shock.

“We believe in it. We know we can score two goals at the San Paolo. We also know it will be quite a job for our defenders,” Senegalese centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly said following Saturday’s 2-1 win at Roma in Serie A.

Borussia Dortmund trail 1-0 ahead of the visit of Benfica to Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed a penalty as Kostas Mitroglou’s second-half strike in Lisbon last month gave the Portuguese outfit the edge in their

tie.But the Gabonese striker netted his

20th and 21st goals of the Bundesliga season in Saturday’s 6-2 drubbing of Bayer Leverkusen to move back in front of Bayern marksman Robert Lewandowski at the top of the scoring charts.

However, the victory came at a cost with Germany international Marco Reus ruled out for four weeks after tearing his hamstring.

“It’s sad news, he (Reus) has been playing very consistently for weeks and at a high level,” said Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel.

“It’s an enormous loss which tarnishes the win.” (AFP)

Tuesday, March 7, 2017 23SPORTS

Bayern, Real eye quarters

Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (L) celebrates a goal with Barcelona’s Brazilian forward Neymar during the Spanish league football match Club Atletico de Madrid vs FC Barcelona

B a r c e l o n a ’ s Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez

Bayern Munich’s Italian head coach Carlo Ancelotti and Bayern Munich’s defender Philipp Lahm

SPORTS

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P23Barca seek miracle

Bangalore

Au s t r a l i a n s e a m e r

Josh Hazlewood y e s t e r d a y

acknowledged the second Test hung in the balance after India’s Cheteshwar Pujara hit an unbeaten half-century to lead the hosts’ fightback on day three in Bangalore.

The hosts were 213 for four at stumps, leading Australia by 126 runs in their second innings after the tourists’ hopes of building a big lead were undermined by an oustanding bowling performance from Ravindra Jadeja.

Pujara on 79 and Ajinkya Rahane on 40 were batting at close of play. Hazlewood claimed three wickets.

The pair put together a stubborn 93-run partnership for the fifth wicket to lift India from a wobbly 120-4 at Bangalore’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

“It feels pretty level at the moment. They fought back really well in that last session,” Hazlewood told reporters.

“Credit to the two guys out there. They stuck to their plans and scratched away for quite a bit of amount of runs,” Hazlewood said after India scored 91 runs in the last session without losing a wicket.

Pujara led the way with his controlled knock as he kept a persistent Australian attack at bay, prompting skipper Steve

Smith to rotate his bowling options.Rahane was equally resolute in his resolve

to give the visitors a daunting fourth innings chase. He hardly played a loose shot during his 105-ball stay.

The 29-year-old Pujara, who recorded his 14th Test fifty in his 46th Test, capitalised on a dropped chance by Smith at first slip off Nathan Lyon when he was on four.

Off-spinner Lyon, who had grabbed a career-best Test haul of 8-50 in the first innings, went wicketless on a day when Indian spinner Jadeja claimed six wickets.

Hazlewood though praised his team’s spinners after Lyon gave away just 69 runs in his 27 overs and Steve O’Keefe got the key wicket of opener Lokesh Rahul (51).

Hazlewood rattled the Indian top-order with his three wickets, including the prized scalp of skipper Virat Kohli in the afternoon session. Hazlewood trapped Kohli lbw for 15 with a shooting inswinger and a review did not help the star batsman as he walked back to a stunned silence.

“I think it’s hard work scoring runs on these couple of wickets. So you just have to stick to your plans against him and we’ve been quite successful,” said Hazlewood on keeping Kohli down to just 40 runs in his four innings of the series so far.

India’s move to promote all-rounder Jadeja up the batting order also backfired when the left-hander was bowled by Hazlewood for two to leave the hosts reeling at tea.

India’s troubles began when opener Rahul fell to left-arm spinner O’Keefe after hitting his third Test fifty.

Rahul, who top-scored with 90 in India’s first innings, put on 45 with Pujara after

Abhinav Mukund (16) was bowled by Hazlewood early in the lunch session.

In the morning session, left-arm spinner Jadeja returned with figures of 6-63 to help dismiss Australia for 276 in their first innings, a lead of 87. Australia lead the four-match series 1-0 after humbling the hosts in the first match in Pune. (AFP)

Scoreboard @ stumpsIndia 1st innings 189 (Rahul 90; Lyon 8-50)

Australia 1st innings (overnight 237-6; Wade 25 not out, Starc 14 not out)D. Warner b Ashwin 33M. Renshaw st Saha b Jadeja 60S. Smith c Saha b Jadeja 8S. Marsh c Nair b Yadav 66P. Handscomb c Ashwin b Jadeja 16M. Marsh lbw b Sharma 0M. Wade lbw b Jadeja 40M. Starc c Jadeja b Ashwin 26S. O’Keefe not out 4N. Lyon lbw b Jadeja 0J. Hazlewood c Rahul b Jadeja 1Extras (b14, lb3, nb5) 22Total (all out, 122.4 overs) 276

India 2nd innningsL. Rahul c Smith b O’Keefe 51A. Mukund b Hazlewood 16C. Pujara not out 79V. Kohli lbw b Hazlewood 15R. Jadeja b Hazlewood 2A. Rahane not out 40Extras (b10) 10Total (4 wickets; 72 overs) 213