Taliban fighters stand guard in front of the entrance of the money exchange Sarai Shahzada market in Kabul on December 20, 2021. AFP
Taliban fighters stand guard in front of the entrance of the money exchange Sarai Shahzada market in Kabul on December 20, 2021. AFP
Taliban fighters stand guard in front of the entrance of the money exchange Sarai Shahzada market in Kabul on December 20, 2021. AFP
Taliban fighters stand guard in front of the entrance of the money exchange Sarai Shahzada market in Kabul on December 20, 2021. AFP

Explosion in Afghan capital Kabul injures at least 10


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A grenade attack at Afghanistan’s biggest currency exchange market wounded at least 10 people on Sunday, including traders and visitors, the Taliban's interior ministry said

The ministry said the attack on the Sarai Shahzada market in the centre of Kabul was carried out by a person who had “planned a robbery”.

Witnesses at the scene put the number of wounded at 15.

Associated Press TV showed passersby carrying injured people from the site.

Wais Ahmad, a money changer, told Associated Press the market was closed at the time of the incident.

The blast was the first in the Afghan capital in months. The Taliban have stepped up security throughout most of the country since seizing power in August.

Taliban troops monitor dozens of checkpoints throughout the city.

A Taliban fighter stands guard outside the entrance of the money exchange Sarai Shahzada market in Kabul on December 20, 2021. AFP
A Taliban fighter stands guard outside the entrance of the money exchange Sarai Shahzada market in Kabul on December 20, 2021. AFP

The greatest threat facing the Taliban comes from the ISIS group affiliate known as Islamic State in Khorasan Province, or ISIS-K. The Taliban have cracked down on the organisation in its stronghold in eastern Afghanistan.

ISIS-K said late on Saturday that they had blown up a Taliban vehicle in Kabul, killing everyone inside it. But there was no confirmation from the Taliban or signs of such an explosion on Saturday.

The ISIS-K statement also claimed responsibility for an explosion in western Herat province targeting the country’s minority Shiite Muslims. There was, however, no confirmation of any explosion in Herat.

Brief scores:

Kashima Antlers 0

River Plate 4

Zuculini 24', Martinez 73', 90 2', Borre 89' (pen)

The alternatives

• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.

• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.

• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.

2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.

• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases -  but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.

 

 

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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.

Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.

Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association
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Results

2.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 1,700m; Winner: AF Mezmar, Adam McLean (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer).

3pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 2,000m; Winner: AF Ajwad, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.

3.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 1,200m; Winner: Gold Silver, Sam Hitchcott, Ibrahim Aseel.

4pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 1,000m; Winner: Atrash, Richard Mullen, Ana Mendez.

4.30pm: Gulf Cup Prestige (PA) Dh150,000 1,700m; Winner: AF Momtaz, Saif Al Balushi, Musabah Al Muhairi.

5pm: Handicap (TB) Dh40,000 1,200m; Winner: Al Mushtashar, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.

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Updated: April 03, 2022, 11:46 AM