An Indian army vehicle crosses Chang La pass near Pangong Lake in Ladakh, a remote Himalayan region where Indian and Chinese soldiers have been in a bitter standoff since early May 2020. AP
An Indian army vehicle crosses Chang La pass near Pangong Lake in Ladakh, a remote Himalayan region where Indian and Chinese soldiers have been in a bitter standoff since early May 2020. AP
An Indian army vehicle crosses Chang La pass near Pangong Lake in Ladakh, a remote Himalayan region where Indian and Chinese soldiers have been in a bitter standoff since early May 2020. AP
An Indian army vehicle crosses Chang La pass near Pangong Lake in Ladakh, a remote Himalayan region where Indian and Chinese soldiers have been in a bitter standoff since early May 2020. AP

World

From India-China stand-off to deadly shark attack: the non-coronavirus news you might have missed

New Delhi and Beijing have agreed to ‘peacefully resolve’ border flare-up that has heightened tensions between the nuclear neighbours

The National

June 07, 2020

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Japan declines to join US and others in condemning China for Hong Kong law

Japan has decided not join the United States, Britain and others in issuing a statement scolding China for imposing a new security law, Kyodo news agency reported on Sunday, citing officials from countries involved.

The United Kingdom, the US, Australia and Canada condemned China on May 28 for imposing a law that they said would threaten freedom and breach a 1984 Sino-British agreement on the autonomy of the former colony.

There was no immediate response from Japan’s foreign ministry and the US embassy in Tokyo. China’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Tokyo separately issued a statement May 28, the day China’s parliament approved the national security legislation, saying the nation was “seriously concerned” about the move, which observers fear could endanger Hong Kong’s special autonomy and freedoms.

Daily Update 

Head of South Korea ‘comfort women’ shelter found dead amid probe

A woman running a shelter for South Korean victims of Japan’s wartime sexual slavery has been found dead in her home, police said Sunday, amid a corruption probe involving the facility.

Prosecutors are investigating claims that the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance activist group misused funds meant for the so-called “comfort women” – a euphemism for the country’s Second World War sex slaves.

The woman, 60, was believed to have taken her own life, police said.

“She came home by herself and the door was locked,” police said, without giving the woman’s name.

Officers said they did not believe anyone else was involved in her death.

The reason for her death was not known, but the activist group said she had been struggling with the ongoing investigation and a raid of the shelter by prosecutors last month.

“She said she felt as if her entire life was being denied,” it said in a statement.

People wearing face masks to protect against the new coronavirus walk outside of a shopping mall at a pedestran shopping street in Beijing. China's capital is lowering its emergency response level to the second-lowest starting Saturday for the coronavirus pandemic. That will lift most restrictions on people traveling to Beijing from Wuhan and surrounding Hubei province, where the virus first appeared late last year. AP Photo
People wearing face masks to protect against the new coronavirus walk outside of a shopping mall at a pedestran shopping street in Beijing. China's capital is lowering its emergency response level to the second-lowest starting Saturday for the coronavirus pandemic. That will lift most restrictions on people traveling to Beijing from Wuhan and surrounding Hubei province, where the virus first appeared late last year. AP Photo
Health professionals take care of a patient at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ward where patients infected with the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, are being treated at the Doctor Ernesto Che Guevara Public Hospital in Marica city, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. AFP
Health professionals take care of a patient at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ward where patients infected with the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, are being treated at the Doctor Ernesto Che Guevara Public Hospital in Marica city, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. AFP
Health professionals work at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ward where patients infected with the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, are being treated at the Doctor Ernesto Che Guevara Public Hospital in Marica city, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. AFP
Health professionals work at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ward where patients infected with the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, are being treated at the Doctor Ernesto Che Guevara Public Hospital in Marica city, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. AFP
A South Korean woman receives body temperature check from soldier as she arrive visits at the Seoul National Cemetery during a 65th anniversary of the Memorial Day amid coronavirus pandemic in Seoul, South Korea. South Korea marks the 65th anniversary of the Memorial Day for people who died during the military service in the 1950-53 Korean War. Getty
A South Korean woman receives body temperature check from soldier as she arrive visits at the Seoul National Cemetery during a 65th anniversary of the Memorial Day amid coronavirus pandemic in Seoul, South Korea. South Korea marks the 65th anniversary of the Memorial Day for people who died during the military service in the 1950-53 Korean War. Getty
Gravediggers carry a coffin during a funeral at the Jardines del Recuerdo Cemetery in Managua, amid the new coronavirus pandemic. AFP
Gravediggers carry a coffin during a funeral at the Jardines del Recuerdo Cemetery in Managua, amid the new coronavirus pandemic. AFP
People protest following the death of a young man while in police custody, after he had been arrested allegedly for failing to comply with measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus in Guadalajara, Jalisco state, Mexico. AFP
People protest following the death of a young man while in police custody, after he had been arrested allegedly for failing to comply with measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus in Guadalajara, Jalisco state, Mexico. AFP
Passengers wearing protective face masks are seen at the concourse amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, at Tokyo Metro's newly-opened Toranomon Hills Station in Tokyo, Japan. REUTERS
Passengers wearing protective face masks are seen at the concourse amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, at Tokyo Metro's newly-opened Toranomon Hills Station in Tokyo, Japan. REUTERS
A protester raises his fist in the streets of Sao Goncalo during a protest amidst the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Sao Goncalo, Brazil. About 300 people walked and shouted slogans against the government of Jair Bolsonaro and protested against the death of the American George Floyd and the boy Joao Pedro (murdered by police in the Salgueiro community). The protesters were sympathizers of the "All Against Racism Movement" and "Black Lives Matter." Getty
A protester raises his fist in the streets of Sao Goncalo during a protest amidst the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Sao Goncalo, Brazil. About 300 people walked and shouted slogans against the government of Jair Bolsonaro and protested against the death of the American George Floyd and the boy Joao Pedro (murdered by police in the Salgueiro community). The protesters were sympathizers of the "All Against Racism Movement" and "Black Lives Matter." Getty
Visitors at the sold out open air cinema watch a movie in Berlin, Germany. As part of the easing measures concerts, kino and other open air events are allowed from June 2nd in the German capital, with a maximum of 200 people. The lock down measures have largely eased nationwide, with stores, restaurants and cafes open again, though under certain restrictions to avoid people crowding together. The economic outlook as a whole remains uncertain, prompting the German government to approve a EUR 130 billion stimulus package earlier this week. Getty
Visitors at the sold out open air cinema watch a movie in Berlin, Germany. As part of the easing measures concerts, kino and other open air events are allowed from June 2nd in the German capital, with a maximum of 200 people. The lock down measures have largely eased nationwide, with stores, restaurants and cafes open again, though under certain restrictions to avoid people crowding together. The economic outlook as a whole remains uncertain, prompting the German government to approve a EUR 130 billion stimulus package earlier this week. Getty
Disguised as characters of "Alice in Wonderland" and wearing face masks against the spread of the novel coronavirus, Venezuelan migrants perfom in Bogota. AFP
Disguised as characters of "Alice in Wonderland" and wearing face masks against the spread of the novel coronavirus, Venezuelan migrants perfom in Bogota. AFP
People stand in a line waiting food outside a community center during the coronavirus crisis in Padre Rodolfo Ricciardelli neigborhood, before knowed as Villa 1-11-14, in Buenos Aires, Argentina one of the neighborhood most affected by COVID-19. EPA
People stand in a line waiting food outside a community center during the coronavirus crisis in Padre Rodolfo Ricciardelli neigborhood, before knowed as Villa 1-11-14, in Buenos Aires, Argentina one of the neighborhood most affected by COVID-19. EPA
The shadows of synthetic macaws are cast on the pavement backdropped by a mural of a macaw as pedestrians wearing protective face masks walk past, in the Petare neighborhood of Caracas, Venezuela. President Nicolas Maduro and Venezuela's opposition, led by Juan Guaido, have agreed to measures for battling the new coronavirus to be overseen by international health workers, a first step in years toward cooperation between bitter political rivals for the benefit of the country. AP Photo
The shadows of synthetic macaws are cast on the pavement backdropped by a mural of a macaw as pedestrians wearing protective face masks walk past, in the Petare neighborhood of Caracas, Venezuela. President Nicolas Maduro and Venezuela's opposition, led by Juan Guaido, have agreed to measures for battling the new coronavirus to be overseen by international health workers, a first step in years toward cooperation between bitter political rivals for the benefit of the country. AP Photo
Police offciers stand guard as travellers wearing protective face masks queue for check-in on an Air Austral flight to Paris, from Dzaoudzi Airport in Petite Terre on the French Indian Ocean island of Mayotte, as measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) are maintained on Mayotte over concerns about the continued spread of the virus there and a fragile health system. AFP
Police offciers stand guard as travellers wearing protective face masks queue for check-in on an Air Austral flight to Paris, from Dzaoudzi Airport in Petite Terre on the French Indian Ocean island of Mayotte, as measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) are maintained on Mayotte over concerns about the continued spread of the virus there and a fragile health system. AFP
People walk along a street outside the Jama Masjid after the government eased a nationwide lockdown imposed as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus in the old quarters of New Delhi. AFP
People walk along a street outside the Jama Masjid after the government eased a nationwide lockdown imposed as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus in the old quarters of New Delhi. AFP
People walk in a park after it was reopened with the easing of the lockdown against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in Lahore, Pakistan. Countries around the world are taking increased measures to stem the widespread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus which causes the Covid-19 disease. EPA
People walk in a park after it was reopened with the easing of the lockdown against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in Lahore, Pakistan. Countries around the world are taking increased measures to stem the widespread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus which causes the Covid-19 disease. EPA
A public health officer checks the temperature of a Muslim man as he arrives to attend Friday prayers at a mosque in the southern Thai province of Narathiwat as restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus are slowly eased. AFP
A public health officer checks the temperature of a Muslim man as he arrives to attend Friday prayers at a mosque in the southern Thai province of Narathiwat as restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus are slowly eased. AFP

Clashes at London’s Black Lives Matter protests

Read more here

India and China seek to ‘peacefully resolve’ border face-off

India and China have agreed to “peacefully resolve” the latest border flare-up that has heightened tension between the nuclear-armed neighbours, New Delhi said on Sunday, after a high-level meeting between army commanders.

Tension has flared in recent weeks between the two regional powers over their 3,500-kilometre frontier, which has never been properly demarcated.

Thousands of troops from both countries are involved in the face-off concentrated in India’s Ladakh region, opposite Tibet.

“Both sides agreed to peacefully resolve the situation in the border areas in accordance with various bilateral agreements,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The ministry added that the commanders agreed an “early resolution” was “essential” for bilateral relations between the world’s two most populous nations.

“Accordingly, the two sides will continue the military and diplomatic engagements to resolve the situation and to ensure peace and tranquillity in the border areas,” the statement said.

Israelis protest West Bank annexation plan

Read more here 

10-foot shark kills surfer off Australia’s east coast

A surfer was attacked and killed by a three-metre shark off the coast of northern New South Wales state on Sunday, Australian police said.

Several people tried to help the man, aged 60, and fought off the shark before taking him to shore at Salt Beach in South Kingscliff, police said.

He was given first aid for serious injuries to his left leg but died at the scene.

Nearby beaches were cleared of swimmers and surfers and will remain closed for 24 hours.

Kingscliff resident Stuart Gonsal had just arrived at the beach ready for a surf, when he found out about the fatal attack.

“We came down and we hadn’t got in the water and police were immediately hauling people in,” Mr Gonsal told Australian Broadcasting Corp. radio. “We found out there was a fatal shark attack on the south side of the rock wall. We were going to get in – we’re not going to now, for sure.”

Beyond the Headlines

White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogenChromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxideUltramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica contentOphiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on landOlivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour

Bio

Born in Dibba, Sharjah in 1972.
He is the eldest among 11 brothers and sisters.
He was educated in Sharjah schools and is a graduate of UAE University in Al Ain.
He has written poetry for 30 years and has had work published in local newspapers.
He likes all kinds of adventure movies that relate to his work.
His dream is a safe and preserved environment for all humankind. 
His favourite book is The Quran, and 'Maze of Innovation and Creativity', written by his brother.

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

While you're here

IF YOU GO
 
The flights: FlyDubai offers direct flights to Catania Airport from Dubai International Terminal 2 daily with return fares starting from Dh1,895.
 
The details: Access to the 2,900-metre elevation point at Mount Etna by cable car and 4x4 transport vehicle cost around €57.50 (Dh248) per adult. Entry into Teatro Greco costs €10 (Dh43). For more go to www.visitsicily.info

 Where to stay: Hilton Giardini Naxos offers beachfront access and accessible to Taormina and Mount Etna. Rooms start from around €130 (Dh561) per night, including taxes.

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Another way to earn air miles

In addition to the Emirates and Etihad programmes, there is the Air Miles Middle East card, which offers members the ability to choose any airline, has no black-out dates and no restrictions on seat availability. Air Miles is linked up to HSBC credit cards and can also be earned through retail partners such as Spinneys, Sharaf DG and The Toy Store.

An Emirates Dubai-London round-trip ticket costs 180,000 miles on the Air Miles website. But customers earn these ‘miles’ at a much faster rate than airline miles. Adidas offers two air miles per Dh1 spent. Air Miles has partnerships with websites as well, so booking.com and agoda.com offer three miles per Dh1 spent.

“If you use your HSBC credit card when shopping at our partners, you are able to earn Air Miles twice which will mean you can get that flight reward faster and for less spend,” says Paul Lacey, the managing director for Europe, Middle East and India for Aimia, which owns and operates Air Miles Middle East.

Red flags
  • Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
  • Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
  • Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
  • Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
  • Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

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Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

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