Internationally renowned Bulgarian pop and rock artists absolute favorites of 2-3 generations will be performing live in Doha this Friday, November 11. Grammy Award winner and European/MTV Charts breaker pop and rock musicians are among the members of Bulgarian Supergroup Foundatin.

The band has performed live concerts in Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand and many countries in Europe. The concert in Doha will be their first performance in the Middle East.

Among Band Members performing in Doha includes : Kiril Marichkov (vocal, bass-guitar, guitar, piano),
Dobrin Vekilov (Doni, Vocal, Bass-guitar, Piano, Guitar), Ivan Lechev (Vocal, Guitar, violin), Slavcho Nikolov (Vocal, Guitar), Venko Poromanski on drums.

Velislava Metodieva, Doha based renowned Bulgarian artist told that event is children & family friendly. Below age 18 years old will be admitted free. The concert will be held in Hotel Hilton Doha. Refreshments and food stations will be available at the venue.

Tickets can be purchased online through www.q-tickets.com or at the reception of Hilton Hotel, Doha. Children bellow the age of 18 years enter free of charge.

ISLAMABAD, Nov 9, 2016
APP

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday congratulated President-elect of the United States of America Donald J.Trump on his historic victory in the 2016 US Presidential elections.

“On behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, and on my own behalf, I wish to extend to you and the people of the United States, our most sincere felicitations on your election as the 45th President of the United States,” Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said.

“Your election is indeed the triumph of the American people and their enduring faith in the ideals of democracy, freedom, human rights and free enterprise. Most importantly, your momentous success is a testimony to the confidence that the people of the United States have reposed in your leadership, vision and commitment to serve your great country,” the Prime Minister expressed.

The Prime Minister said over the past seven decades, Pakistan and the United States have enjoyed a strategic partnership, rooted in the shared ideals of freedom, democracy, mutual respect and commonality of interests.
He said, “Our deep seated conviction that a strong partnership between the two countries remains critical to promoting and sustaining peace, security and stability in the wider region, continue to underpin the resilience in Pak-US ties.”

“I wish to re-affirm my Government’s commitment to further strengthening and deepening of our relations, in a manner truly reflective of the aspirations of our two nations. I am looking forward to closely working with you, to bring our two countries closer and making our partnership an important vehicle for the realization of peace, security and prosperity in the region and beyond,” Pakistani Prime Minister said.

Ronald Trump, Republican Party candidate for Presidential seat in general elections 2016 of United States of America has won in traditional presidential winning Florida State.

Until this time, Ronald Trump is heading in elections 232 Vs 209 and needs 38 electoral votes comparing to rival Hillary Clinton who needs 61 votes.

Hillary Clinton is US Democratic Party candidate in on-going Presidential General elections 2016 is former Secretary of State of USA (2009 - 2013) and resident of White House in two tenures of her spouse former President William Jefferson (Bill) Clinton (1993 - 2001). Middle East & South East Asia has been facing security threats and terrorism during this period and is seen spreading.

Ronald Trump, a businessman is a non-bureaucrat and non-politician may prove different in world's politics than Hillary Clinton who is well experienced & exposed to world politics in person possibly having biased position on various regional conflicts.

Doha: 8 November, 2016

Hamad Medical Corporation Qatar (HMC) in collaboration with Ministry of Public Health and Primary Health Care Corporation will host a series of events during the month of November in recognition of World Diabetes Day, screening thousands of residents across the country and raising awareness around how to better manage and prevent the disease.

World Diabetes Day is observed each year on 14 November since 1991 with the aim increasing understanding of diabetes risk factors, symptoms and prevention as global awareness campaign. It was introduced by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1991.

Mrs. Manal Othman, Director of Diabetes Education at HMC has said in a statement that 'Raising awareness of diabetes through events such as World Diabetes Day is critical. At HMC we dedicate a significant amount of time to educating our patients, and the public, about diabetes and its risk factors. We recognize it is essential that the whole community understands this disease. It is only through greater public awareness and education that we will be able to lessen the burden of this disease. Screenings, as a strategy to promote early detection and treatment, are a very important part of the work we do'.

HMC’s major public outreach and awareness activities this year will include free screenings in Doha, Al Khor and Al Wakra. The importance of exercise and healthy eating as a strategy to manage all types of diabetes will be highlighted. Screenings will include nutrition education, blood glucose screening and prize giveaways. A number of diabetes education sessions for students and teachers in schools across Qatar are also planned.

“Simple lifestyle measures have been shown to be effective in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes. Maintaining a normal body weight, engaging in regular physical activity and eating a healthy diet can reduce the risk of diabetes. One of the first steps for prevention is to get tested and understand your risk for developing type 2 diabetes,” said Mrs. Othman.

For the complete list of HMC’s World Diabetes Day events, visit diabetes.hamad.qa.

Doha
08 November 2016

Embassy of Republic of Korea in collaboration with Katara Cultural Village and Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) is organizing an 'Omnibus Concert With Korean Artists' at 0700 PM on 14 November 2016 at Opera House, Katara, Doha.

Artists perforoming on the occasion are David DQ Lee, Canadian-Korean Countertainer will be accompanied with Sonja Park (Pianist), Taehyun Kim (Violinist), Jun-Cheol Lee (Bassoonist), Eun-Hye Lee (Piccolo Player), Herald Georgi (Cello Player) and Jihoon Shin (Flutist)

ISLAMABAD, Nov 6 (APP):
Pakistan’s candidate for the Director General World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Sania Nishtar presented her vision and plan for the Organization at a forum hosted by the Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, in London.

Sania Nishtar is contending for the slot of Director General WHO with other candidates from other countries, including Italy, France, United Kingdom and Hungary who also participated in the event, said a press release received here Sunday.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Nishtar called for reinvigorating the world’s only universal membership multilateral health agency in face of the pressing global health challenges. She outlined her priorities of bringing reforms to rapid fruition, embracing meaningful and timely transparency, institutionalizing true accountability, ensuring value for money, and driving a culture based on results and delivery, to transform the organization.

Placing universal attainment of the highest possible level of health at the centre of her vision, she also highlighted her pledges including delivering effective operational readiness in outbreaks and emergencies;
strengthened action on global public goods; focus on supporting countries to reduce the health risks of climate change; and country relevant support to achieve the SDGs, with an emphasis on Universal Health Coverage and multi sectoral action.

With her diverse experience in the areas of health, civil society, public sector and the multilateral system, Dr. Nishtar expressed her commitment to deliver a renewed WHO. She also promised to lead a WHO that leverages stakeholders’ contributions and inspires increased engagement and accountability.

During the event, Dr. Nishtar also responded to questions from the audiences on a number of issues including challenges to WHO, gender equity, accountability, partnership with private sector, universal health coverage and north south health divide.

Earlier, Dr. Nishtar called on Lord Prior, UK’s Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health and apprised him about her candidature. Lord Prior appreciated her credentials and her professional experience and diverse background in the field of health.

Separately, Dr. Nishtar also met the High Commissioner for Pakistan Syed Ibne Abbas, who praised her achievements and contributions in the fields of health and governance. With her professional expertise, experience and background, he termed Dr. Nishtar the ideal candidate for the post of DG WHO.

Dr. Sania Nishtar, a former Federal Minister and prominent global health leader with extensive experience in public healthcare, is among the six candidates nominated for the post of Director General WHO. The election for the post will be held in January and May next year.

ISLAMABAD, Nov 6 (APP):

Nearly 108,000 people die each year in Pakistan from tobacco related diseases, affecting 1200 youth and children daily.

According to WHO report on tobacco consumption in Pakistan, mostly people die from diseases like heart disease, stroke and emphysema while smoking causes cancer while non smokers become victim of cardiovascular disease because of passive smoking.

It is said that many people misunderstand or underestimate the risks for morbidity and premature mortality due to tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke. A well designed health warnings and messages on tobacco product packages have been shown for public awareness on health effects due to tobacco use.

According to a survey of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS Pakistan), in Pakistan, 19.1% (23.9 million) of adults (31.8% of men and 5.8% of women) currently (daily or less than daily) use tobacco products.

The prevalence of current tobacco smoking was 22.2% among men and 2.1% among women. Tobacco smoking was higher in rural (13.9%) than in urban areas (10.0%). Cigarette smokers smoke an average of 13.6 cigarettes per day, while males smoking 13.7 and females smoking 10.3 cigarettes per day.

Report mentions that nearly 16.8 million adults who worked indoors were exposed to tobacco smoke at the workplace, 56.3 million at home, 21.2 million at restaurants and 49.2 million who used public transport.

The average amount spent on 20 manufactured cigarettes is Rs 40.9, from same amount approximately 1 kilogram (2.2. pounds) of potatoes or five eggs or one loaf of bread could be purchased.

74.8% of adults favored increasing taxes on tobacco products.

Around 85.8% adults believed smoking causes serious illness whereas 77% believed smokeless tobacco causes serious illness, it added.

National Coordinator, Coalition for Tobacco Control Pakistan (CTC), Khurram Hashmi said that effective health warnings and messages and other tobacco product packaging and labeling measures are key components of a comprehensive, integrated approach to tobacco control. He said that evidence shows that health warnings and messages that contain both pictures and text are far more effective than those carry text only. However, a large number of people are of low literacy or who cannot read at all text of the health warnings or message mentioned on cigarette packets.

Hashmi stressed on the standardization of packaging and said packages would display a standard background color and manufacturers would be permitted to print only the brand name in a mandated size, font and position.

He said that studies have shown that pictorial health warnings raise the awareness of tobacco users to the negative health and economic impacts associated with tobacco use. He said that Pakistan as a signatory to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) which binds all member states to WHO convention to implement large, rotating health warnings on all tobacco product packaging and labeling.

An official of Tobacco Control Cell, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination said that in February 2015, the ministry had announced new measures that will require the size of the warnings to increase from 40% to 85% of the package.

He added Urdu text will appear on the front of the pack, and English text will appear on the back. He added several other steps were taken related to the implementation and regulation of picture based health warnings in Pakistan including prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non Smokers Health Ordinance (2002), Health Warning Rules (2009) and Amendment to Health Warning Rules (2010).

Monday 7th November 2016:

‘Cultures, From Different Angles’, a spectacular photography exhibition inaugurated on Monday 7th of November showcasing the best works from Qatari and Chinese photographers. It is being exhibit in Building 19, Katara Cultural Village from November 7th – November 30th, 2016.

The exhibition is a unique visual interpretation of this year’s Qatar-China 2016 Year of Culture, an initiative run under the patronage of Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, that seeks to promote cultural dialogue and to build bridges between the two nations.

Organised by Qatar Museum in collaboration with the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture and the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China, ‘Cultures, From Different Angles’ is displaying works of four Chinese and two Qatari photographers.

Ahmed Al Khulaifi and Saeed Al Marri from Qatar traveled to vast grasslands of northern China to the Li River, one of the purest rivers famous for ‘cormorant fishing’, a tradition dating back 1300 years where fishermen use trained aquatic birds to fish in rivers. During their two weeks incredible journey of discovery, Qatari photographers captured their experiences of Chinese culture and traditions through their own lenses, engaging in an inspiring exchange of artistic discovery.

At the same time, Chinese photographers Bao Lixia, Huang Zuxiang, Liu Zhining and Xu Xinrong travelled across Qatar to experience Qatar’s vast desert landscapes, Doha’s vibrant cityscape and architecture and Qatar’s deep traditions, customs and hospitality.

Mohammed Al Othman, Director, Public and International Relations, Qatar Museums said on the occasion “This exhibition perfectly encapsulates the core values of the Years of Culture initiative in promoting mutual understanding between both Qatar and China. While interacting with people in their natural environments, the photographers present us with deeper insights into both Chinese and Qatari culture in this stunning collection of photography, representing each photographers individual style and experience.”

'Year of Culture' has almost become an yearly event and is designed to explore and celebrate cultural similarities and differences and deepen understanding between nations and their people through mutual exchanges of arts, culture, heritage and sport.This is the third photography exhibition held in Qatar as part of the Years of Culture initiative. Previous Years of Culture have included Qatar-Japan 2012, Qatar-UK 2013, Qatar-Brazil 2014 and Qatar-Turkey 2015. During the trips, photographers are encouraged to interact with the locals, learn from them and document their experiences via social media.

Next year, Qatar Museums will celebrate the Qatar-Germany 2017 Year of Culture.

Qatar Airways is the official airline sponsor of the Years of Culture initiative, while the Shangri-La Hotel group is the official hospitality sponsor for the Qatar-China 2016 Year of Culture.

Doha, November 06 (QNA) -

Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received on Sunday at the Emiri Diwan Marta Gabriela Michetti, Vice President of the Argentine Republic. She was accompanied along with members of the delegation.

The Emir welcomed the Argentine vice president and lauded bilateral relations between both the countries. He hoped that her visit will strengthen further relations between both the countries particularly in fields of economy and investment.

Visiting vice President of Argentine expressed her delight on her visit. She thanked and appreciated on her warm welcome and hospitality.

Both leaders reviewed bilateral relations and issues of mutual interests. They discussed on further possibilities to enhance and develop strong relations in various fields.

Doha, November 06 (QNA)

President of the Republic of Serbia Tomislav Nikolic arrived Sunday in Doha on an official visit to the country.

He and his accompanying delegation was received by Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, Minister of Youth and Sports.
Mubarak bin Fahad Al-Thani,Ambassador of Qatar to Serbia and Serbian Ambassador to Qatar and Jasminko Pozderac, Serbian ambassador to Qatar were also present.