Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila arrives to announce his government's resignation at his official residence, Kesaranta, in Helsinki, Finland March 8, 2019. Reuters
Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila arrives to announce his government's resignation at his official residence, Kesaranta, in Helsinki, Finland March 8, 2019. Reuters
Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila arrives to announce his government's resignation at his official residence, Kesaranta, in Helsinki, Finland March 8, 2019. Reuters
Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila arrives to announce his government's resignation at his official residence, Kesaranta, in Helsinki, Finland March 8, 2019. Reuters

Finland's centre-right government resigns


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Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila's centre-right government resigned on Friday after failing to push through a planned social and health reform.

Finnish broadcaster YLE says Sipila will ask President Sauli Niinisto to dissolve Parliament later in the day.

Friday's decision comes week before Finland holds parliamentary elections on April 14 to renew Finland's 200-seat Eduskunta assembly.

Mr Sipila, who came to power in May 2015, will continue to serve as prime minister "until a new government has been appointed," said Paivi Anttikoski, a government spokeswoman.

The planned health care reform was meant to tackle an aging population and reduce public spending by 3 billion euros ($3.4 billions) by 2029. Successive governments have so far failed to accomplish the reform.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Dubai Bling season three

Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed 

Rating: 1/5

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.

Tailors and retailers miss out on back-to-school rush

Tailors and retailers across the city said it was an ominous start to what is usually a busy season for sales.
With many parents opting to continue home learning for their children, the usual rush to buy school uniforms was muted this year.
“So far we have taken about 70 to 80 orders for items like shirts and trousers,” said Vikram Attrai, manager at Stallion Bespoke Tailors in Dubai.
“Last year in the same period we had about 200 orders and lots of demand.
“We custom fit uniform pieces and use materials such as cotton, wool and cashmere.
“Depending on size, a white shirt with logo is priced at about Dh100 to Dh150 and shorts, trousers, skirts and dresses cost between Dh150 to Dh250 a piece.”

A spokesman for Threads, a uniform shop based in Times Square Centre Dubai, said customer footfall had slowed down dramatically over the past few months.

“Now parents have the option to keep children doing online learning they don’t need uniforms so it has quietened down.”

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RESULTS

Main card

Bantamweight 56.4kg: Mehdi Eljamari (MAR) beat Abrorbek Madiminbekov (UZB), Split points decision

Super heavyweight 94 kg: Adnan Mohammad (IRN) beat Mohammed Ajaraam (MAR), Split points decision

Lightweight 60kg:  Zakaria Eljamari (UAE) beat Faridoon Alik Zai (AFG), RSC round 3

Light heavyweight 81.4kg: Taha Marrouni (MAR) beat Mahmood Amin (EGY), Unanimous points decision

Light welterweight 64.5kg: Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK) beat Nouredine Samir (UAE), Unanimous points decision

Light heavyweight 81.4kg:  Ilyass Habibali (UAE) beat Haroun Baka (ALG), KO second round