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Rabat – The World Bank’s Morocco Economic Monitor report for July 2020 commends Morocco’s “swift and decisive” response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, indicators show that the country’s life-saving measures came at a high cost for the economy, resulting in a looming recession. The report recognizes Morocco’s ongoing efforts toward socio-economic development across the country, highlighting “dramatic improvements towards eradicating extreme poverty; increased life expectancy, greater access to basic public services, and significant public infrastructure development.” Meanwhile, it notes that the pandemic could set the country’s economic development back amid years of progress. “The COVID-19 shock is, however, abruptly pushing the economy into a severe recession, the first one since 1995,” it reads. The World Bank expects both domestic and external shocks to impact Morocco’s economy. Prior to the pandemic, economists expected the country’s real GDP would expand by 3.6%. Now, experts predict a 4% contraction in the baseline scenario. Contributing factors and recommendations “Few sectors have been spared but the contraction is primarily driven by a drop in the production of goods and services, a reduction in exports, disruption of global value chains, as well as a decline in tourism due to travel restrictions and border lockdowns.” The High Commission for Planning reports that government assistance has mitigated income loss for 19% of households. Still, the effects of lockdown, disruption of value chains, and worldwide temporary closures have slowed demand and resulted in widespread job and income losses. Sharp declines in tourism, exports, and remittances have rocked the economy. Increased expenditures to combat the negative effects of COVID-19 also factored in. “As a result, we expect the overall fiscal deficit to widen to 7.5 percent of GDP in 2020, almost 4 percentage points larger than projected pre-COVID-19. Both public and external debt are projected to rise but to remain sustainable.” It is clear that COVID-19 is making its mark beyond Morocco’s public health sphere. However, the World Bank notes that it projects post-pandemic economic recovery with “unusually large uncertainty.” It is possible that Morocco’s economic growth may not resume on trend until 2022. The United Nations organization suggests moving from mitigation techniques to pursuing policies and clear roadmaps that will allow the country to adapt to COVID-19. Finding ways to reshape Morocco’s socioeconomic landscape could hasten the country’s recovery and prevent further damage. “Faced with the risk of a protracted pandemic, moving from mitigation to an adaptation phase is key to ensuring a resilient, inclusive, and growing Moroccan economy.” Despite the threat of recession and a likely dragging economic recovery, the World Bank demonstrates confidence in Morocco’s ability to adapt. It referenced Morocco’s success in developing strategic measures in its environmental efforts. It also expressed that the country has the opportunity to build a more sustainable and resilient economy.

The Renault Zoe Van will join the firm’s fleet of electric commercial vehicles later this year. Created by applying modest modifications to the Zoe road car – most notably opaque rear windows and the removal of the rear seats to form a flat load area – the Zoe Van will be powered by the same 52kWh battery pack and 107bhp R110 electric motor. Its range is rated at 245 miles per charge under the WLTP test cycle, allowing for a 50% payload and 75kg drive Peak charging via a 50kW DC outlet allows drivers to charge from zero to 80% in 70 minutes and a 30-minute charge is enough for a 90-mile range boost. A 22kW charger can fill the battery from empty in three hours. Load volume is rated at one cubic metre. The load bay is 1205mm long and maximum load width is 1110mm. Maximum payload is rated at up to 387kg. The Zoe Van is available in two trims: Business and Business+. Buyers of either can opt for rapid charging capability. Standard equipment includes a 10.0in TFT instrument cluster, 7.0in infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, manual air conditioning, electric front windows, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, automatic headlights and wipers, full-LED headlights, 15in steel wheels and a USB socket. Business+ adds more kit, including a sat-nav, wireless smartphone charging, rear parking sensors, rear parking camera, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, automatic climate control, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors and 16in alloy wheels. Underlining the Zoe Van’s urban capabilities, 0-62mph takes 11.4sec, and 0-31mph 3.9sec. As with the road car, the Zoe Van gets a five-year, 100,000-mile warranty, while its battery has an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty. Servicing is every year or 18,000 miles. Back to top Prices without VAT but with the plug-in van grant start at £19,380 and rise to £20,995, highlighting the business savings over the Zoe road car, which starts from £28,795 with VAT and prior to the application of the electric vehicle grant.

Who doesn’t like to enjoy their desserts without guilt? If you have been having a hard time doing so, trust us you are not alone. However, if you have a sweet tooth and love apples, trust us you are in for a yummy ride! Check out this easy recipe which does not have sugar and all-purpose flour. The best part is that even vegetarians can enjoy it because it is eggless. Ingredients 2 cups of whole wheat flour 1/2 cup of chopped dark chocolate 1/2 tsp of baking soda 1/2 tsp of cinnamon powder 2 tbsps of ground flax seeds 2 tsp of baking powder 5 tbsp of water 1/2 cup of coconut sugar/ brown sugar 1/4 cup of jaggery powder ( you could also use 3/4 cup of regular sugar instead of coconut sugar & jaggery) 1/2 cup of vegetable oil/ melted butter 1 cup of milk 2-3 apples Steps *Since the cake will not include any eggs, it is best to start by sifting your dry ingredients. In a bowl, sift 2 cups of whole wheat flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, half a teaspoon of baking soda along with 1/2 a teaspoon of cinnamon powder. *Focusing on wet ingredients, we have to make flax eggs. Flax eggs will be a substitute for eggs. For this combine 2 tablespoons of finely grounded flax seeds with 5 tablespoons of water. Mix it and keep it aside for 20 minutes. However, if you want to use eggs, use 2 medium-sized eggs. *Add 3/4 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of jaggery powder in a separate bowl. To this add, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil or butter and mix really well. To this add the flax paste that was kept aside and keep mixing it so that your cake turns out fluffy. *To this mixture now add the mixture of dry ingredients and fold the mixture. To this add a cup of milk and keep folding the mixture and lastly add a half a cup of chopped dark chocolate. *Pre-heat the oven at 180-degree celsius and transfer the cake batter to the cake tin which is lined with parchment sheet. *Now take 2-3 apples and remove their core (which includes the seeds) and thinly slice them. Now place the slices one after another over the cake batter. *Bake the cake for 40-45 minutes at 180-degree celsius. Once done, let it cool down before you de-mould and enjoy! Here are other healthy recipes you can try You don’t have to bake these vegan fudge brownies; check out the recipe here These gluten-free, vegan cookies are perfect for midnight munching Try these easy gluten-free nutrient breakfast bombs today; here’s the recipe Try Yami Gautam’s gluten-free cinnamon/ginger cookies; here’s the recipe Rakul Preet Singh cooks yummy vegan pesto pasta; try the recipe Will you try this recipe?

Researchers at Scotland-based University of Dundee have demonstrated a new method of destroying an ‘undruggable’ protein known to play a role in cancer, raising the possibility of a new therapeutic approach to the disease. Mutations of the K-Ras protein have long been known to cause many cancers, including lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. But despite decades of work by researchers across the world, an inhibitor for this protein has proven elusive. As a result, scientists have increasingly looked to novel ways of targeting K-Ras. A team from Dundee’s Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC PPU) led by Dr Gopal Sapkota, programme leader in protein phosphorylation at the University of Dundee, had previously engineered the Affinity-directed PROtein Missile (AdPROM) system that allows for the efficient and rapid degradation of specific target proteins in cells. Being able to degrade intracellular disease-causing proteins offers a unique opportunity for therapeutic intervention but it was not known whether these ‘protein missiles’ would be able to destroy K-Ras. In two papers, published this week in Cell Chemical Biology, the Dundee team has shown, for the first time, that it is possible to target K-Ras for degradation using the AdPROM system. The use of this technology in humans remains some way off, but Dr Sapkota now expects rapid progress in chemical degraders of K-Ras over the next few years. “K-Ras is the holy grail of cancer targets, so the knowledge that it can be targeted for degradation in this way is an extremely promising discovery,” said Dr Sapkota. “This potentially allows for any small molecule that binds K-Ras, rather than just inhibitors which have proven to be elusive, to be converted into a degrader. In the next 10 years, I would hope we have options available to target those cancers that are caused by K-Ras mutations.” he stated. “Many companies have tried to design broad inhibitors of K-Ras with limited success. Instead we looked at whether it was possible to destroy the K-Ras protein using AdPROM. The idea that we can remove disease-causing proteins from the cell is very exciting, both in terms of research and drug discovery. Targeted destruction of disease-causing proteins is an exciting new approach to tackling so-called undruggable targets, which is something many believed K-Ras to be.” Proteins, known as the building blocks of life, are vital to our existence and are found in every cell on earth. They come in a huge variety of forms and perform a wide range of functions, including defending the body against diseases. In the vast majority of human diseases, amplification or genetic mutations alter the protein function in cells and this is what causes the damage that diseases wreak on the body. K-Ras relays signals from outside the cell to the cell’s nucleus. These signals instruct the cell to grow and divide (proliferate) or to mature and take on specialised functions (differentiate). Cancer, in its simplest terms, is uncontrolled cell division, and certain mutations can cause the division process to go awry. How did they do it? The AdPROM technology is relatively simple to assemble and can be used in any cell. The system uses small affinity probes, termed nanobodies or monobodies, which bind and recruit specific target proteins to the cells’ own protein degradation machinery, as per the research team. The Sapkota Lab, through the University’s Division of Signal Transduction Therapy (DSTT) collaboration, used gene editing technology to tag the endogenous K-RAS gene with a Green Fluorescence Protein. By using the GFP-directed protein missile, they were able to rapidly and efficiently destroy tagged K-Ras proteins from these cells. ALSO READ | From immunotherapy to Artificial Intelligence: Some recent advances in cancer treatment The team then went on to use K-Ras directed protein missile and were able to destroy endogenous K-Ras as well. They will now work to develop selective binders of mutated K-Ras to achieve selective degradation of specific disease-causing mutations of this protein. Dr Sapkota continued, “The AdPROM system provides a rapid way to test whether specific proteins are valid drug targets and informs rapidly whether protein destruction is a feasible drugging strategy. Now we know endogenous K-Ras proteins can be degraded, more resource-intensive efforts can be streamlined into developing small molecule degraders as drugs. Professor Dario Alessi, director, MRC PPU, said, “The DSTT is our flagship collaboration between University of Dundee academic researchers and industry. This exciting collaboration has developed innovative methods to efficiently degrade K-Ras for the first time, opening the door for a new approach to treat cancers driven by the KRAS oncogene.”

Losing weight requires effort; and as many will agree, losing belly fat can be a bit more difficult. And a host of reasons are responsible for it. Dt. Shikha Mahajan, holistic nutritionist and founder of Diet Podium identifies them as indigestion, hormonal imbalance and sedentary lifestyle. “Bloating and chronic constipation are caused by indigestion and they can be tackled by including fibre and ginger in your diet. It is also important to drink lots of water,” she said while speaking to indianexpress.com. Another way to help flatten the belly is drinking jeera and ajwain water. “Soak them at night and drink the water the next morning,” she shares. For those who follow a sedentary lifestyle, it is imperative to keep carbs in check. Mahajan suggests starting the day with good fat like almonds and walnuts. One can also opt for green tea and have half a spoon of ghee before that. In case of hormonal imbalance, having berries, avocados can be helpful. “Cortisol is a stress hormone that disrupts the normal functions of other hormones. It causes an imbalance in leptin and ghrelin thus causing spikes in hunger, upping your total calories intake. It also causes heart problems and insulin imbalance which makes our body deposit fat in the belly. Foods like berries, avocados, nuts, yogurt, pears and papaya help lower the cortisol levels,” Mahajan maintains.

Audi’s SQ7 and SQ8 performance SUVs have swapped their diesel V8 for a more powerful petrol V8, less than a year after the diesel version went on sale. The new twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre unit’s 500bhp output marks a significant 71bhp increase over the outgoing diesel, but torque is down 96lb ft at 568lb ft. Both cars are now capable of covering 0-62mph in 4.1sec - a 0.7sec improvement - and 50-75mph in just 3.8sec. Top speed is an electronically limited 155mph. Unlike the diesel, the TFSI petrol motor does not feature 48V mild-hybrid technology, but Audi highlights new efficiency-boosting features, such as a ‘cylinder on demand’ system, which shuts down four cylinders when possible to reduce fuel consumption, and optimised gas exchange between the turbochargers and chambers for improved combustion. WLTP testing figures are yet to be revealed, but the SQ7 and SQ8 are unlikely to match the outgoing versions’ 29.4–31.4 mpg consumption rating and 235-252g/km CO2 output. The Porsche Cayenne GTS, which uses a variant of the same V8, is capable of 20.0-21.2mpg and emits between 301 and 319g/km of CO2. Audi claims the new engine gives a “classic V8 soundtrack” that can be altered at will according to the driving situation and says oscillating coils in the active engine mounts minimise vibration in the cabin to improve refinement. Four-wheel steering, previously reserved for top-rung Vorsprung editions of the warm SUVs, is now standard across the range. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn by up to 5deg in the opposite direction to reduce the turning circle, while at speeds of more than 37mph, they imitate the movements of the front wheels to enhance stability in corners. As before, air suspension, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox are standard fitment across the line-up. UK pricing has not yet been confirmed, but Audi quotes a roughly £78,000 starting price for the SQ7 and £83,000 for the SQ8. Highly specified Vorsprung trim remains an option and brings electromechanical active roll stabilisation for reduced roll and a smoother ride, and a sport-specification differential that varies torque distribution across the rear axle. Additional infotainment, connectivity and driver assistance functions are included as well. The range-toppers buck Audi Sport’s recent trend of switching its S models from petrol to diesel power. Audi UK boss Andrew Doyle said: “Petrol engines are becoming increasingly prevalent in the high-performance SUV segment on the strength of the great efficiency gains made in recent years, and we are acknowledging that trend with these upgraded models.” The S4, S5 and S6 sports saloons recently made the swap to a hybridised diesel V6, while the larger S8 packs a V8 with 562bhp, making it the most potent model in the S range.

For those making an effort to lead a sustainable life, the need of the is to switch to eco-friendly things in as many situations as possible. If you too are planning to go green, we suggest you begin with bioenzyme which is an environment-friendly and completely organic cleaner that has gained increased po[CENSORED]rity in the recent times. Joining the green bandwagon is actor Samantha Akkineni who recently shed light on bioenzymes, and why they matter and how you can easily make them in your home compound. Check out the actor’s post below: What is a bioenzyme? Bioenzyme is a natural organic cleaner made from fermenting citrus peels. It can be used as a floor cleaner, bathroom cleaner, glass cleaner, for dishwashing, and also laundry. Bioenzyme contains good bacteria which breakdown stains and grime from a multitude of household surfaces. Why is bioenzyme good? Bioenzymes are natural cleaners and can keep your house free from the nasty and toxic chemical cleaners. “Also, they are great going down your drain. Apparently one litre of bioenzyme can decontaminate 1000 litres of water, so you help your environment too,” said Samantha. DIY bioenzyme, anyone? Ingredients 3 parts fruits peels or 300 grams 1 part jaggery or 100grams 10 parts water or 1 litre 1 part yeast (yeast here refers to a previous batch of bioenzyme which helps speed up the fermentation process from 3 to 1 month). ALSO READ | Simple ways to grow fresh and healthy food at home Method *Mix everything and put it in an airtight screw-on lid plastic container. Store in a dark corner in your kitchen. *You need to open the container everyday for a few second for the first 10 days. After that every alternate day should suffice. *At the end of 3 months/1 month, strain the contents and squeeze out all the extra goodness. Pro tips *The pulp that is left after straining can be blended and used as a concentrated cleaner for tough stains. *It can also be used as a starter for a new batch of bioenzyme.

Rabat – For the first time in four months, ferries are mobilizing to transport passengers from Europe to northern Morocco as part of the Moroccan government’s “exceptional operation” to facilitate the return of the country’s citizens, residents, and their families starting Wednesday. The first ship is set to depart Wednesday from the port of Sete, France to Nador, on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast. The second will leave the port of Genoa, Italy for the Tangier Med Port on Thursday. As announced on July 8, Morocco is opening its borders on July 15 to ferries from Genoa and Sete, as well as Royal Air Maroc and Air Arabia flights from various international destinations. Only Moroccan citizens, legal residents, and the family members of both citizens and residents are permitted onboard. Air and maritime travelers over the age of 11 must undergo PCR and serological tests within 48 hours of departing for Morocco. Ferry passengers who travel by car to the Genoa and Sete ports are to undergo additional screening onboard if their test results are more than two days old. The Ministry of Equipment, Transport, and Logistics affirmed on July 14 that it has “established contacts with the port authorities of the liaison ports in France and Italy in order to coordinate all port and maritime operations.” The ministry has mobilized national and foreign shipowners, as well as administrations and partner institutions, to set up a fleet plan that follows long-distance shipping lines from the two European ports, Morocco’s state media Maghreb Arab Press (MAP) reported. “Provisional authorizations will be granted to selected shipowners who undertake to give full effect to the provisions of the specifications put in place by the ministry to ensure safe and secure transport and protect the health of passengers and crews,” said the ministry’s statement ahead of the ferries’ launch. The ministry’s specifications outline the operating conditions for the ferry routes and the health provisions on board. The statement said the competent authorities visited the ships set for mobilization to ensure the implementation of the health protocols before the ferry operations commence. The ministry has equipped the two ships set to bring passengers to Nador and Tangier with COVID-19 analysis laboratories, in line with the protocol of Moroccan health authorities. In the coming days, the ministry will fit the other ships in the fleet with analysis laboratories so they can safely set sail for Moroccan ports.

I recall the amazing char-grilled smell of shakar kandi or sweet potato, almost as fondly as I recall its flavour. As a child, I remember how vendors would approach our gate pushing their rustic old-world wooden carts outfitted with big griddles and fueled by burning coals, ready to provide my brother, sister and myself with this most delicious after school snack — Sweet Potato Chaat. The sweet potatoes were cooked until sugary and tender over hot coals and then cut into cubes, fried and tossed with spices like chaat masala, lime juice, cumin and salt. Sweet, sour, salty and savoury, growing up in India was truly a feast for my senses. Though traditionally a street food, these potatoes make a welcome, exotic addition to any holiday or autumn table. Or, for fun, served as a passed hors d’oeuvres in little paper cones. Ingredients: 2½ pounds (about 5 medium) – Sweet potatoes 4 cups – Neutral oil 1-2 tbsp – Sea salt 1-2 tbsp – Toasted cumin seed powder 1-2 tbsp – Chaat masala ¼-½ tsp – Kashmiri mirchi/cayenne pepper 2 limes, cut into wedges ALSO READ | Suvir’s Slice of Life: This simple tomato chutney is bursting with flavours Method: * Heat your oven to 450°F (232.222°C). Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork and then place them on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Bake until the skin is baggy and the flesh gives in to slight pressure, about an hour (less for small sweet potatoes and longer for large ones). Set the potatoes aside to completely cool down, and then peel and chop them into cubes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (176.667°C). * Heat canola oil in a large pot or wok until it reads between 325°F and 350°F on a thermometer. Using a slotted spoon, add about ¼ of the potatoes (take care not to overcrowd the pot, otherwise the oil will cool) and fry, stirring, turning and breaking the potatoes apart if they stick together. Fry until they are blistered and browned, about 4-6 minutes. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate and set them aside or keep them warm on another baking sheet in the hot oven. Let the oil return to 325°F to 350°F before frying the remaining batches of potatoes. * Once all of the potatoes are fried, transfer them to a bowl and toss with a few pinches of kosher salt, toasted cumin powder, chaat masala, a pinch of cayenne and some fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust with additional spices or lime juice as you like. Serve while hot or at room temperature.

Jeep has unwrapped a one-off V8-powered version of its Wrangler Rubicon off-roader and hinted that it may soon become an addition to the range. The new 6.4-litre (392 cubic inches) engine is the first V8 used by Jeep since that of the 1981 CJ, which produced just 125bhp and 220lb ft of torque. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept, by contrast, produces 450bhp and 450lb ft, giving it a 0-60mph time of less than 5.0sec. Although it remains a concept for now, Jeep’s boss for North America, Jim Morrison, said: “Jeep Wrangler enthusiasts have been asking us for a Wrangler V8, and our new Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept proves that we have the ability to make that happen.” Any production version would be unlikely to come to Europe, however, because it would fall foul of the European Union's strict new emissions standards. Morrison added: “We're anxious to gauge their reaction to this new Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept, a vehicle that delivers an incredible and unmatched level of fun-to-drive performance and capability, on- and off-road.” Alongside the larger engine, the 392 Concept gains off-road-oriented modifications including Dana 44 axles, a full-time two-speed transfer case, electric axle lockers, 37in mud-terrain tyres and a 2in suspension lift. With 13.25in of ground clearance, the 4x4 is capable of fording water up to 34in deep. The engine mounts and frame have been modified to accommodate the larger engine, while a two-mode exhaust system can change the engine note at will and Fox aluminium shock absorbers are said to improve damping and heat dissipation. The breakover, approach and departure angles of the Wrangler Rubicon - one of the most capable series-production 4x4s on the market - have been improved by way of additional suspension articulation and a shorter, 3.73 gear ratio which gives “massive amounts” of low-end torque, while a strengthened eight-speed automatic gearbox is said to enhance the on-road driving experience. The concept’s design largely resembles that of the standard car, further hinting at its potential for production, but it's marked out by bronze wheels, shocks and trim elements, a raised bonnet and cut-down doors. The interior is trimmed throughout in red leather with contrasting gold stitching. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept has been revealed at the same time as the new Ford Bronco - regarded as the Wrangler’s biggest rival. Like the Jeep, the new Bronco is available in both two- and four-door forms and as both a purpose-built off-roader and more road-focused SUV, although no V8 option has yet been introduced.

Eggs are one of the most versatile food items that can be prepared in numerous ways. And the best part is that it tastes lovely in all its forms — whether it is boiled, as an omelette, as a stuffing or even as keema. So how about trying an egg dish for dinner tonight? Looking for ideas — egg keema, the spicy, slow cooked dish made with onions, tomatoes and spices, has our vote. Bulk up some protein with this delicious cheesy recipe. Here’s the recipe shared by TheBriskKitchen on Instagram. Ingredients ½ tsp – Cooking oil 3 – Boiled egg 1 pinch + 1 tsp – Red chilli powder 1 pinch + 1 tsp- Salt 1 pinch – Haldi powder 1 tsp – Butter 1 – Onion, chopped 1 tbsp – Ginger, chopped 1 – Green chilli, chopped 1 – Tomato, chopped ½ tsp – Cumin powder ½ tsp – Garam masala ½ tsp – Coriander powder ½ tsp – Pav bhaji masala 150 ml – Water 1 tbsp – Besan 1 tbsp – Kasuri methi ½ tsp – Black pepper 100 ml – Water 100 g – Cheddar cheese Coriander, chopped ALSO READ | Bored of regular omelette? Try these interesting egg recipes for breakfast today Method *In a kadhai, add cooking oil, boiled eggs, red chilli powder, salt and haldi powder. Fry for 2-3 mins and keep aside. *In the same kadhai, add butter and chopped onions. Sauté well. Add chopped ginger and garlic. Sauté well. Add chopped green chilli, tomato and salt. Mix well. Add haldi powder, red chilli powder, jeera powder, garam masala, coriander powder and pav bhaji masala. Mix well. Add water and besan. Mix well. Add kasuri methi and black pepper. *Now grate the fried eggs and add along with water and grated cheddar cheese. *Garnish with extra cheese and chopped coriander. Pro tips – If you are bored of eating boiled eggs every day, give this flavoursome recipe a try.