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The moment has come for electric cars. Lockdown is easing and, due to that, we’re seeing a rapid acceleration in demand for new cars – along with a determination in many a keen owner’s mind that this is a time to take a new view on life and concentrate on what really matters. For a great number of us, that means making a well-informed and far-sighted decision about our next car. Do we stick with the same, safe, internal-combustion choices or embrace the future with an EV? We know it’s coming, so why not do it now? EV guide part two: your questions answered | EV guide part three: how to buy a used EV Autocar believes it’s okay to think such things. Even before Covid-19, this was always going to be a major year for EV sales. The biggest European car makers must this year begin reducing their fleet-average CO2 emissions to 95g/km, and there’s no better way of offsetting the petrol cars that most of the market will still want by selling a decent number of zero-emissions ones. One reason EVs were so hard to buy last year is that firms were using 2019 to clear their less fuel-efficient stock, knowing 2020 would be the year of the EV push. Now, suddenly, they want to sell you battery cars. There are other prime reasons for considering the change. The supply of enticing EVs has grown from a dozen to 40-plus in short order, and there’s now a viable second-hand EV market, reassuring for those considering the change. Company car economics have moved decisively in the favour of EVs, too. Road tax is eliminated, parking costs are low, fuelling costs are slashed and London’s congestion charge and ULEZ fees don’t apply. What used to be a speculative topic has become a serious option. Now read on as we rate every EV on sale and answer the questions surrounding them.

The under-eye area or around the eyes, also known as the periorbital area, is more prone to dark circles for a lot of women as well as men especially during the quarantine period, when screen time has increased due to work from home or binge-watching television series. Dark pigmentation under the eyes gives an exhausted look, making one seem under the weather or suffering from lack of sleep. Since the skin around the eyes is the thinnest, this results in reflection of the dark maroon underlying orbicularis oculi, which is a circular muscle. “When the light does not get reflected, it gives a dark look to the area. With increased screen time and stress in these tough cover days, the artificial light from the screen causes a lot of drying as it steals the moisture from the skin and also causes breakdown of collagen,” explains Dr Geeta Grewal, cosmetic surgeon, and anti-aging, beauty and wellness expert. The strain on the eyes makes the fat pockets melt faster. It also impedes the blood microcirculation hence causing accumulation of metabolic byproducts. Here are some ways in which you can deal with it: * Consuming alcohol or food that has excess salt and is oily, especially later in the day, causes puffiness due to water retention. * Practice five clockwise and five anticlockwise gentle circular movements with a moisturiser rich in vitamins especially C, E, K taking care to be very gentle not pressing too hard on this delicate skin as a hard press can cause further damage. * Apply under-eye cream 40 minutes before going to bed. Vitamin K, C and E based creams are effective treatments for dark circles. Gentle rubbing in clockwise and anti-clockwise helps to improve blood circulation and also stimulates lymphatic circulation. * Soak green tea-bags in ice water or freeze it and place on the eyes. This helps to shrink the blood vessels thus lessening dark circles. * Micro-needling with antioxidants vitamins and brightening agents like liquorice arbutus helps to build the strength in the periorbital skin. * Fat grafting or fillers help to restore the melted or slipped fat pockets which thus corrects the concave deformity to a convex reflecting one, getting rid of the tired look.

Rabat – Starting July 15, Morocco’s national air carrier Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is set to operate flights to and from 23 international destinations for Moroccan citizens and legal residents, as well as their family members. The Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in the French capital will witness the largest number of RAM flights, with airplanes coming from and going to Casablanca, Rabat, Oujda, Marrakech, and Fez. Meanwhile, all other international destinations will see flights coming from and going to the Mohammed V International Airport of Casablanca, where RAM is headquartered. European cities are the most represented in the list of destinations, which includes Madrid, Barcelona, and Malaga in Spain, Lyon and Marseille in France, Rome and Milan in Italy, Brussels, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Moscow, and London. In the MENA region, RAM will operate flights to five destinations: Istanbul, Turkey; Dubai, UAE; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Algiers, Algeria; and Tunis, Tunisia. Three major sub-Saharan African urban centers are also on the list of destinations: Dakar, Senegal; Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire; and Nouakchott, Mauritania. Finally, in North America, RAM will serve Montreal in Quebec, Canada, and New York in the US. Travelers can review the detailed schedule of the flights and book tickets through RAM’s website, or by contacting their customer service. The airline announced its new offer following the Moroccan government’s decision to reopen international borders for Moroccans and foreign residents living in Morocco, as well as their families. Morocco’s ministries of foreign affairs and the interior announced the decision on July 8. The government requires passengers take a PCR test less than 48 hours before departing to Morocco, in addition to a serological test to make sure they are not infected with the coronavirus. To date, the government did not announce any intention to open borders for foreign tourists as well.

Toyota has further expanded its global SUV line-up with the launch of the new Corolla Cross. The compact model has gone on sale in Thailand and “will be launched in a growing number of other markets” in the future. The new model is named after the long-running Corolla family car and is based on the same TNGA-C platform. Although the Corolla was recently reintroduced to the UK market, the firm declined to comment on whether the new SUV will be launched here. A spokesperson said: “We cannot confirm any introduction to Europe or other global markets.” Toyota says the machine's development was based on the key phrase “Corolla meets SUV” and it has been designed to blend ‘sturdy’ SUV design cues with a smooth, quiet ride and “exceptional comfort”. At 4460mm long, 1825mm wide and 1620mm tall, the Corolla Cross is marginally larger than the C-HR crossover that is sold in the UK, although its 487-litre boot is far bigger than the C-HR’s 377-litre version. The Corolla Cross uses a new torsion-beam suspension design that, Toyota says, has been developed to offer a “stable, cushioned ride”. In Thailand, it will be offered with a 1.8-litre petrol-electric powertrain that provides a total of 121bhp and a regular 1.8-litre petrol unit producing 138bhp. Given the flexibility of Toyota’s TNGA platform, other units could be fitted in different markets, including the more powerful 1.8- and 2.0-litre hybrid systems offered in the UK. The Corolla Cross is the second new Toyota SUV launched recently to take the name of one of the firm’s po[CENSORED]r hatchbacks, following the Yaris Cross. The Corolla Cross would fit into the hugely po[CENSORED]r compact SUV market in the UK and build on the heritage of the nameplate, but it is unclear if there would be space for it in Toyota’s UK SUV range alongside the Yaris Cross, C-HR, RAV4, Highlander and Land Cruiser.

With the rains approaching, we are sure you wouldn’t mind a batch of yummy choco-chip cookies with a cup of hot coffee. However, if you are someone who is trying to eat healthy, are vegan or following a keto diet, you are in the right place. This recipe is just for you since it doesn’t even require sugar! It’s perfect for guilt-free pleasure. So check out this recipe by Youtuber Bake With Shivesh below and enjoy your warm and fresh cookies. Ingredients 1/2 cup of salted butter (texture should be soft) 1/2 cup of dark unsweetened chocolate 1 and a 1/2 cup of finely grounded almonds 1 tsp of vanilla extract 1 medium-sized egg or use 2 tbsp of powdered flax seeds along with 5 tbsp of water 1/2 tsp of baking powder Steps *Begin by slightly melting half a cup of butter and transferring it to a large glass bowl. To this, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix the ingredients well. *Next, add a medium-sized egg or simply replace it with flax eggs. For flax eggs, all you have to do is, in a little bowl add two tablespoons of finely ground flax seeds along with 5 tablespoons of water. Let this mixture sit on the counter for 5 minutes until it becomes thick. *Beat all the ingredients until nicely combined. To this, add 1 and a 1/2 cup of finely ground almonds or the same amount of almond flour and half a teaspoon of baking powder. Mix it well by folding the mixture to form a dough. *Add 1/2 cup of dark unsweetened chocolate to the dough and keep some pieces aside to be used later. Pop the dough into the refrigerator for 30 minutes. *Line your tray with parchment paper and add small balls of dough and press them slightly flat. Since the cookies don’t have sugar you can use healthy alternatives such as stevia or jaggery powder. *Pre-heat your oven at 180-degree celsius and finally add more chocolate chips on the top and pop it into the oven for 15 minutes until they become golden brown. Here are other vegan 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 Would you like to try them?

Rabat – The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) that the country features a number of big names from Morocco. Among their number is 23-year-old Youssef Zalal who is at the start of a promising UFC career. Zalal, a featherweight fighter at the UFC shared his story and the once in a lifetime opportunity with Morocco World News. The UFC fighter, also known as the “Moroccan Devil” in the ring, is currently 9-2 in his professional Martial Arts career, with five wins by submission and two by knockout. The Casablanca native is now married and lives in Englewood, Colorado. First experience is precious The athlete started training in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) when he was just 16 after kickboxing since the age of 10. “I actually had my first kickboxing fight at 10 years old as well while still in Morocco. In a sense, while I didn’t begin my mixed martial arts career in Morocco, my fighting career in general began there,” Zalal told MWN. Despite the fame, the athlete still remembers his first experience in the ring in Morocco. “I’ll never forget that feeling,” he said while thanking his family and teammates for encouraging him to pursue his dream to join and fight in the UFC. “I am very lucky as everyone has been very supportive throughout my career.” The UFC is a professional US based MMA promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. The sport includes a wide variety of fighting skills from a mixture of combat sports. The rules permit both striking and grappling, allowing athletes from different sporting backgrounds to compete. Zalal, who joined the competition in February 2020, reminisced about when he received a call from UFC asking him to join. “When I got the call and it was official, I was speechless, excited, and just overcome with emotions. It was one of the best feelings I have ever had,” he said. The young fighter said being in the UFC “means a lot” to him, as it gives him the opportunity to inspire youth from Morocco that everything is possible with good will and hard work. “It gives me the opportunity to show young athletes back in Morocco that they too can make it in the UFC too, that this is possible and it is not just a dream.” When asked about his nickname, “the Moroccan Devil,” Zalal said that his very first coach Alex Huddleston started calling him that “after Badr Hari, the legendary Moroccan kickboxer. Ever since then, it just stuck with me.” There is always room for improvement The youngster believes in hard work and determination to improve his skills and techniques. He told MWN his best fight dates back to November 2019 in combat The young fighter was thrilled with his decision to join the UFC, stating that it was the greatest achievement in his lifetime. “My future goal is to be the best fighter I can be and hopefully one day become a champion.” For now, no new fights are coming up for the fighter, but Zalal hopes to be able to come back to the ring this summer. Zalal told MWN that among his inspirations and idols in the UFC is former featherweight champion Max Holloway. MWN asked Youssef to choose between Badr Hari and Rico Verhoeven, some of the big names of the “Glory” fighting, and the young athlete’s choice was predictable. “Badr Hari all day!” he said. Moroccan fighter Hari has earned praise from fans and fighters across the world. His audience is now waiting for the champion to come back to the ring for his promised revenge match against Rico. In 2016, Hari lost to Rico again in a rematch due to injury. Then, in December 2019 the two fighters met in the ring again, only for Hari to lose for a second time for the same reasons. UFC has a score of Moroccans fighting in the competition, including the Azaitar brothers who waved Moroccan flags during their win at the competition rings. Ottman and Abu Azaitar earned themselves a name in the competition with several wins and appearances. Zalal said he has not yet had the chance to meet the Azaitar brothers, but has heard they are “great people.” MWN finished the interview by asking the fighter about his favorite Moroccan dishes. He said he likes tagines, but Seffa is “without doubt” his favorite.

Apart from being a tasty and po[CENSORED]r side dish, chutneys are also known to be good for one’s health. Since there are different varieties of chutneys prepared across the country, it is a good idea to include as many as possible in your diet to ensure wholesome intake of nutrients. Like they say, you are what you eat, and chutneys are known to be a powerhouse of nutrients. Here’s a delicious tomato garlic chutney that nutritionist Lovneet Batra recently spoke about. Ingredients 1 – Tomato 4 – Garlic cloves 1 – Green chilly ½ tsp – Mustard oil Pinch of salt Pinch of sugar ALSO READ | Finger-lickin’ good: The story of chutney in India Method *Lightly roast tomato, garlic and chilly together. *Add mustard oil, salt and sugar and mash them together in a paste. Here’s why you should have tomato garlic chutney Tomatoes provide vitamins and glutathione, and help keep life-threatening diseases like cancer at bay. Garlic, which is a prebiotic, anti-fungal, and antibacterial, helps keep the heart healthy and boost immunity.

Rabat – Like many people around the world, I was horrified by the murder of George Floyd. Kneeling with impunity on someone’s neck as they shout “I can’t breathe; I can’t breeze” until they die shows a total absence of care or compassion for a fellow human being. It was shocking and abhorrent. Like many people around the world I completely understood the wave of anger of the Black Lives Matter protests. The murder and the outpouring of justified rage over it has led me into a long period of serious reflection – I am sure I am not the only person for whom Black Lives Matter has had that impact. Do I actively practice the values I espouse? Do I role model that diversity and tolerance in which I so passionately believe? Have I turned a blind eye to intolerance and, in so doing, had I condoned discrimination? Have I behaved in a way that did not passionately support diversity? Have I led the Embassy in a way that promoted and encouraged open conversation and debate about discrimination no matter whether on the grounds of skin colour, gender, age, weight, religious belief or sexual orientation? I am proud to represent an organization which now defines itself as ‘vehemently anti-racist’. We should all be vehemently anti-racist. There is no space here for half-measures. And we should be passionate advocates for applying that vehemence whenever and wherever we see discrimination or intolerance. Last week in the Embassy we had a very good conversation about how to encourage and foster tolerance and how to reject intolerance. We discussed how accepting discrimination in one part of our lives facilitates or condones it in another. We discussed the difficulty of respecting other people’s views when those views disagreed with our own values. It was not an easy conversation: such matters are always very sensitive. But it was an essential conversation. As I leave Morocco I am determined to carry forward that and the positive constructive spirit in which it was held to whatever my next job maybe. And I resolve to confront prejudice, discrimination and intolerance wherever I may find it. Read Also: Black Lives Matter: The United States’ 401-Year-Old Crisis

How about something delicious and easy to make for dinner tonight? Well, khichdi may not be something you thought we would suggest, but there are so many variations of this one pot meal, that it will leave you surprised. So try the flavourful moong dal khichdi or Fada ni khichdi, a Gujarati staple made with dalia or broken wheat, which is not only a delight to have but also helps keep cholesterol levels under check. Simple to make, the khichdi can be had with curd or ghee or pickle. Nutritionist Nmami Agarwal recently shared the recipe. Take a look! Ingredients 10g – Moong dal 10g – Broken wheat 20g – Chopped onion 20g – Chopped capsicum 10g – Boiled peas 20g – Chopped tomato ¼ tsp – Cumin seeds ¼ tsp – Ginger garlic paste ¼ tsp – Turmeric powder ¼tsp – Red chilli powder 1 tsp – Olive oil Method *Wash and soak moong dal and broken wheat for 10-15 minutes, and strain.*In a pressure cooker, add oil followed by cumin seeds, ginger garlic paste and onion.*When the onion turns soft, add boiled peas, tomato, capsicum and other spices.*Now add moong dal, broken wheat and saute for few minutes.*Add 1-2 cups of water and pressure cook for up to two-three whistles.*Serve hot along with curd.

Production of the new Aston Martin DBX – the beleaguered firm’s first SUV, which will be vital to its long-term future – has begun at the new St Athan factory in Wales. Deliveries of the new model are due to begin later this month. The DBX has been under development since 2015 and is set to become the most important model the British firm has produced. Aston Martin believes that the DBX will account for around half of the company's total sales in the coming years, broadening Aston’s customer base beyond its core sports car market. The firm’s new St Athan plant, located on the site of an old Ministry of Defence base, was built specifically to house the new DBX production line. It took Aston four years to build the plant, which opened last December, and the first first series-production DBX - finished in Stirling Green, Aston's race team colour - rolled off the new line there today (Wednesday), with interrim chief operation officer Keith Stanton at the wheel. Aston claims to have taken more than 2000 orders for the DBX so far, sustaining production into 2021. The plant's annual output will be around 4000 cars. Stanton, who is in day-to-day charge of the firm until new boss Andreas Moers joins – said the start of production at the plant was “testament to the resilience and fortitude of everyone at Aston Martin.” Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s chief creative officer, called the DBX "a critically important landmark" and "the culmination of five years of hard work by everyone at Aston Martin”. He added: “We are incredibly proud of our first SUV, which is as much of an Aston Martin as any one of our sports cars. From my design team to the engineers, the vehicle dynamics team and all the experts who handcraft this beautiful car here at St Athan, the DBX has become the car that will drive Aston Martin into a bold new era. ADVERTISEMENT Find an Autocar car review Driven this week Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S Shooting Brake 2020 UK first drive review - hero front 9 JULY 2020 FIRST DRIVE Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S Shooting Brake 2020 UK review An exceptional AMG engine finds an unusual, attractive and practical berth Alpina D3 S Touring 2020 first drive review - hero front 8 JULY 2020 FIRST DRIVE Alpina D3 S Touring 2020 review The diesel fist delivers its mighty punch while wrapped in an Alpina-lined... Polestar 2 7 JULY 2020 FIRST DRIVE Polestar 2 2020 UK review Urban-chic high-rise saloon takes the electric car off in a development... Back to top The DBX will be vital to reviving the fortunes of Aston Martin. The firm’s share price and value have fallen sharply since the company was floated on the London Stock Exchange and it has posted a series of heavy losses, exacerbated by the recent coronavirus pandemic. Billionaire Lawrence Stroll’s investment group recently invested heavily in the firm, leading to the Canadian becoming Aston’s new chairman. Since Stroll completed his investment, the firm has revamped its long-term strategy, reducing production of its sports cars models, and former CEO Andy Palmer has left the firm. Palmer will be replaced by Mercedes-AMG boss Moers, who is due to start in 1 August.

Seat and Cupra will receive a research and development investment of €5 billion (£4.5bn) by 2025, with a focus on preparing both brands for further electrification. Vehicle development will be a core pillar of the latest in a long line of Volkswagen Group electrification investments announced over the past few years, with Seat’s technical centre taking the lead. Factories will be upgraded, too, with the two firms’ facility in Martorell, Spain intended to become a future hub for Seat's and Cupra’s electric vehicle production. The announcement follows the reveal of the Cupra el-Born, the first electric hot hatchback to be introduced within the VW Group. It's set to go on sale in 2021, after a decision was taken last year not to introduce a specific Seat version but instead focus on the higher-margin Cupra variant. Speaking to Autocar after the unveiling, Cupra CEO Wayne Griffiths said the decision to launch the model initially as a performance variant is “a win-win for both brands, our customers and our dealers”. He added: “I don’t think we will lose anything by launching it as a Cupra. I think we’ve been able to differentiate the car more in terms of design - make the car much more provocative, more sporty, more sophisticated inside and outside. It shows us that Cupra can perfectly combine electrification and performance." Griffiths said the decisions to work on the Cupra model started “very soon after” the original Seat-badged concept was unveiled. It was a process of around 18 months to transform the model from its original Seat form to the Cupra version. When asked if the decision not to do a Seat version indicated that the investment focus was shifting away from Seat and towards Cupra, Griffith said: “We will be investing €5bn [£4.5bn] in both brands, in electrification and technology. We’ve just invested €1bn [£0.9bn] in the new Seat Leon. We will be spending money on both brands because one is not there to substitute the other. They have totally different purposes, different positioning, different types of cars, different design. They complement each other excellently. “We have a limited amount of investment and we have to share that across the brands - and we have a third brand now with Seat MO for micro mobility. These areas of the company are profitable. And we’ve done a good job with Seat, moving it in the last four to five years from being quite irrelevant in terms of market share to become the fastest growing brand in Europe with a market share of over 3%. “ At last year’s Frankfurt motor show, Volkswagen chairman Herbert Diess hinted at a plan being considered to rebrand Seat, which would see the Spanish maker taking the Cupra name instead in order to push it further upmarket. However, such a plan or decision has yet to be officially confirmed. ADVERTISEMENT Find an Autocar car review Driven this week Alpina D3 S Touring 2020 first drive review - hero front 8 JULY 2020 FIRST DRIVE Alpina D3 S Touring 2020 review The diesel fist delivers its mighty punch while wrapped in an Alpina-lined... Polestar 2 7 JULY 2020 FIRST DRIVE Polestar 2 2020 UK review Urban-chic high-rise saloon takes the electric car off in a development... Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 2020 UK first drive review - hero front 7 JULY 2020 FIRST DRIVE Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 2020 UK review Cayenne-fighting SUV brings impressive AMG poke and surprising refinement to... The Cupra brand itself has had a relatively successful start, helped by it being launched off the back of two po[CENSORED]r models: the Cupra Leon and a Cupra version of the Seat Ateca. Both models have sold over 40,000 examples combined since the division was split from Seat two years ago.

Paris-based Rodin Museum plans to sell limited edition versions of the French sculptor’s masterpieces to cope with financial losses in the wake of the pandemic. In a report, Museum director Catherine Chevillot was quoted as saying that they have sold bronze replicas of Rodin statues worth 1.4 million euros this year. In an interview with The Associated Press, she said the museum’s goal is to secure an annual minimum of 3 million euros in statue sales, a quarter of the museum’s budget. The self-financed museum, which celebrates the works of Auguste Rodin, reopened on Tuesday after four months of lockdown, imposed due to the coronavirus outbreak. The reports noted that the walls carried signs seeking donations. The century-old system set up by Rodin himself allows the museum to sell up to 12 replicas of select sculptures every year. In the previous years, the sales have helped his artwork reach worldwide, said the reports. However, due to the unexpected turn of events, the museum seems to have faced a budget shortfall worth $3.4 million, prompting plans to turn the bronze sale into more regular affairs for a secure mode of income in coming years. “Our challenge is not to sell more but more regularly because some years we sell six to nine million euros in statues and others nothing. The museum has now quadrupled the number of works it is allowed to produce, from 30 to 120. It is also pursuing new partnerships, including one with the Gagosian Gallery in the US,” Chevillot said.

Rabat – In the coming years, Morocco could save MAD 43 billion ($4.45 billion) by strengthening its domestic manufacturing capacity and reducing imports, Minister of Industry Moulay Hafid Elalamy announced Monday. “We import MAD 43 billion of products that could be made in Morocco in the upcoming years,” Elalamy said during a parliamentary session at the House of Representatives on July 6. According to the minister, with an investment of MAD 22 billion ($2.28 billion), Moroccan industry can meet the domestic demand for some imported products, significantly reducing Morocco’s foreign expenses. “We have business plans and we know precisely what we need to do to stop importing [the products]. We will work on this in the upcoming weeks and we will launch the project, addressing it to Moroccan youth and investors,” Elalamy said. During the parliamentary session, the minister discussed his department’s post-COVID-19 strategy, emphasizing that while the industry sector is still recovering, it has many opportunities to grasp. At the end of April, Moroccan industry recorded a 30% decrease in revenue compared to the same period in 2019. By the end of June, the annual decline was at 20%. In terms of foreign trade, activity decreased by 20% between April 2019 and April 2020. At the end of June 2020, the decline stood at 15%. “The impacts of the [COVID-19] crisis are very significant, but we hope that, in the near future, opportunities will allow us to rebound,” Elalamy said. According to him, new opportunities have emerged thanks to the mutating international economic context amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “During this crisis, all countries became aware of the particular trade relation they have with China. A majority of products in the health sector, such as medical masks, ventilators, and other products are imported from China, so many countries are thinking about diversifying their trade relations and not have China as a sole partner,” Elalamy explained. A second mutation, according to the minister, is the increasing cost of labor in China, which would push businesses to look for workforce elsewhere. “The competitiveness of China is currently in decline. The minimum salary in China, which once was $100, is today at $700 and will reach $1,500,” Elalamy predicted. Finally, the third mutation is the growing global awareness about climate change and the transition towards clean energies. “Several countries in Europe have taken the decision to put in place a new tax on imported products—a carbon tax. It is applied to all products manufactured with energies that are not renewable,” Elalamy said. “Thankfully, we have renewable energies in Morocco. We are working on an important project that will allow the Moroccan industry to use renewable energy in the future to improve its competitiveness,” he continued. The Moroccan minister gave the example of the automotive industry to illustrate Morocco’s efforts to improve its international competitiveness. “Today, there are only two countries that have better competitiveness [in the automotive industry] than Morocco. They are China and India. We have overtaken Eastern Europe, Turkey, and other countries, and only China and India are left,” he said. “We have a strategy that would allow Morocco, in the upcoming two years, to have the same level of competitiveness as India, through utilizing renewable energy and bypassing carbon taxes,” Elalamy concluded.

Vauxhall has agreed a deal to supply British Gas with 1000 examples of its new Vivaro-e electric van – the largest EV commercial fleet order made in the UK to date. The Vivaro-e was launched earlier this year with a 134bhp electric motor and range of 125 miles in standard form, rising to 188 miles with an optional larger (75kWh) battery pack. It will be built on the standard Vivaro production line at Vauxhall’s factory in Luton, with the 1000 examples delivered to British Gas over the next year. Centrica, which owns British Gas, says it has committed to making its fleet – the third-largest in the UK, with 12,000 vehicles – fully electric by 2030 and that it would be placing further orders for Vauxhall EVs “as soon as they are available”. It added that it also intends to place an order for the smaller Combo-e, which is due to launch in 2021. British Gas will employ the Vivaro-e “nationwide”, with the initial recipients chosen from engineers who volunteer and are based in areas where lowering emissions is key. EV charging points will be installed at the home of engineers running the vans. British Gas boss Matthew Bateman said: “We chose to work with Vauxhall as they were able to give us a large number of high-quality and low-emission vans to help us effectively serve our customers, and they will also work with us on future EV solutions.”

There is nothing like homemade snacks and savouries that can keep your energy levels up and your hunger pangs at bay. So what better than to indulge in some interesting recipes that are not only easy to make, but are also super healthy. So check out these two recipes by chef Ranveer Brar and tell us which one would you like to try. In Instagram posts, the chef pointed out how recipes which take one back to nostalgic moments can easily be recreated at home with simple ingredients. A perfect, nutritious laddoo you can munch on for those in-between hunger pangs. Prep time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes Serves: 4-5 Ingredients 1 cup – Poha ⅓ cup – Jaggery, grated 4 tbsp – Ghee ¼ cup – Cashew nuts ¼ cup – Raisins 1 tbsp – Milk ¼ tsp – Cardamom powder Method *In a pan, dry roast the poha till it turns nice golden brown and crispy. *Once crispy, turn off the flame and let it cool. *In a blender, add the poha and grated jaggery. Blend till you get a grainy micture. Keep aside. *Heat ghee in a pan, add cashew nuts and fry till they turn golden brown. *To this, add raisins and cardamom powder and cook till the raisins swell up. *Add poha and jaggery mixture to the prepared ghee mixture. Mix well. *Remove from flame, transfer to a plate and quickly shape into ladoos. *Don’t let the mixture cool down or it will harden and ladoos won’t shape well. *Serve immediately. Oil-free Wheat Khakra “When it comes to comfort foods, our list is nearly endless isn’t it? Khakra, for eg, it reminds me of my days in the US. The best part about this recipe – it’s oil free, needs very less ingredients and above all, long shelf life. Toh aaj chai ke saath khakra ho jaaye?, he said.” Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes Serves: 4 people Ingredients 2 cups – Wheat flour + 1 cup for dusting 1 tbsp – Kasuri methi (optional) Salt to taste Method *In a clean bowl, add wheat flour, salt and kasuri methi. Mix together. *Add water as required and knead a soft dough. *Once the dough is prepared, place the dough in a bowl and set aside for 15-20 minutes> keep it covered with a muslin cloth. *Divide the prepared dough into equal portions of lemon sized balls. *Roll these balls into a thin disc while dusting whole wheat flour (as required), to avoid the dough from sticking to the surface. *Heat a thick tawa on low flame. Put the rolled dough on it and roast for 20-30 seconds on 1 side then flip it over. *Roast it by pressing it with a folded cloth to make sure no bubbles appear. *Flip it over and continue roasting on low heat till it becomes crisp and forms brown spots. *Set aside to cool to room temperature for 15-20 minutes. *Serve with tea.

Rabat – Morocco’s Ministry of Health is set to allow repatriated Moroccans to spend a quarantine period in their homes, due to the acceleration of the repatriation process in recent weeks. In a circular signed by Minister of Health Khalid Ait Taleb, the ministry introduced a series of changes to the health protocol followed during the repatriations of Moroccans stranded abroad. Ait Taleb addressed the circular to regional health directorates and to the Council of the National Order of Physicians on Monday, July 6. The previous protocol included a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for repatriated Moroccans on arrival. If tests come back positive, patients are transferred to a hospital, but if they yield negative results, citizens are transferred to a tourist accommodation where they spend a 9-day quarantine period, under daily monitoring. After the ninth day, health authorities recommend an additional 5-day self-isolation period at home. However, the new protocol would allow some of the repatriated citizens to skip the quarantine period in hotels and tourist resorts and directly self-isolate in their homes. According to the new health protocol, if a person tests negative for COVID-19 on their arrival and does not show any symptoms of the disease, they can directly rejoin their homes, on the condition of isolating themselves for 14 days. Before beginning the self-isolation, the returnees are required to sign a declaration of honor and to activate the Wiqaytna tracking application on their smartphones. They are also required to repeat PCR tests every day of the quarantine period. For cases who test negative for COVID-19 on their arrival but show some of the suspect symptoms, they are required to spend seven days in a tourist accommodation, instead of nine, under daily medical monitoring. If they do not test positive for COVID-19 during the 7-day quarantine period, the citizens are allowed to go back home on the condition of self-isolating for seven additional days. Meanwhile, the new protocol does not include any changes for repatriated Moroccans who test positive for COVID-19 on their arrival. They will continue to be immediately hospitalized. The decision to allow repatriated citizens to self-isolate comes as Morocco’s repatriation operations reach their maximal frequency, with over 5,000 Moroccans repatriated every week. The new protocol would allow health authorities to avoid exceeding the capacity of tourist accommodations reserved for quarantining repatriated citizens.

Ford has announced an all-new graphics package with customisable colours for its 2021 GT supercar, previewing the updates on Twitter. A GIF posted to the company’s Twitter account suggests that the new package will include at least three new exterior colours (dark red, blue and white), although Ford could reveal more in due course. In addition, the new package appears to replace the current GT’s famous twin-stripe graphic with a single line, while the intakes for the mid-mounted V6 engine gain a new graphic. The side-mirror caps sport a contrasting colour option, too. Ford said the options highlight “features that help deliver all 660 horsepower (651bhp) during the most strenuous track sessions". Ford recently updated the GT with increased power, additional standard features and subtle mechanical tweaks inspired by the track-only MkII launched last year. In its 2020 guise, the GT puts out 651bhp, an increase of 13bhp over the previous version, with the addition of higher-energy ignition coils, a new type of ‘gallery-cooled’ piston design helping the engine to better deal with high temperatures and a new buttress shape at the rear designed to improve airflow. Ford said there are no plans to bring the 2020 GT to the UK as the country-specific allocation has sold out. UK production for the 2021 car is allocated and all of these models are also sold. While there’s no word yet on how much this new package will cost, expect it to command a premium above the standard 2020 car’s $500,000 (£400,000) price

Having smelly feet is embarrassing, even if you are home. It could cause a great discomfort to the people living with you, too. But, it is not a given that you cannot do anything about it either. While it is advisable that you get yourself checked by a doctor — because sweat and the resultant smell can often happen because of an underlying hormonal issue — you do not have to be alarmed. There are many simpler things that you can do at home to take care of the problem. It may give you a temporary relief, or it could be a lasting one. There is no harm in trying these easy foot baths. ALSO READ | Don’t feel like getting a pedicure? Make these simple feet scrubs at home instead The best part about them is that you can use them while you are working from home, after all you only have to soak your feet in them. Here are some easy DIYs. Read on. * Just do not think beyond rose petals and rose water. You will be doing a great service to your feet and treating them like royalty, if you use this foot soak. Take a tub and add a few rose petals. Add a little bit of water and some lime slices to make your feet feel fresh and relaxed. You can also add any essential oil of your choice and soak your feet for 30 minutes every day to get rid of the smell. ALSO READ | Before your home pedicure session, keep these things in mind * The next feet bath includes only your favourite essential oils and nothing else. You can use oils like orange, lavender, lemongrass to rejuvenate your feet. Besides getting rid of the odour, the oils can also improve the circulation of the blood. If you have tea tree oil at home, add a few drops to a tub of water with your feet immersed in it. It can kill harmful bacteria and fungus that cause the gross smell. * Just like the rest of the house, vinegar can clean your feet. And clean feet mean odourless feet, too. First wash your feet and then soak them in a tub which has warm water and vinegar. It will help take care of any infections, too.

Rabat – Morocco’s Head of Government Saad Eddine El Othmani and Minister of Education Saaid Amzazi visited several baccalaureate examination centers in Rabat and Sale on Monday. The visits coincide with the first day of the 2020 final baccalaureate exams for candidates enrolled in scientific, technical, and professional branches. Exams for these candidates began July 6 and will continue until July 8. The two senior officials shared pictures from their inspection visits on their social media accounts. El Othmani and Amzazi first visited the Moulay Abdellah indoors sports complex in Hay El Fath, Rabat. They then went to the Ibn Rochd examination center in the Yacoub El Mansour neighborhood, before visiting the Dar Essalam high school in Hay Nahda, where students with special needs are taking the exams. Finally, the two officials went to the Bab Lamrissa indoor sports complex in Sale. During their visits, the senior officials inspected the organizational and logistical measures put in place in the different examination centers. They also asked baccalaureate candidates about their satisfaction with measures taken and their experience. The visits to examination centers are not the first. The minister of education has been on a tour to inspect a series of centers in different Moroccan regions, even before the exams began. On July 3, the first day of baccalaureate exams for students studying literature and humanities, Amzazi visited several examination centers in the Casablanca-Settat region, accompanied by Minister of Health Khalid Ait Taleb. The tour included visits to the military field hospital in Benslimane, which is serving candidates who tested positive for COVID-19, as well as the local prison of Ain Sebaa 1 in Casablanca, known as “Oukacha,” and the Mohammed V sports complex. In a press release issued on July 5, the Ministry of Education assured that all baccalaureate exams between July 3-4 across Morocco were conducted in “good conditions, in terms of preventive and organizational measures.” “This phase witnessed the collaboration of candidates, educational and administrative executives, and all stakeholders in implementing and fully respecting the recommended preventive measures to ensure the health and safety of everyone,” the press release said.

Jaguar Land Rover will continue to invest in diesel technology as it ramps up plans to electrify its model line-up and develop a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Product engineering boss Nick Rogers said, in light of the coronavirus pandemic: "We really believe that customers will be focused on being cleaner, safer and smarter than ever before. Electrification will become ever-more important, but potentially in a smart way. "We really feel there's a real place - on long journeys - for our 'super-clean' diesels and our 'super-clean' gasolines. We believe that's a real, valid mode of transport." Noting the sharp fall in oil prices during the pandemic, Rogers added: "We will continue to invest in clean diesels, as well as clean gasoline vehicles, BEVs and PHEVs to offer variety, because for a lot of people, the cleanest, most efficient way of transportation is still diesel or gasoline, and they can leverage doing that very efficiently." Other manufacturers have largely spoken of their ambition to move away from combustion. Porsche recently removed all diesel powertrains from its line-up and parent company Volkswagen will begin development of its final combustion-powered vehicle in 2026. But Rogers said there remains a place for diesel powertrains if they can be made more environmentally efficient. "If you can combine that with a PHEV, in normal or city usage, you can be completely clean and silent, as well, so you don't pollute the environment with noise." Currently, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) offers just three models with a plug-in powertrain: the Range Rover, Evoque and Discovery Sport - all petrol powered. Although many of today's diesel cars are equipped with mild-hybrid technology, it is only Mercedes that has plug-in diesel powertrains currently on sale. The firm's C300 de and E300 de pair a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel motor with a 13.5kWh lithium ion battery for an electric-only range of between 30 and 34 miles, while the newly launched GLE 350 de ups that range to 61.5 miles with a 31.2kWh battery pack. JLR is advancing plans to transition to being a provider of mobility services in light of the pandemic. Rogers said that alongside making its powertrains more efficient, it is working to increase the use of recycled materials in its vehicles, improve the air quality in cabins and reduce 'the cognitive load' on drivers with assist functions like keyless entry. The company is developing a hydrogen powertrain in partnership with Delta Motorsport, Marelli Automotive Systems and UKBIC. With funding from the government-backed Advanced Propulsion Centre, JLR is working on a fuel cell premium SUV prototype - codenamed Zeus - that will offer a long range, quick refill times, off-road capability and a large towing capacity.

Vegetarian seekh kebabs can be equally delicious and you can easily make them at home. Celebrity chef Kunal Kapur recently shared the recipe for vegetarian seekh kebab on Instagram. What is interesting is that you can cook it with vegetables of your choice or whatever is available at home. For the recipe, Kapur uses carrots, beans and cauliflower. Moreover, you do not need an oven or a tandoor for this; you can cook it on the tawa itself. Try the recipe: Ingredients 2 tbsp – Ghee 1 tsp – Cumin seeds 1/4 – Carrots, finely chopped 1/4 – Beans, chopped 1/4 – Cauliflower, chopped Salt to taste 1/2 tsp – Red chilli powder 1 – Green chilli, chopped 1 tsp – Coriander powder 1/2 tsp – Cumin powder 2 tsp – Ginger, chopped 1/2 tsp – Dried methi powder 1/2 tsp – Garam masala 1/2 cup -Cheese, grated 1/2 cup – Mashed paneer 1/2 cup – Mashed potato 2-3 tbsp – Roasted besan Read| Try these protein-packed vegetarian galouti kebabs today (recipe inside) Method * Heat ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds. * Now add carrots, beans and cauliflower. Saute lightly and toss for about two to three minutes. * Transfer the vegetables in a plate and let it cool. * To this, add salt, red chilli powder and green chilli. Add coriander powder, cumin powder, ginger and dried methi powder. To this, add a pinch of garam masala. Read| Enjoy jaituni kebabs with your evening chai today * Add grated cheese, paneer and mashed potato. Add roasted besan. * Mix all the ingredients well. * Once done, take a portion of the mixture and roll it around a seekh. Repeat with the rest of the mixture. * Heat a tawa and pour some ghee. * Place the seekhs on the tawa and cook on high flame. Fry it lightly on all sides. Plate it.

The global, regional, and national impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is collateral at all levels, especially at the health, economic, and social levels. Economic recovery will require a lot of time, maybe three years, and can only be gradual. It will likely be impossible without State support. Furthermore, economic recovery will require the combined efforts of all actors in the public and private sectors. The key is solidarity among groups within each society and between countries. Morocco is by no means exempt from the macro-economic fallout from COVID-19. According to the Moroccan High Commission for Planning (HCP), all economic indicators show markedly declining forecast levels which, presumably, are likely to deteriorate even more in the future. Morocco’s GDP shows a forecast decline of 3.8 points, corresponding to MAD 10.9 billion ($1.1 billion) in the second quarter of 2020. The economic growth rate should not exceed 0.8% — as a result of drought, COVID-19, and prolonged lockdown — instead of an average initial growth estimated at +2.5%. GDP growth in the first quarter of 2020 stood at 0.1% compared to 2.8% a year earlier. Several Moroccan companies have prepared social plans to downsize up to a third of their workforce in order to ensure their survival. This is a reasonable approach, according to the employers, but it may put tens of thousands of people, all classes combined, in precariousness. The State must quickly find a solution. The Moroccan government has introduced several palliative measures in response to the COVID-19 crisis: I) Establishment of a zero-rate credit for self-employed entrepreneurs weakened by the crisis. II) Exceptional accounting treatment to extend donations and charges relating to the period of the state of health emergency. III) Softening of the declarations of employees affiliated with CNSS who are on a temporary work stoppage. The total of the endowments, contributions, and participation would approach MAD 37 billion (approximately $4 billion). IV) Adoption of remote work and distance education as flexibility and prevention measures for the public and private sectors and the educational field. Rethinking Moroccan development In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic presents an opportunity to think about establishing the new development model on a more social conception of the economy, to give new impetus to the sectors of public health and national education. We should also be aware of the need to reconsider the State’s orderly disengagement policy, especially in the social sectors. It is important to opt for a new form of state interventionism, smarter and fairer, with better management of budgetary and fiscal instruments. It is also necessary to adopt more appropriate State regulation of the markets, without de facto monopolies and sometimes anti-competitive practices. Finally, employment and income-generating activities should be encouraged. The health and economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is a worldwide threat, a frank and esoteric break with current paradigms and models. Another important factor to consider is the digital transformation of all sectors, which will play an even more remarkable role in improving economic competitiveness in the future, using new information technologies. In Morocco, if the administrative and financial institutions have made progress in this area, thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises are still far behind. State support would be beneficial in urging them to invest more in digitalization. In the area of public health, the main objective will be to improve the health system and infrastructure throughout the country. Concerning education, the government’s efforts to generalize schooling must be doubled while investing more in training and scientific research. In short, the development of all of these sectors will help build a solid and solvent economy capable of strengthening the strategy of opening up to international markets. A chance to rebuild Morocco has several assets to emerge quickly from the crisis, ensure its economic independence, and allow it to occupy a comfortable position in the world. The country’s solidarity, unity, and political stability will make it possible to project it into the future with confidence, as it always does when exceptional and unexpected events intersect the course of its history. However, this pandemic poses greater obstacles than previous crises because it is global, economic, social, and sanitary in nature. As we move beyond the immediate health crisis, policymakers must seize the opportunity to implement bold, forward-looking reforms. This includes redesigning social contracts, providing adequate safety nets, cultivating the skills and jobs that the future economy will need, and improving risk management and the distribution of returns between the public, the State, and the private sector. If the Moroccan government is to take a leadership role, shaping the recovery and charting a new course for growth will require greater collaboration between businesses, the public, government institutions, and workers. For recovery to succeed, all stakeholders must participate. Right now, it should be obvious that we cannot go back to a system that benefits a few at the expense of the majority. Forced to manage short-term pressures and deal with long-term uncertainties at the same time, Morocco’s leaders are at a historic crossroads. The new weight of the State gives it the means to start building a fairer, more sustainable, and more resilient economy.

MG Motor's biggest-selling car, the ZS crossover, has been updated for 2020 with an exterior redesign and, it's claimed, a "real uplift in specification and quality". The Kia Stonic rival, on sale now from £15,495, has been given a revised front-end look with an evolved hexagonal grille design, new swept-back full-LED headlights and an aluminium-effect lower-grille treatment. ” New alloy wheel designs also feature, while the rear-end revisions extend to a revised bumper, more aluminium-style trim and refreshed tail-lights. A new colour - Battersea Blue - has also been added. The claimed quality boost inside comes courtesy of a new dashboard design with more extensive use of soft-touch materials and detail stitching. The ZS also borrows the 10.1in touchscreen from the larger HS SUV, with DAB, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. Exclusive-trim models add sat-nav and a 360deg reversing camera. Floating 'piano key'-style buttons are used for climate control functions, while a front armrest is now a standard fitment. MG doesn't specify any dynamic changes to the ZS. The model's chassis is said to be "developed for UK drivers" by the firm's UK engineering team, with three driving modes to alter the steering and suspension responses. The sole engine choice for the ZS is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, promising a 0-62mph time of 10.9sec and 41.4mpg. Updates for the electric ZS EV are expected to be similar but have yet to be announced.

Tiramisu is a signature dessert most po[CENSORED]r in Italy, but now it can be found in most places around India as well. But here it is, with a twist, prepared with espresso, something coffee lovers are sure to enjoy. The tiramisu is a delicately layered mixture, usually served up in a glass jar. Though it’s not something that can be made on the go, a little planning can help you pull off this recipe. The delicate medley of rich espresso, creamy mascarpone, and airy ladyfingers, all dusted to perfection in cocoa powder makes for the perfect “pick-me-up”. Ingredient for tiramisu 1/2 cup – Espresso coffee 3 – Ladyfinger biscuits Mascarpone cheese 3 tsp – Cocoa powder Ingredients for mascarpone cream 250g – Mascarpone 60g – Icing sugar 90g – Liquid cream 40g – Whole milk ¼ – Vanilla pod or 10ml – Vanilla flavour liquid Method * Put the mascarpone in a bowl. * Add the icing sugar, milk, cream and vanilla. * Mix with an electric whisk until you obtain a soft cream. * Pour it in a piping bag and keep in the refrigerator. Presentation * Put a ladyfinger biscuit at the bottom of a cappuccino cup. * Add a generous teaspoon of mascarpone cream. * Pour the hot coffee around the sides of the cream. * Sprinkle lightly with bitter cocoa powder.

Rabat – Morocco’s national flag carrier Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is planning to launch a new strategy to survive the economic repercussions of the COVID-19 crisis–a strategy that may include mass layoffs. RAM fleets have been grounded without activity since mid-March, except for cargo aircraft and a handful of others that the country deployed to repatriate citizens stranded abroad. The airline reported losing $109.1 million per month since the start of the state of emergency on March 20. Minister of Tourism Nadia Fettah El Alaoui indicated in a House of Representatives meeting on June 8 that RAM was developing a recovery plan that accounts for International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts. In recent months, IATA has consistently predicted a severe decrease in international air travel and related revenue and job losses. The works committee of the company held a meeting on Thursday, July 2 to examine the company’s financial recovery strategy. Quoting a letter from Royal Air Maroc’s CEO Abdelhamid Addou to the president of Moroccan Association of Airline Pilots (AMPL), Moroccan outlet Le360 reported that the council met under article 66 of the Labor Code, which governs layoffs. The outlet reported the day prior that AMPL declined to attend the meeting, as the legal basis for the gathering was still unclear. Royal Air Maroc had not specified to AMPL whether the meeting would fall under article 466 of the Labor Code, concerning advisory missions, or in accordance with article 66, concerning layoffs. In response to the declined invitation, Addou wrote to the AMPL president: “You demanded that this meeting be bilateral while this convocation, which took place within the framework of the provisions of article 66 of the Labor Code, places on the employer the obligation to consult with the works council and the [unionists] exclusively and does not in any way impose on it any consultation with the staff associations created within the company.” “However, we felt that your presence at this meeting was desirable given the gravity of the subjects to be discussed during this meeting and their impact on the situation of your members,” the RAM CEO added in the letter. Addou penned the statement in response to a letter from AMPL, which said Moroccan airline pilots believe that RAM’s decision to invite the association’s president to the meeting violates 40 years of strictly bilateral social dialogue. “Would it be reasonable to sit punctually as guests in an advisory body which has hardly ever met in accordance with the laws and regulations in force? Would it be constructive to sit in on it without having had all the data and all the documents relating to the agenda?” asked AMPL in its letter. Representatives affiliated with the Moroccan Labor Union (UMT) confirmed their attendance at the meeting to Le360 but expressed frustration with the lack of information relating to payroll, among other grievances. The rift between RAM and AMPL is not exclusive, as the two experienced several similar tensions in recent years. In 2018, pilots launched strikes that caused 150 flight delays and cancellations. The pilots started the strike on July 18, asking for better conditions and a salary raise of up to MAD 15,000 ($1,546) per month. The strikes lost the company approximately MAD 20 million ($2 million) per day due to canceled and delayed flights, less than half of the daily loss caused by the COVID-19 crisis. The company finally reached an agreement with the union to end the four-week pilot strike after several meetings to end the dispute.