Times of Oman - January 8, 2015

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THURSDAY, January 8, 2015 / 17 Rabi Al Awal 1436 AH

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K U WA I T

SHELTER FROM THE STORM OF ABUSE FOR WOMEN FAHAD AL GHADANI REJIMON K fahadnews@timesofoman.com reji@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: A shelter for women who suffer from physical abuse has been opened by the Ministry of Social Development amid reports that assaults are on the rise. A reliable source at the ministry confirmed that the hostel has been opened but will shelter only national females and expatriate women married to Omani nationals.

It comes after repeated calls for help from women suffering abuse, said Shukoor Al Ghamri, former president of Omani Women Association, who vowed that solving the issue of

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With cases of domestic violence against women on the rise, the Ministry of Social Development has opened a facility for abused women

MUSCAT: Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) can enjoy the same privileges as Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) from now on as the Indian government has promulgated an ordinance that seeks to merge the PIO and OCI schemes.

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee has signed the Citizenship Ordinance, which will now provide benefits like lifelong visas to the PIOs and exemption from appearing before the local police station on each visit to the country.

“It is an excellent move. So far, PIO card holders had to renew their cards every 15 years and had to register with local police stations in India if they stayed there for more than 180 days. These

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excel. So, to groom them we first need to develop our teachers’ skills. This is the first step of that mission,” said Sarhan.

Around 200 participants attended the symposium and 25 different workshops.

Effective and helpful Meanwhile, Muayad Abdul Jabar Al Khuri, an English teacher and symposium participant, said that these workshops are quite effective and helpful.

“It is a great experience to learn from experts,” Muayad said, adding that Arab students should perfect the basics of English language. The theme of the symposium centred on “Notions of Good Teaching in ELT Classrooms”.

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

OMAN

67 illegals arrested

1

The police arrested 67 illegal persons of Asian nationalities from several wilayats. >A3

OMAN

2015 Muscat Festival

2

Festival-goers at the 2015 Muscat Festival will have more reasons to cheer. >A6

MARKET

Iran for transit corridor Gypsy of Jazz inspired

by Oman

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O R D I NA N C E P R O M U L G AT E D

reji@timesofoman.com

REJIMON K

pared to the past. However, a lot has still to be improved to make them competitive in the global job market. Improvisation in the curriculum focused on quality can bring in results,” noted Richard.

Ghada Sarhan, chair of the symposium, said that only good teachers can groom good students. “We want our students to

In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to the Emir of Kuwait and Al Sabah ruling family, praying to Allah to rest the deceased’s soul in peace and grant his family patience. -ONA

His Majesty receives thanks >A6

REJIMON K

Omani female students better than males in honing skills

Richard Harrison, an ELT author, lecturer and teacher trainer based in Oman.

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of condolences to His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah, Emir of Kuwait, on the death of Sheikh Ali Sabah Al Sabah Saud Al Sabah.

Persons of Indian Origin to get life-long visas

violence against women in Oman was one of the priorities of the association.

“The association had proposed the idea unofficially to establish a temporary hostel for abused women since we were getting more and more complaints of abuse. The request had gone to the Ministry of Social Development long ago,” said Al Ghamri.

She explained that the ministry had not initially approved the idea of such a hostel as it believed that such a project would have to address the issue of security and official control.

“The ministry had pointed out that husbands could break into the hostel to take away their wives even by force,” said Al Ghamri.

She also said that the hostel idea was not welcomed by the public as they felt it would be equivalent to allowing the association to interfere in the family’s private issues. > A6

LESS DISTRACTED

MUSCAT: Omani female students are far ahead of their male counterparts in learning and acquiring skills, an English Language Teaching (ELT) consultant, said on Wednesday.

“Female students are less distracted when compared to their male counterparts, which enables them to acquire learning skills and do well in their studies and jobs. Omani male students have to focus more to be on par with their female counterparts,” Richard Harrison, an ELT author, lecturer and teacher trainer based in Oman and also London, told Times of Oman.

Richard was speaking exclusively to Times of Oman on the sidelines of the first ELT professional development symposium held at Higher College of Technology. “Omani students are doing well in learning English and other educational skills when com-

His Majesty sends condolences

3

Iran said it would welcome joint investment with Oman for the transit corridor. >B1

conditions are not needed for an OCI card holder. So, by merging both, we can also have the same benefits as the OCI card holder,” Dr C. Thomas, the pioneering plastic surgeon in Oman and an Omani resident of Indian Origin, for the last 40 years, told the Times of Oman.

“PIOs have played a vital role in the development of India and they are still doing it. So, by merging it, India can have more opportunities to get more contributions from PIOs,” said Thomas who was awarded the “Order of Oman” Civil Service Award and was granted Omani citizenship

by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said in 1991. Until now, a PIO card holder was required to go to the local police station to register after continuous stay of more than 180 days. >A6 Parakh gets top award>A4

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A3

OMAN

German honour for Sheikh Salmi The decoration was bestowed by the President of the Federal Republic of Germany

Times News Service MUSCAT: In a well-attended ceremony on the Halban Campus of the German University GUTech, Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohamed Al

Salmi, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, received the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The highest German decoration was bestowed on him by President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Joachim Gauck, for outstanding services to Germany and German-Omani relations.

German Ambassador HansChristian Freiherr von Reibnitz, while lauding Sheikh Abdullah Al Salmi for the initiative, advice and continued support to GUTech in Muscat said, “Actions speak louder than words and Sheikh Abdullah Al Salmi has acted.”

Turning to the minister he added, “You are truly living the value

W E AT H E R R E P O R T

Colder weekend likely Times News Service MUSCAT: A snowstorm called ‘Huda’ that has hit several parts of the Middle East will not have any impact in Oman, according to the Directorate General of Meteorology and Air Navigation (DGMAN), which monitors weather conditions in Oman. DGMAN said that Oman gets affected with north easterly winds, which generally blow from Iran. “Since it is blow-

ing over Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, it is not likely to affect Oman.

But things will become clear in the next 24 to 48 hours,” the official said. The official, however, said some parts of Oman may witness a slight drop in temperatures because of the snowstorm in the weekend. “Cold temperatures will be accompanied by strong winds may reach some GCC countries

by Thursday so temperatures can drop,” the official said.

ROP REPORT

67 illegals deported Times News Service MUSCAT: Sixty-seven illegals of different Asian nationalities were arrested from different wilayats by the police in coordination with military and other security units, according to a reliable source at the Royal Oman Police (ROP).

Forty other people who en-

tered the Sultanate illegally were deported last week.

The ROP source warned residents and citizens against harbouring illegals or recruiting them as this constitutes a breach of law and can have serious implications. He also called on them to report such cases either at the nearest police station or by calling the emergency number 9999.

of tolerance as minister of your country but also as a friend of Germany and a human being!”

In his reply, Sheikh Abdullah Al Salmi, while warmly thanking the Federal Republic of Germany for the honour said, “I hope we shall continue to work together as a shining example of excellent human relations and for the future progress of knowledge and science in our societies and nations.”

Among the 200 guests attending the ceremony were His Highness Sayyid Haitham Al Said, Minister of Heritage and Culture, Yusuf bin Alawi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Rawiah Al Busaidiyah, Minister of Higher Education, and members of the Majlis Al Shura and the State Council.

OMAN-GERMANY BROTHERHOOD: Among the 200 guests attending the ceremony were His Highness Sayyid Haitham Al Said, Minister of Heritage and Culture, Yusuf bin Alawi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Dr Rawiah Al Busaidiyah, Minister of Higher Education.–Supplied photo

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T H U R S DAY, JA N UA RY 8, 2 0 1 5

OMAN

OMR225m

was the total quantum of Oman-Iran trade in 2012, which increased to about OMR340 million (about $1billion) in 2013

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A self-described ‘citizen of the world’, Melody

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N .C O M

Gardot’s music are borderless, and her me feel like, ok, here’s a place that the rest of the world could probably learn from in some facet,” she notes.

Born in New Jersey and raised in Philadelphia, Gardot started playing the piano when she was nine-years-old and it didn’t take her long before she began improvising and bringing her own spirit to the music, perhaps a sign she was destined to be a jazz musician.

songs have been influenced by her travels to distant parts of the globe, including South America, Morocco and Portugal

SARAH MACDONALD sarah@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Melody Gardot strolls into the lobby of the Grand Hyatt in loose, flowing pants, a delicately embroidered white cotton shirt, dark glasses and her brown hair covered by a light scarf, a little grimy from a night in the desert, looking more like a radiant gypsy than a jazz star.

Gardot, 29, is one of the top contemporary jazz singers, and whether you are a jazz fan or not, the American songstress’s concert tonight at the Royal Opera House Muscat will be well worth checking out. It’s not just her music, with her smoky, seductive voice and soulful, romantic lyrics, that will enchant you, but her global spirit.

A self-described “citizen of the world,” both Gardot and her music are borderless, and her songs have been influenced by her travels. Her third album, The Absence, which

came out in 2012, was largely inspired by her travels in South America, Morocco and Portugal.

The flavours of flamenco, Bossa nova and Fado spice up the album, giving it a Latin warm.

“We live in a time now, baby, where you can’t put a frontier on where music stops and where music begins. It’s a technological age where in a heartbeat you can get music from Ethiopia, music from 50 years ago, music from a country maybe you never visited, or you could take a two-hour trip while you’re visiting Oman to do a gig and find out what the real music is like,” Gardot told Times of Oman, adding that she was delighted to listen to live Omani and Moroccan music at the desert camp where she spent the night.

She says both the Omani melodies she heard and its landscape were rich with inspiration, too.

From the birds and the breeze to the views from the highway, there

EVOKING EMOTIONS: Gardot wants her music to evoke emotions in

those who hear it, whether it’s sadness, contemplation, peace or joy, emotions which she can share with them.

were songs and stories being told.

“Just going through the desert you see the shapes of the mountains and you can see songs in the lines. Even some of the electricity wires that go from the side of the road to the smaller villages have five lines so you’re thinking of music. Landscape gives a great por-

trait for music,” Gardot reflects.

The stories she has heard about His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, and what he has done for his people, have also touched her deeply. She says his respectful care for the Sultanate should be used as examples by other leaders.

“It was so refreshing and it made

Tragic accident But her journey to becoming a jazz star wasn’t an easy one. At the age of 19 Gardot was riding her bike when she was hit by a Jeep, damaging her pelvis, spine and causing memory loss and making her sensitive to light, which accounts for the dark glasses she always wears. When one of her doctors heard that she used to play the piano and sing before the accident, he recommended music as a form of therapy.

She started playing the guitar from her bed and was soon composing her own gentle jazz songs.

What started out as therapy soon became songs that were played on local radio stations, followed by her debut album, My Worrisome Heart, which came out in 2008.

Her best-selling sophomore album, My One and Only Thrill, fol-

P R AVA S I B H A R AT I YA S A M M A N

Youtube link: http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=C6X9uq05H74 ECONOMIC TIES

Parakh wins top Indian honour Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman-based Indian businessman R.M. Parakh is among the 15 recipients for this year’s coveted Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award, according to reliable sources.

The Vice President of India will present the award in New Delhi on January 9 to distinguished members of the Indian Diaspora, for their achievements in life and contribution to the welfare of the Indian community abroad and for enhancing India’s image overseas.

The 13th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention is the flagship event of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA), of the Government of India. 2015 is the centenary year of the return of Mahatma Gandhi to his motherland from South Africa on January 9, 1915, to Gandhinagar in Gujarat from where he began the freedom struggle against the British.

Based in Oman for the last 36 years, Parakh has been involved in various social and philanthropic activities.

“During the Uttarakhand tragedy, Parakh helped by getting houses constructed and providing shelters and other facilities. In the year 2000, he founded the R.M. Parakh Charitable Foundation.

His trust contributes to various charity activities in Oman and in India at Jodhpur, Jaipur, Mumbai and Delhi. A substantial amount of money is donated every year to orphanages and other charitable societies to provide solace to the poor and physically challenged persons, to help them live a life of dignity. He also helped in providing clean drinking water to backward tribal villages of Thane in Maharashtra state through a charitable trust in Mumbai,” according to his website.

He was recognised as one of the highest donors during the building of the Pravasi Bhawan in the Indian capital New Delhi.

“He has also contributed a large amount of money on a school for visually challenged children. He has been donating regularly to various charitable organisations, hospitals, eye cataract camps and polio camps, so that even the poorest of the poor, who cannot afford costly drugs have access to good health care facilities at these hospitals,” those who know him said.

In recognition of Parakh’s contribution in the field of social services, he was conferred with the lifetime achievement award at the annual Global Summit by the NRI Institute at New Delhi in 2009.

Parakh becomes the fifth individual from Oman to win the award. The previous winners include Sheikh Kanaksi Gokaldas Khimji, P. Mohammed Ali, P.N.C. Menon, Suresh K Virmani and Kiran Asher.

lowed in 2009, establishing Gardot as one of the finest jazz voices.

Now she is finally sharing her talent with Oman, and in a concert that will be a special one for her personally. For the first time since her accident, she will perform without her cane, which she has been using for years to help her walk. She says in the past year her health has improved greatly.

“I can’t run or do a lot of the things people my age do...but this is my first trip without my cane. I figured if there was ever a time to try it without my cane, it was here in Oman, and I plan to take the stage for the very first time without my cane,” Gardot says, smiling at the thought.

As a performer Gardot says wants her music to evoke emotions in those who hear it, whether it’s sadness, contemplation, peace or joy, emotions which she can share with them. Each of Gardot’s albums, in its own way, can take its listeners to another place where every day worries are smoothed away, and one can only hope her concert will do the same.

“My aspiration is mostly rooted in joy when you leave, no matter what journey we take from the beginning to the end, the end result is that we should be happy and going on with our lives with a feeling of joy,” Gardot concludes, before washing off the desert and heading to the opera house for a rehearsal.

During the Uttarakhand tragedy, Parakh helped by getting houses constructed and providing shelters and other facilities. In the year 2000, he founded the R.M. Parakh Charitable Foundation. His trust contributes to various charity activities in Oman and in India at Jodhpur, Jaipur, Mumbai and Delhi R.M. Parakh’s website

Blue-collar workers await welfare initiative REJIMON K reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A majority of Indian blue-collar workers in Oman are not even aware of the 13th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2015, the Indian Diaspora meeting which opened in Gujarat yesterday, but are expecting more welfare measures as an outcome of the meeting.

“We have not heard about it,” said quite a few Indian bluecollar workers while trying to catch a nap in the shade outside a shop in Ruwi during their lunch break. “We do not know anything about it. But if there is such a meeting which will discuss our welfare we appreciate it. We would like to have a better wage protection system as the meeting outcome,” said some of the workers.

601,293 Indians There are an estimated 25 million people of Indian origin, mainly low paid workers, outside India. In Oman there are 601,293 Indians working.

“Even though our company is taking care of us we feel that if the government had provided us job opportunities there itself we would not have migrated. If we could have survived in India, we would have been happier,” added the workers.

Most of the workers are earning below OMR70, but are keen to continue in Oman here as they are the sole breadwinners of their family back in India.

“We have to take care of our

OPTIMISTIC: Most of the workers are earning below OMR70, but are keen to continue in Oman as

they are the sole breadwinners of their families back in India.–Pictures and videos by Shabin E

children’s education and other needs. So we will not quit and continue to work, whatever the circumstances,” added the workers.

The World Bank remittance statistics shows that in 2013 India was the single largest recipient of remittances from abroad at $70 billion.

In this year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Non-Resident Indian Day), there are special events, including four special sessions, on issues of labour and employment in Gulf countries, another on Girmitiyas, one on the Francophone Diaspora, and the role of Indian Diaspora organisations.

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The PBD2015 marks the 100th year of Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa on January 9, 1915.

Opening the three-day meeting, Indian Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Sushma Swaraj called on the Diaspora youth gathered there to “come, connect, celebrate and contribute, and be a part of the momentous transformation taking place in the country.”

Sushma Swaraj, who is also

the external affairs minister, urged them to contribute to the country’s development.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas event was started in 2003 by former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to commemorate the contributions of expatriate and non-resident Indians and people of Indian origin.

Even though the event mainly aims at connecting India to its vast overseas residents on a common platform, it also serves as a forum to discuss concerns and issues related to Indians living around the globe.

Thousands of Non Resident Indians from 58 countries are participating in the event.

Oman-Iran joint session explores new trade avenues MUSCAT: Oman and Iran have discussed a number of important issues, including enhancing trade exchange.

The Omani-Iranian Joint Economic Committee yesterday held its 15th session in the capital on Wednesday.

The Omani side was led by Dr. Ali bin Masud Al Sunaidi, Minister of Commerce and Industry and the Iranian side was led by Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh, Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Minister of Commerce and Industry said that while the value of reciprocal trade increased from about OMR225 million in 2012 to about OMR340 million (about $1billion) in 2013, this figure is very low compared to the value of imports of both countries.

He added that the meeting discussed bilateral cooperation in air transport routes as there is only one route to Tehran. The two sides agreed to add another city to this line after completing the work at Sohar Airport.

The move is expected to enhance air transport between the two countries, especially Oman Air is currently using a big aircraft to transport traders and commodities.

The Minister also said that the Sultanate imports meat, poultry and table eggs and that Ashgabat Agreement will open the door for enhancing trade between the two countries and other countries as well.

The two sides considered the possibility of signing the veterinary and agricultural quarantine agreement and reducing the current procedures. The Iranian side welcomed the proposal and pointed out that the issue has been discussed during a previous visit by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

The Iranian side expressed its sincere desire to set up some industries that produce steel and its derivatives in Duqm.

These industries may include spare parts, house appliances, vehicles, ethylene, propylene, aluminium and steel.

The Iranian side already exports steel products but the intention is to set up some major industries. A number of Iranian are now holding senior and executive positions at major companies.

Many of them are currently exploring investment potential and if they conclude agreements with the investment companies in the Sultanate, we might see some Iranian projects in the Sultanate.–ONA

A6

T H U R S DAY, JA N UA RY 8, 2 0 1 5 The fear of reaction on the part of the husband or the family stopped many women from communicating the issues to the association Shukoor Al Ghamri, former president of Omani Woman Association

OMAN

Expect a bigger and better Muscat Festival this year Muscat Festival

Jurassic Park,

Start

January 15

Ends

February 14

Entrance fee

which includes 15

100

dynamic and static

(At Naseem Garden)

baiza for children

models of dinosaurs,

200

baiza for adults

Sporting Events

accompanied by

Tour of Oman in its 6th edition

sound and light Aircraft shows

effects, will be an Cricket Championship: Match between India and Pakistan.

added attraction at Nassem Park

SCINTILLATING SHOW: The beautiful laser show at last year’s

Camel racing

Muscat Festival. Photo–Times of Oman

Aerobics

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Times News Service MUSCAT: Festival-goers at the 2015 Muscat Festival will have more reasons to cheer.

With more events lined up this year, the organisers of the festival say the event will be bigger and better than ever.

This year’s event will begin on January 15 and will end on February 14. Organisers believe that the Jurassic Park, which includes 15 dynamic and static models show-

ing different sizes of dinosaurs, accompanied by sound and light effects, will be a major attraction at Naseem Park this year.

At Amerat Park, a snow village is expected to pull in huge crowds.

It will include snowy mountains, skiing corners and tracks that involve 30 ice-carved models and animated cartoon characters which will include polar bears, seals, penguins and sea lions.

Since its inception in 1998, the Muscat Festival has proved to be more than just a celebratory, cultural and artistic event in the Sultanate.

“It has managed to invent and re-invent itself into a major entertainment spectacle, plus a carnival and a shopping wonder,

COMBINED SCHEME

Nassem Park Jurassic Park Fun Fair Park Entertainment Pavilion Nature Pavilion Consumer Exhibition Fire works Amerat Park (No fee) Heritage Village Snow village Dazzling laser shows Exhibition of Arts and Crafts Source: Muscat Municipality

Graphics

Elaborating on the events, the organisers said that they have included a large number of sporting events this year. This includes a maritime festival for traditional

HM receives thanks from Pakistan MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received a cable of thanks from President Mamnoon Hussain of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in reply to His Majesty’s condolences cable on the victims of the terrorist attack that targeted the Pakistani Army Public School in Peshawar city.

In his cable, President Hussain expressed his thanks and appreciation for His Majesty the Sultan’s condolences, sympathy and noble feelings. -ONA CABLE

HM receives thanks from Emir of Qatar MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received a cable of thanks from His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, in reply to His Majesty’s greetings cable on the occasion of his country’s National Day. In his cable, Sheikh Tamim expressed his utmost thanks for His Majesty’s noble feelings and best wishes, praying to Allah to grant His Majesty the Sultan good health and wellbeing and the Omani people further progress and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Majesty. -ONA

FEUD

A1 642 ‘Persons of Indian Origin’ living in Oman < FROM

The OCI card holders were exempted from doing so.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had stated that Persons of Indian Origin and Overseas Citizenship of India schemes will be merged and the combined scheme will be called the ‘Indian Overseas Cardholder’.

The ministry had admitted that the OCI scheme is more popular since it provides a life-long visa and the process for obtaining the OCI card is more user-friendly, quick and simple.

Official statistics show that there are 642 Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) residing in Oman.

all rolled into one,” said Abul Karim, who has not missed a single festival. Over these 30 days there will be several events and performances at the different venues around the Sultanate.

Stand-up comedy, concerts by Omani artists, laser shows, international trade fair and a cricket match between India and Pakistan and electric games will also be a part of the extravaganza.

The Muscat Municipality, which organises the festival, has announced that the entrance fee at Naseem Garden will be 200 baiza for adults and 100 baiza for children. There will, however, be no charge to enter Amerat Park.

The timings of the fair will be from 4pm to 11pm.

Omani vessels, a tattoo show, free style jumping, and aircraft shows in addition to aquatics (in coordination with the World Aquatics Association), hiking, a cricket championship, camel racing and equestrian events. A modern triathlon race, various auto shows and aerobics are also on the cards.

As a part of the festival, the sixth edition of the much awaited Tour of Oman cycling race will be held from February 17 to 21.

In Naseem Park, besides Jurassic Park, there will be a Fun Fair Park - an integrated park for electrical and electronic games for all ages.

“Last year, this area was bustling with children, adults, couples, groups and families who enjoyed some really thrilling rides,” recalled an Indian expatriate S Basu. Then there will be an education and entertainment pavilion which will have educational plays for children, lectures and group discussions for family and children and many other things.

There will also be a consumer exhibition which will have 420 stores for the sale of diverse products and items. Of these, 20 stores are allocated to SME entrepreneurs. At Amerat Park, there will be a heritage village.

Depicting traditional life in the coastal, agricultural, rural and Bedouin communities in the country through folklore and live demonstrations of traditional crafts and cuisine, this is a onestop shop for those who want to know Oman.

CABLE

The decision to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955 was taken after a large number of representations were received from PIOs. Ordinance The ordinance combining PIO and OCI schemes into a single Indian Overseas Cardholder scheme will also drop the clause requiring foreigners married to Indian citizens to continuously stay in the country for a period of one year before they can apply for Indian citizenship.

The amendment will allow foreigners breaks not exceeding 30 days, to travel abroad during the mandatory one-year stay in India.

A1 ‘Group works for amicable solutions’ < FROM

“We later mooted the idea of receiving complaints from abused women. The association would then call the husband for a discussion and the couple would be convinced to find an amicable solution to their problems,” said Al Ghamri.

She added that the association had received calls regarding cases in which women had suffered abuse and tried to solve the problems before seeking legal help.

“The association could solve many issues between couples by bringing the two spouses together through dialogue. Of course, there were some issues where discussion would come to an end at a certain point and the case had to be transferred for legal actions,” said Al Ghamri.

“We have tried to deal with each problem separately to assure confidentiality of the couples but still there was another barrier between the association and the women. The fear of reaction on the part of the husband or the family stopped many women from communicating the issues to the association,” said Al Ghamri.

To avoid such problems, Al Ghamri said the association had allocated a phone number to re-

ceive complaints about abuse.

“The hotline number was a way to avoid the problem of women shying away from reporting abuse, a fact seen in the Omani society,” said Al Ghamri.

She also said that many women feel that the issue of a woman being abused is part of a normal couple’s life and it should remain their own secret. “Through the phone, the association could help in many cases but still there are many Omani women who believe that tolerating violence is better than a scandal in the society,” said Al Ghamri. She also said that the association had organised many lectures and awareness programmes to educate the women about their rights and to teach them how to protect themselves from any violent behaviour on part of the husband or the family.

Meanwhile, an Indian social worker said that whether it’s a domestic violence or not, stranded and abused women should be provided shelter.

“The Sultanate’s move to set up shelter for abused women is a welcome move. On humanitarian grounds, I feel that it is the responsibility of welfare state to provide shelter for stranded and

abused women,” Shaji Sebastin, a Muscat based social worker, told Times of Oman.

Most of the Asian country embassies are providing shelter for stranded women in Oman.

An Indian embassy panel lawyer confirmed that a shelter is provided for stranded in Indian women.

“In the shelter, they are provided accommodation, food and medicines while their stay. They are provided shelter till their cases are resolved,” the lawyer said.

Sri Lankan embassy in Muscat is also providing shelter for their Lankan women who are stranded in Oman.

Safe house “We are running a safe house for stranded Lankan women in Oman. On average every month four stranded women are sheltered in our safe house till their issues are resolved and able to fly back to Lanka,” an official from the Lankan embassy told Times of Oman.

Bangladesh embassy also runs a shelter for stranded Bangladesh women.

“We have a shelter in Muscat.

Around 10 to 15 stranded Bangla-

deshi women are provided shelter.

We provide them food, medicines and other necessary items while they are in the shelter. Till their issues are resolved are ready for the return, they are provided shelter,” an embassy official said.

Sunaina Serna Ahluwalia, Women’s Guild of Oman Public Relations said, “The WGO welcomes this initiative by the Ministry of Social Development and hopes that it will help the abused women on all fronts- the most immediate being the mental and emotional welfare of the abused.”

She added, “I have been with the WGO since 2008 and we have heard of a few cases like these.

Since we do not have any facility for providing shelter to these ladies, we have referred them to the concerned embassy . On a regular basis, we have been purchasing and providing these women with personal effects and toiletries through funds allocated for the same.”

Do you think it would help to have such a exclusive shelter for expat women too? “While we do not have relevant data at this point, it would be useful if a similar shelter could be arranged for expat women too,” she said.

T H U R S DAY, JAN UARY 8, 2 01 5

A7

REGION

Night-time temperatures in Ankara were forecast to plunge to minus 17 degrees Centigrade and natural gas consumption spiked to record levels in Turkey as people tried to heat their homes

Snowstorm batters parts of Middle East SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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Two Syrians were

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N .C O M

killed in Lebanon the tents will collapse under the weight of the snow.”

Heavy snowfall also cut several roads in mountainous areas of Lebanon, where more than a million Syrians fleeing civil war have claimed refuge. “I’ve been a refugee here for two years but this is the worst winter I’ve seen,” said Mohammad Al Hussein, who lives in an east Lebanon camp with his wife and five children. “We feel humiliated,” he added.

as storm buffeted parts of Middle East with blizzards, rain and strong winds on Wednesday, keeping people at home

BEIRUT: A Syrian man and young boy died in cold weather in Lebanon as a major storm dumped rare snow on parts of the Middle East on Wednesday, bringing misery to thousands of Syrian refugees.

The local Red Cross agency said the bodies of the two Syrians, including the six-year-old boy, were found dead in the Shebaa region of south Lebanon.

A security source said the dead were Syrian refugees who had been crossing the mountainous border between Syria and Lebanon, where temperatures fell as low as minus 7 degrees Celsius (20 Fahrenheit).

FIERCE WINTER STORM: Children play in the snow during heavy snow fall in Syrian capital Damascus

on Wednesday. – AFP

Their deaths came as a major storm struck the Middle East, hitting Syrian refugees living in makeshift camps throughout Lebanon and disrupting schools and roads in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Many refugees in Lebanon were trapped in their tents by the heavy rain and snow, struggling to stay warm in temperatures

INTERNAL STRIFE

BLAST SITE: A policeman walks past a wreckage at the scene of a

car bomb outside the police college in Sanaa on Wednesday.

Car bomb kills 35 outside Yemen police college SANAA: A car bomb exploded outside a police college in Yemen’s capital Sanaa on Wednesday, killing 35 people and wounding dozens, police said, less than a week after a suicide bombing south of the capital left nearly 30 dead.

Yemen’s sectarian conflict has worsened since September when the Houthi militia seized Sanaa, deepening political divides that spawned a popular protest in 2011 and led to a change of government and splits in the army. Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), one of the militant group’s most active wings, had staged increasing numbers of attacks across Yemen before the Houthi advance and has carried out more bombings and shootings since.

Brigadier Abdulaziz Al Qudsi, deputy general manager of Sanaa police, said that 68 people were also wounded by the explosion which sent a large plume of smoke into the sky above a densely built up and congested part of the city near the central bank and defence ministry.

“The situation is catastrophic.

We arrived to find bodies piled on top of each other,” a paramedic at the scene told Reuters as ambulances took casualties away.

“We found the top part of one person yelling, while his bottom half was completely severed.”

Investigation Qudsi said the initial investigation showed that a booby-trapped vehicle with a driver and passenger in the front had been parked near where people who wanted to register were standing beside an outside wall of the police college.

“They then hurried out (of the bus) and escaped and then the bus explosion happened at 7am (0400 GMT),” Qudsi was cited as saying by state news agency Saba.

He said several of those wounded were in critical condition.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Wednesday’s

bombing. Al Qaeda has in the past claimed they were behind similar attacks. The victims from the latest blast included students at the college and people waiting in line to enroll with the police, the police sources said, as well as passers-by.

A policeman said that another car had been passing as the bomb went off and was set on fire along with everyone inside.

Registration halted The Interior Ministry said it was halting registration at the police college, which takes place every year, for a week.

The US embassy in Yemen condemned the attack, saying it showed the “nihilistic vision and depravity of terror groups operating in Yemen”.

Western and Gulf Arab countries fear that further instability could weaken the country’s government, giving AQAP more space to plot attacks outside Yemen’s borders. Yemen shares a long border with major oil exporter Saudi Arabia.

Yemen’s army has launched several concerted campaigns to dislodge Al Qaeda with the help of US drone strikes, but the militants have proved capable of entrenching themselves in largely lawless parts of the Arabian Peninsula country where it has sympathy from some tribes.

On January 1 a suicide bomber killed at least 26 people at a cultural centre in the central Yemeni city of Ibb in an attack that appeared to target the Houthi militia that seized the capital in September and advanced into other areas.

Most attacks in the past four years have targeted Yemen’s security infrastructure. A suicide bomber killed more than 90 people in May 2012 at a military parade, and a coordinated assault on a military hospital a year ago killed more than 50. — Reuters

hovering around zero degrees.

The UN’s refugee agency distributed cash and fuel coupons to more than 80,000 refugee families ahead of the storm, which forced the closure of all Lebanese ports and briefly shut Beirut’s international airport. It warned however that “serious gaps” remained in provisions for the refugees dur-

ing the storm. In Majdalun, close to the eastern town of Baalbek, around 40 tents were cut off from surrounding villages by a thick layer of snow, an AFP photographer said.

“There is a lack of food and heating materials,” said one man who had left his tent. “We ask charities to intervene. We are scared that

Deserted In Israel and the Palestinian Territories, hundreds of schools were closed. Across occupied Jerusalem, the streets were largely deserted and few people ventured out to brave the high winds and intermittent rain, AFP correspondents said. Ahead of the storm, the education ministry announced the closure of schools across occupied Jerusalem and the surrounding area, as well as in Jewish settlements throughout the occupied West Bank and much of northern Israel.

In occupied Jerusalem, a fleet of 150 vehicles was readied to clear the snow, with 200 tonnes of salt, food, blankets and emergency generators also on hand. Streets

across the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah, which stands at 2,861 feet (872 metres) above sea level, were also deserted as people hunkered down ahead of the storm, an AFP correspondent said.

The impoverished Gaza Strip, which lived through a 50-day war with Israel during the summer, also battened down the hatches.

The normally jammed streets of Gaza City were largely empty and many shops were closed.

In Syria, schools were closed and many government officials were unable to make their way to work through the snowy streets of Damascus. The state SANA news agency said snow and rain fell Wednesday in most provinces in the war-ravaged nation.

In Egypt, authorities shut ports in Alexandria and on the Red Sea coast due to the weather. Snowfall and gales in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley destroyed some refugee tents.

Turkish Airlines cancelled dozens of flights between Turkey’s biggest cities and to several international destinations. Budget airline Pegasus also cancelled some flights. Night-time temperatures in Ankara were forecast to plunge to minus 17 degrees Centigrade and natural gas consumption spiked to record levels in Turkey as people tried to heat their homes, forcing some usually gas-fired power stations to switch to fuel oil to generate electricity, a Turkish energy official said. — Agencies

T H U R S DAY, JA N UA RY 8, 2 0 1 5

A8

As a strong federation of states, India continues to grow with the cooperation of the Centre and the states. In all areas where the states want to prosper, we are here to fully support you Arun Jaitley, Finance minister

INDIA

CALL TO PROTECT RELIGION

GEARING UP An Indian vendor displays kites printed with the portraits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama, who is expected to visit India for the Republic Day celebrations, ahead of the forthcoming Makar Sankranti kite festival in Hyderabad, on Wednesday. The Makar Sankranti festival, which will be celebrated on January 14 this year, celebrates the beginning of the harvest season. - AFP

BJP lawmaker says Hindu women must have four children NEW DELHI: A lawmaker from India’s ruling party has called for Hindu women to have at least four children to “protect” their religion, sparking calls for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to rein in his hardline supporters.

Sakshi Maharaj, who represents a seat in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh for Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said in a speech on Tuesday that Hindus should see it as their duty to have large families.

“The time has come when a Hindu woman must produce at least four children in order to protect the Hindu religion,” Maharaj said at a religious congregation in the city of Meerut.

Maharaj’s remarks sparked a backlash on social media with his name trending on Twitter while political opponents demanded an explanation from Modi who has a reputation as an unashamed Hindu nationalist.

“Why has the prime minister maintained silence even for 24 hours? Is this the new population policy of India? The country wants to know, the nation wants an answer,” said Abhishek Manu

BRIEFS

Italian marine asks court for time after surgery ROME: An Italian marine accused of killing two Indian fishermen asked a court through his lawyers on Wednesday for more time at home to recover from heart surgery amid a diplomatic row over the case. Last September India’s Supreme Court allowed Massimiliano Latorre to spend four months in Italy after he was found to be suffering from cerebral ischaemia — a restricted blood supply that can lead to a stroke. The court ruled last month that Latorre must return to India in January over the shooting that occurred during an anti-piracy mission off the southern state of Kerala in February 2012. But lawyers for the marine on Wednesday again petitioned the court in New Delhi to allow him extra time at home. They said he underwent heart surgery in January and needs to recuperate, according to the Press Trust of India.

SIT begins probe into Sunanda’s murder finalised an ‘action

will be done’ to

Worse, that officer used the traumatic physical assault to try and intimidate Narayan into ‘confessing’ that he and I murdered my wife

solve the case

Shashi Tharoor

plan’ to investigate the case and did not rule out questioning

HYDERABAD: At least 14 passengers, half of them students, were killed and 40 were injured when a crowded bus slid down the road in Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur district on Wednesday, police said. The accident occurred between Penukonda and Madakasira, about 450km from here. The toll may go up as the condition of 13 of the injured was stated to be critical. The bus belonging to the state-owned Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) was proceeding from Madakasira to Penukonda when the driver reportedly lost control while trying to avoid hitting an autorickshaw. According to witnesses, the bus slid and fell off the road in an area, about 15 km from Penukonda town. Work was going on there to widen the road.

‘whatever necessary

MUMBAI: Security at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport here was beefed up Wednesday after a suspected terror threat was found scribbled on a wall in the men’s rest room, official sources said. Late on Tuesday, an attendant saw the warning scrawled in large letters proclaiming “CSI Attack

by IS 10/01/2015”, and alerted the authorities. Officials of the Mumbai International Airport Ltd. (MIAL) gave a guarded response, saying they had no information on who could have scrawled the message but police were probing the matter. It was not immediately clear whether the threat could be real or merely a prankster’s scribble, but the security agencies are not taking any chances. - Agencies

7 and for 14 hours on November 8.

On both days, Tharoor alleged that Narayan Singh was “repeatedly physically assaulted by one of your officers.

Top cop said SIT has

14 killed, 40 injured in Andhra bus accident

Security beefed up after terror threat in Mumbai

Singhvi, a senior figure in the former ruling Congress party.

Modi also came under fire last month for rejecting calls to sack another BJP lawmaker for his remarks. In his speech, Maharaj went on to support a recent spate of ‘re-conversions’ to Hinduism, an issue which paralysed parliament last month and stalled the right-wing government’s economic reforms agenda.

Religious groups and political opponents have accused radical organisations linked to the BJP of forcing or enticing religious minorities to convert to Hinduism.

While Hindus account for more than 80 per cent of India’s 1.2 billion population, the country is officially secular and is home to sizeable numbers of Muslims, Buddhists and Christians.

India’s birth rate has declined dramatically in the last two decades due in part to rising female literacy, according to a government study published last month.

The Total Fertility Rate — the number of children the average woman will have in her lifetime based on current trends — fell to 2.3 in 2013 from 3.6 in 1991. - AFP

Tharoor soon, saying

Congress MP Sunanda Pushkar

NEW DELHI: A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has begun its probe into the mysterious death of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s wife Sunanda Pushkar even as Delhi Police Commissioner B. S. Bassi on Wednesday said there are prima facie reasons to believe it is a case of murder.

Bassi said the SIT has finalised an “action plan” to investigate the case and did not rule out questioning Tharoor soon, saying “whatever necessary will be done” to solve the case.

Prima facie reasons “When we file a case under Section 302 of IPC, it means we have prima facie reasons to believe that it is a case of murder,” Bassi told reporters on being asked whether police have any evidence that it was a case of murder.

Asked why the murder case

was registered almost a year after Sunanda’s death, Bassi said the final medical report from AIIMS warranted filing of the FIR so that Sunanda’s viscera samples can be sent abroad for further tests.

“We have formed an SIT to probe the case. The SIT has formed an action plan to go about the case and everything will be done as per it,” he said.

Delhi Police had on Tuesday registered a murder case into Sunanda’s death under section 302 of the IPC on the basis of an AIIMS medical report that concluded that her death was unnatural and due to poisoning, but nobody has been named as a suspect as yet. The FIR was filed against unknown persons.

The investigators have decided to send her viscera samples to a laboratory either in Britain or the US to identify the poison includ-

ing whether it could be radioactive isotopes that cannot be detected in Indian labs. Sources said the SIT is likely to question Tharoor, his relatives and personal staff along with the employees of the five-star hotel where she was found dead on January 17 last year.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has said that a Delhi Police official had attempted to implicate him and a domestic help in the murder of his wife Sunanda Pushkar.

In a letter to Delhi Police Commissioner B.S. Bassi dated Nov 12 and accessed by the media on Wednesday, Tharoor urged the police chief to take action against the concerned officer.

Tharoor said that four Delhi Police officers interrogated his domestic help Narayan Singh last month - for 16 hours on November

Physical assault “Worse, that officer used the traumatic physical assault to try and intimidate Narayan into ‘confessing’ that he and I murdered my wife,” the former central minister said.

Tharoor recalled that he expressed his concerns to Bassi over telephone on November 8 night.

“As you graciously agreed, such conduct is completely unacceptable and illegal,” Tharoor said in his letter. “It also amounts to the use of physical coercion in the attempt to frame an innocent man.

“I would request you to take immediate and appropriate action against such unlawful misconduct of the officer concerned.

“My staff and I have always made ourselves available for any kind of inquiry and investigation but the recent behaviour of the officers towards my staff is a matter of serious concern to any law abiding citizen.

“Please look into the matter personally and ensure that the unvarnished truth comes out in this case.”

Tharoor said he had “complete trust and faith” in Delhi Police and that he was committed to “fully cooperating with the investigations to ensure the timely completion of the inquiry”.

The letter became public knowledge a day after Delhi Police announced that Pushkar, found dead in a hotel a year ago, was poisoned to death. - Agencies

BENGAL GLOBAL BUSINESS SUMMIT

Jaitley wants Centre-state cooperation on development issues KOLKATA: In the backdrop of the Trinamool Congress taking the lead in parliament to block several economic reforms, union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Wednesday called for cooperation among the central and state governments on development issues.

He also reminded West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that just like her regime, the BJP also has a responsibility to deliver what it had promised to the electorate.

“Madam chief minister, you have a mandate to rule the state.

And, therefore, you have the responsibility to deliver what was promised. We have a mandate to rule the country from the Centre. We have a responsibility to deliver from Delhi, what we had promised.

“Notwithstanding our political differences in many areas, the

strength of India is that despite these differences, Indian remains a strong federation of states.

“As a strong federation of states, India continues to grow with the cooperation of the Centre and the states. In all areas where the states want to prosper, we are here to fully support you,” Jaitley said during his address at the Bengal Global Business Summit here.

The Trinamool Congress had spearheaded the opposition’s protests against the central government’s bid to pass the Insurance Bill and the Coal Bill in the Rajya Sabha.

The minister’s speech dwelled on development, investment and economy, with particular reference to West Bengal, but simultaneously it was also loaded with subtle criticisms and messages directed at the Mamata government.

Regretting that many of the big

BUSINESS SUMMIT: Finance minister, Arun Jaitley lights a tradi-

tional lamp as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and business leaders look on during the inauguration of the Bengal Global Business Summit 2015 in Kolkata on Wednesday. - AFP

industries, which operated from Bengal for ages, had now shipped out, Jaitley said the challenge was how to re-establish the eastern state as an industrial centre.

He took on state Finance and

Industries Minister Amit Mitra, who earlier in the day, highlighted that the state’s growth figures were double than that nationally.

Jaitley pointed out that share of manufacturing in the state’s

growth was small which affected job creation. “While talking of encouraging growth figures of the state, we must not lose sight of reality that the share of manufacturing in the state’s growth is still on a very narrow base,” he said.

“It is the manufacturing which is going to create jobs. It is manufacturing in which people are going to shift from the underemployment in the agriculture sector into the manufacturing sector.”

Jaitley said an investor would choose the state or region which gives him the best deal, “where doing business is comfortable... doing business is conducive, purposeful and profitable”.

He also called for cutting down of red tape, easy grant of permissions and sanctions and negligible loss of man-days, besides good quality and modernised infrastructure.

“I am sure, while Bengal today makes a very strong plea, and a very legitimate plea for investment into the state, which I am sure is coming to the state, and should come to the state, we have to bear in mind in each of these area we have to grow.”

Jaitley also referred to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences project which has been sanctioned in the last budget.

The erstwhile UPA government had also sanctioned the setting up of an AIIMS-like institute in the state, but the project did not see the light of the day over wrangling between the Congress and the Trinamool on its site.

“Last year, in the union budget, we sanctioned the setting up of an AIIMS. I am sure steps are being taken now to expedite its setting up in West Bengal itself,” the BJP leader said. - IANS

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Rajnath asserts boatmen were terror suspects The Home Minister’s remarks came as questions were being raised on the veracity of claims that a 2008 Mumbai attack-style plan had been foiled by the Coast Guards

NEW DELHI: With questions over Coast Guard’s ‘boat’ operation persisting, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said those travelling in the Pakistani vessel were suspected terrorists as per the “given circumstances”.

“With given circumstances in

IN FLAMES: This handout pho-

tograph released by the Indian Ministry of Defence last Friday, is said to show a burning vessel off the coast of Gujarat in the Arabian Sea. - Reuters

the Pakistani boat, it is clear that they were suspected terrorists,” he told reporters here.

Singh was replying to questions about the four people on board a boat, which “exploded” and sank in the Arabian Sea in the intervening night of December 31 and January one during an Indian Coast Guard operation.

He, however, did not elaborate on the “circumstances which he was referring to.

The Home Minister’s remarks

NOBEL GESTURE Indian Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi, right, presents his Nobel medal to President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Wednesday. Satyarthi dedicated his Nobel Peace Prize to the country as he presented his medal to the Indian president on Wednesday, a report said. Satyarthi, 60, who for 35 years fought to free thousands of children from virtual slave labour, was in 2014 jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize with Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani teenage education campaigner. - AFP

Y O U T H P R AVA S I B H A R AT I YA D I VA S

Connect, contribute, Sushma tells Indian Diaspora youth GANDHINAGAR: Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday called upon the diaspora youth gathered here to “come, connect, celebrate and contribute” to be part of the “momentous transformation taking place in the country”.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 2015 Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), Sushma, who is also the external affairs minister, urged the diaspora youth to contribute to the country’s development.

“We want you, the Pravasis, to contribute to the development of India. We want you to participate in the vision that Prime Minister Modi has for India’s future,” she said and enumerated the several programmes launched by the government, including the Make in India, Smart Cities, Swachch Bharat, and Skill India.

She said the government has been working in mission mode to implement all these programmes.

“You can contribute to them and become an active partner in these ventures. Our government is fully committed to good governance, efficiency, accountability, transparency, and speedy decision-making.”

The minister, addressing the diaspora youth at the Mahatma Mandir complex, said there are “tremendous opportunities today for you to join us, especially in the

fields of manufacturing, infrastructure development, education, health, skills development, science and technology, research and innovation, knowledge economy and youth development as part of our effort to realise India’s full potential”.

Describing the diaspora as “the most significant example of India’s soft power”, Sushma said the diaspora has “retained a bit of India” in their hearts. Though living thousands of miles away, you have “kept the spirit of Bharat alive”.

The minister said the PBD is “an occasion to reflect upon your heritage, and to touch base with a country which will always consider you as one of its own, regardless of the colour of your passport or the land of your citizenship”.

She said the PBD is a platform to connect the diaspora with the motherland and promote the concept of a global Indian family.

Sushma Swaraj said to enhance ease of doing business, the government has taken multiple steps to simplify procedures, rationalise rules and increase use of technology for efficient and effective governance.

“Efforts are on to identify obsolete laws and regulations which need to be repealed. Skilling our people, particularly the young, is also a priority.” - IANS

came as questions were being raised on the veracity of claims that a 2008 Mumbai attack-style operation had been foiled. There are also reports claiming that the boat was involved in smuggling.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had earlier said that “circumstantial evidence” indicated that the occupants of the vessel were “suspected or possible terrorists” and that they were in touch with Pakistani maritime officials and army.

Asked about a letter written by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to his five counterparts seeking premature release of 13 convicted terrorists, the Home Minister said he would discuss the issue with Badal.

“I will talk to him (Badal) on this issue,” he said. In his letter to Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Gujarat, Badal sought premature release of the terrorists, including those who were convicted for assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. - PTI

INDIA

A9

T H U R S DAY, JA N UA RY 8, 2 0 1 5

A10

FIND-IT-ALL

PRAYER TIMINGS

W E AT H E R

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

12.18pm 3.21pm 5.41pm 6.56pm 5.31am

LISTINGS

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi: 24783334 Appolo Medical Centre, Hamriya: 24782666 Muscat Pharmacy Ruwi: 24702542, Salalah: 23291635 Atlas Pharmacy Ghubra: 24503585; Ruwi 24811715 Muscat Region Al Hashar, Ruwi1 24 Hr Br. Tel. 24537080 Muscat, Al Sarooj. Tel: 24695536 Belqees, Al Khoudh (OIB) Tel. 24535398 Belqees, Ma’abelah. Tel: 24454624 Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah.

Tel. 23291635

MAINLYclear skies over most of the Sultanate with chances of late night to early morning low level clouds or fog patches along the southeastern coasts of the Sultanate.

EXPECTED WIND: Wind will be southwesterly light to moderate along the coastal areas of Arabian Sea and westerly to northwesterly over rest of the Sultanate.

SEA STATE: Slight along Oman Sea coast with a maximum wave height of 1.25 metres while slight to moderate along the Musandam coast and Dhofar governorate coast with a maximum wave height of 1.75 metres.

HORIZONTAL VISIBILITY: Good over most of the Sultanate becoming poor during fog formation.

THE NEXT 48 HOURS OUTLOOK: Stable weather; mainly clear skies with chances of late night to early morning low level clouds or fog patches along the southeastern coast of the Sultanate.

HOSPITALS 1st Chiropractic Centre: 24472274 Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre: 24485052 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic: 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi: 24563641, Azaiba: 24499269, Sohar: 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital: 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory: 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre: 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya: 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic: 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi: 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb: 24420740 Ceregem National Raak: 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic: 24563217 Elixir Health Centre: 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre: 24604540 Hamdan Hospital: 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC: 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital: 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency: 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar: 26751128,

OMAN Max 27 Min 18

Max 26 Min 18

Ruwi Hotel: 24704244 Safeer Hotel Suites: 24691200 Sheraton Oman Hotel: 24772772 Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa: 24776666 The Chedi Muscat: 24524400 The Treasurebox Muscat Hotel: 24502570

MBD: 24799077, Al Khuwair: 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital: 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital: 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair: 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC: 22004000 ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence: 24569603 Directorate General of Customs: 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries: 24510228 Public Relations Admin: 24560099

MUSEUMS Bait Al Baranda: Corniche (seafront opp fish market), Open from Saturday to Thursday 9am to 1pm and 4 to 6pm Natural History Museum: Al Khuwair, Tel: 24604957, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm Thursday: 9am to 1pm Museum of Omani Heritage: (former Omani Museum), Madinat Al Alam, SatWed 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday - 9am to 1pm, Tel: 24600946 Armed Forces Museum: Bait Al Falaj, Tel: 24312651, Open from Sat to Wed: 8am to 1:30pm; Thurs 9-12pm and 3-6pm; Fri 9-11am and 3-6pm. Al Hoota Caves 24498258; Turtle Beach 96550606/96550707 Children’s Science Museum: Shatti Al Qurum, Tel: 24605368, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pm Oman-French Museum: near Muscat Police Station, Tel: 24736613, Open from Sat to Wed: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pm Bait Al Zubair, Muscat: Tel: 24736688, Al Saidiya St., Muscat museum@baitalzubairmuseum.com Open from Sat to Thurs: 9:30am to 6pm.

National Museum Ruwi: Tel: 24701289, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pm Sohar Fort Museum: Tel: 26844758, Open from Saturday to Wed: 8 to 1:30pm Thurs: 9am to 1pm Muscat Gate Museum: At Al Bahri Road, Muscat open from Sat to Wed 8am to 2pm

ACCOMMODATION Al Bahjah Hotel: 24424400 Al Bustan Palace: 24764000 Al Khuwair Hotel Apartments: 24478171 Al Madina Holiday Inn: 24596400 Al Maha International Hotel: 24494949 Al Fanar Hotel: 24712385 Al Falaj Hotel: 24702311 Al Qurum Resort: 24605945 Azaiba Hotel Apartments: 24490979 Beach Hotel: 24696601 Bowshar Hotel: 24491105 Coral Hotel Muscat: 24692121 Crowne Plaza Muscat: 24660660 Crystal Suites: 24826100 Golden Tulip Seeb: 24510300 Grand Hyatt Muscat: 24641234 Haffa House Hotel: 24707207 Hotel Muscat Holiday: 24487123 InterContinental Muscat: 24680000 Majan Continental Hotel: 24592900 Marina Hotel: 24711711 Midan Hotel Suites: 24499565 Mina Hotel: 24711828 Muttrah Hotel: 24798401 Nuzha Hotel Apartments: 24789199 Oman Dive Centre: 24824240 Park Inn: 24507888 Qurum Beach House Hotel: 24564070 Radisson Blu Hotel: 24487777 Ramee Dream Resort Seeb: 24453399 Ramee Guestline Hotel: 24564443

Max 25 Min 18 L O N G D I S TA N C E B U S T I M I N G S ( O M A N N AT I O N A L T R A N S P O R T C O M PA N Y S A O C ) * S U B J E C T T O C H A N G E

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

Max 29 Min 14

Max 28 Min 15

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (Route 36) Dept Destination Arrival Time Time 15:00 Quriyat 16:30 15:00 Sur 18:00 15:00 Jaalan 19:30

Max 27 Min 17

Max 28 Min 9

TURKEY: Pedestrians walk through a snow-covered park in

Istanbul. -Reuters

Max 28 Min 19 —www.met.gov.om

WORLD

Max -5 Min -6 Max -10 Min -12

Max 21 Min 7 Max -10 Min -11

Max 27 Min 22

Max 22 Min 12

Max 28 Min 14

Max 27 Min 22

Abu Dhabi Doha Dubai Kuwait Manama Riyadh Athens Baghdad Barbados Beijing Berlin Boston Brussels Buenos Aires Cairo Chicago Colombo Copenhagen Dublin Frankfurt Harare Hong Kong Istanbul Jerusalem Johannesburg

Max

Min

26 26 26 16 23 17 10 14 22 4 5 -5 8 31 14 -2 31 7 7 6 26 18 32 4 28

18 13 14 10 15 2 5 2 18 -9 4 -5 4 25 9 -5 20 3 5 3 16 13 28 3 18

Kuala Lumpur Lisbon London Madrid Manila Mexico City Miami Moscow New Delhi New York Oslo Panama Paris Perth Prague Rio de Janeiro Santiago Seoul Singapore Stockholm Sydney Taipei Tokyo Toronto Vienna

Max

Min

28 12 -10 7 29 15 20 -10 21 -5 6 4 11 32 4 32 30 1 29 3 27 16 11 -8 3

24 7 -12 -1 22 6 18 -11 7 -6 -1 -1 6 12 3 25 14 -5 24 0 22 14 3 -0 -2

TO MUSCAT (RUWI)

Operating Days Daily Daily Daily

TO AL BURAIMI (Route 41) 06:30 Sohar 06:30 Buraimi 08:00 Buraimi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Buraimi 16.00 Sohar 16.00 Buraimi

08:50 11:00 14:30 15:45 17:40 18.35 20:20

Daily Daily Daily via Ibri Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO SINAW (Route 52) 17:30 Sinaw

20:50

To Yanqul (Route 54) 14:30 Nizwa 14:30 Yanqul

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (Route 36) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 05:30 Sur 06:45 Daily 05:30 Quriyat 08:30 Daily 05:30 Ruwi 10:00 Daily TO AL BURAIMI (Route 41) 07:00 Sohar 07:00 Ruwi 13:30 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 17:00 Ruwi

08:55 11:40 20:20 14:55 17:40 19:20 22:15

Daily Daily Daily via Ibri Daily Daily Daily Daily

Daily

TO SINAW (Route 52) 07:00 Ruwi

10:25

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

To Yanqul (Route 54) 06:00 Nizwa 06:00 Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (Route 54) 08:00 Nizwa 08:00 Al Araqi

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (Route 54) 15:40 Nizwa 15:40 Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

TO SUR (Route 55) 07:30 Sur 14:30 Sur

12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

TO SUR (Route 55) 06:00 Ruwi 14:30 Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (Route 62) 06:30 Fahud 06:30 Yibal

10:30 11:15

Daily Daily

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (Route 62) 12:30 Fahud 12:30 Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (Route 100) 07:00 Salalah 20:00 10:00 Marmul 20:30 10:00 Salalah 23:30 19:00 Salalah 07:40

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (Route 100) 07:00 Ruwi 19:50 10:00 Marmul 13:15 10:00 Ruwi 22:30 19:00 Ruwi 07:30

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101) 06:00 Marmul

Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101) 06:00 Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (Route 102) 15:00 Salalah 07:00

Daily

16:50

SALALAH TO DUBAI (Route 102) 15:00 Dubai 07:00 EVENTS

Muscat Festival 2015, January 15 to February 14 GCC Rail and Metro Conference, 11th January to the 12th January 2015 at the Al Bustan Palace Muscat in Muscat, Oman.

3rd International Medical & HealthCare Exhibition & Conference (IMTEC Oman 2015) will be held during the period from 19 - 21 January 2015 at Oman International Exhibition Centre.

The Oman Contractors Forum, organized by the IQPC will take place from 26th January to the 27th January 2015 at the Grand Hyatt Muscat in Muscat.

EdTechTeam Oman Summit, organized by the EdTechTeam, Inc. will take place from 30th January to the 31st January 2015 at the American International School of Muscat.

Interior Design Decor & Furniture Expo, Oman International Exhibition Centre | Muscat, Oman | 17-19 Feb 2015.

The BIG Show Muscat, Oman International Exhibition Centre| Muscat, Oman | 30 Mar-02 Apr 2015.

Times Great India Education Fair Muscat is a 2 day event being held from 20th February to the 21st February 2015 at the Al Falaj Hotel.

TO DUBAI (Route 201) 06:00 Sohar 06:00 Dubai 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Dubai 15:00 Sohar 15:00 Dubai

08:30 11:30 15:30 18:30 17:35 20:55

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (Route 204) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 07:00 Fujairah 11.45 Daily 07:00 Sharjah 13.30 Daily LISTINGS 07:00 Dubai 14.00 Daily

TO DUBAI (Route 201) 07:30 Sohar 07:30 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Ruwi 15:30 Sohar 15:30 Ruwi

10:50 13:40 16:15 19:10 18:45 21:35

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (Route 204) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 16:00 Sharjah 16:30 Daily 16.00 Fujairah 18.15 Daily 16.00 Ruwi 23.00 Daily

LISTINGS

CINEMA SCHEDULE

BAHJA CINEMA Seventh Son (2D) (Adv ) (PG12) Cast: Ben Barnes, Julianne Moore, 5:15 PM Seventh Son (3D) (Adv) (PG12) 9:30, 11:30 PM Automata (2D) (Sci-Fi ) (PG) Cast: Antonio Banderas 3:00, 7:15 PM Tevar (2D) (Action |Romance) (TBC) Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha 8:50 PM Tom Little and Magic Mirror (2D) (Animation |Adventure) (PG) 4:00 PM The Imitation Game (2D) (Bio) (12+) Cast: Keira Knightley, 5:30, 6:45 PM Woman In Black Angel Of Death (2D) (Horror | Thriller) (15+) Cast: Helen McCrory, Jeremy Irvine 11:45 PM Vice (2D) (Action | Adventure) (15+) Cast: Thomas Jane, Bruce Willis, 2:00, 11:45 PM P.K (2D) (Comedy | Drama) (PG) Cast: Aamir Khan, Sanjay Dutt 4:00 PM From A to B (2D) (Adv|Com) (12+) Cast: Fahad Albutairi, Shadi Alfons 2:00, 7:45 PM

Gold Class: 03:00 PM Seventh Son (2D): (Adv) (PG12) Cast: Ben Barnes, Julianne Moore 03:30 PM Seventh Son (3D) (Adv/Fan) (PG12) 09:45 PM & 11:45 PM. Gold Class: 11:15 PM Automata (2D): (Sci-Fi/Thr) (PG) Cast: Antonio Banderas, Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, Dylan McDermott 05:30 PM & 11:45 PM P K (2D): (Comedy/fantasy) (PG) Cast: Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma 04:00 PM Gold Class: 05:15 PM Jack & The Cuckoo-Clock Heart (2D) (Animation/Adventure) (PG) 10:30 AM & 02:15 PM From A To B (2D) (Co/Adv) (12+) Cast: Fahad Albutairi, Shadi Alfons 12:15 PM & 06:45 PM. Gold Class: 01:00 PM Tevar (2D): (Action/Romance) () Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha 08:45 PM

SCREEN 1 Tevar (Action |Romance) (TBC) Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha 2:30, 5:30, 8:30, 11:30pm SCREEN 2

Tom Little & Magic Mirror (2D) (Animation/Adventure) (PG) 10:15 AM & 02:00 PM The Imitation Game (2D): (Biography/Thriller) (12+) Cast: Keira Knightley 11:45 AM & 07:30 PM

P. K (Comedy | Drama | Social) (PG ) Cast: Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma, Sanjay Dutt 3:30, 6:15, 9:00 & 11:45pm SCREEN 3

Linga (Act|Drama) (Tamil) -(PG ) Cast: Rajnikanth, Sonakshi Sinha 3:00pm P. K (Comedy | Drama | Social) (PG) Cast: Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma, Sanjay Dutt 6:15, 9:00 & 11:45pm

P.K. – 2D (PG) Com | Drama Cast: Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma 9:00pm Vice – 2D (15+) Act | Adv | Sci-Fi Cast: Thomas Jane, Bruce Willis 3:45, 11:45pm Seventh Son – 2D (PG12) Adv | Cast: Ben Barnes, Julianne Moore 3:15pm Seventh Son – 3D (PG12) Adv| Family | Fantasy Jeff Bridges 05:15 , 09:30 , 11:30pm The Imitation Game – 2D (12+) Biography | Drama | Thriller Cast: Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode 04:00 & 07:15 PM Zulu – 2D (15+) Crime | Thriller Cast: Orlando Bloom, Forest Whitaker, Tanya van Graan 06:15 PM Tevar – 2D (TBC) Action | Romance Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha and Manoj Bajpayee 08:15 & 11:15 PM Tom Little and Magic Mirror – 2D (PG) Animation/Adv/Fantasy Cast: Ada Cruz , Omar Proenza 03:15 & 05: 30 PM From A to B – 2D (12+) Adv | Com Cast: Fahad Albutairi, Shadi Alfons, Fadi Rifaai 04:45 & 07: 00PM

Mylanchi Monchulla Veedu – 2D (M) (PG) Family | Drama Cast: Asif Ali, Jayaram, Kanika 06:45PM Automata – 2D (PG) Sci-Fi Cast: Antonio Banderas 09:45 & 11:45 PM

Seventh Son – 2D (Adv) (PG15) Cast: Ben Barnes, Julianne Moore 03:15 PM Seventh Son – 3D (Adv ) (PG15) 05:15, 09:15 PM Poker Night (Act | Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Beau Mirchoff, Ron Perlman 07:15, 11:45 PM Zulu (Crime | Thriller) (15+) Cast: Orlando Bloom, Forest Whitaker, Tanya van Graan 03:15, 09:45 PM Swelter (Act | Thriller) (15+) Cast: Jean-Claude Van Damme 05:15 PM From A to B (Adv| Com ) (12+) Cast: Fahad Albutairi,Fadi Rifaai 05:00, 07:00 PM Tevar (Action | Romance) Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha 07:00, 09:00, 11:15 PM Autómata (Sci-Fi | Thriller) (PG) Cast: Antonio Banderas, Birgitte Hjort 03:00, 11:45 PM

Zulu (Crime | Thriller) (15+) Cast: Orlando Bloom 11:45 PM Vice (Act| Adventure | Sci-Fi) (15+) 6:45 pm Seventh Son (2D) (Adv| Fa) (PG12) 3:00pm Seventh Son (3D) (Adv | Fa) (PG12)

04:50, 09:45pm Mylanchi Monchulla Veedu (Mal) (Family | Drama) (PG) 06:45 PM Tevar (Hindi) (Com | Drama ) (TBC) Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha 08:30, 11:15 PM From A to B (Arabic) (Adve | Co ) (12+) 04:50 PM P.K (Hindi) (Co | Dr | Fantasy) (PG) Cast: Aamir Khan, Sanjay Dutt 2:00pm

Seventh Son (3D/PG12) (Adv) 09:45 & 11:45PM Seventh Son (2D/PG12) (Adv) 02:30PM The Imitation Game (2D/12+) (Biography/Drama/Thriller) 01:30PM, 07:30PM Poker Night (2D/PG12) (Act/Th) 12:30, 11:15PM Jack and the Cuckoo-Clock Heart (2D/PG) (Animation/Adv/Drama) Cast: Mathias Malzieu, Olivia Ruiz 02:30PM Vice (2D/15+) (Act/Adv/Sc-FI) Cast: Thomas Jane, Bruce Willis 11:45am, 11:30PM Zulu (2D/15+) (Crime/Thriller) Cast: Orlando Bloom09:30PM From A to B (2D/12+) (Adv/Co) Cast: Fahad Albutairi, Shadi Alfons 4:15, 06:15PM P.K. (2D/PG) (Com/Drama/fantasy) 06:45PM Tevar (2D/PG) (Action/Romance) 11:30am, 04:30, 08:15PM Mylanchi Monchulla Veedu (2D/ PG) (Family/Drama) Cast: Asif Ali, Jayaram, Kanika 03:45PM

Seventh Son (Adventure/Fantacy) Cast: Jeff Bridges, Ben Barnes, Alicia Vikander Kit Harington, Olivia William 4.00 , 8.00, 10.00 & 11.55 pm CP No : 2015/62 (PG 12 ) Autómata (Sci-Fi-/Thriller) Cast: Antonio Banderas, Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, Melanie Griffith 2.00. 6.00, & 10.00 pm CP No : 2015/61 (PG) Zulu (Crime /Drama /Thriller) Cast : Orlando Bloom, Forest Whitaker, Tanya van Graan 4.00 , 8.00 & , 11.55 pm CP No : 2015/60 ( 15+ ) Iron Clad:Battle for Blood (Act) Cast: Michelle Fariley, Roxanne Mckee 2.00 pm., .CP No : 2015/2 Swelter (Action/Thriller) Cast:Jean Claude Van Damme, 6.00 pm CP No : 2015/3 (15+)

Film Information - 24540856 / Advance Booking - 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com

STARS CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Chinnadana Nee Kosam (Telugu) ( Rom\Com) Cast: Nitin Reddy & Mishti 3:00pm at Cinema Main, 6:30 & 9:30pm at Cinema 2 Mylanchi Monchulla Veedu (Mal) (Rom\Com) Cast: Jayaram & Asif Ali 3:30 pm at Cinema -2\ 6:30 &10:00 pm Cinema Main P K (Hindi) (Com) Cast: Aamir Khan , Anushka Sharma & Sanjay Dutt 3:45, 6:45 & 9:45 pm Cinema-3 Vellakkara Durai (Tamil)(Com) Cast: Vikram Prabhu & Sri Divya & Soori 3:45, 6:45 & 9:45 pm at Cinema -4

For More Information 24789032, 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

T H U R S DAY, JAN UARY 8, 2 01 5

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PAKISTAN M U M B A I AT TA C K S M A S T E R M I N D

TERRORISTS EXECUTED Pakistani soldiers patrol outside the central jail in Multan on Wednesday, where authorities are said to have executed prisoners Ghulam Shabbir and Ahmed Ali of the banned sectarian militant outfit Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. Pakistan on January 7 hanged two more men convicted of murder and tried under terrorism charges, taking the number of executions to nine since the country lifted a moratorium on capital punishment after a Taliban massacre at an army school last month. — AFP

Court reimposes Lakhvi detention ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Supreme Court Wednesday reimposed a detention order on the alleged mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, court officials said, the latest in a tussle over his custody that has strained ties with India.

Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, who is accused over the terror siege in India’s commercial capital, was granted bail on December 18 by an anti-terror court but authorities later detained him under a public order law, which in turn was then suspended by the Islamabad High Court on December 29.

A two-judge panel has now suspended Islamabad High Court’s interim order and directed it to hear the case again from January 12, a court official told AFP. The judges ruled that the high court did not hear the arguments of federal government and suspended Lakhvi’s detention orders in haste, the official said.

Lakhvi has never been let out of Adiyala Prison in Rawalpindi during the back and forth over his detention, which prompted an angry response from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he was initially granted bail.

AITZAZ HASAN

Nation pays homage to slain teen PESHAWAR: It has taken the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly exactly one year to acknowledge the sacrifice of brave Hangu teenager Aitzaz Hasan who embraced a suicide bomber on January 6, 2014 and saved the lives of 300 schoolmates.

As Hasan’s death anniversary was marked across the country on Tuesday, opposition and treasury lawmakers of the provincial assembly showed rare unity and adopted a unanimous resolution praising the young hero.

Pakistan Peoples Party lawmaker Nighat Orakzai raised the matter in the house on a point of order and Speaker Asad Qaiser asked her to table a resolution after consulting other parliamentary leaders.

“For more than a decade, K-P has turned into a battlefield.

Not only security personnel but civilians have laid down their lives,” read the resolution.

It added that the sacrifices of Aitzaz Hasan and Army Public School students and teachers have united the nation against terrorism.

“Aitzaz sacrificed himself to save 300 of his schoolmates and teachers. This assembly pays tribute to him for this selfless act,” the resolution read, asking the provincial government to name Kohat-Hangu Road after Aitzaz Hasan.

Lawmakers also demanded “fictitious tales” be removed from school curriculum and chapters on local heroes added. — Express Tribune

Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi

The Mumbai attacks left 166 people dead and were blamed on banned Pakistani militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). India has long seethed at Pakistan’s failure either to hand over or prosecute those accused of planning and organising the violence.

Lakhvi and six other suspects have been charged in Pakistan but their cases have made virtually no progress in more than five years.

It was also seen as an embarrassment for Pakistan’s government, which has promised to crack down on all terror groups in the wake of the Taliban school massacre that killed 150 people. — AFP

More than 8,000 seminaries operate without affiliation Around 4,135 religious schoolsare operating without getting proper registration from the designated authorities in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 2,411 are in Punjab, 1,406 in Sindh and 266 in Balochistan

These non-registered madaris/makatib (religious schools) did not fulfil the basic criteria set by the ministry of religious affairs, a senior official of the Auqaf department said

ISLAMABAD: Over 8,000 seminaries have neither been registered with the Ittehad-e-Tanzeemat-e-Madaris Pakistan (ITMP), an umbrella of five schools of thought, nor with the ministry of religious affairs, raising a serious question over their curriculum’s legitimacy and their source of funding.

Following the National Action Plan (NAP) committee’s recommendations, officials associated with provinces’ Auqaf departments are gathering data about religious schools which have never been registered with the ITMP, ministry of religious affairs or with the provincial Auqaf departments.

Around 8,249 seminaries which have enrolled 300,000 students are not registered across Khyber-

UNDER THE SCANNER: Religious students take mid-term exams at Jamia Binoria, the nation’s largest seminary in Karachi, on March 16, 2013. — AFP file photo

Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan, revealed officials, who will brief ministry of interior next week.

Basic criteria “These non-registered madaris/ makatib (religious schools) did not fulfil the basic criteria set by the ministry of religious affairs,” a senior official told The Express Tribune.

Around 4,135 religious schoolsare operating without getting proper registration from the des-

ignated authorities in KhyberPakhtunkhwa, the official said, adding that some 2,411 seminaries are unregistered in Punjab, 1,406 in Sindh and 266 in Balochistan, he explained.

At least 31 religious schools are not registered in Islamabad where all seminaries are built on encroached land, he revealed and went on to say that even Jamia Hifsa, adjacent to Red Mosque, also failed to fulfil basic requirements of registration.

The official claimed that “Semi-

naries operating in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa did not cooperate with us.”

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that around 605 students were studying in the capital’s unregistered seminaries.

Seminaries, whose curriculum is provided by Waqaful Madaris, are registered with Islamabad Auqaf Department.

The ITMP officials also confirmed that some members of seminary boards — Barelvi, Ahle Hadith, Shiite and Jamaat-e-Islami

( affiliated with the Ittehad Tanzimat Madaris-e-Deeniya) had also refused to comply when it came to regulating their syllabus during Pervez Musharraf’s era.

No check on literature The problem exists in non-registered seminaries where there is no check on literature being taught there, a cleric said on condition of anonymity.

The ministry of religious affairs registered 26,131 seminaries by September 2014, according to official figures obtained by The Express Tribune.

Around 14,768 seminaries are registered in Punjab, 7,118 in Sindh, 2,704 in Balochistan, 1,354 in KP and 187 in the federal capital. — Express Tribune

PLIGHT OF WORKERS

Two years on, little lessons learnt from Karachi factory blaze pensation paid by the factory owners and the German company KIK, which bought much of the production. Negotiations are still going on for long-term benefits.

Nazia got the equivalent of $7,000 which allowed her to buy a small plot of land in the city, but she is still angry at the factory owners and their European partners. “The workers were paid barely Rs100 ($1) for making clothes that sell for much much more money,” she said.

KARACHI: More than two years after a fire tore through a Karachi clothing factory, killing 255 workers, no-one has been prosecuted over the catastrophe, one of the deadliest industrial accidents in Pakistani history.

The abandoned hulk of the Ali Enterprises factory, which supplied cheap clothes to Western retailers, now stands as a monument to a disaster many would rather forget.

A little after 6pm on September 11, 2012, fire broke out in a factory storeroom housing jeans and t-shirts made by the 1,000-strong workforce for stores in Europe.

Never came home Trapped inside, one of the workers, Riaz Parveen, rang his wife Nazia.

“He told me, ‘There’s a huge fire in the factory, if I can’t get out of here I won’t be coming home’,” mother-of-three Nazia told AFP tearfully.

Riaz and his brother Rafaqat never came home.

TOUGH CONDITIONS: Pakistani employees work in a textile factory in Karachi on November 11, 2014. — AFP

Their charred bodies were found in the ashes of the factory.

A judicial probe into the blaze was damning, pointing to a lack of emergency exits, poor safety training for workers, the packing in of

machinery and the failure of government inspectors to spot any of these faults.

Two years later the victims’ families have received a total of $1.67 million in immediate com-

Sucking blood “They’re sucking the blood of the poor. We are illiterate and uneducated and they exploit this weakness. We realised this when they paid us the compensation.”

A murder case was registered against the factory owners, but it has never come to trial.

The delay has infuriated Faisal Siddiqui, lawyer for the victims’ families.

“It just shows you a complete breakdown of the criminal justice

system but it also shows you that when it comes to labourers, it is next to impossible to get justice in Pakistan,” he said.

With workers paid around $100 a month, textiles make up more than half of Pakistan’s exports, valued at $13 billion last year and bound mainly for Europe.

GSP+ status This year Pakistan won the prized “GSP+” status from the European Union, a highly favourable tariff exemption regime that is a boon to textile exporters.

After the Karachi fire, the European Parliament told big brands to re-examine their supply chains in Pakistan and demanded the creation of a new effective and independent system to monitor factories. This has not been done.

The Karachi fire was followed by an even deadlier accident in Bangladesh, where a garment factory collapse killed more than 1,100 people in April 2013.

Since then, “there has been pres-

sure to improve textile workers’ conditions”, an industry official said on condition of anonymity.

“But this is not philanthropy -the big brands just want to make sure they are not associated with another scandal,” the official said.

Inspection depends on the good faith of those involved.

At the D.L.Nash factory, which makes sheets and duvet covers for French retailers, owner Shabir Ahmed is grateful for the safety measures that prevented a disaster in the spring, when a fire broke out on a high floor.

“We rang the alarm bell, the workers were fully trained... and they didn’t rush and so they were evacuated,” he told AFP. “Due to our evacuation plan, not a single person was neither injured or killed.” Before its devastating fire, the Ali Enterprises factory was given a safety certificate, but the document was fake, issued by a company suspected of fraudulently “inspecting” around 100 Pakistani factories. — AFP

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Greek exit from the euro now looks inevitable

I

f all that was needed for the eurozone to stabilise was the departure of the Greeks, then it would have happened by now. Indeed, successive Greek sovereign debt crises have offered every opportunity, not to say incentive, for the Germans — paymasters and dominant voice in the eurozone — to push Athens out. Instead, with an admirable commitment to European unity, the German taxpayer has, albeit grumpily, paid up and subsidised Greece and Club Med’s other uncompetitive economies — Cyprus, Portugal, Spain and Italy. Yet the suspicion is that German idealism and generosity is not matched by Greek determination and self-sacrifice.

More than suspicion, in fact: the Greek Syriza party may well triumph in the election later this month. It is threatening to renege on the deal Greece reached with the IMF, EU and European Central Bank because it is too austere, even though it’s almost completed. Such an outcome would not be good for Greece, which would gain an even worse reputation for its ability to hold to international obligations, and her exit from the eurozone would soon follow. A re-introduced drachma would immediately devalue, and the real-terms value of her euro-denominated debt would rise even further beyond redemption.

Default would then be the only option. No one would lend to them. The Greek people would suffer more grievously than now.

Such a turn of events would also be disastrous for the eurozone as a whole, at least in the short term, because of “contagion”. This little-understood phenomenon demonstrated its destructive potential during both the banking crisis and successive eurozone crises. Panic, often irrationally, spreads from bank to bank, from bank to country, and from country to country, and something of the same is happening now, with the euro falling to fresh lows in inverse relation to Syriza’s poll rating.

Added to the unpredictable consequences of oil dipping below $50 a barrel, it is alarming financial markets.

Deflation is looming, something not seen in Europe since before the Second World War but which has mired Japan in stagnation for two decades. After Greece, the dominos would fall — Portugal, Spain and the rest. The rout may not end until it has overcome France, in which case the euro would simply be a proxy German currency, with only the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Finland as economic satellites along for the ride. Europe would slide back into recession.

Despite the damage it would cause, many governments must be quietly wondering whether Greece’s exit from the eurozone is simply inevitable, as Greek resistance to reform proves insurmountable. When as committed a Europhile as President François Hollande remarks, gnomically, that “the Greeks are free to determine their own destiny”, you can feel the patience of the leaders of the eurozone wearing thin.

Contingency plans must be being made now, as they must surely have been formulated during past ructions. - The Independent

THE CHALLENGE

Behold the unmaking of President Obama ELIZABETH DREW

Politics on death penalty

I

n January 1992, Bill Clinton, then the governor of Arkansas, left the presidential campaign trail to fly home for the execution of a man named Ricky Ray Rector. Clinton’s decision not to grant clemency to Rector, who had been sentenced to death for killing a police officer, was widely seen as an attempt to fend off the familiar charge that Democrats were soft on crime. On December 31, Governor Martin O’Malley of Maryland, whose name has been mentioned among potential 2016 Democratic presidential candidates, commuted the sentences of the last four inmates on the state’s death row.

Maryland abolished the death penalty in 2013, but only for new sentences. In resentencing the condemned men to life without parole, O’Malley said that leaving their death sentences in place would “not serve the public good of the people of Maryland — present or future.”

Whether or not O’Malley runs for president, his action is a mark of how quickly the death penalty debate in America has shifted. Liberals have long opposed capital punishment, and now more conservatives are speaking out against it as well, variously describing it as immoral, unjust, racist, arbitrary, costly and ineptly carried out.

Thirty-five people were put to death in 2014, the fewest in 20 years, according to a report last month by the Death Penalty Information Centre. All but seven of the executions took place in three states: Texas, Missouri and Florida.

And while two-thirds of those executed were black, only six had been convicted of killing a black person, even though blacks make up almost half of all murder victims. Another sign of the times: Fewer people are put on death row. There were 72 new death sentences in 2014, the lowest number since 1974. Death penalty is often seen as a brutal means to end a brutal life. In 2014, for the first time, a Washington Post-ABC News poll found that a majority of Americans favoured life without parole over the death penalty. O’Malley’s move may seem unusual among politicians, but it reflects the views of a growing segment of the country. – The New York Times News Service

Mass marriages show the way by cutting expenditure

It is time now to cut the huge wedding expenses

This refers to the news story, Mass marriages help cut expenses (January 7). It is a wonderful idea. I personally feel that marriages should be kept as simple as possible and people must try to avoid spending unnecessarily on marriages. Of late, weddings have become a prism through which people want to show off their wealth and influence. Pompous weddings ultimately lead to nowhere but certainly add to unnecessary spending. The show of wealth in weddings often turns out to be vulgar. I would laud all those who would opt for mass marriages and keep the spending at the minimum and use the money for some better causes.

Lateef Muscat

This refers to the news story, Mass marriages help cut expenses (January 7). The dowry amount paid at marriage is still very high in this country and it’s time now to cut down on the wedding expenses. This unnecessary expenditure needs to be slashed.

Mass marriage is a good move.

Shabib Al-kalbani Muscat

Even supporters of Modi government are confused I believe that those who trusted in Narendra Modi are also confused now, thanks to the increasing internal issues within his party. The fact is that conflicting statements and actions of party workers and even some of the cabinet mem-

Obama is unlikely to find much refuge from domestic struggles in the last redoubt of previous lame-duck presidents: foreign policy. Obama should not be blamed for the foreign-policy challenges that the US now faces

B

arack Obama was widely considered an exciting new figure when he was first elected President of the United States in 2008. His increasing unpopularity and virtual abandonment by his own party in his second term in 2014 stems largely from that fact: Expectations exceeded reality. But, more important, reality changed — in several ways.

Obama is not a failed president. He has in fact accomplished much in nearly impossible circumstances. In his first two years in office, when his Democratic Party controlled both houses of Congress, he took numerous steps to stem the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Likewise, he got his landmark health-care reform, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, passed. Even now, despite opposition from Republican politicians and major interest groups, he has begun to turn energy policy toward dealing with climate change and curbing greenhouse gases. He has also taken significant steps to uphold the rights of women and minorities, and has used his executive power to loosen immigration restrictions on families amid congressional paralysis.

An assessment of Obama’s presidency must focus not just on him, but also on the Republicans’ unprecedented hostility. Even before Obama took office, Republican leaders were plotting to oppose his every proposal, so he could not claim bipartisan support. No Republican voted for Obama’s health-care legislation, even though it was modelled on schemes backed by some Republican officials and prominent think tanks.

The Republicans’ most ingenious trick was to use procedural measures to keep bills from being brought to a vote in the Senate, so that the public would ultimately blame “the stalemate in Washington” on Obama. As his poll ratings began to drop, reaching the low forties, Democrats made the tactical error of running away from him. Voters concluded that even his own party no longer supported him, and his popularity fell further.

As a result, in November’s midterm congressional election, the Democrats, unwilling to support any Obama-associated policy, waged a campaign about nothing, contributing to low turnout among their party’s voters. Republican candidates, running highly charged anti-Obama campaigns, trounced their opponents. Of course, no honest discussion of Obama’s presidency can ignore the role of his race. America, it turned out, was far less ready for a black president than his supporters expected (or hoped), exemplified in virulent attacks that exceed the norm for a president. Moreover, Obama’s approach to issues involving race has been fettered by his fear, expressed in his early memoir Dreams From My Father, of being

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perceived (even by his white mother) as an “angry black.” To his credit, however, he has been effective in navigating the racial thicket of Ferguson, Missouri, by turning the killing of an unarmed teenager into a focal point for national action to improve police methods.

Obama’s personality has also contributed to his problems. In his astonishingly swift rise, he was virtually alone — a Democrat, but not a creature of the Democratic Party, a politician of progressive instincts, but not an ideologue. His tendency toward solitude, however, left him disinclined to build new ties and allies in Washington, leaning instead on his family and close friends from Chicago.

The emphasis on loyalty is particularly glaring on the national-security front. National Security Adviser Susan Rice, who has been with Obama since 2008, is said to be intelligent but lacking in strategic vision.

That, together with her avowed combativeness, has impaired coherent policymaking on critical issues like the Syrian crisis.

Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel could not penetrate the bastion around Rice, and his dissent on policy toward Syria, which he often took directly to Obama, was not appreciated. After the midterm elections, Hagel — Obama’s third defence secretary in six years — became the floundering administration’s sacrificial lamb. He was not even afforded the dignity of a simple resignation, untainted by leaked statements from White House officials that he “wasn’t up to the job.” Given Hagel’s good standing in Washington, the move reflected poorly on the administration.

Obama is unlikely to find much refuge from domestic struggles in the last redoubt of previous lameduck presidents: foreign policy. Obama should not be blamed for the foreign-policy challenges that the US now faces. He did not create the messes in Iraq and Afghanistan, and it is not his fault that conducting foreign policy is far more difficult in today’s fragmented world than it was during the Cold War. It would be a tough time for any US president to try to assert global leadership — a fact that the Republicans choose to overlook.

But, brilliant as Obama is, he has been prone to making odd mistakes. With a seemingly out-of-control John McCain taking over as Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, the situation is likely to become even more complicated. As American politics becomes more polarised, and as Obama struggles to manage the challenges posed by epochal global developments, large domestic programmes to address rising income inequality are probably beyond his administration’s reach. And, though there is no shortage of candidates lining up to succeed him in 2016, one might wonder, after his experience, why anyone would want the job. – Project Syndicate

bers, are damaging the confidence of the public within and outside the country. Past experience and politics of India show that no party can remain in power and win elections over and over again only by selling religious sentiments and dogmatism. Governments need to perform and politicians have to be sincere in their working. The new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership needs to start working on a fresh agenda for the development of the country and people.

Ramachandran Nair Ruwi

website: www.newindiaoman.com

Pakistan finally takes right step to fight terrorism

He who will not economize will have to agonize CONFUCIUS

This refers to the news story, Parliament okays Military Courts in Pakistan (January 7). Finally,

the Parliament voted to set up the Military Courts to try the terrorists who have become a bane for the whole nation. There is a difference of opinion in Pakistan regarding Military Courts. In my opinion this is the only concrete and correct step taken to try the terrorists without any fear and favour and to ensure speedy justice.

S.A.S. Bukhari Ruwi

FY 2015 would be a game changer for the Sultanate I am absolutely confident that Oman will emerge from 2015 economically stronger. Oil price crisis is actually a blessing in disguise. I am sure the current financial year will be a game changer for Oman.

Ahmed Al-Hadhrami Muscat

Letters, containing not more than 200 words with full name, address and telephone number, may be sent by mail (Times of Oman, P.O. Box 770, P.C. 112, Ruwi), by fax (24813153) or by e-mail (times@omantel.net.om)

TIMES OF OMAN

T H U R S DAY, JAN UARY 8, 2 01 5

A13

PERSPEC IVE The rising cybercrime is only a part of the story Y

ou could easily write a book, or, better yet, make a movie about the drama that engulfed Sony Pictures and “The Interview,” Sony’s own movie about the fictionalised assassination of North Korea’s real-life dictator.

The whole saga reflects so many of the changes that are roiling and reshaping today’s world before we’ve learned to adjust to them. Think about this: In November 2013, hackers stole 40 million credit and debit card numbers from Target’s pointof-sale systems. Beginning in late August 2014, candid photos believed to have been stored by celebrities on Apple’s iCloud were spilled onto the sidewalk.

Thanksgiving brought us the Sony hack, when, as The Times reported: “Everything and anything had been taken. Contracts.

Salary lists. Film budgets. Medical records. Social Security numbers. Personal emails. Five entire movies.”

And, on Christmas, gaming networks for both the Sony PlayStation and the Microsoft Xbox were shut down by hackers.

But rising cybercrime is only part of the story. Every day a public figure is apologising for something crazy or foul that he or she muttered, uttered, tweeted or shouted that went viral — including the ranting of an NBA owner in his friend’s living room.

What’s going on? We’re in the midst of a Gutenberg-scale change in how information is generated, stored, shared, protected and turned into products and services.

We are seeing individuals become super empowered to challenge governments and corporations.

And we are seeing the rise of apps that are putting strangers into intimate proximity in each other’s homes (think Airbnb) and into each other’s cars (think Uber) and into each other’s heads (think Facebook, Twitter and Instagram).

Thanks to the integration of networks, smartphones, banks and markets, the world has never been more tightly wired.

As they say: “Lost there, felt here.” Whispered there, heard here. And it’s now hit a tipping point.

“The world is not just rapidly changing; it is being dramatically reshaped,” Dov Seidman, author of the book How and CEO of LRN, which advises global businesses on ethics and leadership, argued to me in a recent conversation.

“It operates differently. It’s not just interconnected; it’s interdependent. More than ever before, we rise and fall together.

So few can now so easily and so profound-

THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN

Every day a public figure is apologising for something crazy or foul that he or she muttered, uttered, tweeted or shouted that went viral — including the ranting of an NBA owner in his friend’s living room

ly affect so many so far away.” But, he added, “it’s all happened faster than we’ve reshaped ourselves and developed the necessary norms, behaviours, laws and institutions to adapt.”

“If we’re in an interdependent world, then the only strategy for countries, companies and individuals is to build healthy interdependencies so we rise, and not fall, together,” Seidman added.

“This comes down to behaviour. It means being guided by sustainable values like humility, integrity and respect in how we work with others: values that build healthy interdependencies.”

It means shunning “situational ‘values,’ just doing whatever the situation allows.”

The American-Canadian relationship is a healthy interdependency. The relationship between police forces and black youths today is an unhealthy interdependency. The relationship between Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York and his police force is an unhealthy interdependency.

But there is another critical part. It’s how we learn to respond to all the secrets being revealed: the CEO’s email that makes him or her look foolish, but also reveals that women are being paid less than men in the same jobs; the video of a suspect being killed by police; the elevator footage of a football player knocking out his fiancée; and private photos of movie stars. They all have different moral and societal significance. We need to deal with them differently.

“We need to pause more to make sense of all the MRI’s we’re being exposed to,” argued Seidman. In the pause, “we reflect and imagine a better way.”

In some cases, that could mean showing empathy for the fact that humans are imperfect. In others, it could mean “taking principled stands” toward those whose behaviours “make this interdependent world unsafe, unstable or unfree.”

In short, there’s never been a time when we need more people living by the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Because, in today’s world, more people can see into you and do unto you than ever before.

Otherwise, we’re going to end up with a “gotcha” society, lurching from outrage to outrage, where in order to survive you’ll either have to disconnect or constantly censor yourself because every careless act or utterance could ruin your life.

Who wants to live that way? – The New York Times News Service

Why can’t we see a black Bennet sister on TV? YOMI ADEGOKE

A

few days ago, Britain’s Radio 4 listeners expecting an early morning giggle courtesy of the nation’s ever beaming “black friend”, Lenny Henry, would have found themselves sorely disappointed.

Guest presenting Radio 4’s Today programme, which featured an ethnically diverse panel, Henry discussed racism and diversity (or rather the distinct lack of it) in the media, a point he’s been driving home since last March when the comedian told a Bafta audience that the number of minorities seen on screen was “appalling”.

And it is. We rarely blink at all white casts in what no longer is an all white country, yet the notion of a black Bond is still turning stomachs.

Even the BBC’s discussion itself highlighted how prevalent the problem of underrepresentation

truly is. It speaks volumes that when a panel consists of more than two minority members, it’s more often than not to discuss something race-related.

We know if we’re faced with one too many brown faces on screen there’s a specific reason for it, and if we grin and bear it we’ll be faced with our regular, white cast by tomorrow.

With the black and Asian population currently standing at 14 per cent nationwide and 40 per cent in the media Mecca of London, our measly six per cent representation in television simply doesn’t suffice.

Non surprisingly, tweeters in their swarms attacked Lenny for “reverse racism”, but fail to realise its “racism” that sees minorities erased from the media altogether.

People of colour are already counted out of period dramas —

and much as I’d love a black Bennet sister, the small amount of blacks present in early 19th century England makes her omission understandable — but what explanation is there for only two ethnic minority families in what the BBC would like us to believe is a present day, bustling east end community?

True Eastenders also include the Ghanaian women dressed in kente, buying plantain and yams at a market stall and the Kurdish family who run it.

I’m not paying my television license to play a game of spot the minority.

Let’s hope the New Year brings some new faces, as I guarantee if the square had cast at least one interfering Nigerian aunt, they’d have identified Lucy Beale’s killer long before Christmas. – The Independent

The question is where to begin from?

RASUL BAKHSH RAIS

T

he Peshawar massacre of schoolchildren by Taliban terrorists, it seems, has rudely awakened the slumbering power elite to some grave national security threat. We have experienced so many rude shocks before.

This was the cruellest act of violence, but one amongst the thousands that this greatly weakened state and society have witnessed for decades.

Gravity of one kind of violence by one group shouldn’t blind us to other forms and groups operating in Pakistan today. Living in denial or ignoring some groups or forms of violence for reasons of political discomfort will be selfdefeating in the end.

All forms of violence are political in nature, regardless of group identity or its ideology.

Sadly, many groups, not just the Taliban, have resorted to violent means in varying degrees and with different target lists for political and religious ends.

The question is, why have we seen violence and its intensity to be on the rise during the past decade or so?

The brief answer is, it is system failure, by which I mean the institutions of the state and governments have failed to perform their specified functions.

Any system, whether institutional or physical, becomes dysfunctional when it does something it was not designed to do or fails to do what it was required to do.

In case of states and governments, this happens when they fail to implement laws effectively, deliver political goods to the people and adjudicate disputes peacefully, timely and according to law and good standards of justice.

Pakistan has been on the downside of this deadly dreck for too long, without any resolute, good leader trying to put the country back on the rails of rule-bound governance.

My argument is two-fold.

First, the system failure has created a culture of impunity in the country, which is no longer confined to the ruling elite.

Frankly, it started with the ruling class — the politicians and the military regimes, as they got away free and were cleared of every wrong committed, as well as for the misuse of power and mega corruption.

Now, it is every section of society — clerics, businessmen and members of every other profession.

The problem of Pakistan is large and extends beyond

Sadly, many groups, not just the Taliban, have resorted to violent means in varying degrees and with different target lists for political and religious ends. The question is, why have we seen violence and its intensity to be on the rise during the past decade or so state institutions. It is also social and involves the loss of values. This is characteristic of every society that has not applied the rule of law or has not lived according to the law.

Therefore, the mess Pakistan is in, and has been in for decades, is too big to be cleared by one set of administrative actions or emergency legislation.

We have been in this for a long time because of grave neglect by the military and civilian regimes that have come and gone.

Dynastic party leaders have switched places, but the problems have kept accumulating.

We have found each one of them at the top to be expedient, driven by narrow selfinterest, and compromising on vital social, economic and political reforms, including national security.

The sacrifice of the last batch of our children has unified the nation and has forced political parties, leaders and all parts of the state to do some collective thinking.

This collective thinking must not end at establishing military courts alone.

We must address the larger issue of system failure, which also includes reforming and restructuring of the judiciary — the criminal justice system in its every aspect.

Second, there cannot be any exception from the rule of law — all are equal before it and under it.

Third, we need to bring in accountability and transparency in the functioning of government institutions at every level and in all spheres.

Politics and governance as usual is not a rational choice for a society in such deep crises, and quick fixes never offer real solutions. - The Express Tribune

South Australia bushfires Firefighters in South Australia are battling out-of-control bushfires before hotter weather and stronger winds are expected later in the week. The blazes are the worst since 1983 when 75 people lost their lives. The Country Fire Service has warned that temperatures will reach 38 degrees Celsius .

AUSTRALIA Canberra

1681

South Australia

Townships under threat

TODAY IN HISTORY

Adelaide Victoria

Sampson Flat Upper Hermitage

The Treaty of Radzin ends a five year war between the Turks and the allied countries of Russia and Poland.

1745

England, Austria, Saxony and the Netherlands form an alliance against Russia.

1815

A rag-tag army under Andrew Jackson defeats the British on the fields of Chalmette in the Battle of New Orleans.

Kersbrook

Inglewood Gumeracha

Houghton

Mount Torrens

Cudlee Creek

ADELAIDE

Lobethal Lenswood

1871

Charleston

Woodside Woodside Barracks

1900

8km

Prussian troops begin to bombard Paris during the Franco-Prussian War. The Boers attack the British in Ladysmith, South Africa, but are turned back.

HISTORYNET.COM Source: Country Fire Service

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OPINION POLL FROM OUR ARCHIVES DEVALUATION, PERSONAL INCOME TAX RULED OUT

MUSCAT: Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki, minister of national economy, deputy chairman of the Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council, and supervisor of the Ministry of Finance, has ruled out a devaluation of the rial or the imposition of personal income tax. He made the statement at a press conference held yesterday to announce the details of year 2000 budget.

Highlighting the salient features of year 2000 budget, Macki said the Sultanate would increase spending by 13 per cent.

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T H U R S DAY, JA N UA RY 8, 2 0 1 5

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MOROCCO: A view of traditional plates at a pottery workshop in the old Medina in the city of Marrakech, Morocco. – Reuters

MONACO: Prince Albert II, right, and Princess Charlene of Monaco present their baby twins Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques to

public from the balcony of the Princely Palace, in Monaco, on Wednesday. This is the first public appearance of the royal twins. The date has been declared a public holiday in the Principality. Jacques, Hereditary Prince of Monaco, is now first in line to succeed his father, Prince Albert II. – AFP

VATICAN: Circus artists perform before Pope Francis’ weekly gen-

eral audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican on Wednesday. – Reuters

AUSTRIA: Actors Daniel Craig and Lea Seydoux, right, pose dur-

ing a photocall to promote the new James Bond film Spectre at Gaislachkogel mountain in the Austrian ski resort of Soelden, on Wednesday. – Reuters

AUSTRALIA: Maria Sharapova of Russia holds Sinnamon, a native Australian Koala, at the Brisbane International tennis tournament, in Australia, on Wednesday. – Reuters

DAKAR: Buggy driver Guerlain Chicherit of France drives during the 3rd stage of the Dakar Rally 2015, from San Juan to Chilecito, on Tuesday. – Reuters

GERMANY: The piece ‘Roboter’ of the German band Kraftwerk is performed during a concert at the

Neue Nationalgalerie (New National Gallery) museum in Berlin on Tuesday. – AFP

CAMBODIA: Students release balloons into the sky during a ceremo-

LAS VEGAS: ChihiraAico, a communication android robot,

ny marking the 36th anniversary of the toppling of Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge regime in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Wednesday. – Reuters

gestures at the Toshiba booth at the International Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Tuesday. – Reuters

WASHINGTON: Children sled in Rock Creek Park in Washington on

Tuesday after snow fell for the first time this winter. – AFP

T H U R S DAY, JAN UARY 8, 2 01 5 In this tense international climate stoked by the madness of terrorist groups unjustly claiming to represent Islam, we call on all those attached to the republic’s values and to democracy to avoid provocation French Muslim Council

12 killed as gunmen attack French weekly Victims included three cartoonists and the chief editor of ‘Charlie Hebdo’ who had been holding a morning meeting when the assailants armed with Kalashnikovs opened fire, officials said

PARIS: Heavily armed gunmen massacred 12 people on Wednesday after bursting into the Paris offices of a satirical weekly that had long angered Muslims.

The late-morning attack on the Charlie Hebdo headquarters in a quiet neighbourhood was the bloodiest in France for at least four decades.

Victims included three cartoonists and the chief editor who had been holding a morning meeting when the assailants armed with Kalashnikovs opened fire, officials said. President Francois Hollande immediately rushed to the scene of what he called “an act of exceptional barbarism.”

Amateur video shot after the bloodbath showed two men masked and dressed head-to-toe in black military style outfits leaving the building, then shooting a wounded policeman in cold blood as he lay on the pavement.

The gunmen, who appear to be calm, then returned to a black Citroen and drove off.

Large numbers of police and ambulances rushed to the scene,

TARGET: Firefighters carry an injured man on a stretcher in front of the offices of the French satirical

newspaper ‘Charlie Hebdo’ in Paris on Wednesday, after armed gunmen stormed it’s offices. — AFP

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where shocked residents spilled into the streets. Reporters saw bullet-riddled windows and people being carried out on stretchers. The gunmen remained at large by early evening and there was no claim of responsibility.

The interior minister said three assailants took part.

Two police were confirmed among the dead and four people were critically injured. The capital was immediately placed under the highest alert status.

The attack took place at a time

of heightened fears in France and other European capitals over fallout from the wars in Iraq and Syria, where hundreds of European citizens have gone to fight alongside the radical Islamic State group.

In a sign of such tensions, a media group’s office in Madrid was evacuated later in the day after a suspicious package was sent there. One man, who witnessed the attack, described a scene like “in a movie.”

“I saw them leaving and shooting. They were wearing masks.

These guys were serious,” said the man who declined to give his name. “At first I thought it was special forces chasing drug traffickers or something.” An em-

ployee at a nearby daycare centre said he was walking with children when panic erupted.

“People leaned out of the window and yelled at me to get off the pavement,” he said.

Hollande called for “national unity”, adding that “several terrorist attacks had been foiled in recent weeks”.

US President Barack Obama condemned the attack and pledged assistance, while British Prime Minister David Cameron called it “sickening.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the attack was “despicable” and Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the violence along with the Arab League. — AFP

A15

WORLD G A Z A WA R C R I M E S

UN chief accepts Palestine request on ICC; war crimes complaints likely NEW YORK: UN chief Ban Kimoon has accepted the request by Palestine to join the International Criminal Court, a move that would open the way for war crimes complaints against Israel.

The decision grants the Haguebased ICC jurisdiction to open cases starting April 1 on serious crimes committed in the Palestinian territories, despite fierce opposition from Israel and the United States.

Ban notified states that are party to the ICC of the decision late on Tuesday, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told AFP. “The secretary-general has ascertained that the instruments received were in due and proper form before accepting them for deposit,” a UN statement read.

Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas signed requests to join the ICC and 16 other conventions on December 31, a day after the Security Council failed to adopt a resolution paving the way to full statehood.

Israel has retaliated by freezing some $127 million in tax revenue due to the Palestinian Authority and has vowed to take other steps in response to the move.

The United States has criticized the ICC membership bid as counterproductive and the US Congress is threatening to withhold $440 million in aid.

The Palestinians have asked the ICC to look into possible war crimes committed during last year’s Gaza war.

Almost 2,200 Palestinians were killed in July and August during the 50-day war in Gaza, including more than 400 children, according to UN estimates.

The Palestinian envoy to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, said a suit could also be filed at the ICC over the construction of

The move to join the International Criminal Court is part of a Palestinian strategy to internationalise their push for statehood, moving away from US-led negotiations that have been the framework for the peace process for decades

Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories. The Palestinians were upgraded from observer entity to UN “observer state” in 2012, opening the doors for them to join the ICC and a host of other international organisations.

UNSC rejected resolution An Arab-backed resolution on ending the Israeli occupation by the end of 2017 was rejected at the UN Security Council last week, but the Palestinians are considering another measure at the 15-member council.

The United States and Australia voted against the resolution, but China, France and Russia were among eight countries that voted in favour, just one vote short of the nine required for adoption. — AFP

A16

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Sri Lankan poll body probing ‘army deployment in Tamil areas’ COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s election commission said on Wednesday it was investigating claims of troops being deployed in the Tamil-dominated north ahead of a tightlyfought election, as police reported the first campaign-related death.

Chief election commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya said there had been complaints that security forces were deploying in the

northern Wanni region, in contravention of election laws.

Wanni was part of the war zone where Tamil separatists fought the army in a decades-long conflict that ended only five years ago.

“I have already taken this up with the army commander, who says he has not ordered troops to deploy,” Deshapriya told reporters on the eve of the election. “I hope

there will be no attempt to use troops to block people voting.”

The investigation came as police said a 57-year-old opposition activist who was hit in a drive-by shooting two days ago had died of his injuries.

Looking for minister Police are looking for a deputy minister and two supporters of Presi-

dent Mahinda Rajapakse’s party in connection with the shooting outside Colombo on Monday, the final day of campaigning, police spokesman Ajith Rohana said.

The independent Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) on Tuesday accused the ruling party of tolerating “flagrant violation of election laws” and said opposition party offices had been

targeted. The CMEV, said it had documented 420 incidences of violence since the election was announced on November 20.

Jaffna worst hit It said the Tamil-dominated northern district of Jaffna was worst hit.

President Rajapakse, who is standing for an unprecedented

third term, is widely loathed by the country’s minority Tamils after overseeing a violent military suppression of a separatist struggle.

Both local and international poll monitors have expressed fears that authorities could try to prevent Tamils from voting after the main Tamil political party backed opposition candidate Maithripala Sirisena. — AFP CRASH

AirAsia jet’s tail found JAKARTA/PANGKALAN BUN (INDONESIA): The tail of a crashed AirAsia jet has been found upturned on the sea bed about 30 km (20 miles) from the plane’s last known location, Indonesia’s search and rescue agency said on Wednesday, indicating the crucial black box recorders may be nearby.

Flight QZ8501 vanished from radar screens over the northern Java Sea on December 28, less than half-way into a two-hour flight from Surabaya to Singapore. There were no survivors among the 162 people on board.

Main target “We’ve found the tail that has been our main target,” Fransiskus Bambang Soelistyo, head of the search and rescue agency, told a news conference in Jakarta. The tail was identified by divers after it was spotted by an underwater machine using a sonar scan, Soelistyo said.

“I can confirm that what we found was the tail part from the pictures,” he said, adding that the team “now is still desperately trying to locate the black box”.

Indonesia’s Minister for Maritime Affairs, Indroyono Soesilo, said: “With the finding of the tail, six search and rescue ships are already at the location to search within a radius of two nautical miles.” — Reuters

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Iran to pursue transit corridor with Sultanate The planned transit corridor will run from Uzbekistan across Turkmenistan and then to Oman through Iran

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Iran on Wednesday said it would welcome joint investment with Oman in the implementation of the planned transit corridor that will run from Uzbekistan across Turkmenistan and then to the Sultanate of Oman via Iran.

“This transit route is highly important as it will connect us to the Central Asian countries, and there is an opportunity for joint investment with Oman to implement this project,” Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh, Iran’s minister of industry, mining and trade, told ‘Times of Oman.’ In August 2014, the foreign ministers of Oman, Iran, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan held a meeting in

CEMENTING TIES: Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh, Iran’s minister of industry, mining and trade. – Supplied photo

Muscat, in which they signed a memorandum of understanding for Ashgabat Agreement to establish the international transport and transit corridor among the state parties.

Nematzadeh, who was visiting Muscat to attend an exhibition of Iranian products, said that Iran is more interested in joint investments as it will help bring the two friendly nations closer together.

Steel plant The Iranian official said that Iran is planning several projects in Oman, including the establishment of a steel factory through joint investment, as an expansion

OIL MARKET

Is crude oil’s fall to $40 a boon or bane?

NEW YORK: Plummeting price of oil means no more trout ice cream.

Coromoto, a parlour in Merida, Venezuela, famous for its 900 flavours, closed during its busiest season in November because of a milk shortage caused by the country’s 64 per cent inflation rate, the world’s fastest.

That’s the plight of an oil-producing nation. At the same time, consuming countries like the United States are taking advantage. Trucks, which burn more gasoline, outsold cars in December by the most since 2005, data from Ward’s Automotive shows.

The biggest collapse in energy prices since the 2008 global recession is shifting wealth and power from autocratic petrostates to industrialised consumers, which could make the world safer, according to a Berenberg Bank report. Surging US shale supply, weakening Asian and European demand and a stronger dollar are pushing oil past threshold after threshold to a five-anda- half-year low, with a dip below $40 a barrel “not out of the question,” said Rob Haworth, a Seattle-based senior investment strategist at US Bank Wealth Management, which oversees about $120 billion.

“Oil prices are the big story for 2015,” said Kenneth Rogoff, a Harvard University economics professor. “They are a once-in-ageneration shock and will have huge reverberations.”

Weak prices Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell as low as $50.52 a barrel on Tuesday, the lowest since April 2009. Prices dropped 48 per cent in 2014 after three years of the highest average prices

in history. West Texas Intermediate, the US benchmark, plunged to $47.93 on Tuesday, a 55 per cent decline from its June high.

“We see prices remaining weak for the whole of the first half” of 2015, said Gareth Lewis-Davies, an analyst at BNP Paribas in London. If the price falls past $39 a barrel, we could see it go as low as $30 a barrel, said Walter Zimmerman, chief technical strategist for United-ICAP in Jersey City, New Jersey, who projected the 2014 drop.

“Where prices bottom will be based on an emotional decision,” Zimmerman said. “It won’t be based on the supply- demand fundamentals, so it’s guaranteed to be overdone to the downside.”

The biggest winner would be the Philippines, whose economic growth would accelerate to 7.6 per cent on average over the next two years if oil fell to $40, while Russia would contract 2.5 per cent over the same period, according to an Oxford Economics’ December analysis of 45 national economies.

Inflation outlook Among advanced economies, Hong Kong is the biggest winner, while Saudi Arabia, Russia and the United Arab Emirates fare the worst, according to Oxford Economics. One concern of central bankers is the effect of falling oil prices on inflation. If crude remains below $60 per barrel this quarter, global inflation will reach levels not seen since the worldwide recession ended in 2009, according to JP Morgan Securities economists led by Bruce Kasman in New York.

Kasman and his team are already predicting global inflation to reach 1.5 per cent. - Bloomberg News

* Rates as of Jan. 7 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

* Rates are as of Jan. 7 Source: Bank Muscat

of the activities of several steel companies that are already present in Oman. “There is common ground for cooperation in infrastructure development, industrial projects, oil, gas and petrochemical industry as well as port construction,” he added, noting that an agreement was recently made for the sale of Iranian tar to Oman.

Auto industry In addition, Nematzadeh said that there is potential for collaboration in automobile exports and Oman can become a commercial hub for the export of Iranianmanufactured heavy and light vehicles to other countries.

NEW PROJECTS

Projects worth OMR1.51m awarded by Tender Board MUSCAT: Tender Board yesterday awarded projects worth OMR1.51 million.

The Tender Board met under the chairmanship of Dr Rasheed bin Al Safi Al Huraibi, chairman of the board.

The projects awarded by the Tender Board include supply of newspaper printing papers for Oman Establishment for Press Publishing and Advertising for 2015/2016 (OMR1,468,133), additional works to provide consultancy services for the supervision of 500 housing units with internal roads and lighting in the wilayat of Al Suwaiq in the Governorate North Al Batinah (OMR33,531).

The tender also includes additional works for the provision of consultancy services for the supervisor of 300 housing units with internal roads and lighting in the wilayat of Sohar in the Governorate North Al Batinah (OMR13,097).

Ministry building The board also opened bids for a number of projects, which include construction of the building of the Ministry of Social Development in Al Irfan City in the wilayat of Baushar and the construction of Sultan Qaboos University Hospital administration building.

It also opened technical bids for building a recharge dam over Wadi Ghamdha in the wilayat of Bukha in Musandam and the construction of sportsmen training centre in Al Jabal Al Akhdar in the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah. – ONA

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......14.95 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ............ 146.75 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) .............139.25 * Rates as of Jan. 7 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

OMRAN PROJECT

L&T Oman bags contract to build Crowne Plaza Hotel MUSCAT: Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) announced that Larsen & Toubro Oman, a subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro Limited, bagged a tender for the turnkey construction of the four-star, 300-room Crowne Plaza Hotel at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre Project (OCEC).

Ideally positioned 10 minutes from Muscat International Airport, the 4-star hotel will include a two-level basement car park to accommodate 270 vehicles, a ground floor, mezzanine and six additional floors with standard guestrooms, junior and executive suites and a presidential suite.

Other facilities at the hotel include a ballroom, an executive lounge, all-day dining restaurant and a specialty restaurant.

Gold rating accreditation In line with Omran’s long standing sustainable policy, the hotel has been designed to achieve a gold rating accreditation under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standard (LEED) manifesting itself in outstanding energy and water efficiency compared to international standards, use of solar thermal hot water heating, LED fixtures in rooms and public areas and healthier indoor air quality for the occupants.

The contractor will be responsible for civil works, architectural finishes, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services (MEP)

works, external works and landscape. The works will be supervised by local consultant Ibn Khaldoun Al Madaen, in collaboration with Jordanian architect Arabtech-Jardaneah.

“The construction of the Crowne Plaza was awarded to L&T Oman based on their score in a comprehensive evaluation carried out by the project team; and subsequently approved by Omran’s main tendering committee and board.

The evaluation considered the capability of the bidding firms, proposed execution methodology, as well as their demonstrated commitment to Local Development,” said Engineer Wa’el Ahmed Al Lawati, chief executive officer of Omran.

Due for completion in late 2016, a socio-economic impact study has indicated that the Oman Tourism Development Company project will contribute OMR200230 million annually to the gross domestic product by 2030 and generate 15,000-30,000 direct and indirect jobs, in addition to creating opportunities for small and medium enterprises in destination management, retail, food and beverage, transportation, security, and other fields. - ONA

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T H U R S DAY, JA N UA RY 8, 2 0 1 5

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BRIEFS

Al Kamil Power board names new director MUSCAT: Al Kamil Power Company’s board of directors has agreed to appoint Jurgen De Vyt, a senior professional in the power industry, as director and deputy chairman in place of Johan Kerrebroeck, who resigned in December, 2014.

MOBILE APP FOR HALAL FOODIES AND TRAVELLERS A man displaying the ‘HalalTrip’ app outside a restaurant in Singapore, on Wednesday. A Singapore-based company launched a mobile application that enables Muslim foodies and travellers to share halal restaurant discoveries around the world. The free ‘HalalTrip’ app, available for Apple iOS and Android devices, enables users to take and upload photos of halal dishes, write comments and share them through social media. The app, which has English and Arabic interfaces, also uses a traveller’s location to display photos of halal dishes served in nearby restaurants. — AFP

Semcorp Salalah appoints disclosure officer MUSCAT: Board of directors of Semcorp Salalah has decided to appoint Tariq Bashir (acting financial controller) as the company secretary and Lim Yeow Keong (chief executive officer of the company) as the disclosure officer with immediate effect.

Monster sues Apple’s Beats CALIFORNIA: American audio equipment maker Monster is suing rival Beats over claims it ripped off headphone technology ahead of the firm’s sale to Apple for more than $3 billion. The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday in California, alleges Beats co-founders music mogul Jimmy Iovine and rapper Dr Dre pirated the ‘Beats

By Dr Dre’ headphone line from Monster and its CEO Noel Lee.

Deflation fears grip eurozone BRUSSELS: Eurozone consumer prices fell 0.2 per cent in December, entering negative territory for the first time since financial crisis in October 2009 and raising fears of deflation, EU data showed yesterday. The drop was brought on by plummeting oil prices and will heap pressure on the European Central Bank to take bold action to stimulate price rises in the now 19-nation single currency zone. It is the first concrete sign of much-feared deflation, or long-term falling prices, in the eurozone. Deflation is defined by prices falling over a longer period. Deflation also increases the burden of long-term debt. - Times News Service/Agencies

TECHNOLOGY SHOW

Computing ‘unleashed’ by wearables, says Intel CEO LAS VEGAS: Intel chief executive Brian Krzanich has said that computing is being ‘unleashed’ by the move to wearables as the tech giant unveiled a button-sized device for new connectivity.

Speaking at a keynote at the huge Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Krzanich said he sees wearables and similar technology taking computing power out of the constraints of the traditional screen and keyboard.

“We’re going from a two-dimensional world to a three-dimensional world,” he told a CES crowd.

“So computing becomes unwired, and everything becomes smart and connected.”

WERABLE PROCESSOR: Intel’s

wearable processor, the size of a button at the CES. - AFP

Krzanich unveiled the Intel Curie module, a device the size of a button which is essentially a system chip for smart garments, glasses and other wearables.

“Curie is the next generation of computing,” he said at the pres-

entation, where he outlined plans for connected eyewear, garments and drones. The new trend offers a whole new range or intuitive computing without keyboard or screens or mice. “It can unleash us,” Krzanich said.

He also said the California tech giant would spend $300 million over the next five years to improve diversity in its workforce to bring more women and minorities into the group. Krzanich said Intel would seek “full representation at all levels” of women and minorities in the company by 2020, and said this was an effort to “lead by example” and encourage others in the sector to do the same. – AFP

Spain showing recovery signs after six years Spain’s economy is getting back on track as fewer people stood in jobless queues in 2014, consumer spending rose and banks boosted lending

MADRID: Fewer Spaniards stood in jobless queues in 2014, consumer spending rose and banks boosted lending — all signs pointing to Spain’s economy getting back on track after six years of a gruelling financial crisis.

The number of people registered as unemployed in 2014 dipped by 253,627 to 4.45 million, the Labour Ministry said this week. It was the second consecutive yearly drop since a decadelong property bubble burst in 2008, throwing millions of people out of work.

While the unemployment rate — which is calculated differently — was 23.67 per cent in the third quarter, one of the highest rates in the industrialised world, the dip in the jobless numbers last year gives a ray of hope to job seekers, many of whom have seen their unemployment benefits run out.

“Today there is greater confidence in Spain in the ability to find work in the coming months,” said Labour Minister Fatima Banez of the ruling conservative government which faces regional and legislative elections this year.

SHOPPING SPREE: Sales over the Christmas season, which in Spain ended on Tuesday on the Feast of the Epiphany when gifts are traditionally opened, are expected to post their biggest rise in seven years. – Bloomberg News

One in two Spaniards, 51 per cent, believe their personal economic situation will improve or at least remain stable in 2015, according to a survey by DYM Market research published last week by online newspaper El Confidencial. Those who fear that the new year will be one of economic difficulty fell to 36 per cent from 51 per cent during the same time a year earlier.

Christmas sales The growing optimism has also spurred a shopping spree. Sales over the Christmas season, which in Spain ended on Tuesday on the Feast of the Epiphany when gifts are traditionally opened, are expected to post their biggest rise in seven years. In November retail sales posted a 1.9 percent increase over the same year-ago period.

New car sales — a key measure of demand — jumped 18 per cent in 2014 to 855,308 vehicles, the best annual performance since 2010, helped in part by a government subsidy scheme, according to carmakers association Anfac.

Government borrowing costs

are down and banks, which were saddled with bad debt after the property crash in 2008, also appear more willing to lend, the Bank of Spain said in its latest bulletin on the state of the economy.

Buffett opens office Spain emerged timidly from recession in mid-2013 and in the second quarter of 2014 posted its strongest quarterly growth since 2007, expanding by 0.6 per cent.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s government estimates the economy will have expanded by 1.3 per cent in 2014 and will grow by 2 per cent in 2015, a faster growth rate than is expected in France, Germany and Italy.

And foreign investors are stepping back into Spain. They poured €47 billion into the eurozone’s fourth-largest economy last year, up from €20 billion. - AFP

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MARKET TECHNOLOGY

Drones make presence felt at exhibition LAS VEGAS: On a dusty stretch of Nevada desert, a quadcopter drone kicks up a small cloud as it takes off. It then trails its operator on a drive across the flat terrain, filming the motion from a short distance above.

The AirDog drone was designed to capture the intensity of extreme sports that have been difficult to access — surfing, skiing, off-road biking and similar activities.

“We felt we could change the way video is captured in action sports,” said Agris Kipurs, cofounder or AirDog, created by a group of Latvian engineers and now based in California, which is starting beta-testing on its products later this year.

AirDog, one of dozens of drones being shown at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this week in Las Vegas, is aiming for “an unassisted experience, so all you need is the tracking device on your wrist,” Kipurs said during a demonstration in the desert outside Las Vegas. Drones are showing up in a variety of shapes and sizes at the huge electronics fair, which has for the first time a space dedicated to ‘unmanned systems’.

Over a dozen companies are displaying the flying devices, for uses ranging from remote-controlled toys to filmmaking. - AFP

Mercedes relying on SUV for seventh year of record sales Luxury vehicles maker will present the GLE coupe, which will vie with BMW’s X6 for sporty buyers, at the Detroit motor show next week

LAS VEGAS: Mercedes-Benz aims to make 2015 its seventh straight year of record annual sales on demand for new models like the coupe version of the GLE sport-utility vehicle.

The world’s third-biggest maker of the luxury vehicles will present the GLE coupe, which will vie with BMW’s X6 for sporty SUV (sports utility vehicle) buyers, at the Detroit motor show next week. The car is part of Mercedes’ strategy to surpass BMW and Audi to retake the top spot in the upscale car segment by the end of the decade.

TARGETING ANOTHER RECORD: To regain the luxury car crown that it lost to BMW in 2005, Mer-

cedes-Benz has been adding affordable cars. Mercedes is also seeking a technological edge on its two main rivals. Photo is used for illustrative purpose only. – Bloomberg News

“I expect a very good year for Mercedes-Benz” in 2015, Dieter Zetsche, chief executive officer of Mercedes parent company Daimler, said in an interview in Las Vegas, where he unveiled the F 015 self-driving concept car. “With the new products that we launched and bring to the markets this year, we expect to significantly exceed general car market growth.”

To regain the luxury car crown

AC C O M M O D AT I O N

that it lost to BMW in 2005, Mercedes has been adding affordable cars like the new wagon-like CLA Shooting Brake, even as it revives the ultra-luxury Maybach nameplate, which will offer more lavish versions of Mercedes cars.

With the F 015 prototype, which allows passengers to face each other rather than the road while the car drives itself, Mercedes is seeking a technological edge on C O M P E N S AT I O N

Shell to pay $83m to settle Nigeria oil spill

WORK IN PROGRESS: Duqm Permanent Accommodation for Contractors project will create a mod-

ern, fully-serviced living facility for over 16,000 people working in Duqm. – Supplied photo

Renaissance finalises equity partnership for Duqm project Times News Service MUSCAT: Renaissance Services has finalised the equity partnership for its OMR75 million permanent accommodation project in the Duqm Special Economic Zone.

“Renaissance is delighted to have attracted investors from all our target groups, including the local community, alongside Omani pension and sovereign wealth funds,” said Stephen Thomas, chief executive officer of Renaissance Services.

The total investment is estimated at OMR75 million, with

40 per cent of the investment funded through the new equity partnership between Royal Court Affairs, the Ministry of Defence Pension Fund, Bank Muscat, Al Khonji Development and founder and promoter and Renaissance Services. Renaissance will hold 51.9 per cent of the shares, with the balance held by the investing partners.

The Duqm Permanent Accommodation for Contractors project will create a modern, fullyserviced living facility for over 16,000 people working in Duqm.

Renaissance blueprint turns the challenge of scale and perma-

nency into design economies for the project, which means they can provide world-class standards of comfort, safety and service, well below the cost of setting up temporary structures for the same number of people. In fact, by offering services from recreation to cleaning and catering, the permanent accommodation experience is a striking contrast to the infamous living conditions faced by manual labourers elsewhere.

The project is progressing on time and on budget. The piling is completed and construction underway, with operations on target to begin mid-2016.

ABUJA/LONDON: Royal Dutch Shell will pay out £55 million ($83.4 million) in compensation for two oil spills in Nigeria in 2008 after agreeing a settlement with the affected community.

The largest ever out-of-court settlement relating to oil spills in Nigeria is a step forward for the oil-rich Niger Delta region that has been hit by regular environmental damage, but it is tiny compared to the billions in compensation and fines BP had to pay after the Macondo rig disaster in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.

Though significantly higher than the 30 million pounds Shell had previously said it would be willing to pay, its deal is a fraction of the 300 million pounds-plus originally sought by the Bodo community in the Niger Delta.

The payment will be split, with 35 million pounds shared evenly between 15,600 Bodo individuals and the remaining 20 million pounds set aside in a trust fund for projects such as health clinics and schools, said Martyn Day, senior partner at Leigh Day, the British law firm acting for the community.

The individuals will each receive about £2,200, equivalent to a little more than 600,000 naira ($3,249). - Reuters

its two main rivals. Even with Mercedes expecting to post a new sales record in 2014, the carmaker has a lot of catching up to do. Audi outsold Mercedes by 104,300 cars after 11 months of 2014. The gap between the luxury segment’s No. 2 and top-ranked BMW was narrower at 42,600 vehicles. Final sales figures for last year are due to be released by all three brands on January 9.

Global growth As he pursues his catch-up strategy, Zetsche anticipates a mixed bag in car markets across the globe this year. European demand is recovering, and carmakers and other exporters that produce in euros will benefit in the short term from that currency’s decline against the dollar, he said.

Meanwhile, ‘positive signals’ from Asia and ‘promising’ trends in North America may be offset by less favorable conditions in Latin America and Russia, he said.

Overall, Zetsche sees the global economy expanding by about 3 per cent, underpinning higher worldwide car demand.

Part of the reason Mercedes has lagged behind competitors is it’s been slow to react to trends.

The GLE coupe comes seven years after BMW pioneered the segment with the X6. BMW has since added the smaller X4, which also combines the high ride of an SUV with the sloping back end of a sports car. - Bloomberg News

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OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................6,237.30 .............. 6,204.12 ...................6,204.12 ...................6,229.87................ -25.75 .................. -0.41 Financial Index ......................................7,518.11 ...............7,463.32 ....................7,465.17 ....................7,475.78................ -10.61 .................. -0.14 Industrial Index ................................... 8,375.60 .............. 8,323.40 ...................8,323.40 ...................8,333.35.................. -9.95 .................. -0.12 Services Index .......................................3,428.51 .............. 3,422.35 ................... 3,427.27 ...................3,426.83....................0.44 ................... 0.01 MSM SHARIAH INDEX.......................960.47 ..................956.32 .......................956.68 ...................... 958.58.................. -1.90 .................. -0.20 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 12,230,408 ................. 3,143,906 ..................1,142 ...............14,402,459,568 ................ 15 ......................13 .................... 13 .........................41

Gulf Investment Services, up by 4.65 per cent, was the top gainer, while Al Anwar Ceramics,

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7

down by 3.59 per cent, lost the most ISIN ..................................................SECURITY NAME ...............................................................................................VOLUME ..............TURNOVER...................TRADES ...........OPEN PRICE............. HIGH....................LOW...............CLOSE PR. ..........PREV. CLOSE..........DIFF (RO) .................DIFF %......................LAST PR...............LAST BID.....................LAST OFFER .................MARKET CAP ........PAR VALUE

MUSCAT: Muscat Securities Market (MSM) index continued its downtrend to close at 6,204.12 points, down by 0.41 per cent.

MSM Sharia index also fell 0.20 per cent to close at 956.68 points.

Bank Muscat was the most active in terms of volume as well as turnover. Gulf Investment Services, up by 4.65 per cent, was the top gainer of the day while Al Anwar Ceramics, down by 3.59 per cent, was the top loser of the day.

As many as 1,142 trades were executed during the session generating a turnover of OMR3.1 million with more than 12.2 million shares changing hands. Out of 41 traded stocks, 15 advanced, 13 declined and 13 remained unchanged. Arab and GCC investors were net buyers for to the tune of OMR455,000 followed by Omani investors at OMR188,000.

Foreign investors, who were net sellers, sold shares amounting to OMR644,000.

Financial Index declined by 0.14 per cent to end the session at 7,465.17 points. Gulf Investment Services, Oman United Insurance, DBIH, Oman & Emirates Holding and Bank Nizwa increased by 4.65 per cent, 2.77 per cent, 2.65 per cent, 2.65 per cent and 2.60 per cent, respectively.

BankDhofar, HSBC Bank Oman, ahlibank, NBO and ONIC Holding fell by 3.39 per cent, 2.11 per cent, 0.83 per cent, 0.64 per cent and 0.61 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Index closed at 8,323.40 points, down by 0.12 per cent. Gulf Galfar Engineering, Oman Fisheries, Al Maha Ceramics and Dhofar Cattlefeed increased by 3.87 per cent, 2.94 per cent, 2.03 per cent and 0.54 per cent, respectively.

Al Anwar Ceramics, National Aluminium Products, Gulf International Chemicals and Oman Cement fell by 3.59 per cent, 2.53 per cent, 1.91 per cent and 1.54 per cent, respectively.

Services Sector Index ended on a flat note at 3,427.27 points, up marginally by 0.01 per cent.

Ooredoo, Al Suwadi Power and OIFC increased by 0.65 per cent, 0.59 per cent and 0.51 per cent, respectively.

Port Services, Renaissance Services and Sembcorp Salalah fell by 2.89 per cent, 0.43 per cent and 0.24 per cent, respectively.

REGULAR MARKET .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 1,705,650 .......230,111...................126 ............0.132 ........... 0.138 ...........0.131 ............0.135 .............0.129............ 0.006............. 4.651 ................0.134 .............. 0.133...................0.134.................... 7,943,834 ..........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 209,948 ........... 33,870......................18 ............0.160 ........... 0.165 ...........0.159 ............0.161 ............. 0.155............ 0.006............. 3.871 ................0.160.............. 0.159...................0.160...................42,442,621.........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 730,870 ..........189,750................... 110 ........... 0.258 ...........0.260 ...........0.257........... 0.260 .............0.253 ........... 0.007............. 2.767 ................0.258..............0.258...................0.259...................26,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 1,447,121 ....... 168,303..................... 66 ............0.112 ........... 0.119............0.112 ............0.116 ............. 0.113 ............ 0.003............. 2.655 ................0.116 .............. 0.116................... 0.117 ................... 14,137,500 .........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 1,871,311 ....... 339,215................... 133 ............0.170 ........... 0.184 ...........0.170 ............0.181 ............. 0.177............ 0.004.............2.260 ................0.179 .............. 0.179...................0.180...................23,620,500.........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ........... 520,900 ............67,669......................51 ............0.130 ........... 0.133 ...........0.125 ........... 0.130 .............0.128............ 0.002............. 1.563 ................0.129 ..............0.126...................0.129................... 11,247,600 .........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO.........................................................................94,513 .............58,373.....................20 ............0.612 ...........0.620 ...........0.612 ............0.616 ............. 0.612............ 0.004............. 0.654 ................0.620.............. 0.616...................0.620 .................400,981,646 .......0.100 OM0000001301 ............DHOFAR CATTLE FEED ............................................12,490 ...............2,323........................2 ............0.186 ........... 0.186 ...........0.186 ........... 0.186 ............. 0.185.............0.001 ............. 0.541 ................0.186 ..............0.168...................0.190...................14,322,000.........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 482,386 ............96,169..................... 45 ............0.196 ...........0.203 ...........0.196 ........... 0.199 ............. 0.198.............0.001 ............. 0.505 ................0.201..............0.201...................0.203 ..................39,800,000.........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 2,013,868 ... 1,107,593................... 186 ........... 0.548 ...........0.554 ...........0.546........... 0.550 .............0.548 ........... 0.002............. 0.365 ................0.548..............0.546...................0.548................1,200,478,503 ......0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS .................................................................. 400 ...................216........................1 ........... 0.540 ...........0.540 ...........0.540........... 0.550 .............0.550 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.540..............0.530...................0.556...................25,058,778 .........0.100

UAE shares gain Shares in the United Arab Emirates jumped the most in the world after Brent oil prices slowed their decline and investors judged the markets oversold.

The DFM General Index rose 4.4 per cent, the most since December 21, to 3,600.33 at the close, the biggest advance among more than 90 major indexes tracked by Bloomberg. Abu Dhabi’s ADX General Index was the second-best performer, adding 2.6 per cent.

Brent, the benchmark for more than half the world’s oil, dropped 0.5 per cent to $50.83 per barrel in London after slipping 3.8 per cent on Tuesday.

The 14-day relative strength indexes of the country’s two main gauges rebounded from the weakest levels in about three weeks, rising to 42.8 from 37.2 yesterday in Dubai and 45.9 from 39.9 in Abu Dhabi. A level below 30 indicates to some analysts that securities have fallen too far.

“The markets are oversold following the recent oil driven plunge,” Tariq Qaqish, a fund manager at Al Mal Capital, said by telephone from Dubai. “Investors are speculating oil should stabilise at these levels.”

Market volatility across the oil-producing Gulf Cooperation Council has surged in recent weeks as the price of Brent crude dropped to below $55 for the first time since May 2009.

OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ........................................................ 12,691 .............21,194........................7 ............1.670 ........... 1.670 ...........1.670 ............1.670 ............. 1.670............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.670 .............. 1.670...................1.700 ................. 334,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 116,238 ............... 7,879......................11 ........... 0.068 ...........0.069 ...........0.066........... 0.068 .............0.068 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.066..............0.066...................0.068...................14,086,294.........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ............................................79,000 ............23,004......................17 ........... 0.290...........0.296 ...........0.290 .......... 0.291 .............0.291............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.291 ..............0.289...................0.291................... 17,810,443 .........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 124,279 .........208,075.....................40 ............1.660 ........... 1.685 ...........1.660 ............1.675 ............. 1.675............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.685 .............. 1.685................... 1.710 ................1,256,250,000 ......0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ...........................................................104 .....................37........................1 ........... 0.352 ...........0.352 ...........0.352........... 0.370 .............0.370 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.352..............0.356...................0.370...................22,385,000.........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES .......................................94,582 ............ 43,382..................... 29 ........... 0.460 ...........0.460 ...........0.454........... 0.458 .............0.460 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.435 ...............0.458..............0.454...................0.460 .................129,199,260 ........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 718,890 ......... 152,103..................... 32 ............0.213 ........... 0.215 ...........0.211 ........... 0.212 .............0.213............-0.001 ........... -0.469 ...............0.211 ............. 0.206................... 0.211 ................. 242,528,000 .......0.100 OM0000002614............ONIC. HOLDING .......................................................... 181,470 ............ 58,938......................21 ........... 0.326 ...........0.326 ...........0.320........... 0.324 .............0.326 ...........-0.002 ............-0.613................0.320..............0.320...................0.326 .................. 56,189,133 .........0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................. 177,285 ............54,994.....................20 ........... 0.306 ........... 0.314 ...........0.306........... 0.310 .............0.312............-0.002 ........... -0.641 ...............0.306..............0.306...................0.310..................377,836,525 ........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK ..................................................................... 26,804 ...............6,410........................7 ........... 0.240...........0.240 ...........0.236........... 0.239 .............0.241 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.830 ...............0.236..............0.236...................0.240 .................309,621,490........0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT .............................................................. 5,469 ...............2,793........................2 ............0.510 ........... 0.518 ...........0.510 ........... 0.510 ............. 0.518............-0.008 ........... -1.544 ...............0.518 ..............0.510...................0.518 ..................168,745,082 ........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............ 130,000 ........... 20,063........................8 ............0.156 ........... 0.156 ...........0.154 ........... 0.154 ............. 0.157............-0.003 ............-1.911 ................0.154 .............. 0.153...................0.154....................3,234,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN ......................................................70,860 ...............9,835......................17 ............0.140 ........... 0.140 ...........0.138 ............0.139 .............0.142 ...........-0.003 ............-2.113................0.138 ..............0.128...................0.138..................278,043,478........0.100 OM0000001319 ............NATIONAL ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS .............. 20,000 ...............6,180........................2 ........... 0.306 ........... 0.312 ...........0.306........... 0.308 ............. 0.316............-0.008 ........... -2.532 ...............0.312 ..............0.312...................0.316...................10,340,007 .........0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ........................... 9,720 ...............3,275........................5 ........... 0.340...........0.340 ...........0.334........... 0.336 .............0.346 ...........-0.010 ........... -2.890 ...............0.334..............0.334...................0.340 ..................31,933,440 .........0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ..............................................................45,082 .............15,397........................4 ........... 0.348 ...........0.348 ...........0.340 .......... 0.342 .............0.354 ...........-0.012 ........... -3.390 ...............0.342..............0.342...................0.354..................459,388,837........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ............................... 130,872 ........... 63,459......................15 ........... 0.480 ...........0.486 ...........0.480........... 0.484 .............0.502 ...........-0.018 ........... -3.586 ...............0.486..............0.486...................0.500 .................119,472,852 ........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 11,032,803 2,990,609...................996 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......28........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

PARALLEL MARKET .................................................................................................................................................................................

OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ..................................................... 220,120 ............15,408......................13 ........... 0.070 ...........0.070 ...........0.070........... 0.070 .............0.068 ........... 0.002............. 2.941 ................0.070..............0.070...................0.071....................8,750,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ...................... 379,025 ........... 43,925..................... 34 ............0.116 ........... 0.117............ 0.115 ............0.116 ............. 0.113 ............ 0.003............. 2.655 ................0.115 .............. 0.112................... 0.115 ....................3,480,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 188,310.............14,937......................13 ........... 0.079 ...........0.080 ...........0.079........... 0.079 .............0.077 ........... 0.002............. 2.597 ................0.079..............0.078...................0.079..................118,500,000........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ..................................................54,577 ............. 27,371..................... 27 ........... 0.492 ...........0.504 ...........0.492........... 0.502 .............0.492 ............0.010 ............. 2.033 ................0.500..............0.500...................0.504 ..................25,100,000.........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER ....................................................61,484 .............10,452........................7 ............0.170 ........... 0.170 ...........0.170 ........... 0.170 ............. 0.169.............0.001 ............. 0.592 ................0.170 ..............0.169...................0.170..................121,449,078 ........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. ....................59,670 ...............2,169........................7 ........... 0.037 ........... 0.037 ...........0.036........... 0.036 .............0.036 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.036..............0.036...................0.038....................3,060,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING.................................. 118,505 .............11,650.....................24 ........... 0.099 ........... 0.100 ...........0.097........... 0.098 .............0.098 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.097..............0.097...................0.099.................... 7,370,384 ..........0.100 OM0000004669 ...........SHARQIYAH DESALINATION ........................................ 59 ...................198........................ 1 ........... 3.350 ........... 3.350 ...........3.350........... 3.400 .............3.400 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................3.350..............3.060...................3.300 ..................33,252,734 .........1.000 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL...............................................26,647 ...............2,287........................4 ........... 0.086 ...........0.086 ...........0.085........... 0.086 .............0.086 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.086..............0.085...................0.086...................15,050,000 .........0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER.................................................. 27,532 ...............4,665........................8 ............0.170 ........... 0.170 ...........0.169 ............0.169 ............. 0.169............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.169 ..............0.169...................0.170..................114,055,976 ........0.100 OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH.................................................. 6,676 ............ 14,020........................4 ........... 2.100 ........... 2.100 ...........2.100........... 2.100 .............2.105............-0.005 ........... -0.238 ...............2.100..............2.100...................2.200 .................200,460,110........1.000 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 1,142,605 ...... 147,082...................142 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ...... 11........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BONDS MARKET ........................................................................................................................................................................................

OM0000004487 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES BONDS3.75 ................5,000 .................. 570........................1 ............0.114 ........... 0.114............0.114 ............0.115 ............. 0.115 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.114 .............. 0.114................... 0.119 ...................48,661,293 .........0.100 OM0000004867 ...........BANK MUSCAT C C B 4.5 .......................................... 50,000 ...............5,645........................3 ............0.110 ........... 0.113............0.110 ............0.113 ............. 0.113 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.113 ...............0.111................... 0.113 ................... 36,119,622 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: ....................................................................................55,000 ............... 6,215........................4 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........2........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

-- United Securities/Bloomberg News

STOCK EXCHANGE

INDIAN STOCK

Dubai-Abu Dhabi bourses to merge ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates government would favour a merger of the main Abu Dhabi and Dubai bourses, but the decision is up to the exchanges themselves, economy minister Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri said.

He was speaking at a session of the Federal National Council, an advisory body to the government, where some members asked the government to work to facilitate a

merger and to introduce a timeline for it to take place.

A possible merger of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange with the Dubai Financial Market has been discussed on and off for years, and at one stage investment banks were hired to advise on a tie-up.

But sources familiar with the matter told Reuters last year the idea had been shelved for the foreseeable future as terms for the

politically-sensitive move could not be agreed. For one thing, wild swings in stock prices over the past couple of years have made it difficult to value assets. “If at this stage, we as a regulator - if there is a proposition to merge the two markets, we are with it,” Al Mansouri said. “And, if not, we understand.”

He also said, “We hope there is one market because as a regulator it would be easier to supervise.”

Sensex falls for second day MUMBAI: India’s benchmark stock-index dropped to a threeweek low, as a drop in banks and metal shares outweighed a rebound in energy companies.

ICICI Bank, the biggest private lender, fell for a second day from a record high. Tata Steel dragged a gauge of metal shares to a threeweek low. Reliance Industries, owner of the world’s largest refining complex, helped an index of energy shares rebound from its biggest slump in 16 months.

The S&P BSE Sensex decliend 0.3 per cent to 26,908.82 at the close. The gauge is on course for a second monthly loss after tumbling to its lowest level since September 2013 on Tuesday, as oil’s rout fueled concern economy will slow. Foreign funds have pulled $31.2 million from local shares so far this month, data shows.

“Foreigners are pressing the sell button,” Hemant Thukral, the Mumbai-based head of derivatives at Aditya Birla Money Ltd., said in an interview with Bloomberg TV India today. “We will have to live with a volatile trading

environment for the next 5 to 10 trading sessions.” The CNX Nifty Index on the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd. slid 0.3 percent after sinking 3 per cent on Tuesday. The India VIX Index, a gauge of protection against stock market swings using options, jumped 4.1 per cent, adding to a 23 per cent surge a day earlier.

ICICI Bank tumbles ICICI Bank tumbled 2.7 percent to its lowest level since December 17. Bharat Heavy Electricals, the biggest producer of power equipments, declined 2.7 per cent, paring last year’s 50 per cent rally.

Aluminum maker Hindalco Industries plunged 2.9 per cent, the worst performer on the Sensex.

Tata Steel fell 1.9 per cent to its lowest level since March 28.

The S&P BSE Metal Index dropped 1.4 per cent.

Reliance Industries rose 2.2 per cent, ending a four-day, 6.2 per cent loss. ONGC, the largest state explorer, added 1.5 per cent after tumbling to a eight-month low on Tuesday. The S&P BSE Oil

& Gas Index climbed 1.4 per cent.

The biggest collapse in crude prices since the 2008 global recession is the Almighty’s gift to India and its benefits will flow in the next three months, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, who owns more than $1 billion of stakes in Indian companies including Lupin, said in an interview with Bloomberg TV India yesterday.

Tuesay’s selloff was led by global factors and is not a cause for worry, he said. Plummeting commodity prices will keep inflation within 5 per cent, below the central bank’s 6 per cent target for January 2016, Jhunjhunwala said.

The Reserve Bank of India may cut the main rate by 100 basis points over the next two or three meetings, he said. The bank has left rates steady at 8 percent since January 2014. - Bloomberg News

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T H U R S DAY, JAN UARY 8, 2 01 5 SCAN THIS TO INSTANTLY LAUNCH FACEBOOK PAGE

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ROUND-UP

Geely GC7 now comes at an irresistible price A compact sedan that gives style, power and comfort at an unbelievable price of OMR3,650, Geely GC7 is another high quality product, both in terms of engineering and design

MUSCAT: In line with its objectives of ‘customer delight’ and getting ‘close to the customer’, Towell Auto Centre (TAC) recently unveiled Geely GC7 at its Azaiba showroom.

A compact sedan that gives style, power and comfort at an unbelievable price of OMR3,650, Geely GC7 is another high qual-

ity product, both in terms of engineering and design. TAC makes owning it a pleasure by giving guaranteed OMR651 cash gift along with its purchase, says a press release.

“We wanted to welcome the New Year in an exciting way with the unveiling of the new feature loaded Geely GC7 that will give you an exciting start in all that you do. Now, upgrade to a sedan from a smaller car at the price of a smaller car without compromising on power, style or comfort with unparalleled safety at an incredible price. The new Geely GC7 will surely be well appreciated for its grand comfort and performance and further strengthen the Geely brand in the country,” commented

a senior spokesperson of TAC, the sole distributors of Geely range of vehicles in Oman.

The Geely GC7 provides safety and cutting-edge digital configuration that allows customers to experience features normally offered by other more expensive cars, at a reasonable price. The Geely GC7 has large comfortable seats with the spacious black and beige-coloured interior space. Designed with a red and yellow LED tail light, the additional reflective plate adds extra safety to the passengers. A built-in two-point parking radars, with four probe reversing radars, brings more comprehensive protection.

“As a company that owns leading global brands like Volvo pas-

B5

senger cars, DSI Australia, global transmission manufacturer and as the manufacturers of the London Black taxi, Geely has come a long way since its inception and are now exporting their cars all around the world. These cars are immensely popular for their quality and have been awarded 5-star rating for their safety features”, the spokesperson added.

The Geely GC7 is equipped with Geely’s 1.8L 4-cylinder DVVT Engine, DSi 6 speed automatic transmission, halogen lamps and aluminium alloy rims.

Besides the spacious interior, the black and beige inner decoration is equipped with breath-taking deluxe configuration.

Considerate features such as ABS & EBS, rear camera, front and rear parking sensor, speedsensitive automatic door lock, burglar alarm, power sunroof and much more are offered.

Bluetooth Connectivity and Brake Liner Wear Warning Alarm are also adopted, which ensures a more comfortable, convenient and harmonious journey to both the driver and the passenger. Moreover, this new exciting model of Geely Emgrand comes with free 24 hours AAA roadside assistance.

'OMAN IN FOCUS'

EXHIBITION

Barakath Al Noor Clinic conducts breast cancer awareness campaign MUSCAT: Barakath Al Noor Clinic, speciality clinic for breast cancer, with the support of Bareek Al Shatti and Extreme Lashes, ran a week-long breast cancer awareness campaign recently at the Bareek Al Shatti mall.

Barakath Al Noor Clinic held an exhibition of posters on every aspect of breast cancer and also had a table displaying take away pamphlets and write-ups on the disease. Bareek Al Shatti had dressed the entire foyer area with pink balloons to commemorate the campaign for the entire week, says a press release.

Oman Cancer Association also participated by having a table for the walkathon registrations. This week-long awareness campaign

ended with a short ceremony with Yuther Al Rawahi, chairperson, Oman Cancer Association, consenting to be the guest of honour.

Al Rawahi spoke about breast cancer in Oman and the various facilities that OCA is working on to battle this disease and reduce its occurrence in the future.

Dr Rajyashree Kutty, director at Barakath Al Noor Clinic, also spoke to the audience on various aspects of the disease and how one could prevent and fight it.

Short entertainment programmes were held at the closing ceremony. An aero dance skit by Balance Gym staff Aleem and Shabangi, and a flash mob dance skit by the Omani twin brothers Hamdan and Osama were also staged.

TA L E N T S H O W

KR rings in New Year with special calendar on Oman Featured in the range of photographs for the calendar is an extensive melange of pictures taken by some of the world’s most renowned photographers who participated in the exhibition. The 'Oman in Focus' event is the brainchild of the talented Maisa Al Hooti, an Omani professional photographer whose studio In Focus is located at Al Hail

MUSCAT: In commemoration of the 45th anniversary of His Majesty’s reign in the Sultanate, the KR Group is dedicating a special calendar for 2015 featuring photographs from the company’s ‘Oman in Focus’ photography tour held early last year.

This special edition calendar will carry the best selection of photographs from the exhibition that capture Oman in all its resplendent grandeur and beauty, says a press release.

“The KR Group is always at the centre of initiatives that shine the spotlight on Oman and more im-

portantly those that encourage local enterprise and potential. The 'Oman in Focus' concept, therefore, resonates perfectly with our mission to support the Omani youth and help showcase their talents to the world. We want to celebrate the 45th anniversary of His Majesty’s reign in the Sultanate by presenting the nation and its people with a calendar of these photographs that truly capture the beauty of Oman,” said Rajive Ahuja, head of Corporate Communications, KR Group.

Featured in the range of photographs for the calendar is an ex-

tensive melange of pictures taken by some of the world’s most renowned photographers who participated in the exhibition.

The collection gives viewers a lens-eye view into Oman’s vast and varying landscape, its rugged, mountainous scenery and serene desert vistas.

The 'Oman in Focus' event is the brainchild of the talented Maisa Al Hooti, an Omani professional photographer whose studio In Focus is located at Al Hail.

When Al Hooti contacted the KR Group with a proposition for the event the company stepped

U P G R A D AT I O N

forward with full support, since developing local talent forms part of its key objectives.

“I am proud that Oman possesses so much beauty and culture; so, I owe it to my country to let the world know about its magnificence,” she said.

The photography expo, which was held between March and April of 2014 at the Royal Opera House Muscat, roped in the professional talents of world renowned photographers from countries such as Canada, the US, France, Lebanon, Egypt, Italy, Bahrain and South Korea.

Muscat based singer Ritika wins musical reality show in Dubai MUSCAT: Ritika Nair, a Muscat based singer was declared the winner by the judges of Sky Sangeetha Varsham 2015 Season 7, a musical reality show organised

by Radio Asia 1269 AM of UAE. The finals of the show were recently conducted in Dubai, says a press release.

A total of 40 singers from all

over the GCC and India participated in the competition which began in April 2014.

A total of eight contestants reached the finals.

This musical reality show has been organised by Radio Asia 1269 AM of UAE, with Sky Jewellery being the main sponsor of the show.

QUA L I T Y E D UC AT I O N

alizz Islamic bank reinforces Meethaq to host conference on its AML, internal fraud system private education on January 14 MUSCAT: As part of its continuous efforts to enhance its IT systems, alizz Islamic bank, the most innovative Islamic bank in Oman, has recently completed its successful initiative to upgrade its Anti-Money Laundry (AML) and internal fraud system.

The upgrading engagement was assigned to a reputed global vendor that implemented smart and efficient controls to the system, says a press release.

The function of the system is to identify suspicious transactions, check them against various sanction lists, generate alerts for further investigation, and file suspicious activity reports with the relevant authorities.

“In light of recent events in the international banking sector and the evident spot light on several banks with regards to both Anti – Money Laundering and AntiFraud, which are very sensitive areas in banking that require the highest regard, alizz islamic bank has taken a drastic step forward.

Being the most innovative Islamic bank in the Sultanate of Oman, it is with great confidence that alizz has integrated a state-of-the-art framework to enhance the ex-

Being the most innovative Islamic bank in the Sultanate of Oman, it is with great confidence that alizz has integrated a stateof-the-art framework Ali Al Zadjali Head of Compliance at the bank

pected standards and controls required with regards to AML and Anti-Fraud in the bank,” said Ali Al Zadjali, head of Compliance at the bank.

alizz Islamic bank is planning to further grow its digital platforms in line with its values of excellence to be the best in everything they do.

MUSCAT: Meethaq, the pioneer of Islamic banking in Oman from Bank Muscat, as part of its commitment to the national objective of quality education for Omani children is hosting a conference under the auspices of Dr Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shibaniya, Minister of Education, at the Bank Muscat head office on January 14.

The conference titled ‘Private education with Meethaq finance solutions’ will be attended by dignitaries and senior officials from the government, the Royal Oman Police and leading educational institutions. Key topics to be covered include the challenges and opportunities within the private education sector in Oman and safe school transportation system, says a press release.

Presentations will cover a gamut of issues relevant for private educational institutions, including Shari’a-based financing solutions for development of infrastructure and facilities.

Representatives from the ROP and Oman National Transport Company (ONTC) will focus on issues related to safe school transport system. The Ministry of Education will make a presentation on student registration

portal for private schools.

Sulaiman Al Harthy, Group General Manager – Islamic Banking, said: “Meethaq is proud to host the conference on private education as part of its commitment to offer world-class Islamic banking service to customers. Ensuring a solid foundation for quality education is key to guaranteeing a bright future for Omani children.

In line with the Meethaq brand values of true Partnership, Transparency and Trust, new products and services serving the requirements of private educational institutions are available to complement the unique Islamic banking experience.”

Al Harthy added: “Meethaq is focused on redefining Islamic

banking operations in Oman with unique products and services benefiting citizens and complementing the economy. Meethaq strives to fulfill the needs of customers with innovative Shari’a based products and is well positioned to provide Islamic financial expertise to diverse segments and thereby promote the good of society as a whole.”

Meethaq offers a full suite of Islamic banking products and services, including savings account, current account, home finance, auto finance, credit card, mobile banking etc. Meethaq has adopted the best practices in Islamic banking and finance worldwide to combine a robust model which protects customers and complements the Islamic banking industry. Every Meethaq product goes through the process of Shari’a compliance certification by the Shari’a Supervisory Board and is created in line with the guidelines of the Central Bank of Oman.

Meethaq stands out for its independent Shari’a Supervisory Board, separate capital allocation from shareholders’ money, unique risk management tools, complete fund segregation, separate books of account, etc.

B6

T H U R S DAY, JA N UA RY 8, 2 0 1 5

ROUND-UP Bank Muscat to reward al Mazyona customers with year-end bonanza Fourteen winners across the Sultanate will win OMR100,000 each while one asalah Priority Banking customer will win a whopping OMR500,000 prize money

MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, is all set to reward al Mazyona customers with the 2014 year-end big prizes as 15 custom-

ers will win Oman’s biggest total cash prizes of OMR1.9 million.

Fourteen winners across the Sultanate will win OMR100,000 each while one asalah Prior-

ity Banking customer will win a whopping OMR500,000 prize money. Customers who maintained a minimum balance of OMR1,000 for the last quarter of 2014 between October and December are eligible for the grand prize draw, says a press release.

‘Save more, dream big’ Marking Oman’s 45th Renaissance anniversary, Bank Muscat raised the 2015 al Mazyona prize money to OMR9 million compared to OMR8 million in 2014.

Structured on the thematic ‘45’ reflecting the Sultanate’s 45 years

FESTIVE SEASON

Enhanced prize monet The enhanced 2015 prize money is to be shared by more winners as customers from all regions are guaranteed to win prizes ranging from OMR45,000 a week to OMR450,000 a month and

OMR1.5 million at the end of the year. A special prize draw offering OMR450,000 in celebration of the 45th National Day is another highlight.

Customer segmentation al Mazyona scheme reflects innovative customer segmentation based on two principles — region and demographics — ensuring a higher winning chance to all customers across the Sultanate. The 2015 al Mazyona scheme reaches out to all individual segments with exclusive prizes earmarked for ladies, youth, children and high

savings balance customers in all regions where the Bank Muscat branches are located.

Winning with al Mazyona has never been simpler as customers are not required to block their money for long or wait for a long time to win big prizes.

Over the years, al Mazyona has succeeded in inculcating a strong savings culture in Oman. The objective of al Mazyona is to create a lifetime change for winners and allow them to invest the prize money in things that will make a lasting difference and the well-being of their families.

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Al Araimi Complex hosts Christmas extravaganza MUSCAT: Popular family shopping destination, Al Araimi Complex ushered into the festive season with an unforgettable, gala Christmas party held recently on its premises.

This unique family event was a mega hit and was extremely well received by everyone. It was amazing to see people from all walks of life, taking time off their busy schedule and coming together to celebrate on a weekday, says a press release.

The event, filled with lots of fun and frolic, started with a puppet show bringing instant smiles on the faces of the little ones. The major attraction of the event was Santa Claus who was introduced with the goody bags to the kids.

The entry of Santa proved to be the cherry on the cake, leaving the audience spellbound as he was introduced with an artificial snow fall, giving a true Xmas feeling and spirit to the event.

A snow globe and a snow play

of Renaissance under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the 2015 al Mazyona savings scheme campaign reaches out with a powerful call to action ‘Save more, Dream big’ guaranteeing more for everyone to share in the biggest prize money in Oman and the region.

area were also developed for the kids, which made them jump with joy. People were seen taking pictures throughout the event and even queuing up for getting their pictures clicked with lovely Santa.

Lots of prizes were also won by the audience for giving the right answers in the spot Q&A round.

The face painting corner, candy floss and popcorn added to the ex-

citement of the kids, making it an event to remember for one and all.

Happy with the success of the event, Al Araimi management thanked its patrons and promised to make it even bigger and better in the years to come.

All details for the upcoming events can be easily followed on the Facebook page of the mall — facebook/alaraimicomplex.

McDonald’s launches new Spicy Chicken McNuggets MUSCAT: McDonald’s Oman has announced the launch of its all new Spicy Chicken McNuggets.

The flavourful recipe adds the perfect kick of heat to the iconic Chicken McNuggets flavour, and is a fitting addition to a series of celebrations around this muchloved McDonald’s menu item. The spicy new flavour from McDonald’s will be available for a limited period, says a press release.

Customers’ taste buds will be teased with this spicy spin on the timeless classic, making sharing those delicious McNuggets even more fun, and harder to share.

Customers will get to savour the new spicy flavour with a variety of dipping sauces with this new limited time offer.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to innovation and to responding to our customers ever evolving tastes, our McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets celebrations would not be complete without treating our customers to a new flavour to indulge in. Our new

Spicy Chicken McNuggets combine richness of flavour with the golden quality crunch our Chicken McNuggets are famous for, and we welcome all those who love the ‘heat’ to indulge and share this social food,” said Ali K. Daud, Development Licensee and President of McDonald’s Oman.

The McDonald’s Arabia Twitter competition Chicken McNuggets Daily Tasks is now in full swing, with participants sub-

mitting their #ShareAMcNugget pictures, ideas, videos, and quotes in creative and ingenious ways in response to a new task set each day, taking “social food” to a whole new level. Participants receive a voucher for one extra delicious golden McNuggets with any Chicken McNuggets purchase, with the best submissions from each day’s Daily Task featured on McDonald’s Arabia website. The Chicken McNuggets Daily Tasks will be running till supply lasts.

Continuing the celebrations, McDonald’s Oman is featuring additional great offers for Chicken McNuggets fans, such as special saving offers available with the purchase of any large extra value meal during the campaign period.

While McDonald’s is focused on providing unique menu choices, it is also committed to serving the very best ingredients in the quick-service restaurant sector, and will never compromise on food quality.

A S S O C I AT I O N

Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune partners with Al Hayat PUNE, INDIA: Soaring across borders with an aim to spread cancer awareness, India’s leading tertiary care hospital, Grant Medical Foundation (Ruby Hall Clinic) has associated with Muscat’s Al Hayat International Hospital to serve the global community.

The partnership is an effort to advance the level of cancer care in the Middle East through collaborative research coupled with community awareness and educative initiatives, says a press release.

Beginning the New Year on a positive note, Al Hayat will ensure senior doctors of Ruby Hall Clinic will be available for consultation with the approval of MOH. Furthermore, on February 4, marking the occasion of World Cancer Day, a dedicated team of cancer specialists will visit the Al Hayat International Hospital to conduct free medical camps.

The Ruby Hall Clinic’s team will also conduct lectures on cancer awareness for locals of the city.

Grant Medical Foundation (Ruby Hall Clinic) is one of the largest medical institutions of western India with a multi-speciality hospital dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and research related to various diseases.

It is a 700-bed hospital, with all ultra-modern facilities, sophisticated medical equipment and more than 22, state-of-the-art operation theatres, 3 Tesla MRI, PET-CT Scan, 256 Slice CT Scan

We hope that our model of integration and collaboration with Ruby Hall Clinic will transform cancer care in the Sultanate Dr K. P. Raman Founder and Chairman, Al Hayat International Hospital

etc. Ruby Hall Clinic was also adjudged as ‘The Best Medical Facilities for Oversees Patients in India’ by the Govt. of India for the year 2012. Ruby Hall Cancer Centre also awarded the Best Cancer Hospital of the Year.

Al Hayat International Hospital started in August 2013, has already gained reputation and popularity among the people of Oman. It is a 50 bedded hospital with advanced facilities and high quality care.

In a short span of less than two year it has created a niche in the

healthcare segment and gained a name for complete evaluation and holistic approach towards care and cure of chronic diseases.

Uniquely positioned to create leaders of tomorrow, both the highly-respected institutions have decided to combine their resources and initiate a short certificate course in cancer management namely – ‘Basics in Cancer Management’ for general practitioners in Muscat.

Owing to the changing lifestyle and its ageing population, the country is at a high-risk of this

growing ailment. Improved access to early diagnosis and subsequent treatment is the need of the hour; therefore highlighting the importance of cancer awareness.

This includes an understanding of the symptoms as well as adaptation of healthier lifestyle choices.

Talking about this partnership, Bomi Bhote, CEO, Ruby Hall Clinic said, “With a considerable number of resources dedicated to cancer research, we have one of the largest pools of clinical talent in the country. Over the last decade, the Ruby Hall Cancer Centre has successfully treated over 25,000 cases.

“Consistent with our legacy of providing high-quality clinical excellence, we are viewing this new strategic affiliation as an opportunity to set new standards for cancer awareness and care not just in India, but globally.”

Dr K. P. Raman, Founder and Chairman, Al Hayat International Hospital stated, “We hope that our model of integration and collaboration with Ruby Hall Clinic will transform cancer care in the Sultanate of Oman. Cancer is a ticking time-bomb; early detection and definitive treatment will not only help save lives in the present, but also better address the growing cancer burden in the Middle East. Our association strives to give the Omani citizens and resident’s early detection of cancer, advanced treatment and a better quality of life.”

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BankDhofar organises merchants gathering

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Zubair supports Bandar Al Khairan sports team MUSCAT: The Zubair Corporation recently supported the Bandar Al Khairan Team, one of the local cultural, social and sports teams that are affiliated with the Ahli Sidab Club. This support comes within the framework of the corporate’s strategy to support Omani youth and enable them to practice their hobbies, and to further contribute to their community development across various domains, says a press release.

This initiative also aims to help the team and enhance its role in providing a suitable environment for the team members to exercise and practice their favourite sport as well as contribute to the community through varied initiatives.

“The Zubair Corporation has been a leader in supporting the Omani youth through myriad initiatives – be it sports, cultural activities or community outreach. In the Sultanate, local sporting associations are the best way to connect with Omani youth and instil a spirit of community development by harnessing their combined love for the sport. We feel it is important to support these teams in order to allow them to revamp their role in the community by organising

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a healthy environment for young people to shape their talents and improve their skills in different fields,” said Ibrahim Al Salmi, Social Communication Manager at The Zubair Corporation.

“Supporting Omani youth and nurturing their talents in different fields has always been a major focus of the Zubair Corporation.

The company saves no efforts to expand its outreach to all segments of the society, and through supporting such teams we are able to contribute to the development of the community through our focus on the youth. We sponsor and provide support to the events and activities organised by these teams, aiming to make a wider positive impact on the society as a whole,” he added.

“I would like to thank The Zubair Corporation who have lent support for our cause. I am sure this will have a positive impact on the team activities and will contribute to the individual members’ development in sport, cultural and social fields. This contribution will allow our team to be ready to participate in different competitions and events locally and regionally,” said Qais Al Mushari, team member of Bandar Al Khairan team.

The event was wrapped up with trophy distribution where guests representing public and private sector organisations were handed tokens of appreciation for their continuous support to the bank’s operations that led to its tremendous success and paramount achievements

MUSCAT: As part of the continuous efforts to retain its position as one of the leading banks in the Sultanate, BankDhofar recently hosted its first annual merchants gathering. The event, which was organised by the Card Centre Services at the bank, took place at the Al Bahjah Hall, Jungle Restaurant, says a press release.

The event was inaugurated with a speech by Abdul Hakeem bin Omar Al Ojaili, Acting CEO of BankDhofar, who welcomed the guests and highlighted the recent achievements of the bank, hailing the strong partnership and support given by stakeholders.

The prominent gathering was attended by representatives of public and private sector organisations, governmental institutions and members of BankDhofar’s executive management team. The event was wrapped up with trophy distribution where guests representing public and private sector organisations were handed tokens of appreciation for their continuous support to the bank’s operations that led to its tremendous success and paramount achievements.

Delighted Highlighting the bank’s achievements in the previous year, Al Ojaili noted in his speech: “BankDhofar, without doubt, is very keen in building on the existing relationships and strengthening the ties we have with our stakeholders. Thus, we are very delighted to organise this event to honour our merchants and to better connect with each other.

“As evident, we have proudly changed the scene of the banking sector across the Sultanate by launching several initiatives in our pursuit to provide unique products and exceptional services to BankDhofar customers. We save no efforts and work tirelessly to ensure that our customers’ banking needs are met and we aspire to also exceed their expectations.”

Expression of gratitude “I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all our merchants and customers for their constant support and contribution to BankDhofar’s achievements, and we pledge to do our best and continue our efforts to deliver reliable, dynamic and innovative banking solutions to be the best bank for our customers,” he added.

Unique products This event was yet another effort

by BankDhofar to reinforce its position as one of the leading banks in Oman. It has always been at the forefront for its unique products and outstanding technology-driven services, including the stateof-the-art wireless Point of Sale (POS) service, in addition to other

innovative solutions that add another perspective to the banking industry in the Sultanate.

The bank’s wireless POS devices are efficient, unlike the traditional methods which make the customers wait for hours together to get their card approved. Using these devices, customers can get their payment through in a matter of few seconds. The devices make use of the latest GPRS wireless communication technology and hence will have extended coverage area and increased flexibility.

The new POS machine accepts all major cards and provides maximum security for the bank and the customers. The Near Field Communication (NFC) infrared scanner implemented in the machines eliminates the need to swipe the card, thus making the payments much more efficient. The scanning system enables customers to conduct a transaction efficiently and effectively. Customers can also benefit from dynamic currency conversion while on the move.

Since its inception 25 years ago, BankDhofar has witnessed steady growth and remarkable achievements in the competitive market.

A resolute focus on product quality and service excellence has helped BankDhofar to achieve its aspirations. Today, the bank is proud to be well on its way towards its goal without relinquishing any of its founding principles and firm social commitment. Today, the bank is proud to be well on its way towards its goal without relinquishing any of its founding principles and firm social commitment.

FUN READING EVENT

Sindbad Children’s Mobile Library comes to Izki Festival MUSCAT: The Sindbad Children’s Mobile Library was the highlight of the Izki Children’s Festival 2014. Leading the fun reading event was the KR Group that has been supporting the SCML initiative since its inception early 2014, says a press release.

During this year’s Izki Festival, children between the ages of three and thirteen engaged in stimulating reading and story-telling activities, which also included visiting D E V E L O P I N G NAT I O NA L W O R K F O R C E

Talented Omanis successfully complete SBG’s advanced development programme MUSCAT: Eleven talented Omanis have graduated from the special training and development programmes conducted by Saud Bahwan Group (SBG).

The Management Development Programme (MDP) and Executive Development Programme (EDP) conducted by the group are a part of the corporate effort to groom Omani employees to take on higher positions and significant roles in the organisation, says a press release.

The programmes provide the required exposure to contemporary management practices, while maximising soft skills, functional expertise and leadership techniques essential for managerial talent. The programmes also impart the required skills for customer care, personal effectiveness and team building.

The effectiveness of learning is ensured by adopting novel practices like experiential learning, debate sessions, book reviews, group discussions, brain

storming, role plays, video based discussions, simulations, inbasket training and more in addition to the conventional classroom training.

To facilitate and enhance the learning, Saud Bahwan Group appointed senior level managers from within the company to conduct guest lectures. This was apart from inviting external speakers consisting of thought leaders, business leaders and leading educationists.

“First of all, I sincerely thank our management for the wonderful opportunity to learn and grow

through EDP. The course has helped me develop my managerial skills. Now I understand how to delegate work and also complete tasks confidently. This course has moulded me into a team player; Now I have moved from a Taskfocused Manager’ to a ‘Peoplefocused Leader’,” remarked Jamal Abdullah Al Mahfudi, after having attended the Executive Development Programme.

“Important life skills like communication skills, time management, efficiency orientation and other inputs have helped me emerge as a better manager and a

better human being,” he added.

Another successful participant in the Management Development Programme, Muna Juma Freish Al Muqeemi felt that she had gained tremendously, “This programme has really transformed me into a confident individual and a competent Manager. The programme has also inspired me to work as a team player, to achieve organisational goals. It has motivated me to give 100 percent commitment in all my personal and professional tasks.

Undergoing this nine months long course has been a life changing experience. I’d like to convey my thanks to our company,” she added.

Yet another successful participant in the Management Development Programme, Khalid Al Jabri said that the programme “helped me enhance my performance through acquiring new skills, knowledge and habits. I have acquired decision-making skills. This course has also taught me how to analyse situations and develop innovative solutions.”

the mobile library and browsing through the extensive collection of story books available both in English and Arabic.

“We are happy to support the Sindbad Children’s Mobile Library initiative that makes reading a fun and interesting activity for children. The event forms part of our corporate social agenda that focuses on youth empowerment,” said Rajive Ahuja, head of Corporate Communications, KR Group.

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Nissan’s new 2015 sedan range comes with advanced features For every customer purchasing a Nissan vehicle, it is the beginning of a fulfilling experience as Nissan’s top class after sales service makes sure every customer is happy and satisfied

MUSCAT: Nissan Oman from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles (SBA) has announced the availability of its 2015 range of sedan vehicles across all its showrooms within the Sultanate of Oman. With new stocks and colour variants readily available, customers can now get to choose their favourite Nissan model, says a press release.

For every customer purchasing a Nissan vehicle, it is the beginning of a fulfilling experience as Nissan’s top class after sales service makes sure every customer is happy and satisfied. Nissan’s after sales service in Oman ensures that customers get the advantage

of factory trained expertise and genuine Nissan replacement parts always. Customers can expect reliability and assistance, which will help retain Nissan’s performance and resale value for years to come.

Micra: Add colour to your life A refined vehicle in its own right, the 2015 Nissan Micra aims to attract a wider audience with its contemporary good looks, eyecatching exterior colour range, spacious and fashionable interior, in addition to a powerful high performance engine and a range of other options to make city driving easier. The new keyless entry feature makes the Micra an appealing choice for its customers.

Key features of the new Micra include a characterful, sleek exterior design, eye-catching exterior colour range, user-friendly equipment and interior designed with convenience in mind, highly-versatile interior seat/stowage configurations, efficient, largest-in-class 1.5-liter engine, nimble handling with best-in-class turning circle – ideal for city driving, high levels of safety equipment including dual airbags, ABS, EBD & Brake Assist.

The new Micra with trim level ‘SV’ is available in Oman.

Sunny: A reliable partner The 2015 Nissan comes with a unique feature like the Nissan Connect that uses hands-free technology, smartphone, and the Nissan’s display screen to help customers stay in touch with the outside world from inside their

vehicle. It’s loaded with features and compatibility with a growing list of apps that allows customers play music, keep tabs on social network, and navigate any city like a local.

The Nissan Sunny is the most complete sedan in the mid-size sedan segment, with luxury and comfort close to that of premium sedans and it appeals on a number of levels. Its sophisticated style sets it apart from the rest and its roomy interior and large trunk is ideally suited to families.

Tiida: Styled for fun With dynamic styling looks and class-leading spaciousness, the second generation of the Middle East’s best-selling compact hatchback has everything to build on the Tiida nameplate’s established success. The Nissan Tiida hatchback comes with best-in-class fuel economy, advanced technology and features typically expected from far more expensive vehicles.

Inside and out, the Nissan Tiida is dynamically styled. The refreshed aerodynamic body shape blends sophistication with a sporty influence, complemented by widened and lowered stance, electric-fold-

EVENT FOR NRIS

ing mirrors and 17” alloys wheels.

Inside, a sleek, modern cabin welcomes the driver and passengers featuring quality materials and lifestyle-accommodating design.

Sentra: Upgrade your journey Nissan Sentra focuses on classabove design standards inside and out. Automatic dual-zone climate control system with rear passenger air vents, navigation system, rearview camera, intelligent key and Push engine start, and leather seats on selected models are just some of the features Sentra introduces to the segment.

The 2015 models also come with exclusive LED headlights that make it a notch superior than the other models in its segment. However, all models benefit from the standard fitment of soft interior trims, and a wide range of safety equipment including dual airbags, ABS (anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake- force Distribution), and BA (Brake Assist).

Altima: Special powers Among the all-new Altima’s many new features, perhaps the one that stands out most is its ‘class above’ appeal, which is apparent at first

look and first touch of both the exterior and interior executions and its Intelligent Key feature.

The Altima’s all-new exterior design starts with its wide, aggressive stance and dramatic front end styling. This technology allows owners to lock and unlock the door just by pressing the ‘Request Switch’ on the door while just simply carrying the key.

Drivers can also open and close the trunk, and can start the engine without having to insert the key, making departure seamless.

By cutting out the trouble of putting in the key, there is no need to search for the key inside a bag or pocket. It also eliminates the fear of accidentally shutting the key inside the vehicle or trunk.

In addition to its many other functions, the Advanced DriveAssist Display can be linked to three new available safety features — Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Moving Object Detection – typically offered only on more upscale vehicle and first time in the segment. Thanks to the use of the systems’ advanced next-generation rear view camera, the BSW, LDW and MOD are integrated and intuitive.

Along with sunroof and premium seat comfort, the all-new Altima offers superior quietness through efforts to reduce cabin noise coming from the powertrain (new engine and exhaust mount designs), climate system (increased HVAC mounting rigidity) and the body (increased body rigidity) versus the previous Altima design. New noise absorption materials with a 30 per cent increase in absorption capability (versus previous Altima) are also used throughout the cabin, including areas such as the roof trim, instrument panel and floor mats.

Maxima: Sports car The Nissan Maxima is a great fusion between a sedan and the soul of a sports car. And this combination of sports sedan styling along with ample comfort and luxury that the Maxima provides has made it a favourite among the youngsters in the Sultanate.

The breakthrough exterior design of the Maxima imparts a feeling of powerful driving motion which combines an aggressive stance and the powerful 3.5L, V6 engine with 290 HP/64000 RPM Xtronic CVT transmission. The new Nissan Maxima delivers quick acceleration and lasting euphoria with Paddle shifter, Cruise control and Bluetooth technology for a better driving experience. Taking into consideration the driver’s comfort, the vehicles comes with auto A/C with dual zone climate control, stylish sunroof and 19” alloy wheels.

E N T E R TA I N M E N T E V E N T

India Education Interaction NBO Visa cardholders to benefit Meet on January 12 and 13 from rewarding promotion at DSF MUSCAT: A free-to-attend and exclusive two-day meet will be held to showcase Indian educational resources, best practice methods and training on January 12 and 13 at Hotel Haffa House in Muscat.

India Education Interaction Meet is held abroad each year across 15 countries. Over 10,000 visitors attend, get counselled, discuss and compare thousands of resources, designed to meet a huge range of educational needs, says a press release.

The meet will highlight a vast array of resources, course information, training and demonstrations to make this the most useful date in NRIs calendar.

The will take place from 3.30pm

to 9pm. NRI students and parents will get an opportunity to interact with academic heads of various institutions across India. They offer one to one counselling to the visitors. It is proven that in spite of available information in the digital form in websites, interaction with academic heads, professors in persons is very highly ranked as the best mode of getting information about the courses available, fee structure, job opportunities and placements and helps the parents and students to decide which field they are opting for.

Information of more than 100 courses which are in demand, scholarships information for NRIs is on display during the event.

‘MADHURIKKUM ORMAKALE’

“All this happens only in exhibitions and that is the only opportunity NRIs get in Oman by visiting the event,” said an organiser.

A few of the participants include Anna University, SRM University, Hindustan University, Dr.DY Patil University, Datta Meghe Medical University, KJ Somaiya Institutions, MVJ Colleges, Thapar University, NITTE University, CMR University, M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences and Aditya Institutions.

The organisers Indus Group is a leading business to business media group and the largest Indian exhibition organiser.

The meet is being co-organised

by Lynx, Muscat.

MUSCAT: The Visa card holders of National Bank of Oman (NBO) can win one of more than 4,000 prizes during the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), including a shopping trip of a lifetime to London, Paris or Milan with their own personal shopper.

Now in its 20th year, the DSF is the Middle East’s largest shopping and entertainment event, attracting visitors from across the globe with a wide variety of events, activities and promotions.

NBO Visa cardholders who shop in the UAE during the promotional period of January 12-25, and spend more than AED300 (approximately OMR30), will be eligible to participate in the ‘Dubai Shopping Festival Big Wheel at

the Dubai Mall’ promotion, says a press release.

“The Dubai Shopping Festival has become a firm fixture in the Middle East’s social calendar and many of our customers in Oman will visit the UAE during the month-long festival.

WA S T E M A NA G E M E N T

“We are delighted that our Visa cardholders can also now benefit from this fun and rewarding promotion when they hit the shops and malls of the emirates this January,” said, Abdul Karim Al Hinai, head of Alternative Channels, NBO. ANCIENT LANGUAGE

Celebrity Malayalam be’ah acts to prevent fires at waste dumpsites in Dakhiliyah singers to enthral Muscat on January 10

MUSCAT: Stage is set for a scintillating musical experience when noted Malayalam playback and professional singers will perform at Al Falaj Hotel’s Le Grand auditorium at 6pm on Saturday, January 10.

Named as Madhurikkum Ormakale, the even is organised by Muscat Diamond entertainment in association with Kerala Wing of Indian Social Club, Muscat and Bhavalaya, says a press release.

The event is going to be unique and one of its kind, as the celebrity artistes will perform the selected songs from amongst the 50 years of Malayalam drama, especially that of KPAC. The trend setting duo, Kerala State Award winning singers Sri Ram and Vaikam Vijaya Lakshimi, along with famous vocalist Kallara Gopan, talented Aparna and Ammu Vijayan, will sing their heart out

to take the audience to a nostalgic journey, said the organisers.

“The Malayalam dramas of olden days were remembered and are considered a vital tool for social reform and struggle for freedom wherein the songs and their visualisation played a pivotal role.

And we are trying to showcase a replica of life and struggle of our predecessors through music,” claimed the organisers.

MUSCAT: Oman environmental Services Holding Company be’ah had implemented a strategy related to waste management in the Sultanate, in an effort to find the most successful solutions to avoid environmental damage caused by dumpsites operations, which has become a concern to communities.

In coordination with specialists from Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources (MRMWR), be’ah launched an emergency plan to control fire situations that erupt abruptly in traditional dumpsites in Al-Dakhiliyah Governorates.

The company has rolled out a number of projects implemented by specialised companies in the field of waste management. The importance of these projects come in a quest to close the existing dumpsites, by stopping the transfer of waste to these locations then undergo a rehabilitation process as planned by be’ah, says a press release. “be’ah is aware of the size of the environmental and health impact of traditional dumpsites, which are currently deployed in the Al-Dakhiliyah Governorates.

The available data shows that the traditional waste disposing methods cause sudden outbreak of fire, which has become a source of concern to citizens and residents alike,” said Hilal bin Khalfan Al Noamani, Executive Vice Presi-

dent, Municipal Waste.

“The traditional dumpsites operations contribute to greenhouse gas emissions (carbon dioxide and methane) that cause global warming. The traditional methods of waste disposal does not include any protection layers leading to leakage resulting from the decomposition of waste into the soil, surface and ground water resulting contamination of water “according to technical studies,” he explained.

Specialists at be’ah assessed the situation technically and over the past months “be’ah” had organised field visits to various traditional dumpsites with specialists from MRMWR. Following these visits, health and environmental impact studies were examined with the help of various officials in the governorates. The company signed three contracts with specialised companies entrusted with tasks regarding this matter.

“Among these tasks is to identify temporary locations to col-

lect waste from Al-Dakhiliyah Governorates to be as temporary transfer stations, and to be secured by guards around the clock.

MRMWR and be’ah coordinate to transfer all municipal waste that is collected from wilayats in AlDakhiliyah Governorates to these stations. Then, the appointed companies transfer the waste on daily basis to engineered landfills which will come into operation in January next year 2016.

“The specialised companies that has been assigned by “be’ah” to control the traditional dumpsites contamination prior to closing them and fencing them to ensure no dumping of any new waste into these sites, hence rehabilitate them as well,” Al Noamani added.

“Implementation of these projects are in line with the overall strategy for waste management in order to reduce the risk of health and environmental damages caused by traditional dumpsites that currently are in place, and in an effort to provide a proper mechanism to deal with different types of waste in a safe manner, taking into account the steady increase in the waste resulting from expansion of population and development in Al-Dakhiliyah Governorates. be’ah is currently working to implement several projects to provide infrastructure for waste management in the Sultanate,” he said.

Chance to learn Sanskrit online MUSCAT: A Sanskrit language expert in Oman has taken the electronic route to promote the ancient Indian language from January 2015.

Kavitha has trained numerous students as well as parents in Sanskrit language. For the last seven years Kavitha has been involved in teaching a lot of her friends and she does this without any monetary commitments. She has more than 50 students and she is a gold medallist in MA Sanskrit from Bangalore University.

Kavitha will be introducing the e-learning in association with the Art, Culture and Language department of the Government of India. Those avid learners who are interested to know more about this sacred Indian language can log on and pursue it further. Apart from this she will also be starting a blog of her own where she will be interacting with all those who are interested to learn Sanskrit and will take the opportunity to clarify all the doubts raised by the students.

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SMITH JOINS GREATS AS INDIA CHASE HUGE TOTALL Australia skipper Steve Smith joined the greats on Wednesday with his fourth century of the series as India hung in after the shock loss of an early wicket on the second day of the final Test in Sydney. >C3

Oman’s buildup continues

PEP TALK: Oman Football Association chairman Sayyid Khalid Al Busaidi, right, speaks to the national team players during a training session in Canberra yesterday. – OFA

OFA chairman Sayyid Khalid bin Hamed Al Busaidi described Canberra as having the “perfect environment” for preparing for a major sporting event

All the players, with the exception of injured Al Musallami, took part in the training as Oman continued their buildup for the Asian Cup opener against South Korea on January 10

CANBERRA: The Oman national football team continued their buildup for the Asian Cup with rigorous training sessions here on Wednesday in the presence of Oman Football Association (OFA) chairman Sayyid Khalid Al Busaidi.

Wednesday’s training sessions started with a brief speech

by Oman’s French coach Paul Le Guen and also OFA chairman Sayyid Khalid Al Busaidi.

The team were also briefed by the OFA technical experts who explained to the players on technical aspects as well as what to expect in their Asian Cup matches.

All the players, including captain and star goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi and Amir Said Al Shat-

tri, who arrived in Australia as a replacement for injured defender Saad Suhail, attended the training session.

The lone exception being injured Mohammed Al Musallami, who did light jogging before heading straight to Sports Medicine Centre to continue with his special rehabilitation programme.

OFA chief all praise for Canberra Meanwhile, Canberra Times reported that organisers are expecting an impressive crowd of 15,000 to flock to Canberra Stadium on Saturday to see South Korea take on Oman in the first of seven Asian Cup games in the capital.

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The tournament will have an estimated television audience of 800 million. South Korea is ranked 69th in the world and is the third highest-ranked Asian nation behind Iran (51) and Japan (54).

The benefits of having the Asian Cup in Canberra extend far beyond seeing some of the world’s best

soccer teams in the flesh. Oman, Qatar and Kuwait have held pretournament training camps in the city, injecting $1 million into the local economy, along with forging business ties with the region.

Oman Football Association chairman Sayyid Khalid bin Hamed Al Busaidi described Can-

ASIAN CUP

berra as having the “perfect environment” for preparing for a major sporting event.

“Canberra is a fantastic city for sports and it’s a model for the rest of the world,” Sayyid Khalid said.

“We would like to learn from this experience because we are in the process of establishing some facilities in Oman in terms of sports excellence.

“Hopefully we can build some relationships in the coming months to do something together in the field of sports.” He also hoped Canberrans learnt about Oman through its participation in the Asian Cup. “There are great opportunities for investors from this part of the world in Oman in terms of tourism and development,” he said.

“With Oman being located in the eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula, it offers a lot in terms of tourism and investment opportunities.”

Ali among top five players to watch Meanwhile, according to AFP, Paul Le Guen’s Oman will need their popular goalkeeper and captain Ali Al Habsi in top form if they are to

make an impact at Asian Cup. A good run for Oman in Australia would see the popular Wigan Athletic stopper near 100 appearances for his country.

The ever-smiling Al Habsi is a well-known figure in England where he was a regular for then Premier League outfit Bolton Wanderers before signing for Wigan in 2011, after a successful loan spell in which he was named the club’s player of the season.

He has an FA Cup winner’s medal, despite only being on the bench for Wigan’s famous 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the 2013 final at Wembley.

Al Habsi’s star has waned recently and this season he was briefly loaned out to Brighton and Hove Albion. Large-handed Al Habsi is known for his ability to save penalty kicks, which could be crucial if Oman make an unlikely escape from Group A, which also contains hosts Australia, South Korea and Kuwait.

Al Habsi will be appearing in his third Asian Cup after featuring in the 2004 and 2007 editions, and currently has 92 international caps.

FOOTBALL

Australia expect defensive slogs

CHINA’S HOPE: File picture of former Lyon and Marseille boss Alain Perrin, right, is seen talking to a player as he takes part in a training

session for China’s national football team at a training base in Qingyuan, south China’s Guangdong province. – AFP

Perrin spices up China challenge MELBOURNE: China are hoping a young line-up and a new coach will bring a change of fortunes as they bid to reach the Asian Cup knock-out stages for the first time in more than a decade.

The world’s most populous nation is one of football’s biggest under-achievers but recent success at club level provides a glimmer of hope for Alain Perrin’s side.

China, with a population of 1.3 billion and ever-expanding financial muscle, have mystifyingly stalled since reaching their first and only World Cup in 2002.

They came perilously close to missing their first Asian Cup in 11 editions, but scraped through on goal difference as the best-per-

forming third-placed team in the qualifying groups.

However, Guangzhou Evergrande earned respect last year when they became China’s first winners of the AFC Champions League, shepherded by World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi. Now Perrin, formerly of Lyon and Portsmouth, will try to steer China past the group stage for the first time since 2004, when they reached the final on home soil.

The 58-year-old Frenchman arrived in February at the helm of a side in flux after the sacking of expensively hired ex-Real Madrid and Spain boss Jose Antonio Camacho.

Perrin’s first competitive squad

features seven players from Guangzhou Evergrande, including their captain and talisman Zheng Zhi, their only representative aged more than 30.

Striker Yang Xu was selected along with Gao Lin, whose goals helped Guangzhou win last year’s Champions League as well as a fourth straight domestic title this season. Perrin’s first game in charge was China’s final qualifier, a 3-1 loss to Iraq in March when Zhang Xizhe’s second-half penalty was enough to see them squeak through on goal difference.

But China have lost only one of their 10 friendlies since, a 3-1 defeat to Mali, and have carved out wins against Macedonia, Kuwait,

Paraguay and Thailand.

Their task looks challenging but not insurmountable in Group B, where they will compete with Uzbekistan, three-time winners Saudi Arabia and North Korea for one of two quarter-final slots.

However, China’s exclusively home-based squad remain largely untested and 1-1 home draws against Jordan and New Zealand suggest they may struggle to break down solid opposition.

“We are not the favourite, we do not have the best chance,” Perrin said, when asked about China’s Asian Cup chances.

“What I know is that the players are ready to give the best they can... anything is possible.” — AFP

MELBOURNE: Asian Cup hosts Australia do not expect the same free-flowing contests that marked their World Cup campaign in Brazil and are gearing up to face teams intent on stifling their attacking threat in the group stage, said midfielder Mark Bresciano. The Socceroos lost all three of their matches in Brazil to be eliminated from the group stage but won admirers for their enterprising play against the Netherlands, Chile and Spain.

Australia play world number 124 Kuwait in their tournament opener on Friday, before matches against 69th-ranked South Korea and 93rd-ranked Oman, and some might expect an easier run in front of home fans.

Not so, according to playmaker Bresciano, who said their Asian Cup opponents might prove tougher to crack than the teams at the World Cup. “At the World Cup obviously, it was flowing, attacking games (for us), but I think we were playing against other opposition that play the same style of football,” he said. “I think this time around we’ll be playing against other countries playing a different style, obviously going to stop us trying to play that attacking football for ourselves.

“But we’re going to try to play the best to our ability and create as much opportunity as we can.

But we know, for us, they’re going to probably be tougher opponents to play against.”

Kuwait, Australia’s first opponents at Melbourne’s Rectangular Stadium on Friday, will be something of an unknown quantity given they have had only four weeks under new coach Nabil

But we’re going to try to play the best to our ability and create as much opportunity as we can Mark Bresciano Australia midfielder

Maaloul, who replaced Brazilian Jorvan Vieira after a poor Gulf Cup of Nations. Kuwait’s warmup match against United Arab Emirates was cancelled at the last minute.

The 34-year-old Bresciano, who has played for Qatari club Al Gharafa in recent years, has some insight into Maaloul, who coached El Jaish. — Reuters

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T H U R S DAY, JA N UA RY 8, 2 0 1 5

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Both teams were

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on top, then under SCOREBOARD

pressure, while Sri Lanka had victory in their grasp inside three days before cold-blooded grit from New Zealand took it away

WELLINGTON: The fluctuating nature of Test cricket was never more evident than the last five days at Wellington’s Basin Reserve as New Zealand somehow managed to fight back to record an 193run win in the second Test over Sri Lanka and seal a 2-0 series victory.

Fortunes ebbed and flowed, individual battles were fought, won and lost, and momentum changed from session to session.

Both teams were on top, then under pressure, while Sri Lanka had victory in their grasp inside three days before cold-blooded grit from New Zealand took it away.

After being asked to bat on a green wicket, New Zealand were dismissed for 221 on the first day before they reduced Sri Lanka to 78 for five by stumps and pundits predicted a result inside four days.

Kumar Sangakkara, however, refused to countenance any of those predictions and showed why he is considered one of the world’s greatest batsmen as the 37-year-old, in the twilight of his career, seized the game by the scruff of the neck.

Having become the fastest man to 12,000 career runs, Sangakkara worked, deflected, prodded, slashed, drove and flicked the New Zealand attack all over the field, bending the game to his will with Brendon McCullum powerless to stop him.

“He is an absolute great player,” home skipper McCullum said after his team completed their victory on Wednesday. “Sometimes you’ve got to tip your cap and say, ‘he’s too

SERIES WINNERS: New Zealand pose after winning the match and the series against Sri Lanka at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. – AFP

Mathews struggles to understand ‘shocking’ loss WELLINGTON: Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews struggled Wednesday to understand how his side went from a position of dominance to lose the second Test against New Zealand.

Sri Lanka collapsed after their mainstay Kumar Sangakkara was sensationally given out cheaply in their second innings by the review system when a draw, and possibly a remarkable series levelling win, were still possible.

“It was a shocking turn-

good’ when he’s in that frame of mind and playing as well as he is.

“It was a pleasure to watch him bat. It was frustrating from our point of view. At the same time,

around,” Mathews responded when questioned why Sri Lanka lost a game they had in control.

The first problem was the fielding and the succession of lives afforded Williamson.

“If we had held on to our catches, it would have been a different story. But they were able to reverse the pressure on us and we just couldn’t hold on,” he said. “You can’t really drop those sitters when you’re on the way to winning the game and you are desperate to win the game.”

you’ve got one of the best seats in the house to watch one of the masters at work.”

Fittingly, it took a moment of sheer athletic brilliance from

“Umpires have a tough job at hand and you can’t really comment (on the review system).

You have to be careful with that,” Mathews said.

“That’s the way it goes and unfortunately, or fortunately, we have to take it as it comes.”

Despite the controversial dismissal, Mathews felt he was let down by the lack of fight from the remainder of his batting line up as the last eight wickets fell for 135 runs. “He was the man in form and we needed

Trent Boult, diving high and to his left to pull in a square cut from Sangakkara that left many, including the batsman, wondering how he had managed to wrap his finger-

somebody to bat through the innings and Sanga’s wicket was the crucial one,” he said.

“We had to build up partnerships around him but I think we shouldn’t put a lot of pressure on him. He is a world class player and one of the best we have seen, but we also need the youngsters to grab opportunities.

“Slowly but surely the youngsters will learn but this is international cricket and we can’t expect one person to score all the time.” — AFP

tips around the ball to end the innings on 203.

Boult’s catch as it turns out was a perfectly microcosm of the fielding in the game. New Zealand held

WORLD CUP SQUAD

their catches when the chances came, Sri Lanka did not.

“We were able to put New Zealand under pressure by the third day but we missed a couple of sitters and good players make it count,” Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews said. “If we had held on to our catches, it would have been a different story.”

Williamson, however, capitalised on being dropped three times to anchor New Zealand’s second innings and combined in a world record 365-run sixth wicket partnership with Watling, which took the game away from the visitors.

“For so long we were miles behind the game and it took something pretty special for us to get out of trouble firstly,” McCullum said. “Overall, it was an excellent effort from our guys to be able to manufacture a win from nowhere really.” — Reuters NEW LOOK

Sri Lanka gamble on Malinga COLOMBO: Sri Lanka have included pace spearhead Lasith Malinga in their 15-man squad for the Cricket World Cup despite concerns over his fitness after ankle surgery, the country’s cricket board said on Wednesday.

The mercurial Malinga had left ankle surgery in September and missed the team’s One-day series against India and England.

Malinga is expected to return in the later stages of the seven match ODI series against New Zealand, which starts in Christchurch on Sunday, and was included in the World Cup squad, subject to fitness, the Sri Lanka board said in a statement.

The 31-year-old Malinga, whose yorkers delivered with a sling-shot action at times makes him almost unplayable, will be crucial for Sri Lanka’s chances in the 50-over World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Fast bowler Shaminda Eranga was the only name missing from the 16-member squad that will play in the ODI series in New Zealand as a warm-up for the Feb. 14-March 29 World Cup.

New Zealand 1st innings: 221 (K. Williamson 69; N. Pradeep 4-63, S. Lakmal 3-71) Sri Lanka 1st innings: 356 (K. Sangakkara 203, D. Chandimal 67; J. Neesham 3-42, D. Bracewell 3-93) New Zealand 2nd innings: 524-5 dec (K. Williamson 242 not out, B. Watling 142 not out; N. Pradeep 3-117) Sri Lanka 2nd innings (overnight 45-1) D. Karunaratne c Rutherford b Craig 17 K. Silva c Craig b Bracewell 50 D. Prasad c Neesham b Boult 6 K. Sangakkara c Watling b Boult 5 L. Thirimanne not out 62 A. Mathews c Williamson b Bracewell 8 P. Jayawardene c Williamson b Craig 10 D. Chandimal c Watling b Craig 13 R. Herath lbw Craig 0 S. Lakmal run out (Bracewell) 6 N. Pradeep b Southee 1 Extras (b-8, lb-6, w-3, nb-1) 18 Total (all out, 72.4 overs) 196 Fall of wicket: 1-42 (Karunaratne), 2-51 (Prasad), 3-61 (Sangakkara), 4-94 (Silva), 5-110 (Mathews), 6-133 (Jayawardene), 7-156 (Chandimal), 8-156 (Herath), 9-189 (Lakmal), 10-196 (Pradeep) Bowling: Boult 21-2-55-2 (1w), Southee 17.4-6-41-1, Bracewell 13-3-25-2 (1nb, 2w), Craig 18-8-53-4, Rutherford 1-0-2-0, Williamson 2-0-6-0

HOPING TO BE FIT: Lasith Malinga. – File photo

The 2011 World Cup runnersup, who lost to India in the final, also included off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake, who was recently cleared to bowl after remedial work on his action.

The team will be led by allrounder Angelo Mathews with left-handed batsman Lahiru Thirimanne as his deputy.

The island nation will play two warm-up games, against South Africa and Zimbabwe, before their opening match of the tour-

nament against co-hosts New Zealand on February 14.

Squad: Angelo Mathews (captain), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Lahiru Thirimanne (vice-captain), Dinesh Chandimal, Dimuth Karunaratne, Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga (subject to fitness), Dhammika Prasad, Nuwan Kulasekara, Rangana Herath, Sachithra Senanayake. — Reuters

Zimbabwe make major changes HARARE: Zimbabwe have recalled several players to their squad for next month’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand marking major changes from the list for the Bangladesh series in November.

Chamu Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Tawanda Mupariwa, Prosper Utseya and Sean Williams all return after not being selected for the trip to Bangladesh.

Utseya is included despite being reported for an illegal bowling action. He will not be able to bowl off spin at the World Cup but has since turned his hand to medium pace off-cutters.

Squad: Elton Chigumbura (captain), Sikandar Raza Butt, Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Hamilton Masakadza, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Solomon Mire, Tawanda Mupariwa, Tinashe Panyangara, Brendan Taylor, Prosper Utseya, Sean Williams. — Reuters

T H U R S DAY, JAN UARY 8, 2 01 5

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SPORTS Smith joins greats as India chase huge total SCOREBOARD

Australia 1st innings (overnight 348 for 2) C. Rogers b Shami 95 D. Warner c Vijay b Ashwin 101 S. Watson c Ashwin b Shami 81 S. Smith c Saha b Yadav 117 S. Marsh c Saha b Shami 73 J. Burns c Rahul b Shami 58 B. Haddin not out 9 R. Harris c Ashwin b Shami 25 Extras (lb-6, w-7) 13 Total (7 wickets decl., 152.3 overs) 572 Fall of wickets: 1-200 (Warner), 2-204 (Rogers), 3-400 (Watson), 4-415 (Smith), 5-529 (Marsh), 6-546 (Burns), 7-572 (Harris) Bowling: Kumar 34-5-122-0, Yadav 27-5137-1 (6w), Shami 28.3-3-112-5, Ashwin 47-8-142-1, Raina 16-3-53-0

The Aussie skipper became only the third batsman along with Don Bradman and Jacques Kallis to score tons in four consecutive Tests in the same series as his team posted a total beyond 500 for the fourth Test running

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appeared solid. – AFP

STEVE SMITH

117 runs from 208 balls with 15 fours

SYDNEY: Steve Smith joined the greats on Wednesday with his fourth century of the series as India hung in after the shock loss of an early wicket on the second day of the final Test in Sydney.

The Aussie skipper became only the third batsman along with Don Bradman and Jacques Kallis to score tons in four consecutive Tests in the same series as his team posted a total beyond 500 for the fourth Test running.

Smith contributed 117 in Australia’s first innings declaration of 572 for seven before the tourists were rocked by the third-ball dismissal of opener Murali Vijay for a duck. At the close, India had stabilised at 71 for one to trail Australia by 501 with Lokesh Rahul on 31 and Rohit Sharma hitting two sixes on his way to 40 not out.

“I thought our whole top six played really well,” Smith said.

“We’ve relied a lot on the tail in the last couple of Test matches and I said the batters had to step up in this match.

“The whole top six got above fifty which I don’t think has happened before. That’s outstanding for us. “It’s not the kind of wicket I think where you can blast sides out. It’s about staying patient and hopefully the patience pays off.”

Left-armer Mitchell Starc, bowling with fire and rhythm, slanted one across Vijay and coaxed a snick to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.

Starc may be in disciplinary trouble for giving Vijay a big sendoff, roaring in his face and waving his fists in a fiery opening over as Mitchell Johnson’s injury replacement. But the day belonged to Smith, who added another century to his unbeaten 162 in Adelaide, 133 in Brisbane and 192 in Melbourne in this series.

“It’s been a pretty special summer for me personally, obviously with some of the results that I’ve got,” Smith said.

“But look, I always put the team first, I think the success the team has had over the last little bit

CRICKET

Pakistan include leg-spinner Yasir Shah in World Cup squad KARACHI: Pakistan on Wednesday included inexperienced leg-spinner Yasir Shah in their 15-man squad for next month’s World Cup, hoping he can fill the gap left by Saeed Ajmal who withdrew due to an illegal bowling action.

Ajmal, who has led Pakistan’s attack in all three formats of the game since 2009, was suspended in September because of problems with his action.

He has undergone remedial work but nevertheless withdrew last month from the World Cup to be held in Australia and New Zealand after he failed completely to conform to regulations.

Pakistan hope all-rounder Mohammed Hafeez, who was included in the squad, can pass a test this month on his own bowling action.

He was suspended in November.

Under International Cricket Council rules, bowlers are permitted to straighten their bowling arm only by up to 15 degrees.

Shah has played only one Oneday International in his career but chief selector Moin Khan gave him a vote of confidence.

“I think Shah will be effective... and we have confidence in him,” Khan said.

Misbah-ul Haq will lead the national side for the first time in the World Cup.

I think Yasir Shah will be effective... and we have confidence in him Moin Khan Chief selector

Pakistan, placed in Group B, will open their campaign with a highly-charged clash against arch-rivals and defending champions India in Adelaide on February 15.

This will be followed by matches against the West Indies, Zimbabwe, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa and Ireland.

The top four teams from each of the two groups will qualify for the quarterfinals, leading up to the final in Melbourne on March 29.

Khan said the team was selected after consultation with Misbah and coach Waqar Younis.

“We selected the squad after thorough consultation... and although no one can give assuranc-

es of results, we are hopeful that the team will do well,” said Khan, a member of Pakistan’s only World Cup-winning side in Australia in 1992.

Paceman Sohail Khan was a surprise inclusion after he took ten wickets in three games in domestic matches in Karachi.

The 30-year-old bowler played the last of his five one-day internationals in Zimbabwe in 2011.

Sohail said he would try to make his mark in the mega event.

“I am happy at my selection after good performances in the domestic matches,” Sohail said.

“I will not be in awe of any batsman like (India’s Virat) Kohli or anyone but I will be trying to take wickets in the World Cup to help my team.”

Pakistan’s pace attack will be made up of the lanky Mohammad Irfan, Junaid Khan, Wahab Riaz and Sohail. Pacemen Umar Gul and Sohail Tanvir and batsmen Kamran Akmal and Shoaib Malik failed to make the cut due to recent poor form.

Squad: Misbah-ul Haq (captain), Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammed Hafeez, Sarfraz Ahmed, Younis Khan, Haris Sohail, Umar Akmal, Sohaib Maqsood, Shahid Afridi, Yasir Shah, Mohammed Irfan, Junaid Khan, Ehsan Adil, Sohail Khan, Wahab Riaz. — AFP

PHOTO GALLERY W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N .C O M

has been outstanding and we’re in another good position in this Test match.”

Australia passed 500 for the fourth Test of the series, a feat last registered against the Garry Sobers-led West Indies at home in 1968-69.

Smith was out just before lunch when he was caught behind off Umesh Yadav ending his 208-ball knock spiced with 15 fours.

Purple patch He has 698 runs in the series at an average of 139.6, placing him third behind Bradman (715) and Ricky Ponting (706) for most runs in a series against India.

Smith is having an extraordinary purple patch and has now scored six centuries in the first innings of his last seven Tests at home. Watson again missed out on what would have been only his fifth Test century when, on a flat SCG wicket, he had another brain snap and hoisted Mohammed Shami straight to Ravichandran

Did not bat: M. Starc, N. Lyon, J. Hazlewood India 1st innings M. Vijay c Haddin b Starc 0 L. Rahul not out 31 R. Sharma not out 40 Total (1 wicket, 25 overs) 71 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Vijay) Bowling: Starc 6-2-17-1, Harris 7-1-17-0, Hazlewood 4-1-10-0, Lyon 8-1-27-0 To bat: V. Kohli, A. Rahane, S. Raina, W. Saha, R. Ashwin, M. Shami, U. Yadav, B. Kumar Toss: Australia Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena (SRI) Richard Kettleborough (ENG) TV umpire: Simon Fry (AUS) Match referee: Roshan Mahanama (SRI)

Ashwin at deep midwicket for 81.

Watson has now scored 24 halfcenturies but just four tons in 56 Tests, with his last Test hundred coming against England in Perth in December 2013. He toiled for 250 minutes and faced 183 balls in putting on 196 runs for the third wicket with Smith.

Shaun Marsh added 73 to his 99 in Melbourne before he was caught behind off Shami nearing tea. Marsh batted for 116 balls with nine fours and a six.

Joe Burns, playing in his second Test, was well caught by Rahul in the deep for 58 off 114 balls and Ryan Harris roused the crowd with a lusty 25 off nine balls before the declaration.

It was hard going on the unresponsive SCG pitch for India’s bowlers with Shami finishing with five for 112 off 28.3 overs.

India have already lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with Australia holding an unassailable 2-0 lead following wins in Adelaide and Brisbane.

The tourists have wonly one of their last 22 Tests overseas and have been successful in only one of their 10 Tests at the Sydney Cricket Ground, that sole victory coming 37 years ago. - AFP

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T H U R S DAY, JA N UA RY 8, 2 0 1 5

SPORTS Prince Ali to start campaign in Melbourne Prince Ali must convince a bulk of voters in the AFC he is the man for the job if he is to become only the ninth leader of Fifa and the first from Asia

MELBOURNE: Fifa presidential candidate Prince Ali bin Al Hussein heads to Melbourne for Friday’s AFC Extraordinary Congress, aiming to convince Asian members he is the man to clean up world soccer’s governing body.

The Jordanian royal said on Tuesday he would challenge for soccer’s top job at the May elections in Zurich against Frenchman Jerome Champagne and incumbent Sepp Blatter after becoming fed up with the sport being dragged through the mud by poor governance.

Backed by UEFA President Michel Platini and the near majority of the European confederation, the 39-year-old prince must convince a bulk of voters in the AFC he is the man for the job if he is to become only the ninth leader of Fifa and the first from Asia.

However, getting AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa onside is most certainly a bridge too far. The Bahraini and Jordanian endured an ugly public spat last year after Shaikh Salman pushed through legislation to en-

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OOC celebrates success of Olympic Day activities

Fifa job ‘too early’ for Prince Ali: Al Sabah JAKARTA: Asia’s powerful Olympic chief Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah on Wednesday underlined his support for Sepp Blatter to remain as Fifa president despite a challenge by Jordan’s Prince Ali bin Al Hussein.

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) president said it was “too early” for Prince Ali, 39, to take over from Blatter, 78.

The Kuwaiti is considered highly influential in world sport, owing to his leadership of both the OCA and the Asso-

sure the AFC President automatically took the Fifa vice-president position currently held by Ali. The Jordanian suggested the Bahraini should spend less time on playing politics and more on developing the sport in a final dig as he inevitably lost out in the power struggle. Next on Shaikh Salman’s radar is finalising the removal of Iran from the Ali-founded West Asian Football Federation, which the Jordanian also presides over.

Friday’s meeting in Melbourne, one of Asia’s furthest outposts, will see members ratify Iran’s move to the Central Asian Federation, while the composition of the AFC executive committee could also see some changes.

Some unsourced reports suggest Australian lawyer and AFC

ciation of National Olympic Committees.

“When I commit, I commit.

I repeat my commitment to Blatter for him to run for one more term,” Sheikh Ahmad told reporters during a visit to Jakarta.

“As to Prince Ali, I support him to keep his career in Fifa.

If he takes my advice, I think it is too early for him. I was speaking for Kuwait. We will support Blatter very strongly and we will not allow anyone to challenge him.” - AFP

Vice-President Moya Dodd, an Ali ally, could be shunted aside in the shake up.

Although Shaikh Salman has already declared the AFC’s full support for the 78-year-old Blatter to stand for a fifth term, Ali remains a popular figure in some corners of the 47-member association.

His non-profit Asian Football Development Project has helped with developments in many of the continent’s poorest countries, while he has been behind the increased promotion of women’s soccer in the region. He also won plaudits for his fight to remove the ban on headscarves being worn in women’s matches after pressing Blatter to take the issue to soccer’s law makers, the International Football Association Board. - Reuters

MUSCAT: The Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) on Wedneday organised a ceremony to celebrate the success of the Olympic Day events and to honour the organisations and invididuals who contributed to its success.

The 2014 edition of the Olympic Day events were organised on December 22 and for the first time the events were held simultanously in five different governorates.

The ceremony was presided over OOC chief Sheikh Khalid bin

Mohammed Al Zubair and was attended by Olympic Day Organising Committee chief Mutassim Al Zadjali. In his remarks, Sheikh Khalid Al Zubair lauded the efforts everyone who contributed to the Olympic Day success.

FOUR IN A ROW

Toure in the running for fourth African award CAPE TOWN: Yaya Toure has a chance to become the first player to be named African Footballer of the Year four years in a row when the 2014 winner is announced in Lagos on Thursday.

Toure is one of a trio of finalists, along with Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, for

the annual accolade voted for by coaches and captains of the continent’s national teams.

Toure has earned another nomination on the back of excellent performances for Manchester City in the Premier League rather than his achievements with the Ivory Coast, who failed to reach the second round at the World Cup in Brazil. - Reuters

NEW YEAR CRICKET CUP TOURNAMENT FROM JANUARY 16 A total of 19 teams will be participating in New Year Cricket Cup to be organised by Rising Kokan Team at Bausher Municipality Ground from January 16. The tournament will be sponsored by Abu Maather, Al Faisal Group, Shalimar Restaurant, Nurson, Majan Events, United Gulf Beacons, Al Zaitun Travels, Al Rawabi and Pocari Sweat. The teams are divided into two groups. Group A comprises OEC, Mangloreans, Asfandyar, Royal Challenger, Coastal Cricketers and Al Faisal. Group B consists of Knight Rider Mangalore, Friends XI, Seven Seas Rising Stars, MCC, Ibn Sina Pharmacy, U Maather, Kokani Boys, Al Naba, Bombay Blues, Eleven Warriors, Ofsat Warriors, Badar al Sama Hospital and Masters Eleven. — Supplied photo

FOOTBALL

Constantine offered India coaching job NEW DELHI: India have offered Englishman Stephen Constantine the job of coaching their national team for a second time, as they look to shed their reputation as football’s sleeping giant.

Constantine, currently the head coach of Rwanda, was in charge of India from 2002 to 2005 during which the side managed to achieve a best-ever Fifa ranking of 109.

Football’s popularity has been growing steadily in the cricketmad nation and many of the matches in the recently concluded Indian Super League (ISL) drew tens of thousands of supporters.

However, India currently rank 171st in the world, more than 100 places behind Constantine’s cur-

rent charges who are 68th.

In a statement on their website, the All India Football Federation confirmed they had approached “Stephen Constantine to become the head coach of the senior men’s national team and the U23 team.”

Reports said the 52-year-old, who has also coached Nepal and Sudan, had been offered a threeyear deal worth $20,000 a month.

Former New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert had also been in the running but just missed out to the Englishman, the reports said.

The position became vacant after Dutchman Wim Koevermans resigned in October after the India’s 3-2 home defeat against Palestine in a friendly. - AFP

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‘ P O W E R O F PA R T N E R S H I P S ’

Second edition of OHI Golf Open to be held on January 23 MUSCAT: After a stellar inaugural edition in 2014, OHI Golf Open 2015 is ready with some more exciting golfing action for golf enthusiasts in Oman.

The second edition of the Open Golf tournament will also be held in the Ghala Valley Golf Club on January 23. The event will be or-

ganised and sponsored by the OHI Group of Companies with eager participation expected from corporates, business leaders and individuals alike.

The first edition of the tournament held at the Ghala Valley Golf Club was won by Azzan Al Rumhy who received the OHI Open Re-

volving Trophy with a gross score of 76 in the main ‘gross’ category.

The tournament is an ideal platform for both professionals and amateurs, as it offers the right venue for them to put their skills to the test while rubbing shoulders with the Who’s Who of Oman’s corporate world.

Eihab Al Saleh, Chief Executive Officer, OHI Group of Companies, said: “The first edition of the tournament was a huge success in terms of attracting some great players who showed excellent skill and grace. Golf as a sport requires the perfect balance of grace, skill and power, which we saw in most

of the players, last year. This year too we expect to see participation from some very skilled players. The OHI Golf Open is a seamless extension of our belief which is the ‘Power of Partnerships’. Not only does it offer a great day of golfing, but it also lets the participants’ partner in the spirit of great golfing.”

The second edition of OHI Golf Open will feature an 18-hole round in strokeplay format. Tee times start from 6.30 a.m. There will be attractive prizes in both the gross and nett categories. For more information contact Ghala Valley Golf Club or email at leon@golfworldoman.com

Oman set for Rotax Max Challenge Muscat Speedway to host two rounds of UAE championships for the first time while top drivers from Oman and UAE set to fight for supremacy

MUSCAT: Top drivers from Oman and United Arab Emirates (UAE) will vie for top honours when the Rotax Max Challenge (RMC) season begins at the Oman Automobile Association’s karting track, Muscat Speedway, this weekend.

Apart from the six rounds of the Oman RMC, the speedway will host two rounds of the UAE national championships for the first time.

“We are proud to conduct two rounds of UAE Rotax Max Challenge at our facility. It shows Muscat Speedway’s growing stature as a top karting destination in the region. Motorsports fans can expect a lot as talented drivers from both the countries fight for supremacy,” said event co-ordinator, Mommin bin Nasser Al Rawahi.

The season begins on January 9, followed by the second round

GROWIN IN STATURE: OAA officials believe that hosting of two UAE Rotax Max Challenge shows Muscat Speedway’s growing stature as a

top karting destination in the region. – Supplied photo

on January 10. The second week’s action will take place on January 16 and 17.

These rounds will be more exciting as the third and fourth rounds of Oman RMC will be held along with the seventh and eighth

rounds of the UAE RMC. The final rounds (Round 5 and 6) will be held on February 20 and 21.

The teams, along with their karts, have already begun to arrive at the Speedway, while the OAA officials are busy sprucing up

the track and the facilities.

As many as 40 drivers, including 10 from the UAE, have registered for the first two rounds, while the second week’s event is expected to attract more than 100 drivers from UAE alone.

CRICKET

Rockers, FCC, HCC, Al Faisal, AKCT register wins at GST Falcon Cup MUSCAT: Muscat Rockers, FCC, HCC, Al Faisal and AKCT recorded victories at the ongoing GST Falcon Cup cricket tournament.

Muscat Rockers defeated Asad XI by three runs. Batting first, Muscat Rockers scored 70 for five thanks to a 13-ball 30 runs by Rubel. In reply, Asad XI started very well but failed to convert the good start provided by the top order batsmen. Asad XI’s Sajad, who scored 39 off 17 balls and took one wicket in two overs, was adjudged the man of the match.

FCC batted first against Al Kalili and scored 69 for six. In reply, Al Kalili lost wickets at regular intervals and fell short by 30 runs.

FCC’s Sadh, who scored 11 runs and returned with figures of five for three in two overs, won the man of the match award.

In a match against Batkal XI, HCC batted first and scored 75 for six thanks to contributions from Sajeev (26) and Zahid (19). In reply, Batkal XI fell short by 44 runs.

HCC’s Zahid won the man of the match award after scoring 19 runs and claiming three for two.

Against OEC, Al Faisal batted first and scored 73 for five.

Sagheer was the top scorer with 34 runs. In reply, OEC lost wickets at regular intervals and fell short by 12 runs. Sagheer was declared the man of the match.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Sagheer receives his award after starring in Al Faisal’s victory over OEC in the

GST Falcon Cup cricket tournament. – Supplied photo

In another match between FCC and AKCT, the former batted first and scored 56 for seven. AKCT, in reply, achieved their target losing just one wicket. AKCT’s, who scored 40 runs and claimed one

wicket, won the man of the match.

Meanwhile, Al Faisal overcame HCC in an exciting match.

Batting first, HCC scored 67 for seven thanks to 12-ball 33 by Sajeev. In reply, Al Faisal lost three

wickets in two overs with just 12 runs on the board. But Ifran came up with a man of the match performance scoring 41 off 17 balls as Al Faisal reached the target with two overs to spare.

“The second week’s action will be more entertaining as the third and fourth rounds of the Oman RMC will be held along with the seventh and eighth rounds of the UAE national competition. We expect around 100 drivers from UAE apart

from 30 contestants from Oman for the second week,” said Mommin.

The decision to hold two national championships at the same venue provides upcoming drivers a good opportunity to test their skills while rubbing the shoulders with some of the best drivers in the region.

Competitions will be held on five categories, viz. DD2, Senior Max, Micro Max, Mini Max and Bambinos.

“Top professionals will compete in the two-gear DD2 category while experienced drivers will vie for honours in Senior Max section.

Future stars will battle it out in the Micro Max and Mini Max categories, while children between the ages of five and six will test their skills in the Bambinos,” Mommin explained.

Oman’s finest drivers Sanad and Abdullah Al Rawahi, Faisal Al Zubair, Shihab Al Habsi, Mohammed Al Habsi are the top drivers to watch out for from Oman, while Sean Babington, Piers P Walsh and Emanuele Pagani, who lead the DD2 points table, will lead UAE’s charge.

Veteran rally driver Hamed Al Wahaibi will be seen in action during the Oman-UAE event, said the OAA officials. Competitions will begin at 9 a.m. during weekends, and will conclude by 4 p.m.

Rotax Max Challenge scheduled: Jan 9 and 10: Oman RMC (Rounds 1 & 2); Jan 16 and 17: Oman RMC (Rounds 3 & 4)/UAE RMC (Rounds 7 & 8); Fed 20 and 21: Oman RMC (Rounds 5 & 6).

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T H U R S DAY, JA N UA RY 8, 2 0 1 5

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HOPMAN CUP

France edge Australia to keep title hopes alive PERTH: France kept their hopes of a second successive Hopman Cup title alive by edging past Australia at the Perth Arena on Wednesday.

The French pairing of Alize Cornet, who teamed with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to win the mixed teams tournament last year, and Benoit Paire won the Group B tie 2-1, after taking out the deciding mixed doubles rubber against Casey Dellacqua and Marinko Matosevic.

With one win and a loss from their two ties, Cornet and Paire, who replaced the injured Tsonga at the tournament, will need to defeat unbeaten Poland on Friday to be in with a chance to advance to DISAPPOINTED

Injured Tsonga pulls out of Aussie Open PARIS: A forearm strain has ruled Jo-Wilfried Tsonga out of the Australian Open, the French tennis ace said on his personal website on Wednesday.

“It is with great disappointment that I have to postpone today the start of my season, pulling out of the Australian Open,” explained the 29-year-old who was pictured wearing a hightech support on his right hand and arm.

“I’m still suffering from a forearm inflammation (intersection syndrome) and that prevents me from being at full capacity,” he said.

The popular French No. 1 and world No. 12 has been struggling with the arm injury for several weeks and it laid him low during the Davis Cup final against Switzerland in Lille in November.

In that contest Tsonga played the opening rubber against Stan Wawrinka but lost in four sets and then withdrew from the rest of the match which the Swiss won 3-1.

He then withdrew from the Hopman Cup team tournament in Perth and said he was in doubt for the Australian Open which starts in Melbourne on January 19.

Tsonga’s best Grand Slam run to date came at the Australian Open in 2008 when he beat Raphael Nadal on the way to the final before losing in four sets to Novak Djokovic.

He said he would be undergoing treatment for the condition over the next three weeks in a bid to be fit in time for the Masters Series tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami. - AFP

Saturday’s final of the eight-nation tournament.

If the Polish pairing of Agnieszka Radwanska and Jerzy Janowicz win Friday’s tie they will go through to the title decider. Radwanska and Grzegorz Panfil were beaten in last year’s final by the French.

World No. 18 Cornet, who appeared to be troubled by a lower back complaint, had her hands full with local favourite Casey Dellacqua early and it was the 29th-ranked Australia who took the first set 6-4.

At 5-5 in the second set the match was evenly poised, but the Frenchwoman then won seven successive games to put her on her way to a 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 win.

With one win and a loss from two ties, Cornet and Paire need to defeat unbeaten Poland on Friday to be in with a chance to advance to final Paire then looked set to secure the tie for the French when he took the first set against Matosevic, but the Australian substitute player fought back to win the match in three sets, 2-6, 6-4, 6-2.

The French then claimed the mixed doubles, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5 in a very tight battle.

Britain beaten Earlier, Radwanska and Janowicz remained unbeaten after two ties by claiming the deciding mixed doubles rubber against Great Britain’s Heather Watson and Andy Murray.

Radwanska gave the Poles the early ascendancy when she was far too good for 50th ranked Watson,

Djokovic enters last eight stage Djokovic’s win enabled him to avoid a potential banana skin, especially in the aftermath of the illness which almost prevented him competing

DOHA: World No. 1 Novak Djokovic took a significant step towards winning a tournament in the opening week of the season for the first time in eight years when he brushed aside the challenge of Sergiy Stakhovsky.

The Serbian’s 6-2, 6-1 win over the Ukrainian carried him to the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open and enabled him to avoid a potential banana skin, especially in the aftermath of the illness which almost prevented him competing, Stakhovsky, who likes to attack the net much more than is fashionable these days, is unusually dangerous when the adrenaline is flowing, and is best known for his upset of Roger Federer at Wimbledon 18 months ago.

On Wednesday though there were only brief moments when something like that seemed possible, in the seventh game when Stakhovsky earned three break back points and might have pulled

winning plenty of cheap points through Watson errors in her 65-minute 6-3, 6-1 win.

Radwanska said she played significantly better than when defeating Australian Casey Dellacqua on Sunday. “I felt very good on the court today and in the second set I was playing much better, I think more consistent and confident and that’s for sure,” she said.

Radwanska said defeat in last year’s final would motivate her in Friday’s tie against the French.

Murray, ranked sixth in the world, levelled the tie with an impressive 6-2, 6-4 win over Janowicz. The Scot dropped the first two games against the dangerous Jano-

wicz, but then reeled off nine successive games to take total control.

Murray had complained of shoulder pain after his opening win against Paire. While he was still a little sore during the clash with Janowicz, he said it was nothing to be concerned about.

“My shoulder felt much better today,” Murray said.

“It’s not like when I play on it it gets much worse, I do feel much better after a bit of rest and treatment on it.”

In the mixed doubles, the Poles were always in control in their 6-4, 6-4 winning match, creating 15 break points to their opponents’ three during the match. - AFP

B R I S B A N E I N T E R NAT I O NA L

Japan star Nishikori storms into quarters BRISBANE: Japanese star Kei Nishikori enjoyed a solid start to the year when he downed American Steve Johnson 6-4, 7-5 in the second round of the Brisbane International on Wednesday.

Fifth seed Nishikori, who received a first round bye, was never in any real trouble against Johnson despite being made to work hard for the win.

Nishikori enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2014, winning four tournaments and making the final of the U.S. Open.

He broke the American once in each set and faced just two break points on his own serve early in the second. Afterwards he gave himself a pass mark for his first outing in 2015.

“I thought it was pretty good. I served really well, I think. I saved

a couple of break points with good serves, and had a couple of aces,” Nishikori said.

The world No. 5 will now take on either Bernard Tomic or Thanasi Kokkinakis in the quarterfinals. Fourth seed Grigor Dimitrov was given a huge scare

by Frenchman Jeremy Chardy before scraping through 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (10/8). Dimitrov plays Martin Klizan in the quarterfinals after the Slovakian upset seventh seed Alexandr Dolgopolov 1-6, 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (9/7).

In the women’s draw, seventh seed Carla Suarez Navarro beat Mirjana Lucic-Baroni 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, Alla Kudryavtseva defeated Czech Karolina Pliskova 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 and Estonia’s Kaia Kanepi beat American qualifier Madison Brengle 6-3, 7-6 (7/3). - AFP

CHENNAI OPEN

Wawrinka toys with Croatian teen Coric SIGNIFICANT STEP: Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates his win against Sergiy Stakhovsky of the Ukraine at the Qatar Open in Doha on Wednesday. – AFP

the first set back to parity.

But Djokovic played all three of them with excellent focus and nicely controlled aggression, and after this mini-crisis was over, he took encouragement and became twice the player.

“I have never played here before but I shall definitely be coming back next year,” said the man who is playing in the first week of

the ATP World Tour for only the third time.

“And I’m feeling better.”

That medical news is probably the most important piece of progress for the man who has won the Australian Open four times and very much wants to win the title back this month after his shock loss to Stan Wawrinka in last year’s quarterfinals. - AFP

CHENNAI: Top seed Stanislas Wawrinka opened his campaign in the new season with a 6-1, 6-4 demolition of teenager Borna Coric of Croatia to cruise into the ATP Chennai Open quarterfinals on Wednesday.

The Swiss world No. 4 gave the 18-year-old Coric a tennis lesson as he began the defence of his title in the $450,000 event on the centre court of the Numgambakkam Tennis Centre.

Wawrinka will next play eighth seed Gilles Muller of Luxembourg for a place in the semifi-

nals. Muller, 31, still looking for his first title after 14 years on the circuit, brushed aside Swedish teenager Elias Ymer 6-4, 6-2 in an hour and 19 minutes.

Fourth seed David Goffin of Belgium overcame a mid-match loss of form to struggle past Richardas Berankis of Lithuania in three sets 6-0, 4-6, 7-6 (7/1).

Goffin’s quarterfinal opponent will be Austrian Andreas HaiderMaurer.

Maurer came from behind to oust Jiri Vesely of the Czech Republic 6-7 (3/7), 6-4, 6-4. - AFP

BIG CHALLANGE

Nine-member ISM team leave for India to take part in CBSE National Athletic Meet

MUSCAT: A nine-member Indian School Muscat (ISM) athletic team left for India to participate in the CBSE National Athletic Meet, which is scheduled to be held in Mehsana, Ahmadabad in Gujarat.

According to a press release issued by the school, Samantha Pinto, Rithu Cheriyan, Anoushka

Punja and Beatrice Thambiraja will represent the school in under-16 category in 4x100m and 4x400m competitions. Samantha, Anoushka and Beatrice will represent the school in various individual events as well.

Mohammed Hisham, Mohammed Ali, Johan C and Irfan Ummer will participate in the

under-16 100m competition while the under-19 category will see Shahid Ali Khan taking part 800m.

The ISM athletes had qualified for the CBSE Nationals after their excellent performances in the CBSE Oman Clusters held earlier at various Indian schools in the Sultanate.

The team will be accompanied by athletic coach Johns Abraham and team manager Novena Augustine.

ISM Principal Srinivas K. Naidu, vice-principals and members of various departments and students wished the team all success at CBSE National Athletic Meet in India.

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SECTION

inespace Film Studios, Toronto — It’s lunchtime on the set of doppelgänger thriller Enemy, and star Jake Gyllenhaal slides his tray along the rails of the food counter with the rest of the cast and crew, his plate loading up with fish, salad and couscous.

He cuts an imposing figure as he strides to the table, his 6ft 1in frame clad in a crisp white shirt tucked into tan slacks, his blue eyes clouded above a heavy black beard. Seated, however, his smile is wide, his enthusiasm infectious. So eager is he to talk about his second team-up with the French-Canadian director Denis Villeneuve, after the harrowing child-abduction thriller Prisoners, that his fork hovers in the air like a metallic exclamation mark, food untouched.

“Enemy is about a man who is married, his wife is pregnant, and he’s having an affair,” Gyllenhaal begins, keen to detect the nub of this outré fable, based on José Saramago’s 2002 source novel The Double. “He has to figure himself out before he can commit to life as an adult.”

Such an explanation doesn’t begin to tell the tale. With the action set in a Toronto of brutalist architecture, vast spaces and clogged freeways, Enemy is about a repressed history teacher Adam (Gyllenhaal) who spies his double, Anthony (Gyllenhaal again), in a movie. Determinedly tracking the actor down, he discovers that the two men are identical, right down to the same scar on their stomachs.

Then things get really weird. Vexed by Adam’s repeated intrusions into his life, Anthony decides to run a series of recon-

SIGHT & SOUND

naissance missions of his own — the stalkee stalking the stalker, if you will. Soon, the identities of Anthony and Adam begin to morph and mingle, until finally it is hard to determine which of the men we are viewing, and just how much of the action is reality or fantasy.

“It’s very difficult to describe, but one doesn’t exist without the other,” Gyllenhaal explains. “We made the decision that there wasn’t going to be a great physical difference between them. I thought maybe one character can have a beard and the other doesn’t, but Denis said, ‘No, both characters will have beards. The difference between them will be a flick of a hand.’”

Painted in grey, ochre and sepia, with the tops of Toronto’s towering structures lost in permanent smog, Enemy is a claustrophobic, labyrinthine vision beholden to David Lynch and Roman Polanski, Franz Kafka and JG Ballard. It is a film that Villeneuve and Gyllenhaal are finding as they go along, huddling between takes to discover what they have and where they might venture. After lunch, the director and star sit on the edge of Anthony’s kingsized bed in his modernist apartment, scrutinising a monitor. Finally satisfied, Villeneuve calls action. Gyllenhaal murmurs into a phone then hangs up and steps into a pristine living room dominated by a gigantic TV and a glass table with Perspex chairs. The Canadian actress Sarah Gadon, playing Anthony’s six-month pregnant wife, Helen, stares at him accusingly. “Who was it? Are you seeing her again?” she asks, the start of an escalating argument.

When Gyllenhaal and Villeneuve reconvene to watch the footage back, they whisper urgently before trying it another way,

and another, and then another.

Lines, intonation and positioning alter, but the heightened mood remains the same.

Gyllenhaal approaches.

“This movie hopefully feels like you’re dreaming,” he explains. “It’s an exploration of the unconscious. Such an intense mood.

I have this feeling that, ironically, the darker the places you go, the more you can illuminate. I really do believe in the world being a genuinely complicated place, but a very beautiful one.”

Descended from Swedish nobility, Jake Gyllenhaal is Hollywood royalty. The son of the director Stephen Gyllenhaal and screenwriter Naomi Foner, his older sister is actress Maggie, while his foster parents include Jamie Lee Curtis and the late Paul Newman. He made his debut as Billy Crystal’s son in City Slickers, aged 11, and turned heads playing an alienated teen who is warned of the end of the world by a 6ft rabbit in cult favourite Donnie Darko. That was in 2001, and, a couple of empty-spectacle blockbusters aside, the 34-year-old actor has spent the past 13 years attacking challenging character roles of considerable heft: a cowboy in Brokeback Mountain; a bored marine in Jarhead; a journalist tracking a serial killer in Zodiac; a CIA analyst overseeing the illegal torture of a terror suspect in Rendition; and an LA cop targeted by a Mexican drug cartel in End of Watch. “Those are the things that interest me,” he shrugs. “I love movies that have currency. Movies are political, whether they’re escapist or tackle something head on. There’s a responsibility in telling a story. There’s a responsibility to know your own mind. “One of the things that changes in your career is that, at the beginning,

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM T H URS DAY, JA NUA RY 8, 2 0 1 5

people are telling you what you fit into, and later, if you do some things that people like, you make the decisions yourself. You have to know yourself well enough to make those decisions.”

Currently doing the most interesting work of his career, Gyllenhaal is tipped to receive his first best-actor Oscar nomination for Nightcrawler (he was also nominated for his supporting role in Brokeback Mountain in 2005). In that, he plays Louis Bloom, a gaunt loner who embarks on a career hawking LA crime footage after seeing a news crew descend on a late-night road accident. “There were a lot of scenes in the screenplay where Lou’s ordering food and he can’t afford it,” he says, accounting for his decision to shed 30lbs for the role. “They’re no longer in the movie, but they’re in the character.

Lou is an animal who comes out at night, scavenging to survive. He’s a coyote.”

Would Oscar recognition be particularly rewarding, given that Nightcrawler is the first film he has produced, after scoring an executive producer credit on End of Watch? “I’d be thrilled — it’s important that movies like this get made and get seen, and that people are allowed to express their point of view in a complicated, different way,” he says. “But I don’t do the job (for awards). I do it to learn about life. I think acting is an incredibly immature, selfish profession, but on the flipside of that, it helps you practice empathy. When you do your research, you see what real people are doing in the world.”

There’s a craving in his voice that is worthy of Lou. “I’m hungry and excited to get to the core of characters.” -Jamie Graham/The Independent

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T H U R S DAY, JA N UA RY 8, 2 0 1 5

ETCETERA The bad boy of classical music, Nigel Kennedy, now sells more records than any pop star since Elvis Presley

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is spiky hair, designer stubble, black jacket and faded blue sweatpants have all the trademarks of a pop star. So does the $200,000 flaming red Mustang convertible and the hordes of PR men and women desperate to smooth the path of the great man.

With an income of $10 million a year, solo album sales higher than anyone since Elvis, and a place in the Guinness Book of Records 58-year-old Nigel Kennedy is still the most unexpected pop superstar — particularly as he plays the violin!

The unconventional genius who plays a $2 million Guarneri violin, is no longer only a classical virtuoso. His current tour takes in jazz clubs as well as classical concert halls and his version of punk anthems topped the album charts in over ten countries.

“I’m just a fiddle player,” he says. “So long as I’m playing and people like what I do, I’m happy.”

There’s a bit more to it than that. When he first hit stardom 30 years ago with his cockney accent, his love of drinks, partying and his scruffy punk clothes, Nigel Kennedy single-handedly broke the mould of the classical musician in white tie and tails.

Described by Prince Charles as a “rebel and visionary”, Kennedy is now one of the world’s richest musicians but his story is a classic rags-to-riches tale — his mother was a struggling piano teacher who brought up her son after his father, a cellist, abandoned the family and died of drink.

But young Nigel did have one spectacular stroke of luck — violin legend Yehudi Menuhin recognised his talent and offered the seven-year-old a place in his violin school. “He paid for everything,” Nigel remembers. “My mum had no money. He was like a father to me. I will forever be grateful to him. I miss him all the time.”

His mother was Nigel’s biggest fan — he took her to America to hear him play in New York’s Carnegie Hall. “It meant the world to her. She was a great mum and always did what she thought was best for me.”

Nowadays Nigel divides his time between the $2 million Worcestershire mansion, home of his former girlfriend Eve Westmore and their 18-year-old son

Sark and his house in Krakow where he lives with his Polish wife, former lawyer Agnieszka, and plays regularly in Polish rock and jazz bands.

“I love life in Poland but in England I fit my life around Sark and see him as much as possible. He is very precious to me and when we’re together we just hang out and feed the horses and do normal stuff dads and sons do.”

Often appearing before concert audiences in the shirt of his favourite Aston Villa football team, Nigel has been regularly attacked by critics for his “ludicrous clothes and grotesque self-invented accent.”

Certainly he has delighted in breaking all the rules, introducing Jimi Hendrix cadenzas into Beethoven violin concertos, joining rock superstars The Who at the Royal Albert Hall, playing with pop star Kate Bush and sharing the stage with jazz legend Stephane Grappelli despite warnings that it would ruin his classical career.

At one point he announced that he would in future concentrate on jazz and gave up classical performances for five years — later returning to star at the Proms for the first time for 21 years and receiving a ten-minute standing ovation.

He says he always wants his audiences to enjoy themselves and believes music is for everyone. “One of the most exciting people in music today is the rapper Jay-Z because he’s bringing together lots of different genres — hip-hop, rap and motown.

Nigel takes music very seriously and practices at least three hours a day — unless he has gone to watch his beloved Aston Villa. “The way they are playing at the moment it’s a good incentive to stay at home and practise,” he jokes.

He says that if he wasn’t a musician he’d probably have become a cab driver and his son is really good on the drums and we probably would still be chatting if his manager hadn’t reminded him that he was due to broadcast a classical concert.

Before he goes, Nigel pulls on a limegreen fleece and a beanie hat and empties an entire jar of sweets into his backpack. It all goes to show that at nearing 60 the man dubbed the bad boy of classical music certainly hasn’t lost his mischievous streak.

— Judson Bennett/Tony James Features

T H U R S DAY, JAN UARY 8, 2 01 5

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ETCETERA S TA R B U Z Z

HER SECRET SORROW 44-year-old Tamzin Outhwaite suffered the heartbreak of the end of her seven-year marriage to actor Tom Ellis

Courteney Cox feels she has 'worst memory' ACTRESS Courteney Cox feels she has the “worst memory in the world”, and says that sometimes she even forgets whom she dislikes. The former Friends star considers that it is fine to be disliked by her because she can never remember it, reported femalefirst. co.uk. “I have the worst memory in the world — I even forget when I don’t like somebody. Once I walked into a restaurant and I saw this guy from across the way and I was like, ‘Oh God that’s a familiar face.’ So I went up and said, ‘Hey,’ and he was like, ‘Hi’... and then I go, ‘Oh that’s right, we hate each other.’ And I couldn’t even remember why I hated him. It’s good to be hated by me because I forget,” she said on the talk show Conan.

Sharon Osbourne set to produce hubby's concert SINGER Ozzy Osbourne’s wife Sharon has announced that she will be producing a Halloween concert for her husband in Las Vegas next year.

Sharon, who has managed Ozzy’s career for years, said: “I’m working right now on a Vegas production for Ozzy.

It’ll be in time for Halloween and be called ‘Hellgate’.” She is planning for it to be a standalone show as of now.

However, if it is successful, it could become a regular event at one of Las Vegas’s top hotels, reported femalefirst.co.uk. If the concert proves to be so popular, he would be joining the likes of Britney Spears, Celine Dion and Elton John, all of whom have had long-running residencies in Las Vegas. “Ozzy has never done a stand-alone show in Vegas and there has been huge interest in what he has to offer,” a source told The Sun newspaper.

Katy Perry, John Mayer may be together again

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s DCI Sasha Miller in the top TV crime drama New Tricks, she’s a steely-eyed ambitious police chief apparently, with a pretty hard heart. Which shows just what a good actress Tamzin Outhwaite is.

While making the latest series — she took over from Amanda Redman — 44-year-old Tamzin suffered the heartbreak of the end of her seven-year marriage to actor Tom Ellis, a star of the hit comedy Miranda, and the worry of bringing up two young daughters, Florence, six, and three-year-old Marnie Mae. “It’s been a tough time, Tamzin says. “But I’m stronger for it.

I would give anything to keep my family together but it wasn’t to be. I could have cried every night, but working on the show and being a mum was pretty exhausting so it meant I just had to get on with things and not feel sorry for myself.”

Tamzin says that her fellow actors in New Tricks gave her tremendous support, particularly Nicholas Lyndhurst, former star of Only Fools and Horses, who helped her cope with the dark days. “When I was having a down day he would make me feel good

about myself. I was very thankful to have him in my life because he’s a wonderful actor and when you see someone being so proud of his wife and child it gives you hope. The support of everyone in New Tricks has been a real saving grace.”

As an EastEnders star — she played the feisty Mel, married to Martin Kemp — Tamzin was voted the best looking woman in soaps and is still grateful to the gritty long-running series for the most spectacular boost to her career. It was a big decision to leave in 2001 after three years in the show.

“It was a major decision but I felt it was time to move on and try something new. I had a wonderful time in Albert Square and several of the cast are still close friends.”

In her private life it’s not the first time Tamzin has been on an emotional roller-coaster. Before meeting Tom she had a two-year relationship with musician Steve Ellington before dating EastEnders star Nigel Harman for a couple of months.

Then she met business executive James Baker. “We’re very happy” she told friends. “But it’s early days yet.” It was — the pair split soon afterwards.

Now she says, looking back on the end of her marriage “I just want to have some calm now — see my family and friends and get some balance back into my life.

I’m experiencing new things and new friends as well as old friends — I feel very much alive, and am looking forward to what the future brings.”

Tamzin doesn’t rule out a possible guest appearance in the Square, but at the moment is really enjoying playing DCI Miller in New Tricks. “She is a tough cookie and I have talked to several top policewomen to make her as realistic as possible.

Life in the police is not easy for women, particularly in the senior ranks. Sasha doesn’t seem to have much of a life outside work.

She’s very good at her job but she constantly needs to prove herself. It’s not the first time she has been on the side of law and order on TV — she played a military policewoman in the hit series Red Cap. Tamzin says she can’t remember a time when she didn’t want to act. As a teenager she was in London’s Stagestruck Theatre Company and studied drama and dance at the London Studio Centre.

One of her first professional

WEDDING BELLS

Rapper Ludacris marries longtime girlfriend Eudoxie RAPPER Ludacris and his longtime girlfriend Eudoxie Mbouguiengue entered 2015 as a married couple.

Without offering any details on the surprise ceremony, the rapper posted a photograph of himself dressed in a black and white tuxedo beside his bride with the caption: “Why wait? Did the thing before 2015. #mrandmrsrbridges”, reported eonline.com.

According to a source, it was a “beautiful wedding”.

Wearing a floor-length white dress and clutching a small bouquet of white and lavender flowers tied with white and purple ribbon, Mbouguiengue looks serene in a series of snaps she shared on her own Instagram account.

“The wedding was small and only close friends and family were in attendance. Ludacris was so thrilled to be getting married and (was) filled with such love for his lady.

He was a bit nervous when it was happening but in a very good kinda way,” added the source.

His wife also took to Instagram to post a few pictures from their special day.

“Great way to go into the new year,” she captioned one photograph.

So are they planning babies already?

“They both want children so that's something that will likely happen in the next year,” the source shared.

The rapper popped the question to the lady he's been dating since 2009, in an extravagant way, according to Mbouguiengue's Instagram post.

Ludacris took her up on what looked to be a private jet and a message was projected on the ground below them.

The message was — “Eudoxie will you marry me?”

“Best day of my life with the love of my life,” she captioned the picture. -Agencies

jobs was as presenter of a children’s TV show No Limits — billed as Tammi Outhwaite. “Thank goodness no one calls me that anymore!” she says.

She’s nothing if not versatile — she has starred in stage versions of Summer Holiday, Grease, Carousel, Oliver and Absent Friends, was featured in U2’s music video for their hit single Mysterious Ways — and has presented a TV documentary about man’s relationship with dolphins.

Ironically, shortly before their split after Tom admitted cheating on her, the couple won the TV celebrity game show Mr and Mrs, in which contestants have to prove how much they know about each other.

Now Tamzin’s latest plan is to spend some time in Hollywood discussing movie offers that are flooding in. “I’ve been so busy I haven't had time to go over there,” she says.

“Movies are my ultimate ambition and that means Hollywood.

I hope to go for a few weeks quite soon — so long as I can take the girls along too.

“Whatever else happens in my life you can be sure they will always come first.”

-John Graham/Tony James Feature

SINGER Katy Perry and John Mayer enjoyed a dinner date together over the weekend, sparking rumours that their romance could be on once again.

After separating in February last year, it was rumoured Perry was still dating super-producer Diplo. But now it appears she could be back with Mayer.

Post that, Mayer even spent the night at Perry’s home. The pair turned up for dinner in separate cars, a source told the Daily Mail newspaper that they were keen not to be seen. -IANS

C 1 0 T H U R S DAY, JA N UA RY 8, 2 0 1 5

ETCETERA

AN EMERGING STAR Remember the name Sarah Snook? It’s quite possible that the Australian actress will soon shine as a major star

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he 27-year-old redhead, often touted as the next Nicole Kidman, has worked steadily for the past five years, inching up the call sheet and landing intriguing roles in Aussie projects including the television movie Sisters of War (2010), the soap opera Packed to the Rafters (2011) and the feature Not Suitable for Children (2012).

More recently she made her Hollywood debut in the horror movie Jessabelle (2014), playing the title character, and next will co-star alongside Ethan Hawke and Noah Taylor in the sci-fi film Predestination.

“I’m really happy with everything right now,” she said during a recent cell-telephone call from Sydney. “I can’t complain at all. I feel very lucky to have been given the opportunities I’ve had so far.

The main thing of late has been working with some outstanding people and being able to learn from them.

“That’s the technician side as well as the acting side,” she continued. Working with Ethan and Noah on Predestination was amazing. I just worked with Judy Davis and Kate Winslet. They’re amazing actors, and you can learn so much from watching people like that. We have a lot of television stars in Australia that people in the States may not know, like Susie Porter and Claudia Karvan, and to able to work with them has been really important for me in my post-studies education.”

Snook, whose name rhymes with “book” and who graduated from Sydney’s National Institute of Dramatic Arts, has heard all the “next big thing” chatter. She knows better than to dismiss it entirely, but confessed to feeling trepidation about stardom changing her life.

“I don’t know how comfortable I am with it,” she admitted, “but I’ll take it if that’s what’s happening. If it happens, I’m a little more ready for it now. I had a brief flirtation with the possibility of it because of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011).

“I got down to the last couple of girls for that,” Snook explained. “I really feel, in a way, very lucky to have not gotten it, because I don’t think I was really ready then, but perhaps now, because I’m a little older and have a little more experience, I’ll be a little more ready.

“I value my independence and my ability to walk around through the world, so hopefully that doesn’t change too much.”

Jessabelle received only a limited theatrical release in 2014 and will arrive on DVD and Bluray on Januaru 13, but Predestination will open in the US on January 9, and her remarkable performance already has critics singing her praises.

Written and directed by the Australian sibling tandem of Mi-

I don’t know how comfortable I am with stardom, but I’ll take it if that’s what’s happening.

If it happens, I’m a little more ready for it now.

I had a brief flirtation with the possibility of it because of ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ (2011) chael and Peter Spierig, Predestination builds massively upon its source material, a 13-page Robert A. Heinlein short story called All You Zombies (1959).

The tale centres on a “temporal agent” determined to track down one particularly elusive criminal, a terrorist who killed thousands in a Manhattan bombing, before he’s forced to retire.

His story crisscrosses with that of John (Snook), who grew up as a child named Jane and now is an confused. Greeting the temporal agent, John/Jane refers to himself as “the unmarried mother.”

Soon enough, the temporal agent and John/Jane leap through time together. John/Jane chases the man who kidnapped her baby while the temporal agent hunts for the terrorist, nicknamed the Fizzle Bomber.

“It’s a crazy story,” Snook said.

“The time-travel element is incredibly interesting, but the timetravel element is already in the past. Usually, when you see a timetravel film, the person is going backward or forward. It’s not like this, with a person in the past going further back into the past.

“And it was interesting to me that there were so many dynamic rules attached to the time travel,” she added, “like that you could only go 50 years on either side of a certain point. That’s something I thought was really cool, that the Spierigs put in there. We kind of take time travel and make it our own.

“Do I believe in predestination?

I think up to a point,” Snook said.

“I think you have control over your own fate, to a point, but there are some things that are meant to happen. I’m 50-50 on it, really. I’m not quite sold, but I’m willing to say that there’s an element of truth to predestination.”

Snook described John/Jane as “a person who is unloved”-or,

more to the point, who feels unloved. He/she “doesn’t feel connected to the world” by anything or anyone, the actress said.

“So the arc is someone searching for some sort of mirror, some other part of themselves, or someone to love,” she said. “This is someone who’s grown up not being able to fit in and finds a niche, but is constantly being trodden on, I think.”

To figure out how to slip into the mindset of a man, the actress picked the brains of her male friends. She also tried to imagine what it would be like for her to be a man. “‘How different would that be?,’” Snook remembered asking herself. “‘What things would change?’

Then a friend of mine had recently transitioned from female to male, so I had a lot of questions for him about how he felt internally, mentally, socially and also physiologically, like what changes actually do occur when you start taking testosterone?

“The main thing I had to work on was the barfly aspect,” she said.

“I had to work on the element of what it’s like to be this downtrodden person on the fringe of society, and how that leaves you mentally.”

And, yes, there are scenes in “Predestination” in which John interacts with Jane. In fact, Snook noted, there were four days in which she had to play both John and Jane, as well as one day that required her to portray John and Jane in the same scene.

“That was a lot of fun,” she said, “but also a real acting challenge and lots of tense stress, because you only had one chance to make it right and it really hinged on the transformation, on me making it believable. The good thing was that we had solid stand-ins and body doubles. They were actors as well, so I was able to work with them and act off them when I was playing either the female or male version.”

The film is not particularly commercial, and the Spierigs don’t spoon-feed the audience or dumb down anything. Snook came away “super-impressed” with the brothers. They had a fine line to walk, she said, because the story is so high-concept.

“You want to make it viable and interesting for the people who are into high-concept stuff,” the actress said, “but then also for the people who aren’t as into highconcept stories, but may see this, you had to make it accessible for them. So it’s got to be understood by a broad demographic and then still have some surprises for the people who are used to this genre.

“The Spierigs, with their deft hand, manage that,” she said. “It all started with the work they did on the script beforehand. They knew what they were making when we were shooting the film, and that carried all the way through it.”-Ian Spelling/The New York Times News Service

TECHNICAL DISASTER

Ryan Gosling film is not coming to a cinema near you RYAN GOSLING directorial debut, Lost River, will not be released in cinemas after receiving largely negative reviews at the Cannes Film Festival last spring.

The Canadian actor’s movie, starring Matt Smith, Christina Hendricks and his girlfriend Eva Mendes, will instead be distributed by Warner Bros on home entertainment platforms in April.

It has yet to be confirmed whether Lost River will be screened elsewhere around the world, but with critics describing it as “unthinkingly offensive”, “ultimately kind of juvenile” and “a student film with an A-list cast”,

its future looks in serious doubt.

The magical-realist film follows single mother Billy as she is “swept into a dark underworld” while her teenage son Bones discovers a secret underwater town.

One scene sees Doctor Who’s Smith chant “Look at my muscles!” while plenty of others feature burning bicycles and houses.

Many reviewers noted not-sosubtle homages to filmmakers such as David Lynch and Nicolas Winding Refn.

Refn, who worked with Gosling on 2011 hit Drive, called Lost River a “beautiful, great movie that will grow on people”.

Lost River premiered in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard section in May, after first being called How to Catch a Monster.

The film stars Christina Hendricks, Eva Mendes, Matt Smith, Saoirse Ronan and Iain De Caestecker. The script, written

by Gosling, centers on a single mother swept into a dark fantasy underworld while her teenage son discovers a secret road leading to an underwater town.

A home entertainment release date has yet to be confirmed and there are high chances it may never see the light of the day.

-Jess Denham/The Independent

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ETCETERA

For singer Dobet Gnahoré, it’s personal and universal Gnahoré, 32, the daughter of percussionist Boni Gnahoré, grew up among musicians in an Abidjan-based arts community, and her interests grew from dance and theatre to percussion and finally to singing

D

obet Gnahoré’s first album, Ano Neko, was released in 2004. By 2006, the singer had been nominated for a 2006 BBC World Music Award. But it was a D.C.based collaboration with India.

Arie that helped solidify her stature in the United States.

“It was magic,” Gnahoré said via email from Europe.

India. Arie “listened to my song ‘Palea’ via a compilation of Putumayo (a record label), and then she contacted my producer. She invited me to Washington — that’s where we met each other for the first time — and after, things followed to the Grammy.”

The resulting track, Pearls, on

India. Arie’s 2009 album, Testimony: Vol. 2: Love & Politics, won the Ivory Coast native a shared Grammy for best urban/alternative performance.

And the recognition, she said, didn’t just open doors: “In my country, the family was proud.”

Gnahoré, 32, the daughter of percussionist Boni Gnahoré, grew up among musicians in an Abidjan-based arts community, and her interests grew from dance and theatre to percussion and finally to singing.

“I evolved in the artistic community Ki-Yi M’Bock, that’s where I made my first steps in the art, accompanied by several artists who were our trainers,” Gnahoré said.

She had a whole continent of

influences behind her. “My influences have been any major African voice such as Miriam Makeba and Anjélique Kidjo, and I also listen to a lot of traditional songs of the African continent.”

In fact, Gnahoré has sung them in seven languages, from the Ivorian languages of Dida and Malinke to Wolof from Senegal, Fon from Benin, Lingala from Congo and Xhosa of South Africa.

“I sing in several languages. I do not speak (them). I do it for the beauty of our languages and (to) bring people together,” Gnahoré said. “It is very common to speak several languages in Africa; it is one of the great richnesses we do have.”

At 17, Gnahoré left the Ivory Coast because of illness. In

FINAL RAMBO MOVIE

Sylvester Stallone to star as John Rambo once again

OF ALL the entertainment news that slipped out over the holiday season, none was more thrilling – or as mockingly awful, depending on one’s perspective — than that contained in a tweet from Sylvester Stallone.

The 68-year-old muscle man revealed he is preparing to once again star as the troubled and

misunderstood Vietnam veteran John Rambo. The fifth Rambo film will be titled Rambo: Last Blood. In his social media post, Stallone said he was preparing to film a gangster movie based on the life of Gregory “the Grim Reaper” Scarpa and said work would start after he had completed the Rambo film.

The character of John Rambo had his first outing in First Blood in 1982. There was a follow-up and then another follow-up before the fourth film in 2008.

That film, which told of the character’s effort to save Christian missionaries captured by the Burmese military, reportedly grossed $113 million worldwide.

Variety said there had been much speculation as to whether or not Stallone would retire the conversation-shy Rambo, who first appeared in David Morrell’s 1972 novel First Blood. Reports say what may or may not be his final outing will be taking on a Mexican drugs cartel.

Indeed, Stallone does not seem keen to give up on any of his “old ones but good ones”. In addition to working on the Rambo film, he revealed he would be travelling to Philadelphia to play Rocky Balboa for the seventh time in Creed.

-Andrew Buncombe/The New York Times News Service

Gnahoré has sung them in seven languages, from the Ivorian languages of Dida and Malinke to Wolof from Senegal, Fon from Benin, Lingala from Congo and Xhosa of South Africa

France, she was able to get treatment she couldn’t get at home, “and finally I stayed.”

There she found a vibrant world music scene that embraced her art. “I think in France there is a desire to discover, to know,” she said.

“The public is curious.”

Being in Europe also gave her a different perspective on her home continent. “Being here, I am more attached to my roots, and I became more and more proud to be who I am — my trip to Europe made me grow and discover who I am,” she said.

That perspective became part of her music as well.

“I usually sing issues that affect myself. I sing first for me,” she said.

But: “I always have a message of

peace and forgiveness, and tolerance. My posts are for everyone.

Languages are sometimes incomprehensible to some in Africa. For this, comes the role of melody and emotion which are universal and speak to everyone.”

Gnahoré said that for her latest album, Na Drê, she “wanted music that represents me by now,” but also songs with memorable melodies.

Her songs have been hailed for their vibrancy, and her performances are notable for her rich voice and compelling, versatile performing style.

“I dance. I sing. I play percussion,” she said. “For me, being onstage is to do a show.”

— Roger Catlin/The Washington Post.

C 1 2 T H U R S DAY, JA N UA RY 8, 2 0 1 5

ETCETERA

In a rambling post called ‘Little Book of a Big Year: Bono’s A to Z of 2014’ he attributed jokingly to being delirious from pain killers

I

n November, rock singer Bono took a bad tumble while riding his bike in Central Park. As he tells it, he blanked out. “I blanked out on impact and have no memory of how I ended up in New York Presbyterian with my humerus bone sticking through my leather jacket. Very punk rock as injuries go.”

“I broke my hand, my shoulder, my elbow and my face but the real injury this year was to my Irish pride as it was discovered that under my tracksuit I was wearing yellow and black Lycra cycling shorts. Yes, LYCRA. This is not very rock ‘n’ roll.”

At least he had a sense of humor about it.

But on New Year’s Day, it became a lot less funny for the 54-year-old frontman. In a ram-

I broke my hand, my shoulder, my elbow and my face but the real injury this year was to my Irish pride

bling post called Little Book of a Big Year: Bono’s A to Z of 2014 (which he attributed jokingly to being delirious from pain killers, he wrote that “it is not clear that I will ever play guitar again.”

“Recovery has been more difficult than I thought,” he wrote.

“I have written words for new songs, but I have also had an opportunity to look back and review the year in a way I’ve never had time to do before — there have been more highs than lows, but perhaps the reason for this A TO Z endeavor is an attempt to learn from mistakes — the first of which is the discovery that I am not an armored vehicle. Edge says I look at my body as an inconvenience.

The problem, as I see it, is that I think my head is harder than any other surface.”

— Fred Barbash/’The Washington Post

OBITUARY

‘James Bond’ and ‘Star Wars’ actor dies during rehearsals

AN ACTOR who appeared in a James Bond film and as a Jedi master in the Star Wars: Episode 1 has collapsed and died during a rehearsal for an upcoming theatre production.

Khan Bonfils was rehearsing for Dante’s Inferno, which was due to open at The Rag Factory in east London this week. Members of the Craft Theatre company and paramedics fought to save his life but he could not be resuscitated.

Chris Hislop, the company’s spokesman, said: “Kan collapsed during a rehearsal and the director Rocky Rodriguez Jr, he performed CPR on location.

“An ambulance was called out but unfortunately he couldn’t be resuscitated.” The cause of death has yet to be ascertained, he added.

A statement from Craft Theatre said: “With great sadness, we announce the death of Khan Bonfils. His sudden loss is a tragedy and he will be sorely missed.” Hislop said the cast and crew were devastated by Bonfils’ death.

He said: “The entire company are in shock. There is absolutely severe sadness, it is a real tragedy. I think they are holding it together by talking it through and by being there for each other.”

He added that they hoped to carry on with the production with another actor from the company taking Bonfils’ place in the ensemble cast.

Hislop said: “It was due to open on Thursday.”

Bonfils appeared as Jedi master Saesee Tiin in the 1999 film Star Wars: Episode 1 The Phantom Menace. He also appeared in Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle Of Life, Batman Begins and the James Bond film Skyfall, starring Daniel Craig, as well as several productions on the West End stage.

-Dominic Harris/The Independent

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W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M T H U R S DAY, JA N UA RY 8 , 2 0 1 5

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*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

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T H U R S D AY, JA N UA RY 8 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

FOR RENT

FOR RENT New deluxe building in Misfah Industrial Area, 11 shops with A/C, each 4cm x 9cm, an additional 12 huge spaces including kitchens and bathrooms which can be used for offices or residences. The building location first row close to main road.

Contact - 98880333 One / Two BR, directly from owner at Bausher. Contact 92158031 2 BHK available in Darsait, 1 B/R and hall, 2 B/R and hall. Contact 99357586, 97500025, 97884787 2 BR flats with split A/C’s & internet free & 2 BR fully furnished deluxe flats available at Al Khuwair near KM Hypermarket. Office space 115 SQ mtr with partition & cassette type A/C’s available at Al Khuwair near KM Hypermarket.

Contact 99460330 Flats in Muttrah near Oman House per flat RO 230. Contact 92815855 / 95181077 2 bedrooms, big bathroom, sharing kitchen for rent with Electric and Water Bill =RO 220/-. Only for family.

Location / Place – Mumtaz Area near Khimjis Mart. Contact 98917915 / 99823591 2 BHK flat in Mumtaz.

Contact 99792181 1, 2, 3, BHK in Alkhuwair.

Contact 99792181 2 BHK in Bowsher.

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Contact 99792181 200 Sqr mtrs Showroom in CBD. Contact 99792181 1 & 2 bhk in Wataya.

Contact 99792181 100 & 180 Sqr mtrs office space in Al khuwair. Contact 99792181 6 BHK commercial Villa in Ghobra.

Contact 99792181 Flat for Rent in Ruwi, Bareeq Shatti, Mawalah. Contact 92521080, 98899916 Flat for rent Ghubrah South, ground floor flat, 3 bedrooms, majlis, family hall, RO 425/-.

Contact 94669711

FOR RENT Brand new 2BHK with split A/C near SQU round about at Al Khoud, near to Muscat highway, building no. 4558/1, way no. 5350.

Contact - 92850717 Fully Equipped Restaurant / Industrial Kitchen for Sale with existing catering orders, CR & Labour Clearance, Restaurant space and Outdoor sitting area on Sale at Mawaleh Call: 9906 4589 Office space with cassette type A/C’s with free internet at al Khuwair near KM Hypermarket. Contact 99460330 2 BHK Pent House with split A/C in all rooms, very spacious balcony with sea & city view RO 350, 2 BHK RO 340, Bldg #1619, Way #1322 adjacent to Indian Nursery Darsait.

Contact 99476728 / 99831047 1 BHK bedroom flat in Wadi Kabir neat Kuwaiti Mosque RO 200/-.

Contact 95094028 2 BR deluxe flats at Ghubrah and Ruwi. 2 BR furnished flat at Ghubrah.

Contact 99885391 / 99354010 Rent, new flat Wadi Adai, 2 big bedrooms, 1 big toilet, 1 big hall, 1 big kitchen. Contact 99345137 Spacious well maintained 2 BHK at Rex Road from 1st February.

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Contact : 92864522 , 96448372 1 / 3 BHK Flat Ghobrah, close to ISG Way 4041, building 4390.

Contact 99319880

Villas & flats & stores. Contact 99776071 / 99057348 Basement for rent behind Bank Muscat at Wadi Kabir. Contact 99373290, 24815012

1,2,3 BHK flats & Villas.

Contact 92144045 2 BHK Commercial Al Khuwair, RO 375/-. Contact 97799175

If require flats for rent in Wadi Kabir please send messages through Whatsapp or call – 99376454

Separate Villa, Al Athaibah, 3 BHK, hall, living room, maid rooms, A/C split, family only, RO 600/-.

Contact 92479515

Fully furnished one bedroom penthouse Wadi Kabir behind Sana Hassan, weekly RO.140/- Monthly RO 350/- Contact – 99349990

Villa, Al Khuwair 33, 4 BHK, living room, split A/C, family only, RO 600/Contact 92479515

Villa, Al Ansab, 5 BHK, living room, split A/C, family only. RO 550/-.

Contact 92479515

2 BHK flat for rent RO.350/- at Al Khuwair near Sultan Taimur Mosque.

Contact – 98893294

Flat in Ghala, opposite Zubair, 2 BHK, living room, split A/C, family only, RO 350/-. Contact 92479515

Shop & flats available.

Contact-24813822

Fully Furnished ( A/C , Fridge, T.V, Cooking Gas ) 3 rooms in a flat with Kitchen at Azaiba. 2BHK Flats Un furnished at Azaiba next to Al Meera Hyper market ( Families) Contact -99424470 Time : 9 am to 7 pm

Apartments & villas available.

Contact 95178930 1 BHK residential flat at Honda road.

2 BHK residential flat opposite to Al Nahdha hospital.

Contact – 93219590 1 BHK flat Qurum RO.270/- with split A/C. Contact – 99358589 / 95570288 /97079146

We have special villa in Bausher, Al Muna, 5 bedrooms, rent RO 800/-.

Contact 99622885

2 BHK flat at Al Khuwair RO.370/with split A/C. Contact – 99358589 / 95570288 /97079146

1 BHK commercial, Darsait, RO 225/-. Contact 97799175

2 BHK in Seeb RO.200/Contact – 99455334

Fabulous A/C flat Al Khoud, 3 rooms, 280 rials. Contact 99334699

3 office spaces available in RUWI FOR RENT 450 OMR & 500 OMR. 96986132 Luxury 2 bed room villa at BausherAL Ansab Phase 3.Call. 99324456 6 shops in Maabela Industrial Area.

Each Shop OMR 400 Monthly.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 6 bedroom villas at Al Ansab (nr Express highway). Contact 99199365 Abu Adnan Tower - flat for rent available at Al Mabelah, 2 B/R, 1 hall, 2 toilets, 1 kitchen.

Contact 95566475 / 99654252 300 SQR mtrs Labor camp or Store for Rent in Wadi Kabir.

Contact 99792181 Villa 3 BR, 2 sitting room, store, kitchen and 4 bathrooms with A/C in Al Khoudh 3. Contact 94671441

2 single room flats available @ RO 160/- per month, including Electricity & Water. Contact 99441798

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Contact 97007934 / 92629232

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Contact 91376619

Building of 3 flats each 4 BR, rent RO 2500/-. Contact 99776071 / 99057348

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We have 1 BHK, 2 BHK, 3 BHK flats, 4, 5 bedrooms villa, open space offices & shops available in Ghala, Ghobrah, Qurum, Mabela, Ruwi, Darsait, Mumtaz, Wadi Kabir. All brand new buildings & very affordable prices.

Contact 93782735 / 99208033 Flat for rent 2 bedrooms one hall in South Al Hail. RO 270.

Contact 93221474 3 new Villas for rent, located in South Ghubrah behind American School, each has 11 bedrooms including 2 Majlis, 8 bathrooms and kitchen. For residential or institutional rent. Contact 99233729 / 98539366 5 bedrooms villa with 2 halls, 4 bathrooms in Darsait behind Khimjis Mart. Contact 24700120, 92584715 House in North Al Hail with 3 rooms, Majlis & 3 toilets.

Contact 99439568 2 BHK with A/C near ISM RO.325/1BHK Al Falaj without A/C RO.200/2 BHK with A/C near Kims hospital RO.300/- Darsait commercial or residential with A/C RO.230/- Studio at Al Falaj RO.170/-. 2 BHK without A/C at Wadi Kabir RO.300/Contact - 92144045

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DAILY GUIDE

FOR RENT

OFFICES FOR RENT - Premium offices to let a very good location on the main road very close to Zakher Mall, Al Khawiar. Business Center has offices with sizes of 50m2, 110m2, 180m2, 207m2, 230m2, 437m2.

- Showroom also available at Business Center, Area 500m2 with central A/c.

- Offices with Central Air-conditions, Security System with CCTV cameras, and Security presence in the building.

Contact: 97377355 / 95530121, Email id: aaleem@ggcoman.com

FOR RENT

FOR SALE

Industrial Land in Misfah.

Contact 93009999 2 BHK with A/C, commercial Al Khuwair. Contact 92144045 Flat one bedroom at Al Khuwair 33, owner. Contact 92800007

BUYING/SELLING

FOR SALE

Looking for purchase of Used Portable Compressor (350 CFM, 7 Bar Pressure) powered with Diesel run Generator.

Kindly Contact 99014686 or operation@khancogroup.com

Villa, ground floor in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99743569, 97004265 Apartments in Al Khuwair new area each apartment contains (2 bedrooms + living room) for RO 365. Contact 93181111 New Villa for Rent Two floors newly built villa in Maabillah, 8 Fullfledged Residential Area 6 Rooms, 8 Toilets, excellent finishing spacious Kitchen, Big Dining Rooms in Both Floors, Easy Access to Muscat and Sohar using Maabillah Bridge. Contact 92828303 Flats ground floor, 3 Rooms & AC, kitchen, hall, in Al Mabaila South.

Contact 99377290

300 Sqr mtrs store or labor camp for Rent in Wadi Kabir.

Contact - 99792181 For rent apartments: An apartment in old Muscat at Oman Arab Bank’s building. 3 bedrooms + 3 bathrooms, dining room, living room and a kitchen. Air conditioned apartments.

2 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms, living room, dining room area and kitchen in an excellent location in Al Khuwair opposite the court of first instance. For further information call 97072976 Flat for rent in Al Khuwair consists of 2 bedrooms and living room at RO 350. Contact 99109094 Flats and shops. Contact 93009999 Studio flat in Ruwi.

Contact 99792181 For rent (flats), 2 bedrooms +hall+kitchen, location: South Al Mawaleh. Contact 99870020 1 / 3 BHK Flat Ghobrah, close to ISG Way 4041, building 4390.

Contact 99319880

1 BHK with attached toilet & bathroom behind Bank Muscat at Wadi Kabir. Contact 99373290, 24815012 2 B/ R Fully Furnished Executive Apartment @ Al Khuwair 33 Near Zaker Mall. 3 Bedroom Furnished executive apartment @ Al Khuwair 25 5 B/R Luxury Fully Furnished villas at Azaiba with servants, 3 Bedroom Unfurnished Villa @ Mawalah South Area 6 with Servant Quarter, 5 Bedroom Unfurnished Villa @ An Apartment that resembles a penthouse has 2 rooms with 2 toilets, living room & an elegant balcony.

Fully furnished, suited for families.

Final price RO.300/- Mabela 8 near German University.

Contact 99888400 1 BHK at Ghobrah - Near Indian School. Contact: 99014885 Building of 3 floors with 20 rooms in Mawaleh near Pizza Hut. Contact 99044164 1 BHK & Single room in Wadi Kabir.

RO 180/-. Contact 99376454

Used Sofa, A/c, Table for sale.

Contact 99737812 Restaurant about 250 SQM @ 5/- SQM, heart of Ruwi Market in Plaza Hotel for sale / rent. Contact 99326339 / 24833314 Shop for sale near ONTC bus stand Ruwi near Sun City Hotel on main road.#99326339 / 24789801 Readymade Garments shop furniture. Contact 99386170 Running Workshop for Tiles / Marble & Granite cutting & skirting in Wadi Kabir for immediate sale.

Contact 99105492 Beauty parlour for sale Ghala Al Ansab near Al Maha petrol pump.

Contact – 92540355 / 97748706 Office for sale at Al Khuwair with furniture, more than 700 sqm good condition. Contact – 99055571 Workshop for sale near Misfah behind Kanco with good fabrication shed electricity 1150 sqm area.

Contact – 98951026 Sanyo vacuum cleaner, cooler box 45 ltr. Contact - 99449801 HOUSEHOLD, SALES, Ghubra: Sofa 3x3, King Bed, Multi Gym, GymBike, Microwave, Table, Racks, Mixi, AttaKneader, Contact: 95053480 Port cabins – New & refurnished Porta cabin for sale and rent.

Contact 96723468

Show room on the main road Saham center total area 450 m sq. Contact: 99366558 / 99334226

For rent shops and offices in Al Mabela. Contact 99355330

Sale!, all household items, like fridge, freezer, cooking range, washing machine, window/split A/Cs, LCD TV, Laptop, tab and many more for attractive prices. Location : near Toyota service Center, Honda Road.

Contact - 97048983, 95293643

Flats/villas owned by ROP pension fund available for rent in Muscat.

Contact 99349526

2 BHK at Al Azaiba, Building No.5145 Way 4470. Contact 99224748, 99425665

Restaurant for leasing/sale in Al Hail. Contact 94148970, 94148972, 97820877

Al Qurum heights Sea view.

Contact - 99249069 / 92888376/ 93201688

We are dealing with sale of all beauty salon equipments, furnitures & cosmetics.#942 888 61 / 942 888 63 Used household furniture and other items for sale.

Contact 91566996 Restaurant items on sale, like plates, spoons, soup spoons etc. please contact 93833107 A newly opened Barber Shop for sale at upcoming industrial zone in Misfah. Expat leaving Oman.

Genuine buyers call 93833107 (Sale Price Negotiable) 2 flats building in Al Khuwair 17/1.

Contact 99477009 Tables, chairs & shfandish for sale.

Call 99368907 Well running Computer / Mobile Sale & Service Shop. Good location in Darsait with 2 clearances.

Contact 98523634 Sale!, all household items, like fridge, freezer, cooking range, washing machine, window/split A/Cs, LCD TV, Laptop, tab and many more for attractive prices. Location : near Toyota service Center, Honda Road.

Contact - 97048983, 95293643 Restaurant for leasing/sale in Al Hail. Contact 94148970, 94148972, 97820877 Household items on sale.

Contact 93833107 Darsait Business Office furniture, Isuzu 4 ton brand new.

Contact 91391363 Running Electrical Building Material Shop for sale in Muscat.

Contact 95330905

BUYING/SELLING Used household & office furniture and electronic items. Contact 99834373, 97102699

Looking for commercial lands for sale in Al Ghobrah North (urgent serious buyers, commercial lands in al Ghobrah North (corners prime location). Contact 91155779

AVAILABLE Established Restaurant for rent with sponsorship. # 97628242 Party & Wedding equipment rentals. Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. www.tunesoman. com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

ACC. AVAILABLE Furnished single room with separate bathroom near al meera hypermarket, azaiba.

Gsm 94288863 Executive room at Mumtaz area.

Contact – 93103337 / 95212017 Flat for rent in AlKhoudh Suq 3bedrooms, 3bathrooms, kitchen in Ground floor Contact 95151522 Room with separate toilet and WiFi, Wadi Kabir near pencil building.

Contact 93416854 Room with separate entrance & A/C in Al Khuwair near Rawasco for noncooking Indian Bachelor, rent RO 125/-. Contact 97201100, 95397442 Office space near KFC, Al Khuwair, office basement near Mars, Al Ghubrah, double & single bedroom flat Al Ghubrah near Mars and Wadi Kabir near Lulu. Contact 95755551 / 92222045

Furnished room in Wadi Kabir.

Contact 94012930

Clean flat available for sharing, two big rooms, independent bath, kitchen sharing, quiet area RO 150, we actually near Al Falaj for small family. Contact 93218110, semi furnished

Separate entrance room with attached bathroom and A/C near Wadi Adai roundabout for Executive bachelor. Contact 92148188

Single room at Walja, opposite MBD area available for executive bachelors or single working woman for OMR 100. Contact 93079877

Furnished single room for Exe. Bachelor at Rex Road (Kannada, Telugu, Tamil). Contact 92873832

Single room with sharing kitchen for Executive bachelor or working lady, Ruwi, in front of Apollo Hospital. Contact 98232567 / 91673718

ACC. AVAILABLE

Accommodation available for rent in SEEH AHMER FANJA near Oman Oil, only 10 mtrs drive from Rusayl industrial area, Please Call on 95200429 or 99224352 Room with A/C, furniture for expats at Al Khuwair. Contact – 97004265 / 99689315 Room available in Al Khuwair with sharing kitchen and bathroom near Blu Radisson. R.O 100/-+W/E. Contact 96930219 Room for Sri Lankan executive at AL Khuwair. Contact – 96536307 Sharing accommodation available near Khimji Mart at Mumtaz area in Ruwi for couple. Living room, bedroom, kitchen available.

Contact 96659817

Furnished room in CBD Area for non-cooking bachelor free Wi-Fi, advance deposit call 99078540 Room + balcony + separate toilet for non cooking single Indian Bachelor, RO 140/-. Contact 98928458 Furnished single room with attached bathroom near Mars Hypermarket, Al Ghubrah. Contact 97312111, RO 150/- per month 2 Bedroom flat for offices with furniture near Al Manaf Hotel, Ghala.

Contact 99525743, 99439705 Excellent 3 bedrooms , 2 sitting rooms, 3 bathrooms, kitchen & store with A/C. 92817777

D4

T H U R S D AY, JA N UA RY 8 , 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE

SITUATION WANTED

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

ADMIN/HR

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Indian male MBA 32 yrs having 10 yrs of exp seeking suitable placement in Admin/ HR/ Operations/ Coordination/ Logistics etc.

Holding valid Oman D/L .

Contact - 99054786

Indian Male, qualified ICWA, M.com with 2years experience in accounts, costing, auditing & SAP in reputed listed companies, seeks suitable placements. Mob: 94619453 Email: cmashahidkt@gmail.com.

Omani Man looking for a job with experience in HR/ Admin/ accounting. kindly contact me on: 99767666

Indian female, 25 yrs, B.Com with computer Application, 1 yr experience as Accountant, looking for suitable job. Contact 98847165

Graduate Indian female having 5+ Years Oman experience in Admin/Procurement/Logistics with excellent computer skills(PGDCA).

Seeking suitable Placement.NOC available.Contact:95382966

Indian Male 25 years B.Com having 3 years of exp of Oman in Accounts/Administration.Well versed with computer knowledge looking for suitable position. Immidiately available. Contact:93207867 email:tambeazhar@gmail.com

Indian female, MBA, HR 1 yr experience in India seeking suitable opportunity. Contact 99257214 Indian male having NOC with 7 yrs Oman exp in recruitment, on boarding, general admin. Immediate joining. Contact - 96684424 Indian female with excellent communication skills, confident, dedicated to work and enthusiastic.

Knowledge about ms office. Has 6 years of experience in customer service, telecommunication, HR.Looking for immediate placement. Contact # 97348819

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Chartered Accountant, 10+ yrs experience, B.Com, CA, CIA. Immediate availability. Audit, Finance.

Contact 94641805

ADMIN A reputed 3 star hotel in Muscat requires qualified Omani Nationals for front office, security and food and beverage departments.

Interested candidates please contact 99061335, email : agm@hotelgoasis.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Required experienced Accountant Tally, excellent English & driving license. Contact – omanlaw.om@gmail.com / 24497762 / 92192510

DRIVER Urgently required light car drivers for a VIP service Company.

Preferred Philipino National.

Contact 98266319.

Email : lord.ofarts@yahoo.com Needed 2 drivers, offering good salary. Contact 99441798 Wanted driver.

Contact 95112461

MEDICAL ENGINEERS Urgently required Mechanic Supervisor (B.Tech in Mechanical / Automobile Engg) for a reputed company in Muscat with min of 5 yrs experience in Grader, Dozer etc with GCC/Oman License.

Those interested may email CV along with certificates to p.m@watcooman.com, g.m@watcooman.com or contact 99288717 Required urgently Civil Engineer with minimum 5 years experience driving license must. If you interesting send your CV on email: Towershr70@gmail.com STRUCTURAL ENGINEER (full time) Responsibilities: To work with architect, To provide of construction issue documentation for a projects.

Desired candidate Profile: min of 3-5 years experience in Structural Design, Should be AutoCAD competent. Please send your CV to Email: info@pak2pak.com Tel. 99196733, 99419766

OFFICE/ SEC Looking for smart/ dynamic male for front desk office, pref. fluency in English. Contact 95176500 (Salalah)

DOMESTIC HELP MECH/ TECHNICALCAL Need cutter for Tailoring shop.

Contact 99825211 Housemaid required urgently.

Please contact +968 92806900 Required Housemaid for Indian family, Visa will be provided.

Contact 94291473

Urgently required an experienced person in gliding, fixing & installation works at buildings, for a well established advertisement co.in Sohar. Send your CV to : mohammed.tauseef2@gmail.com younis.alshezawi@live.com, Call : 96367342,95728453

Wanted MBBS Doctor, Staff Nurse and Lab Technician for a Clinic in Capital Area. Please contact 93431024, send CV to drasyanaseem@gmail.com Required Physiotherapist.

Contact: 91453024 General practitioner Doctor is required to work urgently in Dreams Clinic at Al Khoudh and must be resident in the Sultanate of Oman.

Please send your CV to the following email: towershr70@gmail.com, balushi70@gmail.com & info@towersinternationalgroups. com, Mobile 99882340, Tel: 24545914 Dentist required to work urgently in dreams clinic at Al Khoud and must be resident in Sultanate of Oman.

Please send your CV to the following email – towershr70@gmail.com / balushi70@gmail.com / info@towersinternationalgroups.com Mobile – 99882340 / 24545914

MANAGER Excellent cleaning company required Operation Manager, experience in Muscat cleaning companies preferred.# 92868123

SALES / MARKETING A well reputed Steel Fabrication & Machining Workshop Company in Oman requires experienced Salesman / Sales Engineer with Diploma / Degree Qualification. GSM 99228046 Email : oman518@gmail.com, Salesman for Sales of Printing Press supplies urgently required in Dubai.

Must be knowledgeable about Printing Presses and have a valid GCC Driving License. Email CV to sales@ies-oman.com Required Japanese, Korean car parts Salesman with Gulf exp.

Contact – 98489140 Required Salesman, Tailor and barber. Contact 91114884 A logistics company located at Sohar, requires Candidate for the post of marketing and accounts.

Valid Oman License and experience is added qualification.

Contact: 99381 82, 24499091, Email: info@excellenceoman.com Highly reputed Perfume Company requires Omani Sales girl promoters. # 95663682, 92956876 A reputed Oil & Gas Supplies Company is looking for Sales/Marketing in-charge personnel. Send your CV to : rahbi_mohd@yahoo.com

MISCELLANEOUS Required Laundry men (Ironing) visa ready. Contact – 92868123

SALES / MARKETING Required (fast food restaurant), a part time marketing / Sales professional on commission basis – 5 Nos. in Muscat. Forward CV to fastfoodoman2014@gmail.com

Required an experienced person who has ideas to start a new business in electrical field or supply with minimum cost. # 99426421

TOUR/ TRAVELS Urgently required Ticketing Agent for travel agency in Muscat minimum one year experience.

Contact: 95417255

SITUATION WANTED Post Graduate Engineer with 5+ years experience in Project Planning & Management currently on visit visa looking for a Project Co-ordinator/Planning Engineer position in reputed organizations.

Please contact (968) 96105079 MECHANICAL ENGINEER (B Tech), Indian Mail, with NDT Level 2(ASNT), Autocad, Solidworks, 2 year above experience (as Mechanical Site Engineer and Design Engineer), Seeking suitable placement(on visit visa). Contact: 91591548, 00919447300022, Email: vishnu300022@gmail.com 3 Years experienced Administrative Executive seeking for Virtual Admin Opportunities. Can work for 6 hours/day from a virtual location for 100 RO/month. Call: 95811820 Indian Female, Graduate having good experience looking for suitable job. NOC available.

Contact 91774397 Indian male, 28 yrs in Civil Engineer (Diploma), 3 yrs experience in Gulf seeking suitable chances.

Contact 92063150

3 Years experienced Administrative Executive seeking for Virtual Admin Opportunities. Can work for 6 hours/day from a virtual location for 100 RO/month. Call: 95811820 22 Indian Female, BCA (MCA), 4 Years’ Experience in Teaching, Training & Management of Office and Computer Applications, looking for suitable vacancy in the field of Teaching/IT/Office Management Contact – 94540768, Email – paipreethi01@gmail.com Indian Male Graduate 20 yrs in Oman, Accountant / Business Property Management seeking suitable position in Accounts / Administration working knowledge with TALLY. Valid Omani Driving License. Contact 99817183 Indian male 2 years experience in Light & Heavy motor vehicle Mechanic. Diesel & Petrol. Seek suitable placement Contact 99421537.

Indian female, 34 yrs, B.A, B.Ed (S.S), DCA, Doing M.A by distance, having 6 yrs experience in School (5 yrs in Indian School, Oman).

Contact 98728700, 92458872

Indian Female 23 years M.Com Graduate on visit visa having four month experience as an Accountant in a company at Muscat. Looking for a suitable job. Immediately available for joining. Contact: 95846642, Email:shreedhanya916@gmail.com

Hotel Manager, Indian male, 25 years exp. in Budget & 3 Star Hotel, with Omani Driving License , Seeks Placement. NOC/Release Available. Contact: 99799774, Email: smoin_moinsb@yahoo.co.in

28 years male, MBA in Marketing, 5 years experience in Marketing and Brand Promotion. On visit, looking for job. Contact: 96104833

M. Sc. Medical lab technician (Prometric passed) having 6 years experience in India. Currently on visit, looking for a suitable placement. Please contact 97248144, samiullah_ar@yahoo.co.in.

B.Tech. (Civil), 2 years experience in designing, and training corporate professionals in Dubai in software, presently working in India, seeks suitable job opening. madhunambiarm@hotmail.com

Project Manager civil, Indian, seeking suitable placement, having 18 yrs exp (13 yrs in Oman) in tendering, contracting and managing projects, available with release.

Contact: 99244245, 95321251

Indian female 24 yrs, MBA (finance) (1 year experience as administrator cum junior level accountant looking for suitable job & holding visiting visa. Contact 97481488, Email: ayeshaowasi12345@gmail.com

Indian male -39, Graduate 15 years experience in FMCG sales and marketing and logistics operations with valid driving license looking suitable placement. Contact 92090949

Indian Female, IATA, BSc looking for suitable placement.

Contact 95514305.

Email-jitureshmi@gmail.com

Indian Male 26years BCOM having 5years rich experience in Accounts and Admin looking for suitable placement. Contact : 96897914340, 00919902200486 Email: sudhakaranchan06@gmail.com

Pakistani Male, 27 yrs, MBA in HR, BBA in Marketing and Finance having 2 yrs experience in Sales and Admin, on family visit till 15 February looking for suitable position.

Contact 94543222, email: wajid_rais@hotmail.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Finance & Accounts manager based in Oman with multi-faceted experience in Finance, Costing, Audit ,Erp software implementation with over 18 yrs of post qualification experience in leading Gulf/ India based Companies involved in Construction, Contracting, Manufacturing, Trading activities. I am seeking suitable challenging position in leading coys/Groups in Oman.

Please contact mobile no-+968 99601390 or 92209357 or email vr6954@gmail.com for detailed experience M.Com with MS Dynamics and Tally, 8 yrs experienced Accountant requires Accountant (Senior Accountant) position (NOC available).

Contact 93687011 Indian, MBA, Graduate specialized in Finance, Marketing with GCC, D/L looking for good job opportunity.

Contact 93197431 Bangladeshi male, Chartered Accountant with 2 yrs London exp. looking for job. Contact 99640986/ ahammadmds@gmail.com, +447958036642 Male Indian, 28 yrs MBA Finance, 3 yrs Building Material & Structural Steel Sales experience Omani Driving License. NOC available.

Contact 98840669 / 97162513 Pakistani Male, 26 yrs, MS-Supply Chain & Project Management, BSFinance & Business Administration, +2 yrs experience in Trading Firm responsible for Supply Chain & Accounts. Skills including strong operation managerial Communication & interpersonal, fluent in English, SAP and EPM. Contact 94663827, email : musadiqfayyaz@gmail.com Accounts Assistant B.Com having 4 yrs of exp in accounts, well versed with computer languages like C, C++, SQL, HTML, VB Networking. Seeks suitable placement.#93995483 Finance Manager, CPA, with more than 15 yrs. of experience in GCC. Fully knowledgeable in Finance, General & Management Accounting .

NOC available. Contact 96209331 Accountant / Auditor, Srilankan male 27, having 3+ yrs experience looking for suitable placement.

Contact 93556320 Accounts Finalization, Part Time Accounting, Audit Preparation, Internal Audit, Onsite Tally Training, Onsite Training for Accountants, Inventory Management.

Contact : 94669089, email : ibfcoman@hotmail.com Accountant, 4 yrs experience in Oman, NOC available.

Contact 96799714 Indian male, 32 years, M. Com.7 out of 9 years experience in Oman in Accounts/finance. Having NOC and valid Oman D/L. Contact 98277143, Email: anzarks@gmail.com

Accountant, 2 yrs experience (purchasing, coordinator) with D/L and NOC. Contact 94174403 Indian Male, MBA 2 yrs experience in Accounts, Admin & HR on visit visa. Contact 92045306 India Accountant: Male, M com, 7 Yrs experience in Accounts up to finalization, having knowledge of ERP, Tally, seeks suitable placement. Contact:93950138 Email: lijinrajan123@gmail.com Indian female, 25 yrs, bachelors of businesses management, having experience of 5 years as a fund/financial administration, on visit visa,looking for suitable placement.#94662416 Apurwaverma@gmail.com 26 hrs Indian Accountant with 2 years experience, B.Com, seeking suitable position, available immediately, contact No:9821 3292, e-mail: Indite2faraaz@gmail.com

CATERING Indian male, working Bakery Pastry as Sr. Chef De Party, 15 yrs experience in Oman, 10 yrs exp in one of the 5 star Hotels, still working, get release.

Contact 96460519, 99063817

DESIGNER AutoCAD Designer D/man 2D/3D/ Revit/Photoshop, experienced.

Contact : 97103168 Interior Designer, Gulf Exp, AutoCAD 2D/3D/ Corel draw.

Contact : 97103168 Indian male, 8 yrs GCC experience in 3D & Architectural Designing with D/L. Contact 97263199

DRIVER Light Driver having own visa looking for job as driver Contact 92303692 Bangladeshi male driver, exp 12 yrs looking for job in any company & office. Contact 99165961 Pakistani male light vehicle driver with 1.5 yrs experience.

Contact 98219599 Driver with car. Contact 96954496 6 Years experience light duty driver.

Contact – 96736744 Indian driver need job with car.

Contact 91254539 Light vehicle driver available.

Contact 96756014 / 97938893 Light driver looking for job.

Contact 96794309 / 98335778 Bangladeshi male light vehicle driver, looking for job. Contact 93113447 Pakistani male light vehicle driver 2 yrs exp. Contact - 96342684 Light driver looking for job.

Contact 92791678

DRAUGHTSMAN Auotcad, Well Experienced, Arch, Stucture, knows 3D, Revit Photoshop Ph : 97103168 Civil Draughtsman, Indian Male, 23 yrs with 3yrs experience in AutoCAD 2D & 3D, MEP, HVAC, 3Ds Max and Photoshop looking for suitable position, presently in Muscat, Oman on visit visa.

Contact 91764358, mohdsiraj02@yahoo.com

T H U R S DAY, JA N UA RY 8 , 2 0 1 5

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED

MATRIMONIAL SALES / MARKETING

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Seeking job, BTech Instrumentation, 12 years experience Design, FEED, Detailed engineering, Oil & Gas, Instrumentation systems, Oman Driving license.

Email :- wilfridsjacob@gmail.com Mobile:- 00968 99048130

Sales & Marketing Indian male MBA (marketing & sales) business development experience at all levels of management. Currently on visit visa. Contact – 91272819

TECHNICIAN

Jordanian Civil Engineer with 4 yrs experience in Construction Field (release available). Contact 95157199 / 92866288, email : best66_pl@hotmail.com BSc Architectural Engineer, 7 yrs experience (6 yrs in Oman) site work. Contact 99178218, 92579358, email: ah.elnakash@yahoo.com BE (Elec and Tele Engg), Experienced as Application Engg, Certified in BMS SCADA Ph: 94037935/ 97103168 Land Surveyor 10 yrs experience on visit visa. Contact – 93522354 / sibivarun89@gmail.com Civil Engineer with 12 years Experience Looking For Job.Ph#98162295

MEDICAL

ENGG. / TECHNICAL

INFORMATION TECH

Mechanical Engineer, Gold Medalist, B.Tech with 3.5 yrs experience in Thermal Gas Power Plant in LDO, HFO Pipeline Fabrication erection boiler banker turbine. GSM: 97025338 Email : warisheyat329@gmail.com Presently in Oman on visit visa.

Dual expertise – programming / networking, Indian male, 25 yrs, B.E, Computer Science, CCNA, certified, 2 yrs experience in programming, databases, server / network support & administration.

Contact 91770547, mudassirdf@gmail.com

Female, 26 yrs, B.Tech in Mechanical Engineer with 3 yrs experience in Piping Stress Analysis in Oil & Gas Sector, currently on family visa, looking for a placement.

Contact 95890939, email : rita.debnath682@gmail.com

Indian B.Tech Mechanical Engineer, 26 yrs, 4 yrs experience in HVAC/MEP. Contact 94669629, rajeevhpd15@yahoo.com

Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847

Sr. Site Supervisor (civil) since March 2010 in Oman, looking for better opportunity (rel. available).

Contact 93061107

Quantity Surveyor (Civil Building) looking for Part time job Contact no:-94391712 E-mail addressinayathhussain@yahoo.com

Nebosh Qualified HSE 15 yrs exp safety Engineer Military (Indian Navy) background, valid Oman driving license. Contact – 97352324 Industrial Electrician with Oman Driving license. Contact 96348016 Indian male, 26 yrs B-Tech (ECE) with MBA in Marketing / HR looking for a suitable placement. Currently on visit visa valid up to 30 January 2015. Contact 93754428, email : shijosirius709@gmail.com Sudanese Civil Engineer, 10 yrs experience 4 yrs in Oman in Government Projects Supervision looking for a job with D/L. Contact 96966790 Civil Engineer (Diploma) looking for an urgent placement.

Contact 95200650 Civil Engineer (Fresher from NIT) skilled in Autocad & Primavera, holding oman D/L seeks suitable placement. Contact -97309804, Email-nizam.m5@hotmail.com Diploma of Associate Civil Engineering, Diploma of AutoCad, having 3.5 yrs experience, 2 yrs experience of Oman in Building Construction, valid transferrable ID Card.

Contact 94378581 B.Tech Civil Engineer, Indian, 16 yrs in Oman with experience in PDO Road Pipelines building with Omani D/L looking for suitable placement.

Contact 98005456

Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian Male, 24 yrs with 1+ yrs Indian experience (Certified in Quantity Survey/Primavera/AutoCAD) looking for a suitable position, available in Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on visit visa. Contact 91303860, email: mdayubmak@gmail.com Jordanian Engineer Electrical 7 yrs exp. Consulting, site & shop drawing works. Ready to join immediately.

Worked in UAE & Saudi Arabia.

Contact - 00971555594733 Civil Engineer B Tech, Site Engineer Experienced, Drafting on Visit Visa Ph : 91642050 Sudanese Mechanical Engineer, 3 yrs experience as Sit Engineer, HVAC System, and driving license, easy to transfer immediately.

Contact 91135140 B.E Civil 5 yrs exp (2 yrs in India) 2 yrs Oman & 1 year in Qatar. Salary expected RO.500/- above.

Contact - 94412557 Looking Part time Job in HVAC93198128 Indian Male, 22 yrs, B.Tech, Marine Engineer, presently on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact 93191777, email: ask.akash@gmail.com Experienced female Electrical Engineer.Contact 93800906

EDUCATION A , M Tech GEO TECHNICAL ENGINEERING Lady Engineer PRIMAVERA - STADD holder on visit seeks suitable opening - preferably Sohar area Contact 91277256 satishcharuvil@gmail.com

Currently working as Lecturer of IT, (M.Sc IT) (M Phil computer Science) having experience for more than 5 years, looking for suitable placement. Contact 91105949

BE Civil Engineer, 5 yrs experience.

NOC available. Contact 98970233

INFORMATION TECH

Diploma in Civil Engineer, 15 yrs Oman experience (total 28 yrs) looking for senior position with valid D/L, NOC available. Contact 99013465

IT Technical Support Engineer, 3 yrs experience in Networking, specializing in DHCP,DNS,NTP etc also Desktop level 3 helpdesk. jeni_personal@yahoo.co.uk 94525630

B.Sc in Civil Engineering, 2 yrs experience (1 yr 3 months in Oman + 10 months in Bangladesh) knowing AutoCAD, MS Office & detailing, fluent speaker in English, Hindi and Bangla. # 94038642 Email : shaikhhasib.ce@gmail.com Indian male, 24 yrs, BE (Electronics & Electrical) with 2 yrs experience seeking suitable placement.

Contact 98201244 DAE (Civil) having 3.5 years Experience 2 years from Oman with driving licences, seeking for suitable position in Construction field NOC and release available Contact 96968554 mehranahmad26@yahoo.com M. Tech Electrical Eng. Female, now in visit visa. Contact +968-94654481.

B. Tech Civil Eng. 3 yrs exp in Oman with driving license.

Contact +968-93733627.

Mail id : joinvisam@gmail.com, neethusprakash@gmail.com BE Mechanical, 9 yrs experience in Sales & Business Development, Oil & Gas equipments like pumps etc.

Contact 91139771

B.Tech IT Professional, Indian Male with 3 yrs of Exp. In System Admin, IT Support, Networking, Installing Active Directory, DHCP, DNS,RAS, configuring maintaining and managing servers, configuring cisco routers, Exp in handling SQL database, With Valid Driving Licence. Contact - 968 98863507 Indian Male 23 yrs – IT / Prepost Sales Consultant / Business Analyst / Web Designing. 2 yrs. exp. Languages-HTML5, WebRTC, Java, CSS, C++, .Net, SQL, Oracle, ERP-Microsoft Dynamics CRM. Looking for suitable job. Contact: 98802504, email:shrihari26@gmail.com Indian male, 23 yrs, having 1 yr experience in IT hardware & networking & 3 months in Oman, currently on visit visa, qualification B.Sc Electronics CCNA, MCITP, RHCE. ph : 92089719 Email : sujithvijayan119@gmail.com, IT Prof, MCA having 6+ yrs exp, seeks suitable position.

Contact 94543668

IT Professional, Indian male, B.Sc Graduate with 4+ yrs Gulf (UAE) good exp in System Administration, IT Support, Server Desktop, laptop, smartboard, datashow biometric, CCTV, currently on visit visa.

Contact 98936548, vaseemj@yahoo.com Female, B Tech (Software Professional), Oracle SQL .NET Database, Experienced (Teaching & Engg) Ph: 94550127

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Indian male Graduate with 12+ yrs experience in Purchase/ Logistics/ Costing/Scheduling and Warehousing in Building Materials & Construction sector looking for suitable placement. Local release available on request. Contact: 94657319

Indian Female, Dentist fresher looking for suitable placement.

Contact 98857686, email : drsumbulahmad@gmail.com Lab Technician, Civil (8yrs Gulf experience) looking for a suitable job (NOC available) Contact-93344378

MISCELLANEOUS Logistics Officer, Experience in Store keeping. Contact : 99505934

SECRETARIAL/OFFICE Indian female, well experienced in secretarial, administration, customer care & supervisory jobs.

5 years experience in Muscat.

Immediately available for joining.

Contact: 92139298

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Civil foreman maintenance D/L, 12 yrs in Oman, 2 yrs in Kuwait.

Contact 96405865, 99534138, India - +91 7589248550, +91 9464255409, email: sukhwinder9@yahoo.com

SALES / MARKETING

MBA Graduate 10+ exp FMCG food serv. Sales channel/ Branch Manager. Contact - 99185205

Graduate, Indian, having 6 yrs experience in Sales with D/L, NOC available. Contact 93410723

Looking for job, holding valid Oman Driving License, experience in food & beverage, McDonalds & Retail Starbucks Coffee, UAE. Working now as House Manager in HB Excellency house Muscat. Contact 93407470, email : sanjeevmulla@gmail.com

Pakistani male, 34, College 2 yrs, 2 yrs experience as Sales Representative, 3 yrs experience as Clerk / Office Assistant, 3 yrs experience as Salesman in Oman, Computer Skill : Excel, BUSY, ERP, languages known – English, Arabic, Hindi and Urdu.

Contact 96763346

Indian male Graduate with 20+ years of Administration, Operations & Management experience in IT, Oil & Gas & Hospitality Industry. 12 years in Oman with vast contacts, very strong management, operational, communication and interpersonal skills, can handle any size of business and projects whether it’s in initial stage or established. Can join immediately. Local release available on request. Contact: 9906 4589 Indian male Graduate with 20+ years of Administration, Operations & Management experience in IT, Oil & Gas & Hospitality Industry. 12 years in Oman with vast contacts, very strong management, operational, communication and interpersonal skills, can handle any size of business and projects whether it’s in initial stage or established. Can join immediately. Local release available on request. Contact: 9906 4589

MBA Professional with Omani Driving License seeking Sales or Marketing job. Contact 94143154, rinojnathen008@gmail.com Indian male, 25yrs, MBA in HR/ Marketing.6yrs exp with MNC and pharma. Presently in family visit visa looking for suitable placements.

Contact no-94657379/ 96645182 Leading Construction company requires young purchase assistant with Oman driving license.

Contact 99108425 Indian male, 7 yrs Gulf exp in Sales (Indoor – Outdoor), looking for job.

Contact 99433816 / 93159202 B.Com Graduate experience marketing 8 yrs (India) valid Oman driving license. Contact – 97916044 / 97382638

Management Professional, expertise in team building operations, project management, leadership, writing on visit visa till 19th January 2015. Contact 93516436, email: dsouza.amit@gmail.com

Indian male having 3 yrs Oman exp in sales and administration with valid Oman license. Looking for suitable placement. NOC available, own vehicle also available.

Contact – 98956725

Qualified Manager: (12+ yrs. Oman Exp.) Vast knowledge in A/c & Admin, Costing, Banking, Credit Control, Insurance, International Purchase/ Logistics & Finance, With D/L looking for suitable position.

Gsm: 93826090 Email: jskanchan01@gmail.com

18 yrs Oman experience in Building Materials seeking suitable placement, NOC available. Contact 93105775

General Manager / working partner 20 years in Dubai adverting agency experience. Contact 93031168 Indian female with nine years of experience in 5 Star hotels as Assistant Food & Beverage Manager looking for a suitable placement in a reputed Star hotel.Contact: 91219787

MEDICAL Physiotherapist (BPT), Indian male, 4.5 yrs experience, looking for suitable job, available in Oman (Muscat) on visit visa. Contact 92692143, Email: asadshabeeh@yahoo.com Indian male Pharmacist (B.Pharma) 5 1/2 years experience in Oman seeking suitable placement in Muscat. NOC from the present employer available.

CONTACT +968 98525100 Indian female Nurse, prometric passed, 64%. Contact 97916986, 96146016, 22068598

15 years experience in Business Development , marketing, purchase – UAE & Oman-staff coordination, documentation, civil & technical maintenance, -valid GCC license-looking for working partnership or management post. Contact:91568362 / Email vpj555pem@gmail.com Indian Male, B.Tech E&I, 10 yrs experience in Sales, Procurement, BDM. 6 yrs Oman experience in Oil & Gas Sector. Seeking suitable placement. Oman D/L, NOC available. Contact 97233074

Indian male, Instrumentation Technician with 3 yrs Diploma & 1 yr exp in Maintenance Dept, seeks job. Call +971554275155

Indian male, 22 yrs, BBM Graduate looking for suitable job in sales/ marketing, currently on visit visa.

Contact 91757222, email : danishdani460@gmail.com Indian Male, 7 yrs experience in building materials trading having Oman D/L, immediate release available. Contact 98676713

Proposals are invited from parents of professionally qualified Nair Boys for 24 year old Upper Middle Class Nair girl hail from Trivandrum, (171 cm, Star-Bharani) employed in a reputed Company in Oman. Contact: 0968-9950 2593 /99798041.

(KM ID.2844689)

GOOD NEWS

MISCELLANEOUS MBA with 1 yr experience, Indian looking for job, salary 40000 INR. Contact 96271935 Part time delivery man available.

Contact 95178930 BLDG Caretaker Gulf Exp, knows HINDI/ARABIC/ENG PH: 94304348 Admin Executive, 31, Indian Male, having 8+ years exp. in reputed companies, seeking suitable placement in any gulf region.

Contact +968 99276601 & 97693456.

Email: muralimahdav77@gmail.com Indian male, 26 yrs - MBA Graduate with 3 yrs of Experience in Banking (Standard Chartered Bank Scope International - Operations) & Coffee Vending Machine (Fresh & Honest Cafe ltd - , Operations) on Visit Visa seeks placement.

Ph: 91267867, Email: jai.ks1988@gmail.com

Genuine Ayurvedic treatments & massage, Ayurvedic clinic at Al Khuwair. Contact 24478618 / 97263637 /93309131 FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 96050000, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133.

For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit: www.islamfact.com Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).

Contact 24475280 / 95371554 / 92504980 , www.siddhayur.com

Looking out for the post of Travel coordinator/Senior travel Consultant, 14 years (10 years in GCC Countries) of experience in the travel industry looking for a suitable placement. #96328687

Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage, steam bath, obesity, spondylitis, ideal care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street, Azaiba. Contact 99639695 / 99117987

Filipino Accountant with 13 years working experience in the field of accounting looking for a suitable job in Muscat. Contact: 94547323

MANPOWER

Tunisian women looking for job, khnows english, frensh, Italian and arabic. Contact: 91171838 28 year Indian male with 7yrs(5yrs in Oman) of experience in Accounts & Finance up to finalisation in Construction Oil & Gas and also in Manufacturing industries with Oman D/L seeking suitable placement.

Contact me on 97104364 email: Moorthy_cbe@hotmail.com Structural Engineer with 14 years experience in structural design and supervision fields with full knowledge of structure design programs, Omani D/L, seeking a reputed engineering consultancy office vacancy Tel. 96248598.

BUSINESS

Indian female dentist with 4 year experience. Call Nazia 96488737 Manager Maintenance/Engineering/Purchase, 31 yrs. exp. in mechanical, electrical, electronics, parts fabrication, purchase deptt, oman exp. 5yrs, have NOC, looking for job. Contact pkv2k3@yahoo.com, 99331289 Indian Male, 31 years of Rich Oman experience in Multifunctional Management, Administration, Business Development, Purchase & Operations seeking suitable Manager/Supervisory Position. Visa transfer/NOC Available.

GSM: 95036410 Indian Male, B.COM, ICWA, CMA Australia, 24 years experience in finance, costing, accounts, internal audit. Valid Oman driving license.

NOC available. Can join immediately. Contact 97917136 More than 10 years experience in Sales & Marketing, Insurance, Direct marketing, Advertisement, Credit Control & logistics.

Contact: 99322748, 91071097

LOST Indian Male, MBA in Marketing and Finance, 10 years’ Sales & Business Development Experience with valid D/L of Oman & UAE looking for a suitable placement. NOC Available.

Contact: 93969961 e-mail abhilash.pvrk@gmail.com

Parents of Christian girl (Roman Catholic),27yrs,fair,5.5”, from Kerala working in TCS, Bangalore as Systems Engineer seeks suitable alliances. Call: +968 92010215 / +968 99278649

Mohammed Meezaan has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AC8617914. Finder please handover to ROP.

NOTICE Sohar Factory for Plaster Product L.L.C company which is recorded under the commercial register in directorate general for trade industry number 1011475 is going to change its name to Modren Al Sadara L.L.C company . This is to inform anybody who concerns about that.

Licensed Engineering Consultancy (Chemical) Company looking for International or local partners to start operations in Oman. For enquiries call 99264162 Wanted dentist or investor to buy a well-running dental clinic in Sohar immediately. Contact 92625962, 95904234 Omani National looking for expat investing partner in Restaurant in Al Amerat. Infrastructure almost ready. Jamal Adan Trading.

Contact 98711083, email : faisal.patel0038@gmail.com We assist in new business set up local sponsorship, real estate services, assist in company formation services. Contact - 93166088

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DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

SITUATION WANTSERVICES

WEBSITE

CLASSES

Al Manar Vocational pleased to announce at vocational short and long term courses in tailoring, cooking and internal design. Contact us now : 24698070 or 91144335

COMPUTER

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

SITUATION WANTSERVICES

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. # 24793614/ 99314807 Pest Control Treatments!!!

Termites! Cockroaches! Bedbugs!

Ocean Centre LLC. Contact 99344723

Carpet & sofa cleaning, house cleaning. Contact 99542979 / 98855815

Contact: 91262820 / 96458007

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

For All Your Maintenance Solutions, A/c Servicing & Fixing, Painting, Cleaning, Electric.

Contact. 99002390 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

Split & window AC servicing and repairing. Contact 99557080

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

Civil maintenance, electrical & plumbing work. Contact 99557080, 96236476

Door to Door Computers repair specialist laptop software Website cartridges. Contact 99199376

Building Caretaker, Gulf Experienced, knows Arabic, Hindi English Ph : 94304348 PRO services.

Contact 99368907 Fast & Right Way - For all PR related works – permanent Visa stamping, family visiting visa holders, clients contacts – with NOC letter with signed & sealed photocopy documents – Contact: 91568362 *Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

Catering services We do industrial catering service, Canteen/ mess, 3 times packed meals, and all types of catering events.

Contact 92188777/ 99249899

A.M Trading Pest control.

Contact 99067923 Split & window A/C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 GULF INTERNATIONAL LLC all kind of pest control.

Contact 92326955 Window & split unit AC servicing & maintenance. Contact 96236476 Waterproofing, light weight Screed, Antitermite and MS Fabrication.

Contact 92888337 For All Your Maintenance Solutions, A/c Servicing & Fixing, Painting, Cleaning, Electric. Contact 99002390

Window & split unit A/C servicing & maintenance. Contact 96236476 Civil Maintenance, Painting Electric, Plumbing, Decor, Tile Fixing, Lecithin Copra Board flat stifling , Carpet Cleaning and A/C Servicing.Contact 97897831 (Indian keralite) For all your maintenance needs including, Painting, Plumbing, Electricity, Laying of Interlock Tiles, Marbles etc. Tel: 99383574 Mr. Chandran Electrical Plumbing Painting Contract and Maintenance.

Contact 98456535 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir AlRizaiqi trading. L.L.C. # 24810137, 99450130

For HT cable jointing and termination works 33KV/11KV. Contact 99056438 / Email: npgoman@gmail.com

FOR HIRE

TRUCK FOR HIRE

House shifting transport. Contact 99657644, 98518013

Isuzu 10 ton cargo body truck

Painting Interlock plumbing maintenance. Contact 92142319

(2012 FVR) with UAE experienced driver available for long term / short term rent.

Carpet & Sofa Shampooing.

Ocean Centre LLC. # 99884591 Maintenance – 1) A/C Maintenance, 2)fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, 3)painting & cleaning services, 4)electrical & plumbing carpentry work. # 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281

BEAUTY Varkey’s Gents Salon & Spa – Offer 25% on all spa facilities like hamam spa, massages with steam bath, Jacuzzi, aroma therapy, pedicure & manicure, facial treatments.

Contact 92935679

Contact: 95346950 Running truck wash for rent in Ouhi Sunia Sohar. Serious people can. Contact on 97864747 50 seater bus with PDO specification for rent or lease.

Contact 99839898

M.V.WANTED Required Nissan Tida / Toyota yaris / Suzuki swift / hyundai/Kia hatchback car in good condition.

Contact 95405033

T H U R S DAY, JA N UA RY 8 , 2 0 1 5

D7

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

TOURS Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours Contact98029602, 92808636

RENT A CAR

M.V. FOR SALE

Pathfinder silver 2008, Gulf, full option, No.1, in very good condition.

Contact 91376619

NRI

10 cent (404.7m2) residential land for sale at kalamassery (kochi) for immediate sale contact Biny 95298395

DRIVING

Pajero 3.8 v6 full option, 2008 model expat driven single owner, excellent condition, accident free, 217k.

Contact - 92590781

Villa for sale 2200 sq ft in 8 cent.

Kottayam. Contact: 92652534 For Astrological consultation, Jathakam. Contact 99860435 / 97102599

Lexus IS 250, model 2007, good condition.

Contact 95530560 Renault Safrane, model-2010 kms100000, full option, good condition. price-2900/- negotiable CONTACT-97881927

TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION

Pick & drop anytime in al Khuwair.

Contact 99764307 Transportation. Contact 98505294

Toyota Yaris 1.5, full automatic 2010 Dec, new insurance, new tyres 83,000 kms in excellent condition, OMR 3300/-.

Contact 93291179

Transportation. Contact 99542393

Hyundai Elantra white 2010 model full auto. Contact - 95212017

Transportation available.

Contact 95570429

Transportation. Contact 93425167

Lexus GS300, 2006 for sale.

Contact 93218349

Driver with car.

Contact 92179395

Pick & Drop any time. contact 97014786

Transportation. Contact 93405941 Transportation. Contact 98178135

Transportation. Contact 99664703 Transportation available 99159277

Transportation. Contact 91379976

Transportation. Contact 96538078

Transportation with car & driver.

(VIP’s only). Contact 95040768

Transportation Available Contact 97180655

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DAILY GUIDE

Indian, Arabic, Chinese dishes, BuďŹ&#x20AC;et Lunch (On Friday) Indoor & Outdoor, Catering, Party hall available Take Away & Home Delivery

Party booking & sugges ons 99320065, 99341643

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624