Times of Oman - August 10, 2015

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MONDAY, August 10, 2015 / 24 Shawwal 1436 AH

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‘Gold rush’ continues for Oman shoppers

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HOME CALLING: If a person decides to return, they should do it sooner, rather than later.

Go home for your own good, expatriates told The sooner the

3,265 amnesty-seekers to exit

expats return home, the more the chances of reintegration into the community

Staff Reporter MUSCAT: Between July 21 and 30, more than 3,000 undocumented and overstaying expatriates have registered for exit from Oman by making use of the amnesty, the Ministry of Manpower data

reveals. “The number of workers who have registered for amnesty is 3,265,” the ministry data revealed.

The amnesty, which was announced on May 3, was extended for three more months by the ministry in the last week of July. >A6

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Returning home is sometimes the best option for expatriates once they have decided that they would be better off financially and emotionally at home, say representatives of social organisations.

The earlier they return, the better the chances of successful reintegration into their communities back home, they note, cautioning that this decision should be made carefully.

According to social organisations, for various reasons there are expatriates who are caught in the dilemma of whether to stay in

Oman or return to their countries.

Poor understanding of life as an expatriate, misinformation about income and expenses, inaccurate perceptions of the nature of their job, unrealistic expectations, lack of flexibility and homesickness, as well as emotional and mental challenges, are some of the factors that can put expatriates into a Catch-22 situation when they begin their lives in Oman.

While this situation is more common among illegal expatriates and legal blue-collar workers, there are educated people grap-

pling with similar issues, as well.

Those who are living in a foreign country for the first time, especially women, and those living away from their families are usually more vulnerable.

A dream come true for them may turn into a nightmare, and they might find it difficult to return to their home countries.

While some cannot muster the courage and confidence to go back and start everything afresh, others feel embarrassed to return, fearing a negative reaction from their families and friends. >A6 TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

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Call to set up more autistic centres

1 Style and substance

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Parents and experts have called for setting up specialised centres to treat autistic children in all governorates , adding to the three specialised centres in Muscat that deal with autism.

The Sultanate of Oman has 5,004 cases of autism. >A3

OMAN O M A N I PAW S

Fund crisis hits work of animal rescuers SARAH MACDONALD

sarah@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Stray dogs and cats in need of rescue will have to wait longer for their forever homes as local animal welfare organisation Omani Paws has suspended their services until they get more funds.

Omani Paws made the announcement on their Facebook page Sunday morning noting that rescue operations would be suspended until the end of 2015 because there are not enough foster homes and huge outstanding veterinary bills that should be paid before more animals are taken in off the streets.

“It really costs us a lot. Lately we’ve sent over 20 dogs to Europe and we owe Al Qurum Veterinary Clinic almost OMR5,600. Until that is covered and paid we’re not going to rescue any more

‘Faces’ becomes Alive-enabled

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Faces, Oman’s premier lifestyle magazine, is the first local monthly magazine to be Alive-enabled

by TimesMobile. Distributed every month with the Times of Oman in Muscat, Faces has taken the lead in bridging the print-digital content consumption pattern for its readers with Alive in the Sultanate of Oman. >A5

REGION Bad news for stray dogs and cats in need of rescue.

Iraqi PM embarks on reforms drive

animals,” explained Omani Paws founder Nada Al Moosa.

Currently, there are 10 dogs in the care of Omani Paws and Al Moosa said they will continue to care for them until they are adopted, but will have to turn down any new requests to rescue stray animals. >A6

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi proposed scrapping top government posts and privileges in an ambitious reform drive sparked by swelling popular anger over corruption and poor governance.

The proposed reforms followed weeks of demonstrations. >A7

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MUSCAT: Even as gold prices dropped to a five-year low, thus becoming a lot less attractive to investors, the love for this yellow metal for residents in the Sultanate of Oman has not diminished a wee bit.

“As prices are dipping, we are witnessing a huge rush in our showrooms. Sales are at a peak.

Compared to previous weeks, our main showroom registered a record growth in sale last week,” Malabar Gold & Diamonds regional head, Najeeb K, told the Times of Oman.

On Sunday, the price per gram in Oman was OMR13.550.

“However, the low price doesn’t benefit us much. But anyway, as sale goes up, we will be able to balance the business.”

Last week, gold registered a weekly decline, marking its worst run in 11 years before a US payrolls report that will guide the Federal Reserve in determining interest rates.

Bullion for immediate delivery was at $1,089.30 an ounce by 10.58am in Singapore from $1,089.55 on Thursday, when prices gained 0.4 per cent, according to Bloomberg generic pricing.

According to reports, the metal was 0.6 per cent lower and is headed for a seventh weekly drop in the worst slump since 2004.

“Strengthening dollar has dragged down the precious metal price,” said Jose Kakkassery Francis, regional manager of Joyalukkas in Oman.

“Usually during the school reopening time, expatriates run out

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, on the death of Sheikha Al Anood bint Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed Al Thani.

In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy, praying to Allah the Almighty to rest the deceased’s soul in peace and grant her family patience.-ONA

13.55 Omani rial was the price per gram of gold in shops in Oman after its steady decline recently

of money and they avoid gold purchase. But this time, as the prices are going down, demand is high.

We are trying our best to stock up more,” Jose added.

Service charge Meanwhile, some customers complained that due to the service charge tagged by some jewellers, they are forced to shell out more even when the gold price is low.

A customer said some jewellery shops buy our gold items on the basis of the weight by gram.

But they sell the same items at high prices. >A6

DJIBOUTI

His Majesty receives thanks MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received a cable of thanks from President Ismail Omar Guelleh of the Republic of Djibouti in reply to His Majesty the Sultan’s congratulatory cable on the occasion of his country’s Independence Anniversary.

In his cable, President Guelleh expressed his utmost thanks and appreciation to His Majesty the Sultan and the Omani people. President Guelleh affirmed his keenness to continue promoting the relations between the people of two countries in all spheres of. -ONA HM sends greetings to Ecuadorian president >A2

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MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015 Vitamins taken by the youth at the gyms/ centres without medical consultation could cause infertility and sexual impotence Dr Muataz Jado, Medical officer at Advanced Fertility & Genetics Centre

OMAN Supplements can be dangerous for health: Experts Medical experts have urged people to be

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P U B L I C AWA R E N E S S

Seminars to focus on role of Majlis MUSCAT: The role of Majlis Al Shura members and the importance of participating in the elections will be discussed at seminars here.

The Ministry of Interior will organise ‘Shura Forum’ seminars from August 24 to October 19 in different parts of the Sultanate.

Walis, sheikhs, dignitaries and representatives of the public organisations, cultural centers, civil society organisations, Omani Women Associations, teaching

staff, businessmen and university students will participate in these seminars.

While the first seminar will be held in Muscat on August 24; the second seminar will be held in Khasab on September 7; in Rustaq on September 9; Nizwa on September 14; Sohar on September 16; in Al Buraimi it will be organised on September 21; in Ibra on October 5; Sur on October 7; Ibri on October 12 and in Haima on October 19.–ONA

His Majesty sends greetings to Ecuador president MUSCAT His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of congratulations to President Rafael Vicente Correa Delgado of the Republic of Ecuador on the occasion of his country’s Independence Anniversary.

In his cable, His Majesty expressed his sincere congratulations and best wishes to President Delgado and his country’s friendly people. He wished them more prosperity and peace in the years ahead.–ONA

wary of medications A R T A N D C U LT U R E

— food supplements:

Youth forum’s focus on art

vitamins — of unknown source or origin that are entering the Sultanate’s markets

MOHAMMED FAHMI RAJAB A NOTE OF CAUTION: Food supplements have become popular and

MUSCAT: Experts have warned their use is not restricted to body building alone. against taking food supplements without prescription or medical advice as these may cause cancer, hormones that are detrimental to other medications in the market, infertility and even lead to sexual human bones and could cause can- the source of which is unknown and that do not carry any details in cer,” he added. impotence.

For instance, Vitamin E, if taken any language, he added.

Some experts have informed It seems unusual that people that ‘medications’ (food supple- for a long time and in big quantiments: vitamins) of unknown ties, can cause liver cancer. The do take medications of unknown source/origin that are entering the WHO has been opposing for over sources just because someone adten years the use of Vitamin E dur- vised them to do so.

Sultanate’s markets.

Outlets selling food suppleSpeaking to Al Shabiba, the ing pregnancy as it causes cancer sister publication of the Times and congenital malformation of ments refuted allegations that they popularised such suppleof Oman, Dr Muataz Jado, medi- the embryo.

“Food supplements have be- ments. A manager at one such outcal officer at Advanced Fertility & Genetics Centre, said all vitamins come popular and their use is not let said the “food supplements they restricted to body building,” he sell are vitamins authorised by the were not completely safe.

“Vitamins taken by the youth at added. There are some medica- Ministry of Health and these have the gyms/centres without medical tions that enter the Sultanate un- no side effects.” consultation could cause infertil- der the term “food supplements,” ity and sexual impotence as there a majority of which are imported, are cases in which those who take mainly from places not subject to HAVE YOUR SAY food supplements believed that the federal law of these countries.

Send us your comments at The majority of such food supthese supplements are simply vifacebook.com/timesofoman tamins and have no side effects. plements are exported to the Midblog.timesofoman.com Some food supplements comprise dle East region. There are also haveyoursay@timesofoman.com

INAUGURATED: The Minister of Information, Dr Abdel Monem bin Mansour Al Hassani, inaugurated an exhibition for youths publications, art works and ‘Literature Portrait’. –ONA

NIZWA: Literary skills of youths were showcased as the 21st version of Youth Literary and Art Forum was inaugurated on Sunday at Nizwa University under the auspices of Dr Abdel Monem bin Mansour Al Hassani, Minister of Information.

Dr Hilal bin Said Al Hajri, Director General of the Directorate General of Arts and Literature at the Ministry of Heritage and Culture and Chairman of the Organising Committee pointed out to the importance of the Forum and its role in enhancing the skills of talented youths in literary fields.

The Minister of Information then inaugurated an exhibition for youths publications, art works and ‘Literature Portrait’. –ONA

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Call to set up more autistic centres HAMOOD AL BRICKY

There are 5,004 cases of autism in the Sultanate.

There are three specialised centres located in the capital, Muscat, but none in other governorates.

Research indicates that autism has grown in Oman because of poor community awareness

MUSCAT: Parents and experts have called for setting up specialised centres to treat autistic children in all governorates, adding to the three specialised centres in Muscat that deal with autism.

Oman has 5,004 cases of autism.

Epidemiological surveys from various countries indicate an increased prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The epidemiology of ASD in developing countries, such as Oman, has generally indicated a lower prevalence compared to developed countries in the West. In Oman, the prevalence is low but, some specialists have indicated a rise in cases of autism in Oman.

A parent of an autistic child who didn’t want to be named said there was a need to open specialised centres in different governorates of Oman which would benefit the society.

“Children with autism often require training in social interaction, communication and self-help. We have seen that early intervention is the key. Specialised early in-

tervention can give children with autism the skills necessary to lead a meaningful and productive later life. That is why we should have centres all over Oman,” she said.

According to Dr Yahia Al Farsi from College of Medicine in Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), there are 5,004 cases of autism in the Sultanate of Oman.

Some studies indicate that one out of nine children may be in need

of medical diagnosis for autism.

Dr Al Farsi said more cases could be going undiagnosed.

On the other hand, Dr Sahar Al Sharbgi from the department of psychology in Sultan Qaboos University said there are three specialised centres located in the capital, Muscat, but none in other governorates.

“There is no nurse, hospital or specialised doctor dealing with the

issue in the interiors,” according to Buthina Al Hinai.

Other research indicated that autism issue has grown in Oman because of poor community awareness.

Another study indicated that most of teachers did not know how to deal with autistic children and often they try to avoid these children, believing that they suffered mental problems.

We have seen that early intervention is the key. Specialised early intervention can give children with autism the skills necessary to lead a meaningful and productive life. That is why we should have centres all over Oman Parent of an autistic child

EMPLOYMENT

Bidaya summer interns train for lucrative offers

Times News Service MUSCAT: Following its successful implementation last year, Ithraa has expanded its Bidaya summer internship programme to bridge the gap between higher education and full-time employment for university-level Omanis.

Running from August 9 to September 3, a total 49 students will gain insights into the working world under the support and guidance of some of Oman’s leading employers.

This year, Ithraa received over 1,200 applicants competing for 49 places with 23 businesses.

Participants will learn skills essential for their career development, including project management, leadership, sales and customer service.

His Highness Sayyid Faisal bin Turki Al Said, Ithraa’s Director General of Marketing and Media, said: “In an effort to take Bidaya to a broader youth audience, we partnered with Jisser, who promoted the initiative online, and through social media. The results have been truly outstanding and the calibre of applicants impressive. The massive response rate clearly demonstrates the appeal and appetite among Oman’s youth for summer work placements.”

Day-to-day operations Bidaya interns will take up posts in manufacturing, oil and gas, real estate, banking, media, retail, and logistics. The monthlong programme provides young people with the opportunity to be exposed to the day-to-day operations of a business and acquire early professional experience.

Research from the US-based National Association of Colleges and Employers’ Experiential Education Survey demonstrates that 25.3% of employers’ full-time, entry-level college hires came from their internship programmes. In addition, the report shows that over two-thirds of candidates are offered full-time positions at the end of their internships.

“One of the most important components of Bidaya is the mentoring programme that pairs each intern with a professional working in his or her field of interest.

Mentors provide guidance and act as role models, meeting sev-

NEW AVENUES: Ithraa received more than 1,200 applicants competing for 49 places with 23 businesses. Participants will learn skills essential for their career development.–Supplied photo

Bidaya gives students the opportunity to apply what they’ve learnt in lecture halls to the world of work. It also helps them build a network of contacts Sayyid Faisal Al Said Ithraa’s Director General of Marketing eral times a week to discuss various topics related to the internship and the tasks that have been set. This one-on-one mentoring is a highly valuable learning experience.”

His Highness added, “Bidaya gives students the opportunity to apply what they’ve learnt in lecture halls to the world of work. It also helps them build a network of professional contacts in fields of interest that could lead to a future career.

“Indeed, it is programmes like Bidaya that are strengthening Oman’s young talent pool – these are the talented and entrepreneurial young people that will

help attract further inward investment into Oman and boost the sultanate’s non-oil exports.

It’s a win-win scenario.”

Bidaya 2015 participating companies include Naranjee Hirjee, The Wave, Muscat, Ooredoo, Khimji Ramdas, DHL, Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, American Express, National Bank of Oman, Reem Batteries, Merge 104.8FM, Y Magazine, Kooora, Al Wisal, The Agency, Oman Dry Dock, Poly Products, Huawei, Brand Infiniti, Tarneem Design, Wipro, Shell Oman Marketing Company, Oman Airport Management Company and Business Gateways International.

RAFO BAND COMES SECOND IN SCOTLAND CONTEST The music band of the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) came second at the bagpipes and drums competition held in Scotland, where 40 music bands from the different countries participated. RAFO band staged a number of music performances that received the appreciation of the public.— ONA

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MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

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I had the chance to explore Ollantaytambo (a town built by the Incas) before getting on the Vistadome train for the stunning journey to Aguas Calientes Aamir Tufail Ahamad, ISG student

‘More efforts needed for eTransformation’

ACADEMICS

The Information EDUCATION SUMMIT: The entire teaching staff, including the principal, involved themselves in the workshop on Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE).–Supplied photo

Indian school teachers boost evaluation skills

Technology Authority, will work as per the plan for the next five years (20162020), to support

Times News Service MUSCAT: As part of the current process of staff development programmes, Indian School Muscat has organised a three-day Teachers’ Training Workshop last week to develop the professional capacities of teachers.

The entire teaching staff, including Principal, Vice Principals, Assistant Vice Principals and heads of departments (HODs), involved themselves in the workshop on Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) that combined modules such as Assessment of Co-scholastic Areas of CCE, Pre-K Training, Knowledge Portal Destination Success, Lesson Planning and ICT Integration in Classrooms.

Six seasoned teacher trainers, Neera Chopra, Neenu Puri, Veena Ranjan, Navinder Kaur, Puneet Pasricha and Kunal Sikri from D.S. Digital, S. Chand Group, in collaboration with Juana Technologies, New Delhi, a Teachers’ Training and Professional Development Services Organisation, shared

their knowledge and skills with the teachers. They highlighted the need to expand digital expertise, equip the teachers with innovative methods to evaluate students.

They provided an overall idea to organise anecdotal records, performance check-lists and, most importantly, the function and evaluation of teaching-learning gears and schemes.

The inaugural session began with two minutes of silence to allow for the reminiscing about the myriad contributions of the great teacher-scientist Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

School principal Srinivas K. Naidu welcomed the resource persons, as well as the gathering, and stressed, through the concept of inertia, the need for ceaseless professional expansion of the teachers. Quoting the veteran Scientist-President, the Principal said that sacrifice is the need of the hour and held up the example of Dr. Kalam as one of the best teachers, who believed that the nation is built by the teachers.

the transition to the digital economy

TECH SUPPORT: The Information Technology Authority will work over the next five years to increase the efficiency of government services and business management services. –Supplied photo

Times News Service

about its responsibilities and tasks to implement e.oman strategy and to introduce its projects and initiatives provided for the community. Hence, transparency and community eParticipation in the implementation of the ITA’s plans is very crucial to achieve e.oman strategy.

The Information Technology Authority, will work as per the plan for the next five years (20162020), to support the transition to the digital economy, create jobs for Omanis, make daily life easier for the citizens. The information and communication technology’s contribution, as the biggest industry, to the overall economy of the Sultanate is immense.

Besides, demand for information and communication technology services is increasing.

MUSCAT: Some of the government entities have improved their processes to shift towards eTransformation and others need to work hard to improve their services and processes to ease daily transactions for the citizens and residents, said Salim bin Sultan Al Ruzaiqi, CEO of Information Technology Authority (ITA).

He was speaking at Information Technology Authority’s third edition of its regular open meeting (Shurkum) to take public and specialists’ opinion about its plans and projects. The Shurkum event was held on Saturday at Hilton Salalah Hotel where the CEO was also present.

Through this open meeting, the ITA seeks to raise awareness ‘FUTURE HORIZONS’

Focus on HR strategies SALALAH: New trends in human resources are being discussed as the second Annual Forum of Training and Human Resources Development Officials titled ‘Future Horizons in Human Resources Development’ began in Salalah on Sunday under the patronage of Sheikh Khalid bin Omar Al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Service Chairman of the Institute of Public Administration. Sheikh Al Marhoon said that the forum would discuss a number of themes related to the strategy of human resources development and the new trends in the training process management and development. –ONA

The Authority will also work over the next five years to increase the efficiency of government services and business management services.

At the meeting, Dr. Salim Al Ruzaiqi said, “Every year, we evaluate the government entities’ work on eTransformation plan and raise a report for the Ministerial Cabinet so that they can issue instruction for the entities to improve their work. By the end of 2015 and beginning of 2016, we will see more eServices.”

The meeting witnessed a lot of interaction with the attendees as well as those following the ITA on social media networks, and addressed their comments and suggestions to improve the Authority’s work as well as public’s wishes for better e.oman.

Every year, we evaluate the government entities’ work on eTransformation plan and raise a report for the Ministerial Cabinet Salim bin Sultan Al Ruzaiqi, CEO of ITA

SERVICE PROJECT

Ghubra school student brings cultural memories from Peru

STUDENT UNITY: Aamir Tufail Ahamad was a member of a team of 20 students from various parts of the world selected for the service project. The project included building a boundary wall for a village school to keep animals away, and a few stables for the animals.–Supplied photo

Times News Service MUSCAT: Aamir Tufail Ahamad, a Class XII student at Indian School Al Ghubra, recently attended an International Service Project organised by Round Square, a worldwide association of schools on five continents, in Yuncachimpa, a mountainous village located about 55 km from Cusco city in Peru.

Recalling his experience, Aamir said, “I was a member of a team of 20 students from various parts of the world selected for the service project. The project included building a boundary wall for a village school to keep animals away, and a few stables for the animals kept by the local community. We stayed in tents with villagers and worked alongside people from the local community.

“It was an immense feeling of satisfaction when we completed the wall and everybody could see what we had achieved together over the past week.”

Saying that he was amazed to see the city of Cusco, one of the most historically and culturally rich cities in South America, Aamir added, “I visited Machu Picchu, the Unesco world heritage site and one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World. I had the chance to explore Ollantaytambo (a town built by the In-

cas, and whose houses people still live in today) before getting on the Vistadome train for the stunning journey to Aguas Calientes.

Huayna Picchu is the peak that overlooks Machu Picchu and is a steep, but incredible climb.”

Stating that he was happy to have a wonderful opportunity to participate in an international

service project and to visit a new territory, meet new people, explore a new culture and visit historical sites of South America, Aamir added, “I have attended several international conferences and service projects, and the experience I have gained in each of them is quite unique and splendid in its own way.”

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C I V I L S E RV I C E E M P L O Y E E S P E N S I O N F U N D D ATA

Muscat logs the highest number of pensioners MUSCAT: Muscat has the maximum number of pensioners and eligible heirs, at 11,853 — comprising 20 per cent of the total number of pensioners in Oman. At 447, or 1 per cent, Al Wusta Governorate recorded the lowest number.

The number of pensioners at the end the first half of the current year stood at 42,680 and they cumulatively received OMR15,096,835 in pensions according to the latest bi-annual statistical report of Civil

Service Employees Pension Fund (CSEPF). The number of eligible heirs was 32,293 and they received OMR3,569,358. The report also revealed that 12,660 persons received OMR45,052,792 in end of service gratuities by end of June 2015.

By end of June this year 780 newly retired persons received OMR616,240 in pensions against 589 receiving OMR412,920 in the first half of 2014. The report also pointed out that 213 retired

on reaching the age of superannuation, 53 died, 35 retired on becoming medically unfit and 478 resigned.

Gratuity The value of the end of service gratuity paid in 93 cases during the first half of this year stood at OMR1,028,473.

The Civil Service Employees Pension Fund (CSEPF) was established simultaneously with the in-

Faces now Oman’s first Alive-enabled monthly magazine Distributed every month with the Times of Oman newspaper in Muscat, Faces has taken the lead in bridging the print-digital content consumption pattern for its readers with Alive in the Sultanate content and print advertisements published in our magazine.”

Sophia further states, “All that the readers need to do is download Alive (visitwww.alivear. com), open Alive on the phone and scan the picture with the logo by focusing the phone’s camera on it. Alive is an augmented reality offering from TimesMobile, the telecom unit of Times Internet Limited (TIL), the internet and mobile venture of India’s largest media house – The Times Group.

Times New Service MUSCAT: Faces, Oman’s premier lifestyle magazine, is the first local monthly magazine to be Alive-enabled. Alive is an augmented reality offering from TimesMobile.

Distributed every month with the Times of Oman newspaper in Muscat, Faces has taken the lead in bridging the print-digital content consumption pattern for its readers with Alive in the Sultanate of Oman.

Augmented reality With this augmented reality offering from Alive, Faces will, literally, come alive on smartphones and handheld devices, offering an all-new reading experience to readers and new subscribers.

The user simply has to scan pictures that have the Alive logo embedded in them to feel the image coming alive as a print page or as a video that depicts the story behind the image. It gives readers options to view, save and share these features.

Critical tool Ajay Vaishnavi, Director, TIL, says, “We are happy to have Alive -ena-

bled Faces in Oman with a critical tool to engage, interact and provide richer content for Faces’ readers.”

Faces director Sophia Raman adds, “With the introduction of Alive in the June issue of Faces, readers will get a peek into its working and capabilities, which will soon be a part of all the main articles and features published in the magazine. Alive is designed to enable mobile data users to engage/interact with editorial

Dynamic digital world Alive transforms the static world of print into a dynamic digital world filled with rich multimedia content and more. With over 1.5 million downloads, Alive powers over 20 leading publications and 250 brands across South Asia and the Middle East.

To experience Alive, download Alive App from www.alivear.com/ app Faces (Family/ Attitude/ Class/ Entertainment/ Success) Oman, leads the integrated content offering across print and digital properties.

Faces readers in Muscat, along with the dedicated digital followers, appreciate the specific focus on caring for the society, family values, correct etiquettes, entertainment and leading a happy contented life.

troduction of the Law of Pensions and End of Service Benefits for Omani Nationals employed in the Government sector in the beginning of 1986.

It is responsible for implementing provisions of the law in addition to managing and investing the pensions and end of service funds.

The Fund is an independent government unit which has a juristic personality, an administrative and financial independence. – ONA TOURISM

Oman Air continues support to Salalah Tourism Festival Times News Service MUSCAT: As the official airline of Salalah Tourism Festival, Oman Air continues its support to the annual event signifying its long-term commitment, which has endured over the years.

As part of its participation in the Festival, Oman Air has set up a stall in the Festival grounds, where experienced staff help visitors discover more about the airline’s new products and services. Also, visitors will learn about Oman Air’s network and flight schedules, and even be able to make bookings. In addition, a number of special events are being held, during which Oman Air gives away air tickets and other gifts to winners and participants.

Record number of flights Notably, Oman Air is operating a record number of flights between Muscat and Salalah over the summer months, enabling visitors to make the most of the Festival and enjoy the unique climate and scenery of the region. Between June and September, Oman Air will operate 284 return flights, representing an 11 per cent increase over 2014. This means that as many as 352,738 passengers will have the

FLYING HIGH: Between June and September, Oman Air will operate 284 return flights to Salalah, 11 per cent more than 2014. – Supplied photo

opportunity to fly with Oman Air to Salalah.

The Salalah Tourism Festival, which opened on July 22, celebrates the Khareef (monsoon season) when the southern-most tip of Oman is transformed from a dry desert to a lush green carpet.

Visitors from around the world come to experience a vast range of events, which include music, sports, shooting, football, video games, as well as camel and horse rides. In addition, a new walkway has been built in the Dahariz area, which has seats shaded with umbrellas, a parking area and barbecue stations.

Usama Al Haremi, Senior Manager - Corporate Communications and Media at Oman Air, commented, “Oman Air is proud to once again sponsor the Salalah Tourism

Festival, confirming our commitment, not only to the event itself, but also to the Dhofar region and its people.

“The majority of visitors to the Festival are expected to fly with Oman Air and we are pleased to have significantly increased the number of flights we offer between Muscat and Salalah.

“Furthermore, visitors will be able to find out more about Oman Air’s products and services, make new bookings and change existing bookings at our dedicated Festival stall. “It is a pleasure for Oman Air to be contributing to the continuing success of the Salalah Tourism Festival. We would like to thank the organisers for their dedication, and the many thousands of visitors for making this year’s event bigger and better than ever before.”

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MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015 Many women coming to Oman in this situation have given up a career to accompany their husbands, and often they fear what they will do with their time if they are not working Susan Flower, president of Women’s Guild in Oman

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< FROM

A1 Work performance of unsatisfied people gets affected < FROM

A1 7,382 illegals left Oman

A. H. Raja, vice chairman of Pakistan Social Club.

Nitin Sujanani, general manager of Indian Social Club Muscat.

Susan Flower, president of the Women’s Guild in Oman.

Also, some may end up staying in Oman for a long time, filled with regrets and tensions and without gaining any satisfaction from their lives, which affects their behaviour and work performance.

Representatives of social organisations dealing with expatriates believe that foreigners should come to Oman with the correct information and should give themselves enough time to adapt, while gaining a clear understanding of life in Oman. If, after a period of time, they come to the conclusion that they would be better off in their home countries, they are advised to go back.

Speaking to Times of Oman, A. H. Raja, vice chairman of Pakistan Social Club, said that apart from the individual, some rules and parties may be responsible for the situation.

Raja said that, usually, those who join small companies face these problems, while it is not an issue for those working in better companies.

Raja’s advice to those who are facing these kinds of problems is to use available legal options to resolve the issues with their employers.

He also believes that expatriates who are facing either financial or emotional challenges should not make any hasty or haphazard decisions to return to their home countries, as it might lead to even more problems. It is recommended that they stay here for at least two years, and after this period they might adapt and also find better opportunities, Raja said.

ing that for labourers, the market is always open. Some labourers are even receiving higher salaries back home, he said.

The vice chairman of the Pakistan Social Club also highlighted the importance of interacting with other members of the expatriate community through social clubs and interactive events, which play an important role in providing social support.

Nitin Sujanani, general manager of Indian Social Club Muscat, says he has encountered people who are trying to determine which decision is best for them.

This situation was more prevalent some 10 years ago when the economic situation in India was different and many people wanted to work abroad, he said.

He also believes that apart from the individual, other parties, such as recruitment agents are involved, which causes problems for expatriates.

According to him, those who plan to move to Oman should have a proper understanding of all aspects of expatriate life here, perform proper research about the issues that they are not well aware of and be mentally prepared.

Blue-collar workers According to Raja, this scenario is more prevalent among those whose contracts are not honoured or are not paid on time, particularly blue-collar workers who have been misled by recruitment agents that take advantage of lax or missing rules.

Sooner than later However, he says if they come to a well thought-out conclusion that they should return, they should do it sooner, rather than later, and at an age when they can reintegrate into their own countries and communities.

This is particularly important for those professionals who may face the issue of age limits when applying for a job, Raja said, add-

During the amnesty period, undocumented and overstaying migrant workers can leave Oman without paying any fine or facing any legal action for having violated the resident status and work permit in Oman.

Reports indicated that so far, only 7,382 undocumented workers of various nationalities have made use of the amnesty programme and left Oman.

However in May, four Asian country embassies in Oman said that there would

However, Sujanani says the issue is that a large number of expatriates coming from India to work here are labourers who are mostly poorly educated and do not have access to sources of information.

Further, some are given incorrect information and false promises, landing them in trouble when they start working here and see that they cannot earn and save as much as they had expected, he added.

Patience Sujanani thinks expatriates facing financial or emotional challenges should be patient and wait for at least two years to assess the situation properly.

However, after spending several years, if they come to a definite conclusion that they would be better off in their home countries in all respects, they should return.

“Eventually, we all have to go back,” he said, adding that the earlier this step is taken, the better.

“It is better to go back when you know you are capable enough

be around 50,000 undocumented and overstaying migrant workers who can make use of the amnesty.

“Overstaying undocumented expatriate workers should come forward and make use of this opportunity. When the Oman government is ready to help, the overstaying migrant workers should also cooperate instead of risking their life by remaining an overstaying migrant worker,” Shaji Sebastin, a Muscat-based Indian social worker, told the Times of Oman.

to start getting used to life back in your home country, rather than shifting at the age of 50 or 60 when it would be difficult to become integrated back home,” said Sujanani.

He also believes there are opportunities back home for those working here.

Sharing experiences Interaction with members of the same community through social clubs and sharing experiences can also help make life easier for newly arrived expatriates, he said.

They should not be ashamed of expressing their concerns and seeking advice from friends or even specialists, in serious cases, the general manager of the Indian Social Club Muscat noted.

Susan Flower, president of the Women’s Guild in the Sultanate of Oman (WGO), says that she has come across people facing this situation, but mostly women who are coming to work here as an accompanying spouse.

“Many women coming to Oman

Pact signed for Manila event Shell is committed to developing Omani talents and encouraging innovation among local youth

AGREEMENT: Shell signed a pact with GUtech to help in its efforts to compete in Manila eco-marathon challenge. -Supplied photo

Times News Service

that will assist the university in its efforts to compete in Shell’s upcoming eco-marathon challenge, scheduled to take place in Manila, the Philippines, in early 2016.

Chris Breeze, Shell’s Country Chairman in Oman, and Adil bin Ismail Al Raisi, Managing Director of Shell Oman Marketing, signed

MUSCAT: As part of Shell’s commitment towards developing Omani talents and encouraging innovation among youth, Shell recently signed a letter of agreement with the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech)

the agreement with Professor Dr.Ing. Michael Modigell, Rector of GUTech. The signing took place at Shell Development Oman’s office in Muscat.

Early this year, GUtech’s team “Megalodon” won fifth place in the diesel fuel category at the Shell eco-marathon Asia competition

held in Manila. The team representing GUtech plans to participate in the 2016 challenge with a prototype diesel vehicle.

Commenting on this occasion, Professor Modigell said, “We are proud of our engineering student team that was very successful during this year’s eco-marathon in Manila, and we would like to thank Shell for all their support and their trust in our students.

“For the upcoming event, we will do our utmost to support and motivate our students in the same way. To participate in the ecomarathon is a big challenge - the students have to work very hard to build their eco-vehicles during long hours, beside continuing their studies. At GUtech we promote the application of theoretical knowledge in order to realize better engineering solutions. Beside the technical issues of the car, the students have to handle the project-

management and develop a team spirit,” said Professor Modigell.

Also commenting on the agreement with GUtech, Chris Breeze, Shell’s Country Chairman in Oman, stated: “The last team from GUtech demonstrated great skill and commitment, not only to develop their fuel-efficient car, but to also contribute toward a sustainable energy future for Oman.

It was truly inspiring to see how passionate and dedicated the students were in the eco-marathon challenge earlier this year, and I wish the new team the best of luck in pursuing their goal.

“These students are the backbone of the future and their achievements are a testament to their abilities, teamwork and drive to succeed. Shell eco-marathon is an inspirational training opportunity for young problem solvers to demonstrate commercial, as well as technical innovation."

in this situation have given up a career to accompany their husbands, and often they fear what they will do with their time if they are not working, or worry about their children being in new schools and being apart from friends and family in their home countries,” she said.

The WGO helps them to settle in and develop new friendships, Flower added.

Flexibility Her advice is to be open-minded and flexible when moving to Oman, as things may be different compared to their own countries or different than what they had expected.

“At the WGO, we can provide information on what to do, where to find things and about general living in Oman, and such information can take away much of the anxiety women face when moving overseas. It is definitely a good idea to do some research about life in Oman before committing to move and the challenges they may face, so they can make more informed decisions,” she said.

Flower also advises people to wait at least six months before making any decision to return home, as she thinks it takes that much time to settle into the way of life here.

Not for everyone “While the vast majority of people love living in Oman, it is not for everyone, however. If they are unhappy and have the opportunity to return, then sometimes that is the best choice for them and their families,” she said.

Hilal Al Rashdi, adviser at the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, says that those whose religious views and values have undergone some changes are advised to engage in activities and form their own associations in order to revive and maintain their values.

They can also benefit from assistance from Omani associations and institutions, he said.

DIPPING PRICES

< FROM

A1

Complaint received on price tag of gold

Hilal bin Saud Al Ismaili, Director of the Markets Regulation and Control at the Public Authority for Consumer Protection, told Al Shabiba, the sister publication of the Times of Oman, said that they have received complaints from customers regarding the service price tagged by the gold and diamond showrooms in the Sultanate of Oman.

“The Public Authority for Consumer Protection will look into the complaints and take appropriate steps,” the official said while urging the consumers to check quality of the purchased gold as set by the Directorate General for Specifications and Measurements.

C A L L F O R D O NAT I O N

A1 A small donation makes a big difference < FROM

Each dog that is rescued costs about OMR50 for vaccinations and neutering or spaying and there are costs for feeding the animals, too.

Some of the dogs are trapped, neutered and released back onto the streets at a cost of OMR50 per female dog. The veterinary clinics usually do this at cost, not making any profits from the service.

Some of the dogs are adopted locally and others are sent abroad, which is also a costly initiative. It costs OMR400 to send a dog to Germany, for example, and even more to send them to the UK or Canada, which they have done in the past, Al Moosa explained.

The Omani Paws Facebook page has over 7,000 fans and Al Moosa says it would make a world of difference if members donated just OMR1 a month.

“What is 1 rial? You spend it in a second without thinking twice.

Let’s say 30 per cent of them donate a rial every month, that would really help us help many, many more animals,” she said.

The organisation has had fundraisers in the past, including a concert and joining table top sales at local schools, but these aren’t

HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS: Each dog that is rescued costs about OMR50 for vaccinations and neutering or spaying and there are costs for feeding the animals, too. -Supplied photos

enough to sustain the operations.

Al Moosa added that when they request donations people often make promises but don’t follow through with the money.

Approximately 70 per cent of the costs she covers herself and she can’t afford to continue paying so much out of her own pocket.

People can donate to Omani Paws at the My Cupcake shops, Al Qurum Veterinary Clinic, Capital Veterinary Clinic, and Ayana Spa, and they can make bank donations through an account (Bank Muscat AC 0316005035170026).

While Omani Paws is in desperate need of regular funding, it

also needs people to donate time, talents, and space in their homes temporarily for needy animals.

“The money part is one thing.

The other thing we’re struggling with is that nobody fosters. Even people who have dogs wouldn’t open their hopes for temporary fosters of two or three months. I have nine dogs in my house, and at some point we have to stop and be realistic about our limitations,” said Al Moosa.

She hopes people will offer to foster the dogs and cats until they are adopted, and they need volunteers who can help organise fund-raisers, take photos of the

animals for publicity, and transport the animals.

They also need volunteers who are willing to go out on weeks and help catch dogs for the trap, neuter and release procedure which will help tackle the stray dog problem in the long term.

Recently five puppies which were rescued in Wadi Kabir were adopted locally but Al Moosa says this was a lucky situation.

Too often there aren’t enough foster homes let alone adoptive homes, so the dogs are put back on the streets.

Despite the challenges Omani Paws is currently facing, Al Moosa says she won’t give up, and she hopes more people will open their hearts, homes and wallets to help the animals who can’t help themselves.

“At the end of the day we do it for the dogs. We do it for the animals in need,” she said.

Omani Paws: h t t p s : //www. f a c e b o o k .c o m /p a g e s /O m a n i Paws/453369938095862 https://instagram.com/omanipaws/ To donate to Omani Paws: Bank Muscat AC 0316005035170026

MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015 The trial was held behind closed doors and details of the evidence and specific crimes has not been released. Mehdi Hashemi was sentenced to two terms of 10 years in prison and one of five years, and in line with Iranian law will serve the longest of the three sentences.

Iraqi premier proposes reforms after protests

PARLEYS: Iraq’s Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi meets with Iraqi ministers in Baghdad on Sunday. – Reuters/Iraqi PM Media Office/Handout

One of the most drastic proposals outlined by Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi was the call for the elimination of the posts of vice president and deputy prime minister immediately

BAGHDAD: Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi proposed scrapping top government posts and privileges on Sunday in an ambitious reform drive sparked by swelling popular anger over corruption and poor governance.

The proposed reforms followed weeks of demonstrations and a call for tougher reform measures from Iraq’s top cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani, who is revered by millions of Iraqis.

Amid a major heatwave that has

seen temperatures top 50 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit), protesters have railed against the poor quality of services, especially power outages that leave Iraqis with only a few hours of government-supplied electricity per day.

But even with popular pressure and Sistani’s backing, the entrenched nature of corruption in Iraq and the fact that parties across the political spectrum benefit from it will make any efforts to change the system extremely difficult. One of the most drastic of the proposals outlined in an online statement by Abadi was the call for the elimination of the posts of vice president and deputy prime minister “immediately”.

Cabinet approval The cabinet approved the reform plan on Sunday, Abadi’s office said, but changes such as abolishing the posts would apparently require the constitution to be amended, which would necessitate parliamentary action.

The three vice presidential posts, which come with more privileges than responsibilities, are held by former top officials -Abadi’s predecessor and main rival, Nuri Al Maliki, ex-parliament speaker Osama Al Nujaifi and former premier Iyad Allawi.

Maliki and Nujaifi said on Sunday that they supported the reform drive, indicating that the proposed changes may have been made as

part of a deal that they endorsed. “I renew my support for the reforms that are needed,” said Maliki, while Nujaifi announced his “support for and welcome of the decisions”.

Abadi also called for a major overhaul of the way senior officials are selected, saying that all “party and sectarian quotas” should be abolished, and the candidates chosen by a committee appointed by the premier. No quotas are enshrined in the constitution but the patronage system that prevails in Iraq grants many government jobs according to sect and party affiliation rather than merit.

Abadi also said there should be a “comprehensive and immediate reduction” in the number of guards for officials. This has long been a problem, with some officials having massive personal protection units, and others hiring less than the allotted number and pocketing the remainder of the allowance.

And he called for an end to “special provisions” for senior officials, both current and retired. He did not specify what these were, but large salaries, government-provided vehicles and generous retirement benefits have all long been bones of contention between the authorities and average Iraqis.

Old and current graft cases should also be reopened under the supervision of a high commission for fighting corruption, Abadi said.

Sistani called on Friday for Abadi to take “drastic measures”

FINANCIAL AND SECURITY CRIMES

Iran ex-president Rafsanjani’s son begins 10-year jail term TEHRAN: The son of Iran’s former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani began a 10-year prison term for financial and security crimes on Sunday, insisting his conviction was politically motivated.

Mehdi Hashemi was in March handed prison sentences totalling 25 years after being convicted on three charges in separate cases involving national security, fraud and embezzlement. The 45-yearold was also ordered to pay undisclosed fines and financial penalties, and was barred from holding public office. He lost an appeal.

The trial was held behind closed doors and details of the evidence and specific crimes has not been released. He was sentenced to two terms of 10 years in prison and one of five years, and in line with Iranian law will serve the longest of the three sentences.

Iranian media said he had arrived at Evin Prison in Tehran where he read a statement to reporters demanding that re-

cordings of his trial be released.

Hashemi said he saw “political purposes as the main element” of the case against him.

He said his conviction was “neither fair nor legal” but he hoped “to protect and defend the integrity of my honourable and oppressed father”.

“I demand once again that state television broadcast my court hearings fully,” he said.

“I firmly believe that this measure will prevent abuses by radicals from harming one of the important pillars of the Islamic republic,” he added, in an apparent reference to the judiciary.

Rafsanjani served as Iran’s president from 1989 to 1997.

The 80-year-old remains influential in Iranian politics despite suffering setbacks in recent years.

He is now considered a moderate close to the reformist camp.

Rafsanjani was barred from standing in the 2013 presidential election but threw his support behind moderate cleric Hassan

Rouhani, who eventually won.

Rafsanjani’s son was accused of involvement in massive protests that followed Iran’s 2009 disputed presidential election, won by hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. At the time, Hashemi backed the so-called Green Movement led by reformist presidential candidates Mir-Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, who alleged massive voting fraud.

Threatened with arrest, Hashemi left for Britain. He returned home in September 2012 but was later detained for questioning and held in custody for three months before being released on bail.

Hashemi had an earlier brush with the judiciary in the 2000s when his name emerged in cases involving Norway’s Statoil and French oil giant Total.

The oil companies were suspected of having paid bribes to secure access to Iranian hydrocarbon reserves, at a time when Hashemi was a senior official in the oil industry. — AFP

against corruption, saying that the “minor steps” he had announced were not enough.

“He must be more daring and courageous in his reforms,” Ahmed Al Safi, a representative of the reclusive Sistani, said in a sermon delivered in the city of Karbala.

But Abadi’s efforts face major challenges.

“The entire system of government is rotten. The constitution is decrepit, the legal framework is woefully inadequate and the political class is utterly corrupt and incompetent,” said Zaid Al Ali, author of “The Struggle For Iraq’s Future”.

“All political parties that are part of government profit directly from the current system, which is why it has remained unchanged since 2005,” said Ali, a constitutionalist.

The latest major protest was on Friday, with thousands in Baghdad and the south venting their anger at authorities.

Demonstrators have blamed the services crisis on corruption and incompetence across the political class.

But various parties and politicians have sought to align themselves with the protesters -- at least in their rhetoric -- to take advantage of the movement and mitigate the risk to themselves.

People have protested over services and corruption before but the demonstrations failed to bring about significant change. — AFP

A7

REGION NAT I O N AT WA R

Yemen loyalists retake Zinjibar from Houthis ADEN: Forces loyal to Yemen’s exiled government recaptured a southern provincial capital from Houthi rebels and their allies on Sunday as they pressed an advance from second city Aden.

Zinjibar, capital of Abyan province, had been held by troops of the renegade 15th Brigade which remains loyal to ousted strongman Ali Abdullah Saleh who is allied with the rebels.

Troops entered the coastal town, some 50 kilometres (30 miles) east of Aden, after overrunning the brigade’s barracks outside with support from Saudiled air strikes, military sources said. Residents of Zinjibar forced out by fighting that devastated their city also returned on Sunday to take stock of the damage, a relief official said. But many, including loyalist fighters, lost their lives as they treaded on mines planted by the rebels before they withdrew from the city.

At least 19 people were killed and 163 wounded on Saturday and Sunday in Zinjibar and the surrounding area, Aden health chief Al Khader Laswar told AFP. Mines and unexploded ordnance have caused similarly high death tolls in Aden itself since the rebels’ pullout last month, with dozens of civilians reported killed and hundreds wounded.

Zinjibar is the third southern provincial capital from which the rebels have been driven out. The loyalists secured Aden in midJuly and Lahj provincial capital Huta on August 4. Aden was the last refuge of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi before he fled into exile in neighbouring Saudi Arabia in March. Riyadh has since led a bombing campaign and air and sea blockade against the Iran-backed rebels and their allies in a bid to restore his authority.

Training It has also provided training and equipment to loyalist forces and earlier this month reportedly deployed hundreds of ground troops to Aden.

The capture of Zinjibar came three days after tribal and military sources said Saudi Arabia sent tanks, armoured vehicles and personnel carriers to back

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the loyalist forces. Hundreds of Yemeni soldiers trained in the oil-rich kingdom were also sent to bolster Hadi’s forces, the sources said on Thursday.

The recapture of Zinjibar is expected to strengthen the position of loyalist forces as they expand their zone of control in southern Yemen and could pave the way for an attempt to pursue rebels further north.

The Houthis control the capital Sanaa, which they seized last year, and larges swathes of the country including the remote north where their mountainous stronghold of Saada is located.

On Sunday the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross visited the Old City of Sanaa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to assess the damage of the war on the second day of a three-day visit.

After touring damaged buildings and a hospital, ICRC chief Peter Maurer told reporters he had come to Yemen for a “view on the impact of the recent warfare”.

Sanaa’s Old City has been inhabited for more than 2,500 years and was a major centre for the propagation of religion, boasting more than 100 mosques, 14 public baths and more than 6,000 houses built before the 11th century. Many of its ancient storeyed houses that rise like modern-day skyscrapers were damaged in fighting and Saudi-led air strikes, leaving residents homeless.

“It’s an illustration of just one element of how people are affected by the warfare,” Maurer said.

The ICRC has said Maurer would hold talks with leading officials, without identifying them, during his visit to Yemen. Rebel officials said he would meet Houthi leaders and their allies.

The United Nations says nearly 4,000 people have been killed since March, half of them civilians, while 80 per cent of Yemen’s 21 million people are in need of aid and protection. — AFP

A8

MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

INDIA

If Jungle Raj part II arrives, everything will be ruined. During Jungle Raj part I there was no experience of jail, which would be there now. Nobody learns good things in jail Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

D ATA

Indian newspapers buck global trend, witness growth NEW DELHI: Bucking the global trend, both English and regional language newspapers in India are witnessing growth, with the number of registered publications climbing up from 94,067 in March, 2013 to 105,443 by March this year.

According to data available with the Registrar of Newspapers in India (RNI), almost every state across the country is a part of this trend. Uttar Pradesh (UP) leads the country with 14,336 registered publications as on March 31, 2013, and their number went up to 15,209 in a year.

Continuing on the growth trajectory, the state had 16,130 publications registered with RNI by March 2015.

Maharashtra, followed UP with 12,466 registered publications in March 2013.

Growth trajectory The figure went up to 13,375 in one year and touched 14,394 by March 2015.

National capital Delhi followed these two large states with 11,410 publications registered in 2013.

The number of registered publications shot up to 12,177 by March 2015. Several other states like Andhra Pradesh have also seen a rise in number of publications.

The state, which had 5,575 publications in 2013, had 6,215 by March 31 this year.

Recently formed Telangana has

As per the details of claimed circulation in statements filed with Registrar of Newspapers in India, newspapers in languages excluding Hindi, English and Urdu were publishing 108,603,811 copies daily in 201112 and the number went up to 125,119,648 in 2013-14

203 registered publications.

While an overwhelming majority of states have seen an increase in number of publications, there are some like Lakshadweep or

Nagaland, which witnessed no change. In Lakshadweep and Nagaland, the number of publications remained static at seven and 22 during this period.

Vernacular newspapers also grew during the period.

There were 13,138 registered publications in English in March 2014 and the number grew to 13,661 in one year.

During the same period the number of Hindi publications also increased to 42,493 from 40,159.

There were 80 registered publications in Sanskrit in March 2014, and number grew up to 95 by March this year.

The number of publications has been rising consistently and so also their circulation.

As per the details of claimed circulation in statements filed with RNI, newspapers in languages excluding Hindi, English and

Modi promises to rid Bihar of Bimaru tag, foil ‘Jungle Raj II’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, the assembly polls, due in OctoberNovember, presented an opportunity to the people to free themselves of a government ‘steeped in arrogance’

GAYA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday mounted a scathing attack on the “politically opportunistic” JD(U)-RJD alliance in Bihar, repeatedly invoking the spectre of “Jungle Raj”, which he warned the coalition would usher in if voted to power.

Modi also vowed to remove the Bimaru (Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh) tag given to the laggard state within

GARNERING SUPPORT: Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to his supporters during the Parivartan rally at Gandhi Maidan, in Gaya on Sunday. - PTI

five years of BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coming to power, but did not announce the much-expected economic package he has promised.

Opportunity Addressing his second rally in a fortnight in the poll-bound state, Modi said, the assembly polls, due in October-November, presented an opportunity to the people to free themselves of a government

“steeped in arrogance”. Modi, who made repeated reference to “Jungle Raj”, the name used for alleged misgovernance during the Lalu-Rabri rule, in his 40-minute speech, cautioned the people against bringing it back after the polls as he highlighted the contradictions plaguing the RJD-JD(U) alliance.

“If Jungle Raj part II arrives, everything will be ruined. During Jungle Raj part I there was no

experience of jail,which would be there now. Nobody learns good things in jail,” he said, hinting at RJD chief Lalu Prasad’s incarceration for alleged involvement in the fodder scam.

Referring to the alliance “forged out of political opportunism”, Modi said, “Will the coalition survive after the elections are over.

Those who drank poison will they spew it after the polls. Where will it fall? In people’s plate. Should

you allow them to do that? “I don’t know who’s Bhujang (snake) Prasad and who’s Chandan (sandalwood) Kumar in Bihar. Who’s serving poison and who’s drinking it, but together they will create a poisonous environment in Bihar when elections are over,” he said.

After Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s anointment as the secular alliance’s chief ministerial candidate, Lalu had said he was prepared to even drink poison to defeat communal forces, which many saw as reflecting the unease in the coalition.

Later, when asked during a public interface on Twitter about how will he take forward the state under a coalition which had Lalu Prasad’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) as a partner, Kumar created a flutter by citing a couplet of poet Rahim which said “sandalwood tree gathers no poison despite venomous snakes wrapping themselves around it.” Many felt the snake’s reference was to Lalu.

Presenting a united picture of the NDA in the state, BJP’s alliance partners--Ram Vilas Paswan of Lok Janshakti Party, Upendra Kushwaha of Lok Samata Party and Hindustani Awam Morcha (secular) leader and fomer state chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi shared the dais with Modi. - PTI

Urdu were publishing 108,603,811 copies daily in 2011-12 and the number went up to 125,119,648 in 2013-14.

Fluctuating trend Circulation of English newspapers, however, showed a fluctuating trend.

In 2011-12 English newspapers were publishing 680,772,280 copies per day but this number dropped to 56,385,998 in 2012-13.

In 2013-14 this number grew to 64,405,643 copies per day.

Information and Broadcasting minister Arun Jaitley shared this RNI data earlier this week in the in Lok Sabha in written reply to a member’s question. - PTI B I L AT E R A L T I E S

Modi plans visit to UAE on August 16 NEW DELHI/DUBAI: In a first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister in more than three decades, Narendra Modi will undertake a two-day trip to the UAE from August 16 during which he will hold talks with the leadership there on key issues of trade and security and address the Indian community.

Though no formal announcement has been made about the Prime Ministerial visit, according to official sources, the Indian prime minister will travel to Abu Dhabi and Dubai during his two-day visit, which is expected to further boost the strong economic, cultural and social ties between India and the second largest Arab economy.

The visit will be first-ever in 34 years by any Indian Prime Minister.

Modi’s visit also assumes great significance given that there has been very little progress seen in implementing various pacts particularly in the field of counter terrorism and enhancing maritime security.

“The Indian leader’s visit is expected to give a fillip to bilateral cooperation in key areas and boost trade and investment ties, which are the cornerstone of the UAE-India partnership,” sources said. - PTI

RAINS DISRUPTS NORMAL LIFE IN NORTH INDIA Vehicles move through waterlogged Delhi-Gurgaon National Highway 8 after heavy rains, at Signature Tower Chowk in Gurgaon on Sunday. Incessant rains lashed vast swathes of north India including Delhi on Sunday, leading to flooding and water-logging in many areas. The national capital received the highest rainfall of the month as it poured intensely in the morning hours. - PTI

SEEKING JUSTICE

Allow bail or suicide, 70 Vyapam accused say in letter to President BHOPAL: Seeking “justice” from President Pranab Mukherjee, 70 medical students and junior doctors, arrested in Vyapam scam and lodged in Gwalior Jail, have written a letter to him, in which they have requested him to release them on bail or allow them to kill themselves.

The 70 accused have been arrested on charge of cracking the pre-medical test conducted by scam-ridden Vyapam, using unfair means.

“We, the under trial accused in judicial custody, are in jail since a long time. As a result of this, our future is in complete darkness and we are under tremendous mental and social pressure. This is developing negative thoughts of

suicidal tendency among us,” says the letter, which is signed on behalf of the students by A. S. Yadav, father of one of the 70 accused lodged in Gwalior jail.

“We are mostly junior doctors, who are working and others pursuing medical (MBBS) course.

Our family and our financial condition has turned grim and our family is on the brink of starvation as we are languishing in jails since a long time,” it states.

Due to disparity in justice delivery system, all junior doctors are languishing in Gwalior jail, whereas our counterparts charged with the same sections (of IPC) at Jabalpur, Bhopal and other places have got bails from Sessions Courts and

High Courts, the letter alleged.

“To save officers and staffers of (Vyapam) Vyavsayik Pariksha Mandal’s (entrance committee), counselling committee, who had indulged in wrongdoings, hapless and weak category medical students have been made accused and denied bail for political reasons,” the under-trials alleged in the letter.

“This is being done to develop criminal mentality among the junior doctors and medical students,” it said.

“Lastly, we request the honourable President to bring uniformity in justice delivery system to facilitate bail to us so that our medical practice and studies are not hindered for a long time”.- PTI

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Naidu blames Congress for disruption of parliament Continued protests by Congress members have forced a washout of Rajya Sabha proceedings for the third week, as the House failed to transact any business due to repeated adjournments

Lashing out at the Congress, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said “while in power, they pushed India backward, now in opposition they do not want India to move forward.”

SPELLING OUT: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu speaks to media at Parliament House in New Delhi, recently. - PTI

CHENNAI: The Indian government is willing to consider “meaningful suggestions” from the Congress to resolve the deadlock in Parliament and get eight crucial bills passed in the ongoing monsoon session, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said on Sunday.

Lashing out at the Congress for disrupting Parliamentary proceedings, he said “I have told them that please come to the House.

Let there be a discussion. Even the suspension of Congress MPs can be revoked. But there was no response. Even now if there is a meaningful suggestion, the Government is willing to consider the suggestion.”

Naidu told reporters here that “eight more important bills are there, four bills were already passed in the Lok Sabha. I hope Congress understands its responsibility. Let us see what is going to happen (tomorrow). I want Monday to be Monday and I don’t want Monday to be a Sunday.”

Observing that it was the duty of both the government and the Opposition to run Parliament, he said “they don’t want the Government to succeed.

“We want both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha to function at least for coming four days, since

(only) four days are left (for the monsoon session to end).”

The session concludes on August 13.

The legislations listed for passage include those relating to GST, the Whistle Blowers Protection (Amendment) Bill and the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill.

The crucial Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Re-settlement (Second) Bill is currently before the Standing Committee.

On Saturday, Congress threw

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the ball in government’s court on the issue of smooth functioning of Parliament in this session that has largely remained paralysed over Lalit Modi and Vyapam issues, saying if it was interested in its running,then it should reach out to the opposition.

On the Lalit Modi issue, Naidu wanted to know why he was allowed to go out of India in the first place. “Who was in Government?

Why no action was taken against Lalit Modi? Who was in the Government for last four years?

No answer.”

Lashing out at Congress, he said

“while in power, they pushed India backward, now in opposition they do not want India to move forward.”

Continued protests by Congress members have forced a washout of Rajya Sabha proceedings for the third week, as the House failed to transact any business due to repeated adjournments.

Congress members have repeatedly stormed the Well protesting the suspension of 25 MPs in Lok Sabha and demanding resignation of Union Minister Sushma Swaraj and two chief ministers over the Lalit Modi and Vyapam issues. - PTI

I N D I G E N I S AT I O N

New defence policy to push ‘Make in India’ NEW DELHI: With ‘Make in India’ the new mantra for defence manufacturing, the government has decided against importing equipment unless it is impossible to make it at home and this thrust on indigenisation will reflect in the new Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP), sources said.

According to these highly placed sources, the modified DPP, a draft of which is ready and under discussion in the defence ministry, is expected to be finalised by the end of this month.

The document, along with provisions for encouraging domestic industry, will have its spirit summed up in a preamble that will stress on ‘Make in India’.

“The DPP will have a preamble, which will clearly state that every product should be designed, developed and made in India,” a highly placed source said, not wishing to be identified by name.

“Imports will be allowed only in case we cannot make it in India and as a last resort,” the source said, quoting from the preamble.

Proposals The defence ministry has recently cleared several big ticket proposals under the ‘Make in India’ initiative and the new procedure will push it further.

Among other provisions, the DPP is likely to initiate the process for a Technology Development Fund (TDF), with initial capital of Rs100 crore, a defence ministry official said. - IANS

I N F I LT R AT I O N B I D

Soldier, militants killed in gunbattle near LoC in Kashmir SRINAGAR: Two militants and a soldier were killed on Sunday in gunbattle during infiltration bids by ultras at Keran and Tangdhar sectors along the Line of Control(LoC) in Indian-administered-Kashmir while an Army officer lost his life in a mishap during a search operation.

An infiltration bid was foiled along the LoC in Keran sector of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Sunday in which two militants were killed, an army officer said.

The alert troops guarding the

LoC noticed a group of militants trying to sneak into this side Jumagund Nar in Keran sector, he said, adding the troops challenged the militants who indulged in indiscriminate firing.

Encounter The troops returned the fire and in an ensuing encounter two militants were killed, the officer said.

In an overnight encounter between the security forces and infiltrating militants near Ragni post in Taya forests near the

YA K U B M E M O N E X E C U T I O N

Minister for retaining death penalty for terrorists and rapists CHENNAI: Amid a raging debate on the execution of 1993 Mumbai blasts convict Yakub Memon, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday said that strongest possible punishment, including death sentence should be given to terrorists, anti-nationalists and rapists.

“Glorifying terrorists and antinationalists is no good. Death penalty is an issue which can be debated upon. But surprisingly, some people come out openly as and when death penalty is given to a terrorist, anti-nationalist...” he told reporters here.

“Somebody is saying death penalty cannot take place. It may be their view. I am of the view that terrorists, anti-national people, rapists, strongest possible punishment including death sentence, should be given,” he said.

Debate needed Calling for a nation-wide debate on the topic, he said, “...Yakub Memon was hanged after 20 years of trial... Supreme Court sat up to 3.45 in the morning. That speaks for the greatness of India and independence of and judiciary.”

“Some people are running stories of what he (Memon) had for breakfast on that day.....” he said.

Noting that some people were trying to bring religion into the matter, he said, “terrorist is a terrorist. Does he have any religion?

An anti-national is an anti-national. Why are you talking about his religion whether he is Hindu, Muslim or Christian?”

“We were all in Rameswaram for the funeral of the great man, the great son of India, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam. But some of the

...Yakub Memon was hanged after 20 years of trial... Supreme Court sat up to 3.45 in the morning.

That speaks for the greatness of India and independence of and judiciary Venkaiah Naidu Union Minister

(TV) channels were prominently showing and highlighting Yakub Memon. Are we serving the nation’s interests?,” he asked.

About rapists below the age of 18 not being given serious punishment, Naidu said, “Some people do not want people below 18 years to be given serious punishment. But when they (rapists) know how to rape, torture a woman, I do not have any sympathy for him (rapist) even if he is below 18 years. So the debate goes on in these issues.” - PTI

LoC in Tangdhar sector, an army jawan was killed and two others were injured.

“One jawan made the supreme sacrifice while two others were injured in the operation against militants in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara district,” the army official said.

In an another operation near LoC in Gurez sector of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, an army officer was killed after he slipped and fell in a deep gorge.

Captain Prem Kumar Krishan

Patil of Army’s 36 RR unit slipped into a gorge during a search operation in the forest area close to the LoC Saturday, the officer said.

He said the search operation was launched following inputs about some suspicious movement in the area.

The injured officer was rushed to a nearby hospital from where he was shifted to a medical facility here, the officer said.

Patil, however, succumbed to the injuries later in the day, the officer said. -PTI

STRICT VIGIL: Personnel of Special Operation Group of J&K Police

and CRPF keep vigil during a search operation for militants amid a red alert sounded by authorities a day after militants attack on BSF convoy in Lal Chowk in Srinagar on Thursday. -PTI

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MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

PAKISTAN FLASH FLOODS

INTERNATIONAL ARMY GAMES 2015 A serviceman from Pakistan is watched by a referee as he fires an anti-aircraft missile with the Russian-made Igla ground-to-air launcher during the Air Defence Battle Masters competition as part of the International Army Games 2015 in the port town of Yeysk, Russia, on Sunday. — Reuters

Efforts on to clear boulders from blocked Chitral river CHITRAL: The Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) has initiated efforts to remove blockages in Chitral river caused by the accumulation of boulders which had rolled down from mountains nearby.

An official privy with the development said on Saturday water had gathered in an opening in Ayun union council as a result of the blockages.

“However, the water level has been reduced after FWO officials tried to remove the blockages,” he said. “So far they have managed to partially remove the blockage.”

According to residents, timber and huge boulders have rolled down to Chitral River following heavy rain and flash floods in the catchment area since mid-July.

“The flow of water in Chitral River has been hindered to a large extent,” a local told The Express Tribune. “As a result, water was automatically diverted towards Ayun union council and has formed a lake in the area. Most of us were worried because this lake kept getting larger by the day.”

A large number of residents approached FWO officials to tackle this problem in an effective manner.

“We urged them to help us remove the blockage,” said another resident. — Express Tribune

L E A D E R O F RU L I N G PA R T Y

Bilawal asks Sindh to speed up flood relief KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has asked the Sindh government to accelerate rescue and relief activities in flood-hit areas of the province, Radio Pakistan reported.

During his visit to the floodhit areas of the province on Sunday, the PPP chairperson distributed food items among flood-affected people.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Shah accompanied Bilawal. They also visited Sukkur barrage and monitored embankments of the River Indus in Ghotki and Khairpur districts.

Earlier upon their arrival, Information Minister Nisar Khoro and Secretary Irrigation Zaheer Haider Shah briefed the PPP leaders about the current flood situation and the relief activities being carried out by the government.

“All arrangements have been completed to facilitate flood victims of Kacha areas in Sindh,” said the Sindh chief minister.

“More than 500,000 people from Kacha have been shifted to safe places.”

Last week, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said over a million people were affected by floods across Pakistan so far.

Although there have been no reports of deaths from floods in Sindh so far, around 583,096 people in 2,177 villages have been affected by the floods in the province. — Express Tribune

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Altaf told not to forget the sacrifices of armed forces While referring to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement leader’s anti-state remarks, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said no matter what sort of reservations one has about national institutions, they cannot ask the enemy for intervention and malign them

ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: Taking Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief to task for his alleged defamatory statements against the country’s armed forces, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has urged Altaf Hussain to remember the sacrifices of Pakistan Army that helped secure the citizens of the country.

“Measures taken by the army have helped us feel safe,” he said while talking to media outside his residence in Sialkot on Sunday, Express News reported.

While referring to Altaf’s antistate remarks, he said “no matter what sort of reservations one has about national institutions, they cannot ask the enemy for intervention and malign them.”

Those who resort to such acts could be regarded as the biggest enemies of Pakistan, added Asif.

CONTROVERSY: Pakistani supporters of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement celebrate the news that MQM leader Altaf Hussain has been released on bail in London after being arrested on suspicion of money laundering, during a protest in Karachi on June 7, 2014. — AFP file photo

The defence minister on this occasion also lambasted India for its unending tirade and persistent allegations against Pakistan.

“Instead of setting its own house in order, the neighbouring country frequently launches verbal assaults against Pakistan,” he said.

Resolutions Earlier on Friday, the Sindh Assembly had passed resolutions condemning ‘anti-state remarks’ of the MQM chief. The resolutions came after similar resolutions

were tabled in Punjab, KhyberPakhtunkhwa and Balochistan assemblies in the past several days.

On August 1, the MQM chief in a speech from London reportedly asked Nato and India take notice of the ongoing Karachi operation, claiming that it was targeting his party members.

Senior leader suspended Meanwhile, Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s (MQM) senior leader Rauf Siddiqui was suspended from the party early on Sunday.

“During a meeting, MQM’s Rabita Committee in Karachi and London decided to suspend Rauf Siddiqui from the party,” said a party statement.

“Siddiqui is mentally and ideologically incapable,” the statement added, citing the reason for his suspension.

The Rabita Committee further announced that Siddiqui will continue to perform his duties as member of the Sindh Assembly but will not attend any party meetings or rallies.

“Activists who are looking after matters pertaining to parliamentary issues may contact Siddiqui; however, they must not contact him for party activities of any kind.”

Last month, Siddiqui, along with another MQM leader, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, had obtained protective bail before arrest in seven criminal cases lodged against them for arranging and listening to party head Altaf’s controversial speech against the military. — Express Tribune

CRITICISM OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES

End poverty, corruption like China, demands Imran ISLAMABAD: Pakistan TehreekInsaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan advised the government on Saturday to takes lessons from China on how to rid itself of poverty and corruption.

“Despite only seeking loans, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) should learn from China ways to end poverty from Pakistan,” he told farmers at a convention in Vehari district.

China had first eradicated pov-

erty and corruption from its country through proper planning and policy, he said.

In contrast, the ruling party is injecting poverty and corruption into the country through its ill conceived policies, he added.

Agricultural sector Emphasising the importance of the agriculture sector, the PTI chief said, “No country in Asia has ever become successful only rely-

ing on industrial policy and ignoring the agriculture sector.”

People are living in a fool’s paradise if they are constructing an economy only on the industrial pillars without getting agricultural support, he said adding that and this economy will be nothing but a bubble of water, just as the economy was under the rule of General Pervez Musharraf.

Hinting out at Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for pursuing mango

diplomacy with his Indian counterpart last month, Imran said, “Instead of sending mango boxes to India, out leadership should discuss real problems of water because the future of water supply to the agriculture sector will ensure a prosperous future of Pakistan.”

He said that India is afraid of farmers whether they are in its own country or in Pakistan, he said adding that because New Delhi knows that economy of the all re-

gional countries depend only on the agricultural economy but for our government “farmers do not matter much”.

The PTI chairman asked farmers to show their power through vote. “Corrupt politicians are always afraid of vote power and unless you people will use your ballot power, you will be crushed in the same manner as the government is victimising small sector farmers today.”

He said that a bag of fertiliser costs just Rs950 in India, however, in Pakistan it is Rs4,000.

“The government puts no checks on mafia who are involved in hoarding fertilisers and also selling them as substandard.”

“If I will come to power,” the PTI chief claimed, “I will first devise policies for the small sector farmers and will take personal advice from them before making policies.” — Express Tribune

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US Congress ignoring its constitutional duty on IS

Photo: Ederlyn Fajilagot

T

his weekend marks one year since President Barack Obama initiated US airstrikes against the IS in northern Iraq. In the past year, more than 3,000 members of the US military have served in Operation Inherent Resolve, launching some 4,500 airstrikes, carrying out Special Forces operations and assisting the Iraqi military, the Kurdish pesh merga and Syrians fighting the IS. We have made major gains in northern Iraq and, more recently, northern Syria.

But the threat posed by the IS continues to spread in the region and beyond. The war has cost $9.4 million a day, and seven U.S. service members have lost their lives while supporting this mission.

But as the war expands and our troops risk their lives far from home, a tacit agreement to avoid debating this war persists in Washington. The president maintains that he can conduct operations without authorization from Congress.

He waited more than six months after the war started to even send Congress a draft authorization for the mission.

And recently we’ve heard that the administration may be expanding the scope of the war to defend our trained Syrian fighters against attacks, including from the Assad regime. This could trigger more unforeseen expansions of the ongoing military mission.

Congressional behavior has been even more unusual. Though vested with the sole power to declare war by Article I of the Constitution, Congress has refused to meaningfully debate or vote on the war against the IS. A Congress quick to criticize any executive action by this president has nevertheless encouraged him to carry out an unauthorized war. As far as our allies, the IS or our troops know, Congress is indifferent to what’s happening.

I first introduced a resolution to force Congress to do its job and debate this war in September. That led in December to an affirmative vote by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to authorize the war, with specific limitations. But the matter was not taken up on the floor because the Senate

was about to change to a Republican majority that wanted to analyze the issue afresh.

After months of inaction, and to prove that common ground can be found on the contours of this mission, Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., and I introduced a bipartisan resolution on June 8 in an attempt to prod the Senate to take its constitutional responsibility seriously.

The result? A few discussions in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, but otherwise silence.

One year of war against the IS has transformed a president who was elected in part because of his early opposition to the Iraq war into an executive war president. It has stretched the 2001 Authorisation for Use of Military Force that was passed to defeat the perpetrators of the September 11 attacks far beyond its original meaning or intent.

It has shown to all that neither Congress nor the president feel obliged to follow the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which requires that the president cease any unilateral military activity within 90 days unless Congress votes to approve it.

And it has demonstrated that Congress would rather hide from its constitutional duty to declare war than have a meaningful debate about whether and how the United States should militarily confront the IS. The one-year war anniversary coincides with a vigorous congressional effort to challenge U.S. diplomacy regarding the Iranian nuclear agreement.

The contrast between congressional indifference to war and its energetic challenge to diplomacy is disturbing.

Last month, I asked Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Joseph Dunford, nominated to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, whether congressional action to finally authorise the war against the IS would be well received by our troops. His answer said it all: “I think what our young men and women need — and it’s really all they need to do what we ask them to do — is a sense that what they’re doing has purpose, has meaning and has the support of the American people.”

One year in, our service members are doing their jobs. But they are still waiting on us to do ours. - The Washington Post

READERS’ FORUM Awareness programme for Omani women needed This refers to the news story, Drop in female Shura aspirants (August 8). It is good news for Omani women that the government of Oman is in favour of women’s participation in Shura elections and has allocated sufficient number of seats for them. Women have always played a significant role in the progress of societies as they are always full of ambitions and set high goals. Here, in Oman as well, women are very active in all fields — from academics to corporate. However, it is a matter of concern that there are only 21 out of 674 female candidates for the elections in October. An awareness programme for Omani women is needed so they can avail themselves of the opportunity. I appreciate the invitation of Iman Al Gharfi, current president of Omani Women Association, to Omani women for taking part in election, for better living conditions for families. Omani women are Scan this QR code bright and wise as they are responsible and to send letters to the are always with their families uncondiReaders’ Forum, containing not more tionally — emotionally and economically — than 200 words with whenever their support is desired. full name, address — Munawar Hameed Mangalwala, and telephone Muscat number, may be sent by mail (Times of Oman, P.O. Box 770, P.C. 112, Ruwi).

Rash driving, use of mobile phones lead to accidents

This refers to the news story, Drive safely during fog in Salalah: ROP (August 9).

Usually people drive very carefully when the visibility is poor due to fog. However, once the road has clear visibility, the madness of rash driving, text messaging, and talking on mobiles slowly creeps in. This is the reason why most of the accidents on Salalah route take place between Thumrait and Haima.

— Mohammad Osama Rawat, Ruwi

Why has there been such a flood of Argentinian talent into macroeconomics? Argentina is a classic example of a macroeconomic basket case. It’s quite possibly the only country where bad macroeconomic policy sent a country into long-term decline bit.ly/argentinaeconomists

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES AUGUST 2000 Ice skating team wins 29 medals MUSCAT: Oman’s figure skating team has come back with a rich heap of medals after their recent ice skating stint in the United States of America. A nine-member skating team has grabbed 29 medals out of which seven are gold, eight silver and 14 bronze medals. Although placed 21st, it should be noted that they have been ranked thus amongst a total of 109 teams with 2,800 skaters participated in this high-profile event held in Minneapolis, from July 31 to August 5.

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EXPATS’ EDUCATION LEVEL in Oman, as of June 2015

University and higher Diploma

105,378 52,892

Secondary

246,002

Preparatory

596,847

Primary

146,764

425,269

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1805 Austria joins Britain, Russia, Sweden and the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia in the third coalition against France.

Read and write

New India offers a wide range of HEALTH INSURANCE COVERS to you/family/employee.

1936: Jesse Owens wins four gold medals in track and field events at the Berlin Olympics.

No education

21,407

Unknown

29,113

1945: The B-29 bomber Bock’s Car drops a second atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan. ‘ 1992: 25th Olympic Summer Games closes in Barcelona, Spain

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Source National Centre for Statistics and Information

MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015 There are about 8,000 farms in the United States which are large enough to make a biogas recovery system viable. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates they could generate enough electricity to power over a million homes and cut emissions by the equivalent of taking nearly four million cars off the road.

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SPECIAL

When manure smells like money The American farm invested in a biogas recovery system which transforms cow poo and other waste into electricity.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that more than three million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions were eliminated last year

by Homestead and the 246 other US livestock farms which have installed biogas recovery systems

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

GENERATING ELECTRICITY: Farmer Ryan Rogers checks on a generator at Homestead Dairy in Plymouth, Indiana on July 13, 2015. – AFP

MAKING SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: Farmer Floyd Houin poses in front of his Holstein cows at Homestead Dairy in Plymouth, Indiana. Right: Holstein cows are seen at Homestead Dairy in Plymouth, Indiana. – AFP

Controlling the smell from the 70,000 gallons of manure and urine produced every day by the dairy’s 3,400 cows clearly tops the list. Then of course, there’s the crops. The digester does a much better job of turning the manure into fertilizer, which means a better yield from the farm’s 4,500 acres of corn.

Once that nutrient-rich liquid fertiliser is extracted, what’s left makes for some nice soft bedding for the cows.

And instead of spending money to manage the manure, soon they’ll be making money off it.

PLYMOUTH (UNITED STATES): For most farms, manure is a pungent problem.

At Homestead Dairy, it smells like money.

The family-run American farm invested in a biogas recovery system which transforms cow poo and other waste into electricity.

Enough electricity, in fact, to power 1,000 homes, a service which the local utility company pays for handsomely.

But that’s just a side benefit.

“It works economically, but one of the main reasons we did it was to try to help take care of the odour control for the neighbours,” said Floyd Houin, whose family has owned the farm in Plymouth, Indiana since 1945.

“The land’s important to us also because we produce a crop for feeding cows. So we want to do everything we can to take care of the land and the water. We drink the same water as everyone else.”

Livestock farms typically store their effluent in open lagoons and the stench does not make them very popular with the neighbours.

Lagoons The lagoons also have a significant environmental impact because they emit methane and carbon dioxide — major contributors to climate change — and can sully the groundwater if they leak or overflow during heavy rains.

Setting up an anaerobic digester — essentially a giant shed that uses heat to speed up decomposition — captures both the smell and the greenhouse gases.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that more than three million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions were eliminated last year by Homestead and the 246 other US livestock farms which have installed biogas recovery systems.

That’s equivalent to taking more than 630,000 cars off the road.

POWERING HOMES: Buildings housing generators and an anaerobic digester are seen at Homestead Dairy in Plymouth, Indiana on July 13, 2015. The family-run farm invested in a biogas recovery system which transforms cow manure and other waste into enough electricity to power 1,000 homes. – AFP

There are about 8,000 farms in the United States which are large enough to make a biogas recovery system viable.

The EPA estimates they could generate enough electricity to power over a million homes and cut emissions by the equivalent of taking nearly four million cars off the road.

Biogas recovery is also being used to capture methane from

landfills and sewage treatment plants and even at some companies. “The federal government is really committed to seeing progress in this sector,” said Allison Costa, programme manager for the EPA’s AgStar unit.

Making inroads “Widespread investment and adoption could help us make significant inroads in helping us ad-

dress some of our environmental and energy challenges.”

The problem is the financing, Costa said. There’s a huge upfront cost and most utility companies in the United States won’t pay enough for the electricity to make the project appealing to a bank loan officer. It also requires a lot of maintenance, which many farms don’t have the manpower to manage. But when it works, Costa said,

it really works. We’ve seen a lot of farms expand and build a second one,” she told AFP. “You just have to have someone willing to love that digester and take care of it.”

Ryan Rogers, 31, loves his digester. “There’s so many (good) things, you forget them all,” said Rogers, who married into the Homestead family and spends about four hours a day on digester maintenance and management.

Grant The family managed to get a grant to help cover some of the cost of the facility and a favourable contact with the local power company which was looking to expand its renewable energy supplies.

They bring in extra income -and fuel for the generators -- by charging restaurants and food processing plants a lower rate to dump their waste than the local landfill.

It will probably only take about five years until the initial investment is fully paid off, Rogers said.

And it’s working so well they’re planning to build a second facility.

“It’s definitely a growing field within the United States,” said Mike Fenton of Michigan CAT, which sold the Caterpillar generators used by Homestead and helps them to maintain the system.

The European market is much more advanced because there are so many more subsidies available and the cost of electricity is so much higher, he said.

While US farmers may balk at the initial cost -- a system like the one at Homestead would run around $6 million -- Fenton said it’s a good investment. Most farms can pay it off and start making a profit within three to five years.

“It’s a proven technology that works really well,” he said. — AFP

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JAPAN: A man moves paper lanterns as they float on the Urakami river in remembrance of atomic bomb victims on the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Nagasaki, in western Japan, on Sunday. A bell tolled

in Nagasaki on Sunday morning as the Japanese city marked completion of seven decades since the dropping of the last atomic bomb on a civilian target in the closing days of World War Two. - Reuters

GREECE: A Syrian refugee raises his hands to thank God as a his group arrives on an overcrowded dinghy at a beach on the Greek island of Kos, after crossing a part of the Aegean sea from Turkey, on Sunday. United Nations refugee agency UNHCR called on Greece to take control of the “total chaos” on Mediterranean islands, where thousands of migrants have landed. About 124,000 have arrived this year by sea, many via Turkey, according to Vincent Cochetel, UNHCR director for Europe. - Reuters

GAZA STRIP: Palestinian girls take part in a protest against the reduction of educational programmes run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on Sunday. The UN agency in charge of Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, warned that it might not be able to ensure the return of half a million Palestinian children to school, with more than half of them in the Gaza Strip, due to lack of funds. - AFP

INDIA: A reflection of the India Gate is seen in a pool of water accumulated after a downpour, in New

JAPAN: A boy controls the ‘Kid’s Walker Cyclops’ created by Japanese company Sakakibara Kikai at a robot event for children in Tokyo on Sunday. The robot event “Wakudoki (Exciting) Robot Park” runs to August 14 at Toyota Motor exhibition showroom Mega Web. - AFP

Delhi on Sunday.

-PTI

MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

WORLD

The Jewish suspects arrested on Sunday were detained in raids on wildcat Jewish settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank as part of “the investigation into the events that occurred in Duma,” Israeli police said in a statement.

Taliban suicide bomber kills 21 civilians in Afghanistan The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, which comes after a barrage of bombings in Kabul killed at least 51 people on Friday, the deadliest day for the capital in years

KUNDUZ (AFGHANISTAN): A Taliban attack killed at least 21 people in northern Afghanistan, officials said on Sunday, after a wave of lethal bombings in the capital as the insurgency escalates following a bitter power transition.

The Afghan interior ministry said all those killed on Saturday evening in the Khanabad district of Kunduz province were civilians, although local officials called them anti-Taliban militiamen.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, which comes after a barrage of bombings in Kabul killed at least 51 people on Friday, the deadliest day for the capital in years.

Suicide bomber “The incident took place (when) a suicide bomber detonated his suicide vest in Khanabad district,” the interior ministry said, strongly condemning the “heinous act”.

“The suicide attack... resulted in martyrdom of 21 civilians and wounding of 10 others.”

But Abdul Wadood Wahidi, spokesman for the governor of Kunduz, said 22 militiamen — including four of their commanders

VICTIM OF BOMB ATTACK: A wounded Afghan receives treatment at a hospital in Kunduz province on Sunday, after a Taliban attack in the northern Afghan city. – AFP

— were killed by an improvised explosive device.

Kunduz is a volatile province where the Taliban recently came close to overrunning Kunduz city, in the most alarming threat to any provincial capital since the 2001 US-led invasion of Afghanistan.

The insurgency has been rapidly spreading across the north from its traditional southern and eastern strongholds, with Afghan forces increasingly battling the militants on their own.

US-led NATO forces ended their combat mission in Afghanistan in December last year, although a 13,000-strong residual

BANGLADESH

force remains for training and counter-terrorism operations.

The bombings on Friday in Kabul struck near an army complex, a police academy and a US special forces base, killing at least 51 people, officials said.

They were the first major attacks since Mullah Akhtar Mansour was named as the new Taliban chief last week in an acrimonious power transition after the insurgents confirmed the death of longtime leader Mullah Omar. The wave of violence has underscored Afghanistan’s volatile security situation amid a faltering peace process and the po-

A15

tency of the Taliban insurgency, despite it being riven by growing internal divisions.

Experts say the growing number of attacks demonstrates Mullah Mansour’s attempt to boost his image among Taliban cadres and drive attention away from internal rifts over his leadership.

Sayed Sarwar Hussaini, a police spokesman in Kunduz, also identified the victims of Saturday’s bombing as armed militiamen.

With Afghan forces suffering record casualties as foreign troops pull back, Kabul is increasingly relying on informal militias as a bulwark against the insurgents --

a gambit observers say is akin to fighting fire with fire.

The mobilisation of militias represents a complete departure from previous government efforts to disarm these groups, blamed for devastating Afghanistan during the civil war in the 1990s and setting the stage for a Taliban takeover.

It also lays bare the shortcomings of the multi-billion dollar US-led effort to develop self-reliant Afghan forces, suffering large daily casualties and struggling to rein in an ascendant insurgency on their own as the war expands on multiple fronts. — AFP

JEWISH EXTREMISM

Israel arrests suspects in attack on Palestinians OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: Israel arrested several suspects on Sunday in raids linked to the deadly firebombing of a Palestinian home and placed two more alleged Jewish extremists in a controversial form of detention without trial.

The moves came as calls mounted for a crackdown on Jewish extremism in the wake of the July 31 arson attack in the occupied West Bank village of Duma that killed an 18-month-old boy and his father.

The child’s mother and fouryear-old brother were also critically wounded in the firebombing, which occurred only hours after a stabbing attack at a occupied Jerusalem march that killed a 16-yearold girl and wounded five other people. While the attacks were not related, both have led to criticism of Israel’s government and security forces, who have been accused of failing to properly address Jewish extremism. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to tackle the problem and labelled the firebombing “terrorism” -- a word usually used by Israelis to refer to violence by Palestinians.

The suspects arrested on Sunday were detained in raids on wildcat Jewish settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank as part of “the investigation into the events that occurred in Duma,” police said in a statement.

It did not give identify the suspects or say how many were arrested. The wildcat outposts, often little more than a few caravans, are notorious for housing young hardliners, referred to in Israel as hilltop youth. Separately, the defence ministry said two more alleged Jewish extremists were placed in what is known as administrative detention, which allows suspects to be held without charge for six-month intervals that can be renewed indefinitely. A third alleged extremist was put in administrative detention several days ago. The measure is usually used for Palestinians. — AFP

I N C L E M E N T W E AT H E R

Police shoot six tiger poachers in Sundarbans forest DHAKA: Bangladesh police Sunday shot dead six alleged tiger poachers in the world’s largest mangrove forest as it launched a crackdown following a drastic fall in the number of big cats.

Police said the six died after a gunfight with a gang at a canal in the Sundarbans forest, home to critically endangered Bengal tigers whose number there has nosedived to 106 from an estimated 440 a decade ago.

“The poachers first fired at us as we raided their den at Mandarbaria canal in the forest. We fired back. Six poachers were killed in the gunfight,” local police chief Harendranath Sarker told AFP. He said police found the skins of three adult Bengal tigers, measuring 10-11 feet (3.5 metres), and seized four rifles and a pistol. Sarker said the crackdown on poachers came in the wake of the forest department’s recent survey, which shows tiger numbers had declined in what was thought to be one of the world’s largest wild reserves for the rare animal. Some 440 tigers were recorded in the Sundarbans during a census conducted in 2004 in the World Heritage-listed forest, one of the world’s last remaining habitats for the big cats.

Doubts However doubts were raised immediately after the census. Many wildlife experts said the 10,000 square kilometre (3,850 square mile) forest, straddling Bangladesh and India, could not have room for more than 200 tigers.

Late last month Tapan Kumar Dey, the government’s wildlife conservationist, said analysis of camera footage from a yearlong survey that ended in April found current tiger numbers ranged between 83 and 130, an average of 106.

Officials blamed a decline in their prey and rising poaching.

In recent years an elite police force has rescued live tiger cubs from poachers and seized nearly

MAROONED: A man watches floodwaters in a heavy rain at a town hit by Typhoon Soudelor in Ningde, Fujian province, China, on Sunday. – Reuters

The poachers first fired at us as we raided their den at Mandarbaria canal in the forest. We fired back. Six poachers were killed in the gunfight Harendranath Sarker Local police chief

a dozen tiger skins. Police chief Sarker said the Sundarbans, with its network of rivers and canals, had become a magnet for poacher gangs. “They now sell tiger bones, meat and skin for a lot of money,” he said, adding a lack of law enforcement and of monitoring inside the forest had contributed to the rise in poaching. Bengal tigers live mainly in India, where nationwide there are an estimated 2,226, with smaller populations in Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, China and Myanmar. — AFP

Typhoon Soudelor kills 12 in China SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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BEIJING: Typhoon Soudelor killed 12 people in eastern China and five are missing after parts of the country were hit by the heaviest rains in a century, state media reported on Sunday.

The casualties were reported in and around Wenzhou city in the province of Zhejiang, where downpours caused mudslides and several houses collapsed on Saturday night, Xinhua news agency reported. It quoted local disaster relief officials as saying the dead and missing may have been washed away by floods or buried under ruined homes. About 1.36 million people in the city were affected by the typhoon, the agency said, estimating direct economic losses at $617 million (3.83 billion yuan). Nearby Wencheng county saw downpours of 645 millimetres (25.4 inches) in 24 hours -- the heaviest in 100 years -- after the typhoon made landfall on Saturday night, it said.

FLOODED: People wade through a flooded street at a town hit by Typhoon Soudelor in Ningde, Fujian

province, China, on Sunday. – Reuters

The storm had landed in Fujian province and cut power to more than three million homes there, Xinhua said, but more than a third had electricity restored by Sunday morning. Billed as the biggest typhoon of the year last week with winds of up to 230 kilometres an hour, Soudelor — named after a legendary Micronesian chief — has

since weakened. China’s National Meteorological Center forecast the typhoon would be downgraded to a tropical depression by Sunday night as it moved further inland.

Soudelor left six people dead in Taiwan, where it ripped up trees and triggered landslides, damaging electricity lines and knocking out power to a record four million

households. Almost half a million homes were still without power Sunday, Taiwan Power Co. said, as blocked roads hampered efforts to restore supplies in some areas. Taiwan’s death toll rose to six after an eight-year-old girl who went missing Thursday after being swept out to sea with her mother and twin sister was found dead. — AFP

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MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

WORLD

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Lavrov asks US to cooperate with Assad in fight against IS The Syrian president was a fully legitimate partner in destroying chemical arms but somehow he is not in fighting terrorism, the Russian foreign minister said

MOSCOW/BRUSSELS: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the United States should cooperate with Syrian President Bashar Al Assad to fight IS and that this required an international coalition uniting all those for whom the extremists are “a common enemy”.

Washington currently heads a coalition conducting air strikes on IS in Syria and Iraq and is cooperating with Turkey to provide air cover for rebels inside Syria.

But Moscow has criticised the United States for not working in sync with Syria, an ally of Russia.

In comments to Russia’s state TV published by his ministry on Sunday, Lavrov recounted two meetings with US Secretary of State John Kerry amid the recent intensified high-level diplomatic contacts over Syria and fighting the extremists.

“Our American partners and some countries in the region persistently refuse to recognise Assad as a partner, which is rather strange,” Lavrov said.

“Assad was a fully legitimate partner in destroying chemical arms but somehow he is not in fighting terrorism,” the foreign minister said, referring to a chemical disarmament deal brokered

by Moscow and Washington earlier in the conflict.

Had to go The United States, its regional ally Saudi Arabia as well Syrian opposition and rebel groups they back, say Assad had to go. They do not want to cooperate with him as it could be seen as legitimising his position.

Lavrov is due to discuss Syria

STATE OF WAR: This US Air Force handout photo taken on Sunday shows an F-16 Fighting Falcon departing Aviano Air Base, Italy enroute to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. — AFP/HANDOUT/US AIR FORCE/A1C DEANA HEITZMAN

and IS with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir in Moscow on Tuesday. The two will also discuss “closer coordination on global energy markets”, the Russian ministry said.

Oil prices Russia is one of the world’s biggest oil producers and low prices are hurting its budget. Moscow held multiple meetings on that with OPEC members, including Riyadh, but the cartel has focused on defending market share rather than raising the price.

In the comments published on Sunday, Lavrov also said he had told Kerry there was high

POLITICS

risk air strikes in Syria could hit the wrong target and aggravate the conflict.

The Russia-proposed coalition, Lavrov said, would “bring together all those already fighting on the ground” who oppose IS. He named the Syrian and Iraqi armies, the Kurds and “the part of the armed opposition that represents Syrians.”

“Instead of settling their scores between one another, first one must deal with the common threat, and then seek to agree on how to live in their own country,” Lavrov said.

Meanwhile, the United States for the first time Sunday deployed

half a dozen F-16 warplanes to Turkey to help operations against IS, US officials said.

The deployment marks the first time since an international coalition began bombing IS targets in Iraq and Syria a year ago that US jets will launch strikes from Turkey, following an accord signed with Ankara late last month.

“Six US Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons deploy to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, to support the fight against ISIL,” the US mission to NATO said in a tweet, referring to a variant name for the group.

The arrival of the fighter jets in Turkey along with support equipment and around 300 personnel was confirmed by the US European Command in a statement.

“The detachment is from the 31st Fighter Wing based at Aviano Air Base, Italy. This follows Turkey’s decision to host the deployment of US aircraft conducting counter-ISIL operations,” it said.

“The United States and Turkey, as members of the 60-plus nation coalition, are committed to the

fight against ISIL in the pursuit of peace and stability in the region.”

The US up to now has used armed drones from Incirlik to strike IS targets in Syria, supporting the Turkish air campaign against the militants.

According to media reports some 30 US fighters are due to arrive in the coming days to take part in the operation.

Clashes in Syria Furthermore, IS fighters killed at least 37 rival insurgents in an overnight attack in Syria’s Aleppo province and 20 fighters remain missing, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Sunday.

Rami Abdulrahman, head of the Observatory, said that late on Saturday a suicide bomber from the hardline group blew himself up in a military post held by a group of rival insurgents in the Umm Housh village in northern Aleppo countryside.

IS then seized the village after heavy clashes with rival groups. — Agencies

FRESH PROBE

Rajapaksa defends son over murder of sports star COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s former president Mahinda Rajapaksa Sunday denied his son was involved in the controversial death of a national rugby player as a magistrate ordered a fresh investigation.

Police said the body of rugby star Wasim Thajudeen will be exhumed on Monday for forensic tests after allegations that authorities covered up the investigation during Rajapaksa’s regime.

Local media have reported that Thajudeen was killed over a love triangle that involved Rajapaksa’s second son Yoshitha, although police recorded the death as a road accident.

“I welcome the investigation because that will help us to clear our name,” said former president Rajapaksa, who is accused of helping to cover up the murder.

“But the timing of the investigation suggests that the government is trying to make political capital out of it.”

Rajapaksa, who is standing for parliament this month after losing the presidency in January, is under investigation over allegations he syphoned off billions of dollars from the state during his nine-year rule.

Several of his siblings, as well as other family member and close associates, face a plethora of corruption allegations. They have rejected the allegations as a political witch-hunt.

Yoshitha Rajapakse is accused of ordering the killing of Thajudeen because of a bitter dispute over a woman while both men were national rugby stars and represented Sri Lanka at the Rugby Sevens.

Government spokesman Rajitha Senaratne told reporters last week that three members of Rajapaksa’s security contingent had been identified as the men who abducted and killed Thajudeen.

His charred body was found along a main road in Colombo in May 2012, but CCTV footage from the neighbourhood suggested that he was abducted before his death.

Last month, police told a court that they had fresh evidence and wanted to reopen the case.

Police had deployed armed guards at Thajudeen’s grave site fearing there could be an attempt to remove the remains before a forensic examination could be held. — AFP

I N D E P E N D E N C E F R O M M A L AY S I A

Nepal rival parties Celebrations as Singapore turns 50 sign agreement on new constitution KATHMANDU: Nepal’s rival parties have signed an agreement drawing up the country’s internal borders in a breakthrough that paves the way for a new national constitution, the country’s prime minister said on Sunday.

Spurred by April’s devastating quake, Nepal’s parties struck a historic deal in June to divide the country into eight provinces but left the crucial task of delineating state borders to a federal commission.

The new agreement, signed after midnight on Saturday, came after days of negotiation and resolves a major issue that has blocked progress on the charter since 2008. As a result, the commission will no longer be required to set state boundaries.

“A constitution with federalism and demarcation has been ensured,” Prime Minister Sushil Koirala wrote in a post on Twitter.

“I call on everyone to not be stuck on minor disagreements and work to build and develop the country,” Koirala said.

Information Minister Minendra Rijal told AFP that “the agreement was reached last night and it has moved the constitution writing process a step forward”.

The deal comes after a series of public consultations held across the Himalayan nation last month.

In some cases, the consultations were marred by violence, especially in the southern plains, which are home to the Madhesi community, who expressed anger

The new agreement, signed after midnight on Saturday, came after days of negotiation and resolves a major issue blocking progress on the charter since 2008

about a lack of detail on where and how new internal borders will be drawn.

“We have tried to understand the public stance and strike a balance on conflicting feedback responses,” Rijal said.

Opposition parties have long pushed for new provinces to be created along lines that could favour historically marginalised communities like the Madhesis.

Other parties have attacked this model, calling it a threat to national unity.

As a result of the negotiations, the number of provinces was reduced to six and, under the new agreement, every province in the landlocked country will share a border with India, allaying concerns about individual states’ access to markets. — AFP

SINGAPORE: Fireworks lit up Singapore’s sky as crowds celebrated the city state’s 50th anniversary on Sunday, an occasion of national pride the ruling party is expected to exploit by calling an election next month.

An island of 5.5 million people that sits just north of the equator, Singapore was a post-colonial backwater when it gained independence from Malaysia in 1965.

It is now a global business hub, and one of the richest countries in the world.

The highlight of the day’s celebration, a nearly three-hour long parade in the evening, showcased military vehicles, performances by the island nation’s different ethnic groups, and an aerial show by 50 military aircraft. A 26,000 strong audience gathered at the central stage, along with millions watching on television.

It is the second time this year that Singaporeans have come together to reflect on the national success. The first was after the death of the first prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, in late March.

“At 50 years, as we stand at a high base camp, we look back and marvel how far we have come... “ Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the son of Lee Kuan Yew, said in a televised speech on the eve of the national day.

“From this base camp, we can also look forward to new peaks ahead. The journey ahead is uncharted. But we must press on, because we aspire to do better for ourselves and our children.”

He spoke at the Victoria Concert Hall, where his father launched the People’s Action Party in 1954. The party has ruled Singapore since independence.

Regional leaders attending the

SPECTACULAR: Fireworks explode during Singapore’s Golden Jubilee celebrations near the central business district on Sunday. — Reuters

TEARS FOR FOUNDER: A woman cries as she watches a video tribute to the late former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew during Singapore’s Golden Jubilee parade at Padang near the central business district on Sunday. — Reuters

parade included Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, China’s Vice President Li Yuanchao and Australian Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss.

The official logo for the celebra-

tion is a red dot, a symbol of pride and defiance since the 1990s, when an Indonesian leader reportedly called Singapore “a little red dot” on the map. The image, with “SG50” in white characters,

is ubiquitous, adorning banners, buses, cakes and a host of goods in shops.

A recording of Lee Kuan Yew reading the Proclamation of Independence, the document that announced Singapore’s separation from Malaysia, was played on radio and television channels at 9 a.m. (0100 GMT) Prime Minister Lee is widely expected to call the next election as early as September. His party suffered its worst-ever showing in the last parliamentary election, in 2011, with voters discontent over a widening wealth gap, sky-rocketing property prices and an influx of foreign workers.

Analysts expect Lee’s party to win more votes this time, thanks in part to the after-glow of the anniversary celebrations and in part to government efforts to address issues irking the public. — Reuters

B

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Muscat 6,407.86 - 22.43 - 0.35%

Dubai 4,098.49 - 24.85 - 0.60%

Abu Dhabi 4,808.95 - 26.52 - 0.55%

Saudi Arabia

8,699.17 + 44.53 + 0.51%

Kuwait 6,271.46 + 22.12 + 0.35%

Bahrain 1,333.15 + 0.13 + 0.01%

Qatar 11,610.22 - 160.03 - 1.36%

CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

Type ............................Delivery...........Price

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.34 Pound ...........................................1.66 Indian Rs .............................165.32 Pak Rs ....................................260.15 Bangla Taka.......................199.48

Indian Rs .................................. 165.56 Pakistan Rs ............................ 263.60 Sri Lanka Rs .......................... 346.00 Bangla Taka.............................201.70 Phil Peso .....................................118.70

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) ........14.10

Oman Crude............. (Spot) .........$48.16 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) ..........$48.11 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) ........$49.48 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ........$48.04 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ........$48.49 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ........ $43.75

* Rates are as of August 9 Source: Bank Muscat

* Rates as of August 9 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

Oman Oil Refineries gets 5 bids for polymers project

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......13.55 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ............. 131.75 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) .............125.50 * Rates as of August 9 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

SECOND TRANCHE

Renaissance to repurchase second tranche of convertible bonds Times News Service

Bidding is now under way for four engineering, procurement and construction packages of Orpic’s Liwa Plastics Industries Complex

Times News Service MUSCAT: State-owned Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) said the company has received five KEEN INTEREST: A number of bids are also expected on the steam cracker and pipeline packages by mid-August. — Supplied picture technical bids for a polymers project in Sohar industrial area All technical and commercial and three technical bids for an pected on the steam cracker and EPC works alone,” said Musab Al to launch requests for proposals to NGL extraction plant in Fahud, pipeline packages by mid-August. Mahruqi, chief executive officer commercial banks over the com- terms and conditions for supply of utilities, such as electricity and ing month,” Al Mahruqi added. of Orpic. which are part of its mega petroThe project has already ob- cooling water, have been finalised Orpic is on track to conclude chemical project — Liwa Plastics $4 billion loan Orpic is aiming to raise $4 billion evaluation of bids for all the pack- tained environmental permits with Majees and Majan.

Industries Complex.

“Orpic’s Liwa Plastics IndusBidding is now underway for for this project, and targeting to ages early October 2015, with the from the Ministry of Environfour engineering, procurement sign financing agreements con- final investment decision to be de- ment and Climate Affairs, and has tries Complex is not only exand construction (EPC) packag- currently with the award of the cided by the end of October 2015. been granted gas allocation, and pected to generate significant Once bids are submitted for the is finalising the gas supply agree- financial returns to the sharees of Orpic’s Liwa Plastics Indus- EPC contracts. holders, but will also further di“It is positive to see so many remaining two packages, they will ments, with the Ministry of Gas. tries Complex, which consists of Land agreements with Sohar versify Orpic’s product mix and a polymers plant in Sohar’s in- strong technical bids submitted be evaluated in October 2015 and industrial Port Company and So- intensify its downstream busidustrial area, an NGL extraction from several notable proponents awarded soon after.

“We are currently in discussion har Free Zone are scheduled for ness operations — supporting plant in Fahud, a steam cracker and joint venture partners. This plant, and a 300-km pipeline project will be one of the largest with eight export credit agencies signing this month, with the land the company’s firm entry into the from Fahud to Sohar, according in the region, and we expect to regarding project due diligence, agreement for Fahud also sched- petrochemicals market. This is a be making a significant impact and the terms and conditions of uled for signing with the Ministry very exciting period for Orpic,” Al to a company release.

Mahruqi further added.

A number of bids are also ex- on the local economy through financing this project, and we plan of Housing.

M A N U FA C T U R I N G P O LY P R O P Y L E N E B A G S

MUSCAT: Renaissance Services on Sunday said that the company plans to repurchase the second tranche of mandatory convertible bonds (MCBs), representing 50 per cent of the remaining MCBs, at a repurchase price of 151 baisas from its bond holders. This is in accordance with the resolution passed in the general meeting of the mandatory convertible bonds on July 6, Renaissance Services said in a stock market filing.

Renaissance Services has completed the repurchase of the first tranche of mandatory convertible bonds.

Gulf Baader Capital Markets will be the sole authorised broker for completion of the repurchase programme for the second tranche of MCBs. Gulf Baader will also be responsible for executing the buy and sell transaction for the company and MCB holders, respectively.

“MCB holders who are interested in participating in the scheme will be required to submit a duly filled MCB sale authorisation form with the broker.” The record date for repurchase of the second tranche will be August 25 and submission of MCB sale authorisation forms to the broker will be between August 26 and September 1. Also, the settlement of MCBs will be between September 2 and 8.

To ensure fairness and transparency of the settlement mechanism, the company will request Muscat Securities Market to suspend trading of bonds from August 26, 2015 to September 8, 2015.

REGIONAL MARKETS

Salalah Mills plans Gulf stocks decline on falling oil prices OMR4m bag project Times News Service MUSCAT: Salalah Mills Company has decided to build a project for manufacturing polypropylene bags with a capital expenditure of OMR4 million.

The project, with an installed capacity of 48 million bags per year, is expected to start commercial production by the end of next year, the company said in a stock market filing.

Term loan “The project will be financed by facilities from equipment suppliers and term loans.”

Salalah Mills’ parent company has achieved a net profit of OMR2.84 million for the first half of the current year compared to OMR3.29 million for the first half of 2014, showing a fall of 13.6 per cent and the consolidated group profit for the first half of the year 2015 declined from OMR3.80 million to OMR2.73 million, showing a sharp slump of about 28.1 per cent.

Total sales The total sales quantity of the parent company had increased by 6.3 per cent for the first half of the current year compared to the first half of 2014.

The total sales value during the first half of 2015 was OMR33.6 million, showing an increase of about 3.7 per cent compared to the same period of 2014, due to the increase sales quantity.

Subsidiary company Salalah Mills’ subsidiary company — Salalah Macaroni — has achieved sales turnover of OMR8.1 million for the first half of the current year compared to OMR10.8 million for the same period of last year, showing a decline of 25 per cent.

The net profit made for the first half of 2015 was OMR228,000 compared to OMR821,000 for the first half of 2014, showing a fall of about 72 per cent, due to lower sales quantity and sales margin in African markets as a result of severe competition.

DUBAI: Qatari stocks led losses in most equity markets across the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) after Brent crude slumped to the lowest level since January.

The QE Index, the benchmark gauge for the world’s biggest exporter of liquefied natural gas, retreated 1.4 per cent to 11,610.22, its weakest close since April 1.

Dubai’s DFM General Index’s slipped 0.6 per cent, while Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index gained 0.2 per cent at 1:40pm in Riyadh. Earlier, the main measure for the largest Arab economy slid as much as 1.1 per cent.

Plunging oil prices are putting pressure on economies in the GCC, which rely on income from energy revenue to fund their state budgets. Brent capped a sixth weekly loss on Friday amid speculation that the return of drilling rigs in the US and Iranian shipments will prolong a global glut. The GCC is home to almost a third of the world’s proven crude reserves.

“The fall in oil is draining confidence out of the markets,” said Wadah Al Taha, the Dubai-based chief investment officer of Al Za-

end, and by one million barrels a day within a month, the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency cited Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh as saying in an interview last week with state TV.

HIGHLY VOLATILE: Dubai’s DFM General Index slipped by 0.6 per cent, while Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index gained 0.2 per cent at 1:40pm in Riyadh. - Bloomberg file picture

rooni Group, who favors banking stocks in the region over energy companies until oil prices find a bottom. “With oil staying below the $50 barrel level all of last week, there are doubts about a recovery in demand soon,” he said by phone.

Brent, the benchmark grade for more than half of the world’s oil, dropped 1.8 per cent on Friday to $48.61 a barrel, the lowest since January 28. Prices have fallen more than 50 per cent in the past

12 months. Natural gas for September delivery declined 0.5 per cent to settle at $2.798 per million British thermal units on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Iran supply Iran is seeking to regain oil market share by boosting supply after last month’s nuclear agreement with world powers. Production can increase by 500,000 barrels a day within a week after sanctions

Saudi rebounds In Saudi Arabia the lender with the biggest weighting on the measure, led the recovery with a 0.5 per cent increase. The 14-day relative strength index of the Saudi gauge was at 24 at the end of last week, the lowest level since December.

A level below 30 indicate to some analysts the equities have dropped too fast and are poised to recover.

“The Saudi market has been very weak for the past few sessions due to oil’s slump and some investors are trying to build positions in anticipation of a short-term bounce back,” Sebastien Henin, the head of asset management at The National Investor in Abu Dhabi, said by phone. Henin, who oversees $90 million in assets, is underweight on Saudi equities until there are clear signs of oil price recovery and the regional conflicts in which Saudi Arabia is involved are resolved. — Bloomberg News

B2

MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

MARKET Foreign firms in China cautious as slowing growth affects sales “The industrial competitiveness of Chinese enterprises has improved, making it harder for foreign companies to compete,” Li Daxiao, an analyst at Yingda Securities, said. Such challenges have been compounded by the country’s slowing economy.

Latest figures from companies reporting during the current results season in the United States, Europe, and Japan paint a gloomy picture

DEMAND WANES: Volkswagen, which has invested in China and has just displaced Toyota as the world’s leading car manufacturer, saw sales fall 3.9 per cent in the first half. – Bloomberg News picture

BEIJING: The once irresistible allure of the Chinese market to foreign multinationals is losing some of its lustre as slowing growth in the world’s second-largest economy hits their sales.

The latest figures from firms reporting during the current results season in Europe, the United States and Japan paint a picture of overseas firms facing a worsening of operating conditions in China.

Volkswagen, which has invested heavily in China and has just displaced Toyota as the world’s leading car manufacturer, saw sales in the country — which it de-

scribes as its ‘second home market’ — fall 3.9 per cent in the first half, its first drop in a decade.

“We are keeping a very close watch on global macroeconomic trends,” chief executive Martin Winterkorn said in a statement, “especially where there are uncertainties such as in the Chinese, Brazilian and Russian markets”.

The appeal of nearly 1.4 billion consumers and an economy regularly growing in double digits has brought more than $1.5 trillion of foreign investment to China over the last three decades.

But the economic expansion is

slowing — gross domestic product grew 7 per cent year-on-year in April-June, matching the worst quarterly result since the first three months of 2009 during the global financial crisis.

Some investors have long seen China as a high risk destination.

Labour cost Rising costs for labour and more competitive markets as domestic brands gain stature have troubled foreign companies in recent years, as well as a series of anti-monopoly probes which appeared to target overseas firms.

Overproduction of steel Japan’s second-biggest steelmaker JFE Holdings lowered its annual profit forecast in late July because of “the economic slowdown in China and the overproduction of steel” in the country, the world’s largest consumer of the metal. In the United States, industrial giant UTC, the maker of Otis lifts, revised down its earnings forecast for 2015 partly on the back of what it described as “a slowing China”.

As well as lifts, the firm makes heating and cooling systems for buildings, leaving it exposed to a broad slowdown in the real estate sector, which its chief executive Gregory Hayes described as “worse than we had expected”.

Retail sales are still growing in China — they were up 10.6 per cent year-on-year in June, according to the government — but some foreign firms are struggling to maintain their slice of the cake. Apple’s iPhone sales surged - AFP

I N T E G R AT E D S Y S T E M

Seminar on sustainable manufacturing on Tuesday Times News Service

Beijing under pressure to ease policy BEIJING: China is under growing pressure to further stimulate its economy after disappointing data over the weekend showed another heavy fall in factory-gate prices and a surprise slump in exports.

Producer prices in July hit their lowest point since late 2009, during the aftermath of the global financial crisis, and have been sliding continuously for more than three years.

Exports tumbled 8.3 per cent in the same month, their biggest fall in four months, as weaker global demand for Chinese goods hurt manufacturers. - Reuters

MUSCAT: A seminar on sustainable manufacturing will be organised with the aim to measure the current environmental performance of the organisations and highlight recommendations to improve it.

The seminar, as part of Oman Manufacturing Group (OMG) series of events organised by the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE), will take place at Crowne Plaza Muscat, on Tuesday.

The seminar endeavours to address sustainability as an integrated system for companies’ strategies; focus on increase of competitiveness, reduction in risk and improving efficiency and revenue instead of main focus on cost-cutting; focus on long-term through integration of sustainability across business functions; usage of innovation, scenario planning and strategic analysis; and enhance collaborations with external stakeholders.

The OMG series of seminars aim at underlining various areas related to businessmen, employees and students of higher education institutions in the Sultanate of Oman.

2 8 - NAT I O N E U B L O C

India receives $24b in foreign direct investment from European Union NEW DELHI: Despite the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks with the European Union being in limbo, India has received an impressive $24 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from the 28-nation bloc over the last three years.

As per official figures, India received $6.23 billion in FDI equity inflows from European Union in 2012-13 which increased to $9.06 billion the next year.

The FDI inflow was $8.20 billion in 2014-15, which was a decline of $862 million compared to the year ago period. In 2015-16, the amount in first two months of current fiscal was $1.39 billion. In total, India received $24.91 billion in FDI equity inflows from EU between April 2012 and May 2015.

The EU has been India’s largest trading partner and the twoway trade is likely to swell significantly if the countries could firm up the long-pending Free Trade Agreement, officially called the Broadbased Investment and Trade Agreement (BTIA).

India had on Wednesday deferred scheduled talks on the proposed pact later this month which was to resume after a gap of two years after the EU imposed a ban on around 700 generic drugs which were clinically tested by India’s GVK Biosciences on the ground of inaccuracy in data.

FLEXIBILITY: The EU has been maintaining that it was ready to show flexibility on all major issues that have stalled the talks as the FTA will be a ‘win-win deal’ for both the sides - Times file picture

In March, the EU had not responded to India’s proposal for a brief visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Brussels, the headquarters of the bloc, during his trip to France, Germany and Canada in April. However, it recently invited him for the IndiaEU summit just before or after the G-20 summit scheduled to be held in November in Turkey. The last India-EU Summit had taken place in 2012.

The two-way commerce between EU and India stood at about $99 billion in 2014-15 while it was $101.5 billion in 2013-14.

The talks on FTA have been caught in a jam on sticky issues relating to intellectual property rights (IPR), data security for IT services and tariff in the automobile sector.

The last round of talks on the FTA were held in May, 2013.

Insurance and banking The EU has been maintaining that it was ready to show flexibility on all major issues that have stalled the talks as the FTA will be a “win-win deal” for both the sides.

The EU was also looking at insurance, banking and retail as major

areas for economic engagement with India.

Launched in June 2007, negotiations for the proposed FTA have witnessed many hurdles as both the sides have serious differences on crucial issues. Besides demanding significant duty cuts in automobiles, the EU wants tax reduction in wines, spirits and dairy products, and a strong intellectual property regime.

On the other hand, India is asking for granting ‘data secure nation’ status. The country is among nations not considered data secure by the EU. - PTI

LOCAL PRODUCTS

Omani products expo begins in Salalah today Times News Service MUSCAT: In line with the ongoing Salalah Tourism Festival 2015, an Omani Products Exhibition commences on Monday at Lulu Hypermarket in Salalah.

Organised by the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE), the exhibition aims at promoting locally-manufactured products, highlight the competent capabilities of the products to compete locally and internationally, encourage consumers both individuals and organisations to buy and support local products and services, and em-

phasise on the importance of buying Omani products and its contribution to the advancement of the national economy.

The exhibition, which continues till August 16, offers an opportunity for the citizens, residents and visitors to Dhofar governorate during the Khareef season to get acquainted with the unique features of the Omani products.

The Omani Products Expo at Salalah’s Lulu Hypermarket stresses the constant cooperation between the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates and the commercial centres.

MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

B3

MARKET ELECTRIC CARS

Bank Sohar offers loan at 3.49% interest rate

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Tesla cars are highly computerised. New features as well as software updates are pushed out to vehicles over wireless Internet connections. – Bloomberg News

Tesla courts hackers to defend high-tech cars

Any Omani who applies for a personal loan until September 30, 2015 will benefit from an interest rate as low as 3.49 per

LAS VEGAS: Hackers swarmed a Tesla sedan in a ‘hacking village’ at the infamous Def Con conference on Saturday as the high-tech electric car maker recruited talent to protect against cyber attacks.

It was the second year in a row the California-based firm was at the world’s largest gathering of hackers in Las Vegas, and came on the heels of a massive recall of Fiat Chrysler vehicles to patch a flaw that could let them be remotely commandeered.

“Hackers are a crowd that is really important to us,” Tesla’s Khobi Brooklyn said while Def Con attendees took turns inside a black Model S sedan parked inside a casino convention area. “It is a community that we want to be part of, and collaborate with, as well as recruit from.”

Tesla recruiters were on hand, along with members of the California-based company’s security team. Tesla cars are highly computerised. New features as well as software updates are pushed out to vehicles over wireless Internet connections.

“They are not messing with our

software,” Brooklyn said with only a hint of hesitation. She knew of no cyber attacks aimed at Tesla cars, at Def Con or anywhere else.

Patch software Tesla has worked with Lookout Mobile Security to find and patch software vulnerabilities in sedans, according to Brooklyn.

Lookout co-founder and chief technology officer Kevin Mahaffey and Marc Rogers of CloudFlare online security firm took part in a Def Con presentation. on Tesla software defense flaws that were discovered and then shared with the company.

They referred to Tesla sedans as data centers on wheels, and urged great care when trying to hack vehicles that could be racing along at 160 km or so. “As cars become more connected, we need to think about them a lot more like smartphones where you are constantly testing and improving products to make they as secure as you can,” Brooklyn said.

Miller and Valasek presented details of the hack at a Def Con session on Saturday. - AFP

cent for the initial period of one year

Millions of British consumers adapt to smartphone banking the relation between banks and their customers. This could be the future of retail banking,” BBA spokesman Robert Watts said.

bile banking thanks to the ease and convenience of managing your money on the move,” said Philip Benton, an analyst at Euromonitor International.

“It’s understandable that the UK retail banking sector is betting on these new technologies.”

A recent Euromonitor survey found 36 per cent of British consumers have used a smartphone to access banking services in the past month. That compares to 44 per cent in the United States, 39 per cent in Australia, 32 per cent in France and 19 per cent in Germany and Japan.

“It’s an important evolution of

R. Narasimhan DGM and head of Retail Banking, Bank Sohar

MUSCAT: Bank Sohar has launched a new personal loan scheme for Omani customers.

Running valid till September 30, 2015, any Omani customer who applies for a personal loan within the promotion period will benefit from an interest rate as low as 3.49 per cent for the initial period of one year and special interest rate therafter. The customers would also be entitled to free Bank Sohar Excel credit card with many valuable features.

Commenting on the launch of the new promotion, R. Narasimhan, DGM and head of Retail Banking at Bank Sohar said, “At Bank Sohar, our aim has always been to meet our customers’ expectations with high quality products, tailored to satisfy their real needs; and in turn provide them with valuable, rewarding and competitive financial solutions

BANKING

LONDON: With reputations tarnished by the financial crisis and a string of scandals, Britain’s top banks are trying to adapt and move ahead by embracing mobile technology.

Four years ago, Lloyds Banking Group did not have a single customer accessing services via a smartphone, but today there are five million using such apps — and counting. “This provides huge opportunities for how we serve our customers,” said Nick Williams, consumer digital director at Lloyds.

The trend is echoed across the industry. In 2015, Britain’s banking industry body BBA expects 427 million branch transactions for the whole sector, compared to 895 million transactions on mobile phones. British consumers are now among the top users of banking smartphone applications in developed nations.

“UK consumers were relatively slow in their adoption of online banking but have embraced mo-

that exceed their expectations.”

“In line with our commitment to our customers, I am pleased to announce the launch of this value-added promotion on our personal loans products for our Omani customers, with a heavily reduced interest rate,” he added.

At Bank Sohar, our aim has always been to meet our customers’ expectations with high quality products, tailored to satisfy their real needs; and in turn provide them with valuable, rewarding and competitive financial solutions that exceed their expectations

Branch closures The financial crisis, scandals over rigging the interbank and foreign exchange markets and consumer challenges of mis-sold financial products have undermined trust in Britain’s top banks — and hit their balance sheets.

Lloyds and other lenders have spent about £26 billion ($41 billion) alone on compensation for having wrongly sold Payment Protection Insurance (PPI). The four main banks — Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds and RBS — still dominate the market, holding about three quarters of all current accounts in 2014, according to the Competition and Markets Authority.

But their hold is being challenged by foreign rivals, notably the Spanish banking group Santander, and others. - AFP

Ten years period With a maximum loan period of ten years, the new personal loans offer Bank Sohar customers a number of benefits including loan amounts as per customer requirements, flexible repayment plans and a loan top-up facility to meet additional financial requirements. All documentation has also been simplified with quick processing of all applications. Life Insurance cover is also available at affordable rates.

“This special offer is an attractive solution for Omani customers who need a quick loan on attractive terms. Through it we can support them with all the benefits of our tailor-made personal loans together with one of the lowest interest rates in the market; providing them with an invaluable opportunity to realise their dreams and obtain vital financing to acquire the funding needed for

purchasing a car, or planning for a vacation, or to pay educational expenses or even to get their dream home,” added R. Narasimhan.

This scheme will be available at all the 26 branch location across the Sultanate and is backed by quick processing and services to the clients.

Customers can avail a range of e-channel opportunity with the bank for facilitating quick and safe access to the banking services, together with its Al Mumayaz personal loans and other market leading retail products and services.

Bank Sohar also provides an extensive network of 26 branches across the Sultanatewith 51 ATMs. In addition, Bank Sohar customers continue to enjoy the privilege of free-of-charge with-

drawals in over 1,000 ATMs under the ‘OmanNet’ platform.

Bank’s ATMs at Buraimi, Shinas and Wajajah border continue to operate with the ‘Dirhams Dispensing’ facility; thus adding immense convenience to businessmen who travel and transact business across the border on a regular basis, as well as to customers who visit the United Arab Emirates.

The bank’s customers also enjoy the advantage of a cash deposit facility at all branch ATMs as another value-added service.

HAVE YOUR SAY Send us your comments at facebook.com/timesofoman blog.timesofoman.com haveyoursay@timesofoman.com

B4

MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

MARKET OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................6,431.06 .............. 6,405.43 ................... 6,407.86 ...................6,430.29................-22.43 .................. -0.35 Financial Index .....................................7,836.30 ............... 7,753.88 .....................7,761.74 ....................7,839.51................ -77.77 .................. -0.99 Industrial Index .................................... 8,167.91 .............. 8,144.84 ................... 8,144.86 ....................8,167.55................-22.69 .................. -0.28 Services Index .......................................3,477.44 .............. 3,452.96 ....................3,473.10 ................... 3,477.40..................-4.30 .................. -0.12 MSM SHARIAH INDEX....................... 979.72 .................. 976.01 .......................976.01 ...................... 979.66.................. -3.65 .................. -0.37 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 6,192,612 .................... 1,802,924 .....................679 ...............14,890,859,626 ...................1 .....................20 .................... 17 .........................38

MSM shares fall further

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 9 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

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

OM0000004735 ...........SEMBCORP SALALAH..................................................3,000 ...............7,800........................1 ........... 2.600...........2.600 ...........2.600 .......... 2.600 .............2.450 ............0.150 ............. 6.122 ................2.600..............2.450...................2.625..................248,188,707........1.000 OM0000001319 ............NATIONAL ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS .................5,000 ............... 1,325........................1 ........... 0.265 ...........0.265 ...........0.265........... 0.270 .............0.270 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.265............. 0.260...................0.265....................9,064,292 ..........0.100 OM0000001509............DHOFAR INT.DEV.AND INV. HOLD......................54,124 ............ 24,572........................9 ........... 0.454 ...........0.454 ...........0.454........... 0.454 .............0.454 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.454............. 0.000...................0.454..................111,865,600 ........0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY...................................... 65,785 ...........147,687......................17 ........... 2.245 ...........2.245 ...........2.245........... 2.245 .............2.245 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.245..............2.245...................2.275..................201,376,500........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ..............74,400 .............19,790........................7 ........... 0.266 ...........0.266 ...........0.266........... 0.266 .............0.266 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.266..............0.266...................0.267....................5,586,000 ..........0.100

Sembcorp Salalah, up by 6.12 per cent, was

OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ........................ 701,600 ..........161,356..................... 23 ........... 0.226 ...........0.230 ...........0.226........... 0.230 .............0.230 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.230..............0.226...................0.230 .................. 28,726,531 .........0.100 OM0000002275 ...........SHELL OMAN MARKETING .................................. 50,000 ..........100,000........................2 ........... 2.000...........2.000 ...........2.000 .......... 2.000 .............2.000 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.000 ............ 2.000...................2.200 ................ 190,000,000 .......0.100

the only gainer, while the top loser was

OM0000002614............ONIC. HOLDING ..............................................................5,000 .............. 2,400........................1 ........... 0.480 ...........0.480 ...........0.480........... 0.480 .............0.480 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.480..............0.476...................0.480 ..................83,243,160 .........0.100

Renaissance Services, down by 5.64 per cent

OM0000003141 ............ACWA POWER BARKA .................................................5,000 ...............4,160........................2 ........... 0.832 ...........0.832 ...........0.832........... 0.832 .............0.832 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.832..............0.832...................0.852..................133,120,000........0.100

OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 246,612 ......... 132,886..................... 23 ........... 0.538 ...........0.540 ...........0.538........... 0.538 .............0.538 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.540..............0.538...................0.540 ...............1,233,000,557 ......0.100

OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. ....................98,332 .............11,490......................16 ............0.117 ........... 0.117............0.116 ............0.117 ............. 0.117 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.116 .............. 0.116................... 0.117 ................... 33,927,735 .........0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ........................................................1,405 ...................618........................6 ........... 0.440...........0.440 ...........0.440 .......... 0.440 .............0.440 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.440..............0.440...................0.470...................26,620,000.........0.100 OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER................................................................ 1,640 .................. 595........................4 ........... 0.366 ...........0.366 ...........0.360........... 0.380 .............0.380 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.360............. 0.000...................0.360 ..................83,983,800.........0.100

MUSCAT: Hampered by low trading volume, the MSM 30 Index ended lower at 6,407.86 points, down by 0.35 per cent.

The MSM Sharia Index declined by 0.37 per cent to close at 976.01 points.

Sembcorp Salalah, up by 6.12 per cent, was the only gainer, while the top loser was Renaissance Services, down by 5.64 per cent. Phoenix Power was the most active in terms of volume as well as turnover. Sembcorp Salalah, up by 6.12 per cent, was the only gainer, while the top loser was Renaissance Services, down by 5.64 per cent.

As many as 679 trades were executed during the trading session generating a turnover of OMR1.8 million with more than 6.1 million shares changing hands.

Out of 38 traded securities, one advanced, 20 declined and 17 remained unchanged. Omani investors were net buyers to the tune of OMR179,000 worth of shares followed by GCC and Arab investors at OMR23,000 while foreign investors, who were net

sellers, sold stocks amountign to OMR202,000.

Financial Index plunged by 0.99 per cent to close at 7,761.74 points. Al Sharqia Investments, HSBC Bank, Al Izz Bank, Gulf Investment Services and Al Anwar Holding declined by 5.38 per cent, 4.55 per cent, 3.90 per cent, 3.17 per cent and 2.34 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Index declined by 0.28 per cent to close at 8,144.86 points. Al Hassan Engineering, Al Maha Ceramics, Al Anwar Ceramics and Oman Flour Mills declined by 3.03 per cent, 2.17 per cent, 0.50 per cent and 0.40 per cent, respectively.

Services Index ended the session at 3,473.10 points, down by 0.12 per cent. Sembcorp Salalah, up by 6.12 per cent, was the only gainer today.

Renaissance Services, OIFC, National Gas, Phoenix Power and Oman Telecommunications Company declined by 5.64 per cent, 2.35 per cent, 1.69 per cent, 1.32 per cent and 0.57 per cent, respectively. - United Securities

OM0000004248 ...........SMN POWER HOLDING ..............................................5,000 ...............3,640........................1 ............0.728 ........... 0.728 ...........0.728........... 0.728 .............0.728............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.728 ............. 0.000...................0.000 .................145,334,717 ........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL.................................................6,000 .................. 528........................3 ........... 0.088 ...........0.088 ...........0.088........... 0.088 .............0.088 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.088..............0.087...................0.089...................15,400,000.........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ............................... 651,000 ..........257,798........................9 ........... 0.398 ...........0.398 ...........0.396........... 0.396 .............0.398 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.503 ...............0.396..............0.390...................0.396.................. 117,300,618 ........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO.........................................................................95,000 ............74,220......................16 ............0.780 ........... 0.784 ...........0.780........... 0.780 .............0.784 ...........-0.004 ........... -0.510 ...............0.780.............. 0.776...................0.780..................507,736,499 ........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 113,300........... 195,751..................... 26 ............1.740 ........... 1.740............1.720 ............1.730 ............. 1.740............-0.010 ........... -0.575 ...............1.725 .............. 1.720................... 1.725 ................1,297,500,000 ......0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ...................................47,000 ............. 16,167........................5 ........... 0.344 ...........0.344 ...........0.340 .......... 0.344 .............0.346 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.578 ...............0.344..............0.324...................0.340 ................ 461,204,326 .......0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 166,289 ............18,312......................12 ............0.110 ............0.111 ............0.110 ............0.110 ............. 0.111 ............-0.001 ........... -0.901 ............... 0.111 .............. 0.110................... 0.114 ...................13,406,250 .........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 148,600 ............44,717........................9 ........... 0.300...........0.304 ...........0.295........... 0.300 .............0.304 ...........-0.004 ............-1.316................0.295..............0.295...................0.300 ..................30,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS .............................................................39,120 .............13,603........................7 ........... 0.350 ...........0.350 ...........0.344 .......... 0.348 .............0.354 ...........-0.006 ............-1.695................0.344............. 0.340...................0.344 ..................17,400,000 .........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS .................................................... 8,267 ...............4,466......................11 ........... 0.550 ...........0.550 ...........0.540........... 0.540 .............0.552 ...........-0.012 ........... -2.174................0.540..............0.540...................0.546...................28,350,000.........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 700,240......... 146,365...................104 ............0.212 ........... 0.212 ...........0.207........... 0.209 .............0.214 ...........-0.005 ........... -2.336 ...............0.208............. 0.208...................0.209 .................. 31,365,675 .........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.................67,114 .............13,975......................11 ............0.213 ........... 0.213 ...........0.205........... 0.208 .............0.213............-0.005 ........... -2.347 ...............0.208............. 0.206...................0.209 ..................41,600,000.........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 119,398 .............14,534.....................20 ............0.122 ........... 0.122 ...........0.120........... 0.122 .............0.126............-0.004 ............-3.175................0.121 .............. 0.121...................0.124.................... 7,178,872 ..........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN ......................................................36,832 ...............4,654........................5 ............0.125 ........... 0.130 ...........0.125 ........... 0.126 .............0.132............-0.006 ........... -4.545 ...............0.130 ..............0.130...................0.132..................252,039,412........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ........... 144,759............. 17,875......................15 ............0.125 ........... 0.125 ...........0.122............0.123 .............0.130............-0.007 ........... -5.385 ...............0.123 ..............0.122...................0.123...................11,070,000 .........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES .......................................53,700 .............13,485........................6 ........... 0.260...........0.260 ...........0.250............0.251 .............0.266 ...........-0.015 ........... -5.639 ...............0.250............. 0.242...................0.250 ..................72,953,406.........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 3,713,517 ....1,454,769...................372 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......29........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. ......................4,000 ...................152........................ 1 ........... 0.038 ...........0.038 ...........0.038........... 0.038 .............0.038 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.038..............0.038...................0.039....................3,230,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004776 ...........TAKAFUL OMAN INSURANCE ................................ 7,800 .................. 874........................2 ............0.112 ........... 0.112............0.112 ............0.112 ............. 0.112............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.112 .............. 0.112................... 0.113 ...................11,200,000 .........0.100 OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS .................................................10,000 ...............5,000........................4 ........... 0.500 ...........0.500 ...........0.500........... 0.500 .............0.502 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.398 ...............0.500..............0.500...................0.502 ..................78,750,000 .........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 1,986,318 ......298,722...................266 ............0.151 ........... 0.152 ...........0.150 ........... 0.150 ............. 0.152............-0.002 ............-1.316................0.150 ..............0.150................... 0.151 ..................219,390,219 ........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 150,096 ........... 10,802........................9 ........... 0.072 ...........0.072 ...........0.071 ........... 0.072 .............0.073 ...........-0.001 ........... -1.370................0.072.............. 0.071...................0.072................. 108,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING.................................... 57,050 ...............5,476......................13 ........... 0.097 ...........0.097 ...........0.095........... 0.096 .............0.099 ...........-0.003 ........... -3.030 ...............0.095..............0.095...................0.097.................... 7,219,968 ..........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK............................................... 50,000 ................3,719........................5 ........... 0.077 ........... 0.077 ...........0.073........... 0.074 .............0.077 ...........-0.003 ........... -3.896 ...............0.073..............0.073...................0.076...................74,000,000 ........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 2,265,264 ..... 324,745...................300 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 7........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

EMPLOYMENT

‘Sharing economy’ surge creates labour conundrum WASHINGTON: They drive for Uber, deliver groceries for Instacart, run errands for TaskRabbit, and rent spare rooms on Airbnb.

Are these the new, empowered participants in the ‘sharing economy’, or workers being exploited by wellfunded technology companies?

That is an open question as millions of people shift from traditional employment to freelance ‘gig’ work, giving them more independence, but without the social safety net of employees.

Some 18 million United States workers now earn a significant portion or all of their income outside of traditional employment, and another 12.5 million took on part-time independent work, according to MBO Partners, a firm which providers services for independent contractors.

A separate study by financial software group Intuit found 25 to 30 percent of the US workforce is ‘contingent’ and that 80 per cent of large corporations plan to increase their use of a ‘flexible workforce’ in coming years. Inuit said that by 2020, more than 40 percent of the labor force will be “contingent.”

But cracks have begun to appear in the model developed by Uber and other peer-to-peer services. Lawsuits in several jurisdictions argue that on-demand workers are not independent contractors, but employees entitled to unemployment insurance, workers compensation and other benefits.

ital firm Greylock Partners says a key to helping this thriving sector is “unbundling” benefits such as health care, insurance and retirement from the workplace.

“Gone are the days of a social contract with employers for lifetime employment — it’s an old model it doesn’t exist anymore.

This is a secular shift that will impact everyone,” Rothman said in a blog post.

Rothman said this new sector is likely to be worth some $10 billion in the United States this year, and if allowed to grow, “offers a viable new path to sustaining the middle class.”

FLEXIBLE WORKFORCE: A separate study by financial software group Intuit found 25 to 30 per cent of

the US workforce is ‘contingent’ and that 80 per cent of large corporations plan to increase their use of a ‘flexible workforce’ in coming years. – Bloomberg News

“These firms have ignored the issue because they view themselves as a marketplace, not as an employer, and now it is biting them in the back,” said MBO founder and chief executive Gene Zaino.

Politicians are taking notice. Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton said recently she would “crack down on bosses who exploit employees by misclassifying them as contractors.”

“This on-demand, or so-called gig economy is creating exciting economies and unleashing innovation,” she said in June. “But it is also raising hard questions about work-

place protections and what a good job will look like in the future.”

Flexibility Yet without a flexible workforce of independent contractors, “the sharing economy could be stopped in its tracks,” said Christopher Koopman, a research fellow at George Mason University’s Mercatus Center. “We would not see the dynamic, innovative environment we have today.”

Koopman said those choosing to work on these platforms “are getting a ton of flexibility, so there are tradeoffs. They can work when

they want and how they want.” But he acknowledged that policymakers need to set clear rules to avoid disputes and uncertainty.

This uncertainty led to the shutdown in July of Homejoy, an online platform for home cleaning services which faced litigation from workers claiming they should be classified as employees.

Some analysts say current laws are not adapted to these new models where people earn money through shopping services like Postmates, meal preparation like Feastly and pet-sitting like DogVacay.

Simon Rothman at venture cap-

Share the scraps But Robert Reich, a former US labor secretary who is now a University of California professor of public policy, argues the trend is taking us back in time before most countries enacted labor standards. “The new on-demand work shifts risks entirely onto workers, and eliminates minimal standards completely,” Reich said on his blog about the “share the scraps economy.”

“In effect, on-demand work is a reversion to the piece work of the 19th century — when workers had no power and no legal rights, took all the risks, and worked all hours for almost nothing.”

MBO Partners founder Gene Zaino said however that his firm’s research shows most people who become independent are happy they did so. “It’s consistently about

control and flexibility” of work, Zaino said. Zaino said that “it’s not so much about the money,” but noted that “the fastest growing segment is people earning over $100,000 a year.”

This $100,000-plus group has grown 45 percent over the last five years, totaling 2.9 million people, according to MBO. Real benefits Arun Sundararajan, who heads New York University’s Social Cities Initiative, said policymakers should seek to “decouple” traditional benefits from the workplace to help gig workers.

“What they are looking for is not to be a full-time employee,” Sundararajan said.

“They want the nice things of being a full-time employee — income stability, insurance benefits, which have been tied to employment.”

One solution is a model enacted in the United States for retirement, which allowed most employers to eliminate defined-benefit pension plans in favor of portable savings, known as 401k plans, with tax incentives and contributions from employers and workers.

“This good be a good template,” the NYU professor said. “We have to think about similar structures for the other aspects of the social safety net.” Sundararajan said finding solutions is key to unlocking the potential for a vibrant new economic sector. - AFP

DEBT

Greek government discusses third bailout draft ATHENS: Greek government officials discussed a draft of the country’s third bailout agreement drawn up on the basis of discussions with EU/IMF lenders, a government official said on Saturday, boosting hopes a deal could be wrapped up in days.

Athens is racing to wrap up the bailout agreement of as much as 86 billion euros by as early as Tuesday in a bid to get the first disbursement of aid by August 20, when it faces a debt payment to the European Central Bank.

Officials from European Union

and International Monetary Fund lenders met Greece’s finance and economy ministers in Athens on Saturday, the day after EU finance officials held a teleconference and noted progress in the talks.

Contentious issues The talks on Saturday focused on the so-called “prior actions” Greece must legislate to qualify for loans, and the two sides reached agreement on the issue, a senior government official said without giving details. Talks will continue on Sunday to discuss

more contentious issues, the official said.

“The agreement will be concluded comfortably before Aug.18,” the official said. Greece narrowly dodged a euro zone exit last month after months of acrimonious negotiations that culminated with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras clinching a deal tied to stringent austerity and reform terms to avoid economic collapse.

The view of EU officials on Friday’s conference call was that talks are proceeding well and may be completed. - Reuters

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W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M M ON DAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

SECTION

SLOW DOWN ENJOY THE RIDE

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IMES TECH STUFF

Traffic systems could be target of hackers

TWITTER BOOSTS WAYS TO STOP TROLLING Twitter is furthering its efforts to help stop abuse and trolling on its service by letting users share their personal lists of blocked accounts — which could be useful among friends or organisations targeted by the same harassers. For those who want more information, the Twitter Help Centre has detailed instructions for exporting and importing “blocked lists” at support.twitter.com/articles/20172663.

P R O D UC T U P D AT E S

Samsung launches world’s thinnest tablet Times News Service Samsung Electronics, recently announced the launch of the world’s thinnest and lightest tablet, the Galaxy Tab S2. The next generation of Samsung’s flagship series, the Galaxy Tab S2is not only packaged in the thinnest and lightest metal frame of its size, but it continuously delivers a stunning Super AMOLED display that is perfectly optimised for reading and viewing any type of digital content. Stylish designed, the Galaxy Tab S2 packs powerful performance features to offer enhanced usability, empowering users with new and improved choices in productivity and multitasking.

Commenting on the latest flagship launch, Hayssam Yassine, Head of IT and Mobile Team commented, “We have developed the most advanced personal visual device that will undoubtedly set the new standard in immersive viewing and ultimate mobility. Backed by an integrated office experience, the Galaxy Tab S2 will be a constant companion for a range of users who value high-quality finishing and cutting-edge innovation.” At just 5.6mm thin and only 389g (9.7 -inch) and 265g (8.0 -inch) weight*, the Galaxy Tab S2is perfectly designed for reading and consuming content due to its stunning Super AMOLED Display. By recreating the same viewing experience of browsing through traditional print media, the Galaxy Tab S2 also makes it comfortable to read digital content, including e-books, magazines, web pages and newsfeeds. This reading-optimised ratio allows the user to enjoy a seamless reading experience without unnecessary scrolling.

‘Bring-your-own-device threats are often overlooked’ Officials with the District Department of Transportation said that this summer, they began a study of the encryption of city traffic sensors after a security researcher said he tapped into the city’s traffic system last year

P

icture this: A hacker walks the streets of Capitol Hill with a laptop and malicious intentions. He crouches to street level, tapping into the city’s traffic sensors during rush hour.

Suddenly, downtown traffic signals turn to a constellation of red. Within minutes, streets are a parking lot jammed with cars. Emergency vehicles, paralysed by traffic, can’t find a clearing. Their sirens echo through a gridlocked city.

It’s a dark scenario out of a dystopian film, but is it plausible?

The question has dogged security analysts and city officials in recent years as testing has revealed vulnerabilities in traffic systems and their operations. Officials with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) said that this summer, they began a study of the encryption of city traffic sensors after a security researcher said he tapped into the city’s traffic system last year.

Cyberattacks have been, after all, identified as the greatest threat to US national security in recent years by Director of National Intelligence James Clapper.

And recent reports highlight how cars can be remotely hacked through their information and entertainment systems. Last month, two security researchers remotely disabled the brakes and steering system of a Jeep Cherokee while it was on a highway by seizing control of the car’s Uconnect

information and entertainment dashboard. That prompted a recall of 1.4 million cars by Fiat Chrysler, which said a defect allowed several models, including Jeep Grand Cherokees, Chrysler sedans, Ram pickups and others, to be hacked remotely.

Wireless devices Many wireless devices — cars, planes and even sniper rifles — can be hacked.

So can your morning commute, it turns out. A few years ago, two Los Angeles traffic engineers hacked into that city’s signal system to slow traffic at key intersections as part of a labour protest.

The men programmed the lights to stay red for extremely long periods of time, causing gridlock. They were charged with felonies and sentenced to probation.

But it was the District that captured the attention of Cesar Cerrudo, chief technology officer of IOActive Labs, an Argentinabased security research firm. Cerrudo walked the streets of Capitol Hill last year with a USB sniffer, seeking to expose vulnerabilities in the District of Columbia’s traffic system as part of a nonprofit initiative. He has done the same in New York and other cities, usually with similar results, he said.

Cerrudo said he was able to access traffic data at intersections at Union Station, Capitol Hill, and at Third and Madison streets NW. Were he a malicious hacker,

he said, he could have gridlocked the entire city, creating paralysing traffic on North Capitol Street NW or turning neighbourhood roads into bona fide freeways.

“These traffic problems could cause real issues, even deadly ones, by causing accidents or blocking ambulances, firefighters or police cars going to an emergency call,” Cerrudo said.

Cerrudo said he could change the numbers on electronic speedlimit signs or signal cars idling on ramps to “go” prematurely.

But city officials dispute his findings, saying that Cerrudo’s assertions are overblown.

Michelle Phipps-Evans, a spokeswoman for DDOT, called the probability that a hacker could gain access to the city’s traffic signals “highly unlikely” — although she didn’tsay it’s impossible. Builtin security protocols prevent traffic lights from displaying four-way green lights, for example, so no “Italian Job”-style fantasies will be playing out in Washington anytime soon. “In the previous media reports, the security researcher asserted that he hacked into traffic sensors that can allow him to change signals from red to green at will,” Phipps-Evans said, referring to an article this summer in The New York Times. “However, with respect to the sensors in the District’s signal network, hacking into the system cannot cause the signals to change arbitrarily.”

A spokesman for Sensys Networks, which has approximately 1,300 sensors gathering traffic-low data across the District and an additional 200 to 300 detecting vehicles at 26 intersections, said that Cerrudo’s claims are flat wrong.

“Mr. Cerrudo has not ‘hacked’ the District’s or any other operational system,” Floyd Williams said.

“A ‘hack’ occurs when existing security protocols are breached or circumvented to gain access to restricted information or intellectual property. No such access

has been demonstrated by IOActive,” Williams said.

For his part, Cerrudo said he did not hack the system itself — rather, in a lab setting, he hacked the devices used within it. He said he performed passive tests while walking in Wash, checking to see if technology at certain intersections was encrypted or had proper security protections.

His conclusion: They weren’t, and they didn’t. His efforts, then, have not gone unnoticed. The city is now reviewing the security of its traffic sensors — particularly how they communicate from the pavement to wireless access points.

The District installed the Sensys sensors about five years ago, Phipps-Evans said, outfitting 25 of the city’s 1,650 intersections with the devices at about $4,000 per intersection. The wireless sensors — round, black devices in the road — are easily removed and reinstalled during construction work.

They collect data that makes traffic lights change at optimal times: for example, when cars approach less-used side streets. If the signals were compromised, Cerrudo says, the cost to the District could far exceed the equipment price tag for each intersection. A sophisticated hack could result in more than $500,000 of equipment lost, with repairs and labor nearing $2 million. Cerrudo isn’t the only researcher to recently have the idea of testing transportation technology to expose vulnerabilities. Earlier this year, a computer expert managed to hack into a commercial plane’s in-flight entertainment system to make the aircraft briefly fly sideways, according to an FBI warrant. And a year ago, Branden Ghena lugged two cardboard boxes out of a Michigan road agency. Along with a team of researchers, he climbed into a car and set off for an Ann Arbor research lab with one goal: hack into a city’s traffic system. — FAIZ SIDDIQUI/ Washington Post-Bloomberg News

Times News Service Bring-your-own-device (BYOD) threats are still often overlooked by businesses. Many small-business owners believe BYOD poses no threat to their company and have no interest in spending effort on mobile device security, while employees themselves think security is the responsibility of the business, a study by Kaspersky Lab has found. With the study showing that two-thirds (62 per cent) of business owners and employees worldwide now use personal mobile devices for work, BYOD is no longer a developing trend, but a widely accepted business practice. It affects companies of all sizes, from the very large (5000+ employees) to the small ones (fewer than 25 employees). However, attitudes towards protecting data on mobile devices are far from ideal security approach. The consumer security risks survey by Kaspersky Lab found that six in 10 (60 per cent of respondents) are concerned about the threat of surveillance and information theft via mobile devices, but they do not actively protect themselves and rely on their employers to do so.

RMM to boost productivity Times News Service In order to stay competitive, it is important for organisations to have a reliable, efficient and agile IT infrastructure in place. In fact, if IT infrastructure is left unattended for a long time, without monitoring and without proactive maintenance, patches and security updates, failure rates increase. This may cause sudden breakdowns which can lead to financial losses as well as loss of sales and customers. However, many organisations across the region have small IT departments with limited resources and are constantly looking for cost-effective solutions to manage their IT infrastructure. This is driving the need for remote monitoring and management (RMM) services, said Sachin Bhardwaj, director, marketing & business development, eHosting DataFort. RMM is a proactive approach to remotely monitor and manage a company’s IT infrastructure on a 24/7 basis. It helps in minimising costly downtime to ensure business is always performing at maximum efficiency. RMM not only helps businesses respond to multiple issues quickly and efficiently, but it also provides organisations with the knowledge of any IT issues in advance, including those related to the availability, security and health of their IT infrastructure.

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MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

ROUND-UP

New Jaguar XE arrives in Oman SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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The all-new Jaguar

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

XE sports saloon features advanced lightweight construction, dynamic design, innovative technology and exhilarating performance

MUSCAT: Mohsin Haider Darwish (MHD), the exclusive distributer of Jaguar cars in the Sultanate of Oman, recently hosted the launch of Jaguar’s ground-breaking, performance-orientated, aluminium-intensive sports saloon — the new XE — in Muscat.

The most advanced sports saloon Jaguar has ever produced, the new XE is instantly recognisable as a Jaguar with its aluminium skin formed around the fundamental principles of perfect proportions and aerodynamic efficiency, says a press release.

A true driver’s car, the Jaguar XE redefines the concept of the sports saloon thanks to its advanced lightweight construction, streamlined styling, luxurious interior and outstanding ride and handling.

Offering a suite of technologies designed to keep both driver and passenger informed and entertained, the Jaguar XE turns every journey into even more of an experience. From premium audio systems to an intuitive new InControl Touch infotainment system and a laser head-up display, the new launch from Jaguar features cutting-edge driver aids and entertainment systems.

The model line-up is headlined by the XE S which rewards drivers with the responsiveness and refinement of its supercharged 3.0-litre V6 engine and 340PS/450Nm of torque enabling acceleration from 0-100kmh in 5.1 seconds (0-60mph in 4.9 seconds), and an electronically-limited maximum speed of 250kmh (155mph).

Exclusively unveiled to a gathering of MHD’s VIP guests in addition to loyal Jaguar customers. The Jaguar XE 3.0 litre V6 Supercharged was showcased at the event, giving

The new XE is the latest introduction to the Jaguar range which offers a fine balance between performance, efficiency and luxury.

We are sure that it will find a wide acceptance with the discerning customers in the Sultanate of Oman guests a closer look at the smallest, lightest, stiffest and most aerodynamic Jaguar saloon ever.

Speaking at the launch, David Aziz, CEO, Automotive, MHD, said: “The new XE is the latest introduction to the Jaguar range which offers a fine balance between performance, efficiency and luxury. We are sure that it will find a wide acceptance with the dis-

cerning customers in the Sultanate of Oman.”

Justin Weaving, sales director, Jaguar Land Rover MENAP region, added: “Always at the forefront of innovation, Jaguar has built the XE to look and feel like no other car in its class. With a driving behaviour designed to fully match the promise of its seductive looks, this vehicle is tailored

S U P P O R T S M U S C AT - B A S E D A R T I S T

to suit every driver. Completing our Jaguar saloon car range, the XE has garnered a huge amount of attention among our loyal Jaguar customers across the Mena region and I am thrilled to be launching it here in the Sultanate of Oman alongside David Aziz the CEO, Automotive Products of MHD.” The Jaguar XE Pure, XE Prestige, XE R-Sport, XE Portfolio and

David Aziz Automotive, MHD

XE S will be available exclusively at MHD showrooms across the Sultanate of Oman with prices starting from OMR16,000 inclusive of a five year/65,000km service package.

MAIDEN PERFORMANCE

KR commemorates Renaissance Day MUSCAT: In celebration of Oman’s 45th Renaissance Day, the Khimji Ramdas (KR) Group recently commissioned Muscat based-artist Sandesh Rangnekar to paint a portrait collection of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

The works of art include 18 rare paintings captured on unconventional mediums and pay a just tribute to the country’s visionary leader, says a press release.

Commenting on KR’s initiative, Nailesh Khimji, director, KR said: “As loyal subjects of His Majesty, and in deep gratitude for his benevolent and visionary guidance, we wanted to honour His Majesty.

What better way than by immortalising his towering persona in art. It is but a small reminder of how His Majesty has been such a beacon of hope, progress and strength — qualities that have endeared him to his people.”

The paintings capture on an unorthodox canvas life-like images of

the Sultanate’s leader right from his early days through the present day tracing every nuance in facial features over the years. These have been done on the broad leaves of a gigantic tree called ‘peepal’, found in the sub-continent.

Sandesh S. Rangnekar, a creative director at a media and publishing house, resorts to a very unconventional medium in this collection of art work. He draws creativity and inspiration from virtually anything that strikes his

imagination; these might be knitting needles, a squid bone or even watch-making tools.

The 18 paintings of His Majesty are currently on display in the reception area of KR’s main headquarters in Muttrah.

H E A LT H C A R E

KIMS Oman offers full paediatric care MUSCAT: The Paediatrics Department at KIMS Oman Hospital (KOH) leads a comprehensive approach to paediatric care where it offers full paediatric care provided by highly experienced doctors.

It constitutes highly skilled and experienced professionals including Dr Sreekumar S. and Dr George John, who are specialised in 24 hours general paediatrics emergency, phototherapy unit and neonatal monitors, well baby OP clinic and IP care, behavioural paediatrics, child and neonatal nursery in addition to chronic paediatric illnesses and child MEETINGS

psychology, says a press release.

KOH paediatrics come with more than 15 years of wide experience and are qualified in conducting speciality clinics like childhood asthma clinics, growth and developmental clinics.

“Our excellent medical services are provided by our highly skilled medical team using cutting edge technologies for serving our community members at the best level.

Paediatricians at KIMS Oman Hospital are committed to providing full care with compassion to their patients,” said Dr Hussam Akoum, chief operating officer at KOH.

ISG student all set to perform ‘Arangetram’ MUSCAT: Ananya Ananthan, a Class X student of the Indian School, Al Ghubra (ISG), is all set for her maiden solo Bharatanatyam performance (Arangetram) on August 13 at Al Falaj Hotel.

Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest and richest classical performing art forms of India with a history of more than 3,000 years. Bharatanatyam beautifully blends the elements of expression, musical melody and rhythm, further highlighted by the colourful costumes worn by the performer.

Ananya has been a student of Bharatanatyam from her tender age of 6 years. As a student of Premila Ramesh, Ananya has learnt and performed in several group performances over the years. Director of Orbit Training Centre for Performing Arts (Nrityanjali), Premila Ramesh has been imparting training to the aspirants of Bharatanatyam since 2000.

Highly acclaimed for her choreography, teaching skills and as a performer par excellence,

Premila is a student of Padma Bhushan V. P. Dhananjayan and Shanta Dhananjayan of Kalakshetra, says a press release.

ISG has nurtured many talents in the fields of academics as well as co-scholastic activities.

ISG students have participated in a myriad of events in Oman and abroad and have brought home glories.

Academically a brilliant student, Ananya has also participated in many in-house and interschool competitions.

Master choreographer and a creative genius G. Narendra and K. Mahalakshmi who is one the most revered teachers of Bharatanatyam from Avigna Dance Ensemble, Chennai, will be honouring the event as the chief guests.

Papri Ghosh, principal of ISG and Prem Maker, managing director of Areej Vegetable Oils & Derivatives and a connoisseur of art, will be the guests of honour.

The event is managed by Orbit Events Management. Admission to this event is by invitation only.

CULINARY SKILLS

Orpic roadshow campaign raises NHI hosts Mystery Box Chef contest awareness of its Dhofar operations SALALAH: As a part of Orpic’s efforts to raise awareness of its operations, Orpic representatives are participating in meetings and visiting different regions and governorates across the Sultanate.

In addition to sharing information about the business, and the company’s journey since its inception, during the recent Dhofar roadshow, information was shared on Orpic’s current projects, future plans, and the significant incountry value generated through employment opportunities and local investment. The registration process for tendering companies, which was announced on Orpic’s website, was also explained in more detail, says a press release.

Orpic plans to visit many local communities during the coming months in order to continue raising awareness about the company, which has been adding value to Oman’s natural resources, and providing the local market with fuel, since 1982.

The company’s three key corpo-

rate themes ‘Achieve, Enhance and Grow’ focus on achieving growth and success in the three major strategic projects that are currently being implemented, including: Sohar Refinery improvement project, Liwa Plastic Industries Complex and Muscat-Sohar Product Pipeline and Al Jifnain Terminal project.

MUSCAT: National Hospitality Institute had conducted Mystery Box Chef Competition recently and has announced the winners.

First prize was bagged by InterContinental Hotel Muscat. The winning team of three members was awarded a gold medal and cash prize of OMR300. The second prize was won by Al Nahda Resort (Barka) while National Hospitality Institute took the third place.

Both teams were awarded medals with silver and bronze respectively, says a press release.

Ten teams representing different establishments, participated in the competition. The teams were awarded points on several criteria, which included recipe, hygiene, preparation, creativity, wastage, presentation, taste and texture. The teams also presented

portions of their dishes to guests in the Classroom restaurant who were requested to give their feedback on service.

This competition is held every three months at NHI’s Gulf Chef School in an attempt to raise awareness among professionals in the industry and the wider public on the skills that chefs’ possess. NHI has been the leading provider of culinary training in Oman for many years and has designed many initiatives like this

to encourage young chefs, to take the profession seriously and understand the possibilities in their future careers.

The 10 teams were from Muscat Hormuz Grand, National Hospitality, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah resort & Spa, Al Nahda Resort Spa, Al Bustan Palace – A Ritz Carlton Hotel, Grand Hyatt, City Seasons Hotel, InterContinental Hotel, Ramee Guest Line, Jungle Restaurant, in addition to NHI’s student team.

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PSM felicitates Oman National Cricket Team

HONOUR: Oman National Cricket Team with the dignitaries during the reception at PSM.

Pakistan School Muscat (PSM) hosted a special ceremony to honour the team that created history by qualifying for the ICC World Twenty20 to be held in India in March-April next year

Times News Service MUSCAT: Accolades continue to pour in for Oman National Cricket Team that created history by qualifying for the ICC World Twenty20 to be held in India in March-April next year.

Pakistan School Muscat hosted a special ceremony to honour the team at Dr. A. Q. Khan Hall. The cricket delegation included play-

ers and the captain accompanied by the coach, the manager and the physio of the cricket team.

Ayaz Hussain, ambassador of Pakistan to Oman was the chief guest while Ahmad Hassan Mohammad Al Yahmadi, director of Quality Organisations Department, Ministry of Sports Affairs was the guest of honour. Adnan Shahzad, chairman Board of Directors of Pakistani schools in

APPRECIATION: Team captain Sultan Ahmed receiving a gift from Pakistan Ambassador Ayaz Hussain. — Jun Estrada/TIMES OF OMAN

Oman, members BOD, Attaullah Niazi, senior principal, Khalid Jadoon PSM principal, embassy officers, dignitaries, cricket teams of PSM and the students attended the occasion.

The ceremony started with the recitation from the Holy Quran by Bilal Faisal.

As a gesture of warm welcome, Sultan Ahmad; the captain of Oman National Cricket Team, was presented with the bouquet by students from the Junior School.

Attaullah Niazi praised the Oman team for the historic achievement. In his address, he termed the Omani cricketers as today’s trend setters and tomorrow’s table turners.

A greatly applauded performance was presented by the budding stars of Pakistan School Muscat as an open hearted welcome to the heroes of Oman cricket.

Jamil Zaidi, manager of Oman cricket team, talked about the

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team’s progress with great pride.

Highlighting the hard work that went into the team’s preparations for the qualifiers, he thanked Oman Cricket for providing the best possible facilities to the players to enable them to win accolades for the country.

The whole cricket squad was presented with gifts. A souvenir was also presented to the manager of the team from Pakistan School System.

Ambassador Ayaz Hussain offered his heartfelt felicitation to the team on such a great achievement for the country. He expressed his aspiration that the team would keep working with the same spirit, training and vision to forge their path in the long journey of success and make Oman a proud country in the cricket world.

The ceremony concluded with the national anthems of Pakistan and Oman, followed by a traditional Pakistani lunch for the team.

E X PA N S I O N

McDonald’s opens new outlet in Nizwa MUSCAT: McDonald’s Oman (Al Daud Restaurants) opened its newest restaurant in Nizwa.

Located at Nizwa Mall, the newest McDonald’s restaurant has the world-renowned McDonald’s Drive-Thru, modern design with cosy dining atmosphere and an enjoyable PlayPlace for children. Customers will enjoy McDonald’s great tasting food, value for money and convenience the iconic global brand will bring, says a press release.

Commenting on the newest McDonald’s restaurant, Ali K. Daud, Development Licensee and

President of McDonald’s Oman, said: “We are proud to open the newest McDonald’s restaurant in Nizwa for our valued customers to enjoy a delightful eating out experience and good times with families and friends. Customers in Nizwa have been looking forward to have a McDonald’s restaurant in the area and we are proud to make it a reality.”

With its newest restaurant, McDonald’s is also opening up job opportunities for the Omani youth and providing business opportunities for the small and medium enterprises.

BEACH CLUB MEMBERSHIP

Exciting summer promotion starts at Millennium Resort MUSSANAH: Millennium Resort Mussanah (MRM) recently launched the summer Beach Club Membership promotion offering sports and recreation enthusiasts the opportunity to revitalise themselves and escape the sizzling summer heat.

The Beach Club grants customers access to the resort’s cutting-edge leisure and wellness facilities, where they can sign-up during the month of August, with

memberships valid until October 15, says a press release.

Maurice De Rooij, GM of MRM, said, “Nestled amongst the Al Hajar Mountains, offering spectacular views of the azure sea, Millennium Resort Mussanah celebrates health and wellness with its natural surroundings that make it perfect for evading the summer’s temperatures. Our latest promotion is all about delivering a holistic experience.”

MOTOR OIL

Al Hashar brings Liqui Moly lubricants, additives range to Oman MUSCAT: Continuing its tradition of bringing the world’s best, the pioneering Al Hashar Group has now introduced the entire range of technologically superior Liqui Moly, Germany’s leading oil brand.

Developed and tested at Liqui Moly’s own laboratories, the 100 per cent ‘Made in Germany’ products include lubricants for car and commercial vehicles, additives, car care products, repair and service products, adhesives, sealants, special lubricants for boats and motor bikes, says a press release.

Liqui Moly motor oils are officially approved (certified OEM) by all major car manufacturers for

RECRUIT

their proven benefits in lengthening engine life.

They protect the engine in absence of oil for lubrication and reduce wear caused by build-up of oil sludge due to high sulfur content in fuel.

An official from Al Hashar Group stated “Liqui Moly is a globally reputed, pioneering, award-winning and exceptionally-proven brand.

We are happy that our valued customers in Oman will now be able to take advantage of these renowned products to keep their vehicles in peak performance levels.”

Liqui Moly oil products available in Oman include the Super Leichtlauf 10W-40, Synthoil Race

Tech GT1 10W-60, Formula Super 20W-50, Synthoil Hi- Tech 5W-40, Longtime Hi-Tech 5W-30, Special Tec LL 5W- 30, Hydraulic Oil HLP 68, and the ATF III (yellow).

Also available are other additive products such as Liqui Moly’s injection cleaner, engine flush plus, pro-line engine flush, hydraulic lifter additive, motor oil saver, oil smoke stop, radiator cleaner, radiator stop-leak, octane plus, LM-40 multi-purpose spray, brake fluid dot 3, brake fluid dot 4, brake fluid dot 5.1, brake and parts cleaner aii, ceramic paste, and speed tec petrol.

Liqui Moly was founded in Ulm, Germany in 1957 after the

discovery of molybdenum disulphide, a dark grey crystalline mineral, which was then mixed to produce liquid molybdenum disulphide. Deriving its name from it, Liqui Moly held the patent for the production of this mineral and used it as basis to develop an engine oil additive.

Leading producer Taking off from the success of Liqui Moly motor oils, the over 50-year-old company has since developed an entire range of over 4,000 products, which includes engine and gear oils, additives and vehicle care products, workshop equipment and service products.

As Germany’s leading producer of engine oils and the undisputed market leader when it comes to additives, international demand for Liqui Moly products are constantly increasing, which have resulted in excellent sales across more than 100 countries worldwide.

Liqui Moly’s market leadership has been complemented by its recognition as the ‘Best Brand 2015’ under the lubricants category.

Liqui Moly products are available through Al Hashar outlets and dealer network. An extensive exclusive dealer network is also being established to ensure the product line is available across the length and breadth of Oman.

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MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

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Bank Muscat wins STP award from Citibank

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Bank Muscat won the straight-throughprocessing (STP) award by Citibank for outstanding performance in dollar denominated fund transfer and commercial payments

MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, has won a prestigious award from Citibank in recognition of operational excellence in the field of dollar payments processing.

Bank Muscat won the straightthrough-processing (STP) award

by Citibank for outstanding performance in dollar denominated

fund transfer and commercial payments, says a press release.

The award recognised Bank Muscat’s exceptional quality of SWIFT messages on dollar payment and maintaining an outstanding error-free rate for remittances. The award was based on evaluation of the quality and accuracy of SWIFT payment messages routed through Citibank.

The award highlighted the bank’s commitment to high standards of quality in meeting the stringent criteria for fund transfer. The bank’s exceptional quality in the delivery of commercial payments and transfers, facilitated by a

state-of-the-art in-house payment architecture, which helps to consistently maintain high SWIFT standards for automated processing throughout the payment chain resulting in extremely high STP rates, was also acknowledged.

The bank’s Central Operations electronic payments department, Treasury back office and Global Trade Services department are handling fund transfer operations while the technical and security issues are handled by the Systems & Procedures department. The Financial Institutions Group, reckoned as one of the leading FI teams in the region, has established more

TECHNOLOGICAL UPGRADES

than 500 correspondent banking relationships across the world.

Citibank is among Bank Muscat’s prominent correspondent banks for dollar payments. Citibank representatives commended the operational teams involved in processing dollar payments at Bank Muscat for the error-free rate maintained consistently throughout the high volume of remittances processed during 2014.

A multi-award winning organisation, Bank Muscat’s STP performance has been consistently lauded by the international financial and banking community for several years.

City Centres Eid campaign winners get Jeep Wranglers MUSCAT: Delivering on its vision to create great moments for everyone, everyday Majid Al Futtaim offered life-changing experiences to three lucky visitors of City Centre Muscat and City Centre Qurum, who drove home with brand new Jeep Wranglers, following this “Eidiyati’ campaign.

City Centre Muscat winners Hussein Ali Abdulatif Al Abdullatif and Hamed Mohamed Nasser Al Maawali and City Centre Qurum winner Julius Pablo

Acosta all happily took the wheel of their new shining Jeep Wranglers and could not wait to share the great news with their families, says a press release.

Lucky shoppers had the chance to win the fabulous prizes by simply spending OMR30 or more, in shopping, dining or entertainment during this Ramadan, at City Centre Muscat or City Centre Qurum and redeeming their receipts from the same day at customer service desks to enter the lucky raffle draw.

‘RAMADAN BIG JACKPOT’

Nissan picks ‘lifetime service’ winners MUSCAT: Nissan Oman’s most prestigious and preferred ‘Ramadan Big Jackpot’ scheme from Suhail Bahwan Automobiles received rave reviews from customers. Several customers who purchased Nissan vehicles during the holy month of Ramadan have already benefited from the unique cashback offer and free lifetime service benefit, says a press release.

Ooredoo meet explores ways to enhance telecom infrastructure SALALAH: An executive team from Ooredoo, led by CEO Greg Young, met with Sayyid Mohammed bin Sultan Al Busaidi, minister of state and governor of Dhofar, and Sheikh Salem bin Ufait Al Shanfari, chairman of Dhofar Municipality, to discuss Ooredoo’s role in enhancing the telecom infrastructure and customer experience within Oman’s southernmost governorate.

High on the agenda was Ooredoo’s recent technological upgrades which debuted in Salalah during the 2015 Tourism Festival, as well as its future expansion plans and social contributions, says a press release.

Greg Young said: “It was a great pleasure meeting their excellencies, the governor of Dhofar and the chairman and deputy chairman of Dhofar Municipality, as their constant support throughout the years has been instrumental in achieving our growth targets. In their respective capacities, they were able to shed light on new ave-

nues of cooperation with Ooredoo and we are confident that together we will be able to deliver on our promise and continue contributing to the prosperity and development of the Sultanate.”

The delegation visited the Salalah Tourism Festival grounds where the Ooredoo’s vibrant new stand was inaugurated under the auspices of Al Shanfari. The prominently located stand has a number of innovative and interactive displays, including Ooredoo’s 4.5G network speed test, which was demonstrated by the CEO to Al Shanfari.

The new 4.5G network has allowed customers to achieve speeds of up to 200 Mbps, which will provide a whole new online experience. Ooredoo’s plans are to drive the expansion of such services into remote communities and to date, the company has played a leading role in expanding telecommunication services areas outside the main cities.

This next-generation technol-

ogy promises to redefine customer experience across the country.

Under the patronage of Eng. Abdul Qadir bin Ahmed Al Haddad, deputy chairman of Dhofar Municipality, the executive team also opened the company’s new store in Sa’dah. Strategically selected to better serve the increasing number of residents in what has become one of Salalah’s up-and-coming residential areas, this new store will expand on Ooredoo’s retail presence as part of the company’s ongoing investment in Salalah.

Commenting on the company’s latest technological advances, Young said, “Our focus has always been to provide the fastest, most reliable and technologically innovative services in the Sultanate, and the introduction of the 4.5G not only meets those goals but will also transform the industry. This landmark solution is tailor made to meet the ever-increasing demand for higher Mbps and efficiency, delivering world-class network coverage anywhere, anytime.”

Elated winner Now the proud owner of the new Nissan Patrol, Aaisha Khalifa Salim Abdullah from Sohar is elated with joy as she won ‘lifetime service’ through the scratch and win card from Nissan’s Big Jackpot Ramadan campaign.

Commenting on the brand new vehicle she said, “I would like to thank Nissan Oman for such a unique opportunity. I feel very proud being the owner of such a prestigious vehicle and moreover being part of the Nissan family.”

Another lucky winner, Nasser Sulaiman from Muscat further commented, “I am thankful to Suhail Bahwan Automobiles for bringing out such an exciting scheme that caters to the exact

requirements of the people in Oman. This is truly a very satisfying experience. This offer is a double bonanza for me and I am sure everyone would like to be part of it.”

Suhail Bahwan Automobiles designed the Ramadan scheme to add to the pleasure and convenience of owning a Nissan model and ensure hassle and worry-free driving at all times.

SBA speak “We want to offer all our customers with maximum benefits and be able to make their life simple during the new vehicle purchase process. Also if you ‘Like’ us on our Nissan Oman Facebook page

and register online, viewers will get exclusive updates, news, reviews on our entire range of cars,” said a spokesperson from Suhail Bahwan Automobile.

“When it comes to providing good service, the firms that are able to build strong relationships with their customers are more likely to maintain a solid core of enthusiastic supporters. Quickly resolving issues and going beyond customers’ expectations encourages repeat business from patrons, and in many cases, we go further than that. High quality customer service helps to create customer loyalty. Customers today are not only interested in the product they are being offered, but also all the additional elements of service that they receive starting from the greeting when they enter a retail outlet,” a key SBA spokesperson opined.

At sales showrooms Suhail Bahwan Automobiles’ sales executives take the customer through a needs analysis process whereby asking focused questions the Sales Executive identifies customer needs. Based on the needs thus identified the sales executive then proposes the correct vehicle.

I N N O VAT I V E R E C I P E S

BreadTalk introduces new flavours to cake collection

MUSCAT: Boutique bakery BreadTalk has introduced a cake collection comprising four new flavours and eight improved recipes for all-time favourites.

Created to celebrate special moments, the collection’s classic flavour combinations are given a twist with innovative recipes and designs that travel across BreadTalk’s different markets, says a press release.

Jannat Moosa, marketing director at Bin Mirza International, said, “It has always been our philosophy to continuously offer our customers the very best from the

brands we franchise, and BreadTalk’s cake collection introduces new flavours while improving the cakes that customers love.”

She added, “Life in itself is a celebration and BreadTalk has taken this concept to create a collection that doesn’t require an occasion to celebrate. These cakes are made especially for moments to enjoy with friends and family.”

Reinvented BreadTalk’s new collection comprises Salted Caramel Surprise, Chocolate Fudge Soufflé, Cheesecake Originale and Oreo Cheese-

cake, as well as reinvented cakes from Bananarama, Black Forest, Strawberry Chantilly, Kopi Konnoisseur and Mango Paradiso to Azuki Macha, Peanut Butter Better and Bowled Over Tiramisu.

With their many years of experience, BreadTalk’s bakers harmoniously pair delicate flavours and the familiar tastes of childhood with modern baking techniques and a touch of creativity.

Customers can enjoy the new collection at BreadTalk’s bakeries at Oman Avenues Mall, The Wave, Muscat, Bareeq Al Shatti Mall and City Centre Qurum.

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Worker-inspired Kiwis win T20 tie

COLLINGWOOD URGES COOK TO CARRY ON Paul Collingwood has told England captain Alastair Cook to carry on in the job rather than step down amid the euphoria of an Ashes triumph. Cook was almost in tears after an innings and 78-run win over Australia. >C3

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The left-handed Worker smashed 62 from just 38 balls as New Zealand posted 198 for five, equalling the highest score in a T20 international in Zimbabwe, before the hosts limped to 118 for eight to lose by 80 runs

HARARE: George Worker hit an aggressive half-century on his New Zealand debut as Zimbabwe were severely outclassed in Sunday’s one-off Twenty20 international at Harare Sports Club.

The left-handed Worker smashed 62 from just 38 balls as New Zealand posted 198 for five, equalling the highest score in a T20 international in Zimbabwe, before the hosts limped to 118 for eight to lose by 80 runs.

With their top three all posting quick runs after they lost the toss and were asked to bat, New Zealand were dominant from start to finish in an entirely one-sided match, giving them the perfect send-off as they head to South Africa for two Twenty20 internationals and three one-day internationals.

“The way the boys batted today was outstanding - everyone played their role and George Worker was outstanding on debut,” said New Zealand captain Kane Williamson.

“The bowling performance was also the best of the tour, so I think we’ve progressed nicely with a new

FINE KNOCK: New Zealand batsman George Worker bats as wicket keeper Regis Chakabva looks on during the one-off Twenty20 cricket match against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club. – AFP

outfit and hopefully we can continue that in South Africa.”

Worker came in at No. 3 after Williamson had ensured a brisk start, and added 49 with opener Martin Guptill in 33 balls, before putting on another 49 with Luke Ronchi for the fourth wicket at an even quicker rate.

The 25-year-old had topped the run-scoring charts in last season’s Ford Trophy, but was a late addition to the New Zealand squad for the tour after Mitchell Santner was ruled out by a thumb injury.

After striking four sixes and three fours, Worker finally perished when he advanced down the track and was bowled by Sean Williams, who was the only Zimbabwe bowler to escape major punish-

ment as he took 3 for 28 in four overs.

The New Zealand total matched Pakistan’s 198 for four at the same ground in September 2011, while Worker’s score was the eighth highest by a player on T20 international debut and the third highest by a New Zealander.

Zimbabwe’s reply never made it off the ground, with four of their top five failing to reach double figures as they slumped to 34 for four in the opening seven overs.

Craig Ervine was the only batsman capable of taking on a threatening New Zealand bowling display, but his 42 made little impact on such a hefty target.

Fast bowlers Adam Milne and Mitchell McClenaghan were men-

NEW ZEALAND M. Guptill c Sikandar Raza b Williams 33 K. Williamson c Ervine b Muzarabani 20 G. Worker b Williams 62 G. Elliott c Masakadza b Cremer 8 L. Ronchi c Ervine b Williams 29 C. Munro not out 23 N. McCullum not out 18 Extras (4-lb, 1-w) 5 Total (5 wkts, 20 overs) 198 Fall of wickets: 1-26 (Williamson), 2-75 (Guptill), 3-93 (Elliott), 4-142 (Worker), 5-157 (Ronchi).

Did not bat: James Neesham, Adam Milne, Mitchell McClenaghan, Ish Sodhi.

Bowling: Utseya 2-0-30-0, Muzarabani 3-0-34-1, Mpofu 3-0-24-0, Chibhabha 2-018-0, Williams 4-0-28-3, Cremer 3-0-28-1, Sikandar Raza 3-0-32-0.

ZIMBABWE H. Masakadza c Ronchi b Milne 6 C. Chibhabha b Neesham 6 C. Ervine b Elliott 42 Sikandar Raza c Ronchi b McClenaghan 8 E. Chigumbura c Neesham b McCullum 2 S. Williams c & b Sodhi 16 R. Chakabva c Ronchi b Milne 13 G. Cremer c Neesham b McClenaghan 5 P. Utseya not out 2 C. Mpofu not out 6 Extras (4-b, 3-lb, 5-w) 1 2 Total (8 wkts, 20 overs) 118 Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Masakadza), 2-12 (Chibhabha), 3-25 (Sikandar Raza), 4-34 (Chigumbura), 5-64 (Williams), 6-89 (Chakabva), 7-101 (Cremer), 8-108 (Ervine).

Did not bat: Taurai Muzarabani.

Bowling: Milne 4-0-10-2, McClenaghan 4-0-33-2, Neesham 3-0-21-1, McCullum 4-0-25-1, Sodhi 4-0-15-1, Elliott 1-0-7-1.

Toss: Zimbabwe Umpires: Langton Rusere (ZIM) and Russell Tiffin (ZIM) TV umpire: Jeremiah Matibiri (ZIM) Match referee: David Boon (AUS) Result: New Zealand won by 80 runs.

acing even on a relatively placid pitch, with Milne recording figures of 2 for 10 from four overs in his first game for New Zealand since the World Cup quarterfinal against West Indies in March. - AFP

Sangakkara is best batsman Sri Lanka has ever produced, says Jayawardene NEW DELHI: Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene has paid a fitting tribute to the retiring Kumar Sangakkara, describing him as the “greatest batsman” to have emerged from the island nation since their entry into international cricket.

Sangakkara, who has 12,000 plus Test runs and 14,000 plus runs in ODIs, will retire from international cricket after playing the first two Tests against India in the three-match series starting Wednesday.

“Let me put it straight. Kumar Sangakkara is the best batsman that Sri Lanka has ever produced.

Aravinda De Silva will always be a sentimental favourite for most of the Sri Lankans including me but numbers alone make Kumar a phenomenal achiever. More than 60 international centuries (38 in Tests and 25 ODIs).Look at those staggering numbers,” former captain Jayawardene paid rich tributes to his long-time teammate in an exclusive interview to PTI. Jayawardene, who himself has close to 25,000 international runs, said that Sangakkara pushed the boundaries in real sense and has set imposing targets for the next generation of Lankan cricketers.

“Kumar’s greatness was his

ability to score runs against any attack in all types of conditions.

He really pushed his boundaries and have set some imposing targets for the next generation of cricketers.

“In any international sport, there are only a few who attained greatness in every aspect, whether for your performance on the field or your conduct off it. Kumar was one such player. The void left by him will take some time to fill.

I believe Sri Lankan cricket as a whole was blessed to have him.

I consider myself lucky to have played alongside a champion performer like Kumar,” he said.

While he was emotional about the farewell of his closest friend (they run a restaurant together in Colombo -- Ministry of Crabs), Jaywardene did not forget to mention that India will have an “upperhand” in the upcoming series.

“It will be a competitive series but I guess India will have an upperhand as they have a more or less steady team. The Sri Lanka team on the other hand is going through a transition phase as some of the youngsters are settling down. Hopefully, the team will give Kumar a fitting farewell by winning the series,” said the 38-year-old Jayawardene. - PTI

INDIA VS SRI LANKA

Lot of expectations from Kohli, says Kaluwitharana COLOMBO: Eager to see how Virat Kohli shapes up as a leader, former Sri Lankan batsman Romesh Kaluwitharana said India’s new firebrand cricket captain looks hungry for wins but has to deal with a mountain of expectations as well.

“For India, expectations will be high too. A lot of people back in their country have a keen interest and they will watch how Kohli shapes up as skipper. He will have to deal with all those expectations.

I am sure the new captain wants to perform and is very hungry to win,” Kaluwitharana said.

But the former wicketkeeper/ batsman, who is also the current Sri Lanka A coach and doubled up as the Board President’s XI coach during the three-day practice match here, said the upcoming three-Test series is also very important for the Sri Lankans.

“This series is very important for Sri Lanka. We couldn’t do well against Pakistan in the last series and we need to find our way back because that will be a key factor regarding how we move ahead into the future. Also, Sri Lanka will give everything to win the series for Sangakkara,” he said.

India drew their only practice match ahead of the Tests staring August 12 but Kaluwitharana said that result won’t count for much in the series.

“You can say that they have had a bit of a break so it showed a bit.

But overall these Indian cricketers put in performances through the year and that also shows in how they prepare,” said Kaluwitharana on Sunday.

“They looked very balanced and focused ahead of this series and what will also be the start of the new season for them. I was particularly impressed with their bowling in this three-day match. The batsmen didn’t spend a lot of time

Eager to see how Virat Kohli shapes up as a leader, former Sri Lankan batsman Romesh Kaluwitharana said India’s new firebrand cricket captain looks hungry for wins but has to deal with a mountain of expectations as well in the middle but they were hitting balls in the nets as well. All in all, I think they are ready for the Test series,” he added.

India scored 351 and 180 runs in their two innings in the practice match. Their bowlers did much better, restricting Board President’s XI to 121 and 200/6.

Ajinkya Rahane scored a hundred on day one, and Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul and Cheteshwar Pujara were also among the runs.

The bowlers impressed too, in particular Ishant Sharma and R. Ashwin. But loose dismissals of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Wriddihiman Saha in both innings left questionmarks even as the Indian team is looking to go in with five bowlers in the first Test.

“The Indian team has been doing that for quite some time now, so it won’t be a surprise if they continue with that tactic,” said

Kaluwitharana, about the fivebowler theory.

“While all their bowlers looked good here, it is tough to assume what the combination will be. Until we see the pitch in Galle, we cannot assume whether they will go in with three pacers or two spinners.

Generally they do three pacers and two spinners. But they have this luxury because some of their bowlers can do well with the bat. Any team will want to assume this balance in Test cricket, if they can.”

Five of the Lankan players involved in this match have also been called up for the Test series.

Among them is uncapped fast bowler Vishwa Fernando, while Kaushal Silva and Upul Tharanga got runs in the second innings.

Talking about his own wards, the coach said, “Yes, our Board President’s team took their time

in getting on with the game. But I thought the bowling was more impressive in both innings. Vishwa Fernando looks like a good prospect and with time he will get better. He needs to bowl more in the right areas and that will come with experience. I think he is a good find for Sri Lanka.”

“I am happy with Tharanga and Silva getting runs, especially the latter as he is an opener. He will be a key player for Sri Lanka in the coming series. But I am not too worried about Lahiru Thirimanne not getting many runs. He is a fine act and has scored many runs previously.

He has looked good and will be coming in form soon. He is always an asset to the team,” he added.

While India have been busy with their preparations, focus among the locals is now slowly shifting to their heroic batsman Kumar Sangakkara, who is preparing to bid the

international scene farewell with the first two Tests in this series.

He will retire from Test cricket after the second Test in Colombo, to be played at the P Sara Oval.

“I think it is nice that he is playing his last series with India. We have always played a lot of cricket with our neighbours. Hopefully he can be a great strength for the Lankan team in the first two matches, like he has been throughout his career,” said Kaluwitharana.

When asked about how Sri Lanka will cope with losing both Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene in quick succession, he replied, “We will definitely miss them.

They are great players.

“But Sri Lankan cricket has produced many of them over the years and as such this is a big opportunity for other players to step into their boots.

“It is someone else’s time now.

We might not find two of the same calibre at the same time but with experience, I think we can find some really solid performers for the Test level.”

Kaluwitharana said Sri Lanka has decent bench strength to choose from when the seniors call time on their careers.

“Luckily for Sri Lanka, we have always had 3-4 keepers whenever you pick a side. So while they might not have played regularly until now, this is a big opportunity for them to step up. So we don’t really have to blood new players and that is something we are happy with.

“We have Kusal Perera, Niroshan Dickwella and others who can make up the place. It’s about stepping up for these ready players and I am confident we will find the best player to replace him,” he added. — PTI

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MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

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Agarwal, Chand star in crushing win for India A Chasing 245 for a win, India A raced to their target in 37.4 overs courtesy a 219run opening stand between Agarwal and Chand

CHENNAI: Opener Mayank Agarwal smashed a brilliant 130 in company of skipper Unmukt Chand, who complemented with a useful 90, as India A thrashed South Africa A by eight wickets to bag a bonus point in their second tri-series match here on Sunday.

Chasing 245 for a win, India A raced to their target in 37.4 overs courtesy a 219-run opening stand between Agarwal and Chand at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. India A are now in contention for a place in the final with a match to go.

Earlier electing to bat, South Africa A rode on Quinton de Kock’s

Australia A face South Africa A today CHENNAI: With a well settled batting unit and an attacking bowling line-up in their rank, a rampaging Australia A will look to continue their good run when they take on South Africa A in the fourth match of the one-day cricket Tri-Series here on Monday. Australia A, led by Usman Khawaja, had started their campaign with an easy nine-wicket win over South Africa and then defeated India A by 119 runs.

108 to manage 244 all out in 50 overs. Medium-pacer Rishi Dhawan bagged four wickets.

But the star for India A was undoubtedly Agarwal, whose 122ball knock was laced with 16 fours and a six.

When a tired Agarwal, suffering from cramps due to the sapping city heat finally nicked one, India A were only two runs away from a deserving victory.

Chand, also helped himself to

Proteas captain Elgar said: “During the last three years our A team has not performed well and hope to do get the best of our players tomorrow.

“South African cricket is going through lot of transformation and transition in all three formats. You see now that in our test side and one day cricket there are lot of new faces.

This series is very important.

We have been improving over the last three years. This trend is massive.” - PTI

a second successive half-century but the Delhi boy missed out on his three-figure when he completely missed a half-tracker bowled by his opposite number in Dean Elgar.

Chand’s 94-ball knock had eight boundaries and two sixes in it after being dropped twice on naught in the same over with the unlucky bowler being left-arm seamer Lonwabo Tsotsobe.

First he edged one to a diving wicketkeeper Dane Vilas, who

failed to latch onto the chance.

A ball later, he cut hard and de Kock failed to hold onto the powerful shot.

In fact both openers were very cautious to begin with as only two runs were scored after first 5.1 overs.

Such was the dominance during those initial overs by South African pacers Hardus Viljoen and Tsotsobe, that India A openers played as many as 30 dot balls.

It was in the sixth over that the shackles were broken after Agarwal slashed Viljoen over point and Chand guided one beyond skipper’s reach for a boundary.

Once the first spell was gone, Indian openers settled for some dazzling strokeplay as leg-spinner Eddie Leie and left-arm spinner Elgar were taken to the cleaners by the duo.

Agarwal hit the seamers, especially Viljoen over the infield while Leie was deftly late cut.

The 100 came when Agarwal pushed one off Elgar towards longon. South Africa A looked a hapless bunch as two of their players were out due to stomach bug and hamstring trouble.

It was India A’s Mandeep Singh, who fielded during the fag end of the match along with South Africa A team’s video analyst. - PTI

DAY’S STARS: India A team skipper Unmukt Chand and Mayank Agarwal take a run during the third unofficial Tri-Series match against South Africa ‘A’ at MAC Stadium in Chennai. – PTI

CRICKET

Playing cricket with India should not be linked to politics: Misbah KARACHI: Pakistan’s Test captain, Misbah-ul Haq has stressed on the need for Pakistan and India to revive their bilateral cricket ties this year and said it should not depend on the political relations between the two neighbouring nations.

Insisting that the ups and downs of political and diplomatic relations between the two neighbouring countries will continue as always, Misbah said cricket ties should not be linked to these factors. “I believe that Pakistan and India should be playing against each other in bilateral series regularly and playing cricket should not be linked to the overall politi-

cal relations between the two nations,” he said. The senior batsman noted that cricket could and had played an influential role on improving ties and people of both countries also wanted to see cricket matches being played regularly.

“I am all for Pakistan and India resuming bilateral ties this year and it is good for the sport in both countries and players,” he added.

Misbah recently told PTI in an interview that he wanted to end his career with a series against old rivals India and hoped it happened this year in December.

Under a MOU signed between the two cricket boards, Pakistan is due to host India for a Test series

in December in the United Arab Emirates but so far the Indian board has not responded positively to the series leaving the Pakistan board officials also in a quandary.

Inzamam-ul Haq also this week called for regular cricket ties with India. The former Test captain said he would love to see Pakistan and India launch a new cricket chapter by playing in December this year. “Regardless of where we play we should play India on regular basis,” he added.

Misbah also said that in present circumstances it was imperative for Pakistan to launch its super league T20 event next year in February. - PTI HOCKEY

Indian to face Spain today SANT CUGAT DEL VALLES: After winning the series against France 2-0, the Indian men’s hockey team will take on Spain in the first of their three-match series of their European Tour here on Monday. The Roelant Oltmans-coached side defeated Spain 2-0 and 4-1 in the first two matches and would like to continue the good work against the Spanish team.

“The team is very confident post the recent win against France. I have seen a significant improvement in the boys and they have immensely worked on their strategies and tactics by rectifying their mistakes committed in the last matches,” Oltmans, who doubles up as the Hockey India (HI) high performance director, said in a release on Sunday.

“Our defence is a huge strength for us and I hope we start the campaign on a winning note tomorrow,” the Dutchman added. - IANS

MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

C3

SPORTS Carry on Cook, says Collingwood Anderson recalled into England squad

Cook was almost in tears after an innings and 78-run win over Australia in the fourth Test at Nottingham’s Trent Bridge ground on Saturday gave England an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the five-match series

NOTTINGHAM: Paul Collingwood has told England captain Alastair Cook to carry on in the job rather than step down amid the euphoria of an Ashes triumph.

Cook was almost in tears after an innings and 78-run win over Australia in the fourth Test at Nottingham’s Trent Bridge ground on Saturday gave England an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the fivematch series.

The 30-year-old opening batsman’s emotional reaction was a sign of the mental strain he has to endure in a rollercoaster 18 months that included England being whitewashed 5-0 in Australia, the fall out from the axing of star batsman Kevin Pietersen, a series loss at home to Sri Lanka and Cook’s own sacking from the one-day side ahead of this year’s World Cup. Cook’s form with the bat dipped alarmingly, while he was heavily criticised for excessively cautious tactics in the field, particularly against Sri Lanka.

But the arrival of a group of young players into the Test side, coupled with the appointment of Australian Trevor Bayliss as England coach all appear to have helped bolster Cook’s enthusiasm for leading England.

Australia captain Michael Clarke will retire from international duty at the end of this Ashes but former England all-rounder Collingwood said Cook ought to keep going.

“I think he thoroughly deserves to lead the team going forward,” Collingwood told BBC Radio on Sunday.

“He’s proven to a lot of people he’s the right man. Being England captain is a tough job, with a lot of critics and you’ve got to have a very thick skin to get through the bad times.

“This England team have been through some very bad times but responded,” added Collingwood, who played alongside Cook for England.

“Australia are a very good side and they were in form but the way England have gone about their business has made a very good side look mediocre. A lot of that is down to Alastair Cook.

“The way he’s led from the front and directed the guys has been brilliant. He’s had a really tough 12-18 months, losing the captaincy of the one-dayers, but he’s really got his teeth into the Test captaincy.”

Durham captain Collingwood said he had noticed a change in the outlook of his old England colleague.

“I was lucky enough to have a quick drink with Cooky at Birmingham and I was really impressed with how relaxed he was,” Collingwood said.

“He wasn’t putting too much pressure on himself, which I think happened in the past. Obviously there was pressure from the outside but he also put it on himself.

“He looks as though he’s enjoying himself.” - AFP

NOTTINGHAM: James Anderson could yet feature in the Ashes series finale after being included in a 14-man England squad named Sunday for this month’s fifth Test against Australia at The Oval.

Anderson, England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker, had to miss the fourth match of the series at Trent Bridge with a side strain suffered during the team’s eight-wicket win in the third Test at Edgbaston.

But England still crushed Australia by an innings and 78 runs in Nottingham on Saturday to take an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series, with just the match at The Oval, starting on August 20, to come.

Stuart Broad, Anderson’s longtime new-ball partner, took eight for 15 on his Nottinghamshire home ground as Australia were dismissed for just 60 in 111 balls on the opening day -the shortest completed first innings of a match in the 138-year history of Test cricket.

When Anderson injured himself in Birmingham, there were fears he might be sidelined from the remainder of the series.

And with England now in an unbeatable position in the series, it has been argued that they don’t need to risk their prize asset in a ‘dead’ match.

It was a point acknowledged

by England national selector James Whitaker who said Sunday that Anderson, who has replaced uncapped left-arm seamer Mark Footitt in the squad, would not be rushed back into the side.

“James Anderson is continuing to improve and, with 10 days to go before the Test, may be able to play a part at the Oval -- although with the series won, we will not be taking any chances given the cricket we have in the coming months,” Whitaker said in an England and Wales Cricket Board statement.

Meanwhile Whitaker hailed the way in which England had bounced back from their 5-0 series loss in Australia in 2013/14.

BACK IN SIDE: England bowler Jimmy Anderson completes a lap of honour of the ground after England wrap up the game and retain the Ashes on the third day of the fourth Ashes cricket Test match between England and Australia at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. – AFP

“Regaining the Ashes is a superb achievement and is down to 18 months of hard work from the players and coaches and support from a lot of people since the last series in Australia,” he said.

ASHES

England enjoy swinging time NOTTINGHAM: One of the great traditional challenges of playing cricket in England is batting against the swinging and seaming ball.

It was a challenge that Australia’s top-order batsmen have for the most part failed to master so far in the 2015 Ashes and, as much as anything, explains why England took an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the five-match Ashes series with a crushing innings and 78-run win in the fourth Test at Trent Bridge on Saturday.

Australia can’t say they were not warned -- this was, after all, Australia’s fourth successive Ashes series loss in England, a run stretching back 14 years.

Darren Lehmann, the Australia coach, spent several seasons with English county side Yorkshire while on-tour selector Rodney Marsh was behind the stumps when Bob Massie produced one of the all-time great displays of swing bowling in taking 16 wickets on Test debut at Lord’s in 1972.

Significantly, the Australia batsman who fared best was Chris

Rogers, the veteran opener putting his years of experience with several counties to good use.

Rogers is something of a ‘throw back’ as a batsman in that he accepts there will be times when he has to absorb pressure and battle hard to keep his wicket intact.

Before the series both sides made much of their intention to play “aggressive” cricket, with some Australians giving the impression that anything else was a lesser form of the game.

“Australia are just poor at batting when the ball moves. Some of the shots have been pathetic,” said former England opener Geoffrey Boycott.

Harsh words, perhaps, but you would be hard-pressed to say Boycott was wrong, with Australia’s batsmen doing little to shake off the tag of ‘flat-track bullies’.

Indeed their one win in the first four matches of the series, a 405run success in the second Test at Lord’s, came on a docile pitch where Steven Smith (215) and Rogers (173) compiled their Testbest scores.

However, there was an irony in that it needed an Australian in new England coach Trevor Bayliss to point out after Lord’s that the series ought to be played on traditional English pitches.

Lord’s apart, England were able to minimise the impact of their collapses although that was largely the work of the 24-yearold Joe Root who gave two superb demonstrations of how to combat a moving ball with his hundreds at Cardiff (134) and Trent Bridge (130).

End of road for Clarke By contrast every time Australia lost wickets in clusters it cost them dearly.

England, however, still had to bowl well.

This was reflected in how at Edgbaston and Trent Bridge the quartet of James Anderson (six for 47), Steven Finn (six for 79), Stuart Broad (eight for 15) and Ben Stokes (six for 36) starred as England became the first side to have different bowlers each take six or more wickets in four suc-

cessive Test innings. The pinnacle was Broad’s stunning spell on the first morning at Trent Bridge, his Nottinghamshire home ground, which saw Australia dismissed for a scarcely credible 60 in just 111 balls -the shortest completed first innings in the 138-year history of Test cricket.

“The pitch just offered the perfect amount. It wasn’t really swinging massively, wasn’t seaming loads,” said Broad.

England captain Alastair Cook, often accused of being too defensive, generally attacked at the right times and this was summed up when fifth slip Stokes held a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Adam Voges in the middle of Broad’s sensational burst.

But Australia skipper Michael Clarke, who eventually conceded defeat in his struggle for runs by announcing after the fourth Test that he would retire from international duty at the end of this series, missed a couple of tricks despite a reputation for “funky” captaincy. — AFP

England fifth Test squad: Adam Lyth (Yorkshire), Alastair Cook (Essex, capt), Ian Bell (Warwickshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire), Ben Stokes (Durham), Jos Buttler (Lancashire,

wkt), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Mark Wood (Durham), Steven Finn (Middlesex), James Anderson (Lancashire), Liam Plunkett (Yorkshire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire). - AFP

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MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

SPORTS RANKINGS

England’s Root on top of the world NOTTINGHAM: Joe Root has replaced Steven Smith as the world’s number one ranked batsman in Test cricket after playing a key role in England regaining the Ashes.

The 24-year-old Yorkshireman struck a superb 130, his second hundred of the series, in England’s innings and 78-run win in the fourth Test at Trent Bridge on Saturday.

Victory, completed inside three days, gave England an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.

Root has scored 443 runs in the series, with two hundreds and two half-centuries, at an average of 71.79.

The latest edition of the International Cricket Council’s rankings published Sunday saw Root

on top of the batting standings, with Australia’s Smith, out for six and five in Nottingham, dropping down to third place.

South Africa’s AB de Villiers was second in the standings.

Meanwhile the equivalent bowling rankings saw England’s Stuart Broad climb to a career-high second place on the back of a stunning first-innings return of eight for 15 on his Nottinghamshire ground that was behind Australia’s collapse to 60 all out.

The 29-year-old pacemen’s ninth wicket of the match, taken in the second innings, saw him edge past fast bowling great Fred Trueman into fourth place in England’s list of all-time leading Test wicket-takers.

Broad has taken 308 wickets

THUMBS UP: Joe Root poses for a photograph with England fans after winning the Ashes. – Reuters

in 83 Tests to date and is 17 behind former England fast bowler Bob Willis.

A combination of Broad’s form and the absence at Trent Bridge of

the injured James Anderson has seen the Lancashire paceman drop to third in the ICC standings, still headed by South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn.

Lehmann admits to errors As a coach and on behalf of selectors, Darren Lehmann said, they got things wrong at certain times, there’s no doubt about that

NOTTINGHAM: Australia coach Darren Lehmann said both he and selection chief Rodney Marsh had to shoulder “a lot” of the blame for the team’s Ashes loss.

England’s dominant win by an innings and 78 runs in the fourth Test at Nottingham’s Trent Bridge ground on Saturday gave them an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the fivematch series.

Asked how much responsibility he and fellow former Australia international Marsh, the on-tour selector, bore for the series defeat, Lehmann told reporters: “A lot. As a coach and selectors we’ve got things wrong at certain times, there’s no doubt about that.”

Lehmann said a particular mistake at Trent Bridge had been for Australia to abandon their longstanding policy of fielding five bowlers, with all-rounder Mitchell Marsh dropped to make way for older brother Shaun, a top-order batsman.

But Shaun, who made just two runs in the entire match, fell for a first-innings duck as Australia were shot out for a scarcely credible 60 on the first day, with England paceman Stuart Broad taking a stunning Test-best eight for 15 on his Nottinghamshire home ground.

Wrong selection England, with Joe Root scoring

DEJECTED: Disappointed Australian head coach Darren Lehmann watches from the pavillion. – AFP

Australia coach mocked over football ticket tweet NOTTINGHAM: Australia coach Darren Lehmann got more than he bargained for when he posted a tweet asking for help in getting tickets to watch an English Premier League football match.

Lehmann decided he wanted to use the ‘free’ Sunday to take in a match between Stoke and Liverpool.

“Would like to go to Stoke v Liverpool with a couple of people anyone help? @stokecity or @LFC can you please retweet,” he wrote on Twitter.

But, almost inevitably,

130, piled up 391 for nine declared in reply against an Australia attack who, in the circumstances, needed all the bowling they could muster.

“I spoke to Rodney and we wanted the extra batter and spoke to the captain about it in this particular game, but we’ve always wanted five bowlers, so we probably got that selection wrong,” Lehmann said.

“Happy to admit when we’re wrong, you don’t get everything

Lehmann’s request in helping source tickets for the match at the Britannia Stadium was met by suggestions his time would be better spent reviewing the loss, rather than watching football. Twitter user Anthony Dutton responded by posting: “Aren’t you playing tomorrow (Sunday)...oooops sorry.”

An unamused Lehmann responded: “Thanks so much for the abuse, was asking a question that people might help. Don’t bother now!

Thanks again people for being so abusive.” - AFP

right. “We’re really strong on having five bowlers and we didn’t do that this game.”

Defeat at Trent Bridge condemned Australia to their fourth successive Ashes series loss in England, a run stretching back 14 years.

A feature of the series so far has been the inability of Australia’s batsmen to cope with the swinging and seaming ball on typical

English pitches that aid lateral movement.

There have been accusations that too many Australia batsmen are ‘flat-track bullies’, unwilling as much as unable to alter the methods that serve them so well on flatter home surfaces.

Prior to the series, both teams made much of their desire to play “aggressive” cricket.

“I think England played good, aggressive cricket this series to be perfectly honest,” said former batsman Lehmann.

“We certainly didn’t cope with the swinging or seaming ball in the last two Test matches well enough and that’s something we have to get better at.”

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has said the Dukes ball used in England, which has a more pronounced seam than the Australian Kookaburra, should be introduced for domestic matches in Australia in a bid to help replicate English conditions.

There have also been calls for more Australian players to take part in English county cricket as Lehmann did with great success for Yorkshire -- now coached by his close friend Jason Gillespie, the former Australia fast bowler.

“I think it was a great experience for me,” said Lehmann. “It’s very hard in the schedule now to fit that in for bowlers. That’s probably the hardest thing.”

Meanwhile Lehmann insisted he was relishing this month’s final Test of the series at The Oval in south London, which will mark retiring Australia captain Michael Clarke’s farewell to international cricket.

“I’m actually looking forward to the last Test,” said Lehmann.

“I think it’s going to be a great last Test match, and very enjoyable for England. But we’ve got to try to get a result there for us.

“You’re on the road a long time, no doubt about that, but I’m still a cricket nuffy (nerd) and love watching cricket. Don’t like watching 60, though.” - AFP

Australia fast bowler Michell Johnson moved down two places to seventh.

Victory at Trent Bridge also produced a statistical landmark

for Alastair Cook as he became only the third English captain, after W.G. Grace and Mike Brearley, to twice win the Ashes on home soil. - AFP

A FT E R M AT H

Australia to review ‘disappointing’ Ashes defeat SYDNEY: Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland said Sunday there would be a review of the team’s “disappointing” Ashes loss to England as he paid tribute to retiring captain Michael Clarke.

Clarke, 34, said Saturday he would retire from international cricket after the fifth Test at The Oval, following England’s crushing win over Australia by an innings and 78 runs in the fourth Test at Trent Bridge to win the Ashes with an unbeatable 3-1 lead.

“It’s a disappointing end to an Ashes series,” Sutherland told reporters in Melbourne.

“And disappointing given we have had some significant highs including a World Cup win only just a couple of months ago.”

The CA chief executive said a post-mortem of the team’s performance would be conducted and acknowledged Australia had to lift their game when playing overseas.

“Sadly and as we do after every tour, win lose or draw, we will review performances and make assessments on things that have happened during the course of the tour, what happened leading into it, whatever aspect of it, the preparation and delivery and execution,” Sutherland said.

“It is not easy playing away but it’s something that we clearly have to get better at.

“We have the highest aspirations for the Australian cricket team. We overtly say we want to be the best cricket team in the world and to be the best cricket team in the world you have to be able to win both home and away.”

Sutherland stressed that despite the nature and timing of Clarke’s retirement, the New South Wales shot-maker had en-

Sadly and as we do after every tour, win lose or draw, we will review performances James Sutherland Cricket Australia chief joyed a great career and led Australia back to number one in Test cricket. “Unfortunately sport doesn’t always leave you with fairy-tale endings and happy endings,” he said. “And for him, he’s not finishing on the note that he would like, but he is finishing on his terms and this is a small moment in a great career and let’s make sure we all remember what a great career he has had.”

Sutherland said CA had confidence in heir apparent Steven Smith, who is expected to become Australia’s captain for their next Test series in Bangladesh in October.

“I think we have got someone in waiting who has had experience as a captain,” he said. “In recent months he’s been rated as the best Test cricketer in the world. Steven is ready for this challenge.”

In response to questions, Sutherland said coach Darren Lehmann was safe in his job but would not comment on whether wicketkeeper Brad Haddin or all-rounder Shane Watson had reached the end of their Test careers. - AFP

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PASSAGE TO INDIA FELICITATES OMAN CRICKET TEAM Passage to India Restaurant felicitated Oman National Cricket Team for their heroics in T20 World Cup Qualifier in Ireland and Scotland. Oman had qualified for the ICC World T20 to be held in India in March 2016. — Supplied photo

C5

SPORTS Arsenal stumped as Cech aids West Ham Philippe Coutinho’s stunning late strike gave Liverpool a 1-0 victory at Stoke City to avenge their 6-1 defeat at the Britannia Stadium on the final day of last season

FOOTBALL

Paul Le Guen’s team to play Oman U-23 today

PREPARING FOR WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS: Paul Le Guen coached Oman national team warming up

during a training session. – Supplied photo

MUSCAT: Paul LeGuen coached Oman National Football Team continue the preparations for the forthcoming Russia 2018 and UAE 2019 joint qualifier games against Turkmenistan (September 3) and Guam (September 8).

The team had started the summer preparatory camp on July 24 and is scheduled to climax on Monday with a friendly game against Oman U-23 national team in Muscat.

The coach has focused on pre-

paring the team mentally and physically for the World Cup qualifier games as the summer break is still taking place and the Professional League will not start before the national team’s two qualifying games.

FRUITFUL TRAINING

AFC ‘A’ coaching course concludes

FOR THE ALBUM: Participants of the AFC ‘A’ Coaching Course after the final day’s session at City Seasons Hotel. – Supplied photos

MUSCAT: AFC ‘A’ Coaching Course concluded in Muscat on Thursday with the participants going home enriched with new knowledge and experience.

The closing ceremony took place in City Seasons Hotel under the auspices of Saleh Al Farsi, vicepresident of Oman Football Association. The 11-day course covered various modules such as those related to the AFC ‘A’ Coaching Certificate Course, integrity, fitness, goalkeeping, team play, goalkeeping, leadership in professional football, sport psychology, goal-scoring, working with a diamond system of play, attacking deep defensive structures and more.

In total, 24 coaches took part in the course and were trained by Lim Kim Chon of AFC and also AFC instructor Khalid Al Lahori from Oman Football Association.

WELL DONE: OFA’s Saleh Al Farsi distributing certificates.

LONDON: West Ham United capitalised on two mistakes by new Arsenal new goalkeeper Petr Cech to claim a surprise 2-0 Premier League victory at the Emirates and leave the Gunners deflated on Sunday.

Philippe Coutinho’s stunning late strike gave Liverpool a 1-0 victory at Stoke City to avenge their 6-1 defeat at the Britannia Stadium on the final day of last season.

Steve McClaren’s reign as Newcastle United manager began with a 2-2 home draw against Southampton.

Arsenal, full of opening-weekend optimism, knew the importance of a good start to the season after five draws and a defeat in the first eight games of the last campaign left them too far behind eventual champions Chelsea.

Victory over Chelsea in the Community Shield fuelled hopes that Arsene Wenger’s side could improve on last season’s third place but goals from Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate earned West Ham victory in Slaven Bilic’s first league game in charge.

Arsenal were booed off at the final whistle with Cech culpable in both West Ham goals.

The former Chelsea keeper was signed during the close season to shore Arsenal up defensively but the experienced Czech had a day to forget in the north London sunshine.

Just before halftime he came flying out to punch Dimitri Payet’s free kick but was beaten to the ball by the head of Kouyate. Twelve minutes after the restart Zarate’s

CLOSE CALL: Arsenal’s Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech vies with West Ham United’s Senegalese striker Diafra Sakho during the English Premier League football match. – AFP

low strike sneaked past him at the near post.

West Ham, who gave a Premier League debut to 16-year-old midfielder Reece Oxford, were deserved winners.

“We are all very pleased and it is great start for us. Not only for the three points but points against a team that are the title contenders,” former West Ham player Bilic said.

“If you add to that a London derby, it makes it an even bigger win.

This is very special.”

Wenger described the result as an accident.

Hurt mentally “We know fitness wise, West Ham were ahead of us, they had already played competitive games (in the Europa League). You never get the same intensity,” the Frenchman said. “Today we have been hurt mentally and it is a good opportunity to respond.”

Arsenal went close early on through an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain volley before Aaron Ramsey’s deflected strike hit the top of the crossbar.

But West Ham, knocked out of the Europa League in the third qualifying round by Romanian

side Astra Giurgiu on Thursday, snatched the lead in the 43rd minute when Kouyate made the most of Cech’s error of judgement.

Arsenal lacked urgency after the break and Oxlade-Chamberlain’s casual defending was punished

by Zarate who stole possession and fired a shot past the flatfooted Cech.

Intense late pressure from the hosts was comfortably dealt with

by West Ham’s defence.

As Newcastle boss McClaren stepped foot in a dugout as a Premier League manager for the first time since 2006, his opposite number Ronald Koeman was nowhere to be seen after undergoing an operation for a ruptured Achilles.

The Saints seemed unaffected by his absence, however, and took the lead in the 24th minute when Italian striker Graziano Pelle rose high to plant a header past Tim Krul.

Newcastle equalised just before halftime through Papiss Cisse and new signing Georginio Wijnaldum headed in Gabriel Obertan’s perfectly weighted cross to swing the advantage in the hosts’ favour before Shane Long levelled in the 79th minute with another header. -Reuters

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MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

SPORTS

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Saina and Srikanth upbeat as India chase medals at Worlds If she can cross the hurdle, it is likely to be a battle against formidable sixth seed Wang Yihan of China.

“The draw is really tough with Sayaka Takahashi and Wang Yihan both in my half. They are very strong players, so let’s see how it will be for me in this tournament.

I hope I do well this time,” the 25-year-old said.

It is for the first time that India will have two players in the top 5 — Saina (World No 2 in women’s singles) and Srikanth (World No 3 in men’s singles) —as they lead the biggest Indian contingent at the Championship

JAKARATA: Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth will be at the forefront as a strong Indian badminton contingent look to create a flutter at the World Championships, starting here tomorrow.

It is for the first time that India will have two players in the top 5 — Saina (World No 2 in women’s singles) and Srikanth (World No 3 in men’s singles) —as they lead the biggest Indian contingent at the Championship.

HIGH HOPES: A medal at the world meet has so far eluded Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal, who has not progressed beyond the quarterfinals five times, while for Srikanth it is just his second World Championship. – File photo

It was young P V Sindhu, who clinched the bronze medal twice in 2013 and 2014 editions after women’s doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa ended India’s 28-year-old medal drought at the World Championships in 2011.

They will also be in action at the prestigious tournament, which will be held at the Gelora Bung Karno stadium.

A medal at the world meet has so far eluded Olympic bronze medallist Saina, who has not progressed

beyond the quarterfinals five times, while for Srikanth it is just his second World Championship.

Saina has got a bye in the first round and will start her campaign in the second round, taking on the winner of the match between

Hong Kong’s Cheung Ngan Yi and Kati Tolmoff of Estonia.

Second seed Saina, who won the Syed Modi GPG and India Super Series this season, is likely to take on 14th seed Sayaka Takahashi of Japan in the prequarterfinals.

GERMAN CUP

BADMINTON

Fourth-tier Jena stun Hamburg as Bayern progress BERLIN: Fourth division club Carl Zeiss Jena stunned Hamburg SV 3-2 in the German Cup on Sunday, taking the scalp of the Bundesliga’s former European champions to cause the biggest sensation of the competition’s first round.

On an afternoon when German champions Bayern Munich were made to rouse themselves to progress with their 3-1 win over plucky fifth league side Noettingen, with winger Arjen Robben making his return after injury, it was Carl Zeiss Jena’s teenage striker Johannes Pieles who stole the headlines.

Hamburg, who needed a relegation playoff to remain in the Bundesliga last season, twice came back from behind only for 19 year-old Pieles to make it a red letter day for the underdogs at their Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld home when he headed home the winner in extra time.

It represented a memorable victory for the club from Jena which has its own distinguished history.

STUNNER: Fourth division FC Carl Zeiss Jena’s Velimir Jovanovic, right, celebrates with his teammate Robin Krause after scoring a goal against Hamburg SV during their German Cup match in Jenat. – Reuters

Founded by workers at the Carl Zeiss optics factory, they were powerhouses of the East German game in the 1970s and reached the European Cup Winners’ Cup final in 1981 before falling on harder

times after German reunification.

Hamburg needed an Ivica Olic goal in the 48th minute to equalise after Justin Gerlach’s thundering 30-metre free kick that curled in off the post put Jena ahead.

The visitors, with Bosnian defender Emir Spahic in the lineup after joining the club following his sacking from Bayer Leverkusen last season for hitting and headbutting a club steward, had con-

stant trouble with Jena’s pace.

Forward Velimir Jovanovic put the hosts ahead once more in the 58th minute but Hamburg battled to save themselves with a last-gasp Michael Gregoritsch goal deep into second half stoppage time.

The fairytale was not over, though, as Pieles punished Hamburg for giving him too much space to head the winner in the 106th minute.

At Noettingen, Bayern were given a shock after new signing Arturo Vidal had scored his first goal for the club in the fourth minute, only to be pegged back by Niklas Hecht-Zirpel’s 16th minute goal.

The lead lasted for just a minute, though, as Mario Gotze restored Bayern’s advantage and Robert Lewandowski’s 26th minute goal settled the issue.

Borussia Dortmund also advanced, beating Chemnitz 2-0 with Henrikh Mkhitaryan scoring one goal and setting up another for Gabon international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. - Reuters

SCANDAL

London Marathon at centre of fresh doping claims LONDON: Seven London Marathon winners in 12 years have recorded blood level results which suggested they may have been doping, the Sunday Times newspaper reported in the latest set of allegations to have rocked athletics.

It reported that 32 winners of major city marathons — London, Boston, Chicago, New York, Berlin and Tokyo — should have faced investigation over potential blood doping following test results — a quarter of the overall total.

The newspaper did not provide dates for when its statistics allegedly apply or identify the athletes involved. London Marathon chief executive Nick Bitel said in a statement Sunday that organisers were “very concerned” by the allega-

Confident In the men’s singles, third seed Srikanth, who won two titles this season at Swiss Open and India Super Series, will face Michael Fariman of Australia in the first round.

Commonwealth Games champion Parupalli Kashyap, seeded 10th, is also brimming with confidence and will square up against Erik Meijs of The Netherlands.

“My training was good. Gopi sir was happy with the way I was playing, so that’s a good thing. I believe that I am playing my best badminton. It’s all about implementing it on court in the match now. Let’s see how I play,” Kashyap, who reached the quarterfinals of the World Championships in China in 2013, said.

Indonesian Masters Grand Prix Gold winner H S Prannoy, seeded 11th, who was out of action because of a foot injury, will make a comeback at the event with a match against Alex Yuwan Tjong of Brazil. - PTI

Sunday Times reported that 32 winners of major city marathons — London, Boston, Chicago, New York, Berlin and Tokyo — should have faced investigation over potential blood doping following test results — a quarter of the overall total

tions and said the race had a “zero tolerance policy” on doping.

“We believe there are people in our sport who are cheating and everyone has a part to play to protect those who are not,” he said.

“We continue to be at the forefront of anti-doping measures for marathon runners as we are deter-

mined to make marathon running a safe haven from doping but we cannot do it all on our own and rely heavily on the IAAF.” In a separate development Britain’s Mo Farah — who won Olympic gold medals in 2012 for the 5,000m and 10,000m — is one of eight athletes who have agreed to

release their own blood test data, the newspaper reported.

His coach Alberto Salazar has faced doping allegations but both he and Farah deny any wrongdoing.

“The decision to release my results is a personal one -- I’ve always said that I’m happy to do what it takes to prove that I’m a clean ath-

lete,” he was quoted as saying.

Last week’s publication by the Sunday Times and German broadcaster ARD of evidence of hundreds of allegedly suspicious blood tests has drawn a robust response from officials. The governing body for athletics, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), has strongly rejected the claims and said the two experts at the centre of the allegations were “naive” and had used “incomplete data”.

Sebastian Coe, the former British Olympian and candidate to be president of the IAAF, said last week the claims were “a declaration of war”.

The World Anti-Doping Agency said Friday it would “urgently” investigate the allegations. - AFP

Chen Long hopeful for second world crown JAKARTA: World number one Chen Long said Sunday he hopes to clinch a second straight badminton world crown in Indonesia next week, but women’s defending champion Carolina Marin is less confident after returning from injury just a fortnight ago. Chen, 26, is in superb form having swept four titles this year and enters the Jakarta tournament a convincing top seed, with Danish star Jan O Jorgensen a distant second.

The Chinese shuttler has been laying solid groundwork for another gold medal since defeating Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei in Copenhagen last year to snag his first world title.

“It just gave me really a lot of confidence,” Chen, speaking via a translator, told reporters in Jakarta. “I really hope to get my second singles world championship this year.”

He won’t cross top rivals Lee or fellow countryman Lin Dan in the early stages — they are in different halves of the draw — and is expected to cruise to the quarter-finals without incident.

But things have not gone as smoothly for women’s world number one Marin, who nearly missed badminton’s most prestigious event after suffering a foot injury a month ago.

The Spaniard, who has won three titles already this season, said she felt “better than before” since returning to the court two weeks ago but was taking it one step at a time. “I don’t want to think about defending the title from last year,” she said. “I just want to enjoy the competition and do my best.”

Marin last played in Jakarta in June, when she was knocked out of Indonesian Open, complaining of fatigue and injury. - AFP

C

SECTION

LIFESTYLE

MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

Gear WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

After much anticipation, the Turbo version of the Hyundai Veloster has finally been released here in Oman.

Taking it for a spin, I found the great-looking sports coupe is more than a pretty face — it has plenty to love from behind the wheel

By Nishad Padiyarath

C8

MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

LIFESTYLE Hyundai Veloster Turbo

tem (ABS) including Brake Assist, which provides maximum force when a panic stop is detected.

This system is supported by Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on vehicle loading conditions.

With a high powered engine and a selection of a savvy specifications and technological infotainment features, in my opinion, the Veloster Turbo is the best new option in sports coupes in Oman.

—Nishad@timesofoman.com

Engine 1.6 GLS Turbo S/R Max Power: 204 ps / 6000 rpm Max Torque: 27 kgf.m / 4500 rpm Transmission: 6-speed manual gear box or the option of a 6-speed automatic Performance Top Speed: 214km/h 0-100 km/h in 8.4secs Fuel Consumption: Urban 9.7 litres/100 km Extra Urban 7.0 litres/100 km Combined 8.5 litres/100 km Fuel tank capacity: 50 litres Muscat Authorised Dealers OTE Group, Wattayah and Seeb

While many, perhaps most, buyers will make their decision based on the distinctive looks of the Veloster, there’s plenty to love about the driving experience

PHOTOGRAPHY: Hyundai Motor America

W

hen Ali Al Habsi, Oman’s footballer superstar, launched the all new Hyundai Veloster Turbo recently, the idea was clear — Hyundai is targeting youth looking to buy a sports coupe.

What is the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks about the Hyundai Veloster? Before driving it, the first thing I thought of was its doors (a unique 3-door design), but after taking it for a spin, I can tell you, you shouldn’t be thinking about its doors, you should be thinking about the ride.

Featuring a more powerful 1.6 Turbo GDI engine, the Veloster Turbo is capable of producing a maximum of 204 horsepower and 265 Nm of torque, and can reach 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds – 1.4 seconds faster than a standard model. To round things out, it has a more-than-respectable top speed of 214 km/h.

From the outside, the Veloster Turbo comes with a sportier, sleeker design and is equipped with 17 inch alloy wheels as standard. The upgraded exterior design includes an updated, larger front grill in a menacing black coating, bolder side sills and a revised rear bumper with diffuser vents.

Inside, the 3-door design with glass rear hatch and optional panoramic sunroof gives the interior a spacious feel. And the steering wheel comes with a choice of three different designs, and the option of adding leather trim. To further enhance the sporty feel of the car, it is equipped with stylish alloy pedals. Finally, drivers can enjoy being surrounded by a sport-bikeinspired dashboard detailed with intricate Turbo stitching.

While many, perhaps most, buyers will make their decision based on the distinctive looks of the Veloster, there’s plenty to love about the driving experience. I was able to spend a couple of hours on a closed road circuit with plenty of challenging corners and I must say the Veloster performs brilliantly.

While I drove, I took the advantage of the advanced in-car technology via Hyundai’s classleading multimedia 7-inch touch-screen which allows easyaccess multi-media at the touch of a button.

Apart from its signature driving experience, Hyundai always gives importance to its safety features. This dynamic model features two airbags and a stateof-the-art braking package which includes four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking Sys-

MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

C9

LIFESTYLE MENACES OF THE CYBERWORLD 01010100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01100110 01101001 01110010 01110011 01110100 00100000 01101011 01101110 01101111 01110111 01101110 00100000 01110110 01101001 01110010 01110101 01110011 00100000 11100010 10000000 10011000 01000010 01110010 01100001 01101001 01101110 11100010 10000000 10011001 00100000 01101001 01110011 00100000 01110100 01101000 01101111 01110101 01100111 01101000 01110100 00100000 01110100 01101111 00100000 01101000 01110110 01100101 THE FIRST KNOWN virus 01100001 ‘brain’ of viruses have been traced to00100000 01100010 01100101 01100101 01101110 is thought to have been created

government, defence, govern-

sit and Amjad Ali, in January

units; who are thought to de-

00100000 01100011 01110010 01100101 01100001 01110100 01100101 01100100 01100010 01111001 00100000 01110100 01110111 01101111 by two Pakistani brothers, Ba- ment00100000 agencies, intelligence 00100000 01010000 01100001 01101011 01101001 01110011 01110100 01100001 01101001 1986. In the book Cyber Warfare: ploy 01101110 these digital weapons00100000 01100010 01110010 01101111 01110100 How Conflicts in Cyberspace to snoop, forecast, and stay 01101000 01100101 01110010 01110011 00100000 01000010 01100001 01101001 01110100 00100000 01100001 01101110 01100100 00100000 are Challenging America,01110011 writ- ahead in the digital informaten by Paul Rosenzweig, the tion wars across the globe.

01000001 01101101 01101010 01100001 01100100 00100000 01000001 01101100 01101001 00100000 brothers were quoted as sayThe main three types of com- 01101001 01101110 00100000 01001010 01100001 ing that it was not meant to do puter viruses out there today, 01101110 01110101 01100001 01110010 01111001 00100000 00110001 00111001 00110110 00101110 00100000 01001001 01101110 00100000 any serious harm. And it didn’t. of 00111000 which there are thousands Although the virus did have the of variants, are worms, Trojan 01110100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01100010 01101111 01101111 01101011 00100000 01000011 ability to freeze computers. horses, and malware.

The main01111001 01100010 01100101 01110010 00100000 A lot has changed since then. differences are as follows: A 01010111 01100001 01110010 01100110 01100001 01110010 01100101 00111010 00100000 01001000 Computer viruses are now a worm doesn’t require a host 01101111 01110111 00100000 01000011 01101111 nightmare and the world has programme. It’s an application 01101110 01100110 01101100 01101001 01100011 01110100 01110011 00100000 01101110 00100000 01000011 01111001 01100010 01100101 seen a barrage of viruses al- that01101001 can replicate itself and ready. Over 350 million mal- send itself through computer 01110010 01110011 01110000 01100001 01100011 01100101 00100000 01100001 01110010 00100000 01000011 01101000 01100001 01101100 ware programmes and viruses networks.

Trojan01100101 horses are are breeding over the web, all programmes that claim to do 01101100 01100101 01101110 01100111 01101001 01101110 01100111 00100000 01000001 01101101 potentially capable of damag- one thing but really do another,01100101 01110010 01101001 01100011 01100001 ing both business and home like updating your software, 00101100 00100000 01110111 01110010 01101001 01110100 01100101 01101110 00100000 01100010 01111001 00100000 00100000 01010000 computers01110100 to great effect.

Com- but instead create a backdoor, puter viruses helped contrib- allowing a remote user to ac01100001 01110101 01101100 00100000 01010010 ute 01101111 01110011 01100101 01101110 01111010 to over $50 billion in dam- cess the victim’s computer 01110111 01100101 01101001 01100111 00101100 ages and financial frauds due to system. The latest and most 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01100010 01110010 01101111 01110100 01101000 identity theft to date, according harmful of the three is Malware, 01100101 01110010 01110011 00100000 01110111 to crime investigators. a term that refers to a variety 01100101 01110010 01100101 00100000 01110001 01110101 01101111 01110100 01100101programmes 01100100that 00100000 01100001 01110011 00100000 01110011 Behind these cyper-menaces of malicious are hackers who deploy them can bypass computer secu01100001 01111001 01101001 01101110 01100111 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100001 01110100 01101001 01110100 00100000 01110111 . for sport or for criminal, finan- rity systems to steal user data00100000 cial gain, and even a number —mahran@timesofoman.com

01100001 01110011 STORM WORM (2006) 01101111 01110100 00100000 01101101 01100101 01100001 01101110 01110100 00100000 01110100 01101111 HERE WE TAKE A LOOK AT SIX OF THE MOST DESTRUCTIVE

00100000 01100100 01101111 00100000 01100001 01101110 01111001 00100000 01100101 01110010 01101001 01101111 01110101 01110011 VIRUSES OF THE LAST 1501110011 YEARS. 00100000 01101000 01100001 01110010 01101101 00101110 00100000 01000001 01101110 01100100 00100000 01101001 01110100 00100000 01100100 01101001 01100100 01101110 11100010 10000000 10011001 00101100 00100000 01101100 01110100 01101000 01101111 01110101 Called 01110100 one of the most sophisticated and greatest01100001 cyber fraud networks ever constructed, the malicious Trojan horse

01100111 01101000 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01110110 01110010 programme spread when users began01101001 receiving e-mails with 01110101 01110011 00100000 01100100 01101001 a subject line “230 dead as storm batters Europe.” It tricked

01100100 00100000 01101000 01100001 01110110 01100101 00100000 01101000 the victims into clicking01110100 the fake links in an e-mail01100101 which then 00100000 01100001 01100010 01101001 01101100 01101001 01110100 01111001 01101111 01101101 01110000

infected their computers. Out of all global malware infections, 00100000 01110100 01101111 00100000 01100110 01110010 01100101 01100101 8 per cent are due to the Storm worm as the number of PCs infected by this dangerous malware was close to 10 million.

01110101 01110100 01100101 01110010 01110011 00101110 00100000 01000001 Estimated financial damage: $38 billion Computers damaged: 2 million

01111010 01100101 00100000 01100011 01100101 01100100 CONFICKER (2009)

01110100 00100000 01101000 01100001 01110011 00100000 01100011 01101000 01100001 01101110 01100111 01101001 01101110 01100011 01100101 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 01101110 00101110 00100000 01000011 01101111 01101101 01110000 01110101 01110100 01100101 01110010 Call it a technology loophole, the computer worm Conficker

00100000 01110110 01101001 01110010 01110101 01110011 01100101 01110011 01100001 01110010 01100101 00100000 01101110 01101111 also known as Downup, Downadup 00100000 and Kido, crawled its way into fifteen million Microsoft Windows operating systems

01110111 00100000 01100001 00100000 01101110 01101001 01101000 01110100 01101101 around the01100111 world without human intervention using a Windows01100001 01110010 01100101 00100000 01100001 flaw. Conficker still continues to replicate and spread with the

01101110 SQL SLAMMER/SAPPHIRE (2003) 01110100 01101000 00100000 01101111 01110010 01101100 01100100 00100000 01110011 potential01100101 to steal financial data and 01110111 other important information from your system.

01100101 01100101 01101110 00100000 01100001 00100000 01100010 01110010 Estimated fi01100001 nancial damage: Unknown01110010 01100001 01100111 01100101 00100000 01101111 Computers damaged: 15 million

01100110 00100000 01110110 01101001 01110010 01110101 01110011 01100101 01110011 00100000 01100001 01101100 01110010 01100101 01100001 01100100 01111001 00101110 00100000 01001111 01110110 01100101 01110010 00100000 00110011 00110101 00110000 00100000 01101101 01101001 The SQL Slammer, also known as Sapphire, was a computer

01101100 01101100 01101001 01101111 01101110 00100000 01101100 01101100 01101001 01101111 01101110 00100000 01101101 01100001 virus 01101101 that infected01101001 the most heavily used web servers across the US. The SQL Slammer caused a number of issues including 01101100 01110111 01100001 01110010 01100101 00100000 01110000 01110010 01101111 01100111 01110010 01100001 01101101 01101101 01100101 01110011 outages in 911 service in Seattle, crashing Bank of America’s ATM service, and leaving Continental Airlines with so many 00100000 01100001 01101110 01100100 00100000 01110110 01101001 01110010 01110101 01110011 01100101 01110011 00100000 01100001 01110010 electronic issues that they were forced to cancel flights.

Caused over $1 billion in damages.

01100101 00100000 01100010 01110010 01100101 01100101 01100100 01101001 01101110 01100111 00100000 01101111 01110110 01100101 01110010 Estimated financial damage: $1.2 billion Computers damaged: 75,000

00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 01100010 00101100 00100000 01100001 01101100 01101100 00100000 01110000 MELISSA (MARCH 26, 1999) 01101110 01110100 01101001 01100001 01101100 01101100 01111001 00100000 01100011 01100001 01110000 01100001 01100010 01101100 01100101 Melissa was the first mass-mailing macro virus

00100000 01101111 01100110 00100000 01100100 01100001 01100001 01101110 01100111 00100000 01100010 01101111 for the new01101101 age of e-mailing.

The virus01100111 distributed 01101001 an e-mail attachment and when the attachment “list.doc” was clicked

01110100 01101000 00100000 01100010 01110101 01110011 01110011 01110011 00100000 01100001 01101110 01100100 upon, it01101001 would e-mail01101110 itself to the 01100101 first 50 names on the Outlook address list with a message “Here is that document

00100000 01101000 01101111 01101101 01100101 00100000 you 01100011 01101111 01101101 asked for… don’t show anyone else. ;-)”01110000 01110101 01110100 01100101 01110010 01110011 Created by David L. Smith

00100000 ILOVEYOU – (2000) 00100000 01100111 01110010 00100000 01100101 01100110 01100110 01100101 01100011 01110100 00101110 00100000 Estimated financial damage: $1.2 billion Computers damaged: 100,000

01000011 01101111 01101101 01110000 01110101 01110100 01100101 01110010 00100000 01110110 01101001 01110010 01110101 01110011 01100101 01110011 00100000 01101000 01100101 01101100 01110000 01100101 01100100 00100000 01100011 01101111 01101110 01110100 01110010 01101001 01100010 Called the trickiest computer malware ever detected, it spread

01110101 01110100 01100101 00100000 01110100 01101111 01101111 01110110 through 00100000 an infected attachment.

The ILOVEYOU 01100101 virus initially01110010 00100000 00100100 00110101 00110000 travelled the Internet by e-mail, just like the Melissa virus. It sent

00100000 01100010 01101001 01101100 01101100 01101001 01101111 01101110 00100000 01101110 MY DOOM (2006) 01100001 01101101 an e-mail with a message saying “You have a secret01101001 admirer.”

Created by Onel De Guzman

01100001 01100111 01100101 01110011 00100000 01100001 01101110 00100000 01100110 01101001 01101110 01100001 01101110 01100011 Estimated fi01100100 nancial damage: $5.5 billion Computers damaged: 10% of the Internet

01101001 01100001 01101100 00100000 01100110 01110010 01100001 01110101 01100100 01110011 00100000 01100100 01110101 0000 01110100 01101111 00100000 01101001 01100100 01100101 01101110 01110100 01101001 01110100 01111001 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 01100110 01110100 This virus began spreading itself through KaZaA, a file sharing

00100000 01110100 01101111 00100000 01100100 01100001 01110100 01100101 00101100 00100000 01100001 01100011 01100011 01101111 01110010 application, which then spread to e-mails.

The virus was incredibly effective in opening ports for hackers to plunder

01100100 01101001 01101110 01100111 00100000 01110100 01101111 00100000 01100011 01110010 01101001 01101101 01100101 00100000 01101001 information from both personal and business computers.

Estimated financial damage: $38 billion

01101110 01110110 01100101 01110011 01110100 01101001 01100111 Computers 01100001damaged: 01110100 01101111 01110010 01110011 00101110 00001010 01000010 01100101 2 million Source: Principles of Information Security, By Michael Whitman and Herbert Mattord

01101000 01101001 01101110 01100100 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 01110011 01100101 00100000 01100011 01111001 01110000 01100101 01110010 00101101 01101101 01100101 01101110 01100001 01100011 01100101 01110011 00100000 01100001 01110010 01100101 00100000 01101000 01100001 01100011 01101011 01100101 01110010 01110011 00100000 01110111 01101000 01101111 00100000 01100100 BY MAHRAN SHAUKAT ALI

MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

C10

FIND-IT-ALL CINEMA SCHEDULE

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

@MGM

@SHATTI

@SOHAR

Inside Out - 3D (Animation, Comedy) (PG) 3:00, 5:20PM Cop Car - 2D (Thriller) (12+) 3:00, 9:45PM The Gift- 2D (Mystery, Thriller) (12+) 7:00, 11:45PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan - 2D (Drama, Action) (PG) 9:00PM

@AZAIBA

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68. www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman

11:45AM, 4:00, 9:30, 11:55PM Gold Class: 11:30AM, 4:00, 8:45, 11:15PM Ant-Man 3D (Action) (PG12) Cast : Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll 11:45PM; Gold Class: 6:30PM Ant-Man 2D (Action, Sci-Fi ) (PG12) 2:45PM Drishyam 2D (Drama, Mystery) (PG12) Cast : Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran 6:30PM Minions (3D) (Animation, Comady) (PG) 10:00AM Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2D) ( Action ) (PG) 8:45PM

MUSCAT GRAND MALL Inside Out 3D (Animation) (PG) 12:45PM, 5:00PM Gold Class: 2:00PM Inside Out 2D (Animation ) (PG) 10:45AM Cop Car 2D (Thriller) (12+) 2:15PM Eldonia Ma2looba 2D (Comedy) (12+) Cast: Bassem Samra, Ola Ghanem, Ahmed 7:00PM Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation 2D (Action, Adventure, Thriller ) (PG12)

AZAIBA Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation – 2D (PG12) (Action, Adventure, Thriller) Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy 11:45 AM, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30, 11:55 PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan - 2D (PG) (Drama, Action) 3:45, 8:30 PM Inside Out – 3D (PG) (Animation, Adventure) 2:00, 4:00 PM Inside Out – 2D (PG) (Animation, Comedy) 12:00 PM The Gift – 2D (12+) (Mystery, Thriller) Cast - Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall, Joel

12:45 pm, 5:00 pm Gold Class: 2:00 pm INSIDE OUT (Animation)(3D) PG Voice Overs: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis

2:00, 7:45 pm COP CAR (Thriller)(12+) Cast: Kevin Bacon, Shea Whigham, Camryn Manheim

6:45 pm

11:45am, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30, 11:55pm

Idhu Enna Maayam - 2D (TBC) Romantic, Cast : Vikram Prabhu, Keerthy Suresh, Kavya

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation 2D (Action) (PG12) Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson

12:45, 6:45 PM Bangistan – 2D (Comedy) Cast: Jacqueline Fernandez, Riteish Deshmukh 2:45, 8:45 pm Idhu Enna Maayam (Tam) – 2D (Romantic) Cast: Vikram Prabhu, Keerthy Suresh, Kavya 6:00 PM Exists – 2D (15+) Horror Cast: Samuel Davis, Dora Madison, Roger 5:15, 11:45 PM Cop Car – 2D (12+) Thriller Cast: Kevin Bacon, Shea Whigham, Camryn 2:00, 6:45 PM Ant-Man – 2D (PG12) Action, Sci-Fi 11:45 AM Ant-Man – 3D (PG12) ActionSci-Fi 2:45, 11:30 PM Srimanthudu (Telugu) - 2D (TBC) Action Cast - Shruti K. Haasan, Mahesh Babu, 8:45, 11:15 PM

6.30 PM Drishyam (Thriller/Drama ) – PG12 9.30 PM SCREEN 2 Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Action/Drama ) – PG Cast: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Harshaali Malthotra 3.45 PM Drishyam (Thriller/Drama ) – PG12 6:45 PM Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (Action, Adventure, ) – PG 12 Cast: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg 9.45 PM SCREEN 3 Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (Action, Adventure, Thriller) – PG 12 3.45 PM Baahubali: The Beginning (Act ) – 12+ Cast: Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty 6.45, 9.45 PM

4:15 PM Ant-Man- 3D (PG12) Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi 7:00, 11:30 PM Drishyam- 2D (Hindi) (PG12) Drama, Thriller 9:00 PM Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation - 2D (PG12) Action, Adventure, Thriller 2:00, 4:30, 6:00, 9:15, 11:45 PM Inside Out - 3D (PG) Animation, Adventure, 2:15, 4:00 PM Cop Car - 2D (12+) Thriller 2:35, 11:55 PM The Gift - 2D (12+) Mystery, Thriller 2:00, 9:30 PM Bangistan - 2D (TBC) Comedy 6:30 PM Idhu Enna Maayam - 2D (TBC) Romantic, Cast : Vikram Prabhu, Keerthy Suresh, Kavya 6:45 PM Srimanthudu - 2D (Telugu) (TBC) Action Cast : Shruti K. Haasan, Mahesh Babu 11:30 PM

RUWI SCREEN 1 Bangistan (Comedy) – TBC Cast: Riteish Deshmukh, Pulkit Samrat 3.30 PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Action/Drama ) – PG

SOHAR Bajrangi Bhaijaan - 2D (PG) Drama, Action 8:30 PM Baahubali - 2D (Hindi) (12+) Action 4:00 PM Ant-Man- 2D (PG12) Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

BURAIMI Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation - 2D 3:00, 4:45, 7:15, 9:20, 11:45PM (Action) (PG12) Ant Man - 3D (Horror, Thriller) (PG12) 5:00, 7:15, 11:30PM

Dept time

Destination

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

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

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

20:50

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

45 31

RAYHAN RIAZ SHAIKH August 10, 2005

Minimum

0

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

07:00

Ruwi

10:25

Daily

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

35-70%

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

Daily Daily

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) Sur Sur

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

Fahud Yibal

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Daily Daily

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

LISTINGS

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

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

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

15:00

Salalah

Daily

07:00

Daily

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

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

11.45 13.30 14.00

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence 24569603 Directorate General of Customs 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries 24510228 Public Relations Admin 24560099 EMBASSIES IN OMAN

Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

07:00

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

10:45 19:00

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

Ruwi Ruwi

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100) Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

06:00 14:30

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 16 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to extra@timesofoman.com

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

ROYAL OMAN POLICE 07:30 14:30

SHAURYA NIGAM August 10, 2007

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

0

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om Baahubali (Tamil) (Action) 3-45 & 6-45 Pm At Cinema -3; 10-00 Pm At Cinema Main Idhu Enna Maayam (Tamil) (Drama) 3-30, 6-30 & 9-30 Pm At Cinema -2 Srimanthudu (Telugu ) ( Act ) Cast: Mahesh Babu & Shruthi Hassan 3-30 & 6-30 Pm at Cinema Main; 9:45pm Cinema -3 Acha Din (Mal) (Drama/Act) 3-45 & 9-45 Pm At Cinema- 4 Drishyam (Hindi) (Drama) 6-45 Pm At Cnema -4 (NEXT CHANGE: Love 24 X 7 (Mal) Brothers (Hindi); Vasuvum Saravananum (Tamil) Programmes are subject to change

WEATHER

15:00 15:00 15:00

16:30 18:00 19:30

STAR CINEMA

WITH LOVE

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation 2D (Action, Adventure, Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy 11.30am, 2.00, 4.30, 7.00, 9.30 & 11.55 pm CP No: 1894 (PG12) COP CAR (Thriller) Cast: Kevin Baccon, Shea Whigham, Camryn 11.30 am, 3.15 & 10.15 pm CP No: 1895 ( 12+ ) THE GIFT ( Horror/Thriller) Cast: Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall, Joel 1.15 & 6.30 p.m.

CP No: 1896 (12+) EXISTS ( Horror ) Cast: Samuel Davis, Dora Madison Burgue 5.00 & 11.55 p.m.

CP No: 1897 ( 15+ ) The Night Crew ( Action/Thriller) Cast: Danny Trejo, Jason Mewes, Luke Goss 8.30 pm; CP No: 1886 (15+)

SALALAH Mission: Impossible- Rogue Nation (2D) 11:55AM, 2:00, 9:30, 11:30, 11:55PM (PG12) Ant-Man (2D)(PG12) (Action/ Sci-Fi ) 10:00AM Ant-Man (3D)(PG12) (Action/Sci-Fi ) 4:20/9:15PM Inside Out (3D)(PG) (Animation/Comedy) 12:10/4:50PM Inside Out (2D)(PG) (Animation/Comedy) 10:00AM Cop Car (2D)(12+) (Thriller) 10:15AM/ 8:40 PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2D) (PG) (Drama/Action) 6:30/11:45PM Exists (2D) (15+) (Horror) 2:45/ 10:15PM Eldonia Ma2looba (2D)(12+)(Arabic) 4:15PM Bangistan (2D)(TBC) (Comedy) 6:45PM Drishyam (2D)(PG12)(Hindi) (Drama) 11:45AM Wrong No. (2D)(PG)(Urdu) (Romantic) Cast Javed Sheikh, Danish Taimoor, Nadeem 2:15PM Idhu Enna Maayam (2D)(PG)(Tamil) (Romantic) Cast: Shruti K. Haasan, Mahesh Babu 6:00PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

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

SUR Mission Impossible - Rogue Nation (Action / Adventure / Thriller) (PG12) 4:30, 9:15, 11:45 PM Cop Car (Thriller) (12+) 9:45 PM ANT MAN (3D) (Action / Sci-Fi) (PG12) 7:00 PM Inside Out (3D) (Animation) (PG) 5:00 PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Hindi) (Action ) (PG) 11:30 PM Drishyam (Hindi) (Action) (PG12) 6:50 PM

SHATTI Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2D) (Action, Adventure) (PG12) Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy Renner 1:45, 6:30, 9:00, 11:30 PM EXISTS (Horror)(15+) Cast: Samuel Davis, Dora Madison 5:00, 11:45 PM THE GIFT (Mystery, Thriller)(12+) Cast: Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall, 3:00, 6:45 PM COP CAR (Thriller)(12+) Cast: Kevin Bacon, Shea Whigham, Camryn 2:00, 7:45 PM INSIDE OUT (Animation)(2D) PG Voice Overs: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis 1:00 PM INSIDE OUT (Animation)(3D)PG 2:00, 3:45, 5:45 PM Ant Man (3D)(Action, Adventure) (PG12) Cast: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll 9:30, 11:45 PM Ant Man (2D)(Action, Adventure) (PG12) 4:15 am BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN (Drama)(PG) Cast: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, 8:45 PM

BAHJA CINEMA

Daily Daily Daily

Afghanistan Algeria Bahrain Bangladesh Brazil Brunei China Cyprus Egypt France Germany India Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya South Korea Kuwait

24698 791/4 24605 593 24 605 074/133 24 698 660 24640100 24 603533 24 696782 24 699815 24 600 982/411 24681 800 24835000 24684500 2469 1050 24 696 944/7 24603642 24693727 24 601 028 24692760/1/3 24 692418 24 697664 24 691490 24 699628

Lebanon Libya Malaysia Morocco Nepal Netherlands Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE United Kingdom United States Yemen

24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

Appolo Medical Centre, Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 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 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Hamdan Hospital 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 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 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

C11

LIFESTYLE CHARLES DARWIN BRIEFS

Russian hackers launch a sophisticated attack on Pentagon

T H E FAT H E R O F E V O L U T I O N A R Y T H E O R Y CONTRIBUTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS: • Darwin published his first major work on his findings, entitled Zoology of the Beagle between February 1838 and October 1843.

• Darwin propagated the theory of evolution in his famous book, The Origin of Species by Natural Selection, in 1859. The book, which asserted that all the varied forms of life on earth could, in the course of time, have evolved from a common ancestry.

• His significant work also included The Various Contrivances by which Orchids are Fertilised by Insects (1862).

• Darwin’s another book, The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication, came out in 1868. It is considered to be his second most significant work.

The book maintains that man, by selective breeding, could make different breeds of pigeons, dogs, and some species of plants also.

• He discovered the hypothesis for the origin and continuation of life on Earth, also called the Theory of Evolution in The Descent of Man (1871).

• In The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals, published in 1872, Darwin discovered a direct link between an animal’s behaviour and his psychological state.

• Insectivorous Plants was published in 1875 and sold faster and better than Origin of Species.

• The Different Forms of Flowers on Plants of the Same Species was published in 1877.

• Journal of researches into the natural history and geology of the various countries visited by H.M.S. Beagle in 1878.

C

harles Darwin was a famous scientist and is considered as one of the greatest naturalist in history. He did not invent things but changed the way science thought of things and laid the foundations for modern thinking.

Charles Darwin was born at Shrewsbury in England in 1809 and raised by his eldest sister from the age of 8. He was the fifth of six children from a wealthy home. As a child Darwin had a passion for gathering insects and

minerals to experiment with them. When Darwin was 16, he joined Edinburg University to study medicine. However, he was too gentle to become a proper physician.

Anatomy, in particular was not something that he had a stomach for and he failed miserably as a medical student, leaving to seek admission to Cambridge to study theology.

From August, 1831 through 1836, he signed on as a naturalist on a scientific voyage aboard the HMS Beagle, which sailed the

RESEARCH

Google Glass to help patients in remote areas Google Glass may be used to effectively extend bedside consults to distant healthcare facilities such as community and rural hospitals to diagnose and manage patients, researchers suggest. “Glass is positioned perfectly as an emergency medicine telemedical device. It is small, hands free and portable, so you can bring it right to the bedside and have a real-time specialist with you when you need one,” said Peter R. Chai from University of Massachusetts medical school. Traditional telemedicine devices usually consist of large desktop or laptop computers affixed to a big cart that has to be rolled from one exam room to another. This limits both access and functionality in a busy emergency room setting. Through the glass, the physicians can stream videos of an exam, take and enlarge photos and consult with specialists. The study was published in the Journal of Medical Toxicology. -IANS

world in an effort to study science and the natural world. Darwin led multiple studies aboard the ship, focusing on plants, animals, and the natural earth.

A few years after the voyage, he collected the bones of extinct animals and studied the relationship between extinct animals and existing ones, finding common links that lead to his theory of evolution.

His research proved that animals and plants evolved and gradually adapted to their environments over time. His research

about life on earth defined evolution and theorised that all living things on earth descended from common ancestors (genealogically similar) who lived millions of years ago, turning the previous theories about every organism having unique origins on its head.

Darwin’s writings produced profound reactions, many of which are still debated. His original work in geology, botany, invertebrate zoology, psychology and scientific travel writing, which still influence science, are masterpieces. -Mahran Shaukat Ali

A sophisticated “cyber attack” by alleged Russian hackers forced the US department of defence to shut down its joint staff unclassified e-mail system, leaving thousands of workers without mails for nearly two weeks, the US media reported. US officials who spoke on conditions of anonymity recently said that the intrusion happened around July 25 and affected about 4,000 military and civilian personnel, Xinhua reported, citing NBC News. The officials said the hackers coordinated the cyber attack on Pentagon through social media accounts, adding that they could not decide whether the Russian government was behind the attack. In another hacking incident last year, alleged Russian hackers breached the White House’s computer system and reportedly read the US President Barack Obama’s unclassified e-mails.

Nasa’s Hubble telescope discovers galaxy star birth mechanism Astronomers have uncovered a unique process for how the universe’s largest galaxies continue to producing stars long after their peak years of star birth. Nasa’s Hubble Space Telescope allowed the astronomers to see brilliant knots of hot, blue stars forming along the jets of active black holes found in the centres of giant elliptical galaxies. Combining Hubble data with observations from a suite of ground-based and space telescopes, two independent teams found that the black hole, jets, and newborn stars are all parts of a self-regulating cycle. “Think of the gas surrounding a galaxy as an atmosphere.

That atmosphere can contain material in different states, just like our own atmosphere has gas, clouds, and rain,” said Megan Donahue from the Michigan State University.

New QD technology to make screens brighter Researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, have developed a new method to extract more polarised light from quantum dots (QDs) over a largescale area. Of late, QDs — nanosized semiconductor particles that produce bright, sharp, colour light — have made their way into products like high-end televisions, e-readers, phones and laptops. However, QDs are expensive to make. The new discovery could lead to brighter and more efficient mobile phone, tablet, and computer displays, as well as enhanced LED lighting. -IANS

MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

LIFESTYLE

BY THE NUMBERS

Augmented Reality

Ads Worth Watching

O

fficially named ‘augmented reality’, the technology was more popularly named ‘virtual reality’ when Jaron Lanier coined the term

in 1989 . Augmented Reality (or AR) has been most effectively used as a marketing tool to help company’s stand out from the crowd and engage with consumers. AR is now a multi-million dollar industry, whose exponential growth of AR is directly linked to the modern day consumer’s addiction to smartphones and tablets. Here’s an overview of this new-age advertising technology.

Mitsubishi Electric reported a

Today more than

By 2020

boost in sales after reps used a mobile app to let customers visualise air conditioning units in various locations of their homes, thus providing the information needed for them to ‘pull the trigger’

smartphones are AR technology enabled

Projections suggest that AR apps will generate

in revenue by 2017

The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of global augmented reality market between 2013-2018 is

The IKEA

C1 2

million automobiles will contain AR technology

product catalogue has a companion mobile app that allows users to virtually sample IKEA furniture inside of their homes. It quickly gained traction and has since yielded over 8.5 million downloads

The Sunshine Aquarium in Tokyo launched a mobile app that augments Penguins into a user’s field of view, which then guide the user through the city and to the local aquarium. Without making any changes to the exhibition, the campaign yielded a

boost in ticket sales

Market research indicates that as many as

billion AR apps will be downloaded onto smartphones and tablets by 2017

of smartphone users in mature markets used AR at least once a week in 2014

D

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M M O N DAY, AU G U S T 1 0, 2 0 1 5

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

D2

VACANCY

D4

CARGO

D7

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

D2

M O N D AY, AU G U S T 1 0, 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE FOR RENT

We have 2BHK flat in Mabella 7 for family. Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 We have 2BHK, flats available in Ghala for families, staff & Execution.

Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 We have 2 BHK flats in AL Khuwair near Rawasco, can use as office or for families. Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 We have offices in Ghala new building affordable price. Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 3BR villa, sitting, dining & hall, Azaiba behind Al Meera H- Market.

Contact: 99259977 / 95033008 1BHK, Darsait, walking distance to ISM , neat and clean building, ground floor, OMR 260/- per month rent Call IQRAR on 99076557 840 sqr mtrs Store & Staff accommodation for Rent in Misfah.

Contact 99792181 Flat for rent near Al Nahdha Hospital in Hamriya. Contact: 97380548 / 99680499 2BHK with Split AC. AL-KHUWAIR Near MARS HYPERMARKET – 92880107

We have 230 sqm showroom in Ghubra main road, prime location suitable for wholesale business or bank or insurance company.

Contact: 93782735 / 99208033 We have 5 BHK villa in Al Khuwair can use as commercial or residence villa with large sitting hall , 5 rooms, 6 toilets & kitchen with 2 cars parking. Contact: 93782735 / 99208033

1BHK, 2BHK, 3BHK new flat available at Mabela in front of Modern English School Contact: 96239126

We have shop for rent in Al Khuwair near Rawasco prime location.

Contact: 93782735 / 99208033

We have 1BHK flat in Wadi Kabir good price. Contact 93782735 / 99208033

We have small building for rent in Bowsher suitable for staff accommodation & store building have 4 flats & 1 shop commercial building.

Contact: 93782735 / 99208033

2 B/R res./comm. Flat directly from owner near Oman Medical College Bausher. Contact 92158031 1 BHK, 2 BHK & shop at Wadi Kabir.

Contact 99024730

We have 2 BHK flats in Ghubra 18th November near new Mars hypermarket, flat with 2 rooms, large sitting hall, kitchen & 3 bathrooms.

Contact: 93782735 / 99208033

2 BHK, 3BHK at Qurum.

Contact 99024730

2 BHK near CBD & Star Cinema, Muttrah. Contact 99233116

Fully furnished 2 bedroom luxury flat for rent at Ghala for short or long term basis. Contact 9178526 / 99881653

Shop/ office near CBD & Star Cinema, Muttrah. Contact 99233116 I BHK Flat -4 Nos at Hamriya – R.O. 200/- . 2 BHK - 2 Nos / 1 BHK- 2 Nos, at Wattayya R/A near the mosque for Families. Contact : 96457757 9 am to 7 Pm. 1 & two bedroom flats available for rent in wadi-kabir (opp: pencil bldg), ideal for company staff / families bulk corporate deal possible.

Contact 97677170 Shop at Azaiba. Contact 99024730

1 BHK, 2 BHK at Al Khuwair.

Contact 99024730

2 BHK in Ghubra RO 350/-. Contact 97799175 / 92144045

Furnished room for rent at Al Khuwair R.O 225/- for family only.

Contact: 99251975

Readymade office space for rent (100sm) in Bank Melli Iran building, MBA area Ruwi opposite Center Point. Contact: 99011352

Well maintained spacious 2 BHK at Rex Road. Contact: 92227165

2 BHK at Darsait RO 300/-. Contact 97799175 / 92144045

2 & 3 BHK big Flats with Big hall, Kitchen & new split ACs at Al Khoudh 6, Close to express way, from owner. Tel 97600322 alnehang@gmail.com

1 BHK at Ghubra RO 275/-. Contact 97799175 / 92144045

Room attached, bath room, kitchen in Muscat O.R 65/-. Contact: 98049086

2BHK near Oman house behind Khimji H.O. Contact: 95865686

3BHK AlAmerat No.3, Rent190 pm.

Contact 95113797

One & two bedroom apartment available for rent, at South Ghubra near Atlas hospital next to Diwan’s Office. Contact: 99833747

Flats for rent at Darsait near to Ministry of Sports. Interested candidates please Contact : 00968-92225523

Villa 2 bedrooms + hall + sitting room in Al Hail South R.O 300/Monthly. Contact: 93993354

1 BHK Flat in Honda Road (Ruwi).

Contact 99792181

1bedroom in Al Hail South RO 150/monthly. Contact: 93993354

1 & 2 BHK Flat in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181

1BHK R.O 190/- & 2BHK R.O 240/near Medical Darsait. Contact 98748925

3 BHK Flat in Al Khuwair 33.

Contact 99792181

Flats for rent in Al Khuwair, Al hail, Wadi Kabir, Al Falaj, MBD, and Muttrah. Contact: 99119699 / 95250300 / 24813002

2BHK & 1BHK flats available in Darsait. Contact : 99357586 / 97500025

2 BHK at Mumtaz RO 300/-.

Contact 97799175 / 92144045

3 BHK Flat in Azaiba. Contact 99792181

4 & 5 BHK villa for rent in Al Khuwair. Contact 99792181

Fully furnished 3 BHK accommodation with all spacious rooms in a villa at Darsait near ISD. Contact: 9526 5289 / 9604 8422

Villa for rent in Al Khuwair 33, 8 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms with parking area near Taimur Mosque.

Contact 99366624

Flats for rent near Indian School in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99777122 3BHK , 3 bathrooms, 2 balconies, nr. Al Hassan, W/ Kabir 330/- R.O. Contact: 99384640 2 BHK Apartment for rent near MSQ area. Contact 93193109.

2 BHK Flats for rent in Muttrah near Oman house. Contact: 97009734 / 92629232

2BHK flat available behind Majan College / Darsait. Contact 24705742 1 &2 BHK flats for rent at Wadi Kabir, Wadi Adai, Hamriya and Al Khoud areas, shop for rent at Wadi Adai Round about. Contact: 24834644, GSM 93994401 /02/03 lines 2BK Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Mosque. # 97007934 / 92629232 600 sqr mtrs showroom in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99792181

M O N DAY, AU G U S T 1 0, 2 0 1 5

D3

DAILY GUIDE

FOR RENT

MOTOR VEHICLE FOR SALE 3bed room well maintained flat (villa type only 2 flats in one bldg) in Al Khuwair behind Al Akhtam Restaurant, Villa no 1839, Way No 3922, block No 239.

Contact: 99253125 2BHK available Mumtaz area Ruwi.

Contact: 99269751 550 sqm built up area Deluxe villa 7 BR with 3 sitting halls located at prime commercial location North Al Ghobrah. Contact: Owner 99411607 / 99892238 1 BR flat at Darsait, near ISM. Contact 99237971 / 99320633 250 sq mtrs restaurant for rent in Plaza Hotel, Walja Ruwi.

Contact 99326339 Flat for rent in Wadi Al Kabeer behind Muscat club.

Contact: 92222922 2BHK flat in Al Khuwair with A.C 350/- Riyals. Contact: 92888337 Villa for rent in Shatti Al Qurum.

Contact: 99315150 500 sq mtrs office space on mezzanine floor near Royal Hospital.

OMR 6.500 per sq mtr.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Godown for rent Approx: 4500 sqm area with building materials in Barka for rent with workers accommodation etc. Showrooms also for building materials available. Contact: 99808868 House for rent in Sidab at reasonable rent. Contact: 95555162 / 95755953 Flat for rent with AC in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95555162 /95755953 Flat for rent in Mabellah 8th.

Contact: 97147240 Brand new villa Bosher 37, 4 BHK. Contact: 91936034 Fabulous AC flat at Al Khoud 3 bedrooms, hall and kitchen RO 270/for rent. Contact: 99334699 4 BHK single villa in Al Khuwair.

Contact: 97616158 3 Bedroom flat in Wadi Kabeer and 2 bedroom villa in Sidab- Muscat.

Contact: 95755953 Flat for rent in Wadi Kabir with 3 rooms. Contact : 98555580 / 92800007 BHK Flat in Azaiba.

Contact 99385835 / 99428143

Nissan Tiida, F. automatic 2011, R.O 2800/-. Contact: 93835318 Honda Accord 2010, 10,5000 kms, expat lady driven, dealer maintained, new tyres. Contact 99330509

2BHK, 2 Baths, Split A/C, Wadi kabeer, near Indian Elementary School.

Contact 99441193, 93004801

Honda CRV 2008 model, expat driven, 2.4L, 78000 kms, OMR 5200/(Negotiable). Contact: 99867670

For rent if require flats for rent in Wadi Kabir please send me messages through Whatsapp.

Contact: 99376454 1,000 sq mtrs industrial land in Misfah Industrial area near to Khanco. OMR 1,500 Monthly. It has Electricity and boundary wall.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

FOR EXPATS FOR SALE

From owner plot of land near Zanzibar, airport price RO 15000.

Contact 99348943

SELL/BUY

House in Amerat near to Makah hypermarket with three room, 5toilets, kitchen and hall 430/-.

Contact: 92747078

1 Villa & 3 big Flats of 2/3 BHK with hall, Kitchen & ACs Al Khoudh 6, Close to express way, from owner.

Tel 97600322 alnehang@gmail. com

FOR HIRE Volvo 12 Ton Truck for monthly rent. Contact: 98713900

FOR SALE A fully equipped furnished and licensed private polyclinic for sale or rent in excellent location in Sohar - Falaj al Qabail opposite to life line hospital Departments are GP clinic, Dental, Medical lab, X-ray And Working Pharmacy. Contact 95603395 2560 sq mtrs industrial land in Wadi Kabir main road, First line on way to Al Bustan hotel. Possible to make petrol station or hotel. OMR 990 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Two bedrooms flats in Wadi Kabir near Indian School.

Contact 99313274

Shop for sale in Ruwi High street, Contact 96078411

Commercial Space 68 SQM, Wadi kabeer, near Indian Elementary School. Contact 99441193, 93004802

23,886 Sq Mtrs Agriculture land with water well in Al Salwa, Barka.

OMR 260 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Prado ,2012. Contact : 99336093 Land Cruiser 2012. Contact 99336093 Sportage, 2013. Contact:99336093

ACC. AVAILABLE Furnished room for rent at Al Khuwair RO 225/- for family only.

Contact 99251975 Furnished room for Indian Bachelor in Al Falaj area (Ruwi) & Lady in Wadi Kabir (near Al Maya).

Contact 96761960 Sharing accommodation available with Kerala family, nr. Wadi Kabir Indian School. Contact 95882866 / 96575016

Bath attached room for rent Al Khuwair. Contact 99743569 Villa with two floors in (Hay Al Arjan) in AL Khoud with 4 bedrooms, hall, Majles, kitchen & one room in ground floor. Contact: 93219597

Mazda 3, 2007 KM 1,43000, full automatic R.O 1900/-.

Contact 99781671

Coffee shop for sale, running condition. Contact 97681599 An excellent grade, 8 yrs old, non residential civil construction company, having registered office in Muscat needs immediate sale.

Company has considerable running projects of handsome amount. Only genuine buyers contact 92978650 A secured land of 1500 sqm available for keeping construction equipments, trailers, container etc. near Sohar Airport - Contact: 94215208 Used furniture of readymade garments shop. Contact 96441670 Spare parts heavy for sale at Ghala with stock worth 50000 R.O. Contact: 99263071 A well running security solutions company & a perfume shop for sale at Al Hail. # 93664357/ 95372501 Auto spare parts shop for sale in Mobella. Contact: 99765905 Running Polyclinic, 20 yrs, with VISAMEDICAL, available for SALE/LEASE. Contact.94596677 / 99343280 Workshop sale / rent Full fledge workshop for / sale at prominent location at Misfa near Cement factory around 900 sq meter along with tools, equipments and manpower.

Also 5 Nos Volvo / Mercedes / Man /Putsmiester concrete pump 2004/2005 model for sale. Contact: 93681107 / 96051565 / 98541936

Ice Cream & Juices shop Ruwi good location for sale suitable for beauty parlor also. Contact: 92150455

Room with A/C, independent toilet & sharing kitchen (4th floor) for Indian Ex. Bachelor near Majestic hotel, Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99242984

Wall papers, grass carpets sale & fixing. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500 Running established for sale including industrial licenses for marble & granite, fully furnished kitchen showroom and fully equipped factory. Contact: 99337670 / 92623665 Well established infrastructure works company with full assets & huge value contracts up for immediate sale. Contact 98867530 / 95565039

New rooms available in Seeb for couple / ladies only.

Contact: 96996938 Used furniture & Electronic items, office & house. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500

NRI

60,000 Sq Mtrs Agriculture Land in Misfah, can be changed to Industrial Land. OMR 29 Per Square Meter.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 5 Flats of 1 bedroom for Sale in Boushar: OMR 35 Thousand each.

Monthly income OMR 270 Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Fully furnished room for a decent expatriate. independent kitchen, bathroom in Wadi Adai.

Contact 96243086 at 5p.m.

Room for rent available in CBD near Papa John’s Restaurant.

Contact: 96568110

400 sq mtrs Commercial/Residential land in Maabela Phase 5 Block 2. OMR 140 Thousand.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 3 floor commercial building in Muttrah behind Police. Generating income of OMR 18 Thousand annually. Neat and well maintained. Built on 197 sq mtrs land. 2 tailor shops on ground floor and 6 flats. OMR 207 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Furnished single room attached bath in Mumtaz area.

Contact: 95212017

Fully furnished 1BHK with all household items in Darsait near Lulu on monthly Basis. Contact : 99378397

AVAILABLE 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

Sharing accommodation available for working lady or couples near Ruwi Church. Contact: 92837206 Room attached toilet and kitchen near Indian School Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 95345537

LOST Mahamad Hussaine has lost Bangladesh Passport No. AC4074766. Finder please handover to ROP

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M O N D AY, AU G U S T 1 0, 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

SKILLED / UNSKILLED

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED

Electrician. Contact 968 92341826

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Fire safety Technician.

Contact 92341826 Helper at Electrical site work.

Contact 92341826

EDUCATION

ACCOUNTANT Urgently required Junior Accountant. Please send CV: hr.azatllc@gmail.com Urgently required cash investors for company’s profitable projects.

Contact: 92950082

BEAUTY Wanted experience Beautician for beauty parlor in Muscat. Contact: 94241385 Wanted experience henna designer for beauty parlor. Contact 93571312

CATERING Indian Cook required. Should know Omani traditional foods. Contact 99209264 Cook for company mess.

Contact 92341826, email : jobs@prestigeprojectsoman.com Temporary Cook required for 1 month for company mess. Contact 99413089 / 98048952

Pakistani Female, Masters of Education. 13 years of Experience in Teaching. Looking for suitable placement. Contact: 94739533/97926339 Email: kiranilyas95@gmail.com

Leading Civil construction company requires “MEP DRAFTSMAN” with 4-6 years gulf experience. Send your CV to mep.oman2015@gmail. com. (NOC required).

DOMESTIC HELPER An Indian family located in Azaiba looking for a Housemaid. Contact 99384009 Housemaid required for an Indian family at Al Ghubra, visa will be provided, but need local release letter.

Contact 98622766 Required part time Indian Housemaid. Contact: 95370653 Require qualify caregiver for an orderly mother. Contact 99425200 Indian House Maid with experience required to work in Sohar, visa ready.

Contact 99417418

Service & Parts Manager with 3-5 years GCC experience in heavy Equipment / cranes, good communication skills, Mechanical Engineering background. Please send your CV to info@almisfat.com or call 96996938 AC Technician with minimum 5 years experience, should have experience in installation & commissioning of Ductable & split AC units, with knowledge of GI ducting & pre insulated ducting, experience in interior fit out industry is preferred Interested candidates can apply by mail: info@smartvisionoman.com Fax: 24818818 MEP Engineer on urgent basis required for immediate placement.

Please contact tgi17@omantel.net.om

Software developer with experience in asp.net, sql server and crystal reports required for a software development firm. Email CV to hr@ promisworld.com

MISCELLANEOUS Urgently required house maid for Malayalam family in Rustaq.

Contact: 99810765 Established real estate company looking for male or female property agents for leasing and sales of the property. Applicant must be Graduate, possess Omani or GCC driving license. Having oman market experience. Apply with NOC. Attractive salary +commission.

Send your CV: property@ labdmarkmuscat.com Required Indian or Pakistani calligrapher & Painter (staff accommodation) Contact# 24480487/24483493

MEDICAL

Female Driving Instructor needed in Madinat Qaboos. # 95591068 Required Indian national Light Duty Driver for Omani house.

Contact: 99420752

Indian male, 10 years experience, 6 years in Oman with Oman driving license with NOC seeking suitable job. Contact: 96012973

ENGINEER

DRIVER Indian Driver required. #99209264.

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Required English Teacher , Hindi teacher, Science Teacher.

Contact: 99705799

IT DRAFTSMAN

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED

Required prometric passed or MOH license holder for the following posts Indian male & female GP Doctor, Indian Female dentist, Female Staff Nurse & Pharmacists.

Contact: 97985325 Email: polyclinicomanhr@gmail.com

12 years of Oman experienced Chief Accountant looking for immediate placement. Contact : 99513082

MEDICAL Need urgently MBBS Doctor with or without MOH license. Contact 95395070 Urgently required female GP for a 25-year-old polyclinic in Ibri. Attractive salary package. Contact: 91584445, email: abumoaz19313@ gmail.com Wanted laboratory Technician with MOH License to work in medical center in capital Area Contact 99340135 Required MBBS Doctor with or without MOH license.

Contact 95395070 Wanted female Staff Nurse with MOH license for a dental clinic in sur. Email : dentoman2000@gmail. com Urgently required for MOH license Gynecologist specialist & Staff Nurse clinic at Sumail, Muscat.

Kindly sends C.V to saemomar@gmail.com or GSM: 95498105 Wanted Lab Technician, Staff Nurse, Pharmacist for a polyclinic in Sohar. Contact 99767605 Immediately required lady Doctor (DGO) or GP with Gynecology experience & lab technician.

Contact 99310590.

Email : tjmaluke@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Required Smart, dynamic Sales & Marketing Executive having 2-3 years sales experience in building materials. Omani Driving License and NOC is must.

Apply with photograph to E-mail: jobdsint@gmail.com.

A REPUTED TRADING & CONTRACTING CO. requires urgently sales Executive (male) having at least 3 years experience of construction materials in Oman/GCC with valid driving license . Send CV through Fax 24495411 or email: info@styletrading.net

Wanted driver. Contact: 95112461

Urgently required Lab Technician male / female, Receptionist female Omani (fluent in English and Arabic) at Sinaw – Hala Medical Center. Contact : 95969249 / 94580112 Email: halamedicalgroup@gmail.com

A leading trading group is looking for Sales Executives having experience in building materials / tools with driving license & release / NOC. Email CV to alhajoil@omantel.net.om or Fax: 24701683

Driver heavy duty required urgently for trailer. Oman / GCC experience must. Those ready for immediate joining. Contact: 99310859

Urgently required Pharmacist (B. Pharm) with MOH license for a reputed organization in Oman. Email Id: goodpharma2015@gmail.com

Spare parts (Heavy Equipment) Salesman with 3 years experience.

Please send your CV to info@almisfat.com or call 96996938

L.D Driver Indian required preferably Keralite. Contact : 92888337

SALES / MARKETING Outdoor Salesman (heavy Equipment) Sales man with 3 -5 years experience. GCC driving license required Please send your CV to info@almisfat.com or call 96996938 Sales Executive with valid D/L & 5 year experience in office furniture and interior fit out projects interested candidates can apply by mail: info@smartvisionoman.com Fax: 24818818 Sales Executive with valid D/L & 5 year experience, in the field of demountable aluminum & glass partition systems. Interested candidates can apply by Fax: 24818818 mail: info@smartvisionoman.com Sales Executive Industrial products : 2-3 yrs of exp. with good communication & computer skills. D/L is must. Send resume to salescvv@hotmail.com Urgently required : Counter Service Assistant (male) for a fast food outlet in a food court in Sohar.

Email: aliyanational@gmail.com Wanted Marketing Managers and Executives, candidates with minimum 2 years experience in Oman holding valid driving license May only Apply 94151791/ 22050729 or Email: sales@dewdropoman.com Wanted designer & Salesman for Advertising CO. With Oman D/L. Contact: 96440587 / 94055643 A leading building materials shop required Marketing Executive (Omani National only) 1No with minimum 2 years experience and driving license. Contact: 99808868 Email: aalfarsi2020@gmail.com Experienced Marketing representative – interlock blocks with light Omani driving license is required.

Contact 99222086 Looking for Outdoor Salesman for heavy equipment spare parts.

Contact - 93292015, Email: mail.om@gulfcenter.co

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Indian Family looking out for the following experienced candidates 1) House maid (Indian) 2) Driver (Indian) Contact : 92800073 / 99247040 Wanted: Loading and unloading people. Apply - Indians only: Contact: 95451713

Indian male, 23 yrs, B.Com, Finance, Graduate, Diploma in computerized professional accounting 3 yrs experience as a Supervisor cum Cashier, currently on visit visa at Sur, Oman, looking for suitable job in Accounts.

Email : m.a.abuthahir.313@gmail.com Omani female exp. in Accounts & shipping & Secretary & PRO, job knowledge in Computer with Oman D/L. Contact 91161736 Senior Document Controller, male, Indian, MCA 9+ yrs experience as Document controller in oil & gas sector seeks job as Senior Document controller. Contact 95388197, Email : rojanchristopher@gmail.com Filipino Male 26 years old, Certified Public Accountant, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy with 5 yrs of experience now on visit visa, Looking for suitable opening.

Contact: +968 91278583 Email: kennethalcedo07@gmail.com Accountant Indian male B.Com with 2 years of experience currently on visiting visa seeks suitable placement. Contact: 94649272 Email ID: sherin.am01@gmail.com Indian female Inter CA, strong in Tally ERP 9, MS Office, 7 years experience in accounts upto finalization looking for suitable position.

Contact 91759501 Indian male, 30 years, CMA (Inter),M.com.4 out of 7 years experience in Oman in Auditing/ Accounts/ Finance. Having NOC and valid Oman D/L. Contact: 96746420 , Email: sijuthampi@ymail.com Indian female, B.com with 2 years of work experience, currently on family visa in Oman and seeking suitable placement for immediate joining.

Contact 94647421 Looking for a job in UAE as a Senior Accountant Indian male, 31 yrs, CA Inter 8 yrs exp good in all aspects of accounts. Good command over English valid driving license (Oman) Contact: 94737231 Indian male M.Com holder with one year working experience as an Accountant in Kerala looking for suitable opening now on visiting visa. Contact: 96947500 Email: mohamaedshafikk5@gmail.com Indian female B.Tech (EEE) MBA finance with 1and half years experience as Bank Officer in India seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 91358676 / 98157895 Email: sujivu88@gmail.com

MBA finance Indian male (Account & finance), seeking suitable placement. Contact: 97372624 Email: sivaraj.gurukripa@gmail.com Indian male, 27 years, M. Com, having 2years experience in Accounts looking for suitable position. Presently on visit visa. Contact 93455055| gibingeorge88@gmail.com 23 yrs, Indian B.Com, Graduate male ‘Fresher’ well versed in English, Hindi, Arabic & Malayalam with D/L looking for a suitable job. Now on visit visa valid for 1 more month only. Contact 97660518 Part time accountant services available to handle all accounts related work up to finalization.

Contact: 96247295 Accountant Indian male 31 yrs Accounts up to finalization, 9 yrs experience (7 yrs in Oman) with D/L & NOC seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 99582979 An Indian Lady Chartered Accountant with five years experience (including articleship), on family visa in Oman looking for a suitable job.

Please Contact 9621 0347 / 9943 5346, shincycrajan@gmail.com Accountant having 4 yrs experience looking job. Contact: 99867456 Email: ashkar7673@gmail.com Part time Accountant with 15 yrs exp in accounts, finance audit taxation. Contact: 95857199 Indian female 25 yrs B.Com MBA / 3months experience looking for job in Accts /Mktg. Contact: 94657403 / 99355931 Energetic Finance & Audit Manager / Chief Accountant, C.A , MBA ,ACCA , CPA..15 yrs in GULF , Expert in Banking, Financing, Profit Maximizations, Admin, Biz Developments ,All ERPs Software’s, 15yrs Audit Exp. with Big 5 , NOC & Driving License Call 94403270 – 94504505 Indian female Accountant with 5 yrs Gulf exp in accounts, audit, Admin payroll. Contact: 96263157 Indian 24 years MBA finance 2 years experience seeking suitable placement. Contact: 9822253 Accountant, Indian male, 10 years experience in Oman, having knowledge of Tally ERP9 & able to do upto finalization and can be joined immediately with NOC. Contact: 94134085 Email: muscatoman95@yahoo.com Jordanian Accountant (ACPA) with more than 15 yrs experience in Oman (Accounts, Purchase & finance). Contact: 92881223 Email: kamal_sarhan@yahoo.com MBA, B.Com CA (finalist) 7 years experience (2 years in Oman) looking for suitable placement in a reputable organization. Expertise in ERP, Tally Quickbooks, peachtree and Excel.

NOC available. Contact: 97736404 Email: adnantahir1990@gmail.com Motivated and energetic male 25 having 4 years of experience in finance with Master’s degree in Economics and CAT Certified seeking opportunity in Accounts/finance/ audit in a reputable organization.

Cell no: 00968-94626209 E-Mail: omerjawedshah@gmail.com

M O N DAY, AU G U S T 1 0, 2 0 1 5

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED SALES / MARKETING MBA (Marketing/ HR) with 4.5 years exp in Business development and marketing, having valid Oman driving license seeks suitable placement currently available on family visa. Contact: 97618033 Email: vjgeorge12@gmail.com

ADMIN Indian Female MBA , 3 Years Experience in Admin MIS , Family Visa. Contact 98234427, jkjsmith01@gmail.com

DRIVER Light duty driver ,driving license, Experienced. Ph: 92814816

DRAUGHTSMAN

HSE Admin experience for 10 years in GCC with valid D/L seeking to join a reputed firm. NOC available.

Contact: 99626821

3D Draughtsman 25 years Indian male having 4 years experience.

Contact: 93746877

Indian Male 18 years ( 7 years in Oman ) experience in HR / Admin in Oil & Gas , construction fields with Oman D/L seeks suitable position.

Visa Transfer / NOC available.

Call 92854993.

Land surveyor: Indian male having two years experience, well handled total station, auto level and Auto cad, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 95140761 /99208290 Email: binu.brijiv@gmail.com

Keralite 47 years, having 20 years of rich experience in office administration and 6 years of Warehouse Management looking for a suitable opening.

Email: rajeshkorathatt@gmail.com Indian male 36 years MBA experience as AS. Manager seeking suitable job in HR/ Marketing in Oman on visit visa. Contact : 98200741, Email: phmnsudheesh857@gmail. com 14 years of Gulf experience in HR / Admin & logistics fluent in Arabic / English with D/L looking for suitable position. Contact: 95824598 Indian male 2+yrs oman exp in HR. joing immediatly. release available.

Contact :93671437 Indian female 24 years MBA (HR) having 3 years experience in HR Administration, payroll seeking suitable placement. Contact: 91104352 / 99012861 Indian female, 29 yrs, MBA (HR) 4 yrs exp in HR & Admin seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 95619537 Master degree HRM professional having excellent experience in finance and management and having 8 yrs experience looking for suitable placement. Contact: 92955453 / 91213269

DRIVER Light duty driver/ salesman looking for job, with Oman Driving license. Contact 91389466 Looking for a job as Driver, with 9 yrs experience in Oman, language : Arabic/ English/ Hindi.

Contact 92517532 Indian light driver having 1 yr experience in Oman, languages Arabic/ English/ Hindi seeks job.

Contact 97366822 Driver, 10 yrs. Contact 94260369 Light Driver, 5 yrs experience looking for job. Contact 92617293 Light driver 5 years exp Education B.A language English, Arabic & Hindi. Contact : 98522914 / 91615715 Indian (Kerala) light driver seeking for job 4 years exp in Oman.

Contact 95844147 Driver available with car.

Contact: 96652352 Sri Lankan driver. Contact: 97387112 Light duty driver 9 years experience wanted visa.

Contact: 97313562 Looking for light driving job, Indian, 4 years experience & language knowing Arabic, English & Indian.

Contact: 94241385 Light duty driver, 8 yrs exp.

Contact: 96736744 Pakistani Light Duty Driver seeks placement. Contact: 95746203 Looking for driving job light driver.

Contact : 96913836 Looking for driving job light driver.

Contact :92787245 Looking for driving job light driver.

Contact :94648986

DOMESTIC HELPER Experienced Indian lady is looking housemaid job looking full time job for European family total experience : 9 years, 2 years exp. with European family 6 years worked with Indian family language English & Hindi.

Contact: 93392788

DESIGNER Sr Designer, Civil & Structural (oil & gas) / Site Supervisor Indian male, 21 years experience in design field with driving license seeks suitable placement N.O.C available.

Contact: 92684051 Email: babyshibu@yahoo.co.in

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Indian male 27 years, Mechanical Engineer (B.E) having experience seeks suitable placement holds valid Oman driving license, on visit visa. Contact: 98847638 Indian male 25, BTech (Mechanical), CSWIP 3.1, Welding Inspector, 3 years experience in Oil & Gas (piping and Equipment as QC inspector) now on visit visa seeking suitable opportunities. Contact: 98228262 Email: megbinvetticattu@gmail. com Electrical Engineer 2 years experience (Indian) construction (building) looking suitable placement.

Contact 00968 92596672 Email: kundara.renjith@gmail.com

Mechanical Engineer, Indian male, 24 yrs, having 1 yr plant experience currently on visit visa, looking for suitable job. Contact 92835957, rafeekmohammed84@gmail.com 24Yrs, B.E (Mechanical), having 3 Yrs experience as a Piping Engineer, Seeking suitable job in Oman.

Contact: +919965885511 (India), +96898989716(Oman), Email : nandhamek@gmail.com Indian female (M. Tech – power system) having Gulf experience, currently on family visa seeking suitable placement in Oman.

Contact: 94306164 Bangladeshi male, B.Sc, Engg. in Civil total 9 yrs experience, 2.5 yrs as Contractor Engg. & 3.5 yrs as consultant Engr, total 6 yrs exp in Oman seeking a job.

Contact Mobile 95540721, Email : sheikwet@gmail.com Civil Engineer, 10 yrs exp. in building residential M.O.E, M.O.D, Stp looking for suitable placement. NOC available. Good knowledge AutoCAD, computer MS Office, Excel, making B.O.Q. all type of civil work related, building supervision. Contact 99471944, engrzagar@gmail.com Indian male B.Tech (ECE) CCNA 1 yrs exp in broadcast Engg having hands on exp in harris ADC,PPC, Velocity & Invenio, avid inews, vizrt,nexio farad, grass, valley kayak HD 300. also having on practice in PLC (AB,ABB, Siemens) DCS & scada systems. Contact: 00919846990093 / 99235291 HSE, 10 yrs Logistics Site Coordination consultancy valid Oman D/L, PDO driving permit. Contact 92565093 Indian male, Supervisor Electrician Diploma 8 yrs in Oman. NOC available. Contact 95057068, jratheesh@yahoo.com BE Civil Graduate /Male – More than 18 years of experience in Infrastructure in India,UAE and Oman. looking for a suitable job in Oman.

Mob :98294123 Email: sandeepj02@gmail.com

Indian male B.Tech Mechanical Engineer 1 year experience seeking suitable placement, available immediately. Contact: 93907707 Email: jubinkasim@gmail.com

Egyptian Civil Engineer-total experience 6 years - 1 year @ Oman-I have good experience in Technical office & site Works.

Contact number: 00968 94682217

Computer Engineer Iraqi Nationality 7 years experience seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 94694146

B.Com MBA, Indian male 2 years experience looking for suitable job.

Contact: 94718663 Email: naveelkhan524@gmail.com

Indian male diploma Civil Eng with 2 yrs experience on site as QS & AutoCAD seeking on site or - off site position. Contact: 94756183 Email: indianexpat1@gmail.com

B.Tech Mechanical Engineer (HVAC) 2 years experience in India.

Contact: 97654489 Email: nikhilchandpm@gmail.com

Indian 24 yrs male, 2 years experience in Site Engineer (Diploma in Civil Engineering), Now on visit visa in Oman. Contact: 94050311 Indian Male, Diploma in Civil Engineer working as a Project engineer with 7years of experience looking for suitable job. Contact- 92636569 Engineer with 3 yrs experience in Indian in MEP, HVAC& mechanical maintained field on visit visa looking for suitable job. # 99191535 Email: fareed029@gmail.com SAP – SCM.MM Consultant B.Tech.

(Chemical), from NIT, working with oil industry, seeks employment.

Contact: 98049288 Btech computer science graduate 2015 passout.. Android application marketing.. Having good communication skills and mindset to work in a team. Contact 91024385

Driver with Car. Contact: 99716938 Driver with 2 yrs exp looking for job. Contact: 98487511

Mechatronic Engineer (UK) with business operations PG Certificate (UK) & piping Engineering (IIT) looking for vacancy, with Oman driving license. Contact 99278195, email : justin_johns123@hotmail.com

M. Tech, Applied Electronics Indian female looking for full time or part time job presently on family visit visa. Contact: 92499312 Email: ann.ashhy@gmail.com

Electrical Engineer bachelor degree having 6+ years experience of Gulf and professional license available to join. Contact: 98063081 Email: imran.engr08@gmail.com

Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp.

Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@gmail.com

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR

ENGG. / TECHNICAL

Sudanese male Telecommunication Engineer looking for job.

Contact: 94537607 Electrical Engineer 5 years of exp in construction companies, NOC available Indian. Contact: 92641757 BE in ECE Indian female currently on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 94767662 Email: chaithanyankotian10@gmail.com Civil Engineer B.E 12 years experience with valid Oman driving license. Contact: 93843448 Indian female, Electronics and telecommunication Engineer, currently on family visa looking for suitable openings. Contact: 95020425 Electrical Engineer, Indian, exp. in MEP (AutoCAD). Contact 99079140 / 98205818 Civil Project Engineer exp 10 yrs.

Contact: 92673432 Email: arifjamalkhan8@gmail.com Telecommunication Maintenance Engineer Sudanese male 2 years experience in HUAWEI hardware field cabins good communication English & Arabic. Contact :+ 968 96433495 / +968 94756295 Email: muzamilawadalla@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECHNICAL

Indian Male 9 years experience in Purchase/Supply Chain with Oman D/L looking for a suitable opening in Construction/ Oil & Gas Industry.

Contact 91124175

Engineer with 4 years Oman experience in telecom operations, having valid Oman driving license looking for a suitable opportunity, interested in Marketing also. Contact 98513495

Facility / Project Mgmt, 4+ yrs of exp holds B.E (ECE) Indian visit visa looking for suitable opening.

Contact: 98580569 Email: arafacareer@gmail.com

Indian male 25MBA having 4years Gulf experience in Coordination with contracting company .NOC Available.

Looking for(Store,Coordination,Admin ,Backoffice) Jobs Ph:95405885

MIB Post Graduate /male – more than 9 years of experience in shipping & Logistics in middle east (Liner Section) looking for a suitable job in Oman. .Mob :( India) 919400043894, Email: jaise81@gmail. com, Oman 99899627

Mechanical Engr, B. Tech, exp in QA/QC, In Piping Design, Its softwares Ph:96539085 Indian male 23, Mechanical Engineer, 1 year experience, knowledge in HVAC currently on visit visa looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 95434381 Email: shuhaibusman313@gmail.com Male, BE (Mechanical holder) 1 yr exp in Indian & 4 months in Oman NOC available, embassy attested certificate . Contact: 95721521 / 96625245 (Salalah) Email: sajukoippallil@gmail.com Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847 Indian male 24 years B.E mechanical 2 years exp. or visit visa.

Contact: 99247326 Civil Engineer B.E, 5.5 years experience with Omani D/L. Contact: 96785311

EDUCATION Indian lady M.Com, B.Ed looking for openings in teaching. #97668603 Indian female, English teacher, MA,B.Ed,CELTA, 5+years experience, looking for suitable placement.

Contact 99642462, kalcky@yahoo.com Filipina ESL Teacher for 13 years BEED major in English knowledge in IB, PYP and independent school curriculum computer literate, IELTS qualified, looking for reputable school. Contact: 98938272 Email: m.ann7875@gmail.com

HOSPITALITY 4 Years experienced (Money exchange services & Hospitality services in Oman & India) - Indian male 27 years, graduate in Hospitality science, fluent in English, Hindi & Arabic seeks suitable placement. #91383167

IT NETWORK/NETWORK SECURITY ENGG. Graduate in B.Tech CS. Have 5.3 years of experience in Network and Security devices. Certified on CCNA, CCNP, MCITP and CCIE Sec. Written passed. NOC available.

Can join immediately.

Contact +974-55297089, e-mail: rejad.hashim@gmail.com B.C.A, 7 years Operations Management procurement supply chain team handling lean six sigma certified on visit visa. Contact: 99826634 Email: nairsatheesh1984@gmail.com Indian female MCA, 24 years seeking suitable job.

Contact 93439467 Indian female, BCA, MCA, SAP ABAP certification, ASP.Net Certification 2 yrs experience, looking for a suitable opportunity.

Contact 99109121.

Indian male, Graduate with 18 yrs experience in Sales & Marketing 3 yrs in UAE currently on visit visa, seeks suitable placement. Contact 91996486 / 99732070 Indian visit visa, Network / System Engineer switches, routers, servers, load balancers 5 yrs of exp holds B.E (ECE), CCNA looking for good opportunity. Contact: 91911792 Email: arafakdnl@gmail.com

MEDICAL

MBA, BBA (Marketing), Certificates in NEBOSH, IOSH, MEDIC FIRST AID. 2 years work experience as BDE in HSE firm.

Phone - 94362502, Email libinakurisinkal@gmail.com 7 years Purchase experienced total 17 years Oman with driving license looking for suitable position, Indian with N.O.C. Contact: 96574390 Indian male with 14 years of experience in Business development / sales & marketing seeks suitable placement, 6.5 years of work experience in Oman. Contact: 93400177 Female, 5 yrs experience in software and 1 yr experience in administration, looking for any official job full time or part time or work from home. Contact: 00968 91711326 Email: shetty.sapna22@gmail.com

Medical - Staff Nurse (male) with NOC and license, experience 6+ yrs.

Contact: 98680299 Email: georgevaikom@gmail.com

Indian female high School Teacher having 30 years experience, currently on visit visa, looking for suitable openings. Contact: 95020425

Female Nurse- Indian, Total 14 yrs. experience,6 yrs. in KSA, Prometric passed, ready to join immediately.

Contact 95525004 & 98146565

B.Com Graduate having 5 years of experience in purchase & sales with valid Oman driving license looking for suitable job. Contact: 97302353

Looking for job as office boy + driver going to visit within this month Oman Muscat working experience 10 years. Contact: 968 97859837

Sales man, experience in Saudi, Good in Arabic. Ph: 97103168

Indian male MDS Doctor specialized in Endodontist with 7 years experience prometric passed, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 98843139 Email: ppdr2020@gmail.com Doctor seeking job an experienced female Indian Doctor (DHMS NAET USA), 49 yrs, specialist in Homeopathy and Allergy Elimination Technology seeks suitable placement. Contact: 919447110003 Oman 96439091 Email: anithabaydr@gmail.com Male Staff Nurse looking for job passed Prometric 63% + 3 years experience. Contact: 94035637 / 95068075 BA degree Nursing professional having excellent looking for suitable placement. Contact:: 92955453 /91213269 GP Doctor Yemeni national-male, with 4 years of work experience.

Mobile:00966531598754 Email: alsyaniramzy@gmail.com A Pakistani lady, having M.A Islamiyat at B.ED Degree, 7 years Teaching experience. All documents are ready, looking for job in school or private firm. Contact: 96534115 Email: alex_ali1@yahoo.com

MISCELLANEOUS Indian female, having 9 years experience in Logistics and Sales co ordinator. Experience in SAP, MS office, holding Oman driving license.

Currently on Visit Visa, looking for suitable placement. Contact 95251911 10 yrs exp in Oman in logistics-have Oman D/L-looking for suitable placement. Contact 96410767 ; email: harishkts@yahoo.com Indian Female POST GRADUATE . One Year experience seeking suitable Job Contact :97792820 Email: pnjli.1991@gmail.com Management Professional accountable, responsible for profitable management can handle the entire operations, HR/Recruitment, Business development & Sales & marketing & etc, Great organizational skills with over 23+yrs exp. in Bombay, Saudi Arabia, Dubai-UAE & Oman(11yrs) as General Manager - Publications, Printing,Media. open to any industry, can Join immediately w/NOC. Contact : +968 98864706/99574638 Mail : akdas_uae@yahoo.com Seeking for job fire and safety completed 2.5 years experience language known Hindi, English & Tamil seeking suitable job. Contact: 98431032 Indian material controller / store keeper with 9 years exp , seeking job in Oman NOC/ Release available.

Contact: 91946174

Indian male B.Com & MBA Graduate 11 years experience airline travel & tourism, Sales & Marketing in Dubai & Oman with driving license NOC available. Contact: 92552612 Email: mazmanu1@gmail.com Indian male 27 years, B.Tech Graduate having good work experience with valid Oman D/L looking for a suitable opening as Sales Engineer.

Contact: 91472953 Email: harees.rasheed.2014@gmail.com Procurement / Purchase Executive 1.6 yrs exp in Oman construction industry Indian male 27 yrs, MBA with valid Oman D/L, available for immediate placement.

Contact: 96300958 / 24796010 Business intelligence / Global Marketing management specialist with 9 years of experience developing brand value & managing overall projects to achieve business objectives seeking suitable position on family visit. Contact: 91902154 Indian male 35 yrs, 10 yrs experience in FMCG Sales & Marketing in UAE with valid GCC license looking for suitable position on visit.

Contact: 93438747 / 93033252 Indian male MBA (Marketing) 26 on visit visa, with experience in stores looking for suitable position in warehouse stores logistics or in sales. Contact: 96915871 Email: ajanadoor@yahoo.com Indian female 35 years MCA, MBA six sigma black belt, 14 years Gulf experience in business analytics, Marketing business development qualities seeks placement. NOC available, Omani driving license available. Contact: 95783792 Indian 44 yrs, 16 yrs Indian Army 5 and Half years in Oman exp ware house, seeks suitable placement in store, ware house or sales having Oman driving license. #94050311 Sales and marketing - male 27 yrs, 2 years experience seeking suitable placement. Contact: 95642740 Email: shaijichakkara@gmail.com Sudanese Business development Manager, long experience International trade in Oman (import /export / marketing) seeking suitable placement full / part time in reputable company. Contact: 91173146

TOURS & TRAVELS Indian female 24 yrs, Bachelor in Travel & Tourism and 1 year exp in Oman as ticketing executive.

GDS-Sabre, Amdeus, Galilio seeking suitable job. Contact- 95883404 B.Com IATA MCSE working for Qatar Airways, Sales Reservation, ticketing English, Hindi, and Malayalam, Marathi NOC is available.

Contact: 92954613

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication.

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DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED MISCELLANEOUS Piping Design Engineer, Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering. Having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708/97357143 Indian Female Accountant, CA Final (Group I cleared), 5+ year’s experience in the field of Accounts, Audit and Financial ERPs. Currently available in Muscat and seeking suitable job opportunities.Ph:94704800 email id: vinithsavith@gmail.com Civil site coordinator, Diploma, Male 25, now present in Oman, Seeking job in Oman. # 92887561, jubincivileng@gmail.com Data Entry operator cum Buyer, Indian male,26years.BA, Computer proficiency :Operating system (Windows 2000xp & Windows7) E plus and Tally ERP9, 4 yrs Experience in Oman seeks suitable placements. mob:95360255 Indian Female BSC nurse with 8+ years of experience including 3 years of GCC exp. Oman Prometric passed with 57 %. Currently in Oman.

Contact : 98034384 Senior Accounts Professional, Indian Male, 36 years, M.Com, MBA (Fin) 9 years in Oman, with valid Oman DL and NOC available. Capable to handle accounts up to finalization.

Contact 9602 3965.

Indian male 27 years B.E & MS Mechanical Engineer working in Delhi for last 4 years in Jcb India pvt. ltd., seeks placement in Oman. Contact 93393768 Indian Male 24 years, Looking for a Suitable Job in Telecom / Networking, 1 year sales experience. M. Sc. Communications Engineering & Valid Driving license. Ph: 91280121.

Email: jackrprasad@yahoo.com Indian female, 24yrs, M.COM (Accounts) having 3 yrs experience in Accounts, HR, Administration, Customer Service. Good Computer Proficiency seeking Suitable Position. Visa Transfer/NOC Available.

Contact: 99654913 Indian male 32 years post Graduate , working as Purchaser cum office coordinator 4 years in Oman having Oman driving license & NOC looking for suitable job in Muscat.

Contact : 98399415 Email: thankansam@gmail.com Indian, presently on visit visa in Salalah looking for job B.com failed UAE experience in accounts, commercial Admin & warehouse. Contact: 92754071 /93346931 Email: sathyanathanuk@gmail.com Indian male, 39 yrs, MSC Computer Science 10 years experience IT support, FMS Engineer, bank experience looking for suitable job.

Contact: 94276449 MBA (Marketing /HR) with 45 years exp in business development and marketing, having valid Oman driving license seeks suitable placement currently available on family visa.

Contact 97618033 Email: vjgeorge12@gmail.com Indian male 63 years have 30 years Muscat experience all office work sales business development insurance administration accounts with Oman driving license.

Contact : 99249412 Driver 5 years exp know English, Arabic,& Hindi Education B.A. Contact : 91615715 / 99512270 Driver looking for job exp 2 yrs.

Contact: 98522914

Indian female LLB (Advocate) 2 years experience looking for suitable post legal advisor company secretary etc. # 93343190 / 94476387 Email: shafu1019@gmail.com Indian lady 30 years Graduate having work experience in India and Oman looking for Admin or any other suitable job. Contact : 95676957 Male Graphic designer cum animation, non linear editing VFX, seeking suitable position.

Contact: 97792661 / 96229406 B.E (IT) 1 year exp complete schooling in Muscat needs job in software / net working / java/ WEB design or marketing. Contact: 97136248 / 99313821 Indian male 22 years ACCA affiliate , BSc, Graduate in applied accounting 2 months working experience seeking suitable placement in Finance / Accounts / audit immediately.

Contact: 97378607 / 92558734

ACCOUNTANT, Indian male,29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license.

NOC available seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854 29 years Indian female (MBAFinance) with 4+yrs experience (Oman) in Accounts, seeking suitable placement in Accounts/Admin.

Contact:96141283 B-tech Electrical engineer with more than 2 years of experience in erection and designing of HT and LT electrical systems. Seeking for suitable job in Muscat. Contact:98269366.

Email:sijincleetus@gmail.com Indian Female B.Sc., B.Ed.(Maths), M.C.A residing in Al-Ghubra seeking a teaching position as a Math Teacher GSM.- 94231633

HR.Admin..indian male..2+ Oman exp..joining immediately..#93671437

INDIAN MALE 23 YEARS, B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic) having 4 years working experience as an Electrical site Engineer. Looking for suitable job in Oil Gas Sector or in related industries. #98045482

Indian male,Accountant, B.com, 1 yr experience in auditing and having knowledge in tally. #94733824/95769355

Indian male, ERP Functional Consultant (SCM, MM, HRMS), Seeks employment.Contact: 98478928, Email: anand.desai2408@gmail.com

Indian male Chartered Accountant having 10 years of experience in Process audit, Risk assessment and Internal Audit is urgently looking for a suitable opportunity. Cell: +96897327343 Email: cabalkrishnadubey@gmail.com.

NOC available

Indian male , 14 yrs Experience in maintenance & Supervisor in hotel field ( Electrical . Ac Mechanical & Plumber ) N O C available mob : 95 25 36 40 . email = hareeshma24@yahoo.com

Light driver 5 years experience language English, Hindi, Arabic education B. A. Contact: 98522914 Pick & drop any time.

Contact: 91615715 B-tech Electrical Engineer with more than 2 years of experience in erection and designing of HT and LT electrical systems. Seeking for suitable job in Muscat.

Contact: 98269366.

Email: sijincleetus@gmail.com Project Manager / Senior Engineer, Indian Male BE Civil, 21yrs experienced including Oman looking for the Job Contact +918939295181 Email I’D sanja_bala@yahoo.co.in Indian male 26 , graduate in mechanical engineering having 2 years experience in fabrication production filed in India, looking for a suitable job. mobile: +968-91384621 EMAIL : rmekhil@hotmail.com Sr. Sales Executive, Indian Male, Holding Valid Oman DL. Total experience in Oman of 15 years with 4 years Rent a Car Co. experience.

Looking for Opportunities in any Industry for similar sales role.

GSM - 95703233 email id “khetani_r@yahoo.com

Indian male 28YRS, 7Years exp. in Architectural & structural Draughtsman & 3d visualization, looking for a suitable Post GSM: +971551965944.

Email:aboosufiyan@gmail.com Indian, male, 41 years, CA Inter, Persuing CA final. Now on express visa. 7 years of Experience in OMAN as Finance and Accounts Manager in Trading , Construction and Firefighting industry. 21 Years of exp. seeking suitable Managerial positions. No visa issues. Immediate joining. #98469311 Email:sebin30@yahoo.co.in Piping Design Engineer, Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering. Having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708, Email : mohammednazeer07@gmail.com BSC Female Nurse having 8 years of experience ( 3 years in gulf). Prometric passed - 57%. Currently in Oman.

Contact : 98034384 Indian Female, M.Com & MBA with 1.5 years of experience in Reinsurance Treaty seeking a good job opportunity in Insurance & Reinsurance Accounts or General Accounts. Contact: +968 91920189, Email:neethumano.manohar@gmail. com

INDIAN MALE 23 YEARS,B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic). Done IOSH & NEBOSH- IGC certifications. Looking for HSE engineer job in Oil Gas Sector, constructions or in any related industries. Contact 98045482

CCNA MCITP network support / network technician with 2 years experience Indian male having bachelors degree on visit visa. # 93080871 sean.f.peters@outlook.com

Indian male. M.com holder with two year working experience as an accountant in India. Now at Muscat on visiting visa. Seeks suitable placement. Gsm:96947500,99463120, Email:mohamedshafikk5@gmail. com

ME. Civil Engineer, Structural Designer, 3 Years Structural Design, 6 Years Str Supervising Experience, Looking For Structural Designer Position. Iranian Male.

Contact: 93696929 Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com

Indian female, B.Sc, PGDCA, currently on family joining visa, 2 years working experience in oman as customer care / sales co-ordinator, immediate joining seeks suitable placements. Contact no. (968) 95573205 / 95949230 / 95800792

ACCOUNTANT, M.Com holder with 2 year working experience as an accountant in Kerela-India, seeks suitable placement.

GSM NO:96947500,9 9463120, Email:mohamedshafikk5@gmail. com

SITUATION WANTED 8 yrs exp 2d, 3d draughtsman (HOLDING OMANI DRIVING LICENSE) seeking job.

Contact : 93790601 Indian Male 22 Years, Graduation In Electronics Seeking Jobs In Supervisory , Sales & Sales Co-ordination Fields , Good Communication Skill Contact 96141317, E-mail: akhilek5@gmail.com Chartered Accountant with 7 years of post qualification experience, seeking challenging job opportunity.

Experience in auditing/accounts & finance/taxation/IFRS, etc.

GSM +968 95763680 Female, Indian, 35 Yrs- house maid available for Full/Part time work in Muscat. Please contact- 96754303.

Indian Female Interior Designer, 4.5 yrs experience, seeking immediate mid-senior level position with firm having lady clearance. NOC Available. Contact 93033072 Driver with car seeking suitable post. Contact : 91660291 Sudanese.male 32 years.B.SC mechanical engineer.7years experience.5 years experiance in Gulf. working now in water pipeline projects.fluent Arabic and English.have Omani driving license.looking for good opportunity TEl:91117089 Indian Male 22 years, ACCA Affiliate with B..Sc. Degree in Applied Accounting having three months working experience seeking suitable placement in Finance / Accounts / Audit. Holding valid Oman D/L. Contact 97378607 / 92558734 Indian female Nurse, Prometric passed 64%, 5 years of experience, MOH licensed, presently working in Oman seeking a suitable placement in reputed Hospitals, NOC available.

Contact: 98329941, Email: ancyanish2011@gmail.com.

Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant, doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact 98803439 Syrian male 3yrs. exp in IT support, Networking, Security systems, Server support, IT sales and marketing.

Valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement. Contact 91033395

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

Female from India -MA. B.Ed. with One year three months Teaching experience. English seeking for a urgent better placement, Now working in Oman.

Contact:: 93961142, 92184408 Email:-anoopkesavan78@gmail.com.

Video Editor 29 years Indian male with 8 years experience on visit visa looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 91275969 / leomoorkoth@gmail.com 8 yrs exp 2d, 3d Draughtsman (HOLDING OMANI DRIVING LICENSE) seeking job. # 97449630 Tunisian shoes designer wuth 40years expereince in designing and manifacturing loocking for a job in a related field contact : 97816917 Indian male MBA + TALLY , 29 years & 7years experience in Administration and Manager level in Reputed companies, Seeking suitable placement.Contact 96297709 / +91 9066130371, Email: jomonjohnm9@gmail.com Indian female MBA Finance currently on visit visa seeks immediate placement. Phone: 968-98430089 Indian Male, 28, B.Com, 6+ yrs exp in Accounts, 2 yrs in Oman with Valid Oman D/L, NOC available.

Contact: 9719 4864 Indian male post graduate.2 years experience in sales. currently in oman on visit visa.seeks suitable placement.Gsm 92388346 Civil site coordinator, Diploma, Male 25, now present in Oman, Seeking job in Oman. Contact: 92875345, jubincivileng@gmail.com Male Indian 27, working as finance analyst having two years Oman experience with Driving license looking for suitable position. Mob: 98097009, rameesnm@gmail.com FRESH - B.Com Graduate on Family Visa, looking for any suitable Job. Contact : 92567020 / 95322175, Email: shwayanad@gmail.com Admin Executive, Indian Female having 10 years Gulf experience in seeking suitable placement currently working in Muscat.

Email: meenafajar@yahoo.com, Mobile 0096893211402

Seeking financial investor / partner for short term Governmental construction projects of 1.5 million R.O. Contact: 99881303 The investor is required for successful Educational project to pay 25,000/- Thousand.

Email: bussiness.om9@gmail.com New company seek partnership.

Contact: 96996938 General Investors.

Gsm-99674870 Serious investor needed for succeeded furniture company for expansion purposes. Contact: 99041337

SIT WANTED Having 9+ years exp. in Administration & HR in reputed companies.

Presently working in Muscat and seeking for suitable placement.

Contact No.: 97693456. Email : muralimahdav77@gmail.com MOH Indian Dentist 10 years experience in Oman. Can speak Arabic, has driving license. Contact 98995321 or ventureoman007@gmail.com Omani , female, have diploma in quantity survey, bachelor in Constitution management, seeking situated placement at Sohar. Tel 94454180, Mail nhlmct@yahoo.com Indian male,27, IT/Telecom Engineer, 2 yrs exp in Oman, with valid Oman D/L, NOC Available.

Ph: 9393 8727

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DAILY GUIDE TOURS

SITUATION WANTCARGO

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

RENT A CAR

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours Contact- 98029602, 92808636

TRANSPORTATION Pick & drop anytime in Al Ghubra.

Contact 97681599 Transportation available.

Contact 95570429 Transport. Contact: 95190627 Transportation. Contact: 91310107 House shifting, transporting.

Contact : 94229277 Pick & drop anytime in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99764307 Transportation. Contact: 96538078 Transportation. Contact:98522914 Transportation. Contact 99508282 Car for rent. Contact: 92516090 Silver Car, car for rent. Contact: 96166155 / 98402662

Butter cup rent a car competitive prices new car 2016.

Contact: 97249449

Transportation. Contact: 98244078 Pick & Drop any time. # 97014786

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DAILY GUIDE

CLASSES

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

SITUATION WANTMANPOWER

Spoken English IELTS & Computer classes. Contact: 92088325 / 24799938

COMPUTER

Admission started in a private school, Darsait (Mount Zion Group of Institutions CBSE 1) for KG and grade 1 to 4 please register soonest.

Contact: 92088325 / 24799938

DRIVING

Driver for Automatic Transmission. Contact: 99040813

MATRIMONIAL RCSC boy, Kanjirapally Diocese, 36-172. Contact 93028813 / 92501521 24 yrs, Keralite Christian girl Engineer working in Oman looking for alliance from good looking, well educated. Contact: 92467948

WEBSITE

Roman Catholic girl 31 yrs Indian origin working in U.A.E seeking alliances from Christian family well settled in Oman or Middle East.

Contact: 97622011 24 years old, Sunni Muslim girl Bombay origin, BSc, Hons (Accts) with religious values seeking alliance. Email: morningstar9128@gmail.com

Split & widow unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080

Keralite Roman Catholic girl, 27 yrs, M.Fam seeks suitable alliance. Contact: 99253120

Window & split unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact: 93769089 / 95323517

Split & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact: 96236476

Sunni Muslim girl, Indian origin, 20 yrs BA graduate from Oman, good looking homely with good religious values, seeking alliances from Muslim professionals, well settled in Oman or Middle East.

Contact: 99644760 or Email: ghulamuzma23@gmail.com

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422 MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807 House shifting. Contact 99708138

SIT.WANTED

Split window cassette AC unit servicing, maintenance.

Contact: 99540621

ACCOUNTANT, Indian male, 29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license.

NOC available. Seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 98184170

House shifting packing.

99657644 / 98518013 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. # 24810137, 99450130

Indian male having 4 years of experience in IT Support & networking.

Currently on visit visa. seeking suitable opportunities. # 92013641.

Indian Male 24 years, Looking for a Suitable Job in Telecom / Networking. 1 year sales experience. MSc. Communications Engineering & Valid Driving license. Ph: 91280121.

Email: jackrprasad@yahoo.com

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance.Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

Split & window A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089/95323517 GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 A/C Maintenance & servicing, fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, painting & cleaning services, electrical & plumbing.

Contact: 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281 Air condition maintenance split and window A/C split a/c ducted and package type units. Contact: 98667326 Water prooďŹ ng ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 Civil maintenance - plumbing, electrical, painting, and tiling, interior decorations, shop furnishing and all other maintenance works.

Contact: 97897831 / 92112094 (Indian, Keralite)

General cleaning in buildings villas all types interior, exterior, polishing dry cleaning carpets, rugs, marble etc. Contact 94134784 / 98598280 Auditing formation new companies foreign investors visa.

Contact Salah Eldin : 99378379 General cleaning, cleaning contract, cleaner supply. Contact: 95764290 /95113037 Pest control Treatments, Cockroaches, Ants ,Rodents & Termites. Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99357908 / 99344723.

General cleaning & Shampooing.

Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723 / 99357908

GOOD NEWS Genuine Ayurvedic treatments & massage, Ayurvedic clinic at AL Khuwair. Contact: 24478618 / 97263637 / 93309131

GOOD NEWS Fresh ďŹ&#x201A;owers Jasmine Roses Marigold & Garlands for Onam & other festivals, advance booking accepted.

Haridas Nensey.

Contact 24750784 Rakhees Raksha Bandhan available thousands Designs. Also special offer at Haridas Nensey Ruwi.

Contact 24750784 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 99250777, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit: www.islamfact.com