Times of Oman

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GOLDEN DAY FOR OMAN AT GCC WOMEN’S GAMES Friday the 13th turned out to be one of the luckiest days for Oman sports as the Omani girls turned it into a golden day for the hosts at the GCC Women’s Games. Buthaina Al Yaqoobi and Fatma Al Nabhani, bagged two gold medals each. >A 11

SATURDAY, March 14, 2015 /23 Jumada Al Ula 1436 AH timesofoman.com

SHARM EL-SHEIKH FORUM

Oman pledges to give $500m in aid to Egypt CAIRO: Oman pledged $500 million in grants and investment over the next five years to Egypt, Dr Yahya bin Mahfoudh Al Muntheri, State Council Chairman, said at an international conference to support the economic development of Egypt on Friday.

HM’s greetings conveyed He also conveyed the greetings and best wishes of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said for the success of conference which is being held in Sharm El-Sheikh.

Half of the total amount ($250 million) will be directed towards investments in projects in Egypt and the remaining $250 million is being earmarked to support the country’s financial markets.

The State Council Chairman further asserted the Sultanate’s solidarity with the Arab republic, led by President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi to achieve growth and stability in the country. — With ONA inputs > A4

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Too many graduates fight for fewer job opportunities 9,000

Experts fear the current depressing employment market will continue for the

graduates are expected to finish their studies this summer and that will inflate the number of job seekers in 2015

rest of the year in the Sultanate of Oman

SALEH AL-SHAIBANY

saleh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: There is an excess of university graduates in Oman as too many degree holders are chasing fewer job openings, say experts and graduates.

Employment specialists fear the current depressing employment market will continue for the rest of the year.

According to statistics available with the Ministry of Manpower, there are over 25,000 graduates who are currently registered as job seekers.

More than 70 per cent of them

have graduated with either a diploma or a bachelor’s degree.

“I went for a job interview with a private company which advertised for seven vacancies and I was surprised to see over 60 candidates at the interview,” Intissar Al Hakmani, a job seeker with a degree in Business Administration, told the Times of Oman.

Hamood Al Mabsali has a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology (IT) and has been looking for a job since September. He was told by a number of ministries that there were no vacancies available.

“It looks like the government has stopped hiring. I contacted the

HR offices of most of the ministries and their answer is the same: No vacancy,” said Al Mabsali.

Darwish bin Isma’eel bin Ali Al Balushi, Minister Responsible for Financial Affairs, told members of the Majlis Al Shura late last year that the government was freezing employment in the Civil Service in 2015 until further notice due to the drop in oil prices.

Oil prices are currently trading at around $57 per barrel, well short of $85 which the government based its 2015 budget on.

The government said in a press

statement released by the Ministry of Finance last January that it was targeting an average production of 990,000 barrels per day this year. The government’s revenues are estimated at OMR12.5 billion, an increase of seven per cent compared to the 2014 budget, and oil and gas revenues constitute 82 per cent of the total.

“As long as oil prices are on the lower side, the government will continue to freeze employment. I honestly do not see this situation improving this year, which means it will be a hard year for graduates

looking for jobs,” said Ahmed Al Habsi, economic analyst at Capital Investment Company.

Statistics show that over 9,000 graduates are expected to finish their studies this summer and that will inflate the number of job seekers in 2015.

Statistics available with the Ministry of Manpower also show that the private sector has not reduced its intake of employees so far this year, but experts say it is the government freeze that has a telling effect on job creation.

“The private sector is still employing people as usual, but it is the Civil Service that is putting a lot of strain on the employment of Omani graduates this year,” Maan Al Balushi, an independent financial expert, told the Times of Oman.

However a government official said, “The job market will make its own adjustments and there is nothing anyone or anything can do to correct it. It is a cycle that repeats itself and it is not something we should be too concerned about.”

WEAK FINANCIALS

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

Air India closure talk fuels fare hike fears

OMAN

My City Centre Sur adds to retail space

1

Majid Al Futtaim—the leading shopping mall, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East and North Africa—revealed that the recently announced opening of My City Centre Sur, will add 16,000 square metres of gross leasable area to the country’s burgeoning retail sector. > A3

OMAN

MARKET

Oman Air tyres burst, no injuries reported

EU’s Juncker pushes for deal with Greece

2

European Union’s Chief Executive Jean-Claude Juncker and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras called on Friday for European governments to show solidarity with embattled Greece. > B1

Two tyres of Oman Air Boeing 737 flight WY A40-BV 73L travelling from Muscat to New Delhi burst soon after plane landed at the airport in New Delhi. No injuries were reported. >A3

blog.timesofoman.com

3

Times News Service

Winter blues in the serene Jebel Shams

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MUSCAT: Indian expatriates in Oman fear that airfares will hit the roof if Air India shuts down or cuts some of its popular routes from Muscat.

The debate over Air India’s financials resurfaced after the airline was included in a list of sick units

by Indian Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Minister Anant Geete while replying to questions in the country’s Parliament.

Geete said that Air India has joined the list of sick central public sector enterprises (CPSEs).

Air India has accumulated huge

losses of Rs53.88 billion, Rs54.90 billion and Rs75.59 billion in the previous three financial years, respectively, according to the figures tabled in the Indian Parliament.

The airline flies to more than 60 domestic and a large number of international destinations including Middle East, Asia Pacific region, Africa, Europe and North America.

24 flights from Oman From Oman, Air India operates 24 flights per week from Muscat to cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai daily and thrice a week to Hyderabad and Bangalore. >A3

A2

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The winter charm of Jebel Shams

The mountain air is chilly at this time of year, often dipping to single digits on the thermometer, or, even a degree or two below zero. Times of Oman correspondent Sarah MacDonald recently braved the winter winds to capture in her camera, some of the rugged peaks, gentle sunsets, and other gorgeous views Jebel Shams has to offer

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S O C I A L AWA R E N E S S

Anti-tobacco walkathon organised to shun addictions

HEALTH FIRST: The walkathon was held to support the efforts of the Royal Oman Police (ROP) and the Ministry of Health to protect people from harmful addictions.–Supplied photo

Times News Service MUSCAT: An anti-tobacco walkathon was organised by Waljat College of Applied Sciences and Health and Safety Committee in co-ordination with Health & Safety Club, in the vicinity of

Knowledge Oasis, Muscat. The walkathon was held to support the efforts of the Royal Oman Police (ROP) and the Ministry of Health to protect people from harmful addictions.

It was organised under the leadership of Athulya Binu Sebastian,

secretary of the Health and Safety Club, with the guidance and support of Prof Arbind Kumar Chaudhary, co-ordinator of the club. The entire student council was present for the walkathon.

All participants who registered for the event were given free T-

shirts and caps as well as Pocari water. The walkers were also motivated by the participation of faculty members, including Dean Dr S L Gupta.

There was also a poster competition on the theme ‘Tobacco and Its Harmful Effects’, organised by

My City Centre Sur to boost shopping options My City Centre Sur will act as a social hub for the immediate community, housing 50 retail outlets and a mix of leading brands IDEALLY LOCATED: The new mall is ideally located on Sur’s main commercial road, and is set to be a key destination for both residents and the growing number of tourists. – Supplied photo

Times News Service SUR: Majid Al Futtaim has informed that the recently inaugurated announced the launch of My City Centre Sur, which will add 16,000m2 of gross leasable area to the burgeoning retail sector.

The agreement was signed between Al Oruba Club and Majid Al Futtaim at The Waves Golf Club, in the presence of Sheikh Saad Bin Mohamed Al Saadi, minister of sports affairs, Sheikh Rashad Bin Ahmed Al Hinai, undersecretary for the Ministry of Sports Affairs, Salem bin Mohamed Al Nuaimi, undersecretary for the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and Sheikh Salim Bin Saeed Aloraimi, honorary president of Al Uruba Club.

Slated to open in the first half of 2017, the estimated investment for the project is OMR12 million. My City Centre Sur will be the first My City Centre in Oman in addition to City Centre Muscat and City Centre Qurum, owned by Majid Al Futtaim.

Hypermarket Tailored to suit the individual needs of residents, My City Centre Sur will act as a social hub for the immediate community, housing 50 retail outlets, including a Carrefour hypermarket as well as a significant mix of leading brands and casual dining options. Complementing the company’s larger shopping centres, My City Centre

addresses the day-to-day needs of residents through accessibility and convenience.

Michael Cesarz, chief executive officer for Shopping Malls, Majid Al Futtaim Properties, said, “Oman’s retail sector shows robust growth potential, driven by demands of both residents and the country’s expanding tourism industry. In partnership with the Ministry of Sports Affairs, Majid Al Futtaim will bring its renowned retail experience creating great moments, for everyone, every day, to an entirely new community through My City Centre Sur.” “The community mall, My City Centre Sur will be a great added value to the surrounding commu-

nities and offer an exceptional array of shopping, fashion and dining options,” he added.

Sheikh Saad Bin Mohamed Al Saadi, who oversees the land in Sur’s Al Kahiraba area on which the new mall will be built, added, “Majid Al Futtaim’s continued investment in the development of the Sultanate’s economy will have immediate benefits in terms of infrastructure creation and employment opportunities, as well as on the long term value that a premium shopping destination such as My City Centre Sur will bring.”

The new mall is ideally located on Sur’s main commercial road, and is set to be a key destination for both residents and the growing number of tourists visiting this coastal city famed for its dhow shipyards, beaches and wadis.

In addition to My City Centre Sur, Majid Al Futtaim owns City Centre Muscat, the Sultanate’s first regional mall, currently undergoing expansion, as well as the recently upgraded City Centre Qurum. Furthermore, Majid Al Futtaim previously announced that it will develop Mall of Oman into the Sultanate’s biggest shopping mall at an investment of OMR180 million.

Aside from shopping malls, Majid Al Futtaim also owns, through a unique public-private venture with the Government of Oman, The Wave, Muscat, a US$ 2.5 billion-dollar, mixed-use award-winning community housing complex.

E-CONTENT DEVELOPMENT

Websites on wilayats win ITA honours Times News Service MUSCAT: Winners of the Wilayati Competition for e-content Development were announced by the Information Technology Authority (ITA) yesterday under the auspices of Khalid bin Hilal Al Busaidi, undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior in the presence of Dr Salim Sultan Alruzaiqi, CEO of ITA. The first prize worth OMR4,000 was won by developer Hamd Bin Saif Bin Suliman Al Busaidi for making a website and mobile application for Wilayat Al Rustaq in South Al Batinah governorate.

There were two second prize winners. Musa Bin Hamood Alzaidi and Salim Bin Hamood Al Zaidi won OMR3,500 for developing the website of the Ibri wilayat in Al Dhaherah governorate while Al Mutasim Bin Hamood Bin Hamad Al Ghilani won a similar amount for designing a website and mobile application for Sur wilayat in South Al Sharqiyah. An exhibition of the prize-winning projects was also organised alongside.

The competition, which was launched on October 19, 2014, was aimed at encouraging application and web developers to design Omani websites and mobile applications highlighting the characteristics of the wilayats and to enrich local Omani e-content.

Such websites and applications

E-PLATFORMS: Such websites and applications are meant to be open platforms to showcase services, events and activities of each wilayat as well as mapping of all government authorities. – Supplied photo

are meant to be open platforms to showcase the services, events and activities of each wilayat as well as mapping of all government authorities.

The competition witnessed intense interaction between 76

participants, which included 24 job seekers, 20 employees and 32 students. There were around 60 participating projects comprising 39 websites and 21 mobile applications, of which seven made it to the final stage.

Hassan Fida Al Lawati, director of ICT Industry Development, ITA, said, “Through this competition, ITA aims to encourage Omani youth to unleash their talents in websites, application development and programming. It also aims to increase the number of Omani websites and applications supporting the tourism industry in the Sultanate. We aspire to enrich localised Arabic e-content to promote Oman electronically in different areas culturally, economically and historically by promoting them nationally and internationally,” “We also seek to create Omani e-content which can help us in developing one common portal and application for all wilayats in the Sultanate that includes all information, news, events and services through the partnership between ITA and the government and private agencies as well as researchers, jobseekers and developers,” added Al Lawati.

The criteria includes that all websites and applications must be accessible and easy to use. They should include information about each wilayat, maps, weather, tourist and archaeological attractions, handicrafts and the main customs and traditions. It should also have information about the business opportunities and background about well-known figures, social media channels and multimedia.

the Fine Arts and Activities Club, headed by Prof Seema Arora and secretary Masooma Sheikh. Other clubs like community services, media club and photography club also contributed to make this event a success.

The walkathon successfully

created awareness about the illeffects of tobacco use and urged people to seek medical help to curb the addiction from spreading and destroying more lives.

This event was also supported

by Waleed Pharmacy & Stores LLC and Muscat Pharmacy & Stores.

NEW DELHI

Oman Air plane tyre bursts, no injuries Times News Service MUSCAT: Two tyres of Oman Air Boeing 737 flight WY A40BV 73L travelling from Muscat to New Delhi burst soon after the plane landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport.

“The incident occurred when the aircraft was taxiing to the airport terminal,” said a statement from Oman Air on Thursday.

No injuries reported As many as 143 passengers and six crew members were on board but no injuries were reported.

All passengers disembarked smoothly and were transferred by bus to the airport terminal.

“The return flight from New Delhi to Muscat will be delayed by seven hours as a consequence. Oman Air regrets the inconvenience this may cause to

passengers. Spare parts and a replacement crew are travelling to Delhi to bring the aircraft back as soon as possible,” the statement added.

Oman Air thanked the crew aboard the affected aircraft for “the professionalism, quick thinking and concern for passenger well-being that they displayed throughout.”

“Oman Air’s over-riding priority is to safeguard the well-being of all its customers and staff, and the airline is proud of its unblemished safety record. Oman Air provides extensive training to its crew on how to effectively manage problems and ensure passenger safety. It also works closely with all the airport authorities throughout its network. Thursday’s events illustrate the effectiveness of that training and cooperation,” added the statement.

PA S S E N G E R T R A F F I C

< FROM

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Air India fares

The low-cost arm of national carrier Air India, Air India Express currently flies 19 times a week from Muscat to destinations like Calicut, Cochin, Trivandrum and Mangalore.

From Salalah, it flies twice a week to Calicut and once a week to Trivandrum and Cochin (which is a combined fight). From this summer, they will be increasing one more flight from Salalah. “We are sure that the air tickets prices will go up if Air India stops their operations in abroad,” Mahamudur Rahman, a travel consultant at New Star International Travel and Tour LLC, said.

Expats said that the news is shocking if it comes true. “This news comes when we heard that Air India Express may add Lucknow and Amritsar to its growing network from Muscat,” Sujata Saha, an Indian expat said.

With a load factor of about 90 per cent, the Air India Express is witnessing a strong growth in passenger traffic, averaging around 2.6 million passengers a year, he added. “It will be nightmare for us. With school holidays coming up from the second week of June, we were already experiencing a huge hike in ticket prices. If Air India stops flying before that, one can only imagine what will happen to ticket prices,” said Sudha K, an Indian housewife living in Rex Road.

Whether it is a direct or a connecting flight from Muscat to south India, the air fares offered by several airlines on their websites show that a passenger will have to shell out anything around OMR300 for a return ticket for summer holidays.

Senior Air India officials delined to comment.

BRIEFS

Al Nimr expo kicks off MUSCAT: Al Nimr Shopping Exhibition 2015 kicked off at Oman International Exhibition Centre with the participation of 400 local and international companies. The one-week exhibition is organised by Al Nimr Expo. Salim Al Hashmi, CEO of Al Nimr Expo affirmed that shoppers will find a variety of high-quality options from various countries. – ONA

Sohar Hospital hosts meet MUSCAT: International Neonatology Conference was jointly organised by Sohar Hospital and Oman Medical College last week. Dr Saleh Al Khusaiby, Dean Oman Medical College was the chief guest and he felicitated the distinguished speakers from abroad heme of the conference was to discuss the common On Call problems in neonatology, recent updates and current best practices in field of neonatology. – ONA

Focus on quality control MUSCAT: The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Service organised a seminar on the quality management system under the auspices of Sheikh Khalid bin Omar Al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Service in the presence of Dr Fouad bin Jaafar Al Sajwani, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. – ONA

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S ATUR DAY, M A RCH 14, 2 015

REGION

US Secretary of State John Kerry met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II at an investment conference in Egypt’s Red Sea resort town of Sharm El Sheikh, and discussed creating an environment to ‘push forward the Middle East peace process’ to reach a comprehensive and just peace in the region.

Gulf countries pledge $12b to Egypt in financial aid global conference will project an image of stability and improve investor confidence hit by the political upheaval

Foreign investment Cairo wants to double foreign investment in this fiscal year to $8 billion, despite an insurgency in northern Sinai and frequent militant attacks across the country.

“I’m expecting here to see $15-$20 billion in agreements

MERS virus claims 10 more lives in Saudi Arabia RIYADH: Ten more people have died in Saudi Arabia from the MERS virus since last week, health ministry data showed on Friday, adding to a surge in cases over the past month.

The latest deaths occurred between March 6 and 12, mostly in the capital Riyadh, bringing to 17 the number of MERS deaths so far this month, according to the ministry.

Egypt hopes the

SHARM EL SHEIKH: Gulf countries pledged a further $12 billion of investments and central bank deposits for Egypt at an international summit on Friday, a big boost to President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi as he tries to reform the economy after years of political upheaval.

Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) each offered $4 billion to Egypt, which is grappling with hardline insurgents as it tries to improve the investment climate four years after a popular protests that touched off protracted turmoil.

The UAE said it would deposit $2 billion of its pledge in the Egyptian central bank, while Saudi Arabia said $1 billion of its pledge would go to the bank.

Egypt hopes the conference will project an image of stability and improve investor confidence hit by the political upheaval touched off by the fall of veteran ruler Hosni Mubarak.

S U R G E I N D E AT H S

VISION FOR FUTURE: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, centre, poses for a picture with the participants of the Egypt Economic Development conference at the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh on Friday. – AFP/HO/Egyptian Presidency

signed,” Investment Minister Ashraf Salman said earlier, adding that the deals would cover power plants, real estate and agricultural projects.

General Electric said it would invest $200 million in a manufacturing and training facility which it sees as part of an economic hub being built near the Suez Canal.

It also said it had delivered 34 gas turbines to Egypt as part of a $1.9 billion power project.

Egypt also expected to sign several memoranda of understanding at the conference, including one for the construction of a new administrative capital with a pricetag of about $40 billion, Salman said. He gave no details.

The conference shaped up as an important test of Egypt’s reform agenda under Sisi, a former army chief who wants to remove investment barriers to help turn around the ailing economy of the country.

Sisi’s crackdown on hardlin-

ers and opponents has drawn fire from human rights groups. But has won praise from foreign investors by cutting fuel subsidies that imposed a heavy burden on the state and by implementing other reforms.

Vision for economy He told the conference that his vision for Egypt’s economy centred on improving state finances and encouraging private sector investment through legislative reforms and respecting contracts in order to achieve growth rates of 6 per cent over five years and reduce unemployment to 10 per cent.

The head of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a global development institution, said he was encouraged by Egypt’s reforms but called for further action to improve the investment climate.

“We are happy to see that progress but there is a lot more work

that needs to be done. The sign is positive, we need to see more,” Jin-Yong Cai told Reuters at the conference. He said Egypt’s regulations, and their implementation, needed to be improved as well.

On Thursday, Sisi ratified an amended investment law designed to create a one-stop shop for investors.

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE have kept Egypt’s economy afloat since then with $23 billion in oil shipments, cash grants and central bank deposits.

The government targets a budget deficit of 10 per cent of gross domestic product by 2018/19, down from 15 per cent last year. Unemployment, currently around 13 per cent, is also a major challenge.

GDP is expected to grow by four percent in the fiscal year ending in June, up from 2.2 per cent last year, officials say.

Earlier in the day, US Secretary of State John Kerry urged busi-

ness executives to invest in Egypt, praising the government of Sisi for “bold” economic reforms aimed at restoring investor confidence.

Addressing the US Chamber of Commerce in Egypt on the sidelines of the conference, Kerry said more private investment could help Egypt’s economy achieve annual growth rates in double digits.

He pledged US support for further reforms, which he said would make doing business in Egypt easier and protect foreign investments.

“The United States is eager, ready and willing to be a catalyst in Egypt’s economic development and we respect the efforts you’re already making and we want to help,” Kerry said.

A senior State Department official said Egypt had taken “meaningful” reforms over the past year, including tackling wasteful fuel subsidies and refining the tax code. — Reuters

Worst-hit Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) killed 30 people last month in the kingdom, which has been worsthit by the virus.

Its symptoms can include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.

Last week the health ministry started the latest phase of a public education campaign aimed at preventing the virus from spreading.

The World Health Organization has cited the preliminary results of studies indicating that people working with camels are at increased risk of infection, with young camels particularly susceptible.

Warning Abdulaziz bin Saeed, who heads the centre coordinating the health ministry’s response to MERS, warned in early February that virus cases typically surge early in the year when there are more juvenile camels circulating.

More than 20 countries have been affected by the virus, with the most cases in Saudi Arabia.

A total of 950 people have been infected with MERS since it was first identified in the kingdom in 2012, and 412 of them have died.

MERS is considered a deadlier but less infectious cousin of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus that appeared in Asia in 2003 and killed hundreds of people, mostly in China. — AFP

TRUCE PROCESS

Kerry holds Middle East peace talks with Abbas, Sisi, Abdullah SHARM EL SHEIKH: US Secretary of State John Kerry held talks on Friday with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the leaders of Egypt and Jordan on the stalled Middle East peace process, officials said.

Kerry was attending an investment conference in Egypt’s Red Sea resort town of Sharm El Sheikh along with hundreds of prominent figures to jumpstart its

economy. Ahead of the conference Kerry met Abbas, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II to discuss the peace process, a State Department official and Sisi’s office said.

The four leaders discussed creating an environment to “push forward the peace process to reach a comprehensive and just peace in the region,” Sisi’s office said in a statement.

During the meeting Sisi “emphasised that achieving peace and stability in the region will bring stability to all the countries in the region”, the statement said.

Efforts collapsed Kerry led a bid last year to try to reach an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal, but his efforts collapsed amid bitter recriminations by both sides.

Last month the United States voiced fears that the Palestinian Authority may be teetering on the brink of collapse because of a lack of funding, as Israel withholds taxes and donor aid stalls.

“We continue to be concerned about the PA,” a State Department official told reporters travelling with Kerry on his plane before the four leaders met.

“It’s really part of the continu-

ous, ongoing conversation we’re having with the critical stakeholders here,” the official said, asking not to be named.

Iran nuclear talks After the conference, Kerry will fly to Lausanne in Switzerland on Sunday for fresh negotiations with Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif.

Talks with global powers for a

deal reining in Iran’s uranium enrichment programme in return for sanctions relief are reaching a critical stage as a March 31 deadline for a political framework accord looms.

With uncertainty still surrounding the deal, the State Department has not said how long Kerry will stay in Lausanne nor when he is expected to return to Washington. — AFP

WA R A G A I N S T T E R O R R I S M

Iraqi forces pound IS militants in Tikrit BAGHDAD: Iraqi forces on Friday battled IS militants making what looked increasingly like a last stand in Tikrit, but the group responded by vowing to expand its ‘caliphate’.

Thousands of fighters surrounded a few hundred IS holdouts, pounding their positions with helicopter and artillery strikes but treading carefully to avoid the thousands of bombs littering the city centre.

Two days after units spearheading Baghdad’s biggest anti-IS operation yet pushed deep into Tikrit, a police colonel claimed around 50 per cent of the city was now back in government hands.

“We are surrounding the gunmen in the city centre. We’re advancing slowly due to the great number of IEDs (improvised explosive devices),” he said.

“We estimate there are 10,000 IEDs in the city,” he said.

Outnumbered Massively outnumbered, the militants are defending themselves with a network of booby traps, roadside bombs and snipers, with suicide attackers occasionally ramming car bombs into enemy targets. “Six soldiers were killed and 11 wounded in a suicide car bomb this morning in Al Dyum neighbourhood,” the colonel said.

An army major confirmed the death toll.

Tikrit was the hometown of former leader Saddam Hussein, remnants of whose Baath party collaborated with the militants when

JUBILANT MOOD: A group of Iraqi fighters made up of government forces, Popular Mobilisation units

and Peshmerga combatants flash the sign for victory during fighting to re-take control of the city of Basheer, some 20 kilometres south of the of Kirkuk, from IS group militants on Friday. – AFP

they took over almost a third of the country last June.

With crucial military backing from neighbouring Iran and a 60-nation US-led coalition, Baghdad has rolled back some of the losses. It started by securing cities of Karbala and Najaf and bolstering Baghdad’s defences, then worked its way north, retaking Diyala province earlier this year.

Commanders see the recapture of Tikrit as a stepping stone for the reconquest of second city Mosul further north, which once had a population of two million.

IS has countered every military loss lately by ramping up its prop-

aganda war with ever more shocking acts, such as a boy apparently executing a prisoner on camera, and destroying prices archaeological heritage sites.

On Thursday, the group released a recording said to be a speech by spokesman Abu Mohammed Al Adnani accepting a pledge of allegiance by Nigeria’s Boko Haram militant group.

“We announce to you the good news of the expansion of the caliphate to West Africa,” he said.

Expansion is a pillar of IS doctrine, and the group has recently declared new “provinces” in the Middle East and North Africa, al-

beit sometimes in places where it has a limited footprint.

Adnani shrugged off recent losses in Iraq and Syria, vowing to enter Rome, blow up the White House, Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower.

Some analysts have argued that months of battlefield setbacks and air strikes were taking a toll on the group and that some of its latest moves concealed growing desperation.

Adnani lashed out at Iran, which he accused of building its own regional empire by meddling in Iraqi and other regional conflicts. — AFP

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INDIA NOT GOOD FOR DEMOCRACY

PROTEST AGAINST RAPE DOCUMENTARY BAN Students participate in a silent march urging the Indian government to lift the ban on the documentary film ‘India’s Daughter’, in Bangalore on Friday. The students appealed to the government that banning the documentary by film maker Leslee Udwin was not justified as it throws light on the mindset of a sector of people which blame women for everything including rape. - AFP

Congress condemned for not allowing discussion on budget NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday condemned Congress for disregarding democratic rules and traditions by not allowing a discussion on union budget in Lok Sabha in Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s absence despite Speaker Sumitra Mahajan’s ruling and said such actions were not good for democracy.

Citing previous rules and precedents in Parliament when other ministers were present during a debate on general budget the party accused Congress of being “confused”, having lost sight and running away from a debate.

“What Congress has done today is absolutely wrong. We as a party condemn it,” Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said.

Creating hurdles Another Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy lamented that this is the first time in the history of Parliament that an important discussion had to be postponed and accused Congress of violating democratic values and disregarding the Speaker’s decision.

“Congress is trying to create hurdles in the functioning of Parliament. This has never hap-

ANNUAL BUDGET

Police fire tear gas shells at protesters near Kerala house

pened in the history of Parliament. We are sad at the way the proceedings were disrupted in utter disregard to the Speaker’s ruling. It is unfortunate.

Regret “We regret that an important discussion had to be postponed and democratic values were violated,” Rudy said.

Javadekar said the Congress was devoid of issues and hoped better sense prevails upon it.

“Congress is not only confused, it has derailed and lost its sight.

They are running away from the debate, which they did even when they were in power,” he said, adding that it was indulging in opposing an issue only for the sake of doing so.

To support their contentions, the two ministers cited a ruling from the Speaker in Lok Sabha on March 31, 1958, where the speaker had given a ruling that any cabinet minister can reply to a discussion on the budget.

“A minister need not be present in the House, when a minister of state or a deputy minister attached to his ministry is present in the House to answer for him,” the earlier ruling states. - PTI

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NEW DELHI: Riot police in Kerala on Friday fired tear gas and water cannons as an opposition attempt to block the state government from presenting its annual budget turned violent.

Hundreds of opposition activists protested outside the state assembly in Thiruvananthapuram city, as lawmakers inside the chamber flung computer keyboards and threw the speaker’s chair over a railing — a rare note of discord in a state that is best known for its white sandy beaches and tranquil inland riverways.

Television images showed riot police wearing helmets and carrying batons and shields, pushing back protesters wearing the trademark red hats of the opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) coalition outside the parliament building.

The protests began when the opposition tried to prevent state finance minister K. M. Mani from presenting Kerala’s annual budget following calls for his dismissal over allegations of corruption.

Opposition activists wanted to stop Mani entering from the assembly building on Friday, but he reportedly locked himself in a room in the complex overnight, emerging in the morning to present the budget to loud heckles.

Four lawmakers were injured in the fracas, while one protester

died of a heart attack outside the building, reports said.

Mani is under formal investigation over claims he accepted bribes from bar owners to allow them to continue operating after a state ban on the sale of alcohol was announced last year and is now being implemented.

After the ban is fully implemented, only four and five star hotels and state-owned shops will be allowed to sell alcohol.

Kerala’s government is led by the centre-left Congress party, which was ousted from power in national elections last year amid public anger over corruption and slowing economic growth.

Meanwhile, the CPI-M on Friday denounced the “police brutality” against Left legislators inside the Kerala assembly and on its supporters outside when the state budget was being presented.

A statement from the Communist Party of India-Marxist said as many as 20 legislators were seriously injured in the police attack and some have been admitted to the intense care unit of hospitals.

“The CPI-M strongly condemns the (Oommen) Chandy government’s use of police to brutally attack LDF (Left Democratic Front) MLAs inside the assembly and against the public outside the assembly premises.”- PTI

CHAOS: Kerala Finance Minister K M Mani presenting the state budget amid a protest in the Assembly, in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday. - PTI

PHOTO GALLERY

Prime Minister

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

Narendra Modi said life of equality, justice, peace and dignity in a united Sri Lanka,” Modi said in Colombo shortly after holding talks with Sirisena.

He called for the “early and full implementation” of a 1987 constitutional provision that envisaged political autonomy for the Tamils, who are concentrated in the island’s north.

he and new President Maithripala Sirisena had agreed to set up a task force to focus on an ‘ocean economy’ that could have strategic interests for both countries

COLOMBO: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for greater security cooperation with Sri Lanka on Friday during a landmark visit to the strategically located Indian Ocean island, whose drift towards China has raised concerns in New Delhi.

Modi told Sri Lanka’s parliament a “strong foundation of security” in the Indian Ocean was necessary for regional prosperity, as he began the first official visit to the island by an Indian premier in 28 years, Sri Lanka is a midway point on one of the world’s busiest international shipping lanes and lies just across the water from India, but Beijing has asserted growing strategic influence in recent years as it seeks to secure its trading routes.

Modi has made clear his ambition to reassert India’s dominance in its own backyard since taking office last year.

Ocean economy “A future of prosperity requires a strong foundation of security for our countries and peace and stability in the region,” Modi told the 225-member assembly.

SEALING THE DEAL: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena clap as Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera exchange files during an agreement signing ceremony, in Colombo on Friday. - PTI

“We should expand the maritime security cooperation between India, Sri Lanka and Maldives to include others in the Indian Ocean area.”

Modi said he and new President Maithripala Sirisena had agreed to set up a task force to focus on an “ocean economy” that could have strategic interests for both.

India has traditionally regarded Sri Lanka as within its sphere of influence, and was furious last year when Rajapakse allowed two Chinese submarines to dock in Colombo. Beijing also bankrolled a major expansion of the island’s infrastructure under its former president Mahinda Rajapakse.

But his successor has worked to reduce the country’s dependence on Beijing and last month ordered a suspension of China’s biggest investment project, a $1.4 billion new city on reclaimed land next to Colombo’s main sea port.

Modi pledged Indian financial aid amounting to $1.81 billion during his visit, part of a tour of Indian Ocean islands that took in Mauritius and the Seychelles.

The figure includes a $1.5 billion currency swap to help stabilise Sri Lanka’s currency.

He said India would help develop a regional petroleum hub in the north-eastern port city of Trincomalee, a strategic staging post for allied forces during WWII. Autonomy for Tamils Modi will become the first Indian prime minister to visit the northern Tamil stronghold of Jaffna during his two-day visit.

On Friday he urged the new government to give greater autonomy to the region, which was hit hard by the country’s 37-year civil war and remained heavily militarised after the conflict ended in 2009.

Tamils should be able to live “a

Promised reconciliation Sirisena has promised to work on reconciliation between the Tamils and the Sinhalese majority after ousting Rajapakse, who oversaw the brutal military suppression of a separatist rebellion in 2009.

Rajapakse won praise for ending the 37-year civil war that had ravaged the island and killed at least 100,000 people, mostly Tamils, but has also faced accusations of overseeing widespread rights abuses.

Sri Lanka’s Tamils share close cultural and religious ties with those across the Palk Strait in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Modi is the first Indian prime minister to visit the island since Rajiv Gandhi in 1987, and Sirisena said after their meeting he wanted to “turn a new page in our relations”.

Rajiv had gone to Colombo to sign a pact that sought to end a rebel war by Tamil separatists who had effectively enjoyed a safe haven in India since the mid 1980s.

The main rebel group, the Tamil Tigers, repudiated the peace accord that set up the Tamil devolution plan and India ended up fighting the militants they had once trained and armed.

Around 1,140 Indian soldiers lost their lives during the 32-month deployment in Sri Lanka and Gandhi himself was assassinated in 1991 by a female Tiger suicide bomber while campaigning in Tamil Nadu. - AFP

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S ATUR DAY, M A RCH 14, 2 015 The spate of attacks on the party in the last two days can only evoke deep anguish. Have received messages from thousands of volunteers. Everyone is hurt and pained Yogendra Yadav, AAP leader

INDIA

H1N1 INFLUENZA

MASS NESTING Villagers walk amid Olive Ridley turtles at Rushikullya beach in the eastern Indian state of Odisha on Friday. Hundreds of Olive Ridleys, a species of sea turtles, arrive annually on India’s east coast for mass nesting. - Reuters

India, US researchers clash over findings on flu strain mutation NEW DELHI: India has disputed US scientists’ findings that the deadly flu virus has acquired more virulent mutations in the South Asian country and rejected their concerns over how authorities are monitoring an outbreak of the disease.

H1N1 influenza, also known as swine flu, has killed more than 1,500 people in India this year, compared with 218 in 2014.

India says the strain is the same as the one that killed an estimated 284,000 people in the global pandemic of 2009-10.

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) said in an article on Wednesday that the genetic information of two Indian strains, deposited in public databases in the past two years, revealed new mutations that could make the virus more deadly.

But India’s National Institute of Virology said in a statement late on Thursday that the findings were “incorrect”.

“We found that the strain analysed in the said publication and the sequence data of the original H1N1 virus... did not show any of these mutations,” the institute said. The government agency also

JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Panun Kashmir asks BJP to walk out of coalition government NEW DELHI: Panun Kashmir an organisation representing displaced Kashmiri Pandits, on Friday demanded that Bharatiya Janata Party should walk out of the coalition government with People’s Democratic Party in view of the current developments in Jammu and Kashmir.

It also said that events unfolding in the state under this government would hit the credibility of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “All of us are unable to understand as to why, after being betrayed by PDP all through the entire process of government formation, BJP cannot muster courage to come out of such an inequitable and humiliating arrangement,” said Dr Ajay Charngoo, Chairman of Panun Kashmir said.

The sequence of events unleashed by the PDP, right from the beginning of the government formation, and immediately thereafter, has left nobody in doubt about the objectives that the PDP wishes to pursue, he said.

“As its primary objective, the

PDP has used the process of government formation and also its aftermath, to undermine the credibility of prime minister as an inspiring symbol of pan-India leadership.

The vice chairman of Panun Kashmir, Dr Shakti Bhan noted that another perfidy which has been unleashed on the nation during the making of the government in J&K is that for the “first time soft separatism has been accorded credibility as a legitimate plant for the government formation in the state.”

“The PDP’s proclaimed committment to self rule and the AFA are complimentary to each other,” she said.

The gratitude expressed towards Pakistan by Mufti Mohammad Sayed, immediately after taking oath, looked as if the Prime Minister was being told that the PDP had an earlier understanding with the separatists and Pakistan to allow the PDP to use the democratic space in J&K to assume power, pointed out the members. - PTI

VOICING CONCERN: Members of Panun Kashmir, addressing a press conference, in New Delhi on Friday. - PTI

said the strain analysed by the US scientists had no relevance to the current outbreak.

Aggressive surveillance The MIT researchers called for greater surveillance to determine whether the mutations were currently present in India.

“There is a real need for aggressive surveillance to ensure that the anxiety and hysteria are brought down,” said Ram Sasisekharan, one of the research paper’s authors.

“When you do real-time surveillance, get organised... then you can come up with a better strategy to respond to the virus.”

In recent weeks, India has placed orders to increase the stock of diagnostic kits and procured additional doses of anti-viral drug. Officials are investigating the cause of the steep rise in deaths.Some other experts have also contested its findings.

“There should be increased surveillance for influenza in India but at the same time we should not draw conclusions based on the sequence analysis of two strains,” said Manish Kakkar of the Public Health Foundation of India. - Reuters

Yadav steps in to defend Kejriwal, urges unity Calling emergence of certain audio clips purportedly featuring Kejriwal’s voice, a ‘sting-fest’ AAP leader Yogendra Yadav said ‘innocuous conversations’ were being presented as stings to ‘discredit’ the party

NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party leader Yogendra Yadav may have been involved in a bitter fight with Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal but he appeared to defend the party chief on Friday against allegations of horse-trading.

Calling as “sting-fest” emergence of certain audio clips purportedly featuring Kejriwal’s voice, Yadav said “innocuous conversations” were being presented as stings to “discredit” AAP. “One incident is being used to

CONFIDENT: Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia addresses a press conference, in New Delhi on Friday. -PTI

discredit the entire movement.

Now innocuous conversations are also being presented as stings.

“Big accusations are flying sans any evidence. The media is happy to dish it all with a glee,” a post on his Facebook page said.

Mudslinging “Whatever our internal differences, no one from this movement can possibly enjoy let alone join this mudslinging. All of us must join hands to preserve the organisational unity and ethical integrity of this movement,” it added.

This assumes significant as Yadav and Prashant Bhushan, who were ousted from AAP’s Political Affairs Committee (PAC), have been at odds with the party leadership over various issues including efforts to form a government with the help of Congress last year.

Former party Member of Legislative Assembly Rajesh Garg on Wednesday had accused Kejriwal of trying to poach six Congress MLAs to form government last year following which the party’s prominent Mumbai face Anjali Damania quit the party.

On Friday former Congress legislator Asif Mohammed Khan alleged that a senior AAP leader had offered him a ministerial berth in return for support.

“The manthan in the last few days has produced good deal of visha; it’s time now for amrita. Or so I hope,” he said.

Yadav, who had also issued a joint letter with Bhushan rejecting the allegations of anti-party activities against them, wondered whether “powerful forces” were behind the tumult in the party. “... Is this situation playing into the hands of those powerful forces who would rather that the idea of AAP is nipped in the bud?,” he asked adding the need to “resist” such designs. “The spate of attacks on the party in the last two days can only evoke deep anguish. Have received messages from thousands of volunteers. Everyone is hurt and pained,” he said.

Meanwhile, as it completes one month in office, Aam Aadmi Partyled Delhi government on Friday came out with a list of its “achievements” which included slashing power tariff by 50 per cent, free water upto 20 litres per month and simplification of Value-added tax (VAT) payment among others.

On the eve of completing one month of AAP government, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said that they had a good experience and government is working with full confidence. - PTI

SURVEY

Indians’ leadership approval doubles; faces high expectations: Gallup WASHINGTON: Indians’ approval of their country’s leadership more than doubled after Prime Minister Narendra Modi led BJP to a historic victory in Lok Sabha polls, but it also faces high expectations, according to a Gallup poll.

Results of face-to-face inter-

views with 3,000 adults conducted in September-October 2014 in India by the leading US public opinion poll organisation showed the leadership approval jump from 30 per cent in 2013 to 63 per cent in 2014.

But after a wave of victories, the party’s first decisive defeat in the

Delhi Assembly elections in February suggests growing impatience among Indians whose high hopes for their new leadership and their economy have yet to translate into better lives, Gallup suggested.

With the Bombay Stock Market rising by about 20 per cent since Modi took office in May 2014 and

the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently raising India’s growth estimates for the current fiscal year from 5.8 percent to 7.2 percent, Indians’ outlook for their economy has also improved.

Nearly half of Indians (45 percent) saw their economy as “getting better,” up from 29 per cent in

2013. Likewise, those who felt the economy was getting worse halved from 34 per cent in 2013 to 17 percent in 2014, the Gallup poll found.

Despite these high economic hopes, the percentage of Indians rating their lives poorly enough to be considered “suffering” continued to rise, from 28 per cent in

2013 to 31 per cent in 2014, it said.

Gallup classifies respondents as “thriving,” “struggling,” or “suffering” according to how they rate their current and future lives on a ladder scale with steps numbered from 0-10 based on the Cantril Self-Anchoring Striving Scale. - IANS

SAT URDAY, MARCH 14, 2015 It is a victory of truth which has a very positive impact on the judicial system of Pakistan Maulana Abdul Aziz Alvi, Head of Pakistan Kashmir chapter of JuD

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PAKISTAN TECHNOLOGY

Indigenous armed drone, missile tested successfully

DISPLAY OF DARING SKILL A cadet displays his skills by through a ring of fire during a passing out parade, upon the completion of his basic training with others at the Police Training College, on the outskirts of Karachi, on Friday. Some 510 cadets successfully completed their basic training at the Police Training College in Karachi, according to the college. - Reuters

EXECUTION

Family pleads for mercy for death row convict MUZAFFARABAD: The family of a man condemned to death as a teenager made an emotional appeal for mercy on Friday, saying a court order for his execution next week had “shattered their hopes”.

An anti-terrorism court in Karachi gave instructions on Thursday to hang Shafqat Hussain, convicted of killing a seven-year-old boy in 2004, on March 19.

Hussain’s case has triggered outrage from rights campaigners, who complain he did not get a fair trial and was only 15 at the time of the killing.

His mother Makhni Begum, who last saw Hussain in jail in 2005, insisted he was innocent in an emotional interview in Pakistan-administered-Kashmir, where the family are from.

“All my hopes are shattered today. I have no faith on the justice of this country,” she said, tears rolling down her cheeks.

“It was my last desire to see my son but now this hope is also dying. Now I am pleading with God for my son’s life.”

Protests Hussain had been due to face the noose on January 14 but the government halted the execution amid protests about his age, and ordered an investigation.

Jail officials said Thursday the interior ministry had rejected the age plea and a fresh death warrant had been issued. - AFP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan successfully tested a homemade armed drone and a laser-guided missile on Friday, the military said, taking it a step closer to acquiring the technology it has long demanded from the United States.

The United States has run a controversial drone programme against militant hideouts in northwestern tribal areas bordering Afghanistan since 2004.

Pakistan publicly opposes the missile strikes by US drones, terming them a violation of its territorial sovereignty and has long asked the US to give them

the technology required to run their own programme.

The tests of the drone, called “Burraq”, which translates as “flying horse”, and the missile “Barq”, or “lightning”, were watched by Army Chief General Raheel Sharif, military spokesman Major General Asim Bajwa said on Twitter on Friday.

The army chief commended the engineers and scientists involved in the development and for their untiring efforts to acquire state-of-the-art technology.

According to Bajwa, General Raheel termed it “a great national achievement”. - AFP

Court rules Mumbai attacks suspect’s detention illegal The latest ruling means Zaki-urRehman Lakhvi could be released as early as Saturday, though the government can still appeal to the Apex court and for now he remains in jail

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistan court on Friday cancelled a detention order against the alleged mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, potentially paving the way for his release.

It is the latest round in a tussle over Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, accused over the terror siege that left 166 dead, which has worsened already strained ties with India.

The latest ruling means Lakhvi could be released as early as Sat-

CLOSER TO RELEASE: Security personnel escort Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, centre, alleged mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, as he leaves the court after a hearing in Islamabad in this photograph taken on January 1, 2015. - AFP

urday, though the government can still appeal to the Supreme Court and for now he remains in jail.

Lakhvi was granted bail by an anti-terror court in December, infuriating New Delhi, but quickly slapped with a detention order under public order laws.

The Islamabad High Court sus-

Don’t litter a beautiful country like OMAN. Ensure proper disposal of garbage.

pended that order, only for the Supreme Court to reinstate it in January. On Friday the high court once again set aside the detention order, senior government lawyer Jehangir Jadoon said.

Failed to provide evidence A detailed order handed down by

the court said government lawyers had failed to provide evidence to justify Lakhvi’s detention.

Throughout the three-month back and forth over Lakhvi’s detention, he has never been let out of Adiyala Prison in Rawalpindi.

The Mumbai attacks were blamed on banned militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

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

Delhi accuses Islamabad of prevaricating over the trials, while Pakistan has claimed India failed to hand over crucial evidence.

The horror of the Mumbai carnage played out on live television around the world, as commandos battled the heavily armed gunmen, who arrived by sea on the evening of November 26, 2008.

It took the authorities three days to regain full control of the city and New Delhi has long said there is evidence that “official agencies” in Pakistan were involved in plotting the attack.

Maulana Abdul Aziz Alvi, the head of the Pakistan-administered-Kashmir chapter of JuD, welcomed the court’s decision.

“It is a victory of truth which has a very postive impact on the judi-

cial system of Pakistan,” Alvi said.

Lakhvi’s bail order came just days after a Taliban massacre at a school in northwest Pakistan, an outrage that prompted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to say Pakistan would not distinguish between “good Taliban and bad Taliban”.

Meanwhile, India on Friday summoned the Pakistan High Commissioner in Delhi to lodge a strong protest and said freeing him will pose a threat which “cannot be ignored”.

The officiating Indian Foreign Secretary Anil Wadhwa summoned Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit to South Block and conveyed India’s unhappiness in strong words.

“India today conveyed its outrage at the release of Lakhvi, one of the key accused in the Mumbai terror attacks. This goes against Pakistan’s professed commitment to combat terrorism, including its recently stated policy of not differentiating amongst terrorists,” spokesperson in the Indian External Affairs Ministry Syed Akbaruddin said.

He further added that “If such a person, who is also a designated international terrorist by the UN, is released it will pose a threat that cannot be ignored.” - Agencies

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Britain remains vital to the success of Nato

S

ince its success as a defensive bulwark against the Soviet Union during the Cold War, Nato has been carving out a new and more offensive role. The new strategy was evident first in Kosovo in 1999, then in Afghanistan, and most recently in the overthrow of the Gaddafi regime in Libya, a country now threatened by the advance of IS, the latest menace to regional stability on Nato’s southern and eastern frontiers. But Nato’s greatest priority has reverted to its original one: Russia. In an increasingly dangerous world, few places suddenly seem more dangerous than the alliance’s eastern backyard.

Vladimir Putin’s regime casts an ominous shadow not just over Ukraine, but over the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, all Nato members to whose aid the alliance is treaty-bound to come in the event of foreign attack. At which point two questions arise. Would Nato have the will and capacity to meet that obligation? And where are we in all this?

Britain may be a middling power in a world whose economic balance is shifting from Europe to Asia. But in Nato it is nonetheless pivotal. The alliance may be American-led and American-dominated, but Britain remains a vital anchor. Not only are we a fellow nuclear power.

We have been the staunchest and closest military ally of the US, in terms of intelligence sharing, battlefield operations and interoperable hardware. That role, however, now seems at risk. Already UK defence spending has slipped perilously close to the 2 per cent share of GDP to which Nato members are committed, and forecasts suggest it will fall to just 1.7 per cent by 2020.

And the country has an election on its mind, dominated by economic and constitutional issues and Britain’s relationship with Europe.

Defence spending is rarely a vote winner, less so than ever perhaps in an atmosphere still poisoned by memories of the Iraq war, which in turn led the Commons to vote in 2013 against British air strikes in Syria to overthrow Bashar Al Assad. Yet polls suggest that voters are increasingly concerned about the decline of their country’s clout on the global stage.

That concern, however, pales beside the alarm felt in Washington.

From President Obama down, US officials and military commanders have warned and pleaded with Britain not to cut our defences further.

Samantha Power, Obama’s ambassador to the United Nations, delivered a similar message in Brussels. The US fears that further backsliding by Britain and other Nato members (all but three of whom have already fallen below the 2 per cent benchmark) will reduce the alliance to an embarrassing fig leaf for American power, and prove that Europe now simply lacks the will to defend itself against a renewed challenge from Moscow.

Britain has been a country that for many years — thanks to its military prowess and willingness to use it (although not always advisedly) — has “punched above our weight in world affairs”, in the words of a former Foreign Secretary, Douglas Hurd. But, right now, it seems to have lost interest in punching at all — with consequences that could damage Nato and everything it stands for. - The Independent

COMMENTARY

No, it is not American hegemony but primacy JOSEPH S. NYE

Sending the right message

M

essages are important in a society torn apart by hatred and extremism as ours has been, and the Islamabad High Court on March 9 sent out a strong message by upholding the death penalty meted out to the assassin of former Punjab governor Salmaan Taseer by a Rawalpindi Anti-Terrorism Court in October 2011. The judges must be commended for their courage given the threat they face from the supporters of the killer, Mumtaz Qadri, who has assumed the status of a hero in some circles.

While hearing Qadri’s appeal against the death sentence and the grounds put forward that under ‘extreme’ circumstances, anyone can kill anyone, the Islamabad High Court rightly pointed out that in the presence of the blasphemy laws in the country, there is absolutely no reason whatsoever for a person to take the law into their own hands.

This was an important observation lost in the wave of obscurantist ideas that have swept over the country. The observation by the twojudge bench that by acting as investigator, jury and executioner, Qadri had gone beyond the boundaries of the country’s laws, is very important given the collapse of the rule of law we have been seeing.

By upholding the sentence given to Qadri under Section 302 of the Penal Code, the Islamabad High Court has stood on the side of order, and the side of tolerance. This is significant. While upholding the death sentence, the ruling set aside Qadri’s conviction on charges of terrorism, which means that the killer of the ex-governor is not likely to be hanged any time soon. He also has the option of an appeal before the Supreme Court. But the points spelt out by the Islamabad High Court provide an element of clarity which is valuable in times of confusion and can help us better tell right from wrong. - The Express Tribune

Banning beef by an Indian state is not democratic The way India is banning one thing after another it seems that one it will ban the democracy itself if the present party in power, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) remains in power.

And to ban democracy, the BJP will not have to remain in power for long. Ten more years, and we can rest assured, India will ban democracy. The recent banning of beef in Maharashtra is shocking. Why would, in a democracy, a federal state of the Indian union ban a particular type of food?

It tantamount to shameless interference in personal matters of people. Beef is not eaten by people of a particular community. It is a globally accepted meat eaten by many including ten and thousands from the community

the BJP claims to represent. The banning of beef is an extremely condemnable act on the part of the Maharashtra government.

Seema Ghosh Wadi Kabir

Rise of women will make our world a better place The trend is noticeable not just in Oman, but elsewhere in the world as well. Boys are increasingly getting outclassed by girls in education — both school and university.

Not only are the girls performing better than the boys, they are moving far ahead of their male counterparts in obtaining higher education and this gap is increasing. I feel it is a good sign because when women would come up and take positions of importance in society, business and politics the

America did maintain economic dominance after 1945: the devastation of WWII in so many countries meant that the US produced nearly half of global GDP. That position lasted until 1970, when the US share of global GDP fell to its pre-war level of one-quarter

N

o country in modern history has possessed as much global military power as the United States.

Yet some analysts now argue that the US is following in the footsteps of the United Kingdom, the last global hegemon to decline. This historical analogy, though increasingly popular, is misleading.

Britain was never as dominant as the US is today.

To be sure, it maintained a navy equal in size to the next two fleets combined, and its empire, on which the sun never set, ruled over a quarter of humankind.

But there were major differences in the relative power resources of imperial Britain and contemporary America. By the outbreak of World War I, Britain ranked only fourth among the great powers in terms of military personnel, fourth in terms of GDP, and third in military spending.

The British Empire was ruled in large part through reliance on local troops. Of the 8.6 million British forces in WWI, nearly a third came from the overseas empire. That made it increasingly difficult for the government in London to declare war on behalf of the empire when nationalist sentiments began to intensify.

By World War II, protecting the empire had become more of a burden than an asset. The fact that the UK was situated so close to powers like Germany and Russia made matters even more challenging.

For all the loose talk of an “American empire,” the fact is that the US does not have colonies that it must administer, and thus has more freedom to manoeuvre than the UK did. And, surrounded by unthreatening countries and two oceans, it finds it far easier to protect itself.

That brings us to another problem with the global hegemon analogy: the confusion over what “hegemony” actually means.

Some observers conflate the concept with imperialism; but the US is clear evidence that a hegemon does not have to have a formal empire. Others define hegemony as the ability to set the rules of the international system; but precisely how much influence over this process a hegemon must have, relative to other powers, remains unclear.

Still others consider hegemony to be synonymous with control of the most power resources. But, by this definition, nineteenth-century Britain — which at the height of its power in 1870 ranked third (behind the US and Russia) in GDP and third (behind Russia and France) in military expenditures — could not be considered hegemonic, despite its naval dominance.

Similarly, those who speak of American hegemony after 1945 fail to note that the Soviet Union balanced US military power for more than four decades.

Though the US had disproportionate economic

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To avoid criticism do nothing, say nothing, be nothing ELBERT HUBBARD

clout, its room for political and military manoeuvre was constrained by Soviet power.

Some analysts describe the post-1945 period as a US-led hierarchical order with liberal characteristics, in which the US provided public goods while operating within a loose system of multilateral rules and institutions that gave weaker states a say. They point out that it may be rational for many countries to preserve this institutional framework, even if American power resources decline. In this sense, the US-led international order could outlive America’s primacy in power resources, though many others argue that the emergence of new powers portends this order’s demise.

But, when it comes to the era of supposed US hegemony, there has always been a lot of fiction mixed in with the facts. It was less a global order than a group of like-minded countries, largely in the Americas and Western Europe, which comprised less than half of the world. And its effects on non-members — including significant powers like China, India, Indonesia, and the Soviet bloc — were not always benign.

Given this, the US position in the world could more accurately be called a “half-hegemony.”

Of course, America did maintain economic dominance after 1945: the devastation of WWII in so many countries meant that the US produced nearly half of global GDP. That position lasted until 1970, when the US share of global GDP fell to its pre-war level of one-quarter. But, from a political or military standpoint, the world was bipolar, with the Soviet Union balancing America’s power.

Indeed, during this period, the US often could not defend its interests: the Soviet Union acquired nuclear weapons; communist takeovers occurred in China, Cuba, and half of Vietnam; the Korean War ended in a stalemate; and revolts in Hungary and Czechoslovakia were repressed.

Against this background, “primacy” seems like a more accurate description of a country’s disproportionate (and measurable) share of all three kinds of power resources: military, economic, and soft. The question now is whether the era of US primacy is coming to an end.

Given the unpredictability of global developments, it is, of course, impossible to answer this question definitively. The rise of transnational forces and nonstate actors, not to mention emerging powers like China, suggests that there are big changes on the horizon. But there is still reason to believe that, at least in the first half of this century, the US will retain its primacy in power resources and continue to play the central role in the global balance of power.

In short, while the era of US primacy is not over, it is set to change in important ways. Whether or not these changes will bolster global security and prosperity remains to be seen. - Project Syndicate

world will move closer to being a better place to live in.

Vijay Ramesh Ruwi

Determination and will are the keys to success I have often been intrigued in my effort to find out the secret of success. Why are the successful men and women successful? Were they destined to succeed? Was it sheer luck that they have been successful? Or, was there any other factor which played a vital role in designing their success? Luck may have played a critical role but the most important role which made the successful people successful was their determination and the will to succeed.

Nadeem Al Ghubra

Obama in not interested in ending the Syria conflict American crimes in Syria are already too obvious. It had been sponsoring extremist outfits affiliated to Al Qaeda to bring about regime change in Damascus.

Washington’s covert war, evil in essence, has fallen flat on the face as Bashar Al Assad prevailed.

Rather than seizing the opportunity to end the crisis, the West kept the cauldron burning with chilling Machiavellian cynicism pouring in a “vast amount of military, financial, and diplomatic largesse” through their regional clients. America wants Assad out and probably killed. And in wanting so Obama, like his predecessor, isn’t interested in rescuing Syrians of the bloodbath Raju Raman Qurum

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

SAT URDAY, MARCH 14, 2015

WORLD

Soldiers and sailors in the Bangladesh’s port town of Mongla helped emergency services search through rubble of the cement factory warehouse and pull out nearly 50 survivors as well as two more bodies overnight

Aquino approved ‘bungled mission’ against rebels The results of the police inquiry came out days after Aquino said he was given wrong information about the secret mission, blaming the head of the Special Action Force Getulio Napeñas for the botched mission

MANILA: Philippine President Benigno Aquino approved a bungled secret mission against rebels that led to the deaths of 44 police commandos, an official report released on Friday said, piling more pressure on the beleaguered leader.

The Philippine National Police Board of Inquiry (BOI) report also found Aquino had authorised suspended police general Alan Purisima, a personal friend, to take part in the mission even as he was being investigated for corruption.

Ambushed In January, police commandos sneaked into a rebel area in the south to capture Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, an Al Qaeda-linked bomb-maker with a $5 million US bounty on his head.

The commandos were ambushed by rebels and 44 were

killed. The results of the police inquiry came out days after Aquino said he was given wrong information about the secret mission, blaming the head of the Special Action Force (SAF) Getulio Napeñas for the botched mission.

The police report said Aquino, Purisima and Napenas had “kept the information to themselves and deliberately failed to inform” the chief of the Philippine National Police about the mission.

The police report was based on sworn statements from about 300 witnesses, police and military officials. Aquino, Purisima and the armed forces chief of staff were not interviewed for the report.

Earlier this week Aquino said Napenas deviated from a plan presented to him two weeks before the operation. He said he was “fooled” by the people who knew most what was happening.

Purisma’s lawyer, Kristoffer James Purisima, said his client would respond to all allegations “at the proper time and before the proper forum”.

Interior minister Manuel Roxas said police were still considering what charges to press in the case.

Senator Sergio Osmena III, Aquino’s campaign manager for the 2010 election and now an independent legislator, said the three men cited in the report had kept Roxas and acting national police chief Leonardo Espina “in the dark ... and that’s not the way to do things”.

Prospero de Vera, professor of public administration at the University of the Philippines, said Aquino could face impeachment charges and there would likely be more calls for his resignation.

Some lawmakers, Catholic bishops, civil society groups and activists have already called on him to step down. — Reuters

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C O L L A P S E D FA C T O RY

Bangladesh rescuers search rubble of warehouse DHAKA: Rescuers in Bangladesh searched through the wreckage of a factory warehouse on Friday, a day after it collapsed killing at least seven people, but far fewer people were trapped than an initial estimate of 100.

Soldiers and sailors in the port town of Mongla helped emergency services search through rubble of the cement factory warehouse and pull out nearly 50 survivors as well as two more bodies overnight.

Senior district official Mohammad Shah Alam Sardar later said the search had finished.

“The rescue operation has been called off as no more bodies were found,” Sardar said by telephone from the scene.

Thirty people were injured, some critically, officials said.

The warehouse at the Mongla Cement Factory facility was under construction in the town, 335 km (210 miles) southwest of the capital, Dhaka, when the accident happened. The Mongla Cement Factory is a subsidiary of the Bangladesh army.

REVEALED: Police Director Benjamin Magalong holds a compiled report of the January 25 incident, in which 44 police commandoes were killed during a mission against extremists, at the Philippines National Police headquarters, in Manila on Thursday. –AFP

Cause under investigation The cause was still being investigated but one survivor told media the building’s roof had come down first, adding that there might have been problems in setting up scaffolding.

Bangladesh has a poor record for building safety.

A complex of shops and small factories collapsed in 2013 killing more than 1,130 people, most of them garment workers. The collapse of Rana Plaza, built on swampy ground outside the capital, Dhaka, ranked among the world’s worst industrial accidents and prompted a global outcry for improved safety in the world’s second-largest exporter of ready-made garments. — Reuters

LY I N G O N A P H I L I P P I N E S E A B E D

World gets to see wreck of long-lost Japan battleship MANILA: The shattered wreck of a Japanese World War II battleship was shown lying on a Philippine seabed in startling detail on Friday, as the first images emerged from the historic discovery by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.

American billionaire and explorer Allen announced the find of the Musashi — one of the most sophisticated battleships ever built — in the Sibuyan Sea in the central Philippines eight days ago, after a high-tech mission lasting eight years.

DISCOVERED: This frame grab taken on handout video streamed live on Friday shows images of propellers presumed to be from the World War II battleship Musashi on the sea bed in the Sibuyan Sea. – Photo - AFP/Paul G. Allen

Latest of many searches It was the latest of many searches for the ship, with its discovery coming some 70 years after it was sunk by US forces in World War II. Giant gun turrets and propellers, a torpedo-damaged hull and a plane wing resting on silt were among the images beamed live by

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large debris field, is also the presumed graveyard of some of the more than 1,000 crew members killed in the battle.

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

an unmanned mini-submarine from about a kilometre (0.6 miles) below the water’s surface.

“We think we’re conveying something to the world which is significant. It also teaches us about the past and what happened,” said Yannick Olson, captain of Allen’s yacht, from where the mini-sub was being directed.

Excited historians have likened the discovery to finding the wreck of the Titanic, the famed British passenger liner that sank in the North Atlantic Ocean after colliding with an iceberg in 1912.

The wreck of the Musashi, partially buried and scattered over a

No human remains However, the video streamed on Allen’s website showed no human remains.

“It’s quite clear it didn’t land on the bottom in one piece,” Olson said. “The destruction was total.”

Barnacles and light-coloured coral clung to the broken hull, propellers and anchor of the 263-metre (863-foot) ship, as well as on corroded sections of range-finders for the ship’s guns, their armour plating ripped off.

An eel was seen crawling out of the remains of the warship’s aeroplane catapult, with instructions in Japanese script written on it, while two pink fish patrolled outside the hull.

The worn remains of the chrysanthemum seal of the Japanese emperor remained on the ship’s bow. Scott Matthews, a commentator for the live-stream, said the Allen expedition took two weeks to explore the debris field, which measured about 0.44 square kilometres (0.17 square miles).

The Philippine government said last weekend that it would take control of the wreck and coordinate with Allen over its exploration. It said the wreck will most likely not be salvaged, the same as other Japanese World War II shipwrecks still lying in its waters, but will be preserved as a cultural heritage site.

Seattle-born Allen, 62, who founded Microsoft with Bill Gates in 1975, is the world’s 51st richest person with a net worth of $17.5 billion, according to Forbes Magazine. — AFP

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Sweden offers to question Julian Assange in London One of Assange’s lawyers welcomed

He will accept to be questioned in London.

Assange was “happy” about the development.

We are cooperating with the investigation

the prosecutors’ proposal, saying the interview would be a first step in clearing his client

STOCKHOLM: Swedish prosecutors offered on Friday to question WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in London over rape allegations, in a U-turn that could provide a breakthrough in the deadlocked case.

One of Assange’s lawyers welcomed the prosecutors’ proposal, saying the interview would be a first step in clearing his client who took refuge in the Ecuadorean embassy in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden and has been there ever since. “He will accept” to be questioned in London, lawyer Per Samuelsson told AFP, adding that Assange was “happy” about the development. “We are cooperating with the investigation,” he said.

Britain’s Foreign Office pledged its help, saying: “As we have made clear previously, we stand ready to assist the Swedish prosecutor, as required.”

However, WikiLeaks said the BANGLADESH

Khaleda Zia vows to topple government DHAKA: Bangladesh’s opposition leader Khaleda Zia vowed on Friday to push on with her campaign to topple the government as she struck a defiant note in her first public appearance since being effectively confined to her office.

While Zia remains holed up at her headquarters in Dhaka, authorities allowed her to address the media for the first time since she called for anti-government protests and a transport blockade at the turn of the year, sparking a wave of violence that has killed more than 110 people.

‘Freedom at stake’ Zia, a two-time former premier, used the press conference to lash out at the current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina whom she accused of turning the country into a oneparty state by refusing her calls for new polls. “They have effectively created a one-party system in the country,” said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader who refused to take part in elections in 2014 over fears they would be rigged. “If we don’t fight against it, our freedom will be at stake... Our protests will continue until they reach logical conclusion.

“This crisis will end only after an inclusive election is organised quickly under a neutral and nonparty government,” she added. — AFP

IN LIMELIGHT AGAIN: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange waves from a window as he stands with Ecuador’s Foreign Affairs Minister Ricardo Patino, at Ecuador’s embassy in central London, in this file photograph dated June 16, 2013. – Reuters Files

handling of the case had left a “black stain” on Sweden’s human rights record.

Up to now, Swedish prosecutors have refused to go to London to question the 43-year-old Australian former hacker over the allegations. And Assange has refused to go to Sweden to be questioned over the allegations, which he has vehemently denied, saying the physical encounters were consensual. But the prosecutor in charge of the case, Marianne Ny, said on Friday she was dropping her opposition as some of the alleged offences will reach their statute of limitations in August.

Ny’s office said in a statement she had always believed that interrogating Assange at the Ecua-

dorean embassy would “lower the quality of the interview, and that he would need to be present in Sweden in any case should there be a trial”. “This assessment remains unchanged,” she said, but added “now that time is of the essence, I have viewed it therefore necessary to accept such deficiencies... and likewise take the risk the interview does not move the case forward, particularly as there are no other measures on offer without Assange being present in Sweden.”

Ny has also asked to take a DNA sample from Assange.

Sweden issued an arrest warrant for Assange in 2010 following allegations from two women in Sweden, one who claimed rape

Per Samuelsson Lawyer of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and another who alleged sexual assault. A lawyer for one of the women urged Swedish authorities to question Assange as soon as possible. “For my client, possible charges must come before August,” her lawyer Claes Borgstrom told AFP, who noted the statute of limitations in Sweden is five years for sexual assault and 10 years for rape.

Necessary Elizabeth Fritz, a lawyer for the other woman, told AFP in an email: “Assange did not make himself available to be interviewed in Sweden... That’s why it is necessary to change the location of the interview.”

Assange fears that Sweden

would pass him on to the United States, where an investigation is ongoing into WikiLeaks’ release in 2010 of 500,000 classified military files on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and 250,000 diplomatic cables which embarrassed Washington.

A former US army intelligence analyst, Chelsea Manning, is serving a 35-year prison term for leaking classified documents to WikiLeaks.

In 2012 Assange took refuge in Ecuador’s embassy in London, where British police officers stand guard around the clock, at a cost so far to British taxpayers of almost £10.4 million (14.6 million euros, $15.4 million), according to WikiLeaks.

The anti-secrecy group slammed Swedish prosecutors for waiting so long to make the offer.

“It is outrageous that the Swedish authorities have waited four and a half years to come to this decision,” WikiLeaks spokesman Kristinn Hrafnsson told AFP. “This entire saga is a black stain on Sweden’s human rights record. It is time the authorities face it and drop the case entirely,” he said.

One of Assange’s main financial supporters, Australian-born campaigning journalist John Pilger, described the Swedish prosecutor’s offer as “demonstrably cynical”.

“In finally agreeing to come to London to interview Julian Assange... she has waited until just before Sweden’s statute of limitations nullifies her threadbare case against him,” Pilger said. — AFP

C A P E C A N AV E R A L

NASA launches four satellites in project to study magnetosphere WASHINGTON: Four identical satellites which will study the interactions between solar winds and the Earth’s magnetic fields blasted off into Space on Thursday and settled into orbit begin a twoyear study, NASA said.

The Delta V rocket of the United Launch Alliance lifted off from its launchpad from Cape Canaveral in Florida at 22:44 local time (2:44 GMT on Friday) as planned at the beginning a 30-minute window of opportunity. The quartet of spacecraft weighing 1.2 tonnes known as “Magnetospheric Multiscale” or MMS, will fly in a pyramid formation.They later eased away from each other successfully.

“Spacecraft separation is complete!,” NASA said later in a statement two hours later.

“All four of NASA’s Magnetospheric Multiscale observatories have been released in orbit, where they’ll soon embark on an ambitious mission to unlock the secrets of magnetic reconnection,” it added. They will obtain threedimensional images and collect data as they monitor collisions from the Earth’s magnetosphere and solar particles arriving at high speed and forming their own magnetic field about 60,000 miles from Earth.

Scientists hope to gain a greater understanding of the phenomenon, known as magnetic reconnection. “Magnetic reconnection is one of the most important drivers of space weather events,” said Jeff Newmark, interim director of the Heliophysics Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington. — AFP

C O M M E M O R AT I O N S E RV I C E

Britain marks end of war in Afghanistan LONDON: Queen Elizabeth joined army top brass and relatives of British soldiers who died in Afghanistan at a commemoration service at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on Friday, marking the end of 13 years of British military operations in the country.

Also among the congregation was Tony Blair, who as prime minister in 2001 took Britain into the US-led coalition that invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban government in response to the September 11 attacks on New York and Washington. Britain lost 453 servicemen and women in Afghanistan out of the 140,000 who served there over the years. The last combat troops left in October last year, leaving behind only about 500 trainers and advisers assisting the Afghan security forces. The government says the long war stopped Afghanistan from being used as a safe haven for militants to plan attacks on British streets, and that Afghanistan is now a safer and more prosperous country than it was before.

However, the war remains controversial in the eyes of some Britons, who say its objectives were not articulated clearly enough and Britain paid too high a price for what was achieved. No hint of that was apparent during the service at St Paul’s, which was attended not only by the queen but also by most senior members of her family including her grandson Prince

MARCH PAST: Britain’s Prince Harry, left, Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, second left, Prince William, third left, and Prince Charles, right, watch the military parade following the Service of Commemoration for Afghanistan at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on Friday. – Reuters

Harry, who served two tours of duty in Afghanistan.

Also present was Prime Minister David Cameron, and among those who read prayers was Kerry Ashworth, whose son James died

in battle in Afghanistan in 2012 and was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, Britain’s highest military honour for bravery which is rarely bestowed.

The service was followed by a

military parade through the City of London and a flypast of aircraft used in the campaign, including Chinook, Apache and Sea King helicopters and Hercules and Tornado airplanes. — Reuters

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REVISING DECISION

Muslim teachers can wear headscarf, says German court

NO LONGER BLANKET BAN: Picture taken on September 24, 2003 in Karlsruhe, southern Germany, shows Muslim teacher Fereshta Ludin and lawyers of the German Constitutional Court after a verdict was spoken on wearing a headscarf in class. – AFP Files

BERLIN: Germany’s top court said on Friday that Muslim teachers can wear the headscarf in class as long as it doesn’t disrupt school activities, in a ruling likely to revive emotional debate.

The Constitutional Court said Muslim teachers in state schools could no longer face a blanket ban on the headscarf, effectively revising its 2003 decision that left the door open to it being barred.

Judges at the Karlsruhe-based court in southwest Germany said a ban could only be justified if the wearing of the headscarf led to a “sufficiently concrete danger” of disruption in the school, or of “state neutrality”.

The ruling is likely to relaunch a longstanding debate in a country with around four million Muslims amid recent divisive protests.

Since 2003 several of Germa-

ny’s 16 regional states, which are responsible for education, have banned teachers wearing the headscarf following the top court’s initial ruling.

The Constitutional Court had said it was up to each state to write its own laws on the issue.

But in their decision published on Friday following a complaint by two Muslim women, the judges ruled that an outright ban fell foul of the basic right to religious freedom in Germany.

The judges also said that Christian values and traditions should not be given preference, as is the case in Germany’s most populous state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). The two plaintiffs, a teacher and a school social worker, from western NRW state had lodged the complaint against the ban. Nurhan Soykan, general secretary of the

Central Council of Muslims in Germany, welcomed the ruling, saying that even if it did not amount to a “general permit” for the headscarf, it sent a “positive message”.

The country, home to the biggest Turkish community outside of Turkey, has heatedly debated the headscarf issue since neighbouring France passed a law in 2004 banning the wearing of headscarves or any other “conspicuous” religious symbols in state schools. “This is a good day for religious freedom,” said Volker Beck, a lawmaker from the opposition Greens. He argued that headgear worn by devout women and men was less of a threat to German society than “opponents of diversity” such as the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD), neo-Nazis and extremists.

Christine Lueders, head of the federal anti-discrimination agency,

hailed the ruling for “reinforcing religious freedom in Germany”.

With education administered by Germany’s 16 states, she called on local authorities to review the relevant rules. But the German Teachers’ Assocation (DL) called the ruling “problematic”, saying it undermined the principle of political and religious “neutrality” in schools and public services. “We fear this ruling could lead to disruption in certain schools if, for example, parents do not agree with their children being taught by teachers in headscarves,” said Josef Kraus, president of the teachers’ body.

Berlin daily TAZ warned that the protest group PEGIDA, which began last year with marches in Dresden and soon spawned imitation rallies across Germany and beyond, would seize on the ruling to argue that their ideology. — Agencies

SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2015

S P O R

DOUBLE SUCCCESS: Buthaina Al Yaqoobi. – Photos by Mosa

TENNIS STARS: From left, Maryam Al Balushi, Fatma Al Nabhani, Sarah Al Balushi and Samar Al Bakri.

Double delight for Buthaina, Fatma on Oman’s golden day Leading Oman’s charge were Buthaina Al Yaqoobi and Fatma Al Nabhani, both

S FOOTBALL

Loew to stay as Germany coach until 2018 BERLIN: Joachim Loew has extended his contract as coach of world champions Germany until the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the German football federation announced on Friday.

The 55-year-old Loew’s previous contract took him through to Euro 2016, but he said the chance to extend the deal was not one he was going to allow to get away.

“I said yes with my heart and my head,” Loew said. “We feel incredibly good working together and we have shared goals.

“We were crowned world champions and we want to experience that feeling again.”

Federation president Wolfgang Niersbach added that it was evident how much the ‘Mannschaft’ had benefited from Loew’s “expertise, determination and confidence”.

“The shared goal is to stay at the summit of world football, we’ll do everything to achieve that,” Niersbach said.

Loew, who began as assistant to Jurgen Klinsmann in 2004 before taking over the top job after the World Cup in in Germany in 2006, led the Germans to World Cup glory in Brazil last year. - AFP

bagging two gold medals. Shnoona Al Habsi, Hana Al Qasmi and Ghania Al Nasr

100M: Shnoona Al Habsi, left, and Mazoon Khalfan.

added to the gold rush

MUSCAT: Friday the 13th turned out to be one of the most luckiest days for the Sultanate sports as the Omani girls turned it into a golden day for the hosts at the ongoing GCC Women’s Games.

Leading Oman’s charge at the fourth edition of Games were Olympians Buthaina Al Yaqoobi and Fatma Al Nabhani, both bagging two gold medals for the country.

Young Shnoona Al Habsi, Hana Al Qasmi and Ghania Al Nasr added to Oman’s gold rush winning the 100m, 400m and javelin throw competitions respectively.

While Fatma, undoubtedly the most recognisable tennis star of not just Oman but the entire GCC region, won the singles gold to add to the doubles top honours she won on Wednesday, Buthaina bagged both her gold medals on Friday — in the long jump and 100m hurdles.

In the tennis singles summit clash, Fatma Al Nabhani defeated Qatar’s Olla Murad in straight sets to take the gold medal.

Fatma had already won the doubles gold in the company of Sarah Al Balushi on Wednesday, when compatriots Maryam Al Balushi and Samar Al Bakri won the bronze medal.

Sarah Al Balushi also won the singles bronze on Friday with Bahrain’s Mubaraka Al Naimi taking the second bronze on offer.

Buthaina Al Yaqoobi, meanwhile, began her campaign with a comendable display in the long jump to clinch the gold.

The Omani athlete went onto win the 100m hurdles gold fin-

SPLENDID SHOW: Oman’s athletes with special needs pose for a group photo on Thursday. – Supplied photo

ishing ahead of Bahrain’s Salaha Mohammed. Qatar’s Mubaraka Ahmed settled for bronze medal.

In the 100m final, Shnoona Al Habsi ran a good race to finish ahead of Kuwait’s Madhawi Al Shamri while Oman’s Mazoon Khalfan won the bronze medal.

In the 400m, Hana Al Qasmi took the gold ahead of Bahraini girl Raja Al Madi and Ilham Bait Laham won the bronze. In the javelin throw competition, Oman girls

won two medals as Ghania Al Nasr winning the gold and Hiba Al Asmi taking the bronze.

Seven medals On Thursday, Oman won seven medal including two gold, four silver and one bronze.

In F54 400m race for hearing impaired, Maisa Jameel won gold for Oman. Mahrah Al Qabiya and Fatma Sabeel, both of the UAE, won the silver and bronze respectively.

GOOD SHOW

Oman riders bag seven medals at tent pegging championships in India

MUSCAT: Omani tent pegging team bagged seven medals of different colours on the first two days of the International and Asian tent pegging championships being simultaneously organised in Noida, near the Indian capital city of New Delhi.

On the second day of action on Thursday, Oman won one gold,

400M: Hana Al Qasmi on the podium.

one silver and two bronze medals.

In the individual sword competition, Safwan Al Maamari won gold in the Asian championship and the bronze in the international championship.

In the lemon and pegs competition, Oman’s Hamoud Al Dughaishi clinched silver in the Asian championship while compatriot

Hilal Al Balushi took the bronze.

The gold medal went to India’s Ajay Sawan.

In the international championship, Ajay took the silver behind Sudan’s Mohammed Ali. On Wednesday, the Omani riders won three medals.

In the rings and pegs competition of the Asian championship,

Hamoud Al Dughaishi won the bronze medal.

In the team sword competition of the Asian championship, Oman won the silver while they took the bronze in the international championship. The Omani sword team comprised Hilal Al Balushi, Hamoud Al Dughaishi, Yousuf Al Maamari, Safwan Al Maamari.

In F54 shot put (3kgs) competition, Omanis girls took top two places with Sheikha Al Hammadi winning gold and Raya Al Abri clinching silver medal.

In F55 shot put event, Oman’s Rayan Al Mukhaini took silver behind Ruba Yousuf of the UAE. In F32 shot put (1kg) competition, Oman’s Fathiya Al Harthi won the silver behind Sarah Al Qaabaisiyah of the UAE. In F56/57 discus throw (1kg),

Ghalia Al Jabri won the silver while Siham Al Rushaidi of the UAE won the gold.

In F35, 36, 37 shot put, Oman’s Zainab Mohammed won the bronze behind Bahrain’s Zahra Abdullah and Qatar’s Najia Ali. Meanwhile, Omani volleyball team defeated Kuwait 25-16, 2025, 25-12, 25-15 while the Sultanate’s basketball team lost 3-75 to Qatar. In another basketball match, UAE defeated Kuwait 54-27.

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The Wave return to top with stunning display on water

CRICKET

Banned Aamir takes three wickets on return

The Wave, Muscat enjoyed a stunning day on the water, dominating the racing with seven podium places in eight races, including three emphatic wins

MUSCAT: The crowds in Oman gathered on the beach at Almouj Golf on Friday to spur The Wave, Muscat on to their best performance of the year so far and inspire Oman Air to their first outright win in the 2015 Extreme Sailing Series Muscat.

Leigh McMillan’s crew on The Wave, Muscat enjoyed a stunning day on the water, dominating the racing with seven podium places in eight races, including three emphatic wins despite a tricky breeze that became increasingly patchy as the day went on.

They returned to the top of the leaderboard of Muscat Act, with a seven-point advantage over secondplaced SAP Extreme Sailing Team and will be hoping for the same returns on the final day to make sure of retaining their Muscat crown.

It was a change in the race course that made the difference, McMillan said, and no let-up in the intensity and precision among his ‘fantastic’ crew Sarah Ayton, Nasser Al Mashari, Ed Smyth and Pete Greenhalgh. “The reaching starts suited us – it was a change from the upwind starts of the last few days and that worked well for us,” he said.

“So we were solid and there were no mishaps and that helped us. We worked well together and made some good decisions to get round the course.”

“It is a great performance by

everyone on the boat. I have the best team around me — if we are not winning it is definitely my fault. They are fantastic.”

But McMillan was wary about making any boasts over retaining the title he has won for the past two years. With a double points race to bring the curtain down on the event, it remained wide open.

“It is impossible to be confident about winning in this series because it is hard to get a jump on the other boats but we will be doing everything we can to get the win tomorrow on our home turf.”

Nasser Al Mashari added: “It feels different sailing in home waters. We were more focussed today so we are happy to climb on top of the leaderboard and are looking to the final day. We hope the wind is stronger so we can repeat what we did today.”

Confidence was also high on Oman Air even though they dropped a place in the rankings, due to a couple of overenthusiastic

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starts. With just 16 points separating the top four boats and one more day’s racing remaining there was everything to play for said skipper Stevie Morrison. “We continue on our learning curve but I reckon we had a good handle on the starts today though were perhaps a little bit too punchy with a couple of them,” he said. “Then we had a tricky middle part of the day but it reflected well on the guys that they didn’t get cross or grumpy and we finished the day strong.”

Morrison, the British Olympic 49er campaigner, is paying his first visit to Oman and is convinced that the enthusiastic crowds on the beach are getting the best out of him and his crew especially Ali

Al Balushi. “Ali is a big fit strong guy and looks like he is really enjoying racing in front of his family and friends — he has a big smile on his face and is making things happen for us. We are all enjoying sailing in front of the Omani crowds. We want to make Oman proud,” he said.

Earlier in the day, both McMillan and Morrison were involved in a different type of racing when Oman Sail staged a special event to pit the talents of eight Extreme 40 skippers against those of a group of eight young Omani sailors, all members of the Omani National Youth Squad, in a fleet of Optimists, the dinghy that has launched dozens of professional sailing careers.

It was a masterclass in Optimist dinghy racing with 14 year-old Marwan Al Jabri from the Marina Bandar Al Rowdha Sailing Centre emerging as the winner among the Omani National Squad members.

His victory is set to give the No. 1 ranked Optimist sailor in Oman (December 2014) a boost before he

24-HOUR ENDURANCE RACE

F1

Max Team Bravo top final qualifying MUSCAT: The much-anticipated 24-hour SWS Endurance Race got off to a rousing start at the Muscat Speedway of the Oman Automobile Association (OAA) here on Friday.

As many as 12 teams are vying for the top honours in the race, which concludes at 4 pm on Saturday.

Stag Racing has fielded the biggest team with nine drivers, while Max Racing Team Charlie, Max Racing Team Bravo and Techno Gym have entered smaller teams with just four drivers. Omantel Hayyak (5 drivers), Omantel Makasib (5), Omantel Mada (5), Merge 104.8 (6), The Steak Company (5), Al Nimer Tourism (5), Max Team Racing Alpha (7) and Ice Racing Team (6, Bahrain) are the other teams in the fray.

The day’s proceedings began with a practice session in the morning followed by drivers’ briefing and the final qualifying race at 3 pm.

According to Guy Sheffield, Race Director, the competition will hot up as the race progresses.

“The fight is definitely going to be fierce if one the qualifying race is any indication. There are plenty of experienced drivers in the fray and they will push hard in the later stages. It is great to have champion drivers from abroad in the competition. The Endurance Race at the Muscat Speedway is growing in

represents Oman in the GCC sailing championship and the GCC Beach Games next month.

Second was Al Moatasem Al Farsi from the Musannah Sailing Centre while Zakariya Al Wahabi, also from Musannah and Oman’s first ever Optimist National Champion came third.

The racing was followed by a ‘Chat with Champions’ with the eight young sailors featuring Morrison and Ali Al Balushi from Oman Air, and Sarah Ayton and Nasser Al Mashari from The Wave, Muscat. The children were given sailing tips and inspiring advice from the Extreme sailors.

The final day of racing in the Extreme Sailing Series Muscat starts at 2.30 p.m. and the free to enter public Race Village will again be open with attractions for all the family. The Extreme 40 fleet will race in the circuit’s action packed ‘stadium’ from the Almouj Golf Club offering outstanding views of the racecourse from the Race Village.

KARACHI: Pakistan fast bowler Mohammed Aamir took three wickets on his return to competitive cricket while he serves a five-year ban for spotfixing which ends in September.

The left-armer returned figures of three for 23 as his team Omar Associates shot out Capital Development Authority for 268 runs on the first day of a three-day match in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s Patrons Trophy in Rawalpindi.

“It is great to be back on the cricket field and also to take some wickets. I was bowling in a proper match after more than four years and the rhythm was there,” Aamir told reporters.

Aamir, 22, was banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) along with teammates Salman Butt and Mohammed Asif in 2011 for spot-fixing during the fourth Test against England at Lords in 2010.

Aamir who served jail term in Britain along with the two others later admitted he had purposefully bowled a no-ball in the fourth test as part of the spot-fixing deal.

Aamir, who was 18 at the time, later confessed and apologised for his actions.

The ICC recently allowed Aamir to play domestic cricket before his ban ends in September when he will be eligible to represent Pakistan.

Aamir wants to act as a role model for young cricketers to educate them to stay away from corruption.

“It is a long road to rehabilitation and redemption for me. This is just a start,” he said. - Reuters

CLOSE CONTEST: Action from the 24-hour SWS Endurance Race. – Supplied photo

stature with each edition,” he said.

Suleiman Al Rawahi, Managing Director of Oman Automobile Association, also expressed happiness at the quality of competition.

“It is nice to see tough competition in the qualifying stage itself. I am happy at the number of entries we got for the race. It augurs well for the sport in the Sultanate,” he said.

Max Team Racing Bravo clocked the best time of 56.497 seconds in the final qualifying, followed by Ice Racing Team on 56.755 seconds.

Max Team Charlie clocked the third best time of 56.897 seconds.

Tough race Team captains felt that the competition would be tough, and it was evident from the close qualifying race.

“It is going to be a tough race, but we will try our best,” said Mulham Al Rawahi of Team Stag Racing.

Shatha Al Zadjali, the woman member in the Techno Gym team, said her team would give its best in the race.

“I hope that our team strategy would pay the dividends,” she said.

Omantel team manager Cedric Vansteenkiste said the 15 drivers

are ecstatic about the big opportunity. “Endurance race will test the skills and strengths of drivers, and we hope to gain experience from the race,” he said.

Ice Racing Team from Bahrain, which got the services of experienced drivers including captain Ali Dadi, Ahmed Alkooheji, QamarSaleem, Mohammed Alwaari, Ahmed Ebrahim and LoiusSkaisi, is expecting to clinch the title in their debut at Muscat Speedway.

“The competition will be tough but we will try our best to win the title in this lovely track,” said Ali Dadi.

Mercedes dominant at Australia GP practice MELBOURNE: Mercedes opened their Formula One season by dominating practice at the Australian Grand Prix on Friday, with Nico Rosberg edging his world champion teammate Lewis Hamilton in both sessions at Albert Park. German Rosberg, last year’s championship runner-up, set the fastest lap of one minute, 27.697 seconds in the second session on a glorious day at the Melbourne street circuit, topping Hamilton by one-tenth of a second.

Rosberg was also quickest in the first session, his best time of one minute, 29.557 seconds also pipping the Briton as the constructors’ champions carried their ominous form from winter testing onto the track. “Definitely it’s been a great day for us today in the cars, so we’re very confident for tomorrow,” said Rosberg.

Four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel was third fastest on his debut for Ferrari in the second session, with team mate Kimi Raikkonen fourth best.

But with Vettel’s fastest time over seven-tenths of a second adrift of Rosberg, the opening day will strengthen belief that the first rounds of Formula One may be Mercedes versus the rest.

While the ‘Silver Arrows’ toasted a trouble-free afternoon, Sauber’s legal problems overshadowed the paddock, with their assets under threat of seizure pending a contempt of court action brought by lawyers for dumped driver Giedo van der Garde.

With an Australian court ruling in favour of Van der Garde’s bid to race for Sauber, the Swiss team had three drivers in their garage competing for two seats.

Neither of their cars came out in the first session but Sauber’s nominated drivers Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr both drove the second. Swede Ericsson was to crawl back to pit with smoke billowing from the rear of his car midway through.

Williams driver Valtteri Bottas posted the fifth fastest lap, with Red Bull’s new recruit Daniil Kvyat sixth in the second session.

Kvyat’s teammate Daniel Ricciardo was forced to sit out the second after an engine problem, a fate also shared by Williams driver Felipe Massa.

Toro Rosso’s 17-year-old driver Max Verstappen impressed with the sixth fastest time of the first session, before falling back to 14th quickest in the second. - Reuters

SAT URDAY, MARCH 14, 2015

TODAY’S MATCHES

A13

POOL B: INDIA V ZIMBABWE (5:00AM OMAN TIME) POOL A: AUSTRALIA V SCOTLAND (7:30AM OMAN TIME)

Gutsy Guptill helps Kiwis survive Bangladesh scare Guptill scored 105 for his sixth one-

Mahmudullah is key for Bangladesh, says Shakib

MARTIN GUPTILL

105

day hundred to help the co-hosts chase down a daunting 289-run target with seven balls to spare on a batting-friendly pitch at Seddon Park in a match in which the Black Caps were tested for the first time in the tournament

HAMILTON: Opener Martin Guptill hit a fighting century to guide New Zealand to their sixth consecutive victory in the World Cup with a three-wicket win over an inspired Bangladesh in Hamilton on Friday.

Guptill scored 105 for his sixth one-day hundred to help the cohosts chase down a daunting 289run target with seven balls to spare on a batting-friendly pitch at Seddon Park in a match in which the Black Caps were tested for the first time in the tournament.

Guptill’s knock overshadowed Mohammad Mahmudullah’s second consecutive hundred, his 128 not out propelling Bangladesh to 288-7 in their 50 overs.

New Zealand had already made sure of top spot in Pool A and they will face the fourth-placed finishers from Pool B — where Pakistan, Ireland and West Indies are still alive — in the fourth quarterfinal in Wellington on March 21.

Bangladesh, who finished the group stage with seven points from six matches, will face defending champions India in the second quarter-final in Melbourne on March 19.

Bangladesh caught New Zealand napping at 33-2 by taking the key wickets of Brendon McCullum (eight) and Kane Williamson (one) by opening with spin from both ends — only the second time in World Cup history when slow bowlers opened the attack.

New Zealand did the same against South Africa in the 2011 quarter-final in Dhaka.

Left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan took both the early wickets before Guptill and Ross Taylor (56) revived the innings through their 131-run stand for the third wicket.

Guptill took a single off paceman Taskin Ahmed to reach his hundred off 88 balls before holing out to Hasan after suffering leg cramps.

He hit 11 boundaries and two sixes during his 100-ball knock.

Taylor, who hit five fours, added another 46 with Grant Elliott (39) before Bangladesh took three wickets in the space of 37 runs to get a sniff of an upset victory.

Corey Anderson, who hit three fours and as many sixes, fell for 39 before Tim Southee hit a six and a four to seal New Zealand’s first win after seven successive defeats against Bangladesh between 20102013 — all away from home.

Hasan finished with 4-55.

Earlier, Mahmudullah rescued Bangladesh from a struggling 27-2 after they were put into bat.

Mahmudullah, dropped on one

HAMILTON: Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan believes in-form batsman Mohammed Mahmudullah could hold the key to a shock World Cup quarter-final win over defending champions India. Bangladesh lost by three wickets to New Zealand in their final group game on Friday, a result which left the Asian side in fourth spot in Pool A and having to face Pool B winners India in their last-eight clash in Melbourne on March 19.

New Zealand, with six wins in six, topped Pool A but are still waiting to discover who they will meet in Wellington on March 21 as Pakistan, West Indies and Ireland are still tussling to qualify from Pool B. Bangladesh, put into bat at Seddon Park, made 288-7 in their 50 overs with Mahmudullah hitting his second consecutive hundred with a 123-ball 128 not out to add to his ton in Monday’s thrilling

runs from 100 balls 11 fours, 2 sixes

15-run win over England.

Soumya Sarkar scored a career best 51 adding an invaluable 90 runs for the third wicket after Bangladesh were struggling at 27-2.

“Mahmudullah needs to continue his form, he is in great touch so hopefully he can contribute with bat and ball and let’s see what happens,” said Shakib.

“I thought we played really well, the way we batted was good. We bowled well too and kept it tight. We can take a lot of positives from the game and hopefully we can take that into the quarter-finals.”

For New Zealand, Martin Guptill hit 105 off 100 balls with Ross Taylor adding a half-century, passing 5,000 ODI runs in the process.

“It feels good. I felt pretty good most of the summer,” said Guptill. “We have a lot of belief and the way we are executing our skills is pleasing.

We just need to keep that up over the next few weeks.” - AFP

MOHAMMED MAHMUDULLAH

128* runs from 123 balls 12 fours, 3 sixes

by Anderson off Southee, anchored the innings and added an invaluable 90 for the third wicket with Soumya Sarkar (51) and another 78 for the sixth with Sabbir Rahman who made a fiery 23-ball 40.

Mahmudullah steered paceman Mitchell McClenaghan towards third man for a couple to complete his hundred off 111 balls before blowing a kiss to the applauding Bangladeshi fans.

He became only the second Bangladeshi batsman to score back-to-back hundreds in all oneday internationals after Shahriar Nafees who achieved the feat against Zimbabwe at home in 2006.

In all Mahmudullah hit 12 fours and three sixes as New Zealand’s bowlers were tested for the first

time in the tournament with Southee going wicketless.

Rahman raised the tempo by hitting two sixes and five fours to help Bangladesh add 104 runs in the last ten overs. Left-arm paceman Trent Boult had jolted Bangladesh by dismissing Imrul Kayes (two) and Tamim Iqbal (13) in his first spell to finish with 2-56.

Anderson removed senior Bangladeshi batsmen Shakib A Hasan for 23 and Mushfiqur Rahim for 15 to finish with 2-43.

Bangladesh were without their regular skipper Mashrafe Mortaza after he was ruled out due to a soar throat and a calf injury while New Zealand had to leave out unfit Adam Milne and brought in McClenaghan for their first change in the tournament.-AFP

BANGLADESH Tamim Iqbal c Anderson b Boult 13 Imrul Kayes b Boult 2 Soumya Sarkar c Anderson b Vettori 51 Mahmudullah not out 128 Shakib Al Hasan c Ronchi b Anderson 23 Mushfiqur Rahim c Ronch b Anderson 15 Sabbir Rahman c McCullum b Elliott 40 Nasir Hossain c Taylor b Elliott 11 Rubel Hossain not out 0 Extras: (lb-1, w-4) 5 Total: (for 7 wkts; 50 overs) 288 Did not bat: Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-27, 3-117, 4-151), 5-182, 6-260, 7-287

Bowling: Southee 10-1-51-0, Boult 10-356-2 (1w), McClenaghan 8-0-68-0, Vettori 10-0-42-1, Anderson 10-0-43-2 (2w), Elliott 2-0-27-2 (1w) NEW ZEALAND M. Guptill c Hossain b Hasan 105 B. McCullum c Sarkar b Hasan 8 K. Williamson c Iqbal b Hasan 1 R. Taylor lbw b Nasir 56 G. Elliott c Ahmed b Hossain 39 C. Anderson b Nasir 39 L. Ronchi c Nasir b Hasan 9 D. Vettori not out 16 T. Southee not out 12 Extras: (lb-1, w-4) 5

Total: (for 7 wkts; 48.5 overs) 290 Did not bat: Trent Boult, M. McClenaghan Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-33, 3-164, 4-210, 5-219, 6-247, 7-269 Bowling: Hasan 8.5-1-55-4, Islam 10-0-58-0, Hossain 8-1-40-1, Ahmed 8-0-49-0 (2w), Sarkar 4-0-19-0 (1w), Rahman 2-0-14-0, Mahmudullah 3-0-22-0 (1w), Nasir 5-0-32-2 Result: New Zealand win by three wickets Man of the match: Martin Guptill Toss: New Zealand Umpires: Richard Kettleborough (ENG) and Kumar Dharmasena (SRI) TV umpire: Nigel Llong (ENG) Match referee: Chris Broad (ENG)

A 14

S ATUR DAY, M A RCH 14, 2 015

C O M M E N TA RY

‘Match winner’ Quinton Take cue from Malinga, Starc and rely on yorkers de Kock needs to step up I On one hand Ab de Villiers’ view was a very public support for a player (Quinton de Kock)who has scored just 53 runs, 26 of them against UAE, in six innings at the World Cup and whose inclusion in the side has been the subject of much debate

WELLINGTON: South Africa’s Quinton de Kock was probably already feeling the most pressure of his fledgling international career before captain AB de Villiers dumped even more of it on his shoulders.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that he’s a match winner, and I’ve said it before that he’s going to play a big part in us winning this World Cup,” de Villiers told reporters.

“When the push comes to shove ... I really believe he’s going to play a big knock for us.”

The comment was undoubtedly double edged. On one hand it was very public support for a player who has scored just 53 runs, 26 of them against UAE, in six innings at the World Cup and whose inclusion in the side has been the subject of much debate.

Former captain Graeme Smith suggested the 22-year-old should

SUPPORT FROM CAPTAIN: South Africa’s Quinton de Kock in action against the United Arab Emirates in Wellington. – Reuters

be dropped for the knockout phase and that de Villiers take the wicketkeeping gloves, something the captain is not keen to do.

De Villiers has previously said wicketkeeping exacerbated his back problems and that the role also affected his control of the game as captain. He repeated on

GOOD MEMORIES

Expectations high It is not the first time de Kock has

approach to the 50-over format as outdated. In recent days I’ve even heard some blame being apportioned to their absence from events like the IPL. I’m not sure where the answers lie, but you’d hope the men running their cricket do, if they are to be competitive hosts when the World Cup goes to England in four years time.

The batting friendly wickets have also become a key talking point here. I’m not particularly concerned about the wickets, though it appears the rule changes have perhaps tilted the scales more towards batsmen. Current cricketers also feel the rise of the T20 game has helped batsmen become more innovative with their shot making. Amid all this, I do wonder if bowlers have become a bit lazy in their attempts to adjust.

I would like to see bowlers take a cue from the likes of Lasith Malinga and Mitchell Starc who’ve used the yorker to good effect.

Bowling yorkers is one of the game’s true arts, and to bowl them consistently, a bowler has to be willing to put in the yards. Yes, the rules allow for only four fielders in non-powerplay overs; nothing you can do about that. But you’ve got to look at what you can control. If a bowler hits the right areas, if he can deliver those yorkers, whether you’re AB de Villiers or Glenn Maxwell, you’ll have a tough time putting those deliveries away. And as Malinga and Starc have shown, it can be done. — PMG

AUSTRALIA V SCOTLAND PREVIEW

Afghanistan vow to ‘come back stronger’ SYDNEY: Afghanistan coach Andy Moles said his side would “come back stronger” after they bowed out of the World Cup with a disappointing nine-wicket defeat by England in Sydney on Friday. England, who like Afghanistan could no longer qualify for the quarterfinals, were faced with a revised target of 101 in 25 overs under the Duckworth/Lewis method and lost just one wicket in a comfortable chase.

But tournament debutants Afghanistan had already made their mark on this World Cup with a thrilling one-wicket win over Scotland, while the likes of batsman Samiullah Shenwari and fast bowlers Hamid Hassan and Shapoor Zadran produced several notable displays.

“Our guys will leave this tournament with a lot of good memories,” said the 54-year-old Moles, a former opening batsman with English county Warwickshire.

“We’ll go back and we’ll review, we’ll look at where we need to get better, and we’ll come back a lot stronger from this experience.”

Reflecting on the non-Test side’s Pool A finale — their first one-day international against England — Moles said: “I think the conditions were very, very helpful for whoever was going to bowl first. “Anderson, as we all know, in those conditions is one

Thursday that such a decision would be the last resort.

His statement, therefore, also sent a tacit warning to de Kock.

‘We expect better, time for you to step up’.

been under pressure to meet high expectations since making his one-day debut against New Zealand in early 2013.

A dashing wicketkeeper-batsman in domestic cricket and former captain of the under-19 side, he was mentored by the retired Mark Boucher when he first made the national side.

Then coach Gary Kirsten admitted he knew little about the lefthander, relying on his assistant, and current coach, Russell Domingo for information on him.

After eight matches of promising starts without kicking on he broke through with his first score above 40, a maiden century of 112 against Pakistan in late 2013.

He then went on to become the fifth man to score three successive one-day centuries, in December 2013 against India.

His carefree, exhilarating stroke play all around the wicket was lauded by former international cricketers and he was tipped as the man who could provide the ‘X-factor’ South Africa had been missing to win the World Cup. He scored 80 not out against New Zealand last October and then 107 against Australia in Sydney last November, but rolled his ankle, tearing a ligament, in December.

Early indications were that he might struggle to be fit for the World Cup but he managed to play the final match of the oneday series against West Indies in January. South Africa officials have since said his ankle was not a concern, while his lack of form was also not a huge issue.

“The expectation from a lot of people is that every time he bats, he is going to get runs and cricket does not work like that,” Domingo told cricket website ESPN Cricinfo last week.

“It’s a good time for a young player who has had a great start to his international career and this will be a good test for him to find the form he is capable of.” - Reuters

must begin by extending my compliments to Bangladesh who have earned their maiden World Cup quarterfinal appearance thanks to a stunning win over England that saw the latter crash out of the tournament.

In many ways, the match summed up what’s been a miserable campaign for the English. Despite having just one win over Scotland to show from their four earlier matches, they were well aware victory over Bangladesh and Afghanistan would still be enough to make the last-eight.

Whether that led to a bit of complacency is hard to know, but the cold hard truth is they just haven’t managed to hit their straps in this tournament.

Mind you, Bangladesh themselves had good enough reason to be confident of beating England having won three of their last four meetings ahead of this tie. And so it proved, as the Tigers played a like a side with nothing to lose while Eoin Morgan and company appeared to crumble under the weight of knowing they had everything to lose.

Rubel Hossain bowled amazingly, which is something we haven’t been able to say about England’s bowlers in this tournament.

Jimmy Anderson is a bowler I rate, but he does need the ball to swing to trouble batsmen. I’m not sure whether it’s the Kookaburra ball that’s seen him struggle to work his magic, but clearly the likes of Mitchell Starc and Tim Southee have had no issues getting it to swing.

England’s failure has fuelled criticism from those who have long labeled their

of the better bowlers in the world.

“Unfortunately, we just lost a little bit of composure and had too many soft dismissals.”

However, Moles added: “The boys have given it 100 per cent.

They’ve worked really hard in between fixtures on practice. I couldn’t ask for any more.”

‘Shop window’ Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi said the tournament had been a huge learning curve for his side, with their World Cup record 275-run defeat by Australia, where they faced an imposing fast-bowling attack on a quick Perth pitch, a particularly chastening ordeal.

“If you come from the lower stage and come to the top stage, it’s a little bit difficult to play against the top-ranking bowlers,” said Nabi. “Against Australia in Perth, it was difficult to play in those kind of conditions,” he added.

The International Cricket Council plan to reduce the number of teams taking part at the 2019 World Cup in England from 14 to 10, effectively freezing out non-Test or Associate teams such as Afghanistan.

But their stance prompted a widespread backlash and led ICC chief executive David Richardson to tell AFP a re-think was possible. — AFP

Clarke shrugs off fitness fears HOBART: Australia captain Michael Clarke shrugged off fears over his fitness Friday, claiming he was more concerned about time in the middle as the World Cup heads towards the knockout rounds.

Clarke only had a gentle practice session at the Bellerive Oval on Thursday as his teammates sprinted, prompting suggestions that he was still struggling with his long-standing hamstring injury.

“I certainly am fit,” Clarke insisted on the eve of Australia’s concluding Pool A match against Scotland.

“It was more just part of my recovery. Since coming back from my hamstring surgery we’ve looked at my schedule going forward and Thursday was another opportunity to make sure I recover as well as I can, not only for this game but for the quarterfinal.”

With Australia already assured of a place in the quarter-finals, Clarke said he may opt to juggle the batting order to allow more players time in the middle on Saturday.

“I think the order will be a little bit different to try and give guys a hit ahead of our quarterfinal,” Clarke said.

Along with Shane Watson and James Faulkner, Clarke said he needed to spend some more time at the crease.

Fast bowler Pat Cummins will replace spinner Xavier Doherty for Saturday’s match.

Doherty played in the 64-run

FA C T B O X

AUSTRALIA Captain: Michael Clarke Coach: Darren Lehmann Squad: Michael Clarke, Aaron Finch, David Warner, Shane Watson, George Bailey, Pat Cummins, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Brad Haddin, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc Results so far at 2015 World Cup: Beat England by 111 runs Match abandoned against Bangladesh Lost to New Zealand by one wicket Beat Afghanistan by 275 runs Beat Sri Lanka by 64 runs Top performers: Maxwell (257 runs), Warner (243 runs); Starc (12 wickets) SCOTLAND Captain: Preston Mommsen

victory over Sri Lanka at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday but went wicketless in seven overs, conceding 60 runs on a pitch generally sympathetic to spinners.

Now Cummins, who played in the one-wicket defeat to New Zealand in Auckland two weeks ago, gets a second chance to make an impression at the Bellerive Oval ahead of a March 20 quarter-final date against Pakistan or Ireland in Adelaide.

“I like the fact the selectors are picking players for conditions and opposition,” Clarke said on Friday.

“I think we’d be silly to pick

Coach: Grant Bradburn Squad: Mommsen, Richie Berrington, Kyle Coetzer, Freddie Coleman, Matthew Cross, Josh Davey, Alasdair Evans, Hamish Gardiner, Michael Leask, Matt Machan, Calum MacLeod, Safyaan Sharif, Rob Taylor, Iain Wardlaw Results so far at 2015 World Cup: Lost to New Zealand by three wickets Lost to England by 119 runs Lost to Afghanistan by one wicket Lost to Bangladesh by six wickets Lost to Sri Lanka by 148 runs Best performers: Kyle Coetzer (253 runs); Josh Davey (14 wickets) Head-to-head: Played: Four Australia won all four matches Last match: September 3, 2013 - Australia won by 200 runs in Edinburgh

our team today for the World Cup quarter-final.

“We don’t know what we’re going to get in Adelaide, we don’t know what the wicket will be like, we still don’t know who we will be playing against. I think we will assess that next week or in a few days.”

Scotland go into the game having lost all five matches so far and having sent all-rounder Majid Haq home in disgrace after posting a racial tweet.

“The incident, well that’s disappointing from a team point of view,” said skipper Preston

Since coming back from my hamstring surgery we’ve looked at my schedule going forward and Thursday was another opportunity to make sure I recover as well as I can, not only for this game but for the quarterfinal. I think the order will be a little bit different to try and give guys a hit ahead of our quarterfinal Michael Clarke Australia captain Mommsem. “But I can’t really say too much more.

“It is disappointing, but these things do happen, and they’ll be dealt with. As a group, we’re focused on the game.” - AFP

SAT URDAY, MARCH 14, 2015

A15

England end campaign with win SCOREBOARD

AFGHANISTAN Nawroz Mangal c Root b Anderson 4 Javed Ahmadi c Root b Broad 7 Afsar Zazai c Buttler b Jordan 6 Nasir Jamal c Buttler b Bopara 17 Samiullah Shenwari c Morgan b Jordan 7 Shafiqullah Shafiq c Bopara b Tredwell 30 Mohammad Nabi c Tredwell b Bopara 16 Najibullah Zadran not out 12 Hamid Hassan not out 0 Extras (lb-6, w-6) 12 Total (7 wkts, 36.2 overs) 111 Did not bat: Dawlat Zadran, Shapoor Zadran Fall of wickets: 1-17 (Mangal), 2-20 (Ahmadi), 3-25 (Zazai), 4-34 (Shenwari), 5-65 (Jamal), 6-93 (Nabi), 7-101 (Shafiqullah) Bowling: Anderson 7-0-18-1 (2w); Broad 8-1-18-1 (2w); Jordan 6.2-2-13-2 (1w); Bopara 8-1-31-2 (1w); Tredwell 7-0-25-1;

Chasing a revised target of 101 to win in 25 overs under the Duckworth/Lewis method following three rain delays, England finished on 101 for one in 18.1 overs

SYDNEY: England’s miserable World Cup ended with a comfortable nine-wicket win over Afghanistan in a rain-marred Pool A clash at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday. Chasing a revised target of 101 to win in 25 overs under the Duckworth/Lewis method following three rain delays, England finished on 101 for one in 18.1 overs Ian Bell was 52 not out, off 56 balls, after putting on 83 for the first wicket with Alex Hales, who made 37 after being dropped on nought and 12.

Afghanistan, after losing the toss, earlier made 111 for seven in 36.2 overs before their innings was ruled to be closed because of rain.

Both sides came into this first one-day international between England and Afghanistan unable to qualify for the quarter-finals and having just one previous Pool A win apiece after they each beat Scotland. This was the first edition of the World Cup in the tournament’s 40-year history where England had failed both to beat a Test nation and get through to the second round.

In 1996, England defeated two non-Test sides in the UAE and the Netherlands before losing to Sri Lanka in the quarterfinals.

Hopes they might finish with a win over World Cup debutants Afghanistan, after their last-eight ambitions crumbled in Monday’s 15-run defeat by Bangladesh in Adelaide, were high as the non-Test side collapsed after losing the toss.

No Afghanistan batsman made more than the recalled Shafiqullah Shafiq’s 30. First change Chris Jordan led England’s attack with two for 13 in 6.2 overs while allrounder Ravi Bopara, playing his first match of the tournament after

S TA N D I N G S POOL A

Teams *New Zealand *Sri Lanka *Australia *Bangladesh England Afghanistan Scotland

M 6 6 5 6 6 6 5

W 6 4 3 3 2 1 0

L 0 2 1 2 4 5 5

T 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

N/R 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

Pts 12 8 7 7 4 2 0

Net RR +2.564 +0.371 +1.597 +0.136 -0.753 -1.853 -1.769

5 6 5 5 5 5 5

5 4 3 3 2 1 0

0 2 2 2 3 4 5

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

10 8 6 6 4 2 0

+2.157 +1.707 -0.194 -1.014 -0.511 -0.595 -1.961

POOL B

HAPPY ENDING: England’s Ian Bell, centre, shakes hands with teammate James Taylor, right, after they won their match against Afghanistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground. – Reuters

an injury to Chris Woakes, took two for 31 in eight overs.

Afghanistan skipper Mohammad Nabi said his team will keep learning. “We have learned a lot — we have played against full members and seen how they play, how can they build pressure,” he said.

After Morgan won the toss, Afghanistan found runs hard to come by in overcast conditions. Openers Nawroz Mangal (four) and Javed Ahmadi (seven) both fell cheaply to slip catches by Joe Root off the bowling of James Anderson and Stuart Broad respectively. Shortly after an initial rain delay, Afsar Zazai was caught behind off Jordan for six.

His exit brought in Samiullah Shenwari, who had previously made several fifties at this tournament with a best of 96 in Afghanistan’s one-wicket win over Scotland.

However, Shenwari could only manage seven before his thick edge off Jordan was caught by Morgan, diving forward at backward point.

The fifth-wicket duo of Nasir Jamal (17) and Shafiq — the first two

batsmen in the innings to make double-figure scores — took Afghanistan to 62 for four of 25 overs before rain stopped play again.

Afterwards, Nabi lofted offspinner James Tredwell — like Bopara making his tournament debut, following an injury to Moeen Ali, for six. But his near run-a-ball 16 ended when he pulled Bopara straight to Tredwell at mid-on.

With England yet to score, Hales should have been out for a thirdball duck when he edged Shapoor Zadran, only for Najibullah Zadran at backward point to drop the chance despite getting both hands to the ball. Hales, on 12, then gave a near-identical chance off left-arm quick Shapoor only for Najibullah to again drop the two-handed catch in the same position.

After that second reprieve, the only question was whether England would enjoy a 10-wicket win.

That didn’t happen, with Hales finally caught behind off paceman Hamid Hassan, having faced 33 balls including three fours and two sixes. - AFP

C O M M E N TA RY

India once again will be at their best

I

ndia have finished comfortably on top of their group. They still have one game to go against Zimbabwe who have played well enough but still don’t have the kind of results that a Test playing nation should be having.

They are also handicapped with injuries to some of their players, including their skipper Elton Chigumbura, and so will not be at their full strength against India.

Not that India would have been troubled by a full strength team looking at the way they have dealt with stronger opponents in this event. They have been ruthless, as could be seen in the manner in which they disposed off Ireland.

The Irish were fancying their chances having done well against West Indies. Their team also has players who play in the English county championships, and so have a fair amount of exposure to the limited overs game.

Not that it has helped

ENGLAND (revised target 101 in 25 overs) A. Hales c Zazai b Hassan 37 I. Bell not out 52 J. Taylor not out 8 Extras (lb-3, w-1) 4 Total (1 wkt, 18.1 overs) 101 Did not bat: J Root, E Morgan, J Buttler, R Bopara, C Jordan, J Tredwell, S Broad, J Anderson Fall of wickets: 1-83 (Hales) Bowling: Shapoor 4-0-25-0; Dawlat 3-023-0; Hassan 5-0-17-1 (1w); Nabi 4.1-0-14-0; Shenwari 2-0-19-0 Result: England won by 9 wickets (D/L method) Man of the match: Chris Jordan Toss: England Umpires: Billy Bowden (NZL), S Ravi (IND) TV umpire: Marais Erasmus (RSA) Match referee: David Boon (AUS)

the English team who were knocked out by Bangladesh.

India’s spinners, especially Ashwin, tied them up completely as he varied the angle, flight and speed of his deliveries.

Then Suresh Raina also stepped up to get Ed Joyce bowled as he attempted a cut shot. Now Joyce has played for England too, and so should have known that Raina is not a huge spinner of the ball.

Once the openers, who had given Ireland a good start, were done with, then the others had little or no idea how to play spin. Dhoni smartly brought in more spin including a couple of overs from Rohit Sharma, and with Shami coming back for the lower

order, the Ireland score was contained.

Shikhar Dhawan has been in great touch, and it’s crucial in a tournament like the World Cup that the rhythm is maintained and he did exactly that.

He was toying with the bowling, as Rohit Sharma, who is short of runs, applied himself at the other end and the opening partnership was a record for India in the World Cup. Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane also made good use of the opportunity to spend time out in the middle and took the team home. It was the kind of win that sends a huge message to the opposition to beware of this team.

It is now an inconsequential game for India and they maybe tempted to go for their reserve players, but Dhoni has clearly stated that he does not want to make changes unless there is an injury. So it will be a game where India will once again be at their best. — PMG

*India *South Africa Pakistan Ireland West Indies Zimbabwe UAE

England captain Morgan has ‘no regrets’ SYDNEY: England captain Eoin Morgan said he had no regrets after his side failed to qualify for the quarter-finals of the World Cup and insisted he wanted to remain in charge.

“There are no regrets,” Morgan said. “Absolutely not.

We’ve given it everything and certainly I have,” added the former Ireland batsman, whose last 11 ODI innings have yielded five ducks.

Morgan, only appointed to the One-day captaincy on a full-time basis shortly before the tournament after England axed Test skipper Alastair Cook from their World Cup squad, said he wanted to continue as the team’s 50-over

leader. “The hunger’s still there to captain,” said Morgan.

“My experience as captain has made me a better player and better person. I’ve learnt a lot about the team and my own performance,” he added. “There will be a review from here so, with regards the captaincy, the decision is out of my hands.”

As for the quality of his squad, Morgan said: “The personnel we have are the right personnel. I’ve no regrets, we’ve given it everything.”

Asked if hew knew if any of the squad were planning to announce their ODI retirement, Morgan said: “I’ve absolutely no idea. “We haven’t got guys coming towards the end of

their careers. I don’t see a reason to. “I think we have the right calibre of squad. The guys on the outside need to be banging down the door.”

“It’s an easy thing to sit here while we are not doing well and say somebody outside the squad is better. “We considered everybody when selecting the squad. I still believe we had the right group of players here,” the 28-year-old added.

England coach Peter Moores has come under fire but Morgan said the players were the ones to blame. “It’s not fair,” said Morgan. “All the responsibility should fall on the players, particularly when we have performed so badly.” - AFP

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Confident India target ‘Perfect 10’ India are currently on a roll in the tournament as they have practically crushed most of their oppositions save the West Indies, which at the most gave them a scare during the group league game at the WACA in Perth

AUCKLAND: Having reached the quarterfinals with one commanding performance after another, defending champions India will be aiming to finish their group league engagements with a flourish when they take on Zimbabwe in an ICC Cricket World Cup match, in Auckland on Saturday.

India are currently on a roll in the tournament as they have practically crushed most of their oppositions save the West Indies, which at the most gave them a scare during the group league game at the WACA in Perth.

The match against Zimbabwe is an inconsequential affair in terms of statistics but a chance to complete an all-win record is something that the ‘Men in Blue’ would like to take with them before the business end of the global event starts.

Momentum is key in any tournament and there can’t be better practice than match-practice when they get down at Eden Park against a Zimbabwean side that is second last in the table with a solitary win in five games.

It has been a terrific turnaround for Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his boys as no one gave the team an outside chance of title defence after their indifferent show in the Test series against Australia followed by a poor performance in the ODI tri-series.

But in the past four weeks, the tables have turned for Dhoni and co. as they produced one superlative performance after another.

So much so that all the experts are now considering India as one of the title contenders in the tournament.

Such has been India’s domination in the tournament that Dhoni’s boys have eclipsed the India record by winning nine straight games in the World Cup, including four matches in the previous edition.

So one can’t think of a more convenient opposition to make it a ‘Perfect 10’, which will be an excellent boost before the quarterfinal starts. For India, the going has been perfect in the tournament as it is difficult to find loopholes in their effort throughout the past one month.

The batting has been rock solid with all the top seven getting some runs under their belt but the story of the tournament so far has been their bowling.

Considering that pitches prepared in Australia and New Zealand for this edition has been primarily batting tracks with good bounce, the Indian bowling unit has got all 50 opposition wickets in five matches.

The Indian bowlers have executed their skipper’s plans to perfection and their consistency is seen to be believed.

The likes of Mohammmed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohit Sharma have hardly taken their foot off the pedal against good teams like Pakistan, South Africa and West Indies while UAE, Ire-

GEARING UP: Rohit Sharma waits for his chance during training session on eve of their final Pool B match against Zimbabwe at Auckland on Saturday. – AFP

STAYING FOCUSSED: Virat Kohli staying focussed during the net session in Auckland. – AFP

FA C T B O X

INDIA Captain: Mahendra Singh Dhoni Coach: Duncan Fletcher Squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Stuart Binny, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Ambati Rayudu, Akshar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma Results so far at 2015 World Cup: Beat Pakistan by 76 runs Beat South Africa by 130 runs Beat United Arab Emirates by nine wickets Beat West Indies by four wickets Beat Ireland by eight wickets Best performers so far: Dhawan (333 runs), Kohli (263 runs); Shami (12 wickets), Ashwin (11 wickets) ZIMBABWE Captain: Elton Chigumbura

Coach: Dav Whatmore Squad: Chamu Chibhahba, Sikander Raza, Hamilton Masakadza, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine, Solomon Mire, Elton Chigumbura, Tawanda Mupariwa, Tinashe Panyangara, Tendai Chatara, Regis Chakabva, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Prosper Utseya Results so far at 2015 World Cup: Lost to South Africa by 62 runs Beat UAE by four wickets Lost to West Indies by 73 runs (D/L method) Lost to Pakistan by 20 runs Lost to Ireland by five runs Best performers: Taylor (295 runs), Williams (289 runs); Chatara (10 wickets)

Like the way Dhoni handles me: Shami

He (Dhoni) never gets angry. He will tell you things very calmly and handles the situation well which helps a bowler

Head-to-head Played: 56 India won 44, Zimbabwe won 10; tied 2; Last match: August 3, 2013 - India won by seven wickets in Bulawayo

Mohammed Shami Team India

NO LET UP: Indian skipper MS Dhoni prepares for a net session and eyes another win. – AFP

land found it difficult to counter the versatility of the attack.

Shami with 12 wickets has been the pick of Indian bowlers but there could be a healthy debate as to who has had more impact on the opposition — Shami or Ashwin.

In terms of wickets, Ashwin with 11 scalps to his credit is not far behind but what has been impressive about the Tamil Nadu bowler is his ability to put relentless pressure on the batsman.

Just like Indian batsmen had one pressure day in the group stages against West Indies where their top order stuttered, the Indian bowlers did face some questions asked by William Porterfield and Niall O’Brien in their match against Ireland, but it was Ashwin who had answered all queries.

Along with Shami and Ashwin, Mohit’s role has been fantastic. He comes in as the third pacer, bowls to one particular channel and can also work up brisk pace in the early 140 kmph. It’s been like Dhoni is running a computer program where everything is planned and executed with precision.

Even Umesh Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, the two low key performers in the bowling unit have more or less done their job with utmost sincerity. The fielding also

has been excellent in the tournament with some fantastic run-outs being effected by the Indians. The catching has been safe if not spectacular. India’s most assured area is batting and it has not let the team down one bit. Shikhar Dhawan’s ability to rise to the occasion, especially during ICC tournaments have come to the fore once again as he now has 333 runs at an average of 66.60 and a strike rate of close to 100 (98.50).

Zimbabwe throughout 90s was a team that was respected by the opponents. There were players like Flower brothers Grant and Andy, Neil Johnson, Murray Goodwin, Heath Streak who on their day could have given any team a run for their money.

It’s no longer the same for Zimbabwe cricket, which has been mired in controversies related to corruption in recent times. With regular captain Elton Chigumbura injured, Brendan Taylor will be leading the side in his absence.

It is not expected that they will pose any threat to India but if they can provide a decent fight, it will only hold them in good stead as there are hard days to come for the Associate nations. So expect another walk in the park for India on Saturday. — PTI

AUCKLAND: India’s pace spearhead Mohammed Shami feels a certain degree of comfort playing under Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the Indian captain has never been “demanding” and his backing has made the Bengal seamer’s transformation from domestic to international cricket pretty smooth. Shami is India’s highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 12 victims in five matches.

Asked about Dhoni’s contribution in his two-year international career, Shami said: “I like the way he (Dhoni) handles the team and handles me as a bowler as I have made my debut under him across all formats. I am always free and I have never been tensed when he has captained the side.

“He is not someone, who demands certain things from me.

He is someone who has always told me about my mistakes and asked me not to repeat them in the future. He never gets angry. He will tell you things very calmly and handles the situation well which helps a bowler,” the normally reticent Shami couldn’t stop raving about his captain at the prematch media conference, in Auckland on Friday.

For Shami, it’s paramount as a bowler that he gets proper backing from the captain and Dhoni has exactly done that. In fact, he went a step ahead and said that he felt more comfortable in the Indian dressing room than the domestic team (Bengal) that he played.

“The support and backing of your captain despite making

mistakes is very important and Dhoni does that. It has been a plus point for me that I have played and made my debut under him,” he said.

“When I was playing domestic cricket (for Bengal), I used to think about what I would talk to the seniors when I reach the international level. When I came to the international level, I felt a lot more comfortable than the domestic level. This is the confidence that has helped me thus far and I will try to take forward this self confidence ahead,” he added.

Asked how the Indian bowling unit has devised their plans which has enabled them to dismiss all the five oppositions so far, Shami said, “It depends what kind of a situation you are in and what plans are at place.

“You look to work on those plans and bowl accordingly. As a bowler, you have your own plan and so does the captain and you need to have both of them in mind while bowling. We follow those plans. If ‘Plan A’ is not working then we switch to Plan B.” Indian bowlers have endured a lot of hammering in ‘Australia Summer’ but making a strong come back after a bad phase gives you the true essence of international cricket.

“Having good and bad days is part of the game and as a cricketer you will have good and bad days. I have had a long tour so far. While playing Test matches, the mentality and training was according to that format of the game and the mindset keeps changing as and when you are up to the series to

follow,” said Shami.

“It isn’t that tough. We are not juniors where were you are taught certain things. We change our mindset according to the format of the game.

“Keeping the bad days in mind will only affect your thinking; instead it is better to move on and think forward,” said Shami, who has 82 wickets from 44 ODI matches.

That he is cool customer was proved when someone asked him the way to get out of bad patch. “I would like to believe that till now I haven’t had that bad a patch that I could think about it. It is by God’s grace that everything going well at the moment for me,” Shami said.

“Whenever I go through a rough patch or a bad day, I go back to my room and think about my mistakes. Or, I talk to my captain and teammates and ask for suggestions from them on how to get better. I try to rectify the mistakes in my practice sessions and I become alright,” said the Moradabad born pacer.

Although Zimbabwe match is of inconsequential nature, Shami said that they are not taking the opposition lightly.

“Irrespective of the opposition, we always look to win games. Cricket is a game of uncertainties and we always look to play the way we have been playing till now and it will be no different against Zimbabwe.

You don’t look at the comfort zone in international level. You need to deliver in the conditions that are presented to you.

Comfort zone cannot occupy your mind.” — PTI

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IRAN IN TALKS WITH ASIA BUYERS TO HIKE OIL SALES Iran is in talks with at least three buyers in Asia to sell them more crude oil if sanctions on the Middle Eastern country are lifted. >B2

TECHNOLOGY

Apple’s $10,000 smartwatch reviving gold allure LONDON: If anyone could make gold jewellery fashionable to Americans and Europeans, it’s Apple. The US, the UK and Italian demand for baubles made from the metal has been cut in half over the past decade, according to data from the World Gold Council, as shoppers favoured white-coloured metals such as silver and platinum.

Apple’s status as the arbiter of cool means its new $10,000 gold watch and yellow iPhones and MacBooks may entice consumers to buy other gold ornaments, said Neil Meader, a precious metals consultant at Metallis Consulting.

Apple, which called gold ‘uniquely luxurious’ in its advertising, has a history of swaying consumer tastes with its designs for touch-screen phones and portable music players.

While the watch won’t move the

price of gold, the publicity benefits the metal that in the US and Europe suffers from a reputation as old-fashioned, Meader said.

“If you were to gold plate a Ferrari, it would just end up tacky, but if you use gold in a high-technology product like this, it makes it seem more relevant to the younger customer,” Scott Thomson, the managing director of Astley Clarke, which sells jewellery in retailers including Harrods and Selfridges, said by phone from London.

Rubies, emeralds Popular culture has influenced jewellery fashions in the past. Coloured gems got a boost after celebrities such as Kate Middleton, Jessica Simpson and Halle Berry wore engagement rings with sapphires, rubies and emeralds. High-quality emerald prices rose almost 15-fold

ENTICING CONSUMERS TO BUY GOLD Assuming there’s 50gm of gold in each watch and Apple sells 10,000 devices, the company would need about half a metric tonne.

That compares to 2,153 tonnes of global annual jewellery demand, says World Gold Council

from 2009 through 2014, according to Gemfields.

Apple this week unveiled the watch, which comes in cheaper models with cases made from aluminum and stainless steel, and lets consumers do everything from unlock doors, check into a flight

and buy groceries with a tap on the wrist. The company paid for a 12page advertising spread in Vogue magazine, and model Christy Turlington Burns is using it to train for the London Marathon.

Not everyone is convinced. People won’t buy more gold because of

the Apple watch, and sales of the expensive device will be limited, according to Carole Ferguson, an analyst at brokerage SP Angel Corporate Finance. It’s likely that people who purchase it were already planning to buy a gold watch, so the overall increase in metal demand will be low, she said.

Very sceptical “I’d be very sceptical this would make any difference to gold’s image,” Ferguson said. “Women’s fashion doesn’t follow tech trends and jewellery in particular is a highly individual decision.”

While the gold model costs thousands more than other versions, the technology is the same.

Demand for the watch will be greatest in China, where appetite for the metal is already near a record, according to Bart Me-

EU’s Juncker pushes for credit deal with Greece currency. That would be in jeopardy if the government ran out of credit, prompting Greek banks to lose access to euros from the European Central Bank.

Juncker said he was trying to help promote an accord after weeks of mounting frustration and mutual incomprehension

BRUSSELS: European Union chief executive Jean-Claude Juncker and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras called on Friday for European governments to show solidarity with Greece and resolve a credit crunch that risks dumping it out of the eurozone.

Their comments, as the bloc’s German paymaster presses its demands that Athens’ new leftist government honour commitments to international creditors, highlighted Juncker’s concern over a risk of grave damage to the European Union, but may also fuel suspicion in Berlin that the EU Commission could try to water down any deal.

On the day after German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said publicly that Greece might stumble out of the eurozone because its leaders had failed to negotiate new borrowings, Junck-

CRISIS TALKS: Greece Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, left, and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker at the European Commission in Brussels, on Friday. Tsipras is in Brussels for talks on Athens’ debt-hit bailout. – AFP

er sounded a note of urgency to EU governments.

“I don’t think we have made sufficient progress,” he told reporters as he welcomed Tsipras to the European Commission. “I will make certain proposals to my friend Alexis Tsipras.

European integration “I’m totally excluding a failure ... This is not a time for division.

This is the time for coming together,” he said, praising Tsipras for following a ‘pro-European track’.

Commission officials say Juncker, a long-time premier of Luxembourg who took over the EU executive in November, fears

some leaders may be underestimating the damage ‘Grexit’ — or ‘Grexident’ — would do to European integration.

Schaeuble told an Austrian broadcaster on Thursday there was a risk of Greece losing the euro if negotiations failed: “As the responsibility, the possibility to decide what happens only lies with Greece, and because we don’t exactly know what those in charge in Greece are doing, we can’t rule it out,” he said.

While many Greeks resent the terms under which Europeans and the International Monetary Fund bailed them out since 2010, a majority wants to keep the single

CRUDE MARKET

Crude oil sinks as Paris-based agency issues price warning LONDON: World oil prices sank on Friday after the International Energy Agency (IEA) issued a warning over the price outlook amid bulging global supplies. In midday London deals, European benchmark Brent North Sea crude for April delivery fell 57 cents to $56.51 a barrel.

US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for April shed 72 cents to $46.33 a barrel. “Crude oil prices extended losses... as investors remained cautious following the bearish IEA oil monthly report, high levels of crude oil inventories and the strong US dollar rally,” said Sucden analyst Myrto Sokou.

The Paris-based IEA energy watchdog warned on Friday that the recent rebound in oil prices was built on flimsy foundations.

Prices collapsed by 60 per cent to about $40 between June and late January due to global oil oversupply, a weak world economy and the strong dollar.

However, the market has since rebounded somewhat following

a slowdown in United States oildrilling activities.

“Behind the facade of stability, the rebalancing triggered by the price collapse has yet to run its course, and it might be overly optimistic to expect it to proceed smoothly,” said the Paris-based IEA, which advises energy consuming nations.

Key driver It noted that a key driver in the recovery in oil prices has been drops in the number of rigs drilling for shale oil in the US. “Yet US supply so far shows precious little sign of slowing down. Quite to the contrary, it continues to defy expectations,” said the IEA in its monthly report, which sharply revised up output estimates for the end of last year and forecasts for the start of 2015.

The IEA hiked its demand forecasts for every quarter this year, with the annual 2015 figure bumped up by 100,000 barrels per day to 93.5 mbpd, compared with its previous forecast given

last month. In earlier Asian trading, the crude oil market had risen on news of a deal to end a strike at US refineries. Crude futures had fallen Thursday after a government report showed surging US stockpiles, adding to a global oversupply.

The US Department of Energy on Wednesday said inventories hit a fresh record high of 448.9 million barrels last week, while stockpiles at the Cushing terminal hub in Oklahoma — the price settlement point for WTI — also increased.

Bloomberg News meanwhile reported the United Steelworkers union representing 30,000 US oil workers had reached a tentative deal on a four-year contract with Royal Dutch Shell that could see a mass walkout brought to a close.

Another development affecting the market was an announcement on Monday by the US Energy Information Administration raising its crude production forecast this year to 9.35 million barrels per day from 9.30 million. - AFP

Time for solidarity Tsipras, trying to satisfy lenders while also retaining the support of voters who elected him in January to end years of spending cuts, said Greece was doing its bit and others must now help ease its ‘humanitarian crisis’ and mass youth unemployment. “Greece has already started fulfilling its commitments ... so we are doing our part and we expect our partners to do their own,” Tsipras said before his talks with Juncker.

“I’m very optimistic ... we will find a solution because I strongly believe that this is our common interest. I believe that there is no Greek problem; there is a European problem.”

He added: “Now is the time to give a message of hope to the Greek people, not only implement, implement, implement and obligations, obligations, obligations — the message that the European institutions will give help and solidarity.”

Juncker, a former chairman of the Euro Group of eurozone finance ministers, said he was trying to help promote an accord after weeks of mounting frustration and mutual incomprehension between the novice Greek leadership and the likes of Schaeuble and the Euro Group’s current Dutch chairman Jeroen Dijsselbloem.

“The Commission wants to be helpful,” he said. “But the Commission is not a major player in this because all the decisions ... will have to be taken by the Euro Group.” Some eurozone officials voiced irritation during last month’s negotiations at Juncker’s parallel dialogue with Tsipras and at Commission efforts to help draft compromise accords.

Commission officials have said the executive’s role has been to offer advice to an inexperienced Greek government. When Juncker first met him five weeks ago, he demonstratively grabbed the 40-year-old Tsipras by the hand and led him off for what EU officials said was effectively a tutorial on EU affairs.

On February 20, Tsipras agreed to extend a €240-billion bailout package to June but talks started only on Wednesday in Brussels on how Athens will meet conditions to unlock new cash.

The Euro Group agreed funds could be provided as long as Greece proves by next month that it is sticking to commitments to trim its massive debts. After June, Athens is expected to need another big set of loans from the other 18 eurozone governments and later also from the International Monetary Fund. - Reuters

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lek, an analyst at TD Securities in Toronto. Meader said assuming there’s 50gm of gold in each watch and Apple sells 10,000 devices, the company would need about half a metric tonnes. That compares to 2,153 tonnes of global annual jewellery demand, according to the World Gold Council.

While the amount of gold used to produce jewellery in the US has plateaued since 2010, demand is still down 62 per cent in the past decade, data from the gold council show. In Italy and the UK, Europe’s largest manufacturers, the collapse was at least 60 per cent, according to the London-based lobbying group.

Spot prices in London slumped 28 per cent last year, ending a decade-long bull run.

An ounce of the metal cost about $1,161 on Friday. - Bloomberg News SURVEY

More than half of Germans favour ‘Grexit’ BERLIN: More than half of Germans believe debt-stricken Greece should leave the eurozone, according to a poll published on Friday amid a flaring war of words between Athens and Berlin.

And 80 per cent believed Greece is not acting in a reliable manner in its negotiations with eurozone partners, found the Politbarometer survey released by public broadcaster ZDF. The proportion of respondents who think Greece should stay in the currency union has fallen to 40 per cent from 52 per cent two weeks ago, while 52 per cent now believe it should leave, up from 41 per cent. Only 11 per cent now think the left-wing government in Athens is behaving in a trustworthy way in talks with its European Union partners.

And only 14 per cent believe the Greek government will actually implement the austerity and reform measures it has committed to, while 82 per cent doubt it.

Eighty per cent believe Greece should get no more bailout funds if it fails to follow through on its pledges, according to the survey conducted by the Mannheim Research Group.

The poll also confirmed Chancellor Angela Merkel as the country’s most popular politician, followed in second spot by Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble.

Merkel and Schaeuble have championed tough austerity and reform demands in return for aid to Greece, making them hate figures for many in Greece as the country has chafed under cutbacks. - AFP

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Why deflation is good news for European nations DANIEL GROS

This deflation is bad, it is argued... But this fear is unfounded, because it is based on a misunderstanding. What matters for debt-service capacity is the debtors’ income, not the price level.

I

n today’s global economy, there is no price as important as that of crude oil.

More than 80 million barrels are produced (and consumed) daily, and a large part of that output is traded internationally. Thus, the sharp fall in the crude-oil price — from about $110 last year to around $60 today — is yielding hundreds of billions of dollars in savings for oil importers. For the European Union and the United States, the gain from that decline is worth about 2-3 per cent of gross Domestic Product (GDP).

For Europe, the benefits of cheap oil might grow over time, because long-term gas-supply contracts are to a significant degree indexed to the oil price. This represents another advantage for Europe, where prices for natural gas were, until recently, several times higher than in the Untied States, which had been benefiting from lower-cost shale energy.

But many observers have argued that cheap oil also has a downside, because it exacerbates deflationary tendencies in the advanced countries, which

already seem to be mired in a low-growth trap. The sharp fall in oil prices, according to this view, will make it even harder for these countries’ central banks to achieve the 2 per cent annual inflation rate that most have targeted in fulfilling their price-stability mandate.

Debt-service capacity The eurozone, in particular, seems to be in danger, as prices are now falling for the first time since 2009. This deflation is bad, it is argued, because it makes it harder for debtors, especially in the troubled economies of the eurozone’s periphery (Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, and Spain), to pay what they owe.

But this fear is unfounded,

because it is based on a misunderstanding. What matters for debt-service capacity is the debtors’ income, not the general price level. As oil prices fall, households’ real (inflation-adjusted) income should rise, because they do not have to spend as much on fuel and heating. Lower crude oil prices make life easier, not harder, for highly indebted households in the US or the eurozone periphery. Falling consumer prices should thus be viewed as a good sign.

Most manufacturing enterprises will also benefit from lower energy costs, improving their ability to service their debts.

This, too, is particularly relevant in the eurozone periphery, where the non-financial sector ac-

cumulated too much debt during the credit boom that preceded the 2008 global financial crisis.

Moreover, though most of the savings implied by lower energy costs might initially show up in higher profits, over time, competition will force companies to pass on some of these windfall gains in the form of lower prices or higher wages.

This is another important consequence of cheap oil: lower prices make it more difficult to judge the point at which wage pressure becomes inflationary.

Because wages can increase to a greater extent without fuelling inflation, the US Federal Reserve Board might be inclined to delay hiking interest rates, which it is now widely expected to do.

Iran in talks with Asia buyers to hike oil sales Iran could increase output by 800,000 barrels a day to its full capacity of 3.6 million a day within three months, the IEA estimated on February 10

DUBAI: Iran is in talks with at least three buyers in Asia to sell them more crude oil if sanctions on the Middle Eastern country are lifted, according to four people with direct knowledge of the discussions.

State-owned National Iranian Oil Company is talking with the buyers and hasn’t yet specified how much additional crude it might offer them, said the people who asked not to be identified because the conversations are confidential. A spokeswoman for Iran’s Oil Ministry wasn’t able to comment immediately.

The United States and five other global powers are negoti- NEGOTIATIONS: The United States and five other global powers are negotiating with Iran to end a ating with Iran to end a decade- decade-long dispute over its nuclear programme in return for removing sanctions that have cut its long dispute over its nuclear pro- crude exports. Overseas crude shipments averaged 1.3 million barrels a day last year.– Bloomberg News gramme in return for removing sanctions that have cut its crude exports. Overseas crude ship- the London-based ICE Futures Japan, India, South Korea, Turkey vent Iran from producing a nuclements averaged 1.3 million barrels Europe exchange Singapore time. and Taiwan to purchase limited ar weapon. Iran, which said it isn’t trying to build a bomb, has said it The benchmark grade for over amounts of the crude. a day last year, or 1.2 million barIran could increase output by needs to enrich uranium for its cirels a day below pre-sanction lev- half of the world’s crude fell 48 els, according to the International per cent last year amid a surge in 800,000 barrels a day to its full ca- vilian nuclear reactor in Bushehr. supply of North American shale pacity of 3.6 million a day within The parties have set a deadline of Energy Agency (IEA).

“They are obviously very de- oil and the refusal by the Opec to three months, the IEA estimat- the end of March to reach a polititermined to come flying out of cut output. Oil rebounded this ed on February 10. Production cal agreement outlining a deal and the starting blocks should nego- year as growth in US drilling dropped from 3.8 million barrels plan to reach a final accord by the tiations result in a lifting of sanc- slowed. Brent climbed 18 per cent a day in March 2010 to 2.8 million end of June. - Bloomberg News tions,” said Ole Hansen, head of in February, the first gain in eight now, according to data. commodity strategy at Copenha- months.

US and European Union sanc- Negotiations gen-based Saxo Bank. “Imagine a million barrels extra crude from tions restrict the amount of Ira- The US, UK, Germany, France, HAVE YOUR SAY Orgnisaiton of Petroleum Export- nian crude refineries can buy. Russia and China make up the Send us your comments at EU fuel processors are forbidden P5+1 group holding the nuclear ing Countries (Opec).” facebook.com/timesofoman Brent for April settlement add- from buying any Iranian oil, while negotiations with Iran. The US blog.timesofoman.com ed 15 cents to $57.23 a barrel on US restrictions allow for China, and its allies are seeking to prehaveyoursay@timesofoman.com

Public finances should also benefit from the deflation engendered by lower oil prices.

Government revenues depend on the value of domestic output, not only consumption. Though lower oil prices depress consumer prices, they should boost production and overall GDP. Consumer prices Absent large price changes for raw materials, the consumer price index evolves along with the GDP deflator (the price deflator for the entire economy). But that will not be true this year, because consumer prices are falling, whereas the GDP deflator (and nominal GDP) is still increasing.

This should lead to solid government revenues, which is good

news for highly indebted governments throughout the industrialised world, but particularly for the eurozone periphery.

The fall in (consumer) prices that the eurozone currently is experiencing should thus be seen as a positive development for all energy importers. The eurozone periphery, in particular, can look forward to an ideal combination of low interest rates, a favorable euro exchange rate, and a boost in real incomes as a result of cheap oil. In a deflationary environment, lower oil prices appear to make it more difficult for the European Central Bank to achieve its target of an inflation rate close to 2%. In reality, lower oil prices represent a boon for Europe – especially for its most beleaguered nations.

– Project Syndicate

Daniel Gros is director of the Brussels-based Center for European Policy Studies. He has worked for the International Monetary Fund, and served as an economic adviser to the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the French prime minister and finance minister.

INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT

Joining bank backed

by China in national interest, says Britain LONDON: Britain said on Friday it believed its decision to become a founding member of the Chinabacked Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) was in its own national interest, shrugging off US anxiety about the move.

“There will be times when we take a different approach (to the United States),” a spokesman for Prime Minister David Cameron told reporters, referring to the decision to join the bank.

“We think that it’s in the UK’s national interest.”

Britain had previously said it had sought to become a founding member of the AIIB, making it the first Western nation to embrace the China-backed institution, but the United States reacted frostily to the development.

Cameron’s spokesman said the British leader did not think the episode would damage London’s ties with Washington and that finance minister George Osborne had discussed the matter with his US counterpart beforehand.

Governance The AIIB would play ‘a complementary role’ to other funding institutions, he said, and would help fill a genuine niche to provide additional investment to lower income countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Britain would help ensure it upheld high standards of governance, he added, denying that London’s decision to join the bank was part of a pattern of cosying up to Beijing too much.

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank was launched in Beijing last year to spur investment in Asia in transportation, energy, telecommunications and other infrastructure. Analysts have said it could challenge the Western-dominated World Bank and Asian Development Bank.

However, Britain’s Finance Ministry said on Thursday that the AIIB could complement work already done in the region by those organisations. Britain would meet other founding members this month to agree on the principles of the bank’s governance and accountability arrangements, the

There will be times when we take a different approach (to the US). We think that it’s in the UK’s national interest Spokesman Prime Minister David Cameron Britain ministry said.

Finance minister George Osborne said joining the bank would boost the country’s push to foster business and investment ties with countries in the region, chief among them China.

United States miffed “Joining the AIIB at the founding stage will create an unrivalled opportunity for the UK and Asia to invest and grow together,” he said in a statement.

Britain’s announcement was not welcomed in Washington. A spokesman for the White House National Security Council said the United States had concerns about whether the AIIB would have sufficiently high standards on governance and environmental and social safeguards.

“It is important to note that countries that become prospective members of the AIIB will be responsible for the standards adopted in the articles of agreement and their implementation,” the spokesman said. “This is the UK’s sovereign decision. We hope and expect that the UK will use its voice to push for adoption of high standards,” he said.

China’s Ministry of Finance said it welcomed Britain’s decision, and would consult with the AIIB’s existing founding members on its proposed entry. “If all goes well, the UK will become a founding member of the AIIB by the end of March,” it said. - Reuters

SAT URDAY, MARCH 14, 2015

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MARKET STOCK MARKET

Foreigners grab Japan stocks as Topix beats US markets TOKYO: For American investors, Japanese stocks are starting to make sense.

After trailing United States shares for six years in dollar terms, the Topix index is finally beating them, rising 8.2 per cent this year through Thursday compared to a 0.3 per cent advance for the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.

Overseas buyers have snapped up $17.7 billion in Japanese shares and futures in four weeks, Tokyo and Osaka bourse data show, as the Topix rallies without a tumbling yen eating into gains. The Nikkei 225 Stock Average closed above 19,000 on Friday for the first time in almost 15 years.

How much has a falling yen penalized investors in the past?

In 2013, when Japanese shares posted the biggest advance this century during Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s first year back in office, investors denominated in dollars would’ve been better off in the S&P 500. Now, with US shares the third-worst performer this year among 24 developed markets, money is shifting to Tokyo.

“This is the first time in a long time that the Topix has outperformed the S&P 500 in dollar terms,” said Richard Whittall, a fund manager at Alltus Capital (UK) in Singapore. “That’s making foreigners think Japan is very interesting. Suddenly we have this amazing situation where there are no natural sellers in the market.”

Overseas investors became net buyers for four straight weeks through March 6. - Bloomberg News

Insurers hope for billions in business as India clears Bill Parliament approved raising the amount foreign companies can own in Indian insurers to 49 per cent from 26 per cent

SINGAPORE: Indian companies with insurance ventures, in- SHARES LOOK UP: Shares of Reliance Capital, which has a venture with Nippon Life Insurance, rose to cluding Max India and Reliance a three-month high.t. – Bloomberg News Capital, are poised to benefit from higher foreign-shareholding limpand in the world’s second-most “We believe this will infuse the its that may draw more than $3 populous country, where insursector with both technical knowbillion from overseas investors. ance penetration is less than the The passage of a bill raising the how of the joint-venture partners global average. amount foreign companies can and bring in the much awaited American International Group own in Indian insurers to 49 per capital,” Edelweiss Securities (AIG) and Standard Life own cent from 26 per cent allows Bupa analysts including Nilesh Parikh is the investment the stakes in local insurers. Japan’s Finance to boost its holding in its said in a note Thursday. “This bill, which requires Tokio Marine Holdings Inc. has a venture with Max India, which could pave the way for the listing presidential assent venture with Edelweiss Financial to become law, could the UK company had applied for of insurance players and foreign Services Ltd., while AXA operates attract, State Bank in January. Shares of Reliance partners increasing their stakes.” one with Bharti Enterprises. of India chairman Capital, which has a venture with Arundhati Bhattacharya Nippon Life Insurance, rose to a Investment limits Sweet spot The insurance bill, which had said in an email three-month high.

India’s insurance penetration, or Parliament voted on Thursday been stuck in parliament since premiums underwritten as a proto increase the foreign investment 2008, shows that Modi can get legportion of a country’s total ecolimit in the first major legislative islative changes passed through victory for Prime Minister Naren- the opposition-controlled upper insurance companies compare nomic output, was 3.9 per cent in dra Modi as he seeks to overhaul house, which had blocked the with the 74 per cent overseas in- 2013, less than the world average Asia’s third-biggest economy. The measure since he took power last vestors are permitted to hold in of 6.3 per cent, according to Minbill, which requires presidential May. Now he must work to pass the country’s private sector banks, ister of State for Finance Jayant assent to become law, could lure proposals to ease land clearances according to central bank regula- Sinha. Higher insurance penetraabout Rs200 billion ($3.2 billion) and implement a nationwide sales tions. While the bill requires ma- tion can help Permier Narendra of investment, State Bank of India tax, measures that will do more to jority ownership and control to Modi as he looks to raise funds to remain with resident Indians, it upgrade the nation’s roads, ports chairman Arundhati Bhattacha- attract investors.

The new investment limits for allows foreign companies to ex- and other infrastructure. rya said in an e-mailed statement.

$3.2b

Max India shares rose 1 per cent in Mumbai on Friday, extending the previous day’s advance of 5.4 per cent.

“Max India is in a sweet spot,” managing director Rahul Khosla said in an e-mailed statement. Its insurance venture Max Life has “no pre-committed contractual obligations to dilute our stake. We therefore have the flexibility to make the right choices at the right time and at the right valuation.”

Reliance Capital climbed 1 per cent after earlier rising 5.2 per cent to the highest intraday level since December 16. It surged 11 per cent on Thursday. Its venture partner Nippon Life said the bill presented “an important business opportunity.”

Share sales The “possibility of additional investment in Reliance Life needs to be discussed thoroughly with our important partner, Reliance Group, in the future,” Shinichiro Kon, a Tokyo-based spokesman for Nippon Life, said on Friday.

The new bill may accelerate some companies’ plans to sell equity in their insurance businesses.

Housing Development Finance chief executive officer Keki Mistry said on January 29 the company was waiting for lawmakers to approve the insurance bill before deciding on an insurance initial public offering (IPO).- Bloomberg News

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

MARKETS

MOBILE DEVICES

Samsung to use premium Indian stocks tumble 1.5%, material to win customers rupee slumps by 47 paise SEOUL: Samsung Electronics will use more premium materials in mobile devices to win customers and offer a wider range of connected devices after losing its outright lead in the smartphone market to Apple.

The plan includes more smartphones with metal casings, slim designs and high-definition displays across its range of models, co-chief executive officer Shin Jong Kyun said at the company’s annual shareholder meeting in Seoul on Friday.

Samsung Electronics’ unveiling of new Galaxy S6 phones this month has spurred a stock rally on expectations the company can revive earnings and stem a slide in market share that saw Apple surge into a tie for global leadership. The devices include the company’s own processor chips and a model with a screen that stretches from the front down both sides.

“Samsung Electronics aims to consolidate its leadership in the premium market and plans to newly change the smartphone line-up to strengthen competitiveness,” said Shin, who heads the mobile phone business.

Shares of Samsung rose 1.9 per cent to 1,475,000 won in Seoul.

The stock has surged 8.7 per cent since showing off the S6 and S6 Edge on March 1 featuring metal bodies and a fingerprint reader.

The phones go on sale in 20 countries starting April 10.

Apple tied Samsung with 19.6 per cent of the global market in the fourth quarter, Strategy Analytics said in January.

Kwon Oh Hyun, who leads the

NEW STRATEGY: Samsung’s unveiling of new Galaxy S6 phones this month has spurred a stock rally on expectations the company can revive earnings and stem a slide in market share that saw Apple surge into a tie for global leadership. – Bloomberg News

components business, said the company will try to tap new demand in the business-to-business market as well as smart home and health devices.

Internet of things The South Korea-based company is moving workers and boosting investment to build a future beyond mobile phones as it tries to create a hit from what’s known as the Internet of things, technology that stitches together phones, cameras, sprinklers and roads.

Samsung is pouring more than $21 billion into capital expenditure this year to grab a bigger

slice of revenue from the 1 billion handsets sold by rivals by supplying chips and displays.

The company expects uncertainties surrounding the global economy to rise this year while market competition on key products will further intensify.

Samsung in 2014 posted its first decline in revenue in nine years, while annual profit dropped for the first time in three years.

Net income will probably decline 4 per cent to 22.2 trillion won ($19.8 billion) in the year ending December, according to the average of 41 analysts’ estimates. - Bloomberg News

MUMBAI: Indian stocks declined, with the benchmark gauge capping its biggest weekly loss in three months, as some investors judged recent gains as excessive.

Bharat Heavy Electricals, a power-equipment producer, was the worst performer on the S&P BSE Sensex, while Larsen & Toubro, the biggest engineering company, decreased for the fourth time this week. Sesa Sterlite completed a second weekly loss, leading metal producers lower.

The Sensex tumbled 1.5 per cent to 28,503.30, extending the week’s drop to 3.2 per cent, the steepest since the period ended December 12. Stocks slid on concern the United States Federal Reserve may signal earlier interest rate increases at its meeting next week.

The measure’s valuation climbed to near a four-year high last week after the central bank cut rates for the second time this year and Prime Minister Naren-

dra Modi’s first full-year budget outlined plans to spend more on infrastructure.

“The markets had become slightly overbought and frothy after the budget and the surprise rate cut by the RBI,” Dipan Mehta, a member of the BSE, told Bloomberg TV India on Friday. “Investors should factor in a 10 to 12 per cent correction from the peak.”

The Sensex has slid 5 per cent from a record intraday high of 30,024.75 reached on March 4. The gauge still trades at 15.9 times its 12-month estimated earnings, 10 percent premium to its three-year average, data shows.

Rupee breaches 63-mark The Indian rupee on Friday breached the 63-mark intraday against the Greenback and ended with a sharp loss of 47 paise at 62.97 on sustained dollar demand from importers amid weakness in local shares.

It crossed the 63-level after two months as it hit a low of 63.0025 on Friday. Previously, it had logged an intra-trade low of 63.20 on January 8, 2015. Besides dollar demand and weakness in share market, a firm dollar overseas also put pressure on the rupee, traders said.

At the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market, the domestic unit commenced slightly lower at 62.52 a dollar from overnight close of 62.50 and touched a high of 62.43. Later, it surrendered early gains and plunged to a low of 63.0025 before ending at 62.97 — a fall of 47 paise or 0.75 per cent. On Thursday, it had gained 28 paise or 0.45 per cent. On a weekly basis, the rupee has tumbled by 81 paise or 1.30 per cent.

The dollar index, a gauge of six major global rivals, was up by 0.30 per cent. Pramit Brahmbhatt, Veracity Group, CEO said: “Rupee traded weak and depreciated almost fifty paise.” - PTI

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S ATUR DAY, M A RCH 14, 2 015

FEATURE

In petroleum capitals such as Midland, a place long known for swaggering wildcatters who made and lost fortunes, corporate and personal jet travel has been a bellwether for the health of the energy business. That indicator took a turn down in January, when privateaircraft flights to Midland dropped about 9 per cent, amid the global rout in crude prices

FALLING OIL HITS PRIVATE AVIATION T

he oil boom last year was easy to see at the airport in Midland, Texas, the gateway to the biggest crudeproducing region in the United States. The 30 or so spaces for private planes were often filled.

On one day in early February, a lone corporate jet sat on the tarmac, the empty spots a harbinger of the slowdown looming in a city that is 85 per cent dependent on the oil and gas industry.

In petroleum capitals such as Midland, a place long known for swaggering wildcatters who made and lost fortunes, corporate and personal jet travel has been a bellwether for the health of the energy business. That indicator took a turn down in January, when private-aircraft flights to Midland dropped about 9 per cent, amid the global rout in crude prices.

“Private aviation is definitely a discretionary spend and you can turn it on or turn it off very quickly,” said Brian Foley, a Sparta, New Jersey-based aerospace consultant. “When there’s uncertainty, people will look to hunker down.”

For Midland, an oil-industry pullback would choke off an economic surge that helped shrink the city’s unemployment rate to just 2.1 per cent in December, half the national rate. The threat of local layoffs joining the 100,000 lost oil jobs around the world also

would mark a break with a US recovery that’s been driven in part by surging domestic crude output.

Boom-and-bust cycles are a way of life in Midland, the city of more than 121,000 where President George H W Bush got into the oil business, followed by his son, George W Bush. Midland’s economic expansion from 2010 to 2013 led all 380 US metropolitan areas tracked by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Demand for private flying surged along. General-aviation operations at Midland International Airport jumped almost 10 per cent in 2014, according to data reported to US regulators.

Canary-in-a-coal-mine Now, private aviation’s role as canary-in-a-coal-mine is being watched closely again. Even as airline traffic rose at Midland International in January, businessjet takeoffs slid along with smaller non-commercial aircraft, according to data tracker FlightAware.

Private flights are poised to drop again in February.

That one corporate jet on the tarmac, owned by Cimarex Energy Co., a Denver-based oil explorer, may be on the ground more often these days. The Learjet 60 model typically seats eight passengers and has the range to reach New York or Seattle from Midland.

“We’re looking to control ex-

penses wherever we can,” said Karen Acierno, director of investor relations, declining to provide further details. With even a small jet such as four-seat Cessna Citation Mustang retailing for more than $3 million, oil’s retreat is putting a crimp on some luxury-plane sales and travel for energy executives.

“Anyone who had been contemplating an expenditure that runs into millions probably has tabled that decision for the time being,” said Janine Iannarelli, founder and president of Houston-based aircraft broker Par Avion. “They want to be careful with cash flow.”

Corporate flying has long been a sensitive topic for aircraft owners and the companies that serve them, and businesses in Midland are no exception now that a peak in local traffic has been passed.

Landmark Aviation, the Carlyle Group unit that runs the only private-plane operations base at Midland International, would not comment about the local drop in flying.

Months away History suggests how private aviation can foretell the end of a boom.

In 2008, months before Lehman Brothers’ September bankruptcy filing became a signal moment of the global financial crisis, US business-jet flying peaked in March, then fell in every month save one for the rest of the year. For Mid-

land, any economic stress may be a few months away. Big-ticket local projects remain under way, such as Chevron’s curved, fourstory glass-faced office building and a complex across the street for Occidental Petroleum.

“A lot of money has been made in this town so most folks are going to be just fine,” Patriot Drilling President Scott Dufford said over a bowl of gumbo at the Petroleum Club of Midland. “We’re hoping it’s only short-term pain.”

Daily reminder Still, a daily reminder of the pullback is the region’s oil rig count displayed on a downtown Midland bank sign instead of the usual time or temperature. The rig tally was 362 as of February 20, down by a third from October’s peak, according to Baker Hughes Inc. data compiled by Bloomberg.

Local outposts of companies such as Chevron and EOG Resources Inc. are poised to feel the pinch from shrinking capitalspending budgets.

The city’s dependence on a single commodity means the downturn “will be significant,” said Karr Ingham, an economist based in Amarillo, Texas, who specialises in the region’s oil economy. “I don’t think there’s any escaping that at this point even if prices were to turn and go back north again.” - WASHINGTON POST-BLOOMBERG

B SECTION

LIFE & STYLE

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM S AT U R DAY, M A R C H 14 , 2 0 1 5

SHOULD YOU PUT YOUR FACE ON THE 5:2 PLAN? A new study says giving skin a break from make-up is the key to a perfect complexion

T

he 5:2 was 2014’s most popular diet and proved so successful that celebrities including Jennifer Aniston and Miranda Kerr were reported to have jumped on the fasting bandwagon. But now the 5:2 approach has been taken one step further as experts believe that applying the same principle to your beauty routine can lessen the appearance of wrinkles in just one month.

Just as you reduce the amount of calories you consume for two days a week on the 5:2 plan, skin specialists claim that reducing the amount of cosmetics you wear and going bare-faced twice a week will allow cells to regenerate, leading to younger-looking skin.

A recent survey by Escentual. com found that two-thirds of British women wear make-up seven days a week and three-quarters suffer from breakouts as a result.

Only a quarter would forego

make-up for more than one day a week. But experts are now warning that caking on the cosmetics can lead to premature ageing.

Skincare specialist Dr Tijion Esho says: “Chemicals from makeup and our environment accumulate throughout the day, seeping into pores. This accumulation can lead to the breaking down of collagen and elastin in the skin.

Over time the process can leave you with fine lines and wrinkles and the cycle is further reinforced as many will then use more makeup to cover up the problem.”

Dr Terry Loong, a cosmetic doctor, is a fan of the new regime.

“It’s always good to allow your skin to breathe because it will boost repair and skin renewal.”

The survey found that foundation is the most popular item in most women’s make-up bags but some experts believe the formulas prohibit crucial oxygen flow and pre-

vent essential natural oils forming.

However those who break into a sweat at the thought of leaving the house without putting their “face” on might be able to rest easy, as not everyone is convinced of the benefits of going make-up free.

Dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting says: “There’s no doubt that makeup can cause problems if you make poor choices. Longwear foundations are a pet hate of mine as you have to work so hard to remove them and women who suffer from common skin conditions such as acne and rosacea may well experience more troubled skin as a consequence.

“But I see no reason to have a two-day break from a tool that gives women a tremendous selfesteem boost and I know of no compelling evidence to support a ‘fast’.” Plus there are some smart foundations that can actually benefit skin. Dr Loong says: “Modern

foundations contain an SPF and antioxidants to protect the skin.

“Foundations such as Oxygenetix allow oxygen to penetrate the skin, helping it to repair itself which makes it ideal for sensitive and acne-prone complexions.”

The peptides in Oxygenetix, help push oxygen into the skin, prompting it to produce more collagen and elastin. Both Dr Loong and Dr Bunting strongly advise removing make-up before you go to bed because night is the best time for repair. “Grime and pollution will accumulate on skin over the course of the day and in order for night-time products to penetrate properly the skin should be cleansed,” says Dr Bunting. “It’s great to be able to give the skin a rest when we can,” adds Dr Loong.

“Besides we do not get as much beauty sleep as we would like so it’s best to maximise the repair time when we can.”

GOING BARE-FACED GIVES ME A GLOW Sophie Donnelly, 29, has been going make-up free two days a week for years I always thought my youthfullooking skin was down to good genes but according to new research it’s actually thanks to my beauty routine.

I was delighted when I heard the news that the 5:2 plan could work for skin as I’ve been stepping out without make-up two days a week for years and I’m sure it’s the secret to my natural glow.

It’s a stark contrast to how I used to treat my skin in my teens and early 20s. I’d pile on thick pale foundation to cover my freckles and ring my eyes in black kohl liner. To make matters worse I’d often arrive home and flop into bed with make-up still caked on.

Unsurprisingly I began to break out all across my chin and jaw

line, which prompted me to slap on even more make-up to try to cover it up. After years of being trapped in this vicious cycle, it was my mum who advised me to give foundation a rest to see if it would have a positive effect on my skin. After six months of wearing nothing but an SPF moisturiser my spots cleared up, my skin tone evened out and my complexion began to glow.

I have been maintaining these results ever since by cleansing, toning, moisturising and having make-up free days and the effects speak for themselves. Plus there is something quite liberating about waking up, showering and walking out of the door. Even though I’m about to turn 30 I still get asked for ID and people often think my younger sister Faye, 26, is the older sibling, much to my amusement.

— Sophie Donnelly/Daily Express

B6

S ATUR DAY, M A RCH 14, 2 015

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Run All Night – 2D (15+) (Action) Cast: Liam Neeson, Ed Harris, Joel Kinnaman 1:00, 3:15, 7:30, 9:15, 11:30 PM Before I Go to Sleep – 2D (12+) (Mystery | Thriller) Cast: Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth 5:30, 9:30 PM Cinderella – 2D (PG) (Adventure) Cast: Lily James, Hayley Atwell, Richard Madden 1:30, 3:30, 5:30, 6:45 PM Superfast! – 2D (15+) (Comedy) Cast: Lili Mirojnick, Dale Pavinski, Andrea Navedo 3:45, 9:45 & 11:45 PM Cairo Time – 2D (12+) (Comedy| Drama | Romance) Cast: Ayten Amer, Mervat Amin, Nour El-Sherif 5:15 PM Demonic – 2D (15+) (Horror | Thriller) Cast: Maria Bello, Frank Grillo, Cody Horn 5:30 & 11:15 PM Apartment 143 – 2D (15+)(Horror | Thriller) Cast: Kai Lennox, Gia Mantegna, Michael O’Keefe 5:00 PM NH10 – 2D (TBC ) (Crime | Drama | Mystery)

SCREEN 1 NH 10 – Hindi (Suspense/ Thriller) Cast: Anushka Sharma, Neil Bhoopalam, Ravi Jhankal, Darshan Kumaar 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 PM Screen 2 Run All Night (Action/Suspense) (15+) Cast: Genesis Rodriguez, Liam Neeson, Joel Kinnaman 3.45, 6.45, 9.45 PM

Run All Night – 2D (15+) (Action) Cast: Liam Neeson, Ed Harris, Joel Kinnaman 3:45, 7:45, 9:45, 11:45PM Cinderella – 2D (PG) (Adventure) Cast: Lily James, Hayley Atwell 3:15, 5:45 PM Before I Go to Sleep – 2D (12+) (Mystery, Thriller) Cast: Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth 3:15, 5:00PM NH10– 2D (Hindi) (Crime, Drama) Cast: Neil Bhoopalam, Ravi Jhankal, Darshan Kumaar 6:45, 9:00, 11:15 PM Demonic – 2D (12+) (Horror, Thriller) Cast: Maria Bello, Frank Grillo, Cody Horn 5:15, 8:30, 11:45PM Superfast! 2D (15+) Comedy Cast: Lili Mirojnick, Dale Pavinski, Andrea Navedo 6:45, 10:00 PM

Superfast! (Comedy) (15+) Cast: Lili Mirojnick, Dale Pavinski, Andrea Navedo 1:15, 4:30, 7:45, 11:45 PM Run All Night (Action | Crime | Drama) (15+)

Cast: Liam Neeson, Ed Harris, Joel Kinnaman 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 PM Cinderella (Adventure/ Family) (PG) Cast: Lily James, Hayley Atwell 3:45, 5:40 PM Demonic (Horror | Thriller) (TBC) Cast: Maria Bello, Frank Grillo, Cody Horn 3:00, 6:15 PM NH 10 (Hindi) (Crime |Mystery) Cast: Anushka Sharma, Neil 1:30, 9:30 PM

Before I Go to Sleep (2D)(12+) Cast: Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth 5:00, 9:30 & 11:30PM (Mystery) Run All Night (2D)(15+) (Action) Cast: Liam Neeson, Ed Harris 3:00, 7:00, 9:00 & 11:15PM Cinderalla (2D)(PG) (Adventure) Cast: Lily James, Hayley Atwell 11:00AM, 1:00 & 4:15 PM Superfast! (2D)(15+) (Comedy) Cast: Lili Mirojnick, Dale Pavinski 11:00AM, 12:45 & 2:30PM Walking Sunshine (2D) (Musical) Cast: Greg Wise, Adrian Quinton 6:15PM(12+) NH10 (2D) (Crime/Drama/Mystery) Cast: Anushka Sharma, Darshan 8:00PM Outcast (3D)(15+) (Action) Cast: Nicolas Cage, Andy 11:30AM, 1:15 & 5:15PM Youm Maloush Lazmah (2D)(12+) (Comedy) Cast: Noah Taylor, Kodi Smit-McPhee, 3:00 & 7:30PM Demonic (2D)(12+)(Horror/Thriller) Cast: Maria Bello, Frank Grillo 10:15 & 11:50PM

Run All Night (Action/Crime / Drama ) Cast: Liam Neeson, Ed Harris, John C’ Reilly 4.00, 8.00, 10.00 & 11.55 pm CP No: 668 (15+) Before I Go TO Sleep (Thriller) Cast: Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth, Mark Strong 2.00 pm & 6.00 pm CP No: 6669 (12+) Superfast! (Comedy) Cast: Lili Mirojinick, Dale Pavanski, Andrea Navedo 2.00, 4.00, 8.00 & 10.00 pm CP No: 667 (15+) Apartment 143 (Horror/Thriller) Cast: Kai Lenox, Gia Mantegna, Michael O’Keefe 6.00 & 11.55 pm; CP No: 701 (15+)

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

STARS CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776

NH 10 (Hindi) (Action\Thriller) Cast: Anushka Sharma, Deepti Naval & Nril Bhoopalam 6:30, 10:00pm Cinema Main\3:30 pm Cinema – 2 Kakki Sattai (Tamil) ( Com\Act) Cast: Shiva Karthikeyan, Sri Divya & Prabhu; 3:00pm Cinema Main\ 6:30 & 9:30pm Cinema -2 Fireman (Mal) (Act \Thriller) Cast: Mammootty, Unni Mukundan & Nyla Usha 3:45, 6:45 & 9:45pm Cinema -3 Temper (Telugu) (Act) Cast: Jr Ntr, Kajal Agarwal & Prakash Raj; 3:45pm Cinema-4 Picket 43 (Mal) (Act) Cast: Prithviraj, Javed Jafry & Renji Panikker 6:45 & 9:45pm Cinema -4

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

ACES ON BRIDGE

There are choices; can you find them?

SUDOKU

6 2 3 3 5

2

7 6 2 1 4

3 7 9 8 8 5 6 7 1 4 7 6 9 3 2 3 1

1 6 7 9 7 8

2

HOW TO PLAY Fill the empty cells with the numbers 1 to 9, so that each number appears once in each row, column and area.

— Seven Galaxies

8 5 6 1 9 7 2 3 4 1 3 9 2 4 8 7 5 6 4 2 7 5 3 6 1 9 8

5 1 2 7 8 4 9 6 3 7 6 3 9 1 5 4 8 2 9 4 8 6 2 3 5 7 1

MARMADUKE

B I G NAT E

ACROSS 1 Splendour 5 El — (ocean current) 9 Frat letter 12 Redding of blues 13 Orchidlike blossom 14 Bonn single 15 Prickle 16 Night spots 18 Evaluate 20 Out of commission 21 — up (inflated) 23 Dorm view 25 You, old-style 26 Excursion 28 Not know from — 32 Jeans go-withs 35 She-lobster 36 Hard to find 37 Livy’s “it was” 38 Ruminate 40 Currently popular 41 End of a threat 43 Fast-growing vine 46 Test, as ore 49 “Stormy Weather” singer

50 Picnic event (2 wds.)

53 Concrete foundation 56 Ski instructor 57 Brats 58 Tarzan’s title 59 Gathered dust 60 Grocery carrier 61 Crevice DOWN 1 Luau fare 2 Baseball’s Mel — 3 Smaller than mini 4 Bah! 5 Pleasant 6 S&L offering 7 Tip of a pen 8 Honshu port 9 Chick sound 10 In — (as found) 11 “Meet me — — Louis” 17 Speed-trap device 19 Stump remover 21 Memory unit 22 Bold look 23 Waiting line 24 Coffee vessels

27 29 30 31 33 34 39 42 44

Electrical units Trial VIP Border st.

Diner’s options Per T-bone Barely manage Sheet-music line Auto-racing family

45 The One-L Lama 46 Deadly snakes 47 Name in cheesecake 48 Kilt sporter 49 Perchance 51 Org. for doctors 52 EMT skill 54 Playful bark 55 Sandwich type

Answer to previous puzzle

ANDRE Maurois, a French author born Emile Salomon Wilhelm Herzog in 1885, said, “In literature, as in love, we are astonished at the choice made by other people.”

Sometimes we are surprised at the choice made at the bridge table by ourselves and others. In today’s deal, the winning choice would be overlooked by players unaccustomed to searching for alternatives to the obvious.

Against four spades, West leads his diamond two — “My stronger minor, partner.” East wins with his ace and returns the suit. What should South do after ruffing?

It is reasonable for South to open four spades in the third (or fourth) position. Opposite a passed partner, a slam is unlikely, and the bid rates to keep the opponents quiet. (One point for serious partnerships: If you open four of a major with such a strong hand and the opponents enter the auction, you must double to tell partner about your unexpectedly high point-count.)

South has four potential losers: two hearts, one diamond and one club. He has only nine sure winners: seven spades, one heart and one club.

At first glance, declarer could play for two heart tricks or take the club finesse. He could draw trumps and play a heart to the queen. But here if East plays low, the contract can no longer be made.

Did you see the sure route to 10 tricks? After pulling trumps, South should cash his club ace and continue with the club queen. West takes the trick, but when declarer gets into the dummy with a heart, he can cash the club jack. His 10 winners are seven spades, one heart and two clubs.

— By Phillip Alder

VIVAAN UPADHYA

RAUNAC RAHUL KISHAN

March 12, 2011

March 11, 2012

6 9 4 8 7 1 3 2 5 3 7 5 4 6 2 8 1 9 2 8 1 3 5 9 6 4 7

Previous puzzle Solution

CROSSWORD

WITH LOVE

BORN LOSER

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

KIDSPOT

H E A LT H C A P S U L E

SAT URDAY, MARCH 14, 2015

PRAYER TIMINGS

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

Y O U R B I R T H D AY

BORN today, you are really something special, and everyone you meet is likely to recognise it — though not everyone will identify in you the same things that make you special. You have tremendous abilities that may be overlooked while you are young, but later in life they will come to the fore in a way that makes it impossible for anyone to doubt you or your place in the world. Indeed, you have what it takes to be remembered long after you have shuffled off this mortal coil, and what you do in life may well take its place in the annals of the world’s great accomplishments. Not everything you do will be of great import, but several of your endeavours will make a lasting difference. This is what will enable you to stand apart.

Like many Pisces natives, you crave domestic contentment, and it is likely to be more important to you than any professional achievement or success. Indeed, that kind of happiness and harmony may, in fact, make it possible for you to succeed in other ways; without it, you are likely to accomplish much less than you should.

Also born on this date are: Albert Einstein, physicist; Jamie Bell, actor; Stephen Curry, basketball player; Billy Crystal, actor and comedian; Michael Caine, actor; Quincy Jones, music producer; Les Brown, bandleader; Hank Ketcham, cartoonist.

12.21pm 3.46pm 6.20pm 7.30pm 5.02am

Sunset Sunrise (Tomorrow)

6:15pm 6.17am

High tide Low tide

1.49am 8.15pm

3:07pm 8.20am

FIND-IT-ALL

W E AT H E R

AIRLINES

C

lear to partly cloudy skies over northern governorates of the Sultanate with chance of isolated rain over Oman Sea coastal area and governorates of north and southern Al Sharqiyah. Mainly clear skies over the rest of the Sultanate with chance of late night to early morning low level clouds or fog patches along the governorates of Al-Wusta and northern parts of Dhofar governorate with chance of blowing dust over deserts and open areas.

EXPECTED WINDS: Over the coastal areas of Oman Sea coasts wind will be northerly to northeasterly slight to moderate and over the Southeastern coast of the Sultanate it will be southeasterly light to moderate. While over rest of the Sultanate wind will be northwesterly slight to moderate

becoming southeasterly light to moderate during evening.

SEA STATE: Slight to moderate along most of the Sultanate coasts with maximum wave height of 2.0 metres.

HORIZONTAL VISIBILITY: Good over most of the Sultanate becoming poor during isolated rain, fog formation and rising dust.

THE NEXT 48 HOURS OUTLOOK: Mainly clear skies with chance of advection of high and medium clouds over northern governorates of the Sultanate. Chance of late night to early morning low level clouds or fog patches along most of the governorates of South Al Sharqiyah, Al Wusta and Dhofar. Chance of blowing dust over deserts and open areas with relative increase in surface temperatures.

Max

OMAN

WORLD

Max 23 Min 16 Max 12 Min 5

Max 28 Min 18

Max 24 Min 17 Max 8 Min 6

Max 22 Min 16

Max 7 Min -3

Max 26 Min 16

Max 28 Min 16

Max 30 Min 16

Max 29 Min 21

PISCES

Max 26 Min 16

[Feb. 19-March 20] You are passionate about the statement you are trying to make, but your attempts to make things clearer may actually backfire on you.

Max 28 Min 22

Max 33 Min 19

Max 33 Min 22 Max 25 Min 16

Source: www.met.gov.om

GULF Abu Dhabi Doha Dubai Kuwait Manama Riyadh

27 24 28 28 26 32

18 19 17 16 19 18

WORLD Athens Baghdad Beijing Berlin Boston Cairo Colombo Frankfurt Hong Kong Istanbul Johannesburg Kuala Lumpur Lisbon Paris Perth Singapore Tokyo Toronto

15 27 15 7 6 25 30 8 22 12 29 34 19 12 26 33 13 6

7 11 0 4 2 12 23 2 18 7 16 24 8 5 19 26 3 1

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

TO MUSCAT (RUWI)

[March 21-APRIL 19] More important than your own solo efforts is the collaborative work you have the opportunity to enjoy with a few unique partners.

TAURUS [APRIL 20-MAY 20] The surprises in store may be difficult to wrap your head around when all is said and done. You’ll be asking how they did it!

GEMINI [MAY 21-JUNE 20] A difference of opinion must not be allowed to come between you and a friend of many years. Indeed, it can actually enrich your relationship.

CANCER [JUNE 21-JULY 22] You’ll be present for something very important, and it’s likely to be remembered as the start of something big.

LEO [JULY 23-AUG. 22] It’s a good day to reunite with someone who, in the past, has challenged you to do your best.

Nighttime can be the best time.

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (Route 36) Dept Destination Arrival Time Time 15:00 Quriyat 16:30 15:00 Sur 18:00 15:00 Jaalan 19:30 TO AL BURAIMI (Route 41) 06:30 Sohar 06:30 Buraimi 08:00 Buraimi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Buraimi 16.00 Sohar 16.00 Buraimi TO SINAW (Route 52) 17:30 Sinaw

[AUG. 23-SEPT. 22] You may run out of reasons not to do something you’ve been avoiding for quite some time. There’s really nothing to be afraid of!

LIBRA L [[SEPT. [S S 23-OCT. 22] You’ll be pleased to discover that you are faced with two unusual and valuable opportunities. You can explore both freely.

SCORPIO S [[OCT. 23-NOV. 21] You have many questions, and the answers are likely to be right at your fingertips. Perhaps you can go even further than usual.

SAGITTARIUS S [[NOV. 22-DEC. 21] Yours is the best idea, and you know it — but take care that you don’t gloat.

Let others come to that conclusion on their own.

CAPRICORN [DEC. 22-JAN 19] You can approach your work with a great deal of understanding and compassion. Another is waiting for the opportunity to collaborate.

AQUARIUS [JAN. 20-FEB. 18] You may find yourself at the centre of a storm that arises because of the most trivial of misunderstandings.

You can make things right.

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (Route 36) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 05:30 Sur 06:45 Daily 05:30 Quriyat 08:30 Daily 05:30 Ruwi 10:00 Daily

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

Daily Daily Daily via Ibri Daily Daily Daily Daily

20:50

Daily

TO AL BURAIMI (Route 41) 07:00 Sohar 07:00 Ruwi 13:30 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 17:00 Ruwi TO SINAW (Route 52) 07:00 Ruwi

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

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

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

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (Route 55) 07:30 Sur 14:30 Sur TO FAHUD - YIBAL (Route 62) 06:30 Fahud 06:30 Yibal

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

Daily Daily Daily via Ibri Daily Daily Daily Daily

10:25

Daily

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

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

Daily Daily

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

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

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

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

10:30 11:15

Daily Daily

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

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

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

Daily Daily Daily Daily

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

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101) 06:00 Marmul

Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101) 06:00 Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

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

Daily

16:50

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

VIRGO

Operating Days Daily Daily Daily

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

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

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

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

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

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

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

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

LISTINGS

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi: 24783334; Appolo Medical Centre, Hamriya: 24782666; Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi: 24702542, Salalah: 23291635; Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra: 24503585; Ruwi 24811715 Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya. Tel: 24787766 Muscat, A Seeb Market. Tel: 24421691 Muscat, Al Khuwair. Tel: 24485740 Muscat, Al Hail South. Tel: 4537080 Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah.

Tel: 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 ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence: 24569603 Directorate General of Customs: 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries: 24510228 Public Relations Admin: 24560099 ACCOMMODATION Al Bahjah Hotel: 24424400 Al Bustan Palace: 24764000 Al Khuwair Hotel Apartments: 24478171 Al Madina Holiday Inn: 24596400 Al Maha International Hotel: 24494949 Al Fanar Hotel: 24712385 Al Falaj Hotel: 24702311 Al Qurum Resort: 24605945 Azaiba Hotel Apartments: 24490979 Beach Hotel: 24696601 Bowshar Hotel: 24491105 Coral Hotel Muscat: 24692121 Crowne Plaza Muscat: 24660660 Crystal Suites: 24826100 Golden Tulip Seeb: 24510300 Grand Hyatt Muscat: 24641234 Haffa House Hotel: 24707207 Hotel Muscat Holiday: 24487123 InterContinental Muscat: 24680000 Majan Continental Hotel: 24592900 Marina Hotel: 24711711 Midan Hotel Suites: 24499565 Mina Hotel: 24711828 Muttrah Hotel: 24798401

Nuzha Hotel Apartments: 24789199 Oman Dive Centre: 24824240 Park Inn: 24507888 Qurum Beach House Hotel: 24564070 Radisson Blu Hotel: 24487777 Ramee Dream Resort Seeb: 24453399 Ramee Guestline Hotel: 24564443 Ruwi Hotel: 24704244 Safeer Hotel Suites: 24691200 Sheraton Oman Hotel: 24772772 Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa: 24776666 The Chedi Muscat: 24524400 The Treasurebox Muscat Hotel: 24502570 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:

SATURDAY

Min

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

ARIES

B7

24784545, Swiss International Airlines: 24796692, Thai Airways: 24705934, Turkish Airlines: 24703033 MUSEUMS Bait Al Baranda: Corniche (seafront opp fish market), Open from Saturday to Thursday 9am to 1pm and 4 to 6pm Natural History Museum: Al Khuwair, Tel: 24604957, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm; Thursday: 9am to 1pm Museum of Omani Heritage: (former Omani Museum), Madinat Al Alam, Sat-Wed 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday 9am to 1pm, Tel: 24600946 Armed Forces Museum: Bait Al Falaj, Tel: 24312651, Open from Sat to Wed: 8am to 1:30pm; Thurs 9-12pm and 3-6pm; Fri 9-11am and 3-6pm. Al Hoota Caves 24498258; Turtle Beach 96550606/96550707 Children’s Science Museum: Shatti Al Qurum, Tel: 24605368, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pm Oman-French Museum: near Muscat Police Station, Tel: 24736613, Open from Sat to Wed: 8am to 1:30pm, Thurs: 9am to 1pm Bait Al Zubair, Muscat: Tel: 24736688, Al Saidiya St., Muscat museum@baitalzubairmuseum.com Open from Sat to Thurs: 9:30am to 6pm.

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

SUNDAY

FLT NO

ARRIVALS FROM

FLT NO

ARRIVALS FROM

WY676 WY682 WY406 WY636 WY648 WY816 WY910 WY3916 PK229 TK774 QR1132 ET624 EK866 GF560 EY384 FZ041 MS930 WY658 WY638 WY902 WY324 WY412 WY114 WY144 WY154 WY674 WY644 WY668 WY602 WY432 WY202 WY102 WY3914 FZ043 WY272 G9114 WY236 WY242 PK191 WY346 WY252 EK862 WY282 QR1128 IX443 EY382 IX549 9W530 WY604 WY844 WY918 WY372 FZ037 WY384 IX337 WY904 PA450 WY716 WY3302 NL771 WY818 WY606 BG023 IX817 WY920 WY906 WY632 SV532 FZ045 WY328 MP95 WY204 WY292 WY246 WY3304 WY610 WY264 WY232 WY216 WY664 QR1126 EK864 GF564 WY822 WY694 G9116 WY646 FZ047 PK259 WY338 WY614 WY224 WY124 WY386 4H561 KL441 WY624 AI973 6.00E+81 WY914 WY312 WY374 9W534 FZ049 WY254 WY684 AI907 QR1134 UL205 GF566 EY388 WY672 BA073 WY908 AI985 WY662 LX242 9W540 LH618 WY654 WY928 WY696 WY717

JEDDAH 0005 RIYADH 0005 CAIRO 0005 ABU DHABI 0005 KUWAIT 0010 BANGKOK 0015 SALALAH 0030 SALALAH 0205 LAHORE 0215 ISTANBUL 0215 DOHA 0345 ADDIS ABABA 0350 DUBAI 0355 BAHRAIN 0405 ABU DHABI 0405 DUBAI 0415 CAIRO 0430 BAHRAIN 0640 ABU DHABI 0650 SALALAH 0655 KARACHI 0700 AMMAN 0705 FRANKFURT 0715 MALPENSA 0720 ZURICH 0720 JEDDAH 0730 KUWAIT 0735 DOHA 0735 DUBAI 0805 TEHRAN 0815 BOMBAY 0815 LONDON HEATHROW 0820 SALALAH 0840 DUBAI 0850 JAIPUR 0855 SHARJAH 0915 HYDERABAD 0920 DELHI 0920 TURBAT 0930 ISLAM ABBAD 0930 MADRAS 0940 DUBAI 0940 BANGALORE 1000 DOHA 1010 COCHIN 1010 ABU DHABI 1015 TRIVANDRUM 1020 TRIVANDRUM 1035 DUBAI 1110 MANILA 1110 KHASAB 1115 COLOMBO 1140 DUBAI 1200 MALE 1205 CALICUT 1210 SALALAH 1215 LAHORE 1215 ZANZIBAR 1225 MUKHAIZNA 1230 PESHAWAR 1300 BANGKOK 1305 DUBAI 1330 DACCA 1345 MANGALORE-ABU DHABI 1440 KHASAB 1445 SALALAH 1445 ABU DHABI 1530 JEDDAH 1550 DUBAI 1555 LAHORE 1600 AMSTERDAM 1645 BOMBAY 1710 CALICUT 1720 DELHI 1730 MUKHAIZNA 1730 DUBAI 1730 LUCKNOW 1735 HYDERABAD 1740 TRIVANDRUM 1740 DOHA 1745 DOHA 1745 DUBAI 1750 BAHRAIN 1810 KUALA LUMPUR 1910 DAMMAM 1910 SHARJAH 1915 KUWAIT 1925 DUBAI 1945 PESHAWAR 2000 KATHMANDU 2010 DUBAI 2030 COCHIN 2045 MUNICH 2105 MALE 2110 DACCA 2115 AMSTERDAM-DOHA 2120 DUBAI 2125 DELHI 2125 BOMBAY 2130 SALALAH 2140 CHITTAGONG 2140 COLOMBO 2140 COCHIN 2140 DUBAI 2145 MADRAS 2155 RIYADH 2155 MADRAS 2200 DOHA 2210 COLOMBO 2225 BAHRAIN 2240 ABU DHABI 2250 MEDINA 2250 LONDON HEATHROW-ABU DHABI 2255 SALALAH 2305 AHMEDABAD-BOMBAY 2310 DOHA 2315 ZURICH-DUBAI 2320 BOMBAY 2325 FRANKFURT-ABU DHABI 2330 BAHRAIN 2340 SALALAH 2345 DAMMAM 2350 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 2355

WY406 WY682 WY676 WY648 WY816 WY910 WY916 NL669 PK225 TK776 QR1132 ET624 EK866 GF560 EY384 FZ041 WY114 CV732 WY658 4H562 WY638 WY902 WY686 WY324 WY144 WY154 WY692 WY674 WY644 WY668 WY132 WY602 WY3932 WY202 WY102 FZ043 WY272 NL768 G9114 WY342 WY236 WY242 WY226 WY212 WY252 EK862 WY282 QR1128 EY382 IX549 WY3922 WY3302 WY604 WY918 G9841 FZ037 WY384 IX337 WY904 WY818 WY606 WY906 WY920 WY920 WY632 FZ045 WY664 WY348 WY204 WY292 WY610 WY246 WY264 WY232 QR1126 EK864 GF564 WY3306 WY822 G9116 WY254 WY646 TG507 WY434 FZ047 WY338 WY614 WY848 WY124 WY386 KL441 AI973 WY624 6.00E+81 WY374 WY312 FZ049 AI907 WY414 QR1134 UL205 GF566 WY672 WY672 EY388 WY326 BA073 WY908 AI985 WY662 LX242 9W540 LH618 WY612 WY654 WY696 WY717

CAIRO 0005 RIYADH 0005 JEDDAH 0005 KUWAIT 0010 BANGKOK 0015 SALALAH 0030 SALALAH 0125 SIALKOT 0200 KARACHI 0210 ISTANBUL-BAHRAIN 0255 DOHA 0345 ADDIS ABABA 0350 DUBAI 0355 BAHRAIN 0405 ABU DHABI 0405 DUBAI 0415 FRANKFURT 0630 LUXORE 0635 BAHRAIN 0640 JEDDAH 0645 ABU DHABI 0650 SALALAH 0655 RIYADH 0700 KARACHI 0700 MALPENSA 0720 ZURICH 0720 DAMMAM 0725 JEDDAH 0730 KUWAIT 0735 DOHA 0735 PARIS 0800 DUBAI 0805 SOHAR 0815 BOMBAY 0815 LONDON HEATHROW 0820 DUBAI 0850 JAIPUR 0855 LAHORE 0900 SHARJAH 0915 LAHORE 0920 HYDERABAD 0920 DELHI 0920 COCHIN 0930 TRIVANDRUM 0940 MADRAS 0940 DUBAI 0940 BANGALORE 1000 DOHA 1010 ABU DHABI 1015 TRIVANDRUM 1020 DUQUM OMAN 1045 MUKHAIZNA 1045 DUBAI 1110 KHASAB 1115 RAS AL KHAIMA 1120 DUBAI 1200 MALE 1205 CALICUT 1210 SALALAH 1215 BANGKOK 1305 DUBAI 1330 SALALAH 1445 KHASAB 1445 KHASAB 1445 ABU DHABI 1530 DUBAI 1555 DOHA 1600 ISLAM ABBAD 1625 BOMBAY 1710 CALICUT 1720 DUBAI 1730 DELHI 1730 LUCKNOW 1735 HYDERABAD 1740 DOHA 1745 DUBAI 1750 BAHRAIN 1810 MUKHAIZNA 1845 KUALA LUMPUR 1910 SHARJAH 1915 MADRAS 1920 KUWAIT 1925 BANGKOK-KARACHI 1935 TEHRAN 1940 DUBAI 1945 KATHMANDU 2010 DUBAI 2030 JAKARTA 2055 MUNICH 2105 MALE 2110 AMSTERDAM-DOHA 2120 DELHI 2125 DUBAI 2125 BOMBAY 2130 COLOMBO 2140 CHITTAGONG 2140 DUBAI 2145 MADRAS 2200 AMMAN 2205 DOHA 2210 COLOMBO 2225 BAHRAIN 2240 MEDINA 2250 MEDINA 2250 ABU DHABI 2250 KARACHI 2255 LONDON HEATHROW-ABU DHABI 2255 SALALAH 2305 AHMEDABAD-BOMBAY 2310 DOHA 2315 ZURICH-DUBAI 2320 BOMBAY 2325 FRANKFURT-ABU DHABI 2330 DUBAI 2335 BAHRAIN 2340 DAMMAM 2350 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 2355

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AI986 LX243 9W539 BA072 SG062 WY715 LH619 WY251 WY201 WY235 WY281 WY345 WY601 WY241 WY431 WY271 WY643 WY821 WY637 WY657 WY371 WY123 WY667 WY323 WY383 WY901 PK230 TK775 ET625 EK867 FZ042 QR1133 EY385 MS931 GF561 WY3301 WY603 WY903 WY917 WY263 WY291 WY215 WY327 FZ044 WY385 WY245 WY231 G9115 WY815 PK192 WY203 WY905 WY605 WY373 WY337 WY717 EK863 WY311 EY383 IX554 QR1129 IX442 9W533 WY919 WY631 WY223 IX350 FZ038 PA451 WY253 WY3303 WY663 WY101 WY113 WY153 WY645 WY143 WY927 WY131 WY609 WY693 NL668 WY405 BG024 IX818 WY671 WY683 WY675 SV533 FZ046 WY613 WY913 MP95

BOMBAY 0005 DUBAI-ZURICH 0020 BOMBAY 0025 ABU DHABI-LONDON HEATHROW 0025 AHMEDABAD 0030 ZANZIBAR 0040 ABU DHABI-FRANKFURT 0050 MADRAS 0110 BOMBAY 0120 HYDERABAD 0135 BANGALORE 0150 ISLAM ABBAD 0150 DUBAI 0150 DELHI 0155 TEHRAN 0155 JAIPUR 0200 KUWAIT 0200 KUALA LUMPUR 0205 ABU DHABI 0205 BAHRAIN 0205 COLOMBO 0210 MUNICH 0210 DOHA 0225 KARACHI 0225 MALE 0235 SALALAH 0240 LAHORE 0315 ISTANBUL 0315 ADDIS ABABA 0450 DUBAI 0455 DUBAI 0510 DOHA 0520 ABU DHABI 0525 CAIRO 0530 BAHRAIN 0745 MUKHAIZNA 0800 DUBAI 0800 SALALAH 0800 KHASAB 0815 LUCKNOW 0920 CALICUT 0920 TRIVANDRUM 0920 LAHORE 0930 DUBAI 0935 MALE 0940 DELHI 0955 HYDERABAD 0955 SHARJAH 1005 BANGKOK 1010 TURBAT-GWADUR 1015 BOMBAY 1030 SALALAH 1030 DUBAI 1030 COLOMBO 1040 KATHMANDU 1040 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 1045 DUBAI 1055 CHITTAGONG 1100 ABU DHABI 1105 TRIVANDRUM 1110 DOHA 1115 COCHIN 1115 COCHIN 1135 KHASAB 1145 ABU DHABI 1220 COCHIN 1235 CALICUT 1310 DUBAI 1315 LAHORE 1315 MADRAS 1315 MUKHAIZNA 1330 DOHA 1330 LONDON HEATHROW 1400 FRANKFURT 1400 ZURICH 1405 KUWAIT 1405 MALPENSA 1415 SALALAH 1415 PARIS 1420 DUBAI 1420 DAMMAM 1430 SIALKOT 1430 CAIRO 1430 CHITTAGONG-DACCA 1500 MANGALORE 1530 MEDINA 1535 RIYADH 1605 JEDDAH 1630 RIYADH-JEDDAH 1650 DUBAI 1700 DUBAI 1700 SALALAH 1735 DUBAI WORLD CENTRESINGAPORE 1815 DUBAI 1820 DOHA 1845 RIYADH 1845 SALALAH 1850 BAHRAIN 1855 KUWAIT 1900 DOHA 1900 DUBAI 1905 DAMMAM 1910 BAHRAIN 1920 SHARJAH 2005 SALALAH 2015 DUBAI 2025 DUBAI 2040 ABU DHABI 2040 KARACHI 2100 SALALAH 2110 JEDDAH 2215 DUBAI 2225 DOHA-AMSTERDAM 2230 BANGKOK 2235 TRIVANDRUM 2240 BOMBAY 2245 MADRAS 2300 DELHI 2310 DOHA 2320 BAHRAIN 2325 COLOMBO 2335 ABU DHABI 2350 JEDDAH 2350

AI986 LX243 9W539 BA072 LH619 WY685 WY211 WY251 WY201 WY225 WY235 WY341 WY281 WY601 WY241 WY271 WY643 WY637 WY821 WY657 WY123 WY667 WY323 WY691 WY383 WY901 WY847 PK260 NL772 TK777 ET625 EK867 FZ042 QR1133 EY385 WY3931 WY3301 WY3921 4H562 GF561 WY903 WY603 CV732 WY917 WY291 WY263 WY347 FZ044 WY385 WY231 WY245 WY843 G9115 WY815 NL769 WY905 WY203 WY605 WY373 WY253 WY337 WY717 EK863 WY311 EY383 IX554 QR1129 WY3303 WY919 WY663 G9842 WY631 IX350 FZ038 WY433 WY113 WY101 WY413 WY645 WY153 WY143 WY927 WY609 WY405 WY3305 WY671 WY675 WY613 FZ046 WY913 WY623 WY325 QR1127 WY681 WY907 GF565 WY647 WY661 EK865 WY695 G9117 WY909 WY611 WY635 FZ048 TG508 WY915 FZ050 KL442 WY817 6.00E+82 AI908 AI974 QR1135 GF567 UL206 EY381

BOMBAY 0005 DUBAI-ZURICH 0020 BOMBAY 0025 ABU DHABI-LONDON HEATHROW 0025 ABU DHABI-FRANKFURT 0050 RIYADH 0105 TRIVANDRUM 0110 MADRAS 0110 BOMBAY 0120 COCHIN 0125 HYDERABAD 0135 LAHORE 0150 BANGALORE 0150 DUBAI 0150 DELHI 0155 JAIPUR 0200 KUWAIT 0200 ABU DHABI 0205 KUALA LUMPUR 0205 BAHRAIN 0205 MUNICH 0210 DOHA 0225 KARACHI 0225 DAMMAM 0235 MALE 0235 SALALAH 0240 JAKARTA 0245 PESHAWAR 0310 PESHAWAR 0330 BAHRAIN-ISTANBUL 0350 ADDIS ABABA 0450 DUBAI 0455 DUBAI 0510 DOHA 0520 ABU DHABI 0525 SOHAR 0600 MUKHAIZNA 0715 DUQUM OMAN 0745 DACCA 0745 BAHRAIN 0745 SALALAH 0800 DUBAI 0800 HONG KONG 0805 KHASAB 0815 CALICUT 0920 LUCKNOW 0920 ISLAM ABBAD 0920 DUBAI 0935 MALE 0940 HYDERABAD 0955 DELHI 0955 MANILA 1000 SHARJAH 1005 BANGKOK 1010 LAHORE 1030 SALALAH 1030 BOMBAY 1030 DUBAI 1030 COLOMBO 1040 MADRAS 1040 KATHMANDU 1040 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 1045 DUBAI 1055 CHITTAGONG 1100 ABU DHABI 1105 TRIVANDRUM 1110 DOHA 1115 MUKHAIZNA 1115 KHASAB 1145 DOHA 1145 RAS AL KHAIMA 1210 ABU DHABI 1220 CALICUT 1310 DUBAI 1315 TEHRAN 1330 FRANKFURT 1400 LONDON HEATHROW 1400 AMMAN 1405 KUWAIT 1405 ZURICH 1405 MALPENSA 1415 SALALAH 1415 DUBAI 1420 CAIRO 1430 MUKHAIZNA 1515 MEDINA 1535 JEDDAH 1630 DUBAI 1700 DUBAI 1700 SALALAH 1810 DUBAI 1820 KARACHI 1830 DOHA 1845 RIYADH 1845 SALALAH 1850 BAHRAIN 1855 KUWAIT 1900 DOHA 1900 DUBAI 1905 DAMMAM 1910 SHARJAH 2005 SALALAH 2015 DUBAI 2025 ABU DHABI 2040 DUBAI 2040 KARACHI-BANGKOK 2040 SALALAH 2110 DUBAI 2225 DOHA-AMSTERDAM 2230 BANGKOK 2235 BOMBAY 2245 MADRAS 2300 DELHI 2310 DOHA 2320 BAHRAIN 2325 COLOMBO 2335 ABU DHABI 2350

WY623 QR1127 WY681 WY907 GF565 WY647 WY661 EK865 WY695 WY653 G9117 WY909 WY611 FZ048 WY635 PK226 WY915 4H561 FZ050 KL442 WY817 9W529 6.00E+82 AI908 AI974 QR1135 GF567 UL206 EY381 WY673

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EXTRA BRIEFS

Aamir cuts vegan cake for 50th birthday with media A DAY before his 50th birthday, superstar Aamir Khan cut a vegan birthday cake as part of celebrations with media persons — a practice he follows every year. As a step towards healthy living, he says he has also stopped smoking.

The PK star, who recently adopted a vegan diet, turns 50 today. Thanking the scribes for their presence in the parking area of his Bandra residence, he said: “I feel very special. Thanks to everyone for coming here.

Every year, you have been loving me so much. I’m thankful to all of you.” The actor, who has been preparing for his role as a wrestler in Dangal, said he took time off from his workout routine. “Today I have not worked out. I took a holiday from workout, and I spent time with Azad (son),” said Aamir, adding that he is looking forward to “something special” that his wife Kiran Rao has planned for him. Since Aamir has chosen to go vegan, his birthday cake had neither egg, nor milk. “I have stopped smoking, and the cake was vegan too without milk and egg. Kiran showed me a video about good health habits on YouTube. Then I got to know that vegan is a healthy diet. I’d say all of you should follow vegan diet,” Aamir said. While he was happy with the celebrations, which were also attended by actor Jackie Shroff, he admitted that he “feels embarrassed” with “too much attention”. “Every day is special for me — be it your birthday or not. We should spend every day as a special day and value our close ones.”

RESEARCHERS SEEK DEFINITION OF HEAD-TRAUMA DISORDER

‘Dum Laga Ke...’ success was vital for Ayushmann: Abraham ACTOR-PRODUCER John Abraham is happy with the success of his protege and actor Ayushmann Khurrana’s latest release Dum Laga Ke Haisha. He says it was important for the latter’s “mental sanity”.

Ayushmann, a former video jockey, turned actor with John’s debut production Vicky Donor, based on the subject of sperm donation.

Not only did the film get a National Film Award, but it also gave a good jumpstart to Ayushmann’s career in Bollywood.

He then went on to do films like Nautanki Saala, Bewakoofiyaan and Hawaizaada that bombed at the box office. Talking about Ayushmann, John said: “I love Ayushmann. He is a very talented actor. I am so happy that his film has done well. It’s important for an actor to do well, so for Ayushmann’s own mental sanity, it is great. So I am happy,” he added. - IANS

D

ave Duerson suspected that something was wrong with his brain. By 2011, 18 years after the former American football player had retired from the Phoenix Cardinals, he experienced frequent headaches, memory problems and an increasingly short temper. Before he killed himself, he asked that his brain be donated for study.

Researchers who examined it found signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative condition linked to repeated head injuries. At least 69 cases have been reported in the literature since 2000, many in former boxers and American football players — heightening public concern about concussions during contact sports. Yet much about CTE is unknown, from its frequency to its precise risk factors and even whether its pathology is unique.

Researchers now hope to take a major step towards answering those questions. At Boston University in Massachusetts, neuroscientists recently convened to examine the characteristics of CTE in brain tissue from postmortem examinations. They hope to agree on a set of diagnostic criteria for the disease, and to assess whether it is distinct from other brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

The effort is sorely needed, says Walter Koroshetz, acting director of the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke in Bethesda, Maryland, which is organising the meeting.

“The definition is the important piece that lets you do the rest of the research,” he says. And the stakes are high. CTE is associated with memory loss, irritability, depression and explosive anger, which are thought to appear and worsen years after repeated head trauma. Research by Ann McKee, a neuropathologist at Boston Uni-

If you are in the grips of major depression, your actions may be different if you believe you have a fatal neurodegenerative disease and you’re just going to get worse, versus believing that you have a treatable illness Christopher Randolph Chicago Bears NFL team

versity, suggests that CTE often occurs alongside Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. “I think this disease is more common than traditionally recognised,” she says.

Such research helped to spur a major lawsuit against the US National Football League (NFL) over its handling of head trauma, involving some 4,500 former players and a potential settlement of more than $765 million.

The findings have led researchers worldwide to examine the risks of head trauma in other sports, including professional rugby and amateur soccer.

To make CTE studies more systematic, McKee has proposed pathological criteria and disease stages defined by the severity of a person’s symptoms. CTE often involves deterioration of white matter in the brain, as well as abnormal aggregation of a DNAbinding protein called TDP-43 - which is also implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

But McKee says that CTE’s most striking feature is the clumped

distribution of an abnormal, hyperphosphorylated form of a protein called tau that normally helps to stabilise the internal structure of cells.

Tau deposits are found in the brains of elderly people and in those with Alzheimer’s disease — leading some skeptics to question whether CTE is a distinct disorder. And critics such as Christopher Randolph, a neuropsychologist at Loyola University Medical Centre in Maywood, Illinois, worry that CTE research has a basic sampling bias. The brain banks that support many CTE studies largely rely on tissue donated by players or their families, who often suspect that the individual had a severe neurological problem. This tips the balance towards those who may have various brain disorders.

Mistaking other conditions for CTE could have serious consequences, says Randolph, who worked with the Chicago Bears NFL team until 2002. “If you are in the grips of major depression, your actions may be different if

you believe you have a fatal neurodegenerative disease and you’re just going to get worse, versus believing that you have a treatable illness,” he says.

McKee acknowledges the sampling bias but says that acquiring donated tissue from healthy individuals will take time, because relatively few people request post-mortems in the absence of a visible problem. But she is convinced that many of the athletes’ brains that she has received show an unmistakable signature that includes concentrations of hyperphosphorylated tau around blood vessels, especially in the furrows of the cerebral cortex. This is a departure, she says, from the moreuniform tau deposition seen in diseases such as Alzheimer ’s.

At the meeting, researchers will put these potential CTE signatures to the test. McKee and her team have prepared images of tissue slices from 25 brains from multiple brain banks. The sample, from players and non-players, includes suspected cases of CTE and known cases of Alzheimer’s disease and other tau-based disorders. Neuropathologists will evaluate the images without information on the subjects’ personal or medical histories, and will present their blinded diagnoses at the event.

If reliable neuropathological criteria can be found for CTE, researchers hope to use them to re-examine medical records from other deceased patients. Currently, many of the psychological symptoms associated with CTE are difficult to distinguish from other disorders, and brain-imaging tests for CTE are still in early development. Universal criteria for detecting CTE in donated brains could help scientists to search for other signatures so that physicians can diagnose the disease in living people. — Helen Shen/The New York Times News Service

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CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

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VACANCY

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*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

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DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

FOR RENT OFFICES FOR RENT Premium offices to let a very good location on the main road very close to Zakher Mall, Al Khawiar. Business Center has offices with sizes of 50m2, 110m2, 180m2, 207m2, 230m2, 437m2.

Showroom also available at Business Center, Area 500m2 with central A/c.

Offices with Central Air-conditions, Security System with CCTV cameras, and Security presence in the building.

Contact: 97377355 / 97307476, Email id: aaleem@ggcoman.com

Full furniture for rent for family.

Contact 99251975 Industrial /commercial shops at Wadi Kabir 4 x 5.6 x 4.6 MTR height.

Showroom with mezzanine & office at Al Noor Street near Switz bakery & Al Masa hall corner building all on roads & parkings in front of shops & show room. Contact 99065900 or 99354975 2 Bedroom flats at prime location of Azaiba Contact: 92197959 New building near the Bousher -Al Misfah high way, with showroom, offices, and shops. Great for banks, medical clinics and companies 95202430 2 B/R Luxury Fully Furnished @ AZAIBA, 2 B/R Luxury Fully Furnished @ Al Khuwair 33, 1 B/R Luxury Fully Furnished @ Al Khuwair, 3 B/R Luxury Fully Furnished @ Al Khuwair 25. 5 B/R Fully Furnished villa @ Madinat Al Ilam. For Daily, Weekly, monthly or Yearly contract. Contact: Atlas Real Estate & Rent A Car LLC 99249069 / 99436312/92888376, Email: info@alshahiintl.com Brand new deluxe flats located near Seeb flyover on the right band side of the main road coming from the Seeb palace round about, 2 bedrooms family, hall, kitchen, 3 toilets with split unit ACs. Contact 97755586 Shop in Wadi Kabir & Azaiba.

Contact 99024730 2BHK & 3BHK in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99024730 2 rooms attached bathroom with kitchen South Mabellah.

Contact 94090550 Room for rent for family or working lady at Mabella Sanaya.

Contact 94330490 Flat 4 rent south Al Mabelah.

Contact 95331177 / 95230355 Villas & flats. Contact 92144045 3BHK Wattaya. Contact 92144045 2BHK Wadi Kabeer R.O 325/- & 300/-. Contact 92144045 2BHK Al Khuwair 350/- .

Contact 92144045 1BHK with A/C Ghubra R.O 275/-.

Contact 92144045

Villa for rent with 4 bedroom at Al Khodh, Rent 750/-RO.#92888115 2BHK with split AC in W.K behind Sana Fashion. Contact 96708000 2BHK in Al Ghubra near Indian School. Contact 96708000 2 BHK Mumtaz. Contact 92144045 Commercial Villa in Al Khuwair with Private Parking’s,7 Rooms Hall and Reception and Kitchen 95202430 Villa for rent in Halban in a compound, 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms living room, 400/- OMR Monthly.

Contact 92500225 Villa in Mawallah rent, 2 bedroom, 2 bath room, 1 sitting room & kitchen with parking. Contact 99595866 Independent rooms in Qurum / Al Hail. Contact 95529970 NEW WAREHOUSE For rent at Ghala Ind. Area. 578 & 1170 approx sqms Near Hotel Al-Madinah Holiday, Ghala. Container can enter. Immediate access to roads & highways.

Contact : 92078090 Commercial /Non - commercial double story villa for rent in Al Khuwair suitable for offices.

Contact 95526871 New building under construction in Bowshar consists of three rooms and a hall and the sitting room, 4 bathrooms, at the second floor.

Contact 92711504 finishes

We have 1BHK , 2BHK flats & office available in Mabela 7, brand new building main road, 1BHK RO 175/- , 2BHK RO 220/- only. Contact 93782735 / 99208033

We have 150 sqm office in Ghubra main road prime location already glass partition done. Office with pantry & 2 washrooms. Contact 9378235 / 99208033

We have 2050 sqm land in Ghala 800 sqm constructed Warehouse and other area open land. Prime location near Coco Cola Ware house very nice place. Contact 93782735 / 99208033

We have 2 BHK flat & 100 sqm office & 60 sqm shop for rent in Ghala brand new building. Contact 93782735 / 99208033

We have flats, offices, villa, shops & ware house for rent in Ghubra, Azaiba, Bousher, Ruwi, Mumtaz , Darsait, Mabela. Contact 93782735 / 99208033

1BHK near Oman house behind Khimji, HO. Contact 95865686

Show room with sales counter attached with store and racks location near Wadi Kabir old Round about.

Contact 99474197 / 95403957

Bachelor villa at Ansab.

Contact 98458542

Upper portion of beautiful villa for rent in prime location of Mawalah Ahmed clinic three bedrooms, attach bathroom, kitchen, Majlis, living room. Contact 95526871 Full staff accommodation for rent in Azaiba, 15 rooms with attached bath and kitchen with parking and yard.

Contact 95526871 4 BHK villas for rent at Al Ghoubra North 18th November Street near new mars hyper market.

Contact 97681599 2 Bedrooms flat in Al Ghobrah near Oman oil 18 November Street.

OMR 330. Monthly. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Flats & shops for rent at MBD, Wadi Kabir, AL Khoud & villa at Azaiba.

Contact 93994401/02/03 Villa 2 bed rooms, hall, sitting room in AL Hail south R.O. 320/Monthly. Contact 93993354 1 Bed room in Al Hail south R. O 160/- Monthly. Contact 93993354 1BHK flats at Muttrah.

Contact 93231403 2 shop in prime location with material one north Ghobrah & on Honda road. Contact 94676848

2bed room /18 flats Madeenath Al Nahda Phase 6. Contact 99061408 / 99024039

Flats consists 2 Rooms, 2 toilet and a kitchen in the southern Al Mawalah to call 96935360

Single room RO 100/- including A/C, water, electricity Wadi Kabir.

Contact 99376454

Deluxe 1 bedroom flat, ideal for office / residence at Qurum near PDO. Contact: 97721313 / 95070421

Flat at Darsait. Contact 99326879

Room for rent Honda road. Contact 92540125/ 97605342/ 94053366

Room for rent Al Khuwair.

Contact 99743569/97004265 85 SQM shops in Ruwi only on 350/- OMR. Contact – 95122188 / 96441499 Spacious 2 BHK flats in Ruwi MBD area only on 350/- OMR. Contact – 95122188 / 96441499

500 SqM Built up Area well divided with 85(SqM) Office space ACP cladding front, 85 SqM Covered Workshop/Store space, compound and gated. Partly construct Labor accommodation, ample open space available for rent at Misfah opposite Al Maha Fuel Station.

Call: 93850385 or 96060699 1 bedroom attached toilet in Al Khuwair bachelors/ family R.O 140/-. Contact 95154331 Flat for rent, 2BHK in Sidab Muscat. Contact 92440012 1 / 3 BHK Flat Ghobrah, close to ISG Way 4041, building 4390.

Contact 99319880 1,000 sq mtrs industrial land in Misfah Industrial area near to Khan co. OMR 1,500 Monthly. Electricity and boundary wall will be provided.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

If require flats for rent in Wadi Kabir please send messages through Whatsapp or call – 99376454 Flats/villas owned by ROP pension fund available for rent in Muscat.

Contact 99349526 Prim location, nice finishing villa for RENT. 2 big bedrooms . Main large sitting room. Small maid room. Kitchen and 3 bathrooms.

At Alkhuwair. near Holiday Inn & Oman Club. 99426662, PDC only.

For families & college girls.

FOR SALE

Flat Wadi AL Kabeer, 2BHK, sitting room, 3 bathroom balcony split /AC 300/- R.O Contact 99324402 Villas & flats at Ansab.

Contact 98458542

Beautiful office space available in Ruwi MBD area only on 2/- OMR per sqm. Contact – 95122188 / 96441499

Al.Khuwair studio behind platinum hotel rent 130/-R.O PDC. Contact 99879939

Established Running Restaurant for sale in Salalah. Contact casualdining767@gmail.com

Deluxe 3 bedroom apartment for rent in Mumtaz area for more information. Contact 99336263

AL Khuwair behind platinum hotel 4 BHK, 3bathrrom, sitting dinning split AC. Contact 99879939

Double burner Shawarma machine at Ruwi for sale. Contact 95395378 / 91374871

Furnished room available on Seeb share with small family for couple working ladies. Contact 96996938

Flats and shops. Contact 93009999

Ready mix concrete for sale.

Contact 99054673

1 Bedroom attached toilet Al Khuwair area only for ladies or husband and wife without children. Contact 9:00 pm to 7:00 am 95765719 3BR top class fitting flat ideal for top executives Mumtaz area, Ruwi.

Contact 91287824 Flats shops and store for rent in Ruwi, Honda road, Rex Road. Contact 95902218/ 92433127 / 97293708 Single room with A/C having separate entrance for non –cooking Indian Executive, near Rawasco, Al Khuwair rent 130/- including (W& E). Contact 92888691/95397442/97201100 1,000 sq mtrs industrial land in Misfah Industrial area near to Khan co. OMR 1,500 Monthly. Electricity and boundary wall will be provided.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Family flats and villas at Ansab.

Contact 98458542 Industrial Land in Misfah.

Contact 93009999 2BHK in Muttrah near Oman house with split ac. Contact 97007934 / 92629232 1000 sq mtrs industrial land for rent in Ghala suitable for Ware house workshop.

Contact 24700120 / 925 Villa Al Khuwair, 8 bedroom, 7 bathroom, 3kittchen. 950/-. # 99358589/ 95121126/95570288

Well furnished with net and phone connection ready to occupy office in prime location in AlGhubra South on Sultan Qaboos Road, kindly contact 93441134 Food counter for sale new bainmary with glass cover suitable for food Court and restaurant 2 pcs.

Contact 99656863 Restaurant for sale well running with open area and good parking area. 3 new clearance also in Wadi Kabeer near Mars hyper market.

Contact 99656863

Flat Wadi AL Kabeer, 2BHK, sitting room, 3 bathroom balcony split /AC 300/- R.O Contact 99324402

For sale laundry shop in Azaiba 4 clearance for sale work shop carpenter Wadi Kabir, 4 clearances.

Contact 99345137

2BHK flat Al Khuwair with split A/C. 350/- Contact 95121126/99358589/97079146

Commercial registration with excellent name Grade A for business software for sale. Contact 92959251

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DAILY GUIDE

M.V. FOR SALE

Mazda 3 hutch back, Model 2014(registered in May), automatic, white colour, with full warranty, expat lady driven single owner and km 2100. Price RO.5800. Call 99230708 / 99312201.

Car for sale Toyota Yaris 1.3, 2008 model 90000 km, hatchback.

Contact 99354340

FOR HIRE

FOR SALE Building Material shop for sale at Suwaiq A running 5 shutter building material shop with two paint machines available for immediate sale. Also available warehouse and yard at the same place. Interested parties please contact the following numbers: 93223382 / 99874936 23,886 Sq Mtrs Agriculture land with water well in Al Salwa, Barka.

OMR 260 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 New barber shop on sale at Misfah.

Contact 93833107 Dental clinic for sale or rent running last 2 yrs in center of Sohar.

Contact: 97004100 Coffee shop for sale a well running coffee shop for at Wadi Kabir Sanaya.

Contact 94159356/91039293 5 Flats of 1 bedroom for Sale in Boushar: OMR 35 Thousand each.

Monthly income OMR 270 Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 3 floor 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

WANTED

(2012 FVR) with UAE experienced driver available for long term / short term rent.

Clinic required, One Established new Clinic in Muscat, with Valid License & Clearance is required to purchase interested Parties can contact 91283188 or send your inquiries to mohamedsfarah@hotmail.com

ACC. AVAILABLE 100% furnished sharing acc. brand new and perfectly maintained attached bath room, spacious kitchen etc for couples or upper class executives. Contact 99013344

BUYING/SELLING Looking for purchase of Used Portable Compressor (350 CFM, 7 Bar Pressure) powered with Diesel run Generator.

Kindly Contact 99014686 or operation@khancogroup.com

1B/R available for bachelors in REX ROAD, Ruwi. Contact 99889590 Semi furnished room for bachelor at Muttrah rent R.O 75/- .

Contact 92828615

AVAILABLE ACC. AVAILABLE Established Restaurant for rent with sponsorship. # 97628242 Party & Wedding equipment rentals. Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. www.tunesoman. com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

Family sharing accommodation available in Al Khodh.

Contact 98292798 Sharing family accommodation in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99335057 Sharing accommodation available for working lady or small family near Ruwi Church. Contact 99318980

ACC. WANTED

2 Prime Movers Man 2008 with 40 ton petrol tank each working at the moment in Al Maha. Price OMR 35 Thousand each. Tel: 97000155 or 92688692

Wanted a 2 bedroom flat in around Ruwi area. Gsm 99761216

Room, hall, kitchen toilet in South Mabela RO 140/-. Contact 98869198

ACC. AVAILABLE

Fully furnished single room available in CBD area. Contact 92162623

Dental Clinic with license for sale in Sohar. Contact 92816015

Available furnished single room with attached bath sharing Kitchen for Exe- bachelor near Mars Hyper market Al Ghobrah. Contact 94478424

Executive bachelor near Mars one room with bath furnished room R.O 125/-. Contact 98376464 / 92446858

Shop for sale at Ruwi. #99103077

Toyota Camry white 2011 km -51000 R.O 4800/-.

Contact 99561562 Honda CRV , 2012 EX 2012 model , twilight blue liters , 34000 Km , free service package up to 60000 km expat single owner , insurance valid Oman & UAE up to August 2015 , R.O 7750/- . Contact 99069741

TRUCK FOR HIRE Isuzu 10 ton cargo body truck

Sharing accommodation available near Kuwaiti Mosque Wadi Kabir attached room sharing, kitchen. Contact 95882866 / 96575016 after 6 pm.

Shop for sale Honda road.

Contact 94053366 / 97605342

Dodge Nitro 4.0 ltr engine 2007 model 130000 kms, red colour, registration valid for one year. RO.2700/-.

Contact - 91251966

Sharing room with A/C available behind Oman house.

Contact 99354340 One bedroom flat with hall for rent in AL Khuwair area near Radisson blue hotel. Contact 97646492 Sharing accommodation available near Walja School for Indian bachelor. Contact 99459121 Spacious 3 BR long hall, 3 bathrooms new spit A/Cs - Qurum (PDO Road) Direct owner. #99431708/ 24571963 Gubrah furnished room, attached bath dish TV, WIFI, kitchen available for Executive single person, couple.

Contact 99658689 Room in CBD area for non cooking Executive bachelors free WIFI, Advance deposit. Contact 95934642 Room for executive bachelors (no Kitchen) including W/E. 125 RO. Contact 98949724

Contact: 95346950 Hire Generators, Air conditioners.

Contact 98927220 Running truck wash for rent in Ouhi Sunia Sohar. Serious people can. Contact on 97864747 50 seater bus with PDO specification for rent or lease.

Contact 99839898

NOTICE I Paramjit Arora (holder of Indian Passport no. K0736179) S/O Harjit Singh having permanent residence in Plot 155, II Cross Street, Sembakkam, Chennai - 600073 and presently residing in Way # 3358, Building No. 3921, Mumtaz Area Ruwi, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman intend to marry Ms. Idylla Carmin Santamaria (holder of Indian Passport No. Z1319155) D/O Mrs. Benita Santamaria in Embassy of India, Muscat. I swear that I am marrying her at my own free will and not under any stress and intimidation. Any objection to this marriage may be please communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, PO Box No. 1727, Postal Code 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman, within 30 (thirty) days of publication of this newspaper advertisement.

LOST Mohammed Suhagh Mohammed Faelvl Hqque has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. E 0482072. Finder please handover to ROP. Selvaraju has lost Indian Passport No. H 8367734. Finder please handover to ROP MD. Shahajahan Mohammed has lost Bangladeshi Passport No AB 3415558. Finder please handover to ROP.

CHANGE OF NAME I Manna Lal (holder of Indian passport No. K 7431983 Son of Ladu Ram having permanent residence in P.B No. 9136 PC 112 Ruwi Muscat (complete postal address in Oman) and presently residing in Village Garinda, Fatehpur Rajasthan (complete postal address in India) intend to change my name from Manna Lal (old name) to Madan Lal (new name) for all practical purpose. Any objection towards my name change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, P. Box No. 1727, Postal Code 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman.

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian Accounts / Audit assistant with 2 years of experience currently on a visit visa looking for suitable job openings.

Contact: 94677338, 97041086 Email: ajeeshkcy1989@gmail.com 22 years of experience in Multinational Companies & reputed firms in Financial Management, Project Management, Budgeting and Cost control, seeking a strategic Financial/Management Accounting role in a dynamic organization . Please contact Mob. +971-506178139, Email.georg_vargis01@yahoo.com Female M.com with tally seven years Indian experience in audit and accounting on family visit. #93213138 Indian male 34 years b.com with 7 years experience in Oman. accounting upto finalization. management accounting, budget looking for suitable post. NOC not available.

Contact 97427897.

C.A with 11 yrs experience (6 years in Oman) as Finance Manager. Contact 93731296 CA India, CPA (Australia) Qualified Indian male with more than 20 years experience in Senior position (12 yrs in Oman with valid D/L) currently on visit, seeks immediate & suitable position in a dynamic organization.

Contact 93910095 Email: reji.thomas07@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING

ARCHITECTURE Urgently required, Architect with knowledge of interior design.

Minimum 2-3 years experience.

Interested candidate may please send CV to fax: 24694998 Email: fareedadesign@gmail.com

CATERING Required a Bakery man for a catering company to be posted in interior site. Apply with NOC. #95332694, Email : ccs_oman@yahoo.com Shawarma /BBQ/Tandoor /helper wanted. Contact 95529970 Required urgently Yemani Cook.

Contact 99443236 muscat@oigoman.com

DRIVER Wanted one light driver. Indians only should apply.

Contact 95451713 Expatriate heavy duty drivers / crane operators and forklift operators with PDO license and Noc. Contact 99465358/99348352

DOMESTIC HELPER Part time maid at Al Ansab-3.

Contact 98458542 Required Housemaid for Indian family, Visa will be provided.

Contact: 94291473

ENGI./ELECT./TECH..

Required MEP Engineer with minimum Diploma or degree 5 yrs experience & with driving license.

Fax : 24478522, Email : gh1.careers@gmail.com Urgent requirement Civil Engineers 8 nos for Supervision 5 yrs experience. Contact: 99244481 Email: secons.engineers@gmail.com Wanted Computer Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Communication Engineer & Commercial Manager 10 yrs experience salary for each RO 1500.

Email:lulubd2012@gmail.com Urgently required experienced Civil Project Managers site Engineers, MEP draughtsman, MEP quantity surveyor for an excellent grade Civil Construction company.

Interested candidates can contact on 00968-99885931 / 99881459 and send CVs on mohamed@oasisgrace.com Contact 24826566 Fax: 24812226 Leading metal fabrication group requires Sales Engineer, minimum 2 yrs exp. with valid Oman D/L. Contact: 99102383 Email: hr@khancogroup.com

Urgently required an excellent grade construction firm based in Muscat has immediate vacancy for Marketing Executive minimum 5 years experience with D/L. Email your CV to info@omannc.com Marketing Executive for printing press, minimum 2 years experience with D/L. Email: arshedkm@gmail.com

IT Required IT Technician for computer shop. Send your CV at khalid@rayyancomputer.com

MEDICAL Temporary Pharmacist required in Ibra. Candidates with License & NOC, contact 98883100 Require GP doctors and Staff Nurse for a medical centre in Mabela. Contact 95200180, amanammc@gmail.com Urgently required a female nurse with MOH license to work permanent or leave vacancy for a reputed clinic. Salary Negotiable.

Contact 94618483 Wanted labs Technician to work in a polyclinic. Candidates who have passed their prometric examination can also apply. Attractive salary offered. Contact 91173571 Urgently required exp Pharmacist with MOH license and NOC. Contact: 97164554 or royalmedicalservice@gmail.com Urgently required an Orthodontist with MOH to work at a reputed Dental Center in Muscat.

Contact 968 99694723, Email : dr.bdohc@gmail.com Require female Nurse with MOH License urgently for Clinic in Ruwi.

Contact (99013455) Urgently required Pharmacist.

Contact 94200385/ 95206905/ 97433142 Email: anitho@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Required promoter for promoting Perfumes in shopping centre please.

Contact 95663682 or send CV atugt15@gmail.com Required promoter for promoting Perfumes in shopping centre please.

Contact 95663682 or send CV atugt15@gmail.com Our company CHABROS LLC is seeking for Indian salesman.

Have an experienced in building materials. Please send CV to chabros@omantel.net.om Urgently required out door sales executive for furnishing company with valid Oman license and minimum 3 years experience in furniture field.

Contact 93231403 or mail: rainbowfurnishing156@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Wanted Salesman with driving licence and car. Gsm : 98805474 or email id: jobssales2015@gmail.com Oil marketing and trading company require Sales Executives. The desire candidate should have Oman driving license, with Oman experience and required on urgent basis for oil company. Please post the CV on fakhare@gmail.com Office no 00968-24467177

Sales Executive with 2 years experience in corporate sales and driving license. Working experience with IT or Security systems preferred.

Contact 99351673 Email: tgmuscat@outlook.com

Indian Male more than 10 years gulf experience in Office / Sales Coordinator, Admin (employees visa processes), Secretarial and purchase with good computer skills. Having Driving license and NOC available.

Looking for suitable placement.

Contact 99709336 27 years, Indian optometrist , female , 3years experience looking for suitable placement in Muscat.

Contact : 92066532 EMAIL : aradhanaarun88@gmail.com Sales manager (be-mech/mba) in oman since-2005; (omn-d/l); seeking immediate replacement in marketing and sales or, bdm profile, contact-96040977, kvmssn@gmail.Com ACCA+2.5 years of experience in Accounts, Bookeeping and Audit.

Looking for job in Accounts/Finance/Internal Audit. Also worked on Oracle R12, Tally, Quick Books and PeachTree. Gsm: 91717234 Email: xhoaib101@hotmail.com, Indian Male 22 years, B.Com looking for suitable placement.

Contact no. - 99894520 email- fouzishaque@gmail.com 28 year Indian male Art specialist with 7.5 yrs of experience in Healthcare industries in AR analyst (US Based Project - M.BA., Finance) seeking suitable placement. Contact +91 9841906431, E-mail: aru1986k@gmail.com Part- Time Accountant, well versed with all accounting, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact : 98803439

MBA finance graduate Indian male on visit visa one year’s internship experience in financing/marketing looking suitable marketing /finance position. Contact 95394938 Email: safeer.buzz@gmail.com Accountant male 25 CA finalist from Pakistan having 4 years experience looking for suitable position in accounts /audit currently on visit visa. Contact 98845617 Email: usmanmaqsood.ca@gmail.com

Indian female, M. Com with 6 years experience in finance, HR & Administration with Oman D/L . On family joining visa. Contact 99864846 Email: b_ralitha@yahoo.com Indian female B.com CA Inter 3 years internship completed 2 years accounting experience currently on visit visa seeking for suitable job . Contact 94682798/95736496 Email: giby2605@gmail.com Male, total 17 years experience in India & Oman - India - 9 years & Oman - 8 years In the field of procurement, material controller and accountancy - Local release available (Noc) Cont no. 91680124 , 98606546 India Accountant: Male, M com, 7 Yrs experience in Accounts up to finalization, having knowledge of ERP, Tally, seeks suitable placement. Contact:93950138 Email: lijinrajan123@gmail.com B.Com India. Languages : English, Hindi & Malayalam. #92954613 Indian male 22 yrs B. Com Graduate 1 year exp in Accounts, currently on visit visa. Looking for suitable job.

Contact – 94341848 / Email – mohdhaji7272@gmail.com Indian M.Com Finance exp 1 year now in visiting visa. #96970734 Pakistani male, 25 yrs, MBA Finance, 1.6 yrs exp in Accounts seeking placement in Accounts, Administration or Business Management.# 92651927 / 94250149 Indian male 26 years, with 4 years experience in accounts and administration looking for suitable placement. Contact 93008891 Female with MBA finance, financial and tax professional four and half years of experience seeks suitable opportunities in reputed organizations. Contact- 99792457 Email: msparveen1@gmail.com

CA Finalist having big four experience of more than three years seeking suitable position currently on visit visa. Contact 94663269 Email: rizwan_ravian@yahoo.com

Indian male, B.Com, Accountant – 6yrs exp in Oman, NOC availableReady to join.contact: 98162671 ; email: prasanths3@gmail.com

Indian male postgraduate 7.5 yrs experience in Admin /accounts /HR logistics and procurement seeking suitable placement immediately available. Contact 93164413

Indian Male, 25 yrs currently in Oman on visit looking for suitable vacancies in accounts, B.Com completed 1 yr experience.

Contact 92024380

Indian female post Graduate MIB, B.Com 2 years experience in accounting field well versed in tally, ERP-9 Peach tree, MS Office.

Contact 97235401

Indian Male, MBA 2 yrs experience in Accounts, Admin & HR on visit visa. Contact 92045306

TRAVEL/TOURS Wanted an experienced person in reservations and ticketing using airlines Sabre system for a new travel agency; please send your CV to sunairways1@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTED Marketing executive + Warehouse manager ,Male 24years, 2 years exp with NOC available, GCC driving license, looking for suitable opening, please contact 97307863

Indian male 32 years M.B.A, 5 years experience as Accountant in Qatar and 3 years experience in Marketing and Purchase department valid Qatar license is advantage, seeking suitable placement. # 93011814 Mail: shajusr@yahoo.com

Finance Manager, CPA, with more than 15 yrs. of experience in GCC. Fully knowledgeable in Finance, General & Management Accounting .

NOC available. Contact 96209331

B.tech Mechanical Engineer, Keralite bachelor with B.tech looking for job in oman with a year of experience on Visiting Visa.

Contact no.-0096891296354, Email-manurpr88@gmail.com Sr. Sales Manager (BE/MBA) 9 yrs in Oman; (GCC/omn-d/l); seeking immediate replacement in mktg, sales or, bdm profile, # 96040977, kvmssn@gmail.com Planning Engineer 7 years of Experience in project planning and control in oil and gas, PDO & QP Approved Planner,PRIMAVERA6,B.Tech in Mechanical engineering from CUSAT Contactullasprabhakaran@yahoo.co.in, ph-00974 70230223 Indian male total 17 yrs exp in field of procurement, inventory, controlling & accountancy. Local release available, seeking suitable placement. # 91680124 / 98606546 Indian female, B.Com. knowledge of Ms .Office & Tally, 4yrs experience in A/Cing & admin dept .looking for good placement in any field. Contact.98928220 British Beauty Therapist Looking for suitable position Mob: 97175240 ACCA-UK, B.Sc (OBU-UK) having 2.8 years of experience in Accounts, Bookeeping and Audit.

Looking for job in Accounts/Finance department. Also worked on Oracle R12, Tally, Quick Books and Peach Tree. Email: AliRiazMughal@Outlook.com, Gsm: +968-95459936 Indian Male 28yr age having 6year gulf+ Indian experience in HR field, looking for suitable placement. Contact:97914340,Email: rajkv3086@gmail.com

Indian female 28 MBA (HR) B. Sc, 3+ years exp India & Oman HR/Admin looking for suitable placement.

Contact 95619537 Accountant Indian male M.B.A, B.com having 5 years GCC exp with valid Oman driving license & Noc available. Contact 91719385 mail: shinuyesodharan@gmail.com Indian, MBA finance looking job in accounts, finance, cost controlling 9 years experience 3 years in GCC. Contact 97138592 on visit visa.

Seeking for a job on Indian male aged 23 years qualification are BCA bachelor & computer application & accountant 1 years experience.

Contact 95386434 Email: mohammedshanid5@gmail.com B.com doing CA Accounts/ office job male now working in Oman Noc, release available. Contact 92715465 Email: alsabathehm@gmail.com Part time Accountant with 15 years exp in Accounts, finance, audit tax management. Contact 95857199 Accountant (B.Com, MBA pursuing) Indian male 25 years, 2 years experience in India, seeking better placement on visit visa. Contact 97709327 Indian male 27 yrs MBA HR & marketing 1 yr exp in HR supporting looking for suitable job.

Contact 97484159 Indian male, B.COM, currently in Oman on Visit Visa, Urgent seeking suitable Job Accountant / Administrative/ HR dept. have 6y. UAE experience, Valid Driving License, Knowledge of Internet ,Tally ERP9, Microsoft Office. MS EXCEL, immediately available.

Contact +968-92718733 , Email : sahashankar@gmail.com

Accounting up to finalization, auditing & contact for tally ERP software Contact– 91720465 Indian male, 32 years, M. Com. 7 out of 9 years experience in Oman in Accounts/finance. Having NOC and valid Oman D/L. #98277143, Email: anzarks@gmail.com Indian male- B.Com/B.Ed/15 years Exp – 5 in Oman, seeks job in Accts/Sales/Logistics have NOC and Oman D/L with car. Contact – 92919625/93511425/ 93424828; Email- seshadricpioman@gmail.com ACCA finalist and BSc from Oxford Brookes University UK, having 18 months working experience, currently in Muscat on visit, seeking immediate and suitable position.

Contact : 95375282 A Fresh ACCA Affiliate, Pakistani male, 24 yrs, open for positions of Accounts, Audit and finance.

Contact 94541539 email: wasiqnasir_3@yahoo.com

ADMIN/HR Over 14 years of gulf experience in Admin /HR /Logistic fluent in Arabic & English with D/L , looking for suitable position. Contact 95824598 Indian female with excellent communication skills, confident, dedicated to work and enthusiastic.

Knowledge about ms office. Has 6 years of experience in customer service, telecommunication, HR.Looking for immediate placement. Contact # 97348819 Young Indian male with 5 years Muscat experience in admin, purchase & Masters from UK seeks placement. Possess driving license.

Contact 94400671

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED

DRIVER Light driver job. Contact 96756014

ADMIN/HR MBA in Marketing and HR seeking suitable jobs. Contact 91250149 Email: hameem.husain@gmail.com Indian male, 27 yrs, MBA having 3 yrs. experience in advertising company and have through knowledge in office Co-ordination& administration, good computer proficiency on visit visa looking for suitable placement. Contact 91361534 sreejith. mv63@gmail.com Indian female, MBA (HR) and B. Sc Microbiology holder, with computer knowledge confident and enthusiastic. 6 months experience looking for immediate placement in any sector.

Contact 97151308 M.Sc / MBA. Over 12 Years including GCC Experience in Admin/HR/ Operation/Procurement and Logistic.

Valid GCC DL. Looking for Suitable Position. Contact 99706618 Smart, excellent English, double masters, 10 years Oman experience.

Immediate NOC. Contact 91229392

ARCHI./ DRAUGHTSMAN Indian male AutoCAD, 3ds Max , 5 years of experience here on visiting visa looking for a job.

Contact 98360268 / 99881264 Indian male, Autocadddraughtman with 2 years of experience currently working in oman.seeking suitable placement.NOC available.Contact:94123480 Email:fahadhundred@gmail.com Autocad D/man, Civil Engg Diploma 3 yrs, Gulf exp in architectural, structural, interior, security systems, knows 3d , NOC available.# 98225740 AutoCAD operator, Indian male 3 yrs experience in Auto CAD 2D & 3Ds Civil Draftsman, MAX and Photo shop, presently on visit visa seek suitable placement.#91764358 Email: mohdsiraj02@yahoo.com Auotcad knows 3D,REVIT, MAX Ph : 97103168

BEAUTICIAN Beautician gulf exp (overseas) looking job. Contact 95175192

CATERING Arabic conti Indian B.B.Q salads Gulf experience 10 years looking for good opportunity. NOC available. # 97004585 / 95451027 Indian cook, Tandoori cook, male, 32 yrs, having 4 yrs of experience in Muscat in India, looking for a cook job in Hotel. Contact 93753523 / 98744307 / 92175119.

DESIGNER Modular kitchen designer with 4 years Bahrain /Dubai experience plus 10 years AutoCAD, 3D, Photoshop& 20-20 Fusion. #+96896467673, cristobabu@gmail.com

DRIVER Light Driver having own visa looking for job as driver.Contact 92303692 Light driver. Contact 91376612 Light & heavy duty driver JCB, Shovel operator valid GCC license Indian Pakistani looking for job.

Contact 95175192 Driver available in Ruwi.

Contact 97460056 Indian male Qatar GCC heavy driver license holder looking for a good placement now on a visiting visa.

Contact 98739710.

Light duty driver with 3 years experience in Oman +5 years in Saudi Arabia speaking Hindi Arabic English. Contact 96088707 Light duty driver looking for job 2 yrs exp. Contact 98356230

Light driver looking for job.

Contact 92791678 Light driver looking for job.

Contact 91376612 LV Driver- 2 yrs Exp-know English- Contact 95292064

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Seeking job Electronics and Instrumentation Engineer (Indian) Indian male, Instrumentation Engineer having total 5 years of experience in electrical site execution, 1 year in Uae,presently in oman (visit visa) seeking suitable job Contact. 95690915 Email. Syam.andrews@gmail.Com Elet Engr (13+yrs exp.) Diploma presently working as Site Engr HV & LV OHL, U/G having NOC & valid Oman D/L . # 96274568 / 95129698 Indian- B.E Mechanical with MBA, 25 years experience last 12 years in Oil & Gas Sector in Oman. Skilled in Business Development, Sales & Marketing looking opening in oil gas trading or drilling or service companies as General manager/ country manager/ Business Development Manager. Contact -94688594 gmbdm2015oilandgas@gmail.com Indian B.Tech Mechanical Engineer, 26 yrs, 4 yrs experience in HVAC/MEP. Contact 94669629, rajeevhpd15@yahoo.com Civil Engineer (Diploma) with exp. looking for placement.

Contact 95200650 Mechanical Diploma Engineer Indian male 17 yrs experience include 6 yrs in Oman. Steel structural fabrication & maint. in heavy equipments. Oman driving license & NOC available seeking suitable placement. Contact 96728805 Email: jansanjosep@yahoo.co.in Indian male Mechanical Piping Engineer (BE) Done NDT course fresher on visit visa looking for job.

Contact 97359171 Keralite bachelor with B.Tech Mechanical Engineering looking for job in oman with three year of experience. on visiting visa. mob-91296354 manurpr88@gmail.com Graduate Indian male with 19 yrs experience in civil projects, commercial and procurement departments in oil & gas sector seeking suitable position. Contact 91251912 Email: suprarmct1975@gmail.com Civil Engineer 7 years experience in building line in Oman valid Oman D/L. NOC letter available looking for suitable placement. #96936406 BE Mechanical 3year experience in shipboiler, engine maintenance & desalination 99795073 Indian male B.E / B.Tech Civil /Site Engineer 3 years experience NOC D/L available. Contact 93883136 mohammedcivilengineer.mct@ gmail.com Mechanical Engineer seeking a senior position having 15 years of GCC experience operating in markets Oman, Kuwait , Bahrain & Saudi Arabia speculated in gas analysis and detection systems for Oil & Gas and petrochemical industries.

Contact 99230888 B.Tech electronics & instrument, Indian male having 4 years exp in oil & gas field one years experience in Saudi, looking for suitable vacancy.

Contact 98854946 Email: alfredtjose@gmail.com H.S.E & ELE Engineer have electrical license 4 years experience.

Contact 96076470 Email: aiashf@yahoo.com Diploma in Architect 2.5 years experience in Oman having driving.

Contact 92967404 Electrical Engineer B.E Engineer, 6 years experience in Dubai, Bahrain with G.C.C. professional licenses holding GCC driving license.

Contact 98063081 Email: imran.engr08@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Male 27 diploma in civil engineering, 8 years experience in building constriction, 6th years in Oman now looking for the job permanent base or contract base immediately also I have a Noc for permanent base.

Contact 94619501/98925718 Email: engineertanoli@gmail@gmail.com D.A.E Civil 4 years experience D/L Oman. Email: qamarsaleem52@ yahoo.com . Contact 96719649 BE Mechanical 3 years experience in maintenance of ship, boiler & desalination unit. Contact 99795073, Email: sankarvijayan.mace@gmail.com Civil Engineer 4 years exp (3 in Oman as a Quantity Surveyor & planning engineer for road works & bridges in a big project) fluent in English & Arabic. Contact - 93477660 Indian male B-Tech Civil having 2 year experience in Visit visa seeks suitable position. Contact 92609893 Computer Engineer holding bachelors degree in Computer Science with 7 years of total experience with 2 years in UAE, looking for a suitable job in Oman. Contact 92076362

DAE (Civil) having 3.5 years Experience 2 years from Oman with driving licences, seeking for suitable position in Construction field NOC and release available . Contact 96968554 Email: mehranahmad26@yahoo.com B.E Mechanical Engineer, Indian male, 4 yrs experience in sales, Seeking suitable job on visit visa.

Contact 96137079 , 93095565, Email : elangovivek@yahoo.co.in Looking Part time Job in HVACContact - 93198128 Quantity Surveyor (Civil Building) looking for Part time job Contact no:-94391712 E-mail addressinayathhussain@yahoo.com 24 years Indian female diploma in computer science and engineering now on visit visa seek suitable placement. Contact 96314974/99107369 Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp.

Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer, Gulf Exp in Design and Manufacturing Ph: 97097688

INFORMATION TECH

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR

Omani citizen searching a job in the field of computer Especially in data base professional in operating oracle SQL , PL/ SQL , form6i , Report 6i .

Contact 96977368 Email: talaloml@yahoo.com

Indian female with nine years of experience in 5 Star hotels as Assistant Food & Beverage Manager looking for a suitable placement in a reputed Star hotel. Contact: 91219787

Indian male Graduate IT Engineer Hardware networking MCITP, CCNA RHCE 3 years of experience on visit visa seeking job. Contact 94647824 Email: azharpo@gmail.com Indian female IT professional (B.Tech) on visiting visa, 1.5 yrs experience in .Net, worked in MNC, seeks suitable positions.#94389666 Indian male IT prof, MCA 2 yrs exp in Oman and 3+ yrs exp in India (system admin, hardware, networking, SharePoint, PHP, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, Ajax MySQL).

NOC available. Contact 97496998 Indian Male M.Sc Electronics, having 7.5 years of experience in IT Computer Hardware and Networking seeking job placement. Contact: 97202522 email:connectjinomjohn@yahoo.com IT Prof, MCA having 6+ yrs exp, seeks suitable position.

Contact 94543668

MISCELLANEOUS Looking for job of Salesman, office boy or helper. I can speak Hindi and Arabic but can read English.

Contact 94432608

B.E /B.Tech civil 2-3 years.

Contact 93850875/95283064

Helper, Electrician, Plumber, exp Gulf & India looking for job.

Contact 95175192

Civil Engineer B Tech, Site Engineer Experienced, Drafting on Visit Visa Ph : 91642050

Diploma of Associate Civil Engineering, Diploma of AutoCad, having 3.5 yrs experience, 2 yrs experience of Oman in Building Construction, valid transferrable ID Card. # 94378581

Indian male M. Sc Graduate with telecom AV experience for 6 years looking for suitable position. Contact 00971-557041574 / 95135218 email: nazid83@gmail.com

Quality Assurance Design, BTech Elec, MBA (TQM) , IT Infrastructure(WLAN , TETRA) Security systems(CCTV AACS),Project control Engineering, Document Control / CAD Managing /Change management, Exp in Major projects, NOC available Ph : 99506977

Indian male, 26 yrs B-Tech (ECE) with MBA in Marketing / HR looking for a suitable placement. Currently on visit visa valid up to 30 January 2015. Contact 93754428, email : shijosirius709@gmail.com

Logistics Officer, Experience in Store keeping. Contact : 99505934

Elet.Engr 9+ yrs exp Noc available can join immediately. #99148940 Email: jobluk.om@gmail.com

Civil Engineer having 4 and Half years experience in building construction looking for suitable placement valid D/L available. #91253392

EDUCATION

Civil Engineer with 12 years Experience Looking For Job. # 98162295

Indian Female (M.Com, B.ED) 2Yrs Experience in teaching seeks suitable placement . Specialization in ( Accounting, Business studies, Human resource management, Economics). Presently in Visit Visa Status. Contact:97342709, Email: sininair27@gmail.com

Generator maintenance in charge with 4 yrs experience with Cummins, caterpillar, kirloskar and voltas. Contact - email: shibinmundakkal@gmail.com

Pakistani Female: looking for job as English lecturer, having 5 years teaching experience in Pakistani universities, qualification M. phil English linguistics Contact no 93534255

Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847

1 year experience in teaching all subject to KG classes, currently working as a teacher in Oman, seeking suitable placement, Family visa.

Contact 92178304 / 99036256

Experienced female Electrical Engineer. Contact 93800906

Aircraft Maintenance Technician with one year experience seeks suitable placement. Contact amaljohn2002@gmail.com Project Engineer, civil engineer BSC, Building Construction 5 Years Exp in Oman fluent Arabic, English and good Indian .Contact - 97858589 B.Tech Mechanical Engineer (Automobile)&Diploma in QC with 2yrs experience in oil & gas company seek suitable placement job currently on Visit Visa. Contact no.96071081, 99214308 , Email: rahulvarikkat@gmail.com Indian male, 28 diploma in fire and safety Engineering computer hardware net working 1 yr customer service experience trouble shooting technical support on visit visa.

Contact 91025050 / 98856803 Email: purujith8797@gmail.com BE/EEE Electrical Engineer Indian male 25 years having 2.5 years experience currently on visit visa looking for suitable placement.

Contact 00968-96522624 / 92770316 contact India +91- 9994024477 / 9597539520

HOSPITALITY 27 yrs Indian male, Hospitality science, Graduate with New zealand business diploma having Oman experience in money exchange firm, looking for suitable opportunities in reputed organization.NOC available.

Contact.91383167

INFORMATION TECH ERP Software professional, Indian male, 20 yrs (5 yrs Oman) experienced. Interested in ERP/ CRM, Development, Implementation, support position. Contact 93501977 Email: go4nadeem@gmail.com Indian male MBA (marketing & IT) with 1 yr exp looking for suitable placement presently on visit visa.

Contact 97327997 Email: irshad.alimc@gmai.com Indian male 25 B.Tech (IT) Engineer 2.5 yrs exp in hardware networking.

Currently on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact – 94359564

Electrical Engineer Indian male 29 years, having 5 years of experience in Industrial Automation & utility maintenance in India (MRF Tyres) seeking suitable placement. #92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com

Hardware specialist B.Tech M.Tech electronics with 10 years experience seeks suitable opportunities in reputed organizations.

Contact 91289459 Email: shrn.shrf@gmail.com

Sudanese Mechanical Engineer 11 years exp in oil & gas industry.

Contact - 95928035

B.Tech IT Professional, Indian Male with 3 yrs of Exp. In System Admin, IT Support, Networking, Installing Active Directory, DHCP, DNS,RAS, configuring maintaining and managing servers, configuring cisco routers, Exp in handling SQL database, With Valid Driving Licence. Contact - 968 98863507

Telecom Engineer with 4.5 years Oman experience looking for a suitable opportunity, interested even in Marketing also. Possess valid Oman driving license. Contact 94145460

MEDICAL Female Dentist Indian, 28 years Dental Surgeon, 3 years of experience, Oman prometric passed with 64%, looking for a suitable placement in Muscat region. Contact 91377681 Email: hashmisarwat@gmail.com Medical- Indian female, 27 yrs, masters in hospital administration, fellowship in HTA studied in a super specialty medical sciences and research center in India and done project in an established hospital in sultanate of Oman.

Contact 93200827, 91026506 Lab Technician, Civil (8yrs Gulf experience) looking for a suitable job (NOC available) Contact-93344378 Female pharmacist with 3 years experience and MOH license currently in Oman, CONTACT 92455124

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Welder, 3G, 6G, TIG, Exp in Fabrication , Gulf Exp Ph : 97103168 Care taker, Gulf Exp knows Hindi, Arabic Ph: 94238840

SECRETARIAL/OFFICE Indian female with 10 yrs of experience in HR/Banking/Operations seeks a suitable placement. Can be contacted on 98919015 or sherianne.coelho@gmail.com Indian female, well experienced in secretarial, administration, customer care & supervisory jobs.

5 years experience in Muscat.

Immediately available for joining.

Contact: 92139298

SALES / MARKETING Indian male, 15 years experience in managing department stores, in Karnataka, India, looking for placement.# 93086105 or 99016546 MBA (marketing & operations) with 2 years experience in marketing & operations looking for suitable placement, presently on visit visa.

Contact 97920125 Email: hareeshg111@gmail.com 18 yrs Oman experience in building materials seeking suitable placement, NOC available #93105775 Indian B.Com 2.5 years back office, 1.5 yrs sales, 27 yrs, MS Office, MS word, Excel. Contact 95612321 Email: jkadavil@gmail.com Salesman, building materials, Gulf exp, knows Hindi, Arabic & English.

Contact : 95516807 Indian male 9+ years experience in GCC and Indian in hardcore sales and customer service looking for buffer opportunity, holding valid Oman driving license visit visa.

Experience shipping, banking, safety products (PPE) Contact : 97132606 Indian Male having 7 yrs in experience in Oman Sales & Marketing Office Automation Printer, Copier, MFP, IT products & Stationery. Looking for Suitable Placement NOC Available Contact :97384748 Indian male 25 yrs M.B.A having More than 2 years experience in sales & marketing good communication skills Looking for a suitable job. Contact 92152913 email: May4senthil@gmail.com 10 years experience in medicine & surgical equipment sales. Fluent in English, Arabic, Bengali & Hindi .

Presently on visit visa, looking for an opening in the similar field.

Contact 91747258

Young Indian male, MBA, around 5 years experience in a reputed multinational company as branch head well experience in management and coordination, looking for suitable position in Suwaiq, Barka, Sohar area.

Contact 92700670 Email fardhaan@gmail.com

Young female, having experience of working in Oman with expertise in the field of Event Management, Advertising, Marketing and Hotel Management. Currently on a visit visa. Seeking for a suitable Job. Contact 96153578

Restaurant /Catering Manager – Operations with 21 years experience with 2 years in Saudi is available on visit. Contact 98894682

Indian male, with 3.5 years Oman experience in Sales looking for a suitable placement NOC available.

Contact 99142951

Purchase Manager with 14 years experience in construction industry with valid D/L & NOC .

Contact 92884811 Email: bati.rajesh@gmail.com

Indian female 7 yrs experience in Admin /Sales Coordination in Oman with valid Oman driving license urgently seeks suitable placement.

Contact 94176308

10 years experience in Supermarket as a Manager. Fluent in English, Arabic, Bengali & Hindi presently on visit visa, looking for an opening in the similar field. Contact 91747258

MBA with Oman D/L seeking marketing or sales jobs.

Contact 94143154 email: rinojnathen008@hmail.com

Projects/ contracts Manager total 31 yrs (26 yrs in Oman) experienced in managing & coordination of multi-million R.O projects of government & private sector, post Graduate Structural Engineer with structural & QS Background looking for senior position. Contact +00968-91400599 Qualified Manager: (12+ yrs. Oman Exp.) Vast knowledge in A/c & Admin, Costing, Banking, Credit Control, Insurance, International Purchase/ Logistics & Finance, With D/L looking for suitable position. #93826090 Email: jskanchan01@gmail.com Smart, excellent English, double masters. 10 years Oman experience immediate, NOC . Contact 91229392

Indian male, with 8 yrs exp in Sales Operations & accounts handling, expert in SAP & ERP applications seeks job. Contact 93345990 Indian Male, 7 yrs experience in building materials trading having Oman D/L, immediate release available. Contact 98676713 Indian male, B.Com, 20 yrs experience in Sales & Marketing having UAE light D/L looking for suitable post. Contact +91 9946699062, email : sajim40@gmail.com Well experienced restaurant Manager with Ample knowledge of sales and operations seeking suitable placement Noc available.

Contact 92953199

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DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

WEBSITE

MANPOWER

Canada, Legal Job for Construction staffs, Gas & Oil, Hotel Staffs & Medical staffs. Free Recruitment.

Please send CV to margholdingimmigration@gmail.com

COMPUTER

CLASSES WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

Available construction workers, hospital staff with Oman parametric, housemaids Indian, Uganda.

Contact 9629417/98408488 Email: alkubratrading@gmail.com

Split & window unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact 99557080 Window & spilt unit A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 96236476

DRIVING

AC service repair and maintenance.

Contact 95356877

SIT.WANTED Indian male, graduate with 7 years experience in hospitality industry, sales & marketing .M.B.A in human resource management. Contact 92115860

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

Tunisian women looking for job, knows english, frensh, Italian and arabic. Contact: 91171838

Lady Trainer available for driving classes in Seeb area. Knows Hindi, English, Arabic & Baluchi.

Contact 98869198

Indian male, 11 years exp.

In accounting, knowledge in tally also. Looking for a part time job.

Contact . 98983122 Female Executive Assistant/ Executive Secretary with 27+ experience, worked with top management/Board in financial services with shorthand skills & Omani driving license, seeks suitable placement. Call 95941515 Indian Female, 24 yrs MS. Software Engg. Currently on family visa, 1 year experience in SAP WM & IT seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 95490105 Senior Accounts Professional, Indian Male, 35 years, M.Com, MBA (Fin) 8 years in Oman, with valid Oman DL and NOC available.

Capable to handle accounts up to finalization. Contact 9602 3965.

MATRIMONIAL We are looking for a Muslim Girl for our son interested parents or daughter May. Contact 97664009 Female BSC Nurse Christians RC Kannur Kerala inviting proposals from employed boys . Contact 00919496840556 /0096892490393

GOOD NEWS

BUSINESS

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807 Air conditioning split A/C, Ducted split & package A/C, maintenance & installation. Contact 98667326 Cheapest prices all types window, curtains and Blinds.

Contact 99539521 Carpet & sofa shampooing. Ocean Centre LLC. Contact 99884591 / 92682970

Tutoring ACCA/CAT subjects, passing exams by expert lectures.

Contact +( 968) 99229700

Cleaning services, carpet & sofa shampooing, marble restoration (grinding) and polishing, pest control, fogging service. Contact 99448057, 95401996

MATRIMONIAL

Cheapest Prices, all types window, curtains and blind.

Contact 99539521

Tamil Muslim parents looking for boys from good reputed family B.S.C smart, 23 yrs. Contact 99443236 after 6 pm

Computer service/ AMC/ Networking. Contact 91339882

Keralite Syrian Christian Parents seeking alliance from any Syrian Christian Denominations Graduated working girls preferably in Oman or UAE for their son MBA 29/175-born brought up in Muscat working in a reputed organization.

Contact 97226324 email: m4proposal@yahoo.com Well qualified Christian girls looking for suitable alliance from well qualified and born again Christians (age 40 & 43).

Contact 92560192 Email: pastorphilipmathew@gmail.com

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

Cheap website / software development, SEO, SMO, SMM, APP store optimization, apps for IOS, Android, windows, blackberry. Contact 95526871, www.ashterzsoft.com Door to Door Computers repair specialist laptop software Website cartridges. Contact 99199376 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 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 Pest control & cleaning services professionals in pest control service bedbugs treatment, rodent, treatment, snake treatment and termite treatment, pre and post construction. Contact 93098450, 96408964, fax : 24472116 A/C maintenance split A/C servicing. Contact 94217681/ 99210141 Marble polishing & crystallization, building cleaning floor, floor polishing, carpet, sofa shampooing, pest control, anti termite shifting, maintenance. Contact 99504275 Pest Control Treatments, Termites, Cockroaches, Bedbugs. Contact Ocean Centre LLC. Contact 99344723 Carpet & sofa shampooing. Ocean Centre LLC. #99884591 / 92682970 GULF INTERNATIONAL LLC. all kind of pest control. #92326955

House shifting. Contact 99708138 Coffee shop business partner required. Contact 95212017

House shifting packing.

Contact 99657644, 98518013

Feasibility study, market research, financial analysis of companies.

(968) 99229700

Taimour Ayurvedic Clinic, Ruwi offers genuine & effective treatment for back pain, paralysis, cervical and lumbar spondylitis, osteoarthritis, joint pains, sinusitis, migraine, allergic problems, varicose vein and all other health related problems. Kerala massage and rejuvenation package available. For details please contact: 92197920/ 24799689 Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis massage, steam bath, obesity, spondylitis IDEAL , CARE Ayurvedic Clinic 18 November street, Azaiba. Contact 99639695 / 99117987 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).

Contact 24475280 / 95371554 / 92504980 , www.siddhayur.com FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 96050000, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit: www.islamfact.com

NRI

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours Contact- 98029602, 92808636

TOURS

TOURS

RENT A CAR

TRANSPORTATION Transportation. Contact 98505294 Transport with driver available in Muscat region any time any where with luxury cars very low price.

98294551

RENT A CAR

Transportation. Contact 99664703 Picking and drop. Contact 96743215 Transportation. Contact 98518979 Transport to ISWK. Contact 93172589 Transportation . Contact 98178135 Transport available. Contact 95356877 Transportation available.

Contact 95570429 Transportation. Contact 91379976 Pick & Drop any time.

Contact 97014786 Pick & drop anytime in al Khuwair.

Contact 99764307

NRI Spacious, 2BHK ďŹ&#x201A;at for sale at Hebbal Bangalore.

Contact 96263157

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DAILY GUIDE

Indian, Arabic, Chinese dishes, BuďŹ&#x20AC;et Lunch (On Friday) Indoor & Outdoor, Catering, Party hall available Take Away & Home Delivery

Party booking & sugges ons 99320065, 99341643

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624