Times of Oman - August 15, 2016

MONDAY August 15, 2016 11 Dhul Qa’ada 1437 AH

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HM SENDS GREETINGS

FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of congratulations to President Pranab Mukherjee of India on the country’s Independence Anniversary. In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere congratulations along with his best wishes of good health and happiness to President Mukherjee and the Indian people further progress and prosperity. -ONA

On the occasion of the 11th National Day, 1981

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’ We must all - each one of us - play our part in this, with the same devotion with which we have played our part in fighting and working for the progress and prosperity that our dear country now enjoys.

Founded 1975 . Volume 41 No. 147 | 48 Pages . Baisas 200 . Subscription OMR63 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company | Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

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Muscat gets tough with rogue parkers as new fines launched P

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Parking without obtaining a licence and paying fees

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Parking in two spaces

Parking in front of fire extinguishers

Parking in areas allocated for authorities

Parking in areas allocated for construction sites

Parking in slot earmarked for ambulance

Parking in waste container areas

Parking in space allocated for mosque Imam

PARKING FINES

1 HOUR ONLY

Exceeding the maximum time for parking

Parking over yellow lines

(In Omani rials)

Parking on roads that obstruct the entry or exit of public

10

100

20

500

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NOOSE TIGHTENS: Now, heftier penalties for wrong parking.

Staff Reporter

Municipality’s heftier traffic fines are going to make a bigger hole in motorists’ pockets

MORNING MINUTE

MUSCAT: How many times have you tried to park only to be blocked by an inconsiderate driver taking up two spaces?

Well now they, and the rest of their uncaring lot, face fines of up to OMR500, as officials bring in a raft of new fines for dozens of parking offences.

According to an order issued

Parking without paying fees

Parking behind another vehicle and obstructing it from moving

Driving on sidewalks to park in unpaved land

Parking at bus and taxi stands

Parking in loading and unloading areas

Using parking space for displaying ‘for sale’ signboard in private vehicles

Parking in pedestrian areas in a manner that obstructs other vehicles’ movement

Parking on the sidewalks

Parking in areas allocated for the physically challenged

Parking in areas allocated for bank customers/employees

Parking in areas allocated for tourism services

Tampering or damaging parking meters

Source: Muscat Municipality

by the Muscat Municipality, drivers who occupy two parking lots to park one vehicle will be fined OMR10 and those occupying a parking lot reserved for disabled motorists will have to pay OMR20.

“Those leaving their car in a parking lot reserved for ambulance parking will have to pay OMR100 and those who leave their vehicles for sale or for advertisement purposes in public parking areas

12-page special supplement on Indian Independence Day with this edition

RIO EXIT

V E R N A C U L A R D A I LY

Barakat thanks fans, vows to work hard

OHRC meets with detained journalists

DEEBA HASAN

deeba@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Although Oman’s sprinter Barakat Al Harthi is out of the Rio games after failing to qualify for a place in the finals, he thanked supporters and promised to continue his efforts.

In a video message released in Arabic on twitter, Barakat is seen thanking his fans and supporters and saying he will continue working hard on his performance.

“I thank all my supporters and the coming days will be better.

I thank all those who stood behind me, (they were) people who pushed me to perform,”he said.

Reacting after not being able to qualify for the Olympics, Earlier, Barakat had told the Times of Oman, “I am not going into the semis, I am so sad.”

Barakat recorded 10.22 seconds and finished third in the heat six qualifying sprint in the Men’s 100m event at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Although he put up an excellent

MUSCAT: Oman Human Rights Commission (OHRC) yesterday met with Al Zaman newspaper’s journalists who are under custody namely Ibrahim Al Ma’amari, Editor-inChief, Yousef Al Haj and Zahir Al Abri. The visit was aimed at ensuring legality of their arrest procedures and their health conditions.

The Commission affirmed that all the journalists under custody are in good health and that their arrest procedures were legal and took into consideration the human and personal aspects.

The accused were told about the charges against them. >A6 Barakat in action at Rio. TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

show against the likes of Jamaica’s Yohan Blake, who finished first in the same heat with a time of 10.11, Barakat couldn’t qualify for the next stage of the competition.

OMAN

Independence Day

1

The Pakistani community celebrated its country’s 70th Independence Day. >A3

MARKET

Purchase from vendors

2

Liwa Plastics to purchase 25% from local vendors. >B1

SPORTS

New OFA chairman

Why this wadi dog is so happy?

A4 3

Sheikh Salim Al Wahaibi has been elected new OFA chairman. >C3

Graphics

and sidewalks will also be slapped a fine of OMR500,” the order says.

However, the order has excluded the ambulances, police patrol, civil defence vehicles, municipality vehicles and government vehicles approved by the municipality.

The order issued by Eng Mohsen bin Mohammed bin Ali Al Shaikh, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, also says that motorists have to pay 200 baisas as parking fee for

every hour and those interested in booking the parking lot for the whole month have to pay OMR50 while they have to pay OMR15 as a fee for private parking permit.

Mohammed Al Busaidi, a Majlis Al Shura member, said that such regulations are always welcomed.

“It’s a welcome effort made by the Muscat Municipality to regulate the public parking especially as there are some motorists who

park their vehicles irresponsibly causing inconvenience to others,” said Al Busaidi.

However, Al Busaidi explained that the municipality has to consider the lack of parking lots in some area especially those close to ministries’ area, hospitals, banks and others. Al Busaidi said that some irresponsible behaviours need not only heftier fines, but also legal actions. >A6

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MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

OMAN

We have received a few cancellations to Thailand, especially in case of families travelling together Raji Demonte, general manager, Universal Travel and Tourism in Oman

TOURISM

Blasts shake confidence of Oman tourists to Thailand MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON

mobinmathew@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Thailand has been an increasingly popular destination for the people of Oman but the recent bomb blasts have shaken travellers’ confidence, prompting a few to change their travel plans.

Travel agents have reported a dip as some tourists have been cancelling or rescheduling their trip to Thailand after the series of explosions in five different provinces of the Kingdom last week.

“We have received a few can-

cellations to Thailand, especially in case of families travelling together,” Raji Demonte, general manager at the Universal Travel and Tourism in Oman, told the Times of Oman.

Many people are changing their destination, opting to go to some other country because of the attack in Thailand, another travel agent said.

“We haven’t got any cancellation so far but people who booked tickets to Thailand have changed their destination to Georgia and some other places,” Santhosh Kanakandath, managing director

at Assaraya Travel and Tourism, told the Times of Oman.

“Some are postponing their travel to later dates,” he added.

“People who are going for medical treatment haven’t cancelled their travel so far but some who are planning to spend their leisure time have either changed the date of their travel or cancelled their booking,” another travel agent in Ruwi said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued any travel advice to the people of Oman in Thailand, according to an official from the Ministry. >See also Page 10 RAID

Cars modified for drifting seized in Liwa Times News Service MUSCAT: Cars modified for ‘drifting’, made popular by the movie franchise The Fast and the Furious, have been seized by police in Oman.

In a raid on a garage in Liwa, 14 vehicles were seized by the Royal Oman Police represented by North Al Batinah Police.

Those arrested were transferred to the Public Prosecutor for further legal action.

FOILED

Smuggling bids Times News Service MUSCAT: Customs officials foiled two attempts to smuggle 104 bottles of alcohol at Al Dara and Khatmat Milaha borders, Royal Oman Police (ROP) reported on Saturday.

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

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Pakistan’s 70th Independence Day celebrated

CRIME

Naheed Naveed Atif, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Pakistan, raised country’s flag on the embassy premises in Muscat

SHAHZAD RAZA

shahzad@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman’s Pakistani community celebrated its country’s 70th Independence Day with a series of events on Sunday.

Naheed Naveed Atif, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Pakistan, raised country’s flag on the embassy premises while a select gathering of Pakistanis sang Pak ser zameen shaad baad (their National Anthem). The flag hoisting ceremony was followed by a cake-cutting ceremony in the Embassy’s Consular Hall.

Earlier, Naheed read out the President’s and Prime Minister’s messages to the community.

“Today, we are celebrating our Independence Day with a new zeal and vigour. I am confident that our determination will pave H I G H E R E D UC AT I O N

Panel approves several foreign varsity courses MUSCAT: Inclusion of several foreign higher education institutions in the list of universities recommended for study has been approved.

Approvals were given by the Qualifications and Equivalent Recognition Committee for Qualifications obtained from Non-Omani Higher Education Institutions. It approved inclusion of several higher education institutions – subject to being a full time student at the institution in the Netherlands.

It included Antwerp Management School in the Belgium, subject to being a full time student.

It also included Nitte University in India subject to being full time student.

Master in law programme offered by US universities were also approved, subject to being a full time student at the institutions’ premises and not less than 30 credit hours for study subjects and research.

It decided not to include Alma Mater Europaea in the Slovenia as its mother university in Austria has not obtained accreditation by the relevant authorities.

Applications to accredit and equalise qualifications including Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Omdurman Islamic University in the Republic of Sudan were also dismissed.

The Committee did not equalise the MBA certificate issued by the Open University Malaysia, in collaboration with the Arab Open University in the Kingdom of Bahrain in 2015, as the Ministry does not accredit the higher education institutions in Malaysia. -ONA

the way for political, social and economic stability in the coming days,” she quoted President Mamnoon Hussain as saying.

In his message, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif urged his countrymen to face today’s challenges by remaining unified.

“The protection of independence is even harder than its achievement. The creation of Pakistan would have been impossible without the leadership of Quaide-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah,” she quoted the PM as saying.

Pakistan School Muscat Pakistan School Muscat also hosted an Independence Day celebration. PSM students recited national songs and delivered speeches.

Adnan Shahzad, Chairman BOD PSM, Ataullah Khan Ni-

azi, Senior Principal Pakistani Schools System in Oman, and Khalid Jadoon, PSM principal, briefed the audience on The International General Certificate of Secondary Education results and outstanding academic achievements of its students in 2016.

Pakistan International Airlines also cut a cake at its head office to mark the holiday.

Shahzad Paracha, Country Manager PIA, led the celebration.

Pakistan Social Club Additionally, the Pakistan Social Club hosted a colourful ceremony by cutting a large cake in its Ruwi office. Naheed was the chief guest.

The event, hosted by PSC Chairman Mian Muhammad Munir and Vice chairman A.H Raja, along with other directors, was attended by a number of Pakistanis. The celebration culminated with a collective prayer for the prosperity of Pakistan and Oman, and for the health and long life of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

The entire Pakistani nation, including more than eight million Pakistanis living and working abroad, celebrated the country’s Independence Day with pride.

LAST WEEK

Six arrested in Dhofar region for faking banknotes FAHAD AL GHADANI

fahadnews@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A gang allegedly making and using fake banknotes in the Dhofar region has been arrested there.

In all, six people from Gulf nationalities were arrested on charges of faking and promoting banknotes of another Gulf country by the Directorate General of Inquiries and Criminal Investigations.

FLAG HOISTING: The flag hoisting ceremony was followed by a cake-cutting ceremony at the Embassy’s Consular Hall. – Supplied photo

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A reliable source at Royal Oman Police (ROP) said that the police stations in Dhofar had received many complaints from shops saying that some people had paid fake banknotes.

The ROP formed an investigation team and raided the accused and arrested them while in possession of a large amount of fake money notes.

The accused were referred to the Public Prosecutor for further legal action.

ROP arrests 61 illegal immigrants Times News Service MUSCAT: Another 61 illegal immigrants in the Sultanate were arrested last week by the Royal Oman Police in cooperation with other security authorities They were arrested in a number of different wilayats across Oman and further legal action will be taken against the accused.

A further 66 illegal immigrants were deported last week in coordination with different embassies.

The ROP called on the public to report violators at the nearest police station, or dial 9999.

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MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

OMAN

500

Omani rial is the amount real estate brokerages based in Muscat will be required to pay for their permit fees, while the remainder of the Sultanate’s real estate companies will pay OMR300

Homes abroad for wadi wanderers Wadi dogs from Oman, often referred to as wild animals, have proved to be perfect pets in many houses across Europe, Canada and the United States

FINDING NEW HOMES

Adopted dogs from Oman worldwide The Netherlands

among other places US South Carolina

Germany

Washington Tunisia

Houston

Oman

HASSAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

hassan@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: More than 30 families adopted four-legged friends from Oman in 2016, according to Nada Al Moosa, an animal welfare activist.

The local wadi dogs, often referred to as wild animals, have proved to be perfect pets in many houses across Europe, Canada and the United States.

Around 40 dogs from Muscat were transported abroad to new loving homes in 2015, compared with 35 dogs so far this year.

Al Moosa explained that the transportation fee varies depending on the location.

“It costs around OMR1,000 to send a dog to the United Kingdom, while it costs OMR450 for Europe and only OMR380 for the United States,” she explained.

“We put a dog’s bio on international websites and wait for interested adopters to approach us,” Al Moosa stated.

Transportation fees (Omani rials) United Kingdom Europe United States

1,000 450 380

Source: Nada Al Moosa

In Oman, wadi dogs are usually killed by the police in a bid to “control their population.”

A Royal Oman Police official had earlier told the Times of Oman that some instances of attacks on humans by wild canines have been reported.

But new owners of Omani dogs seem to disagree with such claims.

Nick, the proud owner of an Omani dog, which was found wandering as a puppy near a factory in Jallan Bani Bu Ali, has shared the dog’s story on her social media account.

“He was very playful and little

Graphics

did he know that he was about to be put inside a sack and thrown on the road...left alone for a slow and painful death. My husband was there in time to rescue him.

He thought it would be easy to find a good home for him in Muscat, since he is leaving Oman soon, but that was impossible. I decided to go to Muscat and bring Nick with me to Mexico City,” she said.

“My dear Wadi dog is getting used to his new life in Mexico City... He is very surprised with the rain, the new sounds, but getting used to it,” she added.

NEW DECISION

Real estate brokers must now pay fees FAHAD AL GHADANI

fahadnews@timesofoman.com

REGULATING MARKET: The new decision categorised the fees into two sections, one for companies in Muscat and the other for those outside the capital. – File photo

MUSCAT: Real estate companies have to pay fees now to secure permits to work in the property market, according to the Ministry of Housing.

The new decision categorised the fees into two sections, one for companies in Muscat and the other for those outside the capital.

Real estate brokerages based in Muscat will be required to pay OMR500 for their permit fees, while the remainder of the Sultanate’s real estate companies will pay OMR300.

Moreover, renewal fees for permits have been set at OMR200 for brokerages in Muscat, while those outside Muscat will pay OMR100.

Also, real estate companies will now be required to register their staffs, as the Ministry of Housing will only permit those working under the umbrella of sanctioned operators.

Ministry permits The Ministry will issue permits for such individual brokers, in order to work in the market. Real Estate companies in Muscat will also pay OMR50 for each real estate broker the employ.

However, companies located outside Muscat will pay OMR25 for each broker.

The fees to renew permits for individual brokers will be half that amount, with companies in the capital paying OMR25 to renew their brokers’ permits, while com-

panies outside Muscat will be required to pay OMR15.

Regarding the new regulations, Mohammed Al Busaidi, chairman of the Oman Real Estate Association and a Majlis Al Shura member, said this is a step to regulate the real estate market in the Sultanate.

“This is part of the plan to regulate the market, since now it will only be possible for permitted brokers to carry out transactions in the real estate market,” said Al Busaidi.

“Not everyone can conduct business in the market anymore. Such regulations will control the market and also help in developing a better atmosphere for companies and permitted brokers,” Busaidi added.

He added that the Ministry of

Housing, in return, will provide services for the approved companies and individuals.

“An internet connection will be provided for companies by the ministry of Housing so they can finish any transaction from their offices, without the need to go to the ministry building,” said Al Busaidi.

He added that this regulation will result in trustworthy real estate companies which the Ministry of Housing can assign to evaluate real estate properties in the future.

“Individual brokers will have to pass a course in order to be permitted by the Ministry. The profession is becoming more organised and, therefore, everybody working in this market should be up to a certain level of experience and knowledge,” said Al Busaidi.

ROYAL CAVALRY’S ‘KOWKAT’ WINS AT NEWBURY Horse Kowkat owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Nasser Al Hashar won the title in the Royal Cavalry Race for Thorough-bred Arabian Horse – Class One organised at the Newbury Racecourse in United Kingdom, which saw participation of eight horses.

Kowkat finished the race in 1:08.86 seconds, followed by Radamis owned

by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Lt. Colonel Adel Sulaiman Al Hosni, deputy director general for technical affairs at the Royal Cavalry Unit presented the prizes to the winners. — ONA

SLALAH

Gulf workshop on designing social programmes opens SALALAH: A training workshop on designing social programmes and measuring their indicators in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states opened at Rotana Salalah Hotel yesterday.

The event is opened under the auspices of Sayyid Mohammed bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Minister of State and Governor of Dhofar in the presence of Sheikh Salim bin Ofait Al Shanfri, Head of Dho-

far Municipality. The three-day workshop is being organised by the Executive Council of the GCC Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs, in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Development.

Dr. Amer bin Mohammed Al Hajri, Director General of the Executive Council of the GCC Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs delivered a speech

during which he pointed out that the topic of this seminar is very important in planning in general and social planning in particular.

The training workshop is part of the strategy for planning social programmes and enhancing social responsibility concept between the public and private sectors to provide high quality services to members of the society. -ONA

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

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A5

OMAN

CELESTIAL EVENT: Around 130 meteors were spotted on Friday night after the moon faded away, leaving a clear view of the sky for the campers, according to a member of the Astronomical Society of Oman.

Stargazers enjoy Perseids Shower HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI MOBIN MATHEW BLESSON

More than 50 enthusiasts from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan reached Jebel Shams to witness the event

hassan@timesofoman.com mobinmathew@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: More than 250 stargazers enjoyed dramatic cosmic displays of the “Perseids Shower” on Friday and Saturday at Jebel Shams.

Around 130 meteors were spotted on Friday night after the moon faded away, leaving a clear view of the sky for the campers, according to a member of the Astronomical

Society of Oman. More than 50 Arab astro-enthusiasts from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan drove all the way to Jebel Shams in Al Dakhiliyah governorate to witness the event, according to Sangeetha Sridhar, an astro-enthusiast.

Isa Al Alshaikh, founder of @ Arabic_NASA said that Saturday night was better than Friday’s, as the skies were less cloudy and stargazers were able to take better pictures of the shower.

He said this year, the shower was

more intense than in the previous years and more meteors were seen.

“A friend of mine spotted around 100 meteors on Saturday night only,” Isa said.

“It was indeed the most spectacular experience for me to watch so many shooting stars in the sky.

A trip to the highest peak in the country is always a breathtaking experience as it is both adventurous and relaxing at the same time,” Sharukh Zalam, an astro-photographer said. He thanked the Times

of Oman for giving early updates on the date and time of the meteor shower which, he said, “made my planning easier.”

“I called up a few of my friends, packed food and grabbed my camera gear and left for the mountain.

We reached there on Friday11:00pm and stayed there till 4:00am. “I found a good location for my shoot and tried everything possible. This went on till 4 in the morning,” Zalam said, adding that he saw a lot of meteors at regular intervals.

“Luck plays an important role here and yes, I am lucky enough as my friends would say. I would never miss a chance to witness something like this ever and shooting at night is always fun,” Zalam added.

Perseids occurs each year in the month of August with a flare rate of about 80 per hour at 60 kilometres per second speed, which is 500 times faster than the fastest car in the world. The shower, which began in mid-July, will continue until late August.

D ATA

Half a million tourists visit Salalah until mid-August teliers in Salalah said they were lucky to have an advanced Khareef (monsoon) season this year, resulting in the increased number of visitors.

REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: More than half a million people visited Salalah between June 21 and August 13, government data reveals.

According to the National Centre of Statistics and Information, 519,616 people visited Salalah.

From the end of July until the beginning of September, Salalah and surrounding areas witness the best period, clothed in lush greenery and the hills surrounded by white fog.

Many visitors frequent the region during this time, especially from within Oman and the neighbouring countries. Salalah Tourism Festival takes place from July 15 to August 31 every year.

Confirming the numbers, ho-

PICTURESQUE: Many visitors frequent this beautiful region during the Khareef Season, especially from within Oman and the neighbouring countries. -ONA

BURAIMI PRIMARY COURT

Expats fined, face deportation over sale of expired poultry Times News Service MUSCAT: Expatriates who used a fake company stamp to change the expiry date on poultry products, and to work without the correct licences, have been fined and sentenced to deportation by the Buraimi Primary Court.

The expats were working in

a room lacking basic hygiene requirements while slaughtering poultry and then using a fake stamp of a different approved company to change the expiry dates of the meat.

The court sentenced the accused to pay a fine of OMR2,000 for violating the Consumer Protection Act, OMR5,000 for vio-

lating the food safety law and one month jail for violating the Labour Law. Expulsion The Buraimi Primary Court also ordered the accused to be expelled from the country for five years at the end of their sentences.

Rush of visitors “Usually, rain starts in Salalah only during the first week of July. However, this year, rains began on June 21 itself. From mid-June itself, we had started receiving visitors, mainly from neighbouring GCC countries. We were prepared, and were all set to handle the rush of visitors,” Rejin Thomas, director of sales at Crowne Plaza, said.

“There is always a drizzle happening. New waterfalls are spotted. Salalah has become a dream destination for all,” Rejin added.

Last week, due to high demand of visitors headed to or coming

back from Salalah, Oman Air operated an extra Muscat-SalalahMuscat flight.

Oman Air has substantially boosted its services to Salalah over the summer months, in response to customer demand.

The airline is expanding the capacity of its flights to the principal city of the Governorate of Dhofar in Southern Oman by an additional 23,000 seats, compared with the previous year.

Oman Air offers a total of 317,600 seats to and from Salalah.

The increased capacity has been enabled by an increase in flight frequencies between Salalah and Muscat, and between Salalah and Dubai. Eleven flights per day are now operating between Salalah and Muscat.

According to Oman Air, if de-

mand rises, the airline will consider further increasing the number of flights operated and the number of seats offered.

Rise in business A travel agent in Oman also confirmed that this year, they witnessed a 20 per cent increase in business to Salalah.

“Locally, we got 20 per cent increase in business to Salalah, compared to previous year, thanks to the pleasant climate,” Raji Demonte, general manager of Universal Travels, said.

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

A6

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016 Parking behind vehicles and blocking movement is a very bad behaviour of some. This is selfishness.

Mohammed Al Busaidi, Majlis Al Shura member

OMAN REPUBLIC OF KOREA

His Majesty sends greetings MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of congratulations to President Park Geun-hye of the Republic of Korea on her country’s Independence Anniversary. In his cable, His

Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere congratulations along with his best wishes of good health and happiness to President Geunhye and the Korean people further prosperity and progress. -ONA

Turkey eyes tourists as normality returns

‘ R E YO O Q ’ I N I T I AT I V E

Tourism investment strategy discussed MUSCAT: Investment opportunities for the SMEs in the Sultanate and how these SMEs can take advantage of tourism strategy that aims at creating significant job opportunities was discussed at a meeting by Maithaa bint Saif Al Mahrouqiyah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism.

As part of the monthly ‘Reyooq’ initiative, the National Business Centre (NBC), which falls under the umbrella of the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE) had recently organised the

meeting for the incubated companies and SMEs. This will eventually contribute to developing the national economy and advancing the SMEs in the industrial sector.

The event highlighted the vision of NBC, which is to become the premier platform for Omani entrepreneurs by providing support and guidance, training and mentoring, access to markets and industry experts, fully equipped, office space, meeting rooms and presentation facilities. -ONA

From flights to daily boat cruises to guided tours and hotel occupancieseverything is back to normal and tourists, especially Arabs are making their way to Istanbul QUICK REBOUND: Turkey has rebounded very quickly and people all over the country, especially in Istanbul, are going about their daily lives. – Deeba Hasan

DEEBA HASAN

deeba@timesofoman.com ISTANBUL: Turkey is currently encouraging Omani travellers to return as tourists so they might explore the country’s history, food and culture, travel experts say.

“We invite our guests from Oman to travel to Turkey without any security fears. We assure them that life goes on as normal and all tourist facilities are being operated without any cancellations or delays,” said Meryem Yildiz, managing partner of Sunset Cruise, one of the city’s largest cruise companies.

Despite being in a state of emergency since July 21 due to a failed military coup, Turkey has rebounded very quickly and people all over the country, especially in Istanbul, are going about their daily lives.

From flights to daily boat cruises to guided tours and hotel occupancies- everything is back to normal and tourists, especially Arabs and Middle Eastern tourists, are making their way to Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, with a population of over 18 million people, along with an additional refugee population estimated at over three million.

Turkey is a popular destination among both citizens and residents living in Oman.

Bader Al Lawati, an Omani photographer loves Turkey for the specific purpose of photography, “For a photographer, Turkey has a wealth of photography opportunities, if you are interested in landscapes, rich waterfalls and if you are a food photographer, then there would be no better place.”

Maria Sarfaraz, another Omani who went to Turkey in 2011 with her family, says that the place was very beautiful. “What I loved most was that it looks like Europe, feels

like a Muslim country, and has halal food and is extremely beautiful, I would definitely go back.”

Shaista Parveen and Arshia Mangalorkar both long term residents of Oman visited Turkey with their families and would go back any day. “I would go back any day, it is beautiful,” said Shaista.

Meryem further said that because of the attempted coup, Turkey’s image had fallen, and they are now working to return it to normal.

“I am sure travellers to Istanbul and Turkey, in general, have experienced the normalcy, but some people think that there is a civil war and a chaotic situation due to the state of emergency. At the TURSAB (Association of Turkish Travel Agencies) and its tourism committee, we started an image campaign with all our travel agencies to rebuild our image.

Bosphorus tour “We had organised our Bosphorus tour on the night of the coup attempt, but the very next day we cancelled all our tours in order not to take any risks. However, starting on Sunday, July 17, we resumed all cruises again.”

According to Meryem, when compared with 2015, visitors to Turkey have fallen by about 75 per cent. “We have a decrease of 75 per cent in visitor numbers. This year, 95 per cent of our guest profile is Middle Eastern and Iranian, whereas last year we had many European guests, as well,” said Meryem.

On the night of the coup attempt, Meryem was in Taksim having a business dinner at a restaurant when her brother called and informed her about the situation.

“We waited at the restaurant for a while, and as transportation was stopped and I had to spend the night in the office, which was

a short distance from the restaurant. It was definitely a nightmare for all of us. Soldiers were stationed in some of the busiest parts of the city and, in some cases, they fired at people. As a result of this we lost some 270 lives. At some points, jet planes were flying low, so hearing the noise of jets and watching the shooting at civilians was quite traumatic.”

Further, she recalled how people went out onto the streets to stop the soldiers. “This is a critical point, because the Turkish nation did not give in to this coup attempt, but maintained the democracy, ”she recalled.

“The state of emergency has not affected life on the streets and there is no restriction on civilians.

The purpose of recent decisions was to find those involved in the coup and punish them.

“Unfortunately, in the last year we had some terrorist attacks, which have thrown the tourism industry into crisis. However, when all is done, life goes on normally in every part of Turkey. The political parties put aside political tensions and gathered under democracy, so all these reactions helped restore peace and normalcy.

Fatma, a young woman from Kuwait who was staying at one of the mid-luxury hotels in Istanbul with her family said, “My family love Istanbul, despite the situation in mid-July, we chose to come here because I asked people I know here about the security.

Only yesterday we went to Taksim square and Istiklal Street next to it, and found that the area was full of life and excitement,” Further, Mustafa Dumankalkti, operations manager with Helen Holidays, one of the largest tour operators in Turkey, said there was an impact for a short period after the failed coup, however, tourists

PA R K I N G P R O B L E M

are once again coming back due to the return of normality.

“There has been a minimum drop of 50 per cent, compared with 2015, but after the coup we only had about 10 to 15 per cent of people postponing their travels, and the demand seems to now be better than before. After the failed coup, people had safety concerns, but we didn’t hear such concerns and questions after people saw that daily public life and tourist activities were not affected.

“I want to tell travellers from Oman that daily life is continuing in a safe way and nothing has been affected, so there is no reason to change tourist itineraries, for Turkey is as safe as any other tourist destinations in the world,” noted Mustafa.

Deniz Met, Director of Marketing at Raffles Istanbul, one of the city’s most luxurious hotels, said that after the attempted coup their first priority was to keep their guests safe and to remain inside the hotel.

“We kept our guests in safety inside the hotel, but in less than a day things returned to normal. Also, those flights that were cancelled due to the attempted coup started to operate as usual, so there was probably a delay in flights of not more than 24 hours.

“The attempt is a political one, so the state of emergency that was announced was not meant to limit the freedom of social life, and, obviously, the traffic that we receive from GCC countries is continuing.

“Although our main markets are the GCC, Europe and USA, for the moment the main focus is on the GCC market,” she added.

Last Sunday, more than one million people attended a pro-democracy rally in Istanbul following the failed coup attempt last month.

76 ARRESTED

solves A1 Heftier fines for ROP majority of < FROM

wrong parking

“We have to fine violators when service and facilities are there.

But in some cases, I can see people are sometimes forced to violate the rules when there is not enough parking slots especially when the motorist is forced to park due to an emergency situation,” said Al Busaidi.

“Parking behind vehicles and blocking movement is a very bad behaviour of some. This is selfishness.

“What about if the other person has a flight to catch or may have to transfer a patient to a hospital. Such people should be fined and must face legal actions,” said Al Busaidi.

Ahmed Juma, a taxi driver based in Muscat, while welcoming the new order said that it is a good news especially when they suffer from somebody encroaching their parking lots.

“I sometimes find it difficult to park my taxi in an area designated for us. I understand people who park in such places are forced to do so as they might have emergency cases but there are many cases where people just park their vehicles and disappear for days,” said Ahmed.

Hussain Kamil, an Omani national who lives in Qurum said that the new fines are “unreasonable, since most of the public buildings lack sufficient parking areas”.

He argued that such rules can

be deemed unfair if the drivers were not given “a legal option”.

“You can’t punish people before providing an alternative to them,” Hussain said, adding that he welcomes imposing heftier fines on people who occupy parking allocated for disabled people.

Support Musab Fadhlani, an Omani resident in Bausher, expressed his support to increasing fines on motorists who occupy handicapped and ambulance parking areas.

However, Musab argued that many people struggle to find a place to park their car at many places, forcing them to park on yellow lines and sidewalks.

“I think it is unfair to fine them when they have no other alternatives. Many drivers grapple with finding a legal parking during Friday prayers or public events. There must be some exceptional cases where people are allowed to park their car on sidewalk if they are not causing any traffic disturbance,” he added.

Maaz Firdous, a consultant at an engineering firm in Oman, said that the fines are completely justified.

“A few fines may even be heftier; however there is a concern about lack of parking in certain areas,” Firdous added.

theft cases Times News Service MUSCAT: Arrests were made in more than two-thirds of thefts recorded last month, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has reported.

In total, 76 accused were arrested by ROP in connection with 93 incidents of theft in July. The crimes occurred throughout the Sultanate, and legal actions were taken against the accused.

The ROP revealed that the rate of theft in Oman has dropped by 49 per cent, compared to the same month last year when 181 crimes were recorded.

OHRC

< FROM

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Legal help

The accused were allowed to call their families and provided with the due care. Necessary powers of attorney were made by all accused in favour of Ya’aqub Al Harthy, a lawyer who applied to defend them.

The Commission requested the Public Prosecution to enable the accused to meet their lawyer before trial. The first hearing of the case

by Muscat Primary Court will be held on Monday in the presence of the Commission. The Commission appreciates the cooperation of the Public Prosecution and compliance with the legal procedures. -ONA

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

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REGION NAT I O N AT WA R

INTERNAL STRIFE

Yemen army drives out Al Qaeda from two cities, kills 40 militants ADEN: Yemeni army forces backed by Arab coalition aircraft killed about 40 suspected Al Qaeda fighters on Sunday as they fought their way into two militant strongholds in eastern Yemen, a local official and residents said.

Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has exploited a 16-month-old civil war between the internationally recognised government of President AbdRabbu Mansour Hadi and Houthis to capture a 600-km (370mile) stretch of Arabian Sea coastline in eastern Yemen.

Hadi’s troops and forces from the Saudi-led Arab coalition drove out AQAP - widely considered the most dangerous branch of the global militant group - from the Hadramout provincial capital of Mukalla in April. The militants have since repeatedly withdrawn from and then returned to Zinjibar and Jaar, the capital of Abyan and the province’s second largest city.

Abyan Governor Al Khader Mohammed Al Saidi, speaking by telephone from Jaar, told Reuters that three brigades took part in the operation and that troops have “taken complete control of both cities”. Saidi said that 40 AQAP members were killed in both cities, while the rest fled. He said

SUCCESS: Abyan Governor Al Khader Mohammed Al Saidi, speaking by telephone from Jaar, told Reuters that three brigades took part in the operation and that troops have “taken complete control of both cities”. – File photo

three soldiers were killed and several were wounded in the operation. “We met with citizens and fighters and both were happy to be free under government authority,” the governor said.

Residents said an AQAP suicide bomber blew himself up in a car trying to attack troops in Zinjibar, a city of some 100,000 people, but no one else was hurt.

Saudi Arabia and its allies in-

Fresh push against IS in Mosul launched The advance by Kurdish Peshmerga forces began after heavy shelling and air strikes by a United States-led coalition against IS militants

WARDAK (IRAQ): Kurdish Peshmerga forces launched a fresh attack on IS forces early on Sunday as part of a campaign to capture Mosul, the militants’ de facto capital in Iraq, Kurdish officials said.

The advance began after heavy shelling and air strikes by a United States-led coalition against IS forces, a Reuters correspondent reported from Wardak, 30km (19 miles) southeast of Mosul.

The militants fought back, firing mortars at the advancing troops and detonating at least two car bombs.

Clouds of black smoke rose from the area and dozens of civilians fled in the direction of the Peshmerga lines, brandishing white flags.

A Peshmerga commander said 11 villages had been taken from the ultra-hardline militants as the troops headed to Gwer, the target of the operation, 40km (25 miles)southeast of Mosul.

Repairing of bridge Repairing the bridge that the militants destroyed in Gwer would allow the Peshmerga to open a new front around Mosul.

The bridge crosses the Grand Zab river that flows into the Tigris.

The Iraqi army and the Peshmerga forces of the Kurdish self-rule region are gradually taking up positions around Mosul, 400km (250 miles) north of Baghdad.

It was from Mosul’s Grand Mosque in 2014 that IS leader Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi declared a “caliphate” spanning regions of Iraq and Syria.

Mosul is the largest urban cen-

INJURED IN ACTION: An Iraqi soldier helps a wounded soldier from clashes in south of Mosul, on Friday. – Reuters

tre under the militants’ control, and had a pre-war population of nearly 2 million.

Its fall would mark the effective defeat of IS in Iraq, according to Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi, who has said he aims to retake the city this year.

The Iraqi army is trying to advance from the south. In July it captured the Qayyara airfield, 60 km (35 miles) south of Mosul, which will serve as the main staging post for the expected offensive. The Peshmerga operation on Sunday “is one of many shaping operations that will also increase pressure on ISIL in and around Mosul,” said the Kurdistan Regional Security Council in a statement, using another acronym to refer to IS. Final phase The preparation for the offensive on Mosul “is approaching the final phase,” Brett McGurk, the US envoy to the coalition fighting the militant group, said in Baghdad on Thursday.

He said the planning included humanitarian considerations.

Once the fighting intensifies around Mosul, up to one million people could be driven from their homes in northern Iraq, posing “a massive humanitarian problem”, the International Committee of the Red Cross said last month.

More than 3.4 million people have already been forced by conflict to leave their homes across Iraq, taking refuge in areas under control of the government or in the Kurdish region. — Reuters

tervened in the civil war in Yemen in March last year after the Houthis advanced on his headquarters in the southern port city of Aden and forced him to flee to Riyadh.

The war has killed more than 6,500 people, displaced more than 2.5 million and caused a humanitarian catastrophe in the country.

Coalition bombing had mostly focused on the Houthis and troops loyal to former president Ali Ab-

dullah Saleh, but began turning their attention to AQAP earlier this year when forces funded and trained by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched a surprise attack to win Mukalla. But an armed push toward Al Qaeda-held towns in Abyan and neighbouring Lahj province proved more difficult, and militants launched repeated suicide attacks against Yemeni forces. — Reuters

Clashes flare near Juba JUBA: Fighting flared in South Sudan late on Saturday southwest of the capital Juba between forces loyal to the president and those backing the opposition.

Steven Lodu Onseimo, the information minister for Yei region where Saturday’s clashes took place, told Reuters two civilians and a soldier were killed but said the area was calm on Sunday.

Witnesses had reported heavy gunfire around Yei, which lies on a road linking the capital Juba with neighbouring Uganda. The government and opposition each blamed the other side. “Our forces have managed to close Juba-Yei road. Our forces destroyed the government’s convoy that attacked our forces in the area,” opposition spokesman James Gatdet said. — Reuters

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MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

INDIA ‘Attacks on dalits, minorities should be dealt with firmly’ nessing technology and resources for its economic development.

“Recent initiatives have enhanced energy security, promoted food security, and created international partnerships to take our flagship development programmes forward,” he said.

The president said there will be no stepping back on our “neighbourhood first policy”. “Close bonds of history, culture, civilisation and geography provide the people of South Asia with an extraordinary opportunity to carve out a common destiny and to march together towards prosperity. This opportunity must be seized without delay,” he said.

Coming down heavily on forces of intolerance, President Pranab Mukherjee cautioned against ‘unmindful pursuit’ of a divisive political agenda and polarising debates by groups and individuals SPELLING OUT: President Pranab Mukherjee addresses the nation on the eve of 70th Independence Day, in New Delhi on Sunday. - PTI

NEW DELHI: Against the backdrop of attacks on Dalits and minorities, President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday said these incidents should be dealt with “firmly”, calling the violence against “weaker sections” that militate against the national ethos as “aberrations”.

Coming down heavily on forces of intolerance, Mukherjee cautioned against “unmindful pursuit” of a divisive political agenda and polarising debates by groups and individuals, saying they lead to institutional “travesty” and constitutional “subversion”. The president also made it clear that democracy was not just about exercising choice to elect government periodically.

In his address to the nation on the eve of India’s 70th Independence Day — his fifth since assuming office, the president asked authorities and Institutions of State Power to adhere to the “Maryada”(dignity) in discharge of their duties as established in

this ancient Indian ethos.

“In these four years, I also saw with, some disquiet, forces of divisiveness and intolerance trying to raise their ugly head. Attacks on weaker sections that militate against our national ethos are aberrations that need to be dealt with firmly,” he said.

Growth story The president said the collective wisdom of our society and our polity gave him the confidence that such forces will remain marginalised and India’s remarkable growth story will continue uninterrupted. “The great tree of liberty requires constant nourishment through the institutions of democracy. Disruptions, obstructionism and unmindful pursuit of a divisive political agenda by groups and individuals lead to nothing but institutional travesty and Constitutional subversion. Polarising debates only deepen the fault

lines in public discourse,” he said.

Mukherjee said the Constitution has clearly defined the duties and responsibilities of every organ of the state.

“It has established the ancient Indian ethos of “Maryada” as far as Authorities and Institutions of State power are concerned. The spirit of the Constitution has to be upheld by adherence to this “Maryada” by the functionaries in the discharge of their duties,” he said.

The president said India will grow, only when all of India grows.

“The excluded ones have to be included in the development process. The hurt and the alienated have to be brought back into the mainstream,” he added.

The president said for all the challenges faced by the country, he has a great belief in our innate and inherent capacity as an ancient country whose soul and ‘jijivisha — the will to live and excel’ can never be suppressed.

PROPOSAL ACCEPTED

Hawk-eye vigil in Delhi, tight security in J&K NEW DELHI: A hawk-eve vigil is being kept across Delhi as Prime Minister addresses the nation from 17th century Red Fort on the 70th Independence Day while tight security measures on Sunday remained in force in violence-hit Jammu and Kashmir as a precautionary measure.

Thousands of security personnel have been deployed in and around the historic Mughal fort which will see the presence of senior ministers, top bureaucrats and foreign dignitaries, besides a large audience to hear the prime minister.

A multi-layer security has also been thrown around Rajpath where a seven-day-long cultural festival ‘Bharat Parv’ is underway.

The step has been taken as people have been flocking to the area to witness the illumination of North Block, South Block and other government buildings after sunset in the run up to August 15.

Strict security measures were in force in curfew-bound Srinagar ahead of the Independence Day celebrations with large contingents of paramilitary and police personnnel being deployed across the city. Bakhshi Stadium — the main venue of the Independence Day function in Jammu and Kashmir —has been turned into a virtual fortress. “All the roads leading to Bakhshi Stadium have been sealed and heavy deployment of security forces carried out en route to ensure peaceful celebrations tomorrow,” a police official said. He said there were no inputs about the possibility of militant attacks to disrupt the celebrations but the security grid is not taking any chances.

“The usual security drill is being followed but some extra measures have been put in place to ensure no mob violence takes place around the venues in Srinagar or elsewhere in the Valley,” the official said. Due to the ongoing unrest — that began on July 9 following killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, mobile telephony and Internet services have already been snapped in the Valley. - PTI

STUDY

No Rail Budget from next fiscal NEW DELHI: The 92-year-old practice of presenting a separate Rail Budget is set to come to an end from the next fiscal, with the Finance Ministry accepting Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu’s proposal to merge it with the General Budget.

According to railways, the Finance Ministry has now constituted a five-member committee comprising senior officials of the

“Various forces external as well as internal have tried to smother this soul of India over millennia but every time this soul has emerged more powerful and more glorious having neutralised, assimilated and incorporated every challenge that it faced,” he said.

Making a plea for promoting scientific temper and questioning unscientific beliefs, the president said, “We must learn to challenge the status quo and refuse to accept inefficiency and slipshod work.

In a competitive environment, a sense of immediacy and some impatience is a necessary virtue.”

“We often celebrate the achievements of our ancient past but it would be wrong to rest on our laurels. It is much more important to look to the future. It is time to join hands to cooperate, innovate and advance,” the president said.

Mukherjee said India’s focus in foreign policy will remain on peaceful co-existence and har-

Global terror Expressing concerns over global terror activities and radicalisation in the name of religion, the president said,”these forces apart from killing innocent people in the name of religion also threaten to disturb geopolitical divides, which could prove disastrous for world peace. “The inhuman, mindless and barbaric modus operandi of such groups have been visible in France, Belgium, United States, Nigeria, Kenya and closer home in Afghanistan and Bangladesh recently,” Mukherjee said.

He said these forces now pose a danger to the entire comity of nations and the world will have to fight them unconditionally and in one voice.

The president said when India gained freedom in 1947, nobody believed that India will survive as a democracy yet, seven decades later, one and a quarter billion Indians with all their diversity have proved those forecasts wrong.

“The strong edifice of democracy built by our founding fathers on the four pillars of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity has withstood several threats from both within and without and has grown from strength to strength,” he said. - PTI

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

Ministry and the national transporter to work out the modalities for the merger. The committee has been asked to submit its report by August 31.

“I had written to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for merger of the Rail Budget with General Budget.

This will be in the Railway’s interest and also in the nation’s interest.

We are working out the modalities,” Prabhu told PTI.

The public sector behemoth has to bear an additional burden of about Rs40,000 crore on account of implementation of the 7th Pay Commission awards, besides an annual outgo of Rs32,000 crore on subsidies.

If the merger happens, Indian Railway will get rid of the annual dividend it has to pay for gross budgetary support from the government every year. - PTI

Global warming making Siachen riskier for soldiers SIACHEN: Climate change is making the life of the soldiers posted in the world’s highest and arduous battlefield — Siachen Glacier— not just tough but also dangerous, as temperature rises and the snow melts faster.

Siachen, which has the dubious distinction of having seen more soldiers dying due to extreme weather (temperatures at times drop below -50 degree Celsius) than the enemy bullet, is feeling the heat of global warming. The death of 10 soldiers earlier this year in an avalanche in the critical Sonam post, located close to the Line of Control with Pakistan, was due to global warming.

“The entire incident (at Sonam) was because of climate change only. Because, we generally don’t have ice avalanches. Avalanches are generally snow avalanches.

“What happened in Sonam was that a hanging glacier, which was stuck to the ice wall had fallen off.

That was just because in the last 15 or 20 days (prior to the accident), the temperature had been rising,” Lt Col S. Sengupta, Commandant of the Siachen Battle School said.

Lance Naik Hanumanthappa, who was rescued after being buried 30 feet below snow for six days at the Sonam Post, located at about 19,600 feet, could not

be saved. Sengupta said that climate change actually makes the glacier break, due to which a lot of crevasses, one of the deadliest enemies of the soldier in Siachen, keep coming up.

“It (rising temperature) is making life tough,” he said.

The Army has now taken some precautionary measures and even moved some of the posts a little.

Keeping ice avalanches in mind, the Army is buying special radars that can detect humans buried under ice, unlike the earlier ones which could detect only through the snow. At least 1,013 Indian soldiers have lost their lives in Siachen since 1984. - PTI CYCLONIC STORM

Five fishermen dead, 20 missing as boats capsize KOLKATA: Five Indian fishermen died and 20 are still reported missing after their fishing boats which had drifted away into Bangladeshi waters during a cyclonic storm capsized in the rough seas, officials said on Sunday.

According to the Indian Coast Guard, which is conducting search and rescue operations jointly with the Bangladesh Coast Guard, fishing boat ‘Mahagauri’ with 17 crew members had drifted across the international maritime boundary line and capsized. One crew of the capsized boat Anup Das was rescued by a Bangladeshi fishing boat and handed over to an Indian fishing boat.

Five bodies were found from near the capsized boat which was found south of Heron Point in Bangladeshi waters. Another fisherman Nirmal Jana was rescued while ten fishermen of the boat were still untraceable. - PTI

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PAKISTAN C O M M E M O R AT I V E P O S TA G E

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS Pakistani girls sing the national anthem as they wave the country’s flags outside the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan in Karachi, on Sunday. - AFP

Pakistan Post issues stamp to honour Edhi ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Post has issued a commemorative postage stamp in memory of legendary philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi on occasion of Independence Day. The postage stamp will be of Rs20 denomination and be available for sale from Sunday at all important post offices of Pakistan, according to Radio Pakistan.

The head of Edhi Foundation breathed his last at the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) on July 8, 2016.

Edhi had been suffering from kidney failure since 2013 and was on dialysis.

Last month, Defence Housing Authority (DHA) announced to rename a road in Phase-VIII in honour of the social activist. Beach Avenue was renamed as Abdul Sattar Edhi Avenue in order to acknowledge the philanthropist’s services. The road stretches from Khayaban-e-Ittehad all the way to Do Darya – a five kilometre stretch.

The Edhi Foundation runs a vast fleet of ambulances, orphanages and medical clinics across the country. The foundation has also provided relief in Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Iran, Sri Lanka, Croatia, Indonesia and in the United States after Hurricane Katrina. -Express Tribune

STOCKS

Positivity prevails as index reaches all-time high KARACHI: A positive week saw the benchmark-100 index move past the psychological barrier of 40,000 points, before profit-taking in the last hour took it below the coveted level.

Nonetheless, the KSE-100 Index registered a 1.2 per cent increase week-on-week to finish at 39,908 points. The week-long rally, which saw the index finish positive on all five trading days of the week, was mostly led by index heavy sectors such as oil and gas exploration, financials and cement.

Oils gained on the back of international prices going up and local giants such as Pakistan Petroleum Limited (+4.9 per cent) and Oil and Gas Development Limited (+3.0 per cent) contributing 70 points and 49 points, respectively. The sector overall was up 3.7 per cent.

Banks contributed mainly on the back of institutional buying as reactions on corporate results.

UBL (+8.1 per cent) emerged as a key performer during the week, contributing 144 points to the index with continued exuberance post its 1H2016 financial results that outperformed market consensus. HBL also (+3.3 per cent) tagged along with overall gains in the sector (+2.5 per cent).

Cement sector gained 2.3 per cent week-on-week as it reacted positively to better than expected off-take numbers. - Express Tribune

Imran asks Nawaz to come clean before ‘it’s too late’ assets, corruption and tax evasion.

“Historic protests will be organised in front of the offices of the FBR, the ECP and NAB,” he said, adding that the ongoing accountability campaign was aimed at making a ‘Naya Pakistan’.

Imran said for five months the PTI had been demanding that the prime minister tell the nation where did he get the money from to stash foreign bank accounts, buy properties, and set up offshore companies

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan ratcheted up pressure on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday, asking him to come clean on the Panama Papers revelations before it is too late.

“If our Tehreek-e-Ehtesab (Accountability Movement) reaches Lahore according to schedule, then you may not get a chance even to flee to Jeddah,” Imran said.

“This time the PTI will not

WARNING: Cricketer and opposition leader Imran Khan, centre, gives a speech during an anti-government rally in Islamabad, on Sunday. -AFP

have any concession to offer to the rulers.” Imran was addressing hundreds of party activists, who had converged on Murree Road in front of Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi to attend a rally as part of PTI’s ongoing Accountability Movement. He warned his party would stage ‘historic protests’ in front of the offices of the country’s

top graft-busting institutions, which he accused of protecting the corrupt. The PTI rally started from Liaquat Bagh and culminated at Faisal Chowk in Islamabad late on Saturday night.

Hundreds of PTI supporters, riding motorbikes and cars, took part in the rally which Imran along with other party leaders led

SECOND QUARTER OF 2016

Demand for gold grows 16.3%: WGC KARACHI: Gold’s consumer demand in Pakistan during the second quarter of 2016 grew 16.3 per cent on a year-on-year basis, according to the latest statistics released by the World Gold Council (WGC).

The amount of gold purchased directly by individuals in Pakistan in April-June was 10.7 tonnes, which reflects an increase of 10.3 per cent over the total consumer demand of 9.7 tonnes recorded in the preceding quarter (JanuaryMarch). Consumer demand of gold consists of two major categories: jewellery demand and bar/ coin demand. The increase in gold jewellery demand in Pakistan outpaced the rise in the demand for gold bars and coins in April-June, WSG data shows.

Gold jewellery demand during the last quarter remained 6.5 tonnes, up 20.3 per cent from April-June 2015. In contrast, the demand for gold bars and coins equalled 4.2 tonnes, up 10.5 per cent from a year ago.

Pakistan’s share in the global consumer demand for gold is miniscule. With world consumer de-

STEEP RISE: 10.7 tonnes of the yellow metal was purchased by individuals in April-June in Pakistan. - AFP file photo

mand at 655.7 tonnes, Pakistan’s share was a little over 1.6 per cent in April-June.

Unlike Pakistan, consumer demand for gold remained subdued in India during the three-month period under review. Jewellery demand dropped almost 20 per cent in the neighbouring country year-on-year while the demand for bars and coins was down about 12 per cent in April-June.

In fact, consumer demand for gold witnessed subdued growth

globally in the second quarter of 2016. Global jewellery demand dropped almost 14 per cent on an annual basis while demand for bars and coins remained largely flat in April-June, WGC data shows.

However, suppressed jewellery demand for gold in April-June was overshadowed by a massive surge in the demand for the yellow metal for investment purposes.

“Investment was the largest component of gold demand for two consecutive quarters – the

first time this has ever happened,” WGC said in its commentary on the latest data. It said investment demand (1,064 tonnes) accounted for almost half of overall gold demand during the first six months of 2016. “Western investors generated the bulk of this investment,” it added.

With its price surging almost 28 per cent in the international market since January 1, gold has outperformed nearly all asset classes so far in 2016.

International gold prices had dipped 11 per cent in 2015. But the investment outlook changed in 2016, thanks to unforeseen events in the global economy. With the exit of Britain from the European Union along with the continued reluctance of the US Federal Reserve to increase its key interest rate, investors are rushing to park their assets in “safe havens” like gold, analysts say. Gold traded at Rs52,950 per tola (11.6 grams) on Friday, according to All Sindh Saraf and Jewellers Association, up 19.5 per cent from the beginning of 2016 when the per-tola price was Rs44,300. - Express Tribune

atop a purpose-built container.

Imran alleged that the state institutions, including the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), National Accountability Bureau (NAB), and Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), were protecting the alleged corruption of the Sharif family instead of making them accountable for concealing their

Corruption He alleged that the corruption of the Sharif family had led to the destruction of the state institutions. “Instead of investing public money in human resource development, the Sharif family has established offshore companies,” he said. “A nation cannot become strong until its rulers invest in public education, health and employment.”

Imran said for five months the PTI had been demanding that the prime minister tell the nation where did he get the money from to stash foreign bank accounts, buy properties, and set up offshore companies.

“The prime minister of Pakistan is the biggest thief of the country,” Imran alleged.

He said for the last 11 years the country had been facing the menace of terrorism and now the PTI had decided to curb it.

“Thousands of madrassa students are Pakistanis and they will be brought into the mainstream by making seminary syllabus flawless,” he added. - Express Tribune

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MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

WORLD

China’s land ministry said last month it would spend 75 billion yuan ($11.27 billion) over the next five years to restore mined land and treat mining waste nationwide

Thai police find unexploded bombs following blasts, 1 held Police said they had arrested one suspect following the bomb and arson attacks on Thursday and Friday that killed four people and wounded dozens in some of Thailand’s best-known southern resorts and islands

BANGKOK: Thai police over the weekend found and defused five explosive devices that had failed to detonate when an as yet unidentified group carried out a series of deadly bomb attacks on popular tourist spots late last week.

Police said they had arrested one suspect following the bomb and arson attacks on Thursday and Friday that killed four people and wounded dozens more in

PATROLLING: Tourists watch as Thai soldiers in vintage uniforms patrol the Grand Palace in Bangkok on Sunday. - AFP

some of Thailand’s best-known southern resorts and islands.

The attacks came just days after Thais voted to accept a militarybacked constitution that the ruling junta, which seized power in 2014, has said will lead to an election by the end next year.

“These acts were undertaken by a group in many areas simultaneously, following orders from one individual,” Pongsapat Pongcharoen, a deputy national police chief, told reporters on Sunday, without elaborating. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Analysts say suspicion would inevitably fall on enemies of the ruling junta aggrieved by the referendum results, or insurgents from Muslim-majority provinces in the south of the country.

Two incendiary devices in mobile telephone power packs were found in a market in the upscale resort of Hua Hin on Sunday, the interior ministry said in a statement. A bomb disposal team defused both, and local police said the devices had been there since Wednesday.

The resort was the scene of

the most devastating of the wave of bombs when a blast ripped through an alley in a bar area on Thursday evening.

There were two more blasts in the town less than 12 hours later.

Another fire bomb was found on the island of Phuket on Sunday and defused, local police said.

It had been set to detonate at 3am on Friday (2000 GMT on Thursday), local police said.

In Phang Nga, two devices were found on Saturday near a market that was torched in an attack early on Friday.

“One worked and the other two didn’t,” Phakaphong Tavipatana, the governor of Phang Nga, told Reuters, adding that police hoped to find fingerprints on the defused devices. Phuket and Phang Nga were both hit in the attacks on Thursday and Friday, as was Surat Thani, a city that is the gateway to the popular islands in the Gulf of Thailand.

Attackers struck targets in seven southern Thai provinces, using bombs as well as incendiary devices that set shops and markets ablaze. A man has been arrested and was being questioned in connection to an arson attack on a supermarket in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pongsapat said.

Police believe more than one individual was involved in that attack, he said.The movements of other suspects were being monitored, he added.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chanocha, the army chief who led the coup two years ago, has instructed the police to be thorough and cautious in their investigation, said Pongsapat, adding that police were “not catching scapegoats.”

No evidence has been found yet to connect southern insurgents to the attacks, Pongsapat said, but DNA samples collected at the blast sites were being compared with databases in the southern Muslim provinces.

Fears that followers of former prime ministers Thaksin Shinawatra and his sister Yingluck Shinawatra could be blamed prompted a senior figure in their Puea Thai Party to issue a sharp denial on Saturday.

Thaksin’s government was toppled by the military in 2006, while Yingluck’s was ovethrown two years ago.

The anti-government United Front For Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), known as the “red shirt” group and sympathetic to the Shinawatras, condemned the attacks in a statement on Sunday. - Reuters

WORLD’S FIRST

China to launch first quantum hack-proof satellite BEIJING: China is set to launch the world’s first quantum communication satellite which boasts of hack-proof ultra high security features to prevent wiretapping and intercepts.

If the satellite works well, it will pave the way to a hack-proof communication system, state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Sunday. It will launch the satellite in a matter of days. In July 2015, a quantum-computing lab jointly established by Chinese Academy of Science and Chinese Internet giant Alibaba opened in Shanghai.

The lab is expected to produce a general-purpose quantum computer prototype with 50 to 100 quantum bits by 2030. Such powerful computing ability is also viewed as a threat in that it could make everything on a conventional computer hackable.

However, like a coin with two sides, quantum mechanics also serves as protector of information.

Quantum key technology boasts ultra-high security as a photon can be neither separated nor duplicated, so it is impossible to wiretap or intercept the information transmitting through it, the report said.

Moreover, it has the ability to inform the two communicating users of the presence of any third party trying to eavesdrop. - PTI

GEOLOGICAL DISASTERS

Coal communities sinking into abandoned mines in China

DESERTED: Abandoned houses are seen in an area where land is sinking near a coal mine in Kouquan township of Datong, China’s Shanxi province, on August 1, 2016. - Reuters

HELIN (China): Deep in the coal heartlands of northern Shanxi province, people in Helin village are fighting a losing battle as the ground beneath them crumbles: patching up cracks, rebuilding walls and filling in sinkholes caused by decades of coal mining.

Around 100 pits in Helin — buried in the hilly rural outskirts of the city of Xiaoyi — have been exhausted, and cluttered hamlets totter precariously on the brittle slopes of mines.

But while local authorities have begun evacuating hundreds of thousands of residents most at risk elsewhere in Shanxi province, Helin’s situation — though serious — isn’t yet considered a priority.

“We haven’t been told to leave yet, but when the government gives us the order, we’ll be happy to go,” said Wang Junqi, who lives in a one-room tenement with his family. “It isn’t safe here and the people who have a bit of money have already gone. It’s scary, but what can we do?”

Mines that burrowed under villages and towns during China’s three-decade coal boom have left the authorities with the need to evacuate hundreds of communities in danger of sinking.

Shanxi province alone plans to move 655,000 residents by the end of next year from unsafe old mining regions, with the cost of relocation estimated at 15.8 billion yuan ($2.37 billion). The Shanxi government estimates coal mining has cost the province 77 billion yuan in “environmental economic losses” Mine-induced subsidence is not unique to China, but its problems dwarf those of other countries. A notice board at a deserted Communist Party building in an abandoned village not far from Helin gives an idea of the scale of the disaster.

It lists 19 geological “disaster zones” spread across 23 villages, 55 landslides, 950 cracks in the ground and 808 incidents of mine subsidence — all in an area of just 13.25 square kilometres (5 sq miles).

According to official data, coal mining had already caused as many 26,000 geological disasters by the end of 2014, and as much as 10,000 square kilometres of land has been affected, an area the size of Gambia in Africa, according to some estimates. China’s land ministry said last month it would spend 75 billion yuan ($11.27 billion) over the next five years to restore mined land and treat mining waste nationwide.

Falling demand The growing environmental bill comes at a time when China’s stricken coal sector faces mounting debts, falling demand and a long-term decline in prices after the boom turned into a bust.

The coal sector, as with other basic industries in China such as steel, is now saddled with overcapacity estimated at around 2 billion tonnes a year, as demand growth slows and the country promotes cleaner forms of energy. China planned to close around 1,000 collieries this year alone, many of them in residential areas such as Helin, as it cuts coal’s share of total energy consumption to 62 per cent by 2020.

During the boom years, as prices and profits soared, miners were encouraged to dig further and deeper, encroaching upon residential areas and farmland.

While large state-run firms would often relocate entire villages, smaller private miners, chasing quick profits, simply dug under and around communities. With mining tax revenues surging, local governments were reluctant to impose stricter con-

trols on the industry.

The industry helped pay for construction binges like one in Xiaoyi, where Helin is located, topping up local government tax coffers and bestowing the city centre with rows of largely unoccupied luxury apartment blocks.

What was once a boon for governments has now turned into a burden: Xiaoyi has already spent more than 6 billion yuan ($901.31 million) to treat subsidence, the government said. Together with the neighbouring city of Luliang, it plans to relocate as many as 230,000 people over 2014-2017.

Little of the money to move communities and restore the land is coming from the miners themselves, although that was supposed to be the plan in the beginning.

Miners are required to pay “subsidence fees” to pay for the cleanup when their mines close.

The Datong Coal Industry Group, the only state miner to give breakdowns, paid just 1.4 million yuan in those fees from January to March this year, or 0.04 per cent of its total costs, according to its quarterly report.

Jiang Jian, a legislator from Shandong province, said Beijing needed to draw up detailed measures to determine how much mining firms should pay.

Many of the worst-hit sites have been long abandoned, making it harder to decide who is responsible, she noted, so Beijing also needed to set up dedicated funds to help pay remediation costs, including treatment and disposal of mine waste. To help with the clean-up, China is encouraging developers to turn abandoned mining sites into wind and solar power projects. Solar accounted for just 0.6 per cent of China’s overall electricity generation from January to June, and wind was a mere 3.6 per cent. - Reuters

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

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WORLD

Violence hits US city after police kill armed suspect and can’t stand this violence.”

The unrest follows peaceful protests and some violence in US cities over the past two years following high-profile killings by law enforcement officers in Baltimore, New York and Ferguson, Missouri.

The 23-year-old suspect was carrying a stolen handgun loaded with 23 rounds of ammunition in Milwaukee. Later, protesters fired gunshots, hurled stones and set a police car ablaze UP IN FLAMES: A car burns as a crowd of more than 100 people gathers following the fatal shooting of a man in Milwaukee, on Saturday. – AP/PTI

MILWAUKEE: Protesters fired gunshots, hurled bricks and set a gas station on fire in the US midwestern city of Milwaukee on Saturday night, hours after a patrol officer shot and killed an armed suspect who took flight after a traffic stop, authorities said.

The 23-year-old suspect, who had a lengthy arrest record, was carrying a stolen handgun loaded with 23 rounds of ammunition when police pulled over the vehicle for unspecified “suspicious activity,” authorities said. A second

suspect who fled from the vehicle was quickly taken into custody.

A statement by the Milwaukee Police Department did not say whether the suspect who was killed had fired any shots or pointed the weapon at officers during the incident.

Authorities did not disclose the race or the name of the suspect or the uniformed officer.

Later, a crowd of more than 100 people in the predominately African-American section of the

city where the shooting occurred hurled rocks as police officers in riot gear attempted to disperse the protesters.

Authorities said gunshots were fired during the disturbance. The windows of at least two squad cars were smashed, and one officer sitting inside one of the vehicles was hit in the head with a brick.

Protesters set a police car ablaze and fires broke out at gas station, an auto parts store and at least three other businesses, offi-

A11

cials and local media reported.

“Our city is in turmoil tonight,” said Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, president of the Milwaukee Common Council.

Mayor Tom Barrett appealed for calm.

“This is a neighbourhood that has been unfortunately affected by violence in the recent past,” Barrett said, referring to a smaller disturbance a month earlier.

“There are a lot of really, really good people who live in this area...

Outrage Outrage over police violence toward minority groups has given rise to the Black Lives Matter movement and touched off a national debate over the race issue and policing in the United States.

“This is a warning cry,” Milwaukee Alderman Khalif Rainey said.

“Black people of Milwaukee are tired. They are tired of living under this oppression.”

As of 1:00am Central time (0600 GMT), police said three arrests had been made in connection with the unrest.

Shortly after 2:00am police said they were restoring order to the area and reducing deployments, but local news footage also showed a liquor store in flames just minutes before the release of the statement.

The officer involved in the shooting is 24 years old and a sixyear veteran of the force, police said. He was placed on administrative duty until an investigation and subsequent review by the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office is complete, a standard practice after shootings by law enforcement officers. — Reuters

VIOLENCE

Suspected rebels kill at least 36 in eastern Congo KINSHASA: Suspected rebels killed at least 36 civilians in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the provincial governor said on Sunday, marking the deadliest massacre in the conflict-ravaged region this year.

The assailants hacked to death 22 men and 14 women late on Saturday in their homes and fields on the outskirts of the local commercial hub of Beni, Julien Paluku said in a statement.

The population of Beni “has once again been hit by terrorist acts of diverse origins whose objective is to sabotage the efforts at peace undertaken over the last two years,” he said.

Overnight raids Local activists say more than 500 civilians have been killed near Beni since October 2014, most in overnight raids by rebels carried out with machetes and hatchets.

Local army spokesman Mak Hazukay told Reuters that the attack was staged in the early evening by rebels from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a Ugandan hardline militia that has operated in eastern Congo since the 1990s.

The ADF, a secretive organisation of only a few hundred fighters, did not comment. Hazukay said the raid was in reprisal for army operations against the ADF, which the government says is responsible for nearly all the attacks near Beni over the last year. — Reuters

D AY L I G H T M U R D E R

New York police seek gunman who killed cleric and associate NEW YORK: New York City police searched on Sunday for a suspect in the shooting of a cleric and his associate killed while walking together along a city street after attending prayers at a nearby mosque, authorities said.

A lone gunman approached the men from behind and shot both in the head at close range at about 1:50pm EDT (1750 GMT) on Saturday afternoon in the Ozone Park neighbourhood in Queens, police said in a statement.

They cited witnesses statements and video surveillance foot-

age for details of the attack in the largely working-class area, home to many of Bangladeshi heritage.

Witnesses told police they saw the assailant, dressed in a dark shirt and blue shorts, fleeing the shooting scene with a gun in his hand, police said.

Early on Sunday, police released a sketch of a male suspect with dark hair, a beard and glasses. Police described him as having a medium complexion. He appeared to be in his 30’s or 40’s.

The victims, identified as Imam Maulama Akonjee, 55, and Thara

D E M A N D T O R E L E A S E M I L I TA N T S

Boko Haram video claims to show dozens of abducted Nigerian schoolgirls BAUCHI: Nigerian militant group Boko Haram has published a video apparently showing recent footage of dozens of schoolgirls kidnapped two years ago, and saying some of them have been killed in air strikes.

Boko Haram seized more than 270 girls from their school in Chibok, northeast Nigeria, in April 2014, part of a seven-year-old insurgency to set up a state in the north that has killed some 15,000 people and displaced more than two million. Dozens of the girls managed to flee to safety in the initial melee, but more than 200 are still missing.

In the video published on social media, which was seen by Reuters on Sunday, a masked man stands behind dozens of girls.

Message “We want to send this message first to the parents of these girls for them to know that these girls are still with us, some of them, and secondly they should tell the Federal Government of Nigeria, to with immediate effect, release our imprisoned brothers,” the man said. “Some of the girls, about forty of them with Almighty’s permission have been married, some of them have died as a result of bombing,” he said.

One veiled girl could be seen holding a baby. Parents have accused Boko Haram of having married off some of the girls against their will.

At the end of the video unidentified bodies could be seen on the ground. Information Minister

Lai Mohammed said in a statement the government “was on top of the situation” to free the girls.

“Since this is not the first time we have been contacted over the issue, we want to be doubly sure that those we are in touch with are who they claim to be,” he said.

Army spokesman Rabe Abubakar was quoted as saying by PR Nigeria, an official government agency, that the military disputed the claims that the air force had hit the girls.

“We are nevertheless studying the video clips to examine if the victims died from other causes rather (than) from the allegation of airstrike,” he said.

Authorities said in May that one of the missing girls had been found and President Muhammadu Buhari vowed to rescue the others. Boko Haram, which last year pledged loyalty to the militant group IS, has kidnapped hundreds of men, women and children.

Under Buhari’s command and aided by Nigeria’s neighbours, the army has recaptured most territory once lost to Boko Haram, but the group still regularly stages suicide bombings.

Boko Haram has apparently split with IS naming Abu Musab Al Barnawi two weeks ago as the group’s leader for West Africa in a two-page interview in its weekly magazine.

But the previous figurehead Abubakar Shekau appears to have rejected the new role in another video published after Barnawi’s appointment. — Reuters

A lone gunman approached the men from behind and shot both in the head at close range

Uddin, 64, were both wearing religious garb at the time of shooting, police said. They were found by police lying in the street and transported to a local hospital where they were pronounced dead.

The motive for the shooting

was not immediately known and no evidence has been uncovered that the two men were targeted because of their faith, but police were not ruling out any possibility, a department spokeswoman said.

Akonjee was carrying $1,000

with him at the time of the attack but the money was not taken, the New York Times reported.

City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito condemned the attacks and called on more witnesses to come forward.

“I am shocked and saddened at the murders,” Mark-Viverito said in a statement. “This kind of hate has no place in our communities.”

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio was closely monitoring the shooting investigation, a spokesman for the mayor said in a statement, and assured the public “the

NYPD will stop at nothing to ensure justice is served.”

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, a civil rights and advocacy group known by the acronym CAIR, said Uddin was an associate of the imam.

“These were two very beloved people,” Afaf Nasher, executive director of the New York chapter of CAIR, told Reuters.

In June, CAIR issued a statement calling for community leaders to consider increasing security at mosques after the massacre at an Orlando nightclub. — Reuters

A 12

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

WORLD MOTIVE UNCLEAR

BID TO SURVIVE

Woman and suspect die after Swiss train attack

A woman runs away from a burning house at the small village of Oteiro, near Sao Pedro do Sul, Portugal on Saturday. — Reuters

ZURICH: One woman died and two girls were in serious condition a day after an attack on a Swiss train by a man armed with a knife and flammable fluid which also claimed the suspect’s life, local police said on Sunday.

The 34-year-old woman and the 27-year-old suspect died from their injuries on Sunday, St Gallen cantonal police said.

Five people were stabbed or suffered burns during an attack by a Swiss man on a train nearing Salez station in St Gallen in northeast Switzerland.

A sixth person suffered smoke inhalation as he came to the aid of the others.

Home searched Three victims remained in hospital on Sunday morning, including the two girls in serious condition who are aged 6 and 17 years old.

Police searched the home of the suspect, who lived in a neighbouring canton.

They said they had found no indication of a politically or terrorist motivated act. “The motive remains unclear,” they said in a statement.

“There is currently none that can be found.”

Police have not released the suspect’s name. — Reuters OPPOSITION CONCERNED

Zambia’s Lungu keeps slim lead in vote count LUSAKA: Zambian President Edgar Lungu maintained a slim lead over his main rival on Sunday with nearly half of votes counted as the opposition called for greater urgency in releasing results amid concerns about rigging.

Lungu faces a stiff challenge from Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development (UPND) who accuses him of failing to steer the economy out of its slump after Africa’s second-largest copper producer was hit by weak commodity prices.

Election held on Thursday Lungu led with 669,960 votes against Hichilema’s 644,132 after 69 of the country’s 156 constituencies in Thursday’s vote had been collated, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) told reporters on Sunday.

Lungu’s Patriotic Front (PF) party and the UPND have both said they believe they have won the election. The winning presidential candidate must receive more than 50 per cent of the valid votes cast or the two leading contenders will go into a second round of voting. — Reuters

Brexit could be delayed to late-2019: Sunday Times Prime Minister Theresa May, who campaigned for Britain to remain in the EU and leads a cabinet of ministers from either side of the debate, has said she will not trigger Brexit talks this year as Britain needs time to prepare

Britain voted to leave the EU on June 23, but views differ over when it should invoke ‘Article 50’, which sets the clock ticking on a two-year deadline to leave the bloc

LONDON: Britain’s exit from the European Union could be delayed until at least late 2019 because the government was too “chaotic” to start the two-year process early next year, the Sunday Times reported, citing sources it said were briefed by ministers.

Britain voted to leave the EU on June 23, but views differ over when it should invoke “Article 50”, which sets the clock ticking on a two-year deadline to leave the

bloc, with some senior politicians calling for a quick departure.

Prime Minister Theresa May, who campaigned for Britain to remain in the EU and leads a cabinet of ministers from either side of the debate, has said she will not trigger Brexit talks this year as Britain needs time to prepare.

But British government ministers have warned senior figures in the City of London, London’s financial district, that Article 50 was unlikely to be triggered early in 2017 because the situation in government was “chaotic”, the Sunday Times reported on Sunday. “Ministers are now thinking the [Article 50] trigger could be delayed until autumn 2017,” one source, who had spoken to two senior ministers, told the newspaper.

“They don’t have the infrastructure for the people they need to hire. They say they don’t even know the right questions to ask when they finally begin bargaining with Europe.”

Asked about the reported delay to triggering Article 50, a Number 10 spokeswoman said: “The Prime Minister has been clear that a top priority for this government is to deliver the decision of the British people to leave the EU and make a success of Brexit.”

“The PM has set out the government’s position on Article 50 and has established a new department dedicated to taking forward the negotiations,” she said.

European leaders have taken a firm line on the speed of Britain’s exit, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel saying that while it

was understandable that Britain would need a few months to figure out its strategy, “nobody wants a long period of limbo”.

But behind the scenes, there has been a growing realisation in Europe’s capitals that the two-year window for negotiating Brexit is far too short.

Leave campaigners Britain created two new government departments to handle Brexit and international trade, led

by David Davis and Liam Fox, two prominent “Leave” campaigners in the referendum.

Davis has recruited less than half of the 250 staff he needs for the Brexit department, the Sunday Times said, while Fox has fewer than 100 of the 1,000 trade negotiators he is seeking.

Elections in France in May, and Germany in September, could also push back the timing of Brexit.

Any delay to the process, however, is likely to draw criticism from the pro-leave side of May’s Conservative party, with senior members such as John Redwood calling for a quick departure from the bloc.

Tension There was an early sign of tension between the pro-Brexit members of May’s cabinet in a report that Fox had clashed with Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson over the remit of his new department.

Fox said economic diplomacy -- policies concerning trade and Britain’s economic ties -- should be transferred to his department, according to a letter quoted in the Sunday Telegraph.

Johnson had firmly rejected the Fox’s demands, the newspaper said. The spokeswoman said the government did not comment on leaked documents. — Reuters

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CONFLICT

Taliban ‘special forces’ lead Helmand assault: Kabul CHAH-E-ANJIR (AFGHANISTAN): Only a few days ago, this village of mud huts in southern Afghanistan was a battlefield.

Afghan security forces beat back attacks by encroaching Taliban fighters on Chah-e-Anjir, just 10 km (6 miles) from Helmand’s provincial capital of Lashkar Gah, but schools remain shuttered and many residents who fled are too scared to return.

Helmand is seen as a strategic target for the militants who would win a major psychological victory by capturing the provincial capital.

Soldiers at the sharp end of the latest offensive described a battle that pitted increasingly wellarmed and disciplined Taliban militants against Afghan special forces backed by US air strikes.

“The Taliban have heavily armed, uniformed units that are equipped with night vision and modern weapons,” said Sayed Murad, a special forces commander.

Already said to be in control of or contesting the majority of Helmand’s districts, Taliban fighters continue to attack all around Lashkar Gah. Afghan reinforcements and US air strikes were credited with preventing a rout of the city’s defenders.

The Taliban are seeking to make Lashkar Gah the second provincial capital they have captured since their extremist rule was toppled in 2001.

The insurgents briefly held the northern city of Kunduz last October before being driven out by US-backed government troops.

“Helmand is a strategic province for the Taliban and therefore they are determined to make a push,” said deputy interior minister General Abdul Rahman Rahman.

Towards that goal, the Taliban have deployed a specialised “Red Unit” said to be equipped with advanced weaponry, including night vision scopes, 82mm rockets, heavy machine guns and USmade assault rifles, special forces

commander Murad said.

US military spokesman Brigadier Charles Cleveland said it was possible Afghan troops on the frontline had seen Taliban wielding night vision technology, but that the NATO-led coalition had “not seen any evidence” of such a capability. “The Taliban consistently spread false information and inflate their own capabilities in an effort to intimidate Afghans,” he said.

Taliban forces have made major gains across the province in the past year, forcing government troops to abandon some bases and checkpoints in a bid to consolidate their defences.

Provincial Governor Hayatullah Hayat accused militants of planting indiscriminate roadside bombs and using residents as human shields.

“I am assuring the people in Helmand that (the Taliban) won’t be able to overrun our districts, let alone capture Lashkar Gah,” he said. — Reuters

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The world economy is not a global commons. Global governance can do only limited good – and it occasionally does some damage.

What makes, say, climate change a problem that requires global cooperation is that the planet has a single climate system. It makes no difference where greenhouse gases are emitted

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READERS’ FORUM Increase parking areas instead of raising fines This refers to report, Motorists to face hefty fines for illegal parking (August 14). Vehicles have increased but new parking areas have not been made. Sometimes finding a parking spot becomes very difficult, at that time where to park your car and go?Why are the concerned authorities only thinking of slapping fines? Its a big problem has to be solved before more financial difficulties. — Bina Dsa, via Facebook

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Multistoried car parks at all major areas needed to solve crisis This refers to report, Motorists to face hefty fines for illegal parking (August 14). In my opinion, the municipality should first increase parking areas. This can be done by having multistoried car parks at all major areas. — Prabhakar Pethkar, via Facebook

MAC MARGOLIS

Much was made of the failure by Rafaela Silva, a navy sergeant, to salute the Brazilian flag when it was raised at the medals ceremony. Some lefties imagined her gesture as rebellion; rightwingers, as an anti-patriotic slight. Rafaela Silva decided to play it safe and kept her hands by her side

“Insure with New India and be secure”

Tel: 24838800 | Fax: 24838899 | Email: niamct@omantel.net.om | Website: www.newindiaoman.com When we are unable to find tranquillity within ourselves, it is useless to seek it elsewhere.

FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD

US federal court last week upheld the approach that the government uses to calculate the social cost of carbon when it issues regulations -- and not just the cost imposed on Americans, but on people worldwide. It’s technical stuff, but also one of the most important climate change rulings ever.

The social cost of carbon is meant to capture the economic damage of a ton of carbon emissions. The assumptions that go into the analysis, and the resulting number, matter a lot, because they play a key role in the cost-benefit analysis for countless regulations -- not only the Obama Administration’s Clean Power Plan, but also fuel economy rules for automobiles and trucks and energy efficiency rules for appliances, including refrigerators, microwave ovens, clothes washers, small motors, and clothes driers. The cost-benefit analysis can in turn help agencies to determine the level of stringency for such regulations, and indeed whether to go forward at all.

First established by the Barack Obama administration in 2010, the central value for the social cost of carbon, last updated in 2015, is now $36.

That figure is set within a range from $11 to $105, meant to acknowledge scientific and economic uncertainty. (Disclosure: As administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, I was involved in the process.) The $36 figure has international resonance; many nations are paying attention to it. It also plays a large role in discussions about the size of any possible carbon tax.

Any particular number will of course be highly controversial. Some people believe that the real cost of a ton of carbon emissions far exceeds $36; others say it’s too high. Still others argue that the administration based its analysis on scientific and economic models that are simply too speculative, rendering any number “illusory and misleading.”

With the stakes so high, a legal challenge was inevitable. Last week’s decision involved energy conservation standards issued by the Department of Energy for commercial refrigeration equipment. The standards weren’t exactly cheap; DOE estimates the annual cost to manufacturers at $93.9 million to $165 million. At the same time,

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES AUGUST 2001 Sultanate’s per capital income grows to $8,376 MUSCAT: The economy report of Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) reveals that the Sultanate was among the Arab countries that occupied prominent positions in terms of economic performance in the year 2000. The reports on results of economic development in the Arab last year indicated that the Sultanate’s GDP growth rate surged to 4.6 per cent in 2000 from a negative growth of one percentage point in 1999. Compared to other Arab countries that was remarkable, according to the report. The report, which is compiled in cooperation with the Arab League secretariat-general and specialised Arab agencies, showed that the Sultanate’s per capita income rose from $6,377 in 1995 to $8,376 last year.

Habit of ignoring traffic rules will continue for generations This refers to Facebook post, Increased road accident deaths in Oman. (August 14). This is a disease that cannot be cured. This mindset will never change. All the reasons listed are actually the causes but no cure in sight and this saga will continue of generations. All we can do is shake our heads. — Fowad Farooq, via Facebook

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it projects total benefits in excess of $4 billion, including both savings for consumers and greenhouse gas reductions -- measured by reference to the social cost of carbon.

Zero Zone Inc., a small business that makes commercial refrigerator equipment, joined an association of manufacturers to challenge the standards in court. Their most far-reaching objections involved the social cost of carbon, which in their view was “irredeemably flawed” -- and therefore “arbitrary and capricious” under the Administrative Procedure Act. The court’s answer was simple and brisk: There was nothing arbitrary about the government’s choices (including its assessment of the magnitude and costs of sea level rise).

Zero Zone made a specific objection that has received some support from outside commentators. In deciding on the social cost of carbon, the Department of Energy considered global damages, not damages limited to the U. S.. That means that if a power plant in New York emits carbon, the US government will consider not merely costs to Americans, but also costs to people in Canada, China, Germany, Russia and anywhere else. Indeed, it will treat the latter costs as if they were every bit as important as the former.

This is an admittedly unusual step. In making regulatory choices, the federal government doesn’t ordinarily take account of global damages.

A purely national social cost of carbon would be a lot lower than $36 -- certainly less than $10, and possibly below $5. Zero Zone argued that it was arbitrary and unlawful to consider global costs.

The court disagreed. It embraced DOE’s explanation that “climate change ‘involves a global externality,’ meaning that carbon released in the United States affects the climate of the world.”

Because energy conservation has indisputably global benefits, it is perfectly acceptable for the government to take them into account.

The court’s ruling isn’t just right on the merits.

It also signals an appropriate degree of judicial modesty in the face of complex judgments of science, economics, and policy. - Bloomberg View

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PICTOGRAPH PROPORTION OF TERRESTRIAL AND MARINE AREAS PROTECTED 1990

2011

0.25%

2.18%

TODAY IN HISTORY INVITATION TO WRITERS We invite our readers to write articles on topics related to Oman. The articles should not exceed 800 words.

Send us your article along with your picture to akhtar@timesofoman.com

1872: The first ballot voting in England is conducted.

1914: The Panama Canal opens to traffic.

1945: Gasoline and fuel oil rationing ends in the United States.

1994: Carlos the Jackal captured in Khartoum, Sudan.

2007: Earthquake of 8.0 magnitude kills over 500 in Peru.

0 Source National Centre for Statistics & Information

A14

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

LIFESTYLE GEAR

Story Syed Haitham Hasan

S

o one fine morning you power your PC and get a message saying your files are being held for ransom. Pay and release your PC. Access to files blocked with no control over the computer and there is a message demanding payment. Welcome the multimillion dollar malware, Ransomware, which holds personal devices to ransom.

You have got it right, there was kidnapping, dog napping and now the high tech world has devices held for ransom. Where conventional kidnappers have risked law enforcement by physically kidnapping people and demanding money, this malware is a safer option by criminals looking for a quick buck or speedy thousands.

The means of circulating is an identical approach to most malwares, tricking victims to download malicious content or visit a false website. Ransomware is found on malicious websites and email attachments, most of which are suspicious in the first look itself, however the content it carries is lucrative enough to trick the victim into downloading the attachment or visiting the website. Majority of these fraudulent content includes lottery wins, adult material or a new software download to boost CPU speed. However, it is not limited to only rewarding material, Ransomware can sometimes show up as a Java upgrade or a law enforcement agency demanding a payment for an alleged online crime. Technically speaking, Ransomware installs on a vic-

tim’s PC covertly and launches a cryptovirology attack that in turn encrypts the data on the system using a strong encryption algorithm, making it impossible to access.

The attacks are executed using a Trojan, which contains the malware, disguised as a legitimate file.

As the system is locked out of the user’s jurisdiction, it displays a message detailing that the PC is held on ransom. The payment is not in any denomination known to an average computer user as there is no currency as Bitcoins. It is a form of digital currency which is under the jurisdiction of no country but produced by people and held electronically on the Internet. It is a whole new way of financial transaction on the Internet; however the fact of interest in this case is, unlike national currencies Bitcoins are very hard to trace back to source. This gives an attacker a more flexible and safer method of assaulting the victim.

The victim on the other hand, even with a decent knowledge of computer technology, can’t cure the denial of access to their files as doing so would require a decryption key which is in the clutches of the perpetuator.

Several malwares are dangerous and can nearly destroy every piece of data on the computer, however Ransomware relies on fear. The victims lose control over data, which lies on the mercy of the attacker. This data may include important company statistics losing which could be losing their job or embarrassing browsing activity or the data saved into the hard

Several malwares are dangerous and can nearly destroy every piece of data on the computer. However, Ransomware relies on fear. drive for years. Fear makes people do irrational things and capitalising on this, attackers demand the ransom paid, quite successfully. However, a payment does not carry a guaranteed access to the computer or the files as it still depends on the ethical values of the intruder, which should not be very utopian. A series of harassment could occur and is potentially a health risk for most people considering the amount of personal and significant data held on computers lately.

So if one happens to be rational and denies payment, they can report it to authorities and get back their files with the help of an IT security firm? Well the attackers planned for every contingency. Newly dis-

covered variants sport more advanced algorithms and adopted new tactics to squeeze the finances they demand. Jigsaw, a new variant of Ransomware threatens to wipe out data from the hard drive for every hour the payment is delayed, cracking down on the rational minds.

Earlier Ransomware variants can now easily be decrypted and security firms have massive resources to counter the threat. The problem however persists as dealing with Ransomware must not be a curative care but a preventive one. Most large security firms offer multilayer defence strategies to counter the threat from it and are mostly successful in keeping it at bay. Even ISPs normally harbour some strong security techniques to prevent such softwares, however, the problem comes when an individual bypasses these security barrier tunnelling them through VPNs to visit malicious websites for whatever personal reason. This permits the Trojan disguised as legitimate content to download the malware. Users also need to beware of e-mail attachment, pirated software, and fake software upgrades. Most of these do not require an IT professional to classify them as malicious; it is quite evident from the type of message, website or the sender.

A million dollar lottery victory is not happening for you especially when you never bought the ticket so get back to work, there is no easy way of making money.

— haitham@timesofoman.com

A 16

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

LIFESTYLE

WEATHER

CINEMA SCHEDULE

TEMPERATURE

SHATTI Rustom – 2D (12+) Hindi | Action| Thriller Cast: Akshay Kumar, Ileana, Esha Gupta 6:15 PM Mohenjo Daro – 2D Hindi | Romance Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Pooja Hegde 8:45 PM (PG12) Manhattan Nocturne – 2D (12+) Crime Cast: Yvonne Strahovski, Adrien Brody 2:45, 9:45 PM The Neon Demon – 2D (18+) Horror Cast: Elle Fanning, Christina Hendricks, Keanu Reeves 11:45 PM The Shallows – 2D (PG12) Drama| Horror Cast: Blake Lively, Óscar Jaenada 4:45, 11:45 PM The BFG – 3D (PG) Action | Family | Cast: Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill 3:15, 7:30 PM Suicide Squad – 3D (12+) Action, Crime Cast: Will Smith, Jared Leto 3:45, 9:00, 11:30 PM Ice Age: Collision Course – 3D (PG) Animation | Adventure | Comedy 5:30 PM The Legend of Tarzan – 3D Action Cast: Alexander Skarsgård, Rory J. Saper 6:30 PM (PG12)

Getting tired of downloading some important files or connecting with your valued clients using the office Wi-Fi? The offices that we work in today are heavily dependent on the Internet and ultimately the routers that we use to enable its connection.

To keep the daily operations up and running, a speedy Wi-Fi connection is the key.

Here are seven ways to improve Wi-Fi working: 1. Centralisation and elevation of router To get optimal signal strength, place the router in the middle of the room, away from electrical devices and walls that could hamper its functionality. It is a good idea to keep the router at a slightly higher position if it is sending signals to multiple devices. The higher placement will help you get better Wi-Fi coverage.

2. Repositioning of antennas Try to position the antennas in a perpendicular position — one horizontal and one vertical as perpendicularly positioned antennas ensure optimal wireless reception.

3. Using powerline network adapters It is difficult to keep the router centrally located in an office amidst other multi-storey buildings. The next best alternative is to employ powerline network adapters.

These devices utilise the electrical wiring in the walls.

Initially, you would need to plug the adapter in near to and link it with your router with an Ethernet cable.

Then plug in the second adapter once you have selected the room for network coverage.

Internet connectivity will then be provided at better speed.

4. Securing your wireless router With strong wireless security you can prevent your network bandwidth from being hogged by unauthorised users. Security is also essential to safeguard the network from being compromised by external threats that cause undesired downtime. Once you login to your router’s admin page, upgrade the encryption system to WPA2 and choose a password that you or your network administrators can remember easily.

5. Using a heat mapping software This software lets you see how your wireless heat map appears.

It can show you exactly how much coverage each area is receiving.

With this information you can reposition the router into a favourable position, adjust its antennas or powerline network adapters to eliminate knotty areas.

6. Upgrading to 5 Gig Wi-Fi There are two frequencies to pick from: 2.4 and 5 GHz. The offices that have several laptops and mobile phones connected to Wi-Fi can soon make the 2.4 GHz spectrum crowded.

The solution to this problem is switching over to 5 GHz spectrum that enables working on more devices without creating clutter on the Wi-Fi network.

7. Turning old routers into Wi-Fi repeaters To extend your network, the next alternative is to transform your old router into a wireless bridge. For this you will need to install custom firmware on your router that can be done by professionals.

-Courtesy of Artipot

0

PRAYER TIMINGS

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

12.16pm 3.42pm 6.45pm 8.00pm 4.23am

CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 3 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CINEMA | BOX-OFFICE COUNTER OPENS 30-MINUTES PRIOR TO THE SCREENING OF THE FIRST SHOW

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68 www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman

7 WAYS TO SPEED UP WI-FI

HUMIDITY

44 - 32 45-16% 0

MUSCAT GRAND MALL The Ice Age: Collision Course (3D) (PG) 2.15pm The Legend of Tarzan (3D) (PG12) Cast: Alexander Skarsgård, Rory J. Saper 2:45, 8:45PM The Legend of Tarzan (3D) (PG12) 6:00PM, Gold Class Suicide Squad (3D)(12+) Cast: Will Smith, Jared Leto 12.15, 6.45, 11.45pm Suicide Squad Gold Class (3D)(12+) 3.30pm The BFG (3D) (PG) Cast: Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, Penelope Wilton 12.00, 4.15, 6.30pm The Shallows (2D) (PG12) Cast: Blake Lively, Óscar Jaenada 5.00, 11.30pm Mohenjo Daro (Hindi) (2D) (PG12) Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Pooja Hegde, Kabir Bedi 8.45pm Mohenjo Daro (Hindi) (2D) (PG12) Gold 8.15, 11.15pm PANORAMA MALL The BFG - (3D) (Action ) (PG) VIP LOUNGE Cast: Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill 6:30PM The BFG - (4D) (Action) (PG) MX4D 3:30, 6:30 & 9:00PM The BFG - (3D) (Action | Family) (PG) 3:00 & 5:05PM Manhattan Nocturne - (2D) (Crime ) Cast: Yvonne Strahovski, Adrien Brody 3:00 & 10:00PM (12+) Rustom - (2D) (Hindi) VIP LOUNGE Cast: Akshay Kumar, Ileana, Esha Gupta 8:45PM (12+) Rustom - (2D) (Hindi | Action) (12+) 7:15, 11:30PM Mohenjo Daro - (2D) (PG12) VIP LOUNGE Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Pooja Hegde 3:30PM (Hindi | Romance) Mohenjo Daro - (2D) (Hindi) (PG12) 8:15 & 11:15PM How To Be Yours - (2D) (Tagalog) (PG12) Cast: Bea Alonzo, Gerald Anderson 5:00PM

@SHATTI

The Neon Demon – 2D (18+) Horror Cast: Elle Fanning, Christina Hendricks, Keanu Reeves 11:45 pm

Suicide Squad - (3D) (Action, Crime) 11:30PM (12+) VIP LOUNGE Suicide Squad - (3D) (Action) (12+) 3:30, 9:00 & 11:30PM Ice Age: Collision Course - (3D) (Animation | Adventure | Comedy) (PG) 7:15PM The Legend of Tarzan - (3D) (Action ) 6:00PM (PG12) Jason Bourne - (2D) (Action) (PG12) Cast: Matt Damon, Tommy Lee Jones 11:50PM AZAIBA Ice Age: Collision Course (3D) (Animation | Adventure | Comedy) (PG) 2:00, 4:30 PM The Legend of Tarzan (3D) (Action) Cast: Alexander Skarsgard 6:10, 11:30 PM(PG12) Suicide Squad (3D) (Crime) (12+) Cast: Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot 3:30, 11:45 PM Rustom (Hindi) (2D) (Action) (12+) 3:00, 5:45, 8:15, 11:30 PM Mohenjo Daro (Hindi) (2D) (Romance) 3:15, 6:00, 8:30, 11:00 PM (PG12) Wagah (Tamil) (2D) (Action) (PG12) Cast: Vikram Prabhu, Ranya Rao 9:00 PM Babu Bangaram (Telugu) (2D) (Action) Cast: Venkatesh, Nayanthara 8:55 PM Kasaba (Mal) (2D) (Action ) (PG12) Cast: Mammootty, Jagadish, Sampath Raj 6:25 PM RUWI Screen 1 Mohenjo Daro (Action/ Drama) –PG12 Cast : Hrithik Roshan, Pooja Hegde 3.30, 9.30 PM Rustom (Action/Thriller) –12+ Cast : Akshay Kumar, Ileana, Esha Gupta 6.30 PM Screen 2 Rustom (Action/Thriller) –12+ 3.45, 9.45 PM Mohenjo Daro (Action/ Drama ) –PG12 6.45 PM Screen 3 Dishoom (Action) –PG Cast : John Abraham, Varun Dhawan 3.45, 6.45 PM Rustom (Action/Thriller) –12+ 9.45 PM SUR Ice Age: Collision Course (Animation) 5.30 PM (3D)(PG) Manhattan Nocturne (Crime)(12+) Cast: Yvonne Strahovski, Adrien Brody 6.45, 11.45 PM

The Shallows (Drama – English) (PG12) Cast: Blake Lively, Oscar Jaenada 3.45, 10.00 PM Rustom (Thriller- Hindi)(12+) 7.15, 11.15 PM Mohenjo Daro (Adventure – Hindi)(PG12) 3.45, 8.30 PM SOHAR The Legend of Tarzan - 3D (Drama) 2:30, 9:30PM (PG12) Ice Age: Collision Course-3D (Animation) (12+); 5:15PM The BFG-3D (Action/Family/Fantasy) (PG) 3:00, 6:30PM Equals – 2D (Drama/Romance) (15+) Cast: Nicholas Hoult, Kristen Stewart 5:15PM The Shallows – 2D (Drama) (PG12) 4:45, 10:15PM Kill Command – 2D (Action) (12+) Cast: Vanessa Kirby, Thure Lindhardt, 3:15, 11:55PM The Neon Demon – 2D (Horror) (18+) Cast: Elle Fanning, Keanu Reeves 11:55PM Suicide Squad-3D (Action/Crime/) (12+) Cast: Will Smith, Jared Leto 7:00, 11:45PM Kasaba-2D (Malayalam/ Action) (PG12) Cast: Mammootty, Jagadish, Sampath Raj 6:15PM Rustom-2D (Hindi/ Action/Thriller) (12+) 3:30, 8:45PM Mohenjo Daro - 2D (Hindi/Romance) Cast Hrithik Roshan, Pooja Hegde 7:15, 8:45, 11:30PM (PG12) Babu Bangaram - 2D (Telugu/Action) Cast Venkatesh, Nayanthara 9:00PM (PG) BURAIMI Mohenjo Daro PG12 (Hindi) (Adventure) 4.45, 9.00 & 11.30 PM Suicide Squad (3D) 12+ (Action, Crime) Cast: Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot 7.30 PM Ice Age: Collision Course (3D) PG (Animation | Adventure | Comedy) 5.30 PM Kill Command 12+ (Action Sci-Fi) Cast: Vanessa Kirby, Thure Lindhardt, 7.15 & 9.45 PM Rustom 12+ (Hindi) (Action| Thriller) 6.45 & 11.15 PM The Shallows PG12 (Drama| Horror ) Cast: Blake Lively, Óscar Jaenada 5.00 & 9.30 PM Manhattan Nocturne 12+ (Crime) 11.45 PM SALALAH The BFG (3D) (PG) (Action | Family) Cast: Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, 12:30, 4:30PM Kill Command (2D) (12+) (Action) Cast: Vanessa Kirby, Thure Lindhardt 1:00, 11:55PM The Shallows (2D) (12+) (Drama| Horror ) Cast: Blake Lively, Óscar Jaenada 4:35PM Suicide Squad (3D) (12+) (Action) 2:00, 9:15PM Ice Age: Collision Course (3D) (PG) 2:45PM The Legend of Tarzan (3D) (PG12) 11:45AM, 6:45, 11:45PM (PG12) Jason Bourne (2D) (PG12) (Action | ) 6:10PM Rustom (2D) (12+) (Hindi) (Action) 8:30PM Mohenjo Daro (2D) (PG12) (Hindi) 3:15, 8:55, 11:15PM Babu Bangaram (2D) (PG) (Hindi) Adventure| Romance) Cast: Venkatesh, Nayanthara 6:30PM

@ MGM

The Shallows (2D) (PG12) Cast: Blake Lively, Óscar Jaenada, Angelo Jose 5.00, 11.30pm

BAHJA CINEMA Film information 24540856 / Advance Booking 24540855 Website: www.albahjacinemaoman.com The Neon Demon (Horror / Thriller) Cast: Elle Fanning, Christina Hendricks, Keanu Reeves 3.45, 8.00, 10.00 & 11.55 p.m.

CP No : 1958 (18+) Manhattan Nocturne (Crime / Drama / Mystery) Cast: Yvonne Strahovski, Adrien Brody 2.00, 6.00, 10.00 & 11.55 p.m.

CP No : 1959 (12+) Equals (Drama / Romance / Sci-Fi) Cast: Nicholas Hoult, Kristen Stewart, Vernetta Lopez 2.00, 4.00 & 8.00 p.m.

CP No : 1960 (15+) Suicide Squad (Action / Adventure / Comedy) Cast: Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie 5.45 p.m.

CP No : 1950 (12+)

STAR CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om Babu Bangaram ( Telugu ) (Act\ Drama)(PG) Cast : Venkatesh & Nayantara 3-30 PM Cinema Main; 6-30 & 9-30 pm Cinema -2 Anuraga Karikkin Vallam (Mal) (PG 12) Cast: Biju Menon & Asif Ali 6-30 & 9-30 pm Cinema Main; 3-30 pm Cinema -2 Rustom (Hindi) ( Act) ( +12) Cast : Akshay Kumar & Ileana Dcruz 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 pm Cinema -3 Kasaba (Mal) ( Act) ( PG 12) Cast : Mammootty & Varalaxami 3-45 & 9-45 pm Cinema-4 Kabali ( Tamil) ( Action) ( PG 12) Cast : Rajanikanth & Radika Apte 6-45 pm Cinema -4 Next Change: IDI ( Malayalam); Darmadurai (Tamil); Happy Bhag Jayegi (Hindi) Programmes are subject to change

B

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM M ON DAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

BAHRAIN PLANS BOND ISSUE Bahrain picked five banks including JPMorgan Chase & Co. to manage the third sale of Eurobonds by the country this year, according to two people with knowledge of the plan. -Bloomberg News

MARKE

to ensure the desired ICV outcome is generated, and meetings are held with contractors to communicate and understand the challenges faced,” added Al Hinai.

medium enterprises are expected to significantly benefit from the business opportunities,

Dr. Hilal Al Hinai. — Supplied picture

which include sub-

businesseditor@timesofoman.com

major packages to multinational contracting firms for building Liwa Plastics Industries. Among the four packages, a joint venture of CB&I and CTCI Company was awarded a contract for a steam cracker and utilities, Italy’s Tecnimont won a contract for building a plastics units, a consortium of South Korea’s GS Engineering and Construction and Japan’s Mitsui & Co won a contract for constructing a natural gas liquids extraction facility, and India’s Punj Lloyd was awardeda contract to build a pipeline between Fahud and Sohar.

MUSCAT: As part of a major initiative to strengthen in-country value (ICV) while building mega projects, contractors handling $6.5 billion worth of Liwa Plastics Industries Complex project have agreed to purchase a minimum of 25 per cent from local vendors, meeting a minimum Omanisation level of 30 per cent, and providing training for Omani youths in excess of 15 per cent of those employed.

The prestigious Liwa Plastics Industries Complex is being built by state-owned Oman Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic).

The estimated minimum value for ICV is approximately $1.5 billion, Dr. Hilal Al Hinai, general manager – Corporate Support Services – Orpic, told Times of Oman, prior to an in-country value roadshow in Sohar. Local small and medium enterprises are expected to significantly benefit from the business opportunities, which include sub-contracting work, purchase orders, and support services, to be purchased by major contracting firms.

Orpic has already awarded four

Actively supports SMEs “Orpic is leading five business opportunities across oil and sector, which has been identified in the Blue Print Strategy Book. Orpic actively supports SME development-related engineering design for the manufacturing industry, detailed engineering design, development of an engineering services hub, tank maintenance and cleaning and purchasing of commodity chemicals. These opportunities are progressing at different stages, starting with preparation or under strategy phase,” said Al Hinai.

Al Hinai also noted that Orpic’s ICV agenda corresponds with that of the oil and gas industry and, as such, the company fully supports the national ICV programme and the ICV committee, which was formed by the Ministry of Oil and Gas. The company has embedded ICV into its own business model, with particular reference to its major projects over the next four years.

“The ICV mechanism is in place to perform site visits to audit and monitor each ICV component provided by the contractors

contracting work, purchase orders, and support services, to be purchased by major contracting firms.

A E JAMES

Orpic’s ICV strategy Orpic’s ICV strategy is to support business development, human capability development, and stimulate productivity in the Omani economy through the retention of maximum in-country value. To achieve this, the ICV department aims at reaching the authentication (made in Oman) of materials procured by Orpic, and development of human capital in all Orpic projects by ensuring at least 30 per centof Omanisation across all categories and levels, sustainable development of Omani Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through the support of those directly linked to Orpic’s business and communication of ICV achievements through dashboards to all key stakeholders.

The ICV and procurement teams have started a new practice to ring-fence a number of tenders, which are suitable to SMEs, in terms of their capabilities, in order to ensure 10 per cent allocation to local businesses.

“We have allocated a certain scope for either SME’s or local suppliers for those scopes, which are currently being undertaken by international suppliers.”

The ICV team works with all agencies and departments to study tenders, to identify any ICV opportunities through Omanisation or local sourcing, in an effort to include them in the tender document.

Liwa Plastics Industries Complex is one of the strategic growth projects being undertaken by Orpic as part of its transformational journey. The $6.5 billion project, which is scheduled for commissioning in 2020, will transform Orpic’s product mix and business model, double company profits, create new business opportunities, generate significant employment opportunities and support the development of a downstream plastics industry in Oman. Upon completion, plastics production will have increased by 1 million tonnes, allowing Orpic to produce 1.4 million tonnes of polyethylene and polypropylene by 2020.

JO I N T V E N T U R E PA R T N E R

Key government officials from Oman visit CLH facility in Spain MUSCAT: Key government officials from Oman recently visited CLH in Spain – partner of Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) in the joint venture for the Muscat Sohar Product Pipeline (MSPP) project.

The joint venture, Orpic Logistics, is building a new storage and distribution terminal in Al

Jifnain (Oman), which will incorporate state-of-the-art equipment and systems in terms of automation and safety, taking the logistics operations to a next level of efficiency.

The purpose of the visit was to show Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA) how the operations of the new Al Jifnain Terminal will look

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upon completion.

The senior officials visited a few terminals in Spain to better comprehend how they work and also inspect safety aspects.

Additionally, they wanted to understand how the target operational model sought a high level of efficiency, which in turn reduced manual intervention and increased operational safety. — ONA

P E R M A N E N T AC C O M M O D AT I O N

First phase of ‘Renaissance Village’ set to open this year A E JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Renaissance Services on Sunday said that the first phase of ‘Renaissance Village’ – a large permanent housing project for blue-collar workers of contracting firms within the economic zone– in Duqm will open in the second half of this year.

“We expect the build-up of occupancy to be slow in the initial months of operation. Duqm remains a bright area of activity in the economy, with projects progressing, albeit a little slower than planned,” stated the company’s chairman, Samir J Fancy, commenting on the first half’s results.

“We expect our Duqm project to be an ever-increasing engine for growth in 2017 and the years ahead,” he added.

Renaissance earlier said their plan called for accommodating 16,000 workers from contracting firms, mainly blue-collar workers,

along with supervisors and managers. Renaissance has posted a net profit of OMR2.7 million for the first half of 2016, against a net loss of OMR1.9 million for the same period in 2015. However, revenues fell to OMR107.8 million from OMR117.8 million during this2016 period.

“We continue to see the effects of the current low oil prices on our service businesses. Occupancy in the oilfields remains 10 per cent lower than the previous year. Also, many tenders, due to be issued this year, have not come out to market competition, as government entities and other clients choose to issue contract extensions to incumbents, in exchange for reduction of current prices,” noted the first half report.

“That said, we do have a number of major bids and business proposals submitted and under consideration by clients. If successful, these include some opportunities of large scale that could have a

positive impact.” Topaz, a subsidiary of Renaissance, said that its offshore support vessel business is affected due to slack oil prices.

“The Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) sector appears one of the worst-affected within the oil and gas industry in the prevailing oil price crisis. There are more than 1,000 OSVs in lay-up throughout the industry’s global fleet. This is reflected in the lay-up of over 300 of the rigs and floaters, which the OSVs serve. So, of course, Topaz is also affected.”

While its core markets in the Caspian are stable, Mena and Africa are under pressure due to the migration of vessels from the dormant Asian market, undercutting rates at a time when market activity is already depressed. As a result, there is an ever-increasing need for companies to cold-stack vessels; and the industry, including Topaz, will have to again review vessel valuations and potential impairment at the end of the year.

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

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

SEVERAL CHALLENGES: The fund faces many of the challenges it encountered when it lent to Egypt and other countries decades ago, such as poor governance and public resistance to belt-tightening.

— Bloomberg file picture

Egypt to receive $12b IMF loan Hoping to restore the confidence of foreign investors, Egypt announced an initial agreement to borrow $12b over three years

DUBAI: International Monetary Fund (IMF) is stepping up lending in a region where economic reformers haven’t exactly had the most success.

Hoping to restore the confidence of foreign investors, Egypt announced an initial agreement on Thursday to borrow $12 billion over three years from the IMF, joining Iraq, Tunisia and Jordan in taking money from the Washington-based fund.

Egypt’s programme is likely to see the government of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi move toward a more flexible exchange rate, rebuild foreign-currency reserves and cut spending.

The influx of capital offers an opportunity to restore economic stability in a region beset by political turmoil, terrorism and the collapse in the price of oil, its most important export. While all the IMF borrowers except Iraq are fuel importers, they’ve received flows of aid and remittances from wealthy producers such as Saudi Arabia, which are now drying up.

The fund faces many of the challenges it encountered when it lent to Egypt and other countries decades ago, such as poor governance and public resistance to belt-tightening.

“The IMF is fighting an uphill battle,” said Jon Alterman, a former State Department official who’s now director of the Middle East programme at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

“The events of the last five years didn’t convince Mideast leaders that the Washington Consensus was right. It deepened their suspicions of opening up systems, for fear that if you open up, you invite political instability.”

The Washington Consensus, a term coined in 1989, refers to a mix of policies espoused by Washington-based institutions such as the IMF and World Bank that emphasises budget cuts, open trade and capital flows, and deregulation. The IMF, now under the leadership of Christine Lagarde, has softened its position on the need for budget cuts and conceded that capital controls can be useful in some situations.

“Egypt is a strong country with great potential but it has some problems that need to be fixed urgently,” Chris Jarvis, IMF mission chief for Egypt, said in a statement after the deal was announced. The new loan programme will support the ‘comprehensive’ reforms approved by the nation’s parliament, he said.

If endorsed by the fund’s executive board and Egyptian lawmakers, the agreement will be the IMF’s second-biggest active traditional loan program after Ukraine. Jordan signed a letter of intent last month for a $700 million credit facility, while Iraq in July received a three-year stand-by arrangement for about $5.3 billion.

The loan to Egypt conjures memories of the country’s experience with the IMF in the 1990s.

At the time, then-President Hosni Mubarak implemented many of

the policies recommended by the fund, including budget cuts and privatisation, and the IMF held up the country as an economic success story. But in the Arab Spring uprising that broke out in Tunisia in 2010, and spread to Egypt and other nations the following year, protesters argued the reforms didn’t improve poverty and inequality.

“The IMF has a historical problem of advocating one-sizefits-all policies,” said Wael Gamal, a prominent Egyptian economic commentator and a critic of past agreements with the fund.

“It still does.”

Ahmed Kamaly, economics professor at the American University in Cairo, said that the “autocratic nature of most Arab countries means that governments can impose tough economic measures to dodge the bullet with relative ease.”

“But once the urgency fades, officials turn away from undertaking reforms, either to appease the public or to protect the interests of cronies,” Kamaly said.

Egypt’s experience with IMF programmes in the 1990s are a clear example, he said. The reform momentum that started in 1991 faded by the end of the decade as the economy stabilised, Kamaly said.

The risk that the new IMF money would be spent without real reforms is a “big concern,” former Deputy Prime Minister Ziad Bahaa el-Din said in a phone interview.

“It’s extremely important for parliament, the society, the media to monitor carefully whether the programme is implemented in the right way to ensure positive impact,” he said. “It’s extremely important to have a dialogue on who bears the cost because everybody knows that there will be some level of pain with this.” — Bloomberg News

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MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

MARKET MSM index ends higher

OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................ 5,911.52 ...............5,896.74 ................... 5,909.73 ................... 5,896.74..................12.99 ...................0.22 Financial Index ..................................... 7,655.73 ............... 7,612.49 ................... 7,648.30 ....................7,612.49..................35.81 ................... 0.47 Industrial Index .................................... 7,601.35 ............... 7,568.12 ....................7,596.13 ................... 7,566.30................. 29.83 ...................0.39 Services Index ...................................... 3,209.57 ...............3,207.19 ...................3,209.52 ...................3,208.16.................... 1.36 ...................0.04 MSM SHARIAH INDEX....................... 896.19 ..................892.76 .......................896.19 ...................... 892.76....................3.43 ...................0.38 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 19,212,923...................3,716,997 .....................965 ............... 17,320,429,987 ................23 ........................6 ....................22 .........................51

The top gainer was Oman Education & Training, up by 7.56 per cent, while OIFC was

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 14

the day’s top loser, down by 0.98 per cent ISIN ......................................SECURITY NAME ..................................................................VOLUME..... TURNOVER............TRADES ......OPEN PRICE......HIGH ............. LOW ........ CLOSE PR. ...PREV. CLOSE...DIFF (RO).........DIFF % .............LAST PR.....LAST BID .............LAST OFFER ........MARKET CAP.PAR VALUE

MUSCAT: Buying in banking stocks by foreign and GCC investors lifted the MSM30 Index by 0.22 per cent to close at 5,909.73 points. The MSM Sharia Index ended at 896.19 points, up by 0.38 per cent.

Bank Nizwa was the most active stock in terms of volume, while Bank Muscat led in terms of turnover. Sunday’s top gainer was Oman Education & Training, up by 7.56 per cent, while OIFC was the day’s top loser, down by 0.98 per cent.

As many as 965 trades were executed on Sunday, generating turnover of OMR3.72 million with 19.2 million shares changing hands. Out of 51 traded securities, 23 advanced, six declined and 22 remained unchanged. Arab and GCC investors were net buyers to the tune of OMR327,000 worth of shares, followed by Omani investors at OMR200,000, Foreign investors, who were net sellers, sold shares amounting to OMR527,000.

Financial Index closed at 7,648.30 points, up by 0.47 per cent. Gulf Investment Services, Al Madina Investments, Al Izz Bank, Oman & Emirates Holding and Oman Orix Leasing gained by 3.25 per cent, 3.23 per cent, 3.03 per cent, 2.84 per cent and 2.65 per cent, respectively. Bank Sohar and Global Financial Investment declined 0.56 per cent and 0.56 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Index gained by 0.39 per cent to close at 7,596.13 points. Construction Materials, Al Hassan Engineering, Oman Fisheries, Al Anwar Ceramics and Galfar Engineering gained by 3.13 per cent, 2.56 per cent, 1.56 per cent, 1.35 per cent and 0.95 per cent, respectively.

National Aluminium and Gulf International Chemicals declined by 0.95 per cent and 0.37 per cent, respectively.

Services Index was stable at D E B T R E PAY M E N T

3,209.52 points, up by 0.04 per cent. Oman Education & Training, Oman Telecommunications Company and Al Jazeera Services gained by 7.56 per cent, 0.61 per cent and 0.49 per cent, respectively. OIFC and Port Services declined by 0.98 per cent and 0.85 per cent, respectively.

Gulf stocks rise Stock markets in Dubai and Qatar led an advance across most Gulf Arab equities after oil, the region’s main source of income, posted the best week since April.

Shares in Egypt fell.

Dubai’s DFM General Index advanced 1.2 percent, the biggest gain in almost a month, as Qatar’s Index added 0.9 per cent.

Bloomberg’s GCC 200 Index, a measure of the largest and most liquid companies in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, rose to the highest level in three weeks in Riyadh. Egypt’s EGX 30 Index slipped 0.7 per cent.

“The oil rally at the end of last week, coupled with global markets printing new highs, is boosting market sentiment,” said HishamKhairy, the Dubaibased head of institutional trade at Mena Corporation Financial Services, one of the United Arab Emirates’ largest brokerages.

“The market is showing signs of strength and should continue if things globally remain stable.”

The GCC is home to about 30 per cent of the world’s proven crude reserves and governments depend on energy income for the bulk of spending. Brent crude climbed 6.1 per cent last week to $46.97 a barrel on Friday. Meanwhile, all three US stock benchmarks rose together to record highs for the first time in 16 years and European shares erased the slump that followed Britain’s secession vote. The BGCC200 Index climbed 0.7 per cent.

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

OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 935,264 ..........118,886.....................44 ............0.125 ........... 0.128 ...........0.125 ............0.127 ............. 0.123............ 0.004............. 3.252 ................0.126 .............. 0.125...................0.126.................... 7,473,089 ..........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ..................................... 17,500 ............... 1,125........................4 ........... 0.065 ...........0.065 ...........0.064........... 0.064 .............0.062 ........... 0.002............. 3.226 ................0.064..............0.063...................0.064 .................. 13,257,689 .........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 581,126 ............ 84,021..................... 34 ............0.144 ........... 0.145 ...........0.143 ............0.145 ............. 0.141............ 0.004............. 2.837 ................0.143 ..............0.142...................0.144....................17,671,875 .........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ............................... 123,758 ............ 37,800......................13 ........... 0.304...........0.306 ...........0.304 .......... 0.306 .............0.300 ........... 0.006.............2.000 ................0.304............. 0.300...................0.304 ..................30,600,000.........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL.............................................. 80,000 ...............5,930........................7 ............0.075 ........... 0.075 ...........0.074........... 0.074 .............0.073 ............0.001 ............. 1.370 ................0.074..............0.073...................0.074...................12,950,000.........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES ............................... 149,253.............33,561......................11 ........... 0.225 ...........0.230 ...........0.224 .......... 0.225 .............0.222 ........... 0.003..............1.351.................0.224............. 0.222...................0.224 ..................66,648,078.........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .................................................... 875,590 ........... 89,870..................... 28 ............0.103 ........... 0.103 ...........0.102........... 0.103 .............0.102 ............0.001 .............0.980 ................0.102..............0.102...................0.103..................206,032,217........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 612,000 ...........64,803..................... 39 ............0.106 ........... 0.107 ...........0.105 ........... 0.106 .............0.105.............0.001 ............. 0.952 ................0.105 ..............0.105...................0.106...................30,737,948 .........0.100 OM0000002176 ............AL JAZEERA STEEL PRODUCTS ........................ 307,000 ........... 82,706......................21 ........... 0.268 ...........0.270 ...........0.267........... 0.269 .............0.267 ........... 0.002............. 0.749 ................0.267..............0.265...................0.267................... 33,597,551 .........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ........................................................43,782 ............ 63,484........................9 ............1.450 ........... 1.450 ...........1.450 ............1.450 .............1.440 ............0.010 ............. 0.694 ................1.450 ..............1.400...................1.450................. 290,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ........................ 147,790 ..........242,478..................... 26 ............1.635 ........... 1.650 ...........1.630 ........... 1.640 ............. 1.630.............0.010 ............. 0.613 ................1.650 .............. 1.635...................1.650................1,230,000,000......0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 2,345,137 ...... 913,483.................. 204 ........... 0.390 ...........0.392 ...........0.388........... 0.390 .............0.388 ........... 0.002............. 0.515 ................0.388..............0.386...................0.388..................973,537,601 ........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES .......................................... 285,489 ............58,637......................31 ........... 0.205 ...........0.207 ...........0.203........... 0.205 .............0.204 ............0.001 .............0.490 ................0.203..............0.203...................0.205 ..................12,546,876 .........0.100 OM0000002549 ...........BANK DHOFAR ............................................................ 615,000 .........154,980......................15 ........... 0.252 ...........0.252 ...........0.252........... 0.252 ............. 0.251.............0.001 ............. 0.398 ................0.252..............0.250...................0.260 .................428,198,753 ........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS ...............................................................2,600 ...............1,642........................2 ........... 0.632 ........... 0.632 ...........0.624........... 0.632 .............0.632 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.624..............0.624...................0.632...................34,760,000.........0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................. 224,080............ 57,168........................8 ........... 0.255 ...........0.258 ...........0.255........... 0.255 .............0.255 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.255..............0.255...................0.257..................376,069,225........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST ..................................................................... 50,000 ............28,300........................2 ........... 0.566 ........... 0.566 ...........0.566........... 0.566 .............0.566 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.566............. 0.000...................0.566..................359,857,643 ........0.100 OM0000001707 ............OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY........................................ 1,000 ................1,795........................1 ............1.795 ........... 1.795............ 1.795 ........... 1.800 .............1.800 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................1.795 .............. 1.750................... 1.795 ..................161,460,000........0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT ........................................................... 38,904 .............18,285........................1 ........... 0.470 ...........0.470 ...........0.470........... 0.470 .............0.470 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.470..............0.460...................0.470.................. 155,510,174 ........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 393,385 ............77,650..................... 23 ............0.198 ........... 0.198 ...........0.197 ............0.197 ............. 0.197............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.197 ..............0.196...................0.197...................34,475,484.........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK .................................................................... 100,277 ............18,952........................3 ............0.189 ........... 0.189 ...........0.189 ........... 0.189 ............. 0.189............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.189 ..............0.180...................0.189..................269,331,831 ........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ...................... 244,400...........24,234..................... 26 ........... 0.099 ........... 0.100 ...........0.097........... 0.099 .............0.099 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.097..............0.097...................0.099....................2,970,000 ..........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 449,350 ......... 126,609..................... 35 ........... 0.282 ...........0.283 ...........0.276........... 0.282 .............0.282 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.276..............0.276...................0.280 ..................84,255,304.........0.100 OM0000003281............TAAGEER FINANCE ........................................................ 600 .....................73........................2 ............0.122 ........... 0.122 ...........0.122........... 0.122 .............0.122 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.122..............0.120................... 0.121 ...................30,937,980 .........0.100 OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER............................................................ 212,020 ........... 59,366........................7 ........... 0.280...........0.280 ...........0.280 .......... 0.280 .............0.280 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.280..............0.278...................0.280 ..................61,882,800.........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 267,715 ..........201,322..................... 10 ............0.752 ........... 0.752 ...........0.752 ........... 0.752 ............. 0.752............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.752 ..............0.748...................0.752..................489,510,061 ........0.100 OM0000004669 ...........SHARQIYAH DESALINATION ..................................... 400 ...............1,800........................1 ........... 4.500...........4.500 ...........4.500 .......... 4.500 .............4.500 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................4.500 ............ 4.400...................4.500 ..................44,010,972.........1.000 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 180,000 ........... 35,640........................1 ............0.198 ........... 0.198 ...........0.198 ........... 0.198 ............. 0.198............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.198 ..............0.198...................0.212..................141,452,455 ........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ................................................ 201,279 ............96,614......................14 ........... 0.480 ...........0.480 ...........0.480........... 0.480 .............0.480 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.480............. 0.000...................0.478...................25,200,000 ........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ..............69,000 .............18,384........................4 ........... 0.267 ...........0.267 ...........0.266........... 0.266 .............0.267 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.375 ...............0.266..............0.266...................0.268 ...................5,586,000 ..........0.100 OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ................ 441,958 ............ 79,211..................... 33 ............0.180 ........... 0.181............0.177 ............0.179 .............0.180 ...........-0.001 ........... -0.556 ...............0.177 .............. 0.176...................0.179 ...................35,800,000.........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 458,178.............81,541......................11 ............0.179 ........... 0.180 ...........0.175 ............0.178 ............. 0.179............-0.001 ........... -0.559 ...............0.175 .............. 0.173...................0.175 ..................285,600,883 .......0.100 OM0000001145 ............PORT SERVICES CORPORATION ....................... 231,631 .............53,770........................5 ........... 0.233 ...........0.233 ...........0.232........... 0.232 .............0.234 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.855 ...............0.232..............0.232...................0.233...................22,049,280 ........0.100 OM0000001319 ............NATIONAL ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS ............. 231,316 ............48,200..................... 30 ............0.210 ........... 0.210 ...........0.205........... 0.208 .............0.210 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.952 ...............0.205..............0.201...................0.205 ...................6,982,862 ..........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 792,111 ...........160,771..................... 34 ........... 0.205 ...........0.205 ...........0.200 .......... 0.203 .............0.205 ...........-0.002 ........... -0.976 ...............0.200 ............. 0.196...................0.200 ..................40,600,000 ........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 11,708,893 . 3,143,091...................739 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......35........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000002580 ...........OMAN EDU. & TRIN. INV. ............................................5,400 .................. 999........................2 ............0.185 ........... 0.185 ...........0.185 ............0.185 ............. 0.172.............0.013 ............. 7.558 ................0.185 .............. 0.185...................0.000 ..................12,950,000.........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. .................. 460,412 ............15,194......................14 ........... 0.033 ...........0.033 ...........0.033........... 0.033 .............0.032 ............0.001 ............. 3.125 ................0.033..............0.033...................0.034 ...................2,805,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK.............................................. 1,870,897 .......126,431..................... 56 ........... 0.067 ...........0.069 ...........0.067........... 0.068 .............0.066 ........... 0.002............. 3.030 ................0.069..............0.068...................0.069...................68,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000001723 ............OMAN ORIX LEASING ................................................. 5,356 .................. 621........................2 ............0.116 ........... 0.116............0.116 ............0.116 ............. 0.113 ............ 0.003............. 2.655 ................0.116 .............. 0.116...................0.120................... 29,120,571 .........0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING.................................. 195,555 .............15,682......................17 ........... 0.079 ........... 0.081 ...........0.079........... 0.080 .............0.078 ........... 0.002.............2.564 ................0.080..............0.080...................0.081.................... 6,016,640 ..........0.100 OM0000001590............MUSCAT FINANCE...................................................... 47,100 ............... 5,766........................8 ............0.122 ........... 0.123 ...........0.122........... 0.122 .............0.120 ........... 0.002............. 1.667 ................0.123 ..............0.123...................0.124...................32,539,301 .........0.100 OM0000004776 ...........TAKAFUL OMAN INSURANCE ..............................48,036 ...............5,956........................2 ............0.124 ........... 0.124 ...........0.124........... 0.124 .............0.122 ........... 0.002............. 1.639 ................0.124..............0.124...................0.129...................12,400,000.........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES ..................................................... 507,000 ............32,783..................... 28 ........... 0.065 ...........0.065 ...........0.064........... 0.065 .............0.064 ............0.001 ............. 1.563 ................0.064..............0.064...................0.066....................8,125,000 ..........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 3,485,996 ...... 271,341..................... 74 ........... 0.077 ........... 0.078 ...........0.077........... 0.078 .............0.077 ............0.001 ............. 1.299 ................0.078..............0.077...................0.078..................117,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS ...................................................... 500 ..................306........................1 ............0.612 ........... 0.612 ...........0.612 ........... 0.608 .............0.608 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.612 ..............0.608...................0.648...................95,760,000 .........0.100 OM0000002333 ...........SALALAH PORT SERVICES .......................................... 420 .................. 259........................2 ............0.616 ........... 0.616 ...........0.616 ........... 0.648 .............0.648 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.616 ............. 0.000...................0.616 ..................116,534,635 ........0.100 OM0000002689 ...........OMAN CERAMIC COMPANY ........................................100 .................... 40........................1 ........... 0.404...........0.404 ...........0.404 .......... 0.404 .............0.404 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.404..............0.380...................0.404 .....................764,447............1.000 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 215,219 ............ 32,876..................... 10 ............0.152 ........... 0.153 ...........0.152 ............0.153 ............. 0.153............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.153 .............. 0.152...................0.153 ..................223,778,023........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 6,841,991 ......508,254................... 217 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......13........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

- United Securities/Bloomberg News

TOURISM SECTOR

POST BREXIT

India unlikely to meet inflation target: IMF

Dubai Financial sells 12% stake of EFG-Hermes to French bank DUBAI: Dubai Financial Group, an investment company owned by Dubai’s ruler, sold its 12 per cent stake in EFG-Hermes to French bank Natixis as part of a debt repayment plan.

Dubai Financial, a unit of Dubai Group, did not provide a value of the sale in the Egyptian investment bank, which it announced in an e-mailed statement on Sunday. The stake is worth about 951 Egyptian pounds at ($107 million) Thursday’s closing price.

Loan repayments Dubai Group was among several companies in the emirate that were forced to reschedule loan repayments after property prices slumped and credit markets froze after the 2008 global credit crisis.

It reached a final agreement with lenders to restructure $6 billion of debt in 2014 after three years of deliberations.

“The sale of our stake in EFG Hermes is consistent with the business plan for Dubai Group, which was agreed with its lenders as part of the restructuring agreement,” Dubai Group chairman Fadel Al Ali said in the statement.

Dubai Financial Group’s stake in EFG-Hermes and in Bank Muscat, Oman’s biggest bank, were pledged to Natixis under a $1.1 billion loan it made to the company.

It holds a 12.37 per cent stake in Bank Muscat, valued at OMR120 million ($312 million) at Thursday’s close. – Bloomberg News

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MAKING A POINT: Maitha bint Saif Al Mahrouqi, undersecretary at the Ministry of Tourism, highlighted the investment opportunities available for the SMEs in Oman and how they can take advantage of the Sultanate’s tourism strategy. – Supplied picture

NBC incubated firms explore new projects Times News Service MUSCAT: As part of the monthly ‘Reyooq’ initiative, the National Business Centre (NBC), which comes under the umbrella of the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE), recently organised a discussion for the incubated companies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with Maitha bint Saif Al Mahrouqi, undersecretary at the Ministry of Tourism.

Al Mahrouqi highlighted the investment opportunities available for the SMEs in the Sultanate and how these SMEs can take advantage of the Sultanate’s tourism strategy that aims at creating many job opportunities.

This will eventually contribute

to developing the national economy and advancing the SMEs in the industrial sector, she said.

The event also highlighted the vision of NBC, which is to become the premier platform for Omani entrepreneurs by providing business development support and guidance, training and mentoring, access to markets and industry experts and stateof-the-art, fully equipped, office space, meeting rooms and presentation facilities.

Mulkie Al Hashmi, marketing director at NBC, also highlighted the objectives of NBC, which comprise facilitating and supporting the growth of investable ideas into successful businesses; building entrepreneurial skills through dedicated and focused

training, coaching and mentoring; and providing business support facilities from office space, administrative support, financial support and consultancy services that are crucial in ensuring the success and survival of new ventures.

It should be noted that ‘Reyooq’ initiative consists of monthly visits to high-profile companies and factories in the Sultanate, organised by NBC in cooperation with Riyada to meet with the chief executive officers and decision-makers of these institutions.

The incubated companies at National Business Centre shall get acquainted with various opportunities available for the entrepreneurs from these visits.

NEW DELHI: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) paper has raised question marks over the ability of India’s central bank to target inflation through monetary measures, saying the size of formal financial sector is small in India and may undermine the effectiveness of interest rate changes on aggregate demand.

The IMF working paper assumes significance as the Reserve Bank of India has recently implemented an inflation-targeting regime that requires it to hit publicly announced targets for retail inflation, based on Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Under the new dispensation, RBI will be required to meet retail inflation target of 4 per cent, plus or minus 2 per cent over the next 5 years. The interest rate from next policy, due on October 4, will be decided by a six-member monetary policy committee (MPC) instead of the central bank governor.

“In the absence of effective and reliable links between the policy instruments controlled by the RBI and aggregate demand in the Indian economy the public may lack confidence that the RBI is able to deliver on its announced inflation target, making the target more difficult (and costly) to achieve,” said the IMF working paper - ‘Monetary Transmission in Developing Countries: Evidence from India’.

Low-income countries It said that careful studies of the effectiveness of monetary transmission in low-income countries have often found monetary policy effects that are counterintuitive, weak, and/or unreliable. “On the other hand, the small size of the formal financial sector in India would tend to undermine the effects on bank lending rates on aggregate demand,” said the paper

Under the new dispensation, RBI will be required to meet retail inflation target of 4%, plus or minus 2% over the next 5 years

authored by Prachi Mishra, Peter Montiel and Rajeswari Sengupta.

According to the paper, in case of India, the response of the exchange rate to monetary policy shocks is in the right direction but the magnitude is very small.

“The implication is that any effects of monetary policy on aggregate demand in India are more likely to operate through the trade balance than through interestsensitive components of aggregate of aggregate demand, but any such effects are likely to be weak,” it said.

The paper noted that there is no reason to expect that mechanisms of monetary transmission in lowincome countries would be similar to those that have been found to operate in high-income ones. - PTI

B

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M M ON DAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

SECTION

END CALL SAVE LIVES

E-

A TIMES OF OMAN HANDS-FREE DRIVING INITIATIVE

IMES TECH STUFF

RUSSIA FINES GOOGLE $6.75 MILLION Russia’s national regulator fined Alphabet’s Google 438 million roubles ($6.75 million) for violating antitrust rules on tablets and mobile phones, after reviewing a complaint filed by local search engine Yandex last year. The fine was determined as a share of Google Play’s domestic sales, a Federal Anti-Monopoly Service representative said. — Bloomberg News

T E C H U P D AT E S

Samsung unveils new Galaxy Note7 Times News Service

Standout features of the new iPhone models New features will be a dual-camera system on the larger iPhone, a reengineered home button that responds to pressure with a vibrating sensation rather than a true

camera sensors also allows users to zoom while retaining more clarity, the person added. The smaller version of the new phones will not include dual lenses, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said earlier this year.

The new models will be critical to the holiday quarter, and Apple is counting on the phones to prop up sales ahead of an expected iPhone overhaul in 2017, the device’s 10th anniversary

physical click and removal of devices’ headphone jack

MARK GURMAN

A

PPLE is preparing to unveil successors to the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus as early as next month with more advanced photography capabilities and upgraded hardware in a design similar to that of last year’s models, according to people familiar with the matter.

The standout features will be a dual-camera system on the larger iPhone, a re-engineered home button that responds to pressure with a vibrating sensation rather than a

true physical click and the removal of the devices’ headphone jack, said the people, who didn’t want to be identified discussing unannounced features. Apple declined to comment. While iPhone demand has waned in recent quarters, partly due to the lull between product launches, the device continues to be the major source of Apple’s revenue. The new models will be critical to the holiday quarter, and Apple is counting on the phones to prop up sales ahead of an expected iPhone overhaul in 2017, the device’s 10th anniversary.

Moving away from the typical two-year iPhone redesign cycle, this year’s models will look similar to the 6 and 6S, the people said, who added that there will still be noticeable tweaks. The new iPhones will retain the same 4.7-inch and 5.5-

inch screen sizes as their predecessors, the first of which was introduced in September 2014.

Apple will remove the two innermost antenna lines that run across the back of the current iPhones, the people added.

Sharper photos The dual cameras on the larger new iPhone will produce brighter photos with more detail, according to a person who has used a prototype version of the upcoming device.

Both sensors, which each capture color differently, simultaneously take a picture, and the device produces a single, merged photograph, said the person.

The dual system sharpens photos taken in low-light environments, the person said. The combination of the merged photos from the two

Home button Apple is planning an updated home button for the new models. Current home buttons are switches that physically press into the phone, but the new models will have a pressure-sensitive button that employs so-called haptic feedback. This mechanism is similar to that of the trackpads on the latest MacBook line, Mac reported on the home button design earlier. The new iPhones will remove the headphone jack in favour of connectivity via Bluetooth and the charging port. That will make room for a second speaker, said the people. Apple started allowing headphone makers to build headphones that can connect via the iPhone’s charger connector in 2014, the same year the company acquired headphone maker Beats Electronics. Macotakara earlier reported the headphone jack’s demise.

The new models will run iOS 10, the new version of Apple’s mobile operating system coming this fall. The updated software offers interactive widgets to quickly glance at calendar appointments and favorite contacts, new messaging features, a new application for controlling smart home appliances, and a redesigned Apple Music. The new software will also run on current and some past iPhone models.

— Bloomberg News

Samsung continues to drive the smartphone market with the Galaxy Note7 with the regional launch of the device in Dubai.

With refined craftsmanship, premium materials and a unique symmetrical edge design, the Galaxy Note7 features: A water resistant body and S Pen (IP68), top-of-the-line security that combines Samsung Knox with biometric authentication including a new iris scanning feature and an immersive entertainment features with HDR video streaming capabilities “In 2011 we launched and pioneered an all-new category of large screen smartphones together with the unique S-Pen. Over the years, each edition of the Note series has reconfirmed Samsung’s vision and commitment for development by improving consumer experience in a simple, productive and distinctive way,” said Tarek Sabbagh, Head of IT and Mobile (IM) Division at Samsung Gulf Electronics.

“With the Galaxy Note7 we havereinvented the large-screen smartphone segment with a unique combination of productivity tools, entertainment services and security features.

In addition, the Galaxy Note7 powers a robust ecosystem thatstrikes a balance between work and play, enabling people to achieve more than what they thought possible on a smartphone not just faster but whereverand whenever,” he added.

Galaxy Note7 S Pen With the enhanced Galaxy Note7 S Pen Users can bring ideas to life the moment inspiration strikes without unlocking the screen by using Screen off memo and simply pinning the memo to the Always On Display.

The S Pen also gives users the ability to easily create and share GIF animations with Smart Select. In addition, the new Air Command functions, including Magnify and Translate, enable users to zoom in on the screen or convert languages with a simple hover of the S Pen. It is even easier to access the best of the S Pen’s creative abilities with Samsung Notes, a new unified app allowing users to jot down handwritten notes, draw, or edit memos from one location.

The smaller 0.7mm tip and improved pressure sensitivity provides a real pen-like experience.

Due to its IP68 water resistant certification, the Galaxy Note7 S Pen lets users jot down their thoughts without interruption, even when the screen gets wet.

Advanced security Coupled with Samsung Knox, an industry-leading security platform, the Galaxy Note7 provides heightened security and privacy, with highly advanced biometric authentication, including fingerprint scanner and iris scanning technology.

The Galaxy Note7 instills a new level of user confidence with Secure Folder, a separated folder

that adds an extra layer of authentication to keep private and personal information safe.

Best-in-class entertainment

The Galaxy Note7 features a gorgeous, curved 5.7-inch QHD Super AMOLED screen delivering a bold and immersive picture on a smartphone. It is ready to stream HDR video, enabling a cinemalike experience including brighter colours and a deeper black, which ensure users get the full experience that the filmmaker intended. The Galaxy Note7 also features a Game Pack, available through Google Play, including top game titles, an easier redemption process and new user benefits. By pairing the Galaxy Note7 with the new Gear VR powered

by Oculus, users can experience premium virtual reality almost anywhere. Galaxy Note7’s incredible Super AMOLED screen and powerful processor delivers an ultra-immersive experience.

For people who live to create, tell stories and transport people to entirely new worlds, the Galaxy Note7 can be used with the new high-resolution (3840x1920) Gear 360 camera, to capture, edit and share 360-degree images videos on the go.

The Galaxy Note7 has been designed to provide a comfortable grip, easier one-handed operation, and unmatched durability with Corning Gorilla Glass5.

The Galaxy Note7 features a unique front-to-back symmetrical dual-edge curved screen lets the Galaxy Note7 add the powerful Edge Panel for onetap user access to applications, news and functions.

The Galaxy Note7 is equipped with the advanced camera that was introduced on the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. The dual-pixel sensor technology, wide aperture and fast auto focus, work together to create sharp and beautiful photos even in low-light environments.

In addition to 64GB of internal memory, the Galaxy Note7 offers expandable storage and microSD support up to 256GB. The Galaxy Note7 is equipped with a 3,500mAh battery, easy Power Management, and charges quickly using the new USB-C port. Recharge the Galaxy Note7 wherever wireless charging is available.

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MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

ROUND-UP FJ Cruiser: Adventure all the way Combining tradition with modern technology and practicality, Toyota FJ Cruiser exhilarates, whether driving across town or cross-country

MUSCAT: The Toyota FJ Cruiser stands tall - big, bold and inspiring.

A mid-sized SUV, the intrepid FJ Cruiser boasts some of the most impressive off-road capabilities in the Toyota line-up. Combining tradition with modern technology and practicality, the FJ Cruiser exhilarates, whether driving across town or cross-

country, says a press release.

“It is indeed a wonderful vehicle that features a rugged exterior and a comfortable interior,” affirmed an enthusiast, “The cabin is replete with lots of cargo space, roomy seats, and a sleek centre console state-of-the-art stereo system … which I love…”

With sweeping gesture, he added, “The Toyota FJ Cruiser takes on challenging terrain with ease. As a ‘go anywhere, do anything’ Toyota, it offers a gratifying performance both on the road and off.”

The FJ Cruiser’s advanced design is very noticeable, with its stylishly rounded headlights set either side of a wide, mesh grille; an upright windscreen with three wiper blades, a white roof (in all models except for the red-coloured units) and wrap-around rear corner windows.

The rear swing-out door with mounted spare wheel offers ease of cargo storage and entry and exit of occupants.

The FJ Cruiser’s sporty and stylish cabin comes with a silver coloured instrument panel, in-

ner rear view mirror with LCD Display as well as meters such as compass, external thermometer and inclination meter. The rear view camera is fitted subtly to have a clear rear view.

FJ’s classy touches include a

LIMITED EDITION

leather steering wheel with silver accents and audio control, bluetooth switches, water repellent fabric seats, USB + auxiliary port, cruise control, 8-way adjustable driver seat, keyless entry system and a 10-speaker JBL audio sys-

tem with subwoofer.

The FJ is equipped with a powerful and muscular 4 litre, V6 petrol engine with Dual VVTi that whips up a massive 268 HP. Optimally matched with the drive train is the sporty 5-speed, ECT (Automatic)

transmission, designed to deliver excellent performance, smooth gear shifting and lower noise levels. The FJ Cruiser has a host of high-end safety features, which include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Active-Traction Control (A-TRC); Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA) and Electric Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Its passive safety features include the high-energy absorbing, high rigidity body structure.

All round occupant safety is enhanced with curtain shield, side airbags along with driver and front passenger airbags.

All specifications listed above are standard Toyota equipment.

Safety kit (fire extinguisher, warning triangle, tyre pressure gauge and first aid kit) is a dealer installed non Toyota item provided on Toyota models as standard equipment.

In Oman, the nationwide parts and service network of Saud Bahwan Automotive supports Toyota’s outstanding product quality.

No wonder then that today, Toyota is one of the most trusted and well-known brands.

AWA R E N E S S P R O G R A M M E S

Khimji’s Watches showcases Al Madina promotes awareness Oris Carl Brashear timepiece on Islamic insurance products MUSCAT: Khimji’s Watches, the home of luxury in Oman, is now showcasing the Oris Carl Brashear Limited Edition – a timepiece honouring the extraordinary life of Carl Brashear, the US Navy’s first African American master diver.

The Oris Carl Brashear Limited Edition is based on Oris’s hugely successful Divers Sixty-Five and celebrates a man who conquered not only challenges of race, but also of disability, says a press release.

Brashear joined the Navy in 1948 as a 17-year-old, and despite facing discrimination on account of his race he graduated from the Navy’s diving programme in 1954.

In 1966, he lost the lower part of his left leg in an accident during a mission to salvage a hydrogen bomb. After an exhausting period of rehabilitation, he became the US Navy’s first amputee diver in 1968, and then qualified as a Master Diver in 1970, the first African American to do so.

After a distinguished career in the US Navy that lasted more than

30 years, Brashear retired in 1979.

The watch marking Brashear’s life and character is the first Oris watch to be made in bronze, a naturally aging material used in deepsea diving helmets of the 1950s.

It takes its aesthetic from the Oris Divers Sixty-Five, but at 42mm in diameter. Bronze is initially bright and shiny, and then darkens as its copper content reacts with carbon dioxide and

moisture. This means each of the limited run of 2,000 pieces will develop a unique patina over time – and a unique relationship with their owner.

The unidirectional rotating bezel is also made of bronze, with a raised minute scale for tracking dive times, a look that recalls a number of diver’s watches in the Oris archive. The stainless steel case back shows Brashear’s helmet and his very personal claim - “It’s not a sin to get knocked down, it’s a sin to stay down”. Under the watch’s dark blue dial is an automatic mechanical movement, and the watch is water-resistant to 100 metres.

By showcasing this unique watch, Khimji’s Watches presents a great opportunity to own Oris’s first bronze watch, and more importantly to pay tribute to a man whose convictions changed the course of history. Set up in 1973, Khimji’s Watches is one of Muscat’s leading franchisees of luxury watches, jewellery, accessories and writing instruments.

MUSCAT: Al Madina Insurance, Oman’s first Takaful insurance provider, has launched a series of awareness programmes as part of its efforts to share and strengthen the knowledge and understanding of Islamic insurance with the wider community.

These comprehensive Takaful awareness programmes are part of a series of events working closely with Alizz Islamic Bank and Bank Nizwa, says a press release.

Recently, one such event was the Takaful awareness programme in Alizz Islamic Bank’s majlis event. Held at Salalah Gardens Mall recently, the majlis was open to all to gain more information and understand Islamic banking products and Takaful products. The event helped enhance awareness on Islamic insurance products and services and introduce Al Madina Takaful’s range of services to a new audience in Salalah. Visitors expressed keen interest in the choice of Takaful products and

was heartened to know that they can now also avail Takaful products from Al Madina at various locations in the Sultanate of Oman.

“We are committed to the continued development of the

Islamic insurance industry and see these programmes as a great opportunity to contribute and enhance awareness. It is an important aspect in empowering our local communities to understand the importance of Islamic insurance and help choose the best products to secure protection,” said, Usama Al Barwani, acting CEO, Al Madina Takaful.

As the winner of the Oman Insurer of the Year 2016 and General Takaful Company of the Year 2015, Al Madina Takaful has been looking at ways to bring about industry-leading services and products in Oman.

Apart from the awareness programmes, Al Madina Takaful has been catering to specific insurance needs in the market with its products like the Haj and Umrah Travel Insurance or the Livestock Insurance. Al Madina Takaful through its products, services and programmes been setting new benchmarks in the Islamic insurance industry in Oman.

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ROUND-UP

Ssangyong launches Tivoli Air, Air+ The car is now on display at all Ssangyong showrooms in Oman and also at the Muscat Grand Mall

MUSCAT: Within a few months of its global debut, the OTE Group, exclusive distributor for Ssangyong SUVs from Korea, has announced the launch of the all-new Tivoli Air and Tivoli Air+ in Oman.

The car is now on display at all Ssangyong showrooms in Oman and also at the Muscat Grand Mall.

OTE Group represents Ssangyong in the Sultanate of Oman, says a press release.

“The Tivoli offers impressive style, great safety and dynamic driving for an active lifestyle. The introduction of Tivoli Air and Tivoli Air+ ensure that there is a special Tivoli, tailor-made to suit your style. We are excited to bring

the new variants for our customers in Oman,” commented Anil Dua, managing director of OTE Group of companies.

The car derives its name from Tivoli, the Italian town near Rome with a reputation for style. Noted for its cultural heritage and beautiful location, the gardens at Villa d’Este have inspired others to use the name, including the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. Tivoli has created a sensation in the compact SUV market and the new launches are expected to further enhance its appeal to automobile aficionados in Oman.

The Tivoli models offer a fusion of great design and sensible practicality and convenience. With its sensuous design, outstanding utility, class-leading safety / conveni-

ence features and attractive pricing, the all-new Tivoli Air & Tivoli Air+ is an irresistible package for customers seeking style and individuality. This new SUV reflects Ssangyong’s rich legacy of innovation in product development.

The Tivoli Air & Tivoli Air+ offers an attractive experience to customers who seek rugged styling, impressive performance and lounge-like refinement within their cars. Its wide interior space for passengers in the front and rear makes Tivoli the perfect vehicle for everyday use and leisure activity.

The interior offers the modernity of a luxurious living space, with stylish and contemporary looks. Designed to offer easy connectivity for personal devices, the Tivoli also offers style, practicality

and plenty of storage space. Tivoli combines the advantages of an SUV with the comforts and convenience of a saloon car.

Passenger safety has been a top priority for Ssangyong and Tivoli offers best-in-class standards by including dual airbags for the front passengers. There is also multifunction ESP (Electronic Stability Program) with ABS, ARP (Active Roll-over Protection), HSA (Hill Start Assist), HBA (Hill Brake Assist), TCS (Traction Control System) and ESS (Emergency Stop Signal) and a warning reminder on all five seat belt positions.

The Tivoli Air is equipped with features like Audio Control on steering wheel, Power Windows, Projection headlamps, LED combination tail lamps, MP3 Audio

with Bluetooth hands-free, besides a host of other features.

The Tivoli Air+ packs even more with 7” smart audio with touch & HDMI Port (RDS), iPod connection & Bluetooth, 18 inch alloy wheels, cruise control in addition to the exciting features of the Tivoli Air. Young & Dynamic: The Tivoli models available as Tivoli Air and Tivoli Air+ combine design, practicality and convenience.

Ssangyong’s design philosophy, “Nature-born 3Motion” combines Rhythm, Dynamism and Dignified appeal. The urban look and the contemporary silhouette of this car is a testimony to Ssangyong’s aesthetics and the same appeal is experienced through the vehicle interiors as well. A combination of modernity and luxurious living, the Tivoli integrates style with practicality and also ensures easy connectivity to IT devices. An SUV with the comforts and convenience of a saloon, the Tivoli is a perfect vehicle for everyday use and leisure.

The front styling of the Tivoli Air & Air+ projects a strong and purposeful sense. The slim, wide grille and bumper with built-in honeycomb air intake project a rugged feel. Width is accentuated

by the slim line extending from grille to headlamps, while the two tone bumper and dynamic air intake convey masculinity and power. From the side, A-Pillar and wide C-Pillar in glossy black are accentuated with a continuous line of chrome from front to rear.

The tail lamp seamlessly unites the side with the back while the rear bumper with large tailgate is flanked by muscular tail lamps.

Tivoli’s optimized spatial design provides excellent passenger convenience and storage. Moreover, the full-flat folding second-row seats with 423 litre cargo bay, provides ample storage.

Dynamic Driving: An optimised gear ratio raises fuel efficiency and enhances throttle response for more dynamic driving. A Dcut steering wheel, mostly used in sports cars, together with a cylinder-type six-colour cluster not only satisfies drivers’ emotional needs but also boosts their pride.

Performance Unlimited: The newly developed 1.6 litre e-XGI160 petrol engine (1,597 cc), is designed for fuel efficiency, runs quietly and is tuned to perform best in the low and mid-speed ranges.

This ensures that the vehicle delivers optimum performance in daily driving situations.

RECRUIT QUOTES Difficulty in owning one’s own reality can be looked at from two very different perspectives. Some people who exhibit this trait do so from pure ignorance and denial of who they are and the effects of that denial on those around them - as well as the effect it may have on their self if they were to acknowledge their reality.

— Ches Moulton I want to stay as close to the edge as I can without going over.

Out on the edge you see all kinds of things you can’t see from the centre.

— Kurt Vonnegut Jr I don’t have a bluecollar job. It’s more of a green collar, because of all the yellow sweat stains mixing in.

— Jarod Kintz As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.

— John F. Kennedy

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

B8

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

ROUND-UP

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Omantel, Engineering Village bring ‘Hour of Code’ to children of Oman Children will receive an hour-long tutorial in which they will learn the basics of programming in a simple and engaging method designed to spur on future interest in the field

MUSCAT: Omantel, in partnership with the leading Omani education centre Engineering Village, has brought the international youth computer programming initiative ‘Hour of Code’ to the Sultanate.

The global movement, conceptualised by Computer Science Education Week and Code.org, involves a one-hour introduction to computer science and computer programming and has already reached tens of millions of students in over 180 countries.

‘Hour of Code’ will take place at Salalah Gardens Mall on Au-

gust 17 and 18 from 11am to 9pm.

It is a free event open to children between the ages of 8 and 14. Children will receive an hour-long tutorial in which they will learn the basics of programming in a simple and engaging method designed to spur on future interest in the field, says a press release.

Omantel’s support of the initiative underscores the company’s commitment to grow the digital society, support innovation and youth development in Oman.

Speaking about the significance of the initiative, Laila Al Wahaibi, Corporate Social Responsibility manager at Omantel said, “In our

changing world, the way we educate the next generation must also change to fit the times. We live in a world of rapid technological advancement; while children these days tend to be very technological savvy, many lack exposure to valuable future skills such as computer programming and coding skills that are becoming essential in today’s digital and interconnected global society. With this in mind, we are proud to join hands with Engineering Village to bring the global phenomenon ‘Hour of Code’ to Oman for the first time.

Through this initiative we aim to give children a taste of computer

programming and coding, so they in turn can develop passion and pursue important skills that will help to give them the best start in life and allow them to add more value to their community, and perhaps the world.”

“At Omantel we have a responsibility to invest in our communities in order to achieve a brighter, productive and sustainable future for all. Youth development in particular is an area very close to our hearts as it is the youth that represent the future of our society. For this reason, we work hard alongside public and private sector organisations to help nurture local talents and youth through various initiatives, activities and events with the aim of enriching lives and fast-tracking youth to a brighter future,” added Laila Al Wahaibi.

Commenting on the initiative, Fahad Al Siyabi, the chief executive officer of Engineering Village noted, “At Engineering Village, we are a specialised educational

centre that focuses on developing electronics and programming skills through technical training and after school activities for all ages. Given our field and expertise, we are delighted to join hands with Omantel to facilitate the entry of the ‘Hour of Code’ initiative into Oman. This initiative will surely be a big hit among youngsters here in Oman as it has already proved immense popularity in over 180 countries around the world. Even US President Barack Obama has participated in the ‘Hour of Code’ programme, albeit under the instruction of capable young coders.

Coding tutorials are available in over 40 different languages and are specially crafted to appeal to children of young ages.”

“At Engineering Village we are pleased to join forces with the Sultanate’s most iconic and trusted telecommunications brand to deliver this pioneering initiative to the leaders of tomorrow. We are excited to work with Oman-

tel to bring this trend to life in the Sultanate of Oman. In the coming years, we hope to see scores of bright young coders as a result,” continued Fahad Al Siyabi.

Laila Al Wahaibi added, “At Omantel we are proud supporters of innovation and creativity, elements that form the bedrock of the company’s transformative 3.0 strategy. Technology will form the cornerstone of all industries in the near future, and thus a passion and aptitude for programming and coding will soon become essential for our children to get ahead in life.

We encourage all parents to bring their children to participate in this exciting and valuable initiative that will hopefully light the fire of passion their hearts.”

Investing in the future of the nation, Omantel connects even the most remote communities of the Sultanate to each other and the rest of the world. Omantel is the Sultanate’s first and leading integrated telecommunications services provider, enabling the digital society to flourish, allowing new ways of doing business and delivering a world of information, news and entertainment.

Today, Omantel boldly innovates to deliver the highest levels of customer satisfaction, the broadest and most reliable nationwide network while investing for Oman’s future development.

DRAMA

F I R S T - O F - I T S - K I N D I N I T I AT I V E

Kachchhi Wing set to present Gujarati play on August 27

Bank Muscat staff begins training to serve its hearing impaired customers MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, in step with its dynamic ‘Let’s Do More’ vision and commitment to innovative customer service, has begun a first-ofits-kind initiative in the banking sector in Oman to train employees in sign language to serve hearing impaired customers.

Joining hands with the Omani Society for the Hearing Impaired, the unique social responsibility programme is aimed at enhancing banking service excellence to physically challenged segments of society.

Targeting branches across the Sultanate with the aim of having a sign language speaker in the main branches, a select group of employees drawn from branches across the Sultanate are undergoing the sign language training held in association with Al Tawasul Institute for Training, says a press release.

Over the years, Bank Muscat has adopted innovative strategies to equip employees to handle unique customer service requirements.

The bank has developed a comprehensive Learning & Development

strategy for skill and knowledge enhancement vis-à-vis the requirement of various departments.

As the flagship bank serving the largest banking community in the Sultanate, Bank Muscat is committed to addressing all customer requirements.

The bank’s ‘Let’s Do More’ vision is a clear roadmap to maintain the leadership position with innovative services, making banking easier and convenient for all customers. Bank Muscat is at the forefront of customer service excellence and strives to continually

deliver high quality service to all segments of society.

Since its inception, the corporate social responsibility department has taken major strides in nurturing a socially responsible culture in the bank, bringing benefits to different segments of society and touching the lives of people. Committed to contributing towards sustainable development and delivering long-term benefits to the community, Bank Muscat CSR programmes are focused on key areas, including youth, sports, health and education.

‘ G E T R E WA R D E D O N Y O U R S P E N D S ’

MUSCAT: Kachchhi Wing of the Indian Social Club is all set to present a Gujarati drama Bhari Lau Aankhma Zindagi at Al Falaj Hotel, Ruwi on August 27 for its wing members and invitees.

Kachchhi Wing has organised various cultural and social activities for the members like kite festival, Holi celebration, Gujarati drama, Summer Funda, Diwali mela, aarti and cooking competition, various sports activities and other local events in the past. It has provided a platform to the local talents to exhibit their skills.

Hemlata Jesrani, convener of the wing, extended her gratitude to the sponsors on behalf of the wing. “We are thankful to Indian Social Club management committee, all sponsors, well-wishers of our wing and also the committee members.”

Bhari Lau Aankhma Zindagi is about living life to the fullest and meeting challenges head on. It

has a unique concept with hilarious comedy, beautiful love story and marvellous performance by the artistes. This drama group has staged 200 shows worldwide.

The play is written by Pranav Tripathi and directed by Rahul Antani with leading cast Parth Desai, Bhavisha Upadhyay, Rahul Antani, Gazal Rai, Bhavesh Zaveri, Sameer Rajda, Pranav Tripathi and Prakash Panchal.

The play is produced by Tejas Gohil and Nilesh Dave, presented by Kiran Bhatt and music by Bollywood maestro Sachin and Jigar under the banner of Tejraj Production.

“All Gujarati dramas presented till date were unique wholesome family entertainment with a social message delivered at the end of each drama,” said Hiten Dutia, co-convener of the wing.

He promised the upcoming play will be appreciated by drama lovers in Muscat.

JOINT VENTURE

Bank Sohar conducts 2nd credit card promotion draw APL Logistics Oman MUSCAT: Bank Sohar recently conducted the second of three draws for the ‘Get Rewarded on your Spends’ Credit Card Usage promotion, announcing the names of the second set of 30 winners of the promotion.

The promotion which will end today will see 90 lucky winners in total receive cash back of up to OMR300 on their spends each.

The second draw event of the promotion was conducted at the bank’s branch in Salalah in the presence of Khamis Masoud Al Rahbi, senior AGM of Branches and acting head - Retail Banking, and Amor Said Al Amri, senior chief branch manager of the Salalah branch. The names of the winners have been posted through advertisements issued by the bank and on its social media pages, says a press release.

Commenting on the promotion, Khamis Masoud Al Rahbi, said, “Our excel credit cards were always designed to be rewarding to shop with; offering customers a range of unique features, benefits and promotions such as this one.

In fact, alongside this credit card usage promotion, users of our excel credit cards can also participate in our other ongoing promotions and benefits that their cards are eligible for; including both the Interactive Easy Instalment Plan (IEPP) offer and the bank’s ‘Mukaaf’aat Al Mumayaz’ Cards

On behalf of the bank I would like to congratulate each of the 60 winners of the promotion so far. With just a few more days to go before the offer ends, I encourage everyone to make the most of the promotion to increase their chances of winning in the final draw Khamis Masoud Al Rahbi Senior AGM of Branches and acting head of Retail Banking

Loyalty Programme for both Excel Platinum Credit Card and Excel Diamond Infinite Credit holders.”

As part of the ongoing promotion titled ‘Get Rewarded on your Spends’, Bank Sohar has introduced a rewarding way to shop using any of its Excel Classic, Gold, Platinum, Internet or Infinite Credit Cards.

For every minimum purchase of OMR20, either through Point of Sale (POS) or over the internet, customers are automatically entered into a monthly draw.

Each draw will see 30 customers win cash back on their winning purchase amounting to a maximum

of up to OMR300 each. With three draws in total, the promotion will see 90 winners once the promotion comes to a close today. Furthermore, customers who spend more than OMR1,000 on a single transaction at any time during the offer period will also have their annual credit card renewal fee waived.

Congratulating the winners, Khamis Al Rahbi added, “On behalf of the bank I would like to congratulate each of the 60 winners of the promotion so far. With just a few more days to go before the offer ends, I encourage everyone to make the most of the promotion to

increase their chances of winning in the final draw.”

As an added benefit to all Bank Sohar Excel Credit Card Holders, purchases made are also eligible for the bank’s Interactive Easy Instalment Plan (IEPP) offer. As part of the offer, customers can enjoy the ease of payment and the convenience of converting purchases into three, six or 12 months instalments at 0% interest.

In addition, Bank Sohar Cards Loyalty Programme - ‘Mukaaf’aat Al Mumayaz’ can also be availed through this offer with two of the bank’s premier credit cards; the Excel Platinum Credit Card, Excel Diamond Infinite Credit Card. This programme allows card holders to accumulate one point for every OMR1 spent using their credit cards for transactions made internationally. These points can then be redeemed as cash at the rate of OMR1 for every 100 points accumulated.

Alongside the ‘Get Rewarded on your Spends’ promotion, Bank Sohar Excel Credit Cards also provide an array of other benefits to customers including travel insurance, purchase protection, zero lost card liability, free priority pass and online shopping security via verified by visa, and much more.

Bank Sohar credit cards are also accepted worldwide for making payments and can also be used for cash withdrawals at more than 800,000 ATMs globally.

to spearhead Middle East regional logistics hub development MUSCAT: APL Logistics Ltd announced the setup of APL Logistics Oman, a new joint venture company with Arab Global Logistics in Oman.

APL Logistics Oman will spearhead efforts to develop Oman as a regional logistics hub to serve local and international customers in the Middle-East and East Africa.

APL Logistics (APLL) is the go-to global supply chain specialist for companies in the automotive, consumer, industrials and retail sectors. The new Muscatbased joint venture company is backed by APLL’s deep logistics expertise and global execution experience, says a press release.

Customers can look forward to a comprehensive offering of hi-tech, flexible logistics services that are solving complex everyday issues across inbound and production logistics, finished vehicle logistics, multi-modal transportation, consolidation, order management, customs brokerage and packaging.

Joerg Granzow, APL Logis-

Customers can look forward to a comprehensive offering of hi-tech, flexible logistics services that are solving complex everyday issues across inbound and production logistics, finished vehicle logistics, customs brokerage, etc. tics Regional Leader for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), said “We are excited about the compelling growth prospects in Oman and the Middle East, with rising consumption and rapid diversification of economic activities. We chose Oman for its strategic location within the region, well-established infrastructure and highly capable work force.”

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Sumgong first Kenyan woman to win Olympic marathon gold 27, shook up the pack halfway through, taking the lead and briefly pulling ahead of the lead group.

The move pushed the pace, stringing out what had been a lead pack of more than two dozen runners, causing some to drop back.

It was the first in a series of attacks by the first-time Olympian, who was ultimately unable to sustain the pace and was dropped by the leaders in the closing stages before finishing fifth in 2:24:48.

Bahrain’s Eunice Jepkirui Kirwa claimed silver and Ethiopian Mare Dibaba snatched the bronze

RIO DE JANEIRO: Kenyan Jemima Jelagat Sumgong won gold in the women’s marathon on Sunday in two hours, 24 minutes and four seconds after an aggressive and pre-planned surge in the final kilometres, becoming the first Kenyan woman to take the title.

Bahrain’s Eunice Jepkirui Kirwa claimed silver in 2:24:13 and Ethiopian Mare Dibaba snatched

AGGRESSIVE SHOW: Kenya’s Jemima Jelagat Sumgong celebrates after winning the women’s marathon in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. – AFP

the bronze in 2:24:30.

Sumgong, 31, bided her time throughout the race, staying with the leading pack and not moving ahead until the end.

“I had prepared that I would move out at kilometre 35 and my

GYMNASTICS

Whitlock clinches historic gymnastics gold for Britain

MAKING HISTORY: British gold medallist Max Whitlock, centre, Brazil’s silver medallist Diego Hypolito and bronze winner Arthur Mariano celebrate after the men’s artistic gymnastics floor competition in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. – Reuters

RIO DE JANEIRO: Max Whitlock ended Britain’s 120-year wait for an Olympic gymnastics gold medal by upstaging twotime world champion Kenzo Shirai to win the men’s floor exercise title on Sunday.

Whitlock produced a series of gravity-defying tumbles to win gold with a score of 15.633, while Brazilian Diego Hypolito burst into tears of joy as he claimed silver, delighting the partisan crowd and making up for his flops at the last two Games.

There was more happiness for the home fans as Arthur Mariano picked up the bronze. Shirai had been the favourite to become the first Japanese gymnast to win the floor exercise since Sawao Kato in 1968, but his gold medal hopes looked shaky when he almost sat down following a triple twisting front somersault.

When he stumbled forward following his next tumbling pass, he was completely out of the running for a medal.

But given the difficulty of Shirai’s routine, Whitlock was still unsure where the 19-year-old would end up in the pecking order and he sat with his head down, jiggling nervously with his feet as he waited for the scoreboard to flash up his rival’s result.

The crowd’s main concern was that no one would leapfrog sentimental favourite Hypolito or Mariano.

Chants of “Diego, Diego, Diego” were ringing around the arena when the final contender, Sam Mikulak of the United States, began his routine. Wild cheers erupted as he stumbled following his first tumbling run.

That set off the celebrations for the Brazilian crowd and the tears freely flowed down Hypolito’s face as he finally got on the Olympic podium following years of pain and disappointment.

All around champion Kohei Uchimura was fifth.

Rose wins golf gold RIO DE JANEIRO: Britain’s Justin Rose birdied the final hole to win the Olympic golf tournament on Sunday, the first gold medallist in a sport that returned to the Olympics in Rio after a 112-year absence.

Rose, who scored a hole in one on his first day, carded a final round four-under-par 67 to beat Henrik Stenson by two strokes in a competition that went all the way to the final putts.

The United States’ Matt Kuchar, who was only included after Jordan Spieth pulled out, finished one stroke behind Stenson to win bronze. - Reuters

Biles wins women’s vault All-around champion Simone Biles scooped her third gold medal at the Olympics when she soared to victory in the vault final.

The American beat world champion Maria Paseka of Russia with a score of 15.966 from her two vaults. Paseka claimed silver and Switzerland’s Giulia Steingruber pipped India’s Dipa Karmakar by 0.15 of a point to take bronze.

Uzbekistan’s Oksana Chusovitina, bidding to become the oldest ever gymnast to win an Olympic medal at the age of 41, finished seventh out of the eight finalists after over-rotating on her Produnova. - Reuters

body was responding very well, as well as my movement,” Sumgong told reporters after crossing the line at Rio’s Sambadrome, the parade ground where brightly costumed samba schools perform during the city’s annual Carnival

celebration. “At the 40 kilometre I knew the gold was mine.”

“It was very hot but everybody had to get through the heat. I had to control my body and listen to my body very carefully,” Sumgong said.

Belarusian Volha Mazuronak,

Russians win tennis gold Russia’s Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina beat Swiss duo Martina Hingis and Timea Bacsinszky 6-4, 6-4 to win Olympic gold in the women’s doubles on Sunday.

The victory in a sparsely attended final gave Russia their seventh gold medal of the Rio Games and first in tennis.

Meanwhile, India’s tennis campaign ended in dejection as Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna were blown away by the Czech team of

Radek Stepanek and Lucie Hradceka in the mixed doubles bronze medal play-off. The Indian pair, who raised hopes of a medal with two consecutive wins to make the semifinals, suffered a 1-6, 6-7 humiliation in the mixed doubles contest.

Sania and Prarthana Thombare had lost first round in the women’s doubles while Bopanna and Leander Paes had also made a first round exit from the men’s doubles.

In badminton, Kidambi Srikanth lifted some gloom from India’s sagging campaign as he reached the men’s singles prequarterfinals after biggest medal hope Saina Nehwal crashed out of the women’s singles event.

Former world No. 3, Srikanth defeated Sweden’s Henri Hurskainen 21-6, 21-18 in the second match of Group H that lasted 34 minutes. Earlier, Saina crashed out after suffering a 18-21, 19-21 upset against lower-ranked Maria Ulitina of Ukraine in her second Group G match. - Agencies

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SPORTS

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Chandimal scores ton but Australia launch strong reply SCOREBOARD

Smith and Marsh scored unbeaten half-centuries after Chandimal scored his seventh Test century

COLOMBO: Steven Smith and Shaun Marsh scored unbeaten half-centuries to launch a strong response from Australia after Dinesh Chandimal’s patient hundred pushed Sri Lanka’s first-innings total to 355 on the second day of the third and final Test on Sunday.

Chandimal (132) continued Sri Lanka’s superb fightback with his seventh Test century after they were reduced to 26 for five on the first morning with the hosts’ innings finally coming to an end just before the tea break.

Australia, who face the very real prospect of losing their top Test ranking and suffering a 3-0 series sweep, lost David Warner (11) early to Dhananjaya de Silva but Smith (61) and Marsh (64) then added 120 for the unbroken second wicket.

At stumps, the touring side reached 141 for one wicket, trailing Sri Lanka by 214 runs.

Earlier, Australia fast bowler

FINE TON: Dinesh Chandimal celebrates his century. – AP/PTI

Mitchell Starc picked up the last two wickets to fall, including the one of Chandimal, to complete his seventh career five-wicket haul and take his series tally to 22.

After resuming on 214-5, De Silva (129) and Chandimal put paid to Australia’s hopes of quick wickets by extending their sixth-wicket stand to 211 before the overnight centurion became off-spinner Nathan Lyon’s third victim.

Shaun Marsh, who had dropped De Silva on Saturday after the batsman had completed his maiden hundred, managed to hold on to the catch at forward short leg this time.

Dilruwan Perera (16) was the only other batsman to fall in the first session, giving left-arm spinner Jon Holland his first wicket of the innings as the batsman lofted a drive to Lyon at long on as he

Sri Lanka 1st innings: K. Silva c Smith b Starc 0 D. Karunaratne b Starc 7 K. Perera c Smith b Lyon 16 K. Mendis c Smith b Starc 1 A. Mathews c Starc b Lyon 1 D. Chandimal c Nevill b Starc 132 D. de Silva c M. Marsh b Lyon 129 D. Perera c Lyon b Holland 16 R. Herath retired hurt 33 S. Lakmal c M. Marsh b Starc 5 L. Sandakan not out 4 Extras (b-4, lb-7) 11 Total (all out, 141.1 overs) 355 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-21, 3-23, 4-24, 5-26, 6-237, 7-267, 8-348, 9-355 Bowling: M. Starc 25.1-11-63-5, J. Hazlewood 18-4-52-0, N. Lyon 50-11-110-3, J. Holland 37-8-69-1, M. Marsh 10-1-45-0, S. Smith 1-0-5-0 Australia 1st innings: D. Warner c K. Perera b D. de Silva 11 S. Marsh not out 64 S. Smith not out 61 Extras (b-4 lb-1) 5 Total (for 1 wickets, 43 overs) 141 Fall of wicket: 1-21 Bowling: D. Perera 17-2-48-0, D. de Silva 5-0-20-1, R. Herath 13-2-36-0, L. Sandakan 4-0-19-0, S. Lakmal 4-0-13-0 Umpires: C. Gaffaney & S. Ravi TV umpire: Richard Kettleborough Match referee: Chris Broad

looked to up the tempo. Chandimal, 26, was mostly watchful and concentrated hard during his knock but broke free to move into the 80s when he reverse swept Lyon for a superb six over the deep point boundary. — Reuters

GOLF

Rashad Al Harthy to make debut in Asia Pacific Amateur tournament

Oman’s Rashad Al Harthy

MUSCAT: Talented Omani golfer Rashad Al Harthy is all set to make his debut at the Asia Pacific Amateur Championship (APAC) after being picked by the Oman Golf Committee (OGC) to represent the Sultanate in the tournament to be organised in Chinese Taipei from August 21 “I am honoured to represent my country. I am thankful to the OGC for choosing me for this competition. I am eager to gain some very good experience from the tournament as lot of youngsters like me, who are future Pros, will be participating in the competition. It’s my privilege to get first-hand experience at the tournament,” said an elated Rashad.

Rashad will be accompanied on the trip to Chinese Taipei by his father Salim Al Harthy. Rashad will leave Muscat on August 19 and will reach the venue two days before the tournament to get a feel of the course.

“It would have been better if I couldhave gone there before a few days to get enough time to understand the course and the weather conditions. But I have to go to school as well and that’s why I will reach there two days before the tournament starts,” said Rashad.

But the rookie golfer has already done some research about the golf course and found it very challenging. Hamood Al Harthy, Rashad’s brother, is guiding the youngster with valuable tips as the elder one had experienced the heat of the tournament back in 2014 in Australia.

Meanwhile, the national team of the OGC changed its base from Ghala Golf Club to Ras Al Hamra Golf Club recently, and the squad is now training under new coach William Bruce.

Rashad is excited over working with the new coach who, he feels, has brought a whole lot of changes in his game. “I am someone who asks a lot of questions, and Bruce is not tired of answering them,” said Rashad.

“He is a good coach, he supports us very well.”

— Read full report on www.timesofoman.com

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

SPORTS Oman to play PIA in Pakistan Independence Day hockey tie Legendary hockey stars — striker Shahbaz Ahmed Senior and goalkeeper Shahid Ali Khan — who will be coming to Oman with the PIA team, are sure to attract a sizeable crowd to the stadium

SHAHZAD RAZA

shahzad@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman will be hosting a bevy of Pakistani hockey greats as a star-studded Pakistan International Airlines team will be playing Oman national team for the Pakistan Independence Day Cup at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex

at 8 pm on August 23. According to Aftab Gilani, one of the organisers, the high profile match is a part of Pakistan’s 70th Independence Day celebrations in Oman.

Legendary hockey stars — striker Shahbaz Ahmed Senior and goalkeeper Shahid Ali Khan — who will be coming to Oman with the PIA team, are sure to attract a

STAR ATTRACTION: Pakistan Hockey Federation general secretary and highly acclaimed former centre-forward Shahbaz Ahmed.

sizeable crowd to the stadium.

“The event is being held under the patronage of Oman Hockey Association (OHA) in association with Pakistan Social Club Oman,” he added. Mercurial centre forward Shahbaz is currently

FOOTBALL

the general secretary of Pakistan Hockey Federation while Shahid, one of the best goalkeepers Pakistan produced, is coming to Oman as the PIA team manager. The current PIA squad has many players who play for Pakistan.

TENNIS

Sheikh Salim elected new OFA Chairman unopposed Sports Reporter MUSCAT: Sheikh Salim Al Wahaibi has been elected unopposed as the new Oman Football Association (OFA) chairman, sources at OFA informed Times Sport on Sunday.

“The last day for filing of nominations for the chairmanship was today and no other candidates turned-up. Therefore, Sheikh Salim was elected unopposed,” said the source.

Last week, speaking to the media, Al Wahaibi had said that his main objective was to raise the profile of the national team.

“Over the past few years, the national team has not been doing that well. Their performance has slipped considerably. I want to see the team get back in top league and compete well at the GCC and Asian levels,” he added.

Former OFA chairman Sayyid Khalid Al Busaidi congratulated Al Wahaibi. “I would like to congratulate Sheikh Salim Al Wahaibi on his new role as OFA Chairman and wish him all success,”

Fatma settles for second place in Spain

AT THE HELM: Sheikh Salim Al Wahaibi, who was elected unopposed as the chairman on Oman Football Association. – Times of Oman

Sayyid Khalid tweeted on Sunday.

Meanwhile, elections will be held for the post of Vice-chairman and other members.

“We have recieved 4 nominations for the post of vice-president and 25 nominations for the OFA board,” added the source.

The elections is scheduled to be

held on September 29 at Hormuz Grand.

The nominations for the polls closed on Sunday and now is ready for the contest to find who will be the vice-chairman and other office-bearers in Sheik Salim Al Wahaibi, who will also assume office after the polls.

MUSCAT: Omani ace Fatma Al Nabhani failed to cross the final hurdle and settled for the second place in the $10,000 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria ITF Pro Circuit tournament in Spain on Saturday.

According to information received here, in a closely contested final the Omani top seed was outlasted by unseeded Australian Samantha Harris 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (7).

Fatma also took part in the doubles competition where she partnered with Belgium’s Helene Scholsen. But the duo’s challenge ended in the semifinals, where they were beaten 3-6, 3-6 by Spain’s Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers and Charlotte Roemer of Ecuador.

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Al Khatri out as Oman’s campaign ends Oman’s Hamed Al Khatri at Rio

36 were disqualified

Al Khatri participated in Men’s 50m rifle 3 positions:

8 qualified to the Final

Hamed Al Khatri did not live up to

Qualifiers

1,130

Al Khatri finished in penultimate position with 1,138 points, so he failed to advance to the final

expectations in the qualifying session of the men’s rifle 3-position to crash out of the competition and with that

Niccolo Campriani (Italy) holds the Olympic record (with 1287.5 points) since 2012

1,140

Cassio Rippel (Brazil) 1,129

1,150

Hamada Talat (Egypt) 1,151

1,160

1,170

Niccolo Campriani was last qualified 1,174

1,180

Russian Sergey Kamenskiy qualified to the Final as leader with 1,184 points

Source: International Olympic Committee

Graphics

curtains came down on Oman in Rio

RIO DE JANERIO: Oman’s rifle shooter Hamed Said Al Khatri disappointed on the final day of Sultanate’s campaing at the Rio Olympic Games by finishing 43rd in the line-up of 44 qualifiers on Sunday.

Hamed Al Khatri did not live up to expectations in the qualifying session of the men’s rifle 3-position to crash out of the competition and with that curtains came down on Oman in Rio. Al Khatri never looked to be in

END OF THE SHOW: Oman shooter Hamed Said Al Khatri in action at the shooting centre in Rio.

contention firing scores of 371 (kneeling), 397 (prone) and 367 (standing) for a tally of 1138.

Meanwhile, Indian shooters Gagan Narang and Chain Singh also failed to progress to the final.

Narang, a bronze medalist in the London Games four years ago in men’s 10m air rifle, ended up even behind Chain Singh, who was 23rd, in the 33rd spot out of 44 shooters with a three-phase

tally of 1162 while Chain accumulated 1169.

Chain, who looked very much in the running for a slot in the finals after the first two phases, shot 391 out of 400 in kneeling, a superb

398 with three perfect 100s in prone and 380 in standing to get knocked out of the competition.

Narang, on the other hand, never looked in contention and fired 383, 395 and 384 in the three stages of the competition.

The experienced shooter from Hyderabad, who runs an academy now, thus ended his Olympic campaign by drawing a blank in all three events he took part in - 10m air rifle, rifle prone and in 3-position.

Second for Campriani Defending Olympic champion Niccolo Campriani won his second gold of the Games by clinching the men’s 50 metre rifle three positions event on Sunday, making Italy the most successful country in the shooting in Rio with four gold medals. Campriani, a 28-yearold who won the event in London 2012, narrowly defeated Russia’s Sergey Kamenskiy who was making his Olympic debut, in the last of the 15 shooting events.

France’s Alexis Raynaud took the bronze in his first Olympics at the age of 21. Campriani also took the gold in the 10 metre air rifle event, making him the only shooter to win two golds in Rio. Italy also won three silver medals.

Dusmatov wins gold Uzbekistan’s light-flyweight Hasan-

For more Olympic Games reports from Rio visit www.timesofoman.com M E D A L S TA L LY

(Top 10 countries at 10pm Oman time on Sunday) Country United States China Great Britain Germany Russia Italy Japan Australia South Korea France

G 24 13 11 8 7 7 7 6 6 5

S 18 11 14 5 10 7 3 7 3 8

B T 18 60 17 41 7 32 3 16 8 25 5 19 14 24 9 22 4 13 7 20

boy Dusmatov won the first gold medal of the Olympic boxing competition on Sunday when he beat Colombia’s Yurberjen Martinez on a unanimous points decision.

Martinez took the silver. Losing semi-finalists Joahnys Argilagos of Cuba and Nico Hernandez of the United States won the bronze medals.

Hernandez’s was the first boxing medal for the U.S. men since the 2008 Beijing Games when heavyweight Deontay Wilder also won bronze. - Agencies

CRICKET

Yasir helps Pakistan crush England to level Test series LONDON: Leg-spinner Yasir Shah took five wickets to help Pakistan crush England by 10 wickets in the final Test at The Oval on Sunday and level a fluctuating series 2-2.

The touring side bowled England out for 253 in their second innings, Shah completing figures of 5-71, before Azhar Ali and Sami Aslam eased them to a simple target of 40 in 13.1 overs to complete an emphatic win.

“It was special, keeping in mind it was Independence Day, it was something special to draw the series here after being 2-1 down, losing the second test badly and losing the third,” Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq told the BBC. “But the way the team fought back, I’m a really happy captain.”

England had resumed on 88 for four and Gary Ballance soon fell for 17 but Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali shared a sixth-wicket partnership of 65 to give the hosts hoping of saving the match.

Shortly before lunch, however, Shah deceived Moeen with a quicker delivery and the lefthander, on 32, nicked another catch to a gleeful Sarfraz.

Chris Woakes was run out following a mix-up with Bairstow, who drove the next delivery from Wahab Riaz straight to extra cover, his departure for 81 ending any realistic chance of England saving the match.

Stuart Broad reverse swept Shah straight to Younus Khan at slip and after Steven Finn and James Anderson shared a defiant last-wicket partnership of 32, Anderson was trapped lbw by part-time off-spinner Iftikhar Ahmed for 17.

Azhar smashed Moeen for a huge six to take Pakistan to 42-0 and clinch victory, punching the air in delight before leaving the field with Aslam to warm applause from the sunbaked crowd.

“You expect to win your home series, but Pakistan showed their class -- we knew Younis was going

SHARING THE TROPHY: Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq and England captain Alastair Cook pose with the trophy after shared Test series. – Reuters

SCOREBOARD

England 1st innings: 328 (M. Ali 108, J. Bairstow 55; S. Khan 5-68) Pakistan 1st innings: 542 (Y. Khan 218, A. Shafiq 109) England 2nd innings: A. Cook c I. Ahmed b Riaz 7 A. Hales lbw b Shah 12 J. Root lbw b Shah 39 J. Vince c Misbah b Shah 0 G. Ballance c S. Ahmed b S. Khan 17 J. Bairstow c A. Ali b Riaz 81 M. Ali c S. Ahmed b Shah 32 C. Woakes run out (Riaz) 4 S. Broad c Y. Khan b Shah 5 S. Finn not out 16 J. Anderson lbw b I. Ahmed 17

to get us eventually as you don’t average 50 in more than 100 tests if you’re not a class player,” England captain Alastair Cook said, referring to the innings of 218 by

Extras (b-8, lb-10, nb-5) 23 Total (all out, 79.2 overs) 253 Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-49, 3-55, 4-74, 5-128, 6-193, 7-209, 8-209, 9-221, 10-253 Bowling: M. Amir 21.4-7-65-0, S. Khan 152-50-1, W. Riaz 11.2-1-48-2 (nb-5), Y. Shah 29-4-71-5, I. Ahmed 2.2-1-1-1 Pakistan 2nd innings: S. Aslam not out 12 A. Ali not out 30 Total: (for no loss, 13.1 overs) 42 Bowling: C. Woakes 4-0-11-0, S. Finn 0.20-0-0, M. Ali 5.5-0-30-0, J. Root 3-2-1-0 Umpires: M. Erasmus & B. Oxenford TV umpire: Joel Wilson Match referee: Richie Richardson

Younis Khan which set up Pakistan’s victory. Pakistan won the first Test at Lord’s and England were victorious in Manchester and Birmingham. - Reuters

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Contact: 97007934 / 92629232 Furnished office (61M2) for sale / rent Al Khuwair near Zawawi Mosque. Contact: 95611569

Flat in Al Khuwair opp grand mall 4 room 3 toilet + hall kitchen in 3 floor 400. Contact 99420346 2BHK Big Size Flat Behind Bank Muscat, Wadi Kabir. Near ISWK. 97826454, 24815012.

Flat for rent in South AlGhubrah 3 rooms, hall and 3 toilets, kitchen rent 450/-. Contact: 99335580 2BHK split A/C 200/- Monthly & 1BHK spilt A/C 150/- monthly new building good location Barka Market. contact 99342661 Warehouse at Wadikabir - total area 3500 sqm - covered warehouse (500sqm), office, accommodation (1000sqm), open area (2000sqm) please contact: 99273774 - 99202278

FOR SALE Shop for sale. Contact: 99037008 / 99348582 Heavy Machine Equipment Parts, Filters and G.E.T for Sale. If you are interested, please contact +968 93292015 or +968 99656542.

1No brand new containerized package type STP 100 m3/ day with blower equipments (suitable for camps). Serious Buyers may.

Contact: 99445367

Used furniture, AC, Fridge, bed+ mattress, tables + chair, computers, photocopy machines 2 nos. (toshiba) hiti photo printer, 1 gas stove + cylinder, t v + receiver, dish. Contact 93240949 Running Restaurant for sale at Ruwi’s heart, 90+ chairs minimal rent 7 visas. Contact : 94909192 Coffee shop for sale at Al Khuwair 33. Contact: 92994415 Mabellah industrial land 6000 sqm for sale. Contact: 91155779 Farm in Barka for sale.

Contact: 91155779 Space for printing press available at wadikabir with or without machinery. Contact 99328430 Almost new beach/ garden lounge chairs /bar stools/ counter.

Photos can be sent 95865457 Hotel apartment in Mawaleh for sale. Contact: 91155779 Restaurant for sale heart of Ruwi.

Contact 93687466 HD Scaffoldings, Shuttering Jacks, Wooden Planks, Shuttering wood assorted, Tower hoist (lift), Concrete Mixer, Bending Machine, Steel Fabrication Machinery (Searing/Cutting, lathe & Welding) including tools for immediate sale: Contact 99273774/ 99202278

M O N DAY, AU G U S T 1 5, 2 0 1 6

D3

DAILY GUIDE

ACC. AVAILABLE Furnished room in ruwi and azaiba for rent for executive bachelors. Gsm 99058344 Big room with attached bathroom available at Honda Road, Ruwi for Executive bachelor.

Contact 95527969

BUYING Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299

Furnished apartment for rent, two rooms, majlis, hall, kitchen.

Near Carrefour al-mawalah.

Contact 99336776

Buying cars for cash.

Contact 90202090

Room for rent near Al Falaj hotel, Ruwi. Contact: 97338108

MV SALE 2 nos Atlas 40ft. 50 ton capacity flat trailors with Volvo 97 model 4 wheel. Contact : 99454425 Prado 2011.

Contact : 99336093 Kia Sportage, 2008 4 CYL, excelent condition.

Contact 99378397 2010 Pajero KMS 59,000, excellent condition fully automatic sun roof. Contact: 99354340 Sportage model 2012, Corolla 1.6, 2013, Mazda 6 2012, Mitsubishi pick up diesel 2011 4WD. Contact: 96565082 / 99839898 2013 Lexus GS 350, Single Owner, No Accident,45 000km,Black.

Contact 98960915 Nissan Qashqai 2013 Kms 30,000 VGC comprehensive insurance UAE / Oman. Contact: 96995430 2015 Chrysler 300 S ,Special Edition, Hard to find,19000 km, single owner, No Accident, beautiful Red, Full option.

Contact 98960915 2015 Toyota Camry SE, single Owner, No Accident 27000 km, All power. Contact 98960915 2015 Mazda 3i Sport, Single owner, No Accident, 22000 km,2.0 Engine. Contact 98960915

FOR SALE 3BHK flat Qurum R.O 75/- thousands. Contact: 98802280 Single colorful Bed and Sofa for Sale at Al Khuwair. Contact 92881849 / What`s up No 97290565 Steel Scrap materials for immediate sale. Contact 99273774/ 99202278 5 BHK villa at AL Khuwair 17/1 R.O 135/- thousands.

Contact 98802280 Shop for sale near Oman House, Muttrah. Contact 99024362.

Ex bachelor or couple room in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99014325 / 91165580 Furnished unfurnished room for rent at Mumtaz area.

Contact: 95212017 Room with attached bathroom and sharing kitchen available for Executive bachelor or small family at wadikabir.

Contact 93049849 1 BHK appartment for rent in Al Khoud Shabiya near mazoon mosque for rent (next to alkhoud medical center and squ) MOB: 93913224 Sharing Accommodation available for working ladies opposite Al Nadhah Hospital. Preferably Indians. Room with seperate toilet and sharing kitchen.RO.90.

Contact: 96524717 Sharing accommodation available for small family or bachelor behind bank Muscat, Ruwi (Keralite only).

Contact : 96290882 / 97001663.

Room available in Mumtaz area 1 room, 1 Bathroom, Kitchen & 1 room, common bathroom.

Interested please contact 92680041 Mr. Altaf Furnished room attached bath for Indian bachelor, Al-Falaj Ruwi & lady Wadi Kabir near Mars hypermarket. Contact: 96202458/96761960 Furnish bedroom with attach bathroom for executive bachelor.

Contact: 97704794 Room available for Executive bachelor at Al Hail.

Contact 96234708 Room, bath room for executives in Wadi kabir. Contact 99336206 Sharing accommodation near ISD. Contact: 99657340 Room with attached bathroom for a family in Wadi Kabir.

Contact 97167857

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

Health & fitness supplements shop for sale including CR, located in Qurum CCC rent -330 RO for 2 shops together Contact numbers: 99008132, 95417236 AVAILABLE Party & Wedding equipment rentals. Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

ACC. WANTED One single furnished room with attached bathroom required for a Indian decent Executive bachelor non cooking, in MBD, CBD, Rex road, Ruwi, Hamriya Area.

Contact 96328687

WANTED Urgently required looking to immediately buy used Grit blasting & airless spray equipment 1 No each. Contact: 968 24810930 / 93203772 / 93203773 / 93203778 IELTS Coaching (academic) required nearby wadi Kabir area. Please call on mobile or msg on Whats up. Contact 92927880/99012165

NRI Nalu Kettu in 1.4 acres near Tellichery town.

Contact: 91 9663387958 6.15 cents land Kadamkode Palghat 20 lakhs, non negotiable.

Contact: 95515347 1 BHK 2 KM from Guruvayoor.

Contact:91- 9048931536 .

Real estate 7 cent plot in gated property at Trichur, Chembuthara, near Munnuthi University estate.

Owners mainly from UAE. Contact 91396808

DRIVING

GOOD NEWS Pure Veg. Kachhi Coffee shop only in Wadi Kabir. S.P. Sravan, sabu Vada, Sabu Khichdi, F.Kachori, F. Chevda, no other branch in Muscat. S.P. Khuwair.

Contact 99437869 Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis, massage, steam bath, obesity, Spondylitis. Ideal Care Ayurvedic Clinic, 18 November Street, Ghubra.

Contact: 99639695 / 97397320

MANPOWER

Car care - care for your car.

Stop worrying about your car.

Enjoy your vacation peacefully.

Here is a solution for safe parking and cleaning your car when you are away on vacation. Taking very good care of your car, trust us.

Contact: 96964767

Supply of loading and unloading people available.

Contact: 99325887

Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact: 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com Pure VEG coffee shop open 3/8/16 Dabeli, VADA PAV, PAV Bhaji many more at Al Khuwair near Rawasco behind NBO. Contact 99066469 / 96951587

TRANSPORTATION Transportation. Contact: 95190627 Transportation. Contact : 96538078 Azaiba, Al Khuwair, Qurum, Ghala & Ruwi. Contact: 97424997 Transportation Engage.

Contact: 92711421 Transportation available Al Khuwair, Ghobrah, Azaiba, Al Hail & Al Khoud. Drop & pick.

Contact 95250161 Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909 Transportation. Contact 99508282 Transportation required from Qurum to WadiKabir at afternoon only 1 PM. Contact - 99012165 Transportation. Contact 92015894 Transportation. Contact 94510847

MATRIMONIAL

INVESTOR PARTNER REQUIRED For a successfully Catering Restaurant Investor cum Partner is required.

Investor with fixed returns also welcome.

Please contact – 95213273

Email: muscatcoffeeshop@gmail.com Investment opportunity For business in lighting building materials and decoration.

Contact : 99421513 Partner available, if u have an established business & looking for partner for expanding or open new branch. Contact: 92010247 WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

LOST Muhammad Adrees has lost Pakistani Passport No. AG1420632.

Finder please handover to ROP Gudeta Legese Chaltu has lost Ethiopian Passport No. EP3288100. Finder please handover to ROP

Parents of a Muscat Indian Sunni Muslim Engineer son 33 tall, fair looking for professionally qualified bride, preferably from Uttar Pradesh.

Email: soulmatesearch2016@gmail. com Keralite RC Christian female (Widow), 27 yrs working as Staff Nurse in a reputed Hospital in Muscat seeks suitable alliance.

Contact 95990527 ITI electrical, SSLC, PDC, Christian, 36 yrs, second marriage seeks alliance.

Contact 97368596 Female Homeo doctor, 26 yrs 5ft, 8 inch Muslim from Kottayam looking for suitable alliance.

Contact: 92659795 Looking bride for South Indian Boy, 35 years, B.E.,(MS), working in London as a Software Engineer, Christian, Height 5’5 , Ref: Profile ID. 1049, www.muscatmatrimonial.com, E mail: matrimonialmuscat@gmail.com, Mobile: 99091975 , whatapps :93485778 Naidu Tamil groom, 30 yrs, BE, MBA working as Engineer well educated girl, aged below 28 yrs.

Contact 94177123

*Classified Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

D4

M O N D AY, AU G U S T 1 5, 2 0 1 6 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

CARRER OPPORTUNITIES Executive (Sales & Marketing) – Sanitary Only (3 nos.)

-

Sanitary ware relevant experience in Oman (2-3) years Driving license Good communication skills Full time / part time / commission basis.

Good computer skills.

Required male, female GP, Dentist, Administrator, Nurses, Pharmacist, Lab Technician for a Polyclinic at Ibra.

Contact 71100596, joharaajmal2016@gmail.com

Required experienced Accountant for a restaurant in Muscat.

Contact: 93500992 An Omani Audit firm is seeking audit partner to join the firm, the candidate should be completed any certificate course CIA,CPA, CA, ACC, and 4 years’ experience, interested candidates to submit their CVs to : auditbureau2016@gmail.com

CATERING Urgently required a well experienced Manager for a group of vegetarian restaurants in Oman.

Attractive salary offered. E -mail: md@royalgroupoman.com Restaurant Staff Wanted with NOC. Contact 94871416 Shawarma / grill / Salad / Asian Cook. Contact: 95529970

DOMESTIC HELPER Need Part time Nanny for a Indian family at Hail to take care of twin babies Contact or watsapp 95662154 / 99863006 Wanted full time Housemaid preferably Tamilian / Malayalee for Tamil Family at Wattayah, Muscat. Contact 94043238 House maid for Omani family.

Contact: 99773100

DRIVER Required light Driver for site work.

Salary RO 175 + 25 for food & accommodation.

Contact 99454425 Wanted Driver for heavy (sewage vehicle) and light vehicle with valid Oman driving license.

Contact: 97991654 / 97991652 Kindly send CV at Email: construction@remasalseeb.com / remaschandran2020@gmail.com Required Omani Driver for a restaurant. Contact 95929911

DESIGNER Interior designer needed urgently.

Email: batrading2014@gmail.com

Qualified and experienced Refrigeration Technician required, who can repair cold room, freezer room and all other types of refrigerated equipments.

Email: alsatrading14@gmail.com fax : 24727481 Wanted Civil Engineer with minimum 3 years experience with valid GCC / Oman driving license.

Contact: 97991654 / 97991652 Kindly send CV at Email: construction@remasalseeb.com / remaschandran2020@gmail.com Required Electrical B.Tech with 5 years of Oman experience & D/L. Electrical with ITI -Industrial & MEDC license.

Contact: 99454425

3-5 years experience preferably in Ceramic division (tiles).

Should be with degree, technical knowledge & English fluency.

Having experience in Building materials.

Transferable Visa is a must.

Send CV to tajallulu.abubaker@gmail.com

Please send CV to muscat@chabros.com Website: www.chabros.com IT

IT Required Shop Sales man + Hardware Technician for IT Company with minimum 2 years experience.

Contact: 98825806 / 98825806, Email: info@rns-group.com

URGENTLY REQUIRED An Excellent Grade Construction Firm based in Muscat has immediate vacancy for the following position 1. PM -(BE/B-Tech- Civil) with minimum Of 10 years GCC Exp.- 2 Nos.

2. PE-(BE/B-Tech – Civil) Looking for .NET programmer (male) who can join immediately.

Send CVs to meitbuz@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS A leading Carpentry & fitouts contractor requires experienced personnel immediately - Project Manager, Carpentry – Foreman, Sales Executive, Accountant.

Send CV : sdceollc@gmail.com Required candidates for following posts: Accountant, Storekeeper, Foreman Building Maintenance, Van-salesman (water), Helpers.

Candidates with Omani driving license preferred.

Contact 99273774/99202278

MEDICAL Wanted Nurse and Physiotherapist to work in clinic in Muscat.

Contact 99023006 Wanted Nurse for a Dental Centre in capital area. Contact 93431024 or send CV : drasyanaseem@gmail.com Wanted urgently General Practitioner, Gynecologist & Dental Surgeon. Contact:92951642 Urgently required Pharmacist (B.Pharm) & Assistant Pharmacist (D Pharm) with trading experience.

Attractive salary & incentives.

Send CV at Email : omanmedical@yahoo.com Lady Clinical Dietician for Weight Management Center, utilizing the “Eurodiet” method. Experienced in individual counseling along with excellent communication skills.

Arabic speaking would be an advantage. Call: 945 66 777 Email: eurodiet@omantel.net.om Wanted DENTIST with MOH license to run a clinic. Wanted GYNAECOLOGIST to run a clinic or work on salary. Contact 99334689 MOH licensed /Prometric passed GP Doctor, Staff nurse & Lab technician for Oman - A 22 yrs old well -established clinic in Ibri ,Oman is looking for energetic & qualified GP doctors,staff nurses & Lab technicians for immediate placement. Package will be best in the sector. send CV : zahrathalmahrami@gmail.com for queries : 93828382 Care Medical Centre Al Seeb requires Gynecologist and General Practitioner. Mail CV to: sarita_h23@yahoo.com A medical centre is looking to hire immediately a talented Nurse to join our successful team, required 3 years of experience, Oman prometric, data flow. Send your CV to- issalibi@gmail.com or Whatsapp - 91254820

EDUCATION/TRAINING Required English, computer and science female Teachers up to grad 4. Contact 95054916, Email:- aa77345@gmail.com.time after 5PM

Contact # 92025033, Email : dr.srininvas76@gmail.com

Our company CHABROS LLC is seeking for an Outdoor Salesman.

ENG./TECHNICIAN Well experienced Civil Site Engineer & Senior Site Foreman, age 40 – 45. Send resume: excelgrd123@gmail.com

With MOH Licence and Data Flow for Al Saadi Specilised Medical Centre, Musanna.

WANTED STORE CO-ORDINATOR

Send Resumes: amblush@hotmail.com ACCOUNTS

WANTED Female Gynaecologist, Female GP- Two Female Staff Nurse (From India or Pilipino)and One Female Dental Assist and Female Lab Technician.

GP doctor needed for reputed clinic. Preferably with MOH license or with Dataflow & Paramatics pass Contact: 95388934 Wanted Staff Nurse for a dermatology clinic in Muscat .

Must have MOH license and NOC. Attractive salary offered. Email: clinicvacancy2015@gmail.com Required gynecologist GEN: practitioner lady lab Technician and pharmacologist immediately for a clinic in Suwaiq.

Contact 95081010 Email: umchealthcare@gmail.com

with minimum of 5 years GCC Exp.-2 Nos.

3. MEP Division Manager BE (EEE/Mech)

SITUATION WANTED

with minimum 15 years GCC Exp. -1Nos.

4. PM MEP - BE (EEE/Mech) with minimum of 10 years GCC Exp. - 2 Nos.

5. MEP DRAFTSMAN With minimum 5 years GCC Exp. - 1 Nos. Candidate having GCC Valid Driving license & NOC

May forward their CV to - cvomanhr@gmail.com SALES / MARKETING Required experienced Outdoor Sales Executive with Oman driving license & release for a reputed Company. Send CV: wop@cpwop.com Wanted auto parts Salesman for Muscat : genuine parts salesman (5) preferable GCC experienced, Office Assistant (2) well experienced. Send CV at Email : genuinepartsjob@gmail.com Ladies experienced in Sales & Marketing with excellent communication skills for Dietetic & Healthy food products for immediate employment. Call: 945 66 777 eurodiet@omantel.net.om Dynamic outdoor Sales Executive required for a building Materials company in Ghubrah. Candidates with release preferred.

Mail your resume to : buildingmaterialsales007@gmail. com Required marketing / PR manager for a modern restaurant group in Oman , proficient in illustrator & Photoshop charismatic , proactive , creative & flexible excellent writing / Editing skills degree in relevant area fluent in English. Send CV to marketingpr2016@gmail.com Looking for Indian marketing lady with journalistic, advertising & media background. #93946622 Email: ali.matani2@gmail.com

Qualified and experienced Sales Executive required for UAE.GCC/ UAE license, product knowledge for commercial kitchens bakery and laundry equipments.

Email: alsatrading14@gmail.com fax : 24727481 Required smart, young, dynamic Sales & Marketing Executive having 2-3 years sales experience for a reputed manufacturing company in Oman, having its Head Office in Ruwi. Experience in building materials is an added advantage. Omani Driving License and NOC is a must.

Attractive remuneration package.

Apply with photograph to E-mail: salesjobds@gmail.com Furniture & décor co. require Outdoor sales team, immediate joining.

Email: batrading2014@gmail.com Require Salesman with driving license & NOC Apply: hhabsi55@gmail.com Required building material Sales Man with Arabic and English language. Tel. 97004186

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Required Indian Mason – 5 nos., eligibility (minimum 5 yrs experience in road construction field).

Contact: 99882127 Email: georgymv@yahoo.com

SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNTS Indian Female,33 Years MBA,MCOM & CA Inter , 3 Years’ experience in Accounts and Auditing ,seeking suitable position .Knowledge in MS Excel, Tally and having good communication skills.

NOC Available. Mob:90146233, mail: priyamerinjoy@rediffmail.com ACCA member with 6 yrs of experience in Oman looking for a suitable job in finance. Contact 99284193 Indian female 28 yrs B.Com 4 yrs experience in MNC’s currently in Muscat seeking suitable placement in Finance / Admin.

Contact :94743790 Sudanese Accountant, Alexandria University Graduate bachelor of commerce Diploma of Marketing professional photographer worked in PR and social media for 2 years looking for a job in public relations media, social media or marketing.

Contact: 96976240 Indian male 34 Yrs, Dual MBA Finance and marketing with IT skills, 7+ yrs of experience, Looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94879615,Emailsajan_chacko1981@yahoo.com Accountant 8Years Experience with D/L and NOC. Contact: 97712084

Accountant available with NOC, 7 years experience in Oman.

Ready to join immediately.

Contact 98263394 28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com Accountant & sales & marketing.

Contact: 99730968 / 90696269 7 Years experience as Financial Analyst, MBA in finance. Responsibilities- research contributor, financial statement analysis, generating MIS & efficiency report, managing TAT, business & clients.

On visit visa in Muscat.

Contact: 90191628 / 96175780 Finance Manager 16 years experienced chartered accountant (Sri Lankan) looking for a suitable post.

NOC available.

Contact: 92194926 Email: manomuscat@gmail.com Indian, Kerala Male B.COM & B.PE, Currently on Visit Visa. Looking for a suitable job in Accounts, Store Keeper, Sales etc. Ready to join as early as possible.

Contact 96988923 email:- sajith3969@gmail.com

ACCOUNTS Indian male having 12 years experience (Gulf/India) in a reputed Money Exchange is looking for suitable placement. Contact 71152798.

Email - binojaeb@yahoo.com Indian male Accountant looking for a suitable placement in Salalah.

More than 20 years experience in Accounting job (upto the finalization of accounts) 8 years working experience in Middle East in Dubai, Muscat & Salalah. Contact : 91325029 Indian male 30 Chartered Accountant having 2 yrs Oman exp. looking for suitable openings in accounts, finance & audit with Oman driving license. NOC available .email: ubaiskeeran@gmail.com, Mobile : 96357827 Indian male, 25 yrs, B.Com, MBA in Finance & Marketing, SAP (Level -1) Certified, 1 yr exp in Office Administration, good communication skills in English, Now in Oman for visit visa looking for suitable placement.

Contact 97914014 Email : lithin2190@gmail.com Chief / Senior Accountant, having 12 years Oman experience looking for a job NOC / Release with D/L available. Contact: 97385562 Indian female, senior Accountant /ast.Finance manager having 15 years oman experience with d/l and noc looking for a suitable placement . Contact : 94838231 Accountant Indian male B.Com 10 yrs exp in Oman with driving license and NOC, local change in available. Specialized in Tally ERP 9 and focus upto finalization.

Contact 99622639 Indian male 26 B.Com 2 yrs experience in Accounting and 2 yr Salesman in Oman.

Contact: 90922545 Part time Accountant, B.Com Indian Senior Accountant 20 years experience up to finalization of accounts. Contact 93064975 Indian (M), 26 yrs B Com, 6 yrs of experience in accounts and finance, 3 yrs in Muscat, Construction Division. NOC Available M:98390113, Email Id: shadabmustafa1990@gmail.com Indian male 27 CA inter completed with 4 years experience in Accounts and Audit currently on visiting visa looking for suitable job. Contact : 99662171

Indian (M) / B. Com, MBA in Finance, in GCC for 26 years, well experienced in Accounts & Finance, 4 years in L&T , Speaks Arabic, having Driving License & NOC. Contact: 95588565 Indian male, MBA 2 yrs of experience in accounting looking for suitable placement in finance joining immediately. Contact: 93972065 Indian male, B.Com, MBA in Finance, 4 yrs in Larsen & Tourbo, 26 yrs in Oman, English/ Arabic speaking with driving license. NOC available. Contact 95588565 Fresher 25, ACCA Affiliate, Advanced diploma in Accounting and Business seeking suitable placement in Accounts, Finance or Audit with oman driving license.

Contact - 92430152 , Email - raju.rd619@gmail.com Indian male age 26, Accountant one year experience in accounts looking for suitable job. Contact Email: Anishkhan991867@gmail.

Com Mobile: +968 9565 9415 Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ finance field. On visit visa. Immediately available.

Contact 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com Senior Accountant, M.Com, Indian, 12 yrs experience Accounts upto finalization(5 yrs in Dubai) (5 yrs Oman), NOC available.

Contact 95577419, azifinj@gmail.com Indian female 26 yrs, MBA finance 2 yrs exp with MNC. Email: rilooozmali@gmail.com.

Contact : 90551366.

Senior Accountant/Ast. Finance Manager-M. Com Finance-Indian with 8 years experience in Finance & Accounts Dpt and Banking & Facilitation. Having D/L & NOC. Mob: 94122464, Email: cammk13@gmail.com Pakistani male 32 yrs, Chartered Accountant having 5 yrs experience, looking for suitable replacement in finance and audit field.

E mail: alirashid.ca@mail.com MBA/B. Sc looking for suitable position having 3 years experience in financial operations, banking & Administration with driving license. Contact 96428822

Indian female B. Com Materials Management 9 yrs exp in Purchase & Accounts seeks suitable placement. NOC available.

Contact : 92695946

MBA in Finance & Marketing with 3 years experience in Sales, Marketing & Procurement division.

NOC available seeking for suitable post. Contact 92877851, eldhosejohnyforever@gmail.com

MBA professional Indian male having 3.5 years of experience as Tax Associate at KPMG is looking for suitable placement. Contact +918593997783/+96899105005.

Email gsibikrishnan@gmail.com

Purchase Manager or in Accounts department seeking job in Muscat Hotels. In purchasing having 7 years experience and 2 years in accounts department kindly contact 98659529 or whats app

Graduate from Alexandria University in Accounting has freelance Interior designing experience in different design programs & recorded projects achievements, willing to join suitable job for his qualifications & talents. Contact: + 201003966769 in Oman 99602608 Email: shadyhenaawy@gmail.com

Accountant B.Com, Tally Indian male, 14 yrs Oman experience with driving licence & NOC seeks suitable job. Contact 97942044 Accountant B.Com Indian male B.Com Tally experienced 3 years in Muscat with NOC looking suitable job. Contact: 97151457

M O N DAY, AU G U S T 1 5, 2 0 1 6

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED Electrical Engineer (B.Tech),

Indian Male MBA (UK),

PROJECT MANAGER,

9 years experience in Dubai/London/ Mumbai in Management Consulting, Sales & Marketing, Business Development for Real Estate/Banking seeks similar placement with D/L.

B.Tech, MBA, PRINCE-2, British Citizen now available with NOC in OMAN. 25 yrs. exp in EPC Project Management of Oil & Gas, Pipelines, Refineries & Power Plants. Seeking job immediately/

Contact -

having 7 yrs of Gulf experience, expertise in Project Management, planning, construction activities, testing & commissioning of electrical systems, presently on visit visa, seeks job in Muscat.

97281023 / 90631567

Contact 91228167

Contact: 95168205

Administrator, 30 yrs experience as Office Manager Project Executive Secretary, document Controller, Commercial Officer with driving license on release.

Indian male, MBA,

Hotel/Restaurant/ Hospitality

6 yrs experience in Sales & Marketing, Export / Import, logistics (general trading), holding Oman driving license, presently on visit visa, looking for suitable jobs.

Professional with 21 years of rich experience as CEO/General Manager, in managing business operations/ revenue expansions in hospitality/hotel sector with MBA in Hotel Management and possessing strong business acumen with excellence in executing a wide range of strategies for profitability looking for challenging career opportunity as VP/GM/CEO.

Experienced Software Professional over 20 years in Oman. Involved in system analysis, design, testing and implementing new applications, provide training and helpdesk.

Best suited to produce cost centre, consolidated, MIS reports from various applications. Manage Software, Hardware, Network resources, Wi-Fi/Biometric/CCTV Devices. Expertise in SQL, Crystal Reports, MS Office, Foxpro.

Contact - 91544858

Call 9785 5160

Contact # 92839516

Indian female, MBA, Finance, B.Com & PGDM 2 years experience as Financial Analyst looking for suitable position in Accounts Administration or Executive positions, presently available in Oman.

Contact 96126736 / 95629821 Email: ppreethi006@gmail.com

ACCOUNTS Indian/MBA/male Chief Accountant 18Yrs Experience, MIS, C.Flow, Budgeting, ERP, Cost accounting &Liasing with auditors. NOC available.

Contact: 92254691/97826674 email: khader2305@gmail.com Qualified and experienced MBA post graduate with proven work exposure in Middle East & India, having more than 5.5 years of rich experience in accounts , project coordination and administration in (3.5 years UAE experience) oil and gas projects is currently looking for suitable job.

Contact 93953613, Emailallen.mathew83@gmail.com Accounts part time services available to handle all accounts up to finalization on monthly basis.

Finalization and audit works.

Contact : 96247295 Senior Accountant, B Com, Indian, 10 yrs of Finance and Accounts experience (7 yrs Oman and 4 yrs Dubai) , NOC Available.

Contact : 99776450; Email:mobinmum1@gmail.com Accountant B.com Indian male 12 yrs exp seeks suitable job.NOC available . Contact : 91212471 Email: rennyj6@gmail.com

ADMIN Indian male with 6 yrs of HR & Admin experience (3 yrs in Oman) looking for suitable position. NOC available. Contact 98752013, Email : mdabdulmajeed12@gmail.com Indian male, rich oman experience as – personal assistant / office manager / executive secretary / administration / business development asst., omani license with valid visa / release available – 99168054 Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/ HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa, looking for suitable position.

Contact 90196235 BBA Male 25 yrs, Administration officer experienced in administration, HR, accounts, procurement with NOC. Contact 91329571 A highly competent motivated and team spirited HR Administration, Business development with 14yrs exp seeks suitable placement. Qualification BA MSW PGDDM. Contact 92438185/ email:s.azu@hotmail.com Indian female 32 yrs P.G English having 6 yrs exp in MNC’s (Tech.

M, IBM TCS) in HR/Admin on visit visa looking for suitable placement. Contact : 91063848, Email: chatterjee3rumpa@gmail.com Filipino HRD especialist / material controller supervisor with 18 yrs experience looking for suitable job in Oman. Contact: (+968) 98037142 / (+968) 92659817

ARCH./ INTERIOR DEC. Architect looking for job, with bachelor degree and have 6 yrs experience in Oman as HOD. Having good command of AutoCAD 3D Studio Max & other graphics software. Contact 94404784, saeed.warsi@gmail.com

ARCH./ INTERIOR DEC. Freelance Sr. Architect / Interior 2D / 3D, walkthrough Contact- 95047231 , Email: mycadvision@gmail.com Junior Architect, female from NIT, looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 92705130 Architect Engineer seeking for suitable job, 8 years experience.

GSM : 96075000, Email : haytham_201046@yahoo.com

DESIGNER/ DRAUGHTSMAN CAD/GIS Draughtsman with 15 years experience. Contacts: 94001764 / jaisonckm@gmail.com Interior Designer AutoCAD Draftsman 3D Max, now in Muscat on visit visa. Contact 92714377 / 90865342 AutoCAD Draughtsman Indian male 8 years experience in Oman well knowledge in Civil, Interior, pre casting having GCC driving license (NOC Available) Contact: 92188496 Email: vimalg.kannur@gmail.com Revit, Autocad D/man, expected salary 200 OMR PH :92279784 Architectural Draftsmen diploma in construction technology with 6 years experience in drafting and detailing as per British standard in Oman with valid Omani license looking for suitable opportunity Noc available. Call 94375897.

Filipino Senior Revit/AutoCAD Draftsman with 20 years professional experience is looking for suitable job in Oman. Please Contact: 96489798,(+974) 66653780.

DRIVER Light vehicle driver 9 yrs exp in Oman. Knows - Arabic, English & Hindi. Contact: 99505887 Looking for light driver job 5yrs exp. Contact: 92817393 Pakistani light vehicle driver with light duty license with 6 yrs exp in Oman looking for job & visa languages known Arabic, Urdu, Pashto, Punjabi & Hindi.

Contact : 99834967 Hayat Mohammad.

Bangladeshi male, light vehicle driver, 5 yrs Gulf experience.

Contact 90209473 Pakistani, 3 yrs experience, looking for driving job.

Contact 99647042 Pakistani, light duty driver seeks job. Contact 94356465 / 93782166 Driver available, light duty driver, exp 6 yrs. Contact: 94435912 / 92439315.

Driver with car seeks placement.

Contact 93346085 Light duty driver with car, 8 yrs exp seeks placement.

Contact: 95785372 Driver job wanted.

Contact : 96393082 Indian light driver 3.5 yrs exp in Oman visa seeks placement.

Contact 94158505 Looking for job driver with car.

Contact 99154473

Senior Accountant B.Com, 18 yrs experience abroad, 12 years in Oman with an excellent grade construction company, handling day to day activities upto finalization, proficient in Microsoft GP, knows AX – 2012, valid D/L, looks for suitable placement in Accounts / Admin. Local release available.

Contact: 968 97702648 DRIVER Looking for driving job 5 years experience. Contact : 92024487 Light Driver. Contact 92703258 / 99617026 Looking for light driver, 6 yrs exp.

Contact: 97098018 Driver looking for job.

Contact: 95892363 Looking for light driving job 3 years exp. Contact: 91625977

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Project Manager Civil, with 17 years of experience in building, can handle project independently, strong communication and leadership skills. (+968 91105912) 27 yrs, Indian male Civil Engineer (B.Tech) with 5 yrs India exp as Site Engineer in residential, commercial, industrial projects looking for job opportunity presently in Oman on visit visa ready to join immediately. Contact: 968 94965278 Email: mdulings@ gmail.com Civil Engineer, B-tech, Indian, 30yrs, Having 8yrs experience in building projects looking for suitable position. Contact: 99819639, email: 999saira@gmail.com 23 yrs female Biomedical Engineer with 1 year experience looking for any kind of suitable job in Muscat. Contact 94144084 / 92967174, sujimol.m.s@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer, Indian male, 24 yrs, Diploma in Mechanical Engineering & Quality Control Inspector Certificate looking for suitable job. Contact 99480160 / 99494584, Email : salilren007@gmail.com Indian male, 24 yrs, BCA, CCNA, 1 yr experience as Software Trainer, looking for job, on visit visa in Salalah. Contact 91757984, Email : rayjazzeer@gmail.com B.Sc Civil Engineer, 7 yrs experience in Oman, total experience, 9 yrs having D/L, local release available. Contact 98628515, sofiq.sohel02@gmail.com Pakistani male with D/L, Civil Diploma Engineer, 11 yrs experience searching for job.

Contact 97187214 Male Sudanese 33 yrs Petroleum Engineering 7 yrs experience looking for suitable post.

Contact : 97942087 / 71103417 Diploma in Civil Engineering 5 yrs exp in Oman PDO & Port work exp seeking nice job.

Contact: 97879383 Email: rabial007@gmail.com

Contact- 00968-94731728/ josececy25@gmail.com

Oman experienced Indian Lawyer, 35, BA, Arabic, LLB, MBA, knows English, Arabic looking for suitable position in Companies or legal firms., presently working as Legal Advisor. NOC available.

Contact 97351649, Email : advocatesharaf@gmail.com

Indian female 25 yrs M.Sc Biotechnology With 2 yrs experience in Scientific Analysis looking for suitable placement interested in Quality Control in food processing sector & Medical Sector also.

Contact - 98842135, 98030818

IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE WITH NOC HR & ADMINISTRATION PROFESSIONAL With 14 years of Oman experience in Omanization, well familiar with Oman labor laws, employee relations / welfare, Liasion & Coordination, Strategic HR Planning, performance Appraisal & General Administration.

Contact - 96501189 ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Indian Male 28 yrs, B.E with 6 yrs exp in Marketing Research and business strategy providing PR services looking for suitable placement. Contact: 90801510.

E mail:bijudotson@gmail.com Quantity Surveyor 14 years exp. seeking suitable placement, NOC & D/L available. Contact: 90936370 mail: muhammedjahan@gmail.com

B.E Mechanical Engineer, age 24 with almost 1 year experience as Production Shift Engineer, has achieved training on HVAC Engineering design and has good hands on software like AutoCAD and HAP.Currently in Oman on a visit visa, looking for a suitable placement.Contact: 95065955 email: mjs.jazeb@gmail.com

Civil Engineer Indian (B.Tech, M.Tech) 8 years experience, having Oman D/L, NOC available.

Contact: 94195397

Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine.

Available NOC release. #92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com

Indian male Civil Engineer 1.6 yrs exp, having Omani D/L, looking for suitable position. NOC available.

Contact – 92157694 / mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com

Indian male Electrical Engineer, having 6 years gulf experience in designing, assembling, commissioning execution etc having valid GCC license too looking for a suitable. Contact: 00968-98052942 Email: azamjeelani78@gmail.com

Diploma in Mechanical Engg, 10 years exp in steel fabrication site work with valid Oman driving license. Contact: 94696192 Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrs exp seeks suitable position in a reputed company. NOC available.

Contact 96789711 Indian, fresh B.Tech Mechanical Engineer from Manipal University Dubai, with Omani driving license seeks career opening opportunity. contact 97238952 / sheldondsa@yahoo.com 35 yrs, male, B.A, 4 yrs experienced HSE officer advanced Diploma in fire & safety ISOH NEBOSH course completed seeks suitable job (fluency Arabic). Contact 98973566, saresh10@gmail.com Civil Engineer, B.Tech, Indian with 2 yrs experience in Site, QS Estimation, planning & Coordination, currently on visit looking for suitable placement. Contact 93314353 Female Civil Engineer 6 years total experience, 2 years Oman experience in structural design, shop drawing & Q.S.Full or part time. Mobile 93010350.

Civil Engineer, Project Manager having 14 yrs experience, 11 years in Oman. PMP, FIDIC contract management experience, independently handling civil works, familiar with Oman regulations, looking for senior level position. release available, can join immediately.

Contact- 98826815 Electrical Engineer, B.Tech, Graduate, 2 yrs experience. Contact 99451321 Land Surveyor with Gulf experience. Contact 91754589

14 yrs G.C.C experience Indian male (B. tech) D.C.E , Civil Engineer, release available. Contact 99015053 Sr. Electrical Engineer with17+ yrs of exceptional exp in spear heading strategic planning and project management initiatives & executing various high rise residential & commercial building as well as roads and highway project with proficiency in installation, seeking a challenging position in a dynamic organization. Contact 96570891 Construction Machinery repairs Engineer, 5 years, driving license, Contact - 94001961 Indian male B-tech 8 years experience as senior electrical project engineer / QC engineer on visit visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact 94094543 Email: anwar425@gmail.com Electrical Engineer 6 years experience in OHL, primary &distribution sub stations, driving licence and NOC available.

Contact : 99410588 / 95120225.

Indian Female Civil Engineer, M.Tech in Structural with Construction management. 1 year Lecturing Experience seeking Lecturing /Lab Assisting/QS /Design/ Planning jobs. Contact 92550987, Mail : anjuakbar2010@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer, Indian, Male, 30yrs. Experienced in Steam turbines and Thermal Power house seek employment.

Contact - +91 8130553668 or mohamedshah7@gmail.com Iraqi Civil Engineer (Road) 4 years experience, 1 year in Oman with driving license & NOC. Contact: 91142290

Indian male 25 yrs, with 4 yrs exp as Service Engineer in automobile field, now in Muscat on visit visa seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 92077172

Engg/ Tech/ Mech 24 m, MBA /B. Tech 2 yrs HVAC-fire fighting experience seeking placement.

Contact : 90924711, E mail : prasith.k.aniyan@gmail.com

Pakistani male Diploma Civil Engineer 4yrs exp in Oman bulling & mega projects, valid license Oman. Contact: 98921022

Indian male, 30 yrs, ITC Electronic Mechanic worked as a MSc Technician in TATA Teleservices Trivandrum, now in Cochin, O&M Technician Reliance. Email: prakeshgg@gmail.com, Contact : 91-7356269929

Civil Engineer diploma 3 yrs having 11 yrs exp in Oman 6 yrs as a Site Engineer supervisor, all type of Civil Construction activities commercial and residential villa.

Contact: 99771890

Electronics and Communication Engineer with 2 years experience in Telecom Sector as RF Engineer (drive test, RF & LOS survey).

Contact: 93919943 Email: agneljerin@yahoo.com

Seeking suitable job male 33 yrs Expat over 13 yrs exp with PDO as Project Service Engineer, Omani driving license, NOC available.

Contact: 92734174.

17 years MEP Engineer exp in Oman U.A.E with transferable visa looking for suitable job in same field. Contact : 91758258 Email: upahoia@gmail.com

Sudanese Civil Engineer 3 years experience have valid Oman residency looking for suitable position. Contact: 94284030

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER EDI GIS Indian male, 32 yrs, B.Tech, PGDIT, IBM Sterling Integrator, having 9 yrs experience from IBM, Cognizant & Emphasis, Oman driving license looking for suitable placement.

Contact - 93221395

ENGLISH TEACHER Indian FM, B.A, B.ED English Lit, 4 yrs Teaching experience in Oman and 2 yrs in India, immediate joining.

Contact - 94202122 ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).Looking for a Suitable position. Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa. # 92157694. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com An Iraqi civil with more than 30 years experience in (Iraq and G.C.C) looking for a job, (N.O.C) available. Contact: 96561306 Email: iq.bgd.mnsr@gmail.com Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912 Young Indian, Engineering in Bio-technology, Bio-chemical and Chemical, looking for a challenging placement in Oman.

Contact 97607000. Email: sivasankarjayakumar@gmail.com Electrical Engineer having 16 years experience in Switchgear / transformer / over head lines & lines & trading for sales / procurement & project execution, valid Oman D/L. Contact: +968- 95994727, Email : qurm340@gmail.com Electrical Engineer: Indian male 30 years, having 5 years of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in India, holding valid Oman D/L. Contact: 92789995 Email: akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Civil Engineer (Indian male) 5 years experience in Oman with valid Omani driving license & NOC looking for suitable opportunity.

Contact: 93101283 Project Management and Supervision, expert professional Civil Engineer, 26 years experience in Contractor and consultancy companies with N.O.C & driving license. Contact : 92668679 Electrical & Electronics Engr, knows autocad & revit.

PH: 93837973 Civil Engineer (B.Sc) with 5 years experienced (more than 4 years in Oman) in construction & project management and seeking suitable position (NOC available).

Contact: 99604563, Email: saiful.hasjv@gmail.com Site Supervisor, Diploma in Civil Engg (cert attested) knows autocad revit, salary exp: 250 Ph : 92279784 Indian male, Structural Engineer looking for job in structural design field. Having 6 years of experience in design field. Residing in Muscat. Contact: 91176187 Email: syam036@gmail.com Graduate from Alexandria University Mechanical Power Engineering and certified international Procurement Manager CIPM basics of supply chain management B SCM, APICS, seeking suitable job for his qualifications.

Contact: +2001222399139 Oman 99602608 C/O Email: samer_henawy@hotmail.com Civil Engineer, young Indian having almost 2 years experience looking for a challenging position seeks suitable position in Oman/ GCC. Please contact 92718490, Email ID: uvais.pk82@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer, Graduate, Indian male, 21 yrs from Symbiosis Pune 6 months work experience at SKF India looking for Engineering on technical services on visit visa. Contact 97945161, Email : iancardoz11@gmail.com

D6

M O N D AY, AU G U S T 1 5, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Indian male 24 ,B.E ( E.C.E ) graduate with 3 years of experience in the fields of BMS and Low current systems and has good knowledge about Electronic Security Systems, currently working in Oman, NOC Available.

Contact:- 94737033/ mohdmuhafez45@gmail.com Mechanical/ Piping Engineer (B.Tech.) on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact 94703350 mail: nadeembcoolboy@gmail. com

EDUCATION/TRAINING Mathematics Lecturer , Indian Female, M Sc Mathematics from a Prestigious University, B.Ed qualified, distinction holder with 7 yrs teaching experience in colleges.

Contact: 91360147.

Graduate from Tanta University license of Education and Diploma of studies in French language from Ministry of Education in France courses in Picardie University Julesverne & Mont Lambert School from France, has experience in teaching French in Egypt Ministry of Education, seeking job as teacher of French language or translator for French, English & Arabic. Contact: 99602608 Email: abodody44abohomos@gmail.com Female B. Ed English teacher, 7 yrs exp seeking suitable placement. Contact 99739415 / 92091528 Mathematics Lecturer , Indian Female, M Sc Mathematics from a Prestigious University, B.Ed qualified, distinction holder with 6 yrs teaching experience in colleges.

Contact: 91360147.

Teacher Female , Phd in Chemistry having 3.5 yrs of Experience in India. Staying here on Family Visa & seeking for a suitable placement. Contact – 99675828, Email - Anupam.tiwari67@gmail.com

HOSPITALITY Young, female, diploma in aviation, hospitality, travel management, with family visit visa, seeks suitable placement with employment visa in airlines / hospitality / administration & in any company. Gsm 9092-1438 Job needed as Restaurant Supervisor having more than 8 years experience in hospitality industry ex: employer Pizza hut Oman certified course in food hygiene and safety.

Contact :+968 96480905 whatsapp:+968 93407177 Male 32 yrs hotel management Chef 14 yrs experience in Bahrain from India, Kerala looking for suitable jobs in hotel 3 star, 5 star.

Contact: 98926299 / 92268172 Housekeeping Supervisor, Hotel Industry seeks placement.

Contact 96152305

IT Indian Male, B.Tech IT, 4 years Oman Experience in IT & NETWORKING, holding Oman D/L, seeks suitable placement. NOC available. Contact: 92462578 Indian male 4 years experience in IT as Programmer / Web Support/ CCNA/ Network on visit visa seeking placement.

Contact: 93069694 Email: mrabrar14@gmail.com

IT IT Support Engineer, Exp 3 years in Oman 2 years in India.

Contact: 94672759 IT field 3 years of experience, female seeking suitable job in Oman.

Contact: 96350234 Email: greeshmavkannan@gmail.com Indian Male, MCA Graduate, 15 yrs exp in ERP, CSM Certified, seeking suitable role.NOC Available.

Contact : GSM : 90189284 Email: meetlibran@gmail.com Indian male, 3 yrs experience in IT as Linux Administrator & 1 yr experience in Amazon EC2 cloud at Wipro Bangalore seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92889678, Email : amalpathikal@gmail.com 5yrs exp in IT, Indian female seeks placement.

Contact: 94969654 Indian female M.Sc Computer Science seeking suitable placement in Muscat area.

Contact: 98660672

MEDICAL Iraqi Dentist female, MOH license seeks suitable job in clinic in Muscat. Contact 97891219 Filipino Medical Assistant with 3 yrs experience is looking for suitable job in Oman.

Contact: +968 9261 0394 Veterinary Doctor: Indian Female looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 96906534 /99014885, Email: monishmajeed@gmail.com

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Indian, 15+ years experience In Purchase looking for suitable jobs in Oman (NOC available). Contact 96388496,ranju.uma@gmail.com CEO, CEO Assistant looking for senior management position with more than 25 yrs Business developing experience Marketing business planning U.S.A, Africa, Kazakhstan, Saudi & Qatar MBA , TEXAS A &M – USA University.

Contact: 92010247 IND male ERP Project Manager 15 yrs exp can handle complete IT division looking for suitable placement with Oman D/L, NOC available. Contact : 94700212 Indian male, Senior logistics Incharge 20 yrs experienced with oil & gas products with Oman driving license, NOC available.

Contact 95370652, anilsampat3@gmail.com Indian male, Country Manager, 48 years, M.Tech MBA, 25 years experience seeks suitable placement valid, D/L & NOC. Contact: 92279972 Email: iamjohnpv@yahoo.co.in

MISCELLANEOUS Filipino Male, 28 years Old. Looking for job, Have experience in Rent a Car/ Cargo & Logistics / Real Estate/ Customer Care Executive / Sale Executive & Marketing/ Shop In- Charge. Hard working w/ good computer and communication skill.

GSM: 97761075 B.Sc in Geology, fresher, need job training, on visit visa for 3 months, can speak Arabic and English.

Contact :71125541 GYM Instructor 12 years experience single. Contact: 96700192

MISCELLANEOUS

SALES / MARKETING

BS in Electrical Engineering, Experience: 5 years(Power Plants).

Contact: 92475206 Email: zahaibzafar007@gmail.com

Indian male Sales & Marketing experience in Dubai, having valid Dubai license seeking suitable placement. Contact : 90214432

Indian male, 28, post graduate, 6+ yrs exp in Oman in sales (back office) & credit control with valid Oman D/L looking for suitable lacements. NOC available.

Contact 92066 523

Indian male 3 yrs exp in Marketing looking for a suitable job.

Contact: 94951234. Email: rakeshrsveliyam@gmail.com

Filipino Graphic Designer / I.T. looking for a suitable job with 10 years experience. Very good in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Photography, Knowledge in CCTV & Access Controls. Pls. Call 79042628.

Sudanese male bachelor geology and mining with 3 years experience in MUD logging and training in soil investigation.

Contact 92956848

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Indian female, M.Com, 8 yrs experience in Call Center Insurance, customer service, team handling negotiation analysis & secretarial role. Excellent written & verbal communication with computer knowledge, presently on visit looking for suitable vacancy.

Contact 95166496 Looking for part time job Secretarial / Data Entry / Documentation available every day after 5:00 pm Friday / Saturday full day area preferred Ruwi/ CBD/ MBD / Al Khuwair. Contact: 90414827 Lady Secretary / Sales Co-coordinator 12 years experience in Oman in reputed companies, seek immediate Employment.

Call: 95244761

SALES / MARKETING Resident in Oman 18 years, 10 years experience in setup marketing plans and strategies, sales, import & logistics, procurement, Omani government tenders, organizing projects & events, import fireworks for festivals, NOC available, have car. Contact 94123939.

Email: 002015r@gmail.com Indian male 26 years of experience of sales & marketing in surgical and laboratory equipments.

Looking for good replacement.

Contact – 92015894 / 95774854 Filipino Male, 28 years Old. Looking for job, Have experience in Rent a Car/ Cargo & Logistics / Real Estate/ Customer Care Executive / Sale Executive & Marketing/ Shop In- Charge. Hard working w/ good computer and communication skill. GSM: 97761075 Indian male 37 years MBA graduate in marketing with 9yrs of experience in UAE in field of brand promotions & marketing with UAE D/L on a visit seeking suitable position. Conatct 95792820 Indian male 1 yr exp in sales automotive (TBL) looking for best opportunity , NOC available.

Contact: 97793879 Email: shyampkn@gmail.com Indian female 29 years Post Graduate with computer Knowledge 2 years of Oman experience in coordinator & 5 years of experience in customer service, client relation officer with excellent communication skill seeks suitable placement. Contact: 95337665 Indian male, 4 years experience, looking job in call centres/infocom.

Contact No.968-96349191.

Indian female, 6 yrs experience in Cosmetic (Oman) with D/L seeking suitable placement.

Contact 98278522 Indian (M), 29 Yrs B Com, 5 yrs experience, 2 yrs in Oman as Document Controller seeking similar jobs or in sales. NOC Available.

M: +919773310782 Email Id: sajid.shaikh2123@gmail.com Indian male 14 yrs exp in business development, Sales & Marketing, 4 yrs in building material in Oman Contact: 93956234.

Indian male 39 years, 10 years experience in Oman as Marketing, Business Development & Operations with legal background looking for suitable job having Oman D/L. NOC available. Contact : 94942328 / 94266552 Indian male 35 years, B.com and 9 years GCC experience in Sales & Marketing (Transport & Logistic).

Having GCC driving license, looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 92634281 email: shinojkk1224@gmail.com Graduate degree 5 yrs experience as Sales and Marketing in Oman with D/L& NOC available looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 92506310 MBA Indian male 12 yrs Oman experience Sales Marketing with driving license, excellent market knowledge and strategic role player looking for suitable position.

NOC available. Contact: 91437484 Indian male 42 yrs searching for suitable job, experience in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Saudi D/L holder, fluent in Arabic, English, Hindi Gulf experience 20 yrs manpower co-ordinator, sales & marketing, logistics. Contact: 90518114 Indian, 23 yrs, 2 yrs experience in Sales in Dubai in readymade & shoes, experience in Dubai Mall, on visit visa for 1 month. #98401675 Indian male age 24, B.Com. having 2 year experience and currently in visit visa. Looking for suitable placement in Sales, Marketing & finance. Contact: 90766307 Email: shhaazz.007@gmail.com Oil & gas experienced Indian lady with 6 years in sales & marketing to PDO and having valid Omani driving license. Contact 96143430 / 99875919 Executive purchase logistics with 10 years experience, NOC available. Contact: 91432512 Indian male Graduate with 18 years of Marketing experience presently in Oman on family visit visa, looking for best opportunity.

Contact: 96168687 Email: dhibupaul@gmail.com Indian Male, MBA marketing 5 yrs exp. in sales & 4 yrs in FMCG sector, looking for best opportunity.

NOC available. Contact: 96001877 Indian Male, 26 M.Com with 4 yrs of Experience in Accounting & Administration in a Financial Company in India, seeks suitable job, Currently in India.

Contact India:-+918907212253 Akhil:-93626288, Email: Sumeshpsmkr1989@gmail.com

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Indian, looking for a suitable post 25 yrs exp in Carpentry Foreman with valid D/L seeks placement.

Contact: 95868469

MISCELLANEOUS Indian/male(26)/MBA/2 years experience in procurement, coordination and distribution management, with valid oman license available for immediate joining.

Contact: 92536194 email:suhailbs@gmail.com Experienced Restaurant Manager/ supervisor, direct sales searching for suitable position Indian male 23 Diploma in Automobile engineering.

Contact: 90801420, Email: anwaar223969@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Sr Project Engineer, 30 Years, Mechanical, 8 Yrs. experience in Oman & Qatar, Qatar Petroleum approved, Experienced in EPIC Projects Tanks, Vessels, Piping, Steel structures Mail; snu057@gmail.com, Ph-00974 66772193 Indian female, M.Com, 4 yr’s experience in Accounts looking for Accountant/Asst. Accountant job.

Contact: 98418533 / 99338639 MECHANICAL/PRODUCTION ENGINEER, 3 years’ experience in production industry, B tech in Mech engg, Proficiency in AutoCAD, Primavera certified, Contact- arn9895@gmail.com Mob 00919895233155 MECHANICAL ENGINEER, Indian Male,26 years, 3 Years’ experience in Projects of Tanks, Boilers and Steel structures, Aware of int.

Standards,B tech in Mech engg.

Contact-rahulkunnath23@gmail. com, Mob-00917350860889 Indian 30 years, Autocad Draftsman 10 years experience in India.

2 years Oman experience in MEP Drawings and QS Estimation.

Contact: 9353 1192, 9086 4988 B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job.

Available to join respective firm.

Contact number# 94618504, Email: shan37yousfani@gmail.com Indian male B.Tech, DCE Civil Engineer 14 years Gulf experience.

Contact 97045409 Civil Engineer with 6 yrs exp. In construction and all related works having Omani license & NOC. looking for job. Contact 94520994 Male Indian current job : call center job, B.E (ECE) searching for suitable job, email: amirraj11691@gmail.com. mobile: +919677642346 / +918428617572 23 Male Indian 3 year experience in restaurant manager & accountant job & marketing experience looking for suitable job. Contact:90801420 , WhatsApp no :+917411062397, E-mail: anwaar223969@gmail.com TEKLA & AutoCAD.5 years Oman experience in project execution and detail drawing of Steel structures, site and shop erected tanks. Diploma in mech.Engg.

Mob: 98486585 sinoshcs@gmail.com.

4 years experience in IT Executive and also ticketing staff, seeking placement contact 94948622.

Email Jarar.haider@yahoo.com Indian Male 23 Photographer searching for suitable job.

Contact: 90801420 WhatsApp: +917411062397 for my sample shots, Email: anwaar223969@gmail.com 28 years, Indian (Kerala )lady seeking job as a primary teacher .

Qualifications : +2 , TTC and Graduation in Sociology. She has 4 years experience in the Teaching field.

Contact +968 94743882 B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job.

Available to join respective firm.

Contact # 94618504, Email: shan37yousfani@gmail.com B.E Engineer Indian male with total 7+ years experience in the field of telecom projects, operations and sales, 3 years experience in Oman, with license and NOC seeks suitable placement. GSM- 92961033 E MAIL -joalappa77@gmail.com Indian male, 26 years, 3 years’ experience in projects of tanks, boilers and steel structures, aware of int. standards, b tech in Mech engg. contact-rahulkunnath23@ gmail.com, mob-00917350860889 Graduate (C.M.A & B.Com) having 4 yrs experience in U.A.E & Pakistan in accounts/ Audit now in Oman immediate available.

Cell # 94973273 (call & Whatsaap) Female, 25yrs old with 4 yrs experience in admin, HR and Secretary position looking for a job.

Contact neslinmoras@gmail.com 99265759.

Indian male, 11 years exp. in accounting, knowledge in tally also. looking for a part time job.

Contact . 98983122

Indian Female 23 Years, B.Sc Nursing , Seeking for Nursing Jobs , Good Communication Skill Contact 96723359, 97470727 E-mail : anaswara271@gmail.com Indian male 23 Diploma in Automobile engineering Experienced restaurant manager/supervisor and Marketing knowledge searching for suitable position in your company currently on a visit visa.

Contact: 90801420, Email:anwaar223969@gmail.com INDIAN FEMALE 28 yrs, M.Sc B.ed Science, Experience 2Years In Teaching In India, seeking suitable Job. Contact 0091 9676814123, Email;bbroshini53@gmail.com Pakistani Male having 7 years Experience Valid Omani Driving license working as a Transport Manager looking for a suitable position. Salary is negotiable. Email: mohdnaveed043@gmail.com, Mob: +96893363316 / 94202746 Indian male 32 years (MBA) Having 7 years experience in Oman, Seeking for Business Development/ Business Support job, having Valid Oman Driving License.

Mobile No : 00968 98403599 Indian Female, 28 Years - MSc Microbiology, Quality checking food industry, Looking for suitable job. Contact 98170510 Email: lasyapriyaprasanth@gmail.com Indian senior Mechanical Engineer experienced in EPC projects in crushing, construction chemical, concrete products etc. # 9109 6940 E: kpopragmatic@gmail.com Electrical Engineer, 24 yrs, Indian Male Fresher, Training Undertaken in Electrical Draughtsman, Fire Alarm and Fire Fighting. Salary expected negotiable.

Contact 94989767, Email: Junaiz987@gmail.com Indian male 25, Graduate in commerce (B.com) having 2 years of experience in Accounts looking for a suitable placement presently on a visit visa. Contact : 97939084 / 97351786 E-mail : mohammednsr126@gmail.com Indian male Executive Secretary having vast experience in admin, logistics & procurement well versed with computer seek suitable placement. Contact : 99514286 email: azimmohd@yahoo.co.in IT professional, BE. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in it, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in it/network/server support/ retail sales. Contact 91496939.

Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant, doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact 98803439 Mechanical, 8 Yrs. experience in Oman & Qatar, Qatar Petroleum approved, Experienced in EPIC Projects, Tanks, Vessels, Piping, Steel structures.

Mail;snu057@gmail.com Ph-00974 66772193 Civil Engineer (B-tech) Indian male 1+ years experience in high rise building (G+21) site Engineer, experience in QC ,QS, and surveying looking for a job (NOC) available. #90924737 / 97470742 Email: kannanknply92@gmail.com 4 years experience in IT Executive and also ticketing staff, seeking placement contact 94948622.

Email Jarar.haider@yahoo.com B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job.

Available to join respective firm.

Contact # 94618504, Email: shan37yousfani@gmail.com 3 years’ experience in production industry, B tech in Mech engg, Proficiency in AutoCAD, Primavera certified. Contact arn9895@gmail. com, Mob 00919895233155 Indian Male 23, BE. Mechanical Engineer currently on visit visa Seeking for suitable Job. Software Proficiency AUTOCAD, CATIA, ANSYS, SOLIDWORKS. Contact No: 90924672 / 98859557, tsprakash01@gmail.com Indian male Accountant.

Completed MBA with 1 year experience, good working knowledge in Tally & Excel. Searching for suitable job. Contact : 919715874548 , 918015907437, Email : jovin8910@gmail.com

M O N DAY, AU G U S T 1 5, 2 0 1 6

D7

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

TOURS Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours contact 98029602, 92808636 We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED Sr Project Engineer, 30 Years, Mechanical, 8 Yrs. experience in Oman & Qatar, Qatar Petroleum approved, Experienced in EPIC Projects Tanks, Vessels, Piping, Steel structures. Ph-00974 66772193, Mail: snu057@gmail.com Well-qualified Indian Female with 8 years Oman experience in Procurement Supply Chain from reputed Companies in Oman seeks placement, contact – 95423692 Looking for Land surveyor job 5 years experience in Oman fully know autocad GPS and latest total station instruments NOC available:+96894144052 wasifnaz313@Yahoo.com Filipina, 33yrs old, with Bachelors Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, with experience as Senior Housekeeping Supervisor in famous hotels and resorts looking for suitable job in Muscat. Please contact 97943735/96489798.

MECHANICAL/PRODUCTION ENGINEER, 3 years’ experience in production industry, B tech in Mech engg, Proficiency in AutoCAD, Primavera certified, Contact arn9895@gmail.com, Mob 00919895233155 B.E Mining Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience looking for job. Available to join respective firm.

Contact 94618504 B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job.

Available to join respective firm.

Contact 94618504 Indian Male, 26 years, 3 Years’ experience in Projects of Tanks, Boilers and Steel structures Aware of int. Standards, B tech in Mech engg. Contact- 00917350860889 rahulkunnath23@gmail.com MBA in HR & Finance with 2 years experience in HR seeking for a suitable post, presently in family joining visa. Contact : 9058 7631 Indian male 25, Graduate in commerce (B.com) having 4 years of experience in Office Administration (admin) looking for a suitable placement presently on a visit visa. Contact : 97939084 / 97351786, E-mail : mohammednsr126@gmail.com Search job as light driver, experience 3 years language Hindi, English, Arabic. Contact: 97941771

SITUATION WANTED Civil Engineer (B-tech) Indian male 1+ years experience in high rise building (G+21) site Engineer, experience in QC ,QS, and surveying looking for a job(NOC) available contact :90924737 / 97470742 Email:kannanknply92@gmail.com Driver with car available.

Contact : 90139903 Chief Accountant , 7 years experienced (out of 25 years experience in accounts) worked in reputed group companies. Currently procuring MBA finance and having Omani Driving License seeks suitable openings from reputed companies. Contact 98803439 / 97413784 B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job. Available to join respective firm. Contact number# 94618504, Email: shan37yousfani@gmail.com

Electrical Engineer, Indian male 4 years of experience in India / Oman.

NOC available Looking for job in electrical field, Having good academic records and good communication skill. GSM: 94579857 Email: zahirpb@gmail.com Iraqi Civil Engineer 25 years experience in governments building and construction projects resident in Oman. speak And write English Contact: 98930502.

Email: aminaloraiby@gmail.com Airfreight/logistics Manager, male 35, MBA, Indian, 5 years experience in Oman seeks job.

Contact- 0091-9526166169 / 99630159, E mail - bijoabyjohns@yahoo.co.in Indian male 25, Graduate in commerce (B.com) having 2 years of experience in purchase (supply chain management) looking for a suitable placement presently on a visit visa. Contact : 97939084 / 97351786, E-mail : mohammednsr126@gmail.com

B.E(Mechanical) 12years industrial sales one year Muscat experience, presently in India , Immediately ready to join ,Mobile no :917338899372 , email id : ganesh2008sep@gmail.com

Building foreman, Experience : More than 20 years with 12 years in Saudi Arabia 4 years in Oman and 4 years in Pakistan with D/L. Contact : 968 94153911, Email : iqbalsaleem10777@gmail.com

3 years experience in production industry, B tech in Mech engg, Proficiency in AutoCAD, Primavera certified. Contact Email: arn9895@gmail.com, Mob 00919895233155

Airfreight/logistics Manager, male 35, MBA, Indian, 5 years experience in Oman seeks job. Contact0091-9526166169 / 99630159 , e mail - bijoabyjohns@yahoo.co.in

B. Tech Comp Science 3+ yrs, looking for administration or IT / Management or other profile with flexible timings.

Contact 95761562

Indian male 6 years exp as Sales Executive with valid Oman driving license, languages known Hindi and English, looking for any good job. Contact 95642297

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M O N D AY, AU G U S T 1 5, 2 0 1 6

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED COMPUTER/WEB./ EDU./CLASSES

RENT A CAR

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Odourless and harmless Trained and experienced staffs Quality service in reasonable charge we use quality products approved by Oman Govt. we undertake yearly contracts for commercial & residential bldgs

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Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

in Azaiba and Ruwi

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SERVICES We Provide Cleaners, Office boys, Cleaning Contracts, General cleaning etc.

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Karate and self defense classes at Azaiba 18 Nov Street. RO 10 per month twice a week Monday and Tuesday 6. 30 TO 7. 30. PM. Contact: 98294551

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED Diploma in Civil Engineering, B. Tech in Civil engineering from Kurukshetra university, persuing M. Tech Structural Engineering distance mode from Kurukshetra University, more than 07 years experience. Contact+96891431483 email mohsinyousuf86@rediffmail.com B.E Engineer and also did NEBOSH (IGC), Fire and Safety (HABC) First Aid.3 year of Gulf experience As a Safety Engineer looking for job.

Available to join respective firm.

Contact # 94618504 , Email: shan37yousfani@gmail.com MECHANICAL/PRODUCTION ENGINEER, 3 years’ experience in production industry, B tech in Mech engg, Proficiency in AutoCAD, Primavera certified, Contact Mob 00919895233155 mail: arn9895@gmail.com

WE SERVE OMAN

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998 MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807 Furniture shifting with expert technicians. Contact: 99041337 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 House shifting packing.

Contact: 99657644/98518013 Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 /94285064

Window & split unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact: 99557080 All Maintenance and services electric, CCTV Camera, Plumbing, A/C service and gas installation, painting tiles. Contact 96524904 / 94285064 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting,Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. Contact: 24810137, 99450130 Pest control Gulfa international.

Contact: 92326955 CAD drawings Archi/ MEP CAD – comply BIM. Contact: 91233975

Pest control & Building cleaning all kinds of pest control building. Cleaning tiles / Marble polishing monthly/ Yearly contracts available.

Contact: 98814733 /98814740 Al Husn Cleaning L.L.C

Split unit & window unit A.C servicing & maintenance.

Contact 96236476 Pest control treatments, Ocean center LLC Contact 99344723 For any 3d signboard, acrylic works with painting please contact us on 90786240 or follow us in instagram: silver_concepts Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722 Marble crystallization & grinding, cleaning & carpet shampooing. Ocean center LLC. Contact 99344723

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SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED

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Marble crystallization & grinding, Ocean center LLC. Contact 99344723

Male, Electrical Engineer, 4 years of experience in India /Oman. NOC available. Contact Mob: 94579857,

Indian male, 28 YEARS Msc Bed Chemistry 2 years, experience In Teaching In India seeking suitable Job. Mob No-00919505671750, Email;bbroshini53@gmail.com INDIAN male, 33 yrs, BSC Chemistry 8years, experience as Medical Representative In Zydus company in India, seeking suitable Job. Contact -00919505671750, Email; bbroshini53@gmail.com Regin accountant, male Indian, 2 years of experience doing accounts in tally and excel searching for suitable job.

GSM no: 7373387282 E mail: regin1690@gmail.com Indian female 23 Oracle ERP technical consultant 2+exp skills: oaf, forms & reports, bipublisher email: ramyaoracleapps02@gmail. com, Contact: 91156571

1

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

TIMES OF OMAN SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

INDIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

India stays committed to expanding strategic partnership with Sultanate As India celebrates the 70th anniversary of its Independence this year, India’s Ambassador to Oman, Indra Mani Pandey reflects on the continuing growth of bilateral relations between India and the Sultanate and as to what can be done to enhance these relations further

HIGHLIGHTS

India thanks Oman for its continued support and partnership

Indian community in Oman invited to participate in India’s economic reforms

India committed to enhancing existing cooperation, identifying new areas for bilateral, regional and global collaboration

India-Oman trade pegged at $3.8 billion in 20152016

India-Oman Joint Investment Fund’s initial corpus of $100 million fully utilised

INDRA MANI PANDEY, AMBASSADOR OF INDIA

O

n the occasion of the 70th Independence Day of India, I extend my heartiest congratulations and felicitations to all Indians and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) living in the Sultanate of Oman.

Three weeks ago, Oman celebrated the 46th Anniversary of the Renaissance Day. I would like to convey, on my behalf as well as on behalf of the Indian community in Oman, greetings and best wishes to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Government of His Majesty and the People of Oman for continued progress, peace and prosperity of Oman.

May His Majesty stay blessed with a long and healthy life and success in all his endeavours to make Oman a great nation. I want to thank His Majesty and his Majesty’s government for their abiding commitment to expanding and strengthening the strategic partnership between India and Oman and for providing a conducive environment for the Indian community in Oman, including business persons, professionals and workers, to live and work in Oman. I am confident my fellow citizens in Oman, who consider Oman their second home, will continue to work with diligence and dedication, making a valuable contribution to the development and prosperity of Oman.

Special Occasion The 70th Independence Day is a special occasion as it heralds the 70th year of India’s independence from British colonial rule. It is an occasion for us to pay our respect and homage to all the freedom fighters, who laid their lives and contributed to the struggle for India’s independence. It is also an occasion to express our gratitude to the Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and our Leaders since our independence, who laid the foundation for a democratic and secular India, framed its constitution and built its noble and enduring institutions.

Further, it is yet another occasion for us to rededicate ourselves to working towards maintaining the unity and integrity of India and its sustainable and inclusive development for the welfare of the people.

Proud of our Achievements As we commence today the 70th year of our Independence, we feel proud of our achievements in our

India: Leading world centre for advanced education

2

tryst with destiny. India today is the largest, most diverse and perhaps most vibrant democracy of the world, with over 1.25 billion Indians working together to build a better future and to fulfil their aspirations. In July this year, we completed 25 years of economic reforms, which commenced in 1991 under challenging circumstances.

During this period, India’s economy has grown eight-fold. Our economy has been growing at a pace of over 7 per cent; it has emerged as the fastest growing major economy of the world.

The economic reforms being undertaken by the Government will contribute to keeping India’s economy on a high growth trajectory for the decades to come. Our achievements in the field of science and technology, in key areas, such as defence, space, nuclear energy, information technology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, are globally recognised.

Yet, we are aware that we continue to face monumental challenges in achieving our goal of sustainable and inclusive development, including the provision of education, health, employment and social security for all.

I invite the Indian community in Oman to contribute to the success of various flagship projects being undertaken by the Government of India, such as ‘Make in India,’ ‘Clean India,’ ‘Digital India,’ ‘Skill India,’ ‘Start-up India,’ ‘Smart Cities,’ as well as infrastructure development projects for roads, ports, airports, railways, telecom, industrial corridors etc.

Robust Relations Inspired by their civilisational and historical links, spanning over 5000 years, India and Oman have expanded and deepened their cooperation and exchanges, since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1955, forging a mutually beneficial partnership, which is characterised as strategic in its nature and expanse. India’s relations with Oman are anchored in its shared interests and mutual understanding of and respect for each other’s priorities, concerns and sensitivities. Regular high-level visits and exchanges have been a key feature of this partnership. India remains committed to nurturing and expanding its strategic partnership with Oman by enhancing the existing cooperation and identifying

Why is India world’s favourite place for direct investment!

4

new areas for bilateral, regional and global collaboration, with a view to meet the aspirations for our two countries. The successful visit of the Defence Minister of India to Oman in May 2016 was a key step in this endeavour.

Strong Trade Ties The economic and commercial relations between India and Oman remain robust and buoyant. Though bilateral trade has declined during past two years from $5.77 billion in 2013-2014 to $3.8 billion in 20152016, it is hoped it will start going up again during the current year.

Investment flows, both ways, have been robust, as reflected in numerous joint ventures, established both in India and Oman. Indian business entities have emerged as prime investors in Oman, particularly in the Salalah and Sohar free zones.

More than 2900 Indo-Omani joint ventures have been established. Indian firms have gained a reputation for excellence in sectors, such as construction and engineering, waste management, logistics, manufacturing, finance and capital, software solutions, communications, oil and gas etc.

The India-Oman Joint Investment Fund has been operational and the initial corpus of $100 million has been fully utilised. The next tranche, with an increased corpus of $300 million, is being put in place.

People-to-People Contact Maritime links between India and Oman, since the Indus Valley Civilisation, have been a defining feature of the historical ties between the two countries. It is, therefore, only natural that the rich and diverse people-to-people contact and exchanges become a key feature of contemporary India-Oman relations. The ITEC Programme, which provides vocational training and skills upgrades, has gained popularity in Oman.

Keeping in mind our exceptionally close bilateral relations, the Government of India has again allocated 150 slots under the ITEC Programme for Oman for the period of April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017. India is ready to share its experience in skill development and the development of medium and small enterprises, which have also been accorded high priority by the Government of Oman.

India’s popularity as international medical tourism destination continues to grow

6

Boost to Tourism A notable feature of the people-topeople contact between India and Oman in recent times has been increasing the tourist flow to ‘Incredible India’ from Oman.

India is dotted with rich cultural, natural and historical sites, including a number of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

It is endowed with exceptional natural beauty, such as rushing rivers, lofty snow-capped mountains, green plains, mystic deserts, serene backwaters etc.

It is blessed with incredible cultural diversity, expressed in its diverse attires, languages, customs, crafts, festivals and cuisines. Naturally, it has emerged as a coveted tourist destination for Omanis, which is evident in the growth in the number of visas issued by the Embassy, reaching over 95,216 in 2015, compared with 59,000 in 2013.

In recent years, India has also emerged as a preferred destination for medical and wellness tourism, with numerous Omanis choosing India for their medical treatment at various state-of-the-art hospitals.

For this reason, the Embassy has created a special window for processing medical visas.

Community’s Contribution The vibrant Indian community has been preserving and promoting Indian arts and culture in Oman.

The community has made immense contribution to the success of celebrations to mark the 2nd International Day of Yoga, leading to the participation of around 3,000 persons in the signature Yoga event held on June 21, 2016.

The Indian Embassy in Muscat has been providing support to various community organisations, including Indian Social Clubs in Oman, their various branches and linguistic wings, which are engaged in providing social services and organising cultural events for the community and will continue to do so in the future.

The Embassy has also been extending its support to 19 Indian Schools in Oman, which are providing quality education to Indian children.

Wide-ranging Services The Indian Embassy remains committed to catering to the needs of the Indian community in Oman through its community welfare services and to provide, in an efficient and time bound manner, various passport and consular services.

The Embassy has made efforts to reach out to the Indian community living in other cities and distant camps by conducting open houses in other cities and visits to camps.

It has been extending help to Indian workers through its free biweekly legal sessions and monthly open houses. The Embassy has also

set up a 24-hour helpline service for Indian workers in distress and will continue to provide requisite assistance to Indian nationals in distress, including financial assistance. The Embassy shall also continue to make efforts to protecting the legitimate rights of Indian workers and professionals, as well as the business community under Omani Laws, working and living conditions of Indian workers, in consultation and coordination with the Government of Oman.

On this auspicious 70th Independence Day, I once again extend my warm greetings to my fellow citizens in Oman and thank them for their contribution to the growth and development of Oman and India.

I am looking forward to receiving continued cooperation of the Government and people of Oman to further deepen and diversify our strategic partnership with Oman.

I hope that the Indian community in Oman will continue to contribute to India’s growth story through its remittances and investments, and by enhancing trade with Oman and utilising its professional experiences.

I further hope the Indian community shall continue to extend its cooperation to the Indian Embassy and partner with us in the delivery of various services to the community in an efficient and timely manner. — Indra Mani Pandey

2

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

India: Leading world centre for advanced education India holds an important place in the global education system. Today, it is recognised as a world centre for higher education, which offers an unmatched variety of academic courses and quality education at affordable costs.

TIMES OF OMAN SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

3

IINDEPENDENCE N D I A DAY N

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large number of students come to India from countries, such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Ethiopia, Fiji, France, Germany, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Surinam, Syria, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Vietnam and Zimbabwe etc. for their higher studies.

Indian educational institutions continue to attract Omani students.

Many senior Omani government officials have also visited India for training under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, which is fully sponsored by the Government of India.

India has more than 1.4 million schools, with over 227 million students enrolled. In 2015, with about 750 universities and deemed universities, 48,116 colleges and institutions, and 30.1 million students enrolled, India’s higher education segment is the largest in the world.

India has an enlarged outreach for the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system. Student enrolment for distance education is growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.16 per cent and is expected to reach 8.79 million by 2019. India has also become the second largest market for e-learning after the United States.

Premier institutions of India, such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), etc. have been globally acclaimed for their standard in engineering, medicine and management. Several other institutes of fundamental research, such as the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) are known for their standard of research in basic sciences and mathematics.

Market Size The education segment in India was estimated to be around $100 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach $144 billion by 2020. The higher education sector in India is expected to increase to $35.03 bil-

lion by 2025, from $6.96 billion in 2015.

Higher education sector spending is over $6.78 billion currently and is expected to reach $34.12 billion in next decade. India has managed to create additional capacity for over 40 million students in less than two decades. The Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) inflow into the education sector in India has reached $1.2 billion since April 2000. The education sector in India is already open to 100 per cent foreign direct investment through the automatic route.

Some of the policies/initiatives started by the Indian Government • The Government has included, in its 2016-2017 budget; provisions for: transforming 10 public and 10 private educational institutions into world-class institutions; digital repository for all school leaving certificates and diplomas; $146.72 million for higher education financing; $250 million for 1500 multi-skill development centres.

• It also allocated a budgetary support of $74.4 billion for the education sector during the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-2017); and plans to provide enhanced access to higher education by creating two million additional seats for each age group during the period.

• An advisory body, the National Knowledge Commission (NKC), has been set up to guide policy and direct reforms, focusing on certain key areas, such as education, science and technology, agriculture, industry and e-governance.

• The Quality Council of India (QCI) is all set to roll out training modules for teachers to increase the quality of classroom lectures.

• The Government of India aims to increase digital literacy to at least 50 per cent of Indians from the current 15 per cent in the next three years.

International Cooperation India is a participant of the Educational Exchange Programmes (EEPs) or Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 51 countries, including Oman. The EEPs or MOUs envisage cooperation through several initiatives, such as exchange of scholars; sharing of information; organising joint seminars, workshops, conferences etc.;

HIGHLIGHTS

India has 1.4 million schools with over 227 million students

Over 30 million students are enrolled in its 750 universities and 48,116 colleges

India is also the second largest market for e-learning after the United States

India attracting students from all over the world

Govt’s ITEC programme attracts top Omani government officials

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India has an advanced Open and Distance Learning system

Indian education sector expected to be worth $144 billion by 2020

working towards mutual recognition of qualifications; and developing institutional linkages.

India also has educational cooperation activities, with different international organisations and multi-lateral bodies, such as UNESCO, the Commonwealth of Learning, E-9. BRICS, SAARC, ASEAN, IORARC, OECD, EU etc.

Preferred Destination for Study • Global Recognition: The courses offered and professionals trained in Indian educational institutions are recognised the world over. In fact, 200 of the Fortune 500 companies regularly participate in campus placements in India. In traditional subjects, such as arts and humanities, pure sciences, applied physics, chemistry, and mathematics, Indian universities and institutes of higher studies have been playing a leading role.

India’s strengths in information technology, space technology, peaceful nuclear energy, biotechnology, medical research etc. are well-known.

• Affordable costs: The quality of Indian education is comparable with the best available anywhere in the world, while the costs are affordable. The lesser costs do not mean a compromise in quality. It is mandatory for all the Indian institutions to be recognised by the appropriate National Level statutory bodies for compliance to strict quality standards.

• Indian experience: Studying and living in India is a special experience. India is a country rich in cultural heritage, and has a multireligious society. Besides the high standard of education, the students get an ample opportunity to explore the cultures and traditions of India, and revel in the scenic beauty of the country.

While India is already one of the preferred destinations for higher studies for students from developing countries, a significant number of students from developed countries also visit India for advanced education in specialised fields. A good number of Omani students are also receiving quality education in India; and India welcomes more.

For more information, please contact the Embassy of India at sspe@ indemb-oman.org.

4

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Why is India world’s favourite place for direct investment!

India is now the world’s favourite destination for foreign direct investment, and it is time Omani investors avail of the benefits an investment in the world’s fastest growing major economy offers

T

he India-Oman strategic partnership has roots in the centuries of trade linkages between the two maritime neighbours. Just as Indians are familiar with Oman and its hospitality, Omanis are also familiar with India and its economy — its strengths, the high returns it offers on investments, availability of skilled manpower and rule of law.

Omani businessmen recognise the opportunities offered by the fastest growing major economy of the world, a $2 trillion plus and world’s third largest economy in PPP terms.

While an estimated $4.5 billion has been invested by over 2,900 Indian enterprises and establishments in Oman, the interest of Omani investors is reflected in the estimated $3 billion Omani investment in India.

FDI inflow into India Trends in India’s FDI inflow endorse India’s status as a preferred investment destination amongst global investors. In 2015, India received $63 billion worth of FDI, and replaced China as the top FDI destination, indicating that government’s efforts to improve ease of doing business and relaxation in FDI norms are yielding results. India’s strengths span telecommunica-

tions, information technology, auto components, chemicals, apparels, pharmaceuticals and jewellery.

India’s steady economic liberalisation and its embrace of the global economy have been key factors in attracting FDI. More reasons to invest in India • Largest democracy with 1.25 billion population; huge untapped market potential.

• Ever growing demand.

• Cost competitiveness.

• Low labour costs. Nearly 539 million labour force.

• Large pool of skilled manpower; strong knowledge base with significant English speaking population.

• Responsive administrative set up • Investor friendly policies and incentive based schemes.

• Progressive simplification and rationalization of direct and indirect tax structures.

• Reduction in import tariffs.

• Robust banking and financial institutions.

• Full current account convertibility.

For details on sector-wise investment opportunities, please visit: http://www.makeinindia.com/sectors Government initiatives In words of Prime Minister Nar-

endra Modi, India offers the 3 D’s of business — Democracy, Demography and Demand. India is also moving fast towards the 4th D —Deregulation. Automatic approvals for most of the FDI sectors, abolition of retrospective taxation, rationalisation of capital gains tax, liberalization of the license regime and new Bankruptcy Code are the recent initiatives aimed to infuse vibrancy into Indian economy.Most sectors of the economy are opento 100 per cent FDI under automatic route while, in some other sectors,upto 49per cent FDI are allowed under automatic route and upto 100per cent through government approval.

For details, please see the Consolidated FDI Policy at http://dipp.nic. in/English/Policies/FDI_Circular_2016.pdf.

The government has also launched several flagship schemes aimed at rejuvenating India’s economic growth and improving the life of people. The “Make in India” campaign; a project to establish 100 smart cities; the Golden Quadrilateral project; industrial corridors, “Digital India”, “Skill India”, “Start up India” campaign, all are planned to act as catalysts for domestic and foreign investments. India’s vision as a global manufacturing hub rests on the principle of “Zero Defect, Zero Effect” — a production process that

TIMES OF OMAN SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

5

IINDEPENDENCE N D I A DAY N

HIGHLIGHTS

Largest democracy provides 539 million strong work force

Has huge untapped market potential

Strong knowledge base.

Responsive administrative set up

Investor friendly policies and incentive based schemes

Robust banking and financial institutions

is perfect and leaves no footprint on environment.

Investment in India is easy Doing business with India has never been easier. Government agencies pro-actively act as facilitators in investment by providing information and hand-holding support to investors.

Invest India is the official Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of the government mandated to facilitate investments in

India. It is envisaged to be the first point of reference for potential investors. A team of domain and functional experts provide sectorand state-specific inputs, and hand-holding support to investors through the entire investment cycle, from pre-investment decisionmaking to after-care. It assists with location identification; expediting regulatory approvals; facilitating meetings with relevant government and corporate officials; and also providing aftercare services that include initiating remedial action on problems faced by investors. (Website: http://investindia. gov.in/ ) The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India makes policy pronouncements on FDI. The government has put in place a policy framework on Foreign Direct Investment, which is transparent, predictable and easily comprehensible. This framework is embodied in the Circular on Consolidated FDI Policy to capture and keep pace with the regulatory changes, effected in the interregnum. http:// dipp.nic.in/English/Policies/FDI_ Circular_2016.pdf .

DIPP also plays a pro-active role in resolution of the problems faced by foreign investors in implemen-

tation of their projects through Foreign Investment Implementation Authority (FIIA). Foreign Investment promotion Board (FIPB), Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, provides a time-bound, transparent and proactive FDI regime for approval of FDI investment proposals.

Oman India Joint Investment Fund (OIJIF) is a joint venture between State Bank of India and State General Reserve Fund (SGRF) of Oman, set up as an SPV to invest in India. The OIJIF is a growth capital private equity fund focused on investing in mid-market segment in India.

The Team at OIJIF comprises seasoned private equity investors who operate with an entrepreneurial mindset and have full cycle track record of investing, handholding and divesting. The first tranche of $150 million has already been invested while the second tranche of $300 million is expected to be launched soon. (Website: http://www.oijif.com/ ) In fact, the Omani investors need not look far as the door to investing in India is open in Muscat itself.

The Embassy of India will be happy to facilitate and provide linkage with the concerned authorities and agencies in India. (Email us at: sspe@indemb-oman.org ).

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India’s popularity as international medical tourism destination continues to grow India is an international medical travel destination for patients seeking world-class treatment at competitive rates. India’s medical tourism sector is estimated to be worth about $3 billion. It is projected to grow to $7 to 8 billion by 2020.

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he Medical Tourism Market Report for 2015 found that India is, “One of the lowest cost and highest quality medical tourism destination, and it offers wide variety of procedures at about one-tenth the cost of similar procedures in the United States.”

A premier healthcare destination Over the years, India has grown to become a top-notch destination for medical value travel because it scores high over a range of factors that determine the overall quality of care. Imagine a complex surgical procedure being done in a world-class global hospital by acclaimed medical specialists at a fifth to tenth of what it normally takes. That’s India. From quality of therapy, range of procedural and treatment options, infrastructure and skilled manpower to perform-

ing any medical procedure with zero waiting time, the list of benefits of travelling for medical treatment in India are many.

Why India?

• Facilities: The high-end healthcare system in India is as good as the best in the world. India maintains not only a robust accreditation system, but also a large number of accredited facilities (about 275 such facilities that match any global infrastructure). India has a good number (22) of JCI (Joint Commission International) accredited hospitals and compares well with other countries in Asia. These set of approved hospitals in India can provide care at par or above global standards.

• Frontier Technologies: Cuttingedge technology to support medical diagnostics and medical procedures are employed by specialists in medical facilities.

All recognised hospitals have invested a lot in supportive technology and operative techniques. Complicated heart surgeries, cancer care and surgeries, neuro and even general surgeries require high-end technology to continually better outcomes, minimise complications, enable faster recovery and reduce length of hospital stay. The recent advancements in robotic surgeries, radiation surgery or radio therapies with cyber knife stereotactic options, IMRT/ IGRT, transplant support systems, advanced neuro and spinal options are all available in India.

India’s medical management and acclaimed specialists are quite comfortable in challenging themselves to new frontiers to provide solutions, always building on their expertise.

• Finest Doctors: India not only has hospitals with world-class facilities, but skilled world-class

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IINDEPENDENCE N D I A DAY N doctors and medical personnel too. The country has the largest pool of doctors and paramedics in South Asia (1.2 million Allopathic doctors. 0.17 million dental surgeons, 2 million nurses).

Many of them have established their credentials as leaders around the world. India’s medical history spans thousands of years through Ayurvedic and alternate medicine forms. There are about 0.8 million formally trained Ayurvedic doctors. With a large number of doctors, there is a high level of competency and capability in adoption of newer technologies and innovation and fresh treatment methods. It is a wonderful example of higher quantity leading to higher quality and vice versa. Communicate, talk to the doctors in the accredited facilities prior to visiting and they will study tone’s needs and customise the treatment.

• Financial Savings: Quality of care is what attracts people.

However, quality services should not be beyond the affordability of patients from all over the world to India. If quality comes at an affordable cost it is an unbeatable advantage.

This confluence of highest quality and cost advantage is unique for India. The benefit is unimaginable when it comes to major treatments, such as for leukemia, where the difference in cost is 10 to 20 times. For other treatments, it could be anything from a fifth to a tenth, when compared with Western countries and 80 to 90 per cent of what is charged at other South Asian medical destinations. The estimated 600,000 people who step into India from other countries do not do so for cheap healthcare, but for quality healthcare at an affordable cost. They are not compromised at any level, but regain health at a fraction of the cost.

• Fast Track–Zero Waiting Time: Quick and immediate attention for surgeries and all interventions are assured in India.

Getting an appointment for a bypass surgery or a planned angioplasty in certain countries takes almost three to six months. And there these treatments are very costly too. There

HIGHLIGHTS

Low-cost and quality healthcare impart an edge to India

Medical facilities are equipped with cuttingedge technology

India has largest pool of doctors and paramedics in South Asia

Shorter waiting periods for complicated/advanced surgeries

India’s Wellness Tourism also growing rapidly; is worth US$15 billion

is zero waiting time in India for any procedure, be it heart surgery, kidney care, cancer treatment, neuro-spinal procedures, knee/hip/joint replacements, dental, cosmetic surgeries, weight loss surgery etc.

• Feeling the Pulse: For greater understanding between patients and healthcare personnel, the warmth and hospitality of Indian hospitals is a big factor in choosing India as a healthcare destination. Among the top medical destinations of the world, India has the highest percentage of English language speaking people. Amidst the variety of culture and traditions, if there is one thing that is common in India, that is the English language. If other language options are essential, there are expert interpreters, who will be arranged by the hospitals. All of this leads to reassuring hospitality and great after care.

• Wellness Tourism: India, the second largest exporter of Ayurvedic and alternative medicine in the world, is the fastest growing destination for Wellness Tourism for international patients. The Wellness market in India is estimated to be around $15 billion. Wellness tourism in India offers relaxation, meditation, holistic centres, spas, wellness retreats, spiritual pilgrimages and other forms of healthy therapies. Wellness Tourism in

India is not limited to therapy only, it gives a sense of belongingness to an environment that is austere, free from stress, encourages positivity in attitude, focuses on balanced nutrition, restores balance and homeostasis of the body, and holistically heals the body.

For more details on medical tourism to India, please visit http://www.indiahealthcaretourism.com/.

International exhibitions about medical tourism and the pharma/medical sectors in India are also held regularly. “Advantage Health Care India-2016,” the 2nd International Summit on Medical Value Travel, will be held at Greater Noida, India, from October 3 to 5, 2016 for promoting the free movement of patients from other countries to India for medical treatment and wellness needs.

“India Medical Device-2017” and “India Pharma 2017” will be held at Bangalore from February 9 to 11, 2017. At these events, India’s medical devices, pharma products and technology will be showcased.

A preferred destination for Omanis India is already the preferred destination for medical tourism for people coming from Oman. Omanis are familiar with the quality and competitive costs of medical services available in India. Moreover, Oman and India have good connectivity. There are hundreds of flights every week, connecting Muscat and Salalah to around a dozen destinations in India.

To process the applications for medical visa on fast-track, the Embassy of India, Muscat has opened a separate window. Applications for medical visas are normally processed and issued within two to three working days. Besides this, Omanis going to India for short visits, especially for medical consultations, can apply for e-visa where the whole process of applying for a visa can be completed online without requiring facilitation by any intermediary.

For more details on e-visa to India, please visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in or contact the Embassy of India at cons.muscat@mea.gov.in.

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

DRIVE SLOWER LIVE LONGER

Initiatives launched to become global hub for skilled workers As India becomes poised to take a leading position on the global stage, it is also trying to ramp up efforts to plug the international deficit for quality and skilled manpower by opening more institutes that train its human resources

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n India, there is a keenly felt need for scaling up skill training efforts to meet the demands of employers and drive economic growth.

The government of India has launched several initiatives aimed at such skill development In July 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the “Skill India Campaign,” which aims to train over 400 million people in India in different skills by 2022. It includes various initiatives of the Government, such as “National Skill Development Mission,” “National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2015,” “Pradhan Mantri Kaushal VikasYojana (PMKVY)” and the “Skill Loan scheme.”

In the words of the PM, “This mission is not limited to skill, we have linked entrepreneurship to it.”

He added that if the 20th century saw India’s foremost technical institutes — the IITs — make a name for themselves globally, the 21st century required that India’s ITIs (Industrial Training Institutes), acquire global recognition for producing quality and skilled manpower.

PM Modi has also called for the constant updating of training programmes and syllabi to ensure that the youth are exposed to the latest

technology and industry environment, including digitisation and artificial intelligence. Linking the necessity to promote both apprenticeship and entrepreneurs, the Prime Minister has said, “It is important to predict the possibilities of the future and prepare for them today itself.”

The government has also launched a digital employment exchange that will enable industrial enterprises to find suitable workers and job-seekers to find employment. It aims to make India the world’s largest provider of skilled workforce. In order to prepare for this, PM Modi has said there is a need for mapping of manpower requirements, not just in India, but globally as well.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in India has introduced a slew of measures to coordinate all skill development efforts across the country, remove the disconnect between demand and supply of skilled manpower, build the vocational and technical training framework, upgrade skills, build new skills, and encourage innovative thinking, not only for existing jobs, but also jobs that are to be created.

The ministry will be aided in these initiatives by its functional arms—the National Skill Development Agency (NSDA), the National

HIGHLIGHTS

PM Modi’s Skill India Campaign one such initiative

Indian ITIs scaling up training facilities

Indian government has also launched digital employment exchange

National Skill Development Corporation India, a publicprivate-partnership, set up

India receives officials and professionals from about 161 countries

Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the National Skill Development Fund (NSDF) and 33 Sector Skill Councils (SSCs), as well as 187 training partners. The ministry also plans to work with the existing network of skill development centres, universities and other alliances in the field. Further, collaborations with relevant central ministries, state governments, international organisations, industry and NGOs, have been initiated for multi-level engagement and more

impactful implementation of skill development efforts.

The National Skill Development Corporation India (NSDC) is a public-private-partnership set up with the primary mandate of catalysing the skills landscape in India and upgrading skills to international standards. NSDC is based on three pillars: (i) Create proactively, catalyse creation of large, quality vocational training institutions; (ii) Fund-reduce risk by providing patient capital, including grants and equity; and (iii) Enable the creation and sustainability of support systems required for skill development.

International Cooperation in Skill Development Today, there is a visible recognition of India’s competence as a provider of technical know-how, expertise, consultancy services, feasibility studies and training opportunities.

India is actively engaging with several countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, the United States, Canada, Singapore, the European Union (EU) and France in skills training, training of trainers, setting up of model and centres of excellence.

India has also been assisting many countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America in capacity building and skill development.

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IINDEPENDENCE N D I A DAY N

Transformation of India Recounting twenty-five years of economic reforms A quarter of a century after India ushered in groundbreaking economic reforms, the country’s economy has transformed into a juggernaut poised to assume a leadership position in the world.

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“

o power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come,” the former Finance Minister of India, Manmohan Singh, had said, quoting Victor Hugo, while presenting the Union Budget on July 24, 1991.

With these words, he unleashed path-breaking economic reforms in India. The reforms, initiated at a time of unprecedented crisis, ushered in unprecedented economic growth for India transforming it into the fastest growing major economy and the third largest economy in the world in terms of purchasing power parity.

As India marked the 25th anniversary of the economic reforms in July 2016, some of the key achievements are highlighted in the following paragraphs.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Since 1991, India’s GDP has increased by 2216 per cent and, in dollar terms, it has crossed the $2 trillion mark in 2015-2016.

Currently, the country is ranked ninth in the world in terms of nominal GDP. But in terms of Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), India is already the third largest economy.

Once admonished for its slow “Hindu” rate of growth, India has overtaken China’s GDP growth rate and became the fastest growing major economy in the world, with a GDP growth rate of 7.6 per cent in 2015-2016.

HIGHLIGHTS

Since 1991, India’s GDP has shot up 2216%, crossing $2 trillion this year

With $63 billion in FDI in 2015 alone, India replaced China as the top global FDI destination

Current forex reserves pegged at $363.17 billion

Services sector contribution to the GDP up, Agriculture’s down

Reforms continuing with global economic leaders hailing India’s growth rate

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Before 1991, foreign investment was negligible. The first year of reform saw a total foreign investment of only $74 million. By March 31, 2016, the country had received total FDI of $371 billion since 1991.

In 2015 alone, India received $63 billion in investments and replaced China as the top FDI destination.

Foreign Exchange Reserves (Forex) India’s dismal state of forex reserves in 1991 had forced the Government to bring in economic reforms. Now, a quarter of a century later, forex reserves are at a record

high. In 1991, the reserves stood at just $5.8 billion. As of July 1, 2016, the country’s forex reserves were pegged at $363.17 billion.

Sensex The 30-share index was lingering around the 1000-level in 1991.

The Sensex has since risen steadily to reach 25,341.86 points by the end of the 2016 financial year.

Market capitalisation has also multiplied 100 times since 1991.

Per Capita Income Between 1991 and 2016, the per capita income rose from Rs 6,270 to Rs 93,293. This is a whopping 1388 per cent jump. PPP gives a better comparative picture of the standard of living and the cost of living in a particular country. Since 1991, the standard of living has improved, and so has the cost of living. In 1991, per capita income on a PPP basis was $1,173. By 2015, it had risen nearly five-fold to $6,020.

Share of Agriculture, Industry and Services in GDP The post-1991 reform period shows a gradual decline in the reliance on agricultural sector and the rise of the services sector and manufacturing sector. Agriculture now contributes only about 15 per cent to the GDP, down from 29 per cent in 1991. The services sector currently contributes around 53 per cent to the national economy.

Power Generation and Consumption Electricity consumption is a good

indicator for growth. As a country prospers economically, its power consumption increases too. Postreforms, per-capita power consumption in India has increased.

Cumulatively, there has been a 162 per cent growth between 19901991 and 2012-2013 from 291.8 KWh (kilowatt hours) to 765 KWh. Labour Force and Employment The labour force in India currently stands at 497 million. In 1991, it stood at 337 million. The agriculture sector, which is considered India’s backbone, now employs less

than half of the labour force, while the workforce in the industrial and service sectors has surged ahead.

Telecommunications The telecom revolution in India can be called the biggest legacy of the post-1991 reforms. Telephones, especially wireless subscription, have witnessed exponential growth since the dawn of this century. Mobile phones have revolutionised the way Indians communicate. In the last 15 years, wireless subscription has grown by a phenomenal 28,611 per cent. As of March 2016, there were more than 1.03 billion mobile

subscribers in the country. Currently, India has the second largest mobile subscriber base in the world after China.

Continuing Economic Reforms Economic reform is a continuing process. The present government, carrying forward the legacy of the 1991 reforms, has opened up most sectors of the economy to 100 per cent FDI. The Indian economy is regarded as one of the most open economies and is better placed to reach new heights.

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Innovation at heart of more focus on R&D The Government of India is pursuing a slew of policy initiatives that are diligently designed to facilitate technological breakthroughs and create an atmosphere conducive to innovation

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s an emerging economy, India has been harnessing its strength to place itself on a fast-growth trajectory supported by its science and technology prowess. Being the third largest scientific and technical manpower pool in the world, India ranks among the top in the field of basic research.

India’s research and development (R&D) globalisation and the services market is expected to become worth $38 billion by 2020.

R&D investment is expected to rise from 0.8 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) to 2.4 per cent of the GDP in 2034.

Riding on these strengths, India has grown to become a global hub for IT and ITeS services and R&D in various fields. However, the country has never been complacent about this competitive advantage.

It has looked beyond the boundaries of science and technology to ensure that expertise in this field translates into innovative ways of meeting socio-economic needs.

The 2014 Global Technology Innovation Survey ranked Mumbai and New Delhi at 7th and 11th positions, respectively, among the leading technology innovation hubs for

the next four years.

India has been steadily boosting its ecosystem to facilitate a robust interplay of multiple factors. Concerted efforts are being made in this direction, such as enriching the knowledge base, incentivising R&D in the public and private sectors, and improving governance and S&T institutions. The promotion of collaboration between universities and industry, setting up of a supportive financial system, building a platform for best practices and innovations, and the strengthening of the IPR regime are among the other major steps.

Besides these, many government initiatives are specifically aimed at fostering communication. The ‘Digital India’ programme has been launched with the vision to transform India into a digitally-empowered society and knowledge economy. It aims at harnessing the power of digital technologies, such as cloud computing and mobile apps to speed up economic growth. Digital India is set to offer digital infrastructure as a core utility for all citizens and facilitate e-governance.

Under the Smart Cities Mission, India is planning to build 100 smart cities across the country.

It is India’s way of preparing to tackle the complexity of massive urbanisation where about 843 million people are expected to live in urban areas by 2050. The concept of ‘smart cities’ is embedded in the government’s commitment to bring in meaningful change, with a focus on sustainable and inclusive development. Foreign partnerships are being encouraged for this.

India has already signed several deals: three each with Germany and the United States and one each with Spain and Singapore to build eight cities.

The National Innovation Council is aimed at formulating an innovation roadmap, which envisages designing an Indian model of innovation with a focus on inclusive growth; encouraging governments, universities and institutions to innovate; and delineating policy initiatives.

It also strives to explore new strategies for innovation and collaboration to scale and sustain innovation. Further, the “Stand up India,” “Start-up India” campaign has been envisaged to promote bank financing for start-up ventures. As the Prime Minister has pointed out, start-ups, technology and innovation can serve as effective instru-

ments for driving India’s transformation, and for job creation.

Another effort to enable the innovation ecosystem has been the India Inclusive Innovation Fund.

As much as 20 per cent of the initial corpus of the nearly US$83 million will be contributed by the Government. The remaining will come from insurance companies, financial institutions, multilateral/bilateral development agencies, and Indian and global corporations.

Healthcare, education, agriculture, and financial inclusion are among the focus areas of the fund, which has a life span of nine years.

The most recent development aimed at encouraging innovation has been the unveiling of the national Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) policy, designed in compliance with the World Trade Organisation’s agreement on TRIPS. It strives for a “Creative India; Innovative India” by creating an environment conducive with innovation and building a transparent, service-oriented IPR administration.

SRISHTI (Science Research and Innovation System High Technology-led path for India) is the goal of the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, 2013. It calls for

HIGHLIGHTS

India’s R&D sector is expected to become worth $38 billion by 2020

R&D investment to rise from 0.8% of GDP to 2.4% by 2034

‘Digital India’ programme aimed at boosting technological capacities

It aims to build 100 smart cities under ‘Smart Cities Mission’

National Innovation Council to formulate innovation roadmap

promoting entrepreneurship and science-led solutions for sustainable and inclusive growth, fostering academia-research-industry partnerships and enabling risk culture and partnerships and alliances with other countries.

Taking a cue from the government’s initiatives, Indian companies too are encouraging R&D and

delivering services catered to reengineering and transformation; around 30 per cent of the top 1,000 global R&D spending organisations have already set up their R&D centres in India.

Also, global attention is turning to India’s rich talent pool, advancements in disruptive technology, robust innovation network and alliances, and ability to drive customer-centric models. The research ecosystem in India presents a significant opportunity for multinational corporations across the world.

Legions of Indian engineers working across the globe have highlighted the highly trained manpower available at competitive costs.

Consequently, several MNCs have shifted or are shifting their R&D base to India. These R&D bases either develop products to serve the local market or help the parent company overseas deliver their products faster across the world.

All these reflect India’s strengths as an innovation enabler and its emerging role as a promising destination for technology innovation where Omani investors can invest for high returns. For more information, please contact the Embassy of India at sspe@indemb-oman.org.

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IINDEPENDENCE N D I A DAY N << CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

For India’s Consolidated FDI Policy, please see http://dipp.nic. in/English/Policies/FDI_Circular_2016.pdf.

The government has also launched several flagship schemes aimed at rejuvenating India’s economic growth and improving the life of people. The “Make in India” campaign, the project for the creation of 100 smart cities; the Golden Quadrilateral project; industrial corridors, “Digital India,” “Skill India,” and the “Start-up India” Campaign, are all expected to act as catalysts for domestic and foreign investments for continued, sustainable and inclusive growth in India.

How the world sees India’s economy today “India remains a particular bright spot with rising real incomes and confidence boosting domestic

demand,” the International Monetary Fund’s Chief Christine Lagarde said recently at a conference in India. She appreciated continuing economic reforms saying, “India stands at a crucial moment in its history with an unprecedented opportunity for transformation.

And with the promise of even more reforms to come, India’s star shines bright.” Expressing similar expectations, Marie Diron, senior

vice president at Moody’s said, “FDI inflows are likely to climb further in response to government measures, such as efforts to liberalise foreign investment limits in several sectors and the ‘Make in India’ initiative.”

“India will continue to grow robustly, by 7.4 per cent in 2016 and 7.3 per cent in 2017,” the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said in its report. “India has the highest potential for economic growth in a world that will be defined by mediocre growth in the next couple of years,” said Paul Sheard, the chief economist at S&P Global. Fitch expects India’s GDP to be 7.7 per cent in the 2016-2017 fiscal year, and further increased to 7.9 per cent in the fiscal year April 2017-March 2018.

What lies ahead?

Manmohan Singh, the then Finance Minister, had delivered his

budget speech in 1991 with the words, “Let the whole world hear it loud and clear. India is now wide awake.”

After 25 years of economic reforms, the world hears it loud and clear—India has emerged as the fastest-growing major economy of the world.

“India will be among the three largest economies in the world by 2050,” said Andrew Mackenzie, the chief executive officer of mining giant BHP Billiton.

By 2025, India is set to overtake

China in population and become the most populated country of the world, with 1.396 billion people.

With over 200 million households, India is a huge consumer market, which makes it, together with India’s democratic polity and young and skilled population, an attractive investment destination.

Much has changed in the last 25 years for an average Indian.

From a scenario of scarcity, India has transitioned into a nation of abundance; and millions of people have been lifted out of poverty. In

the next 25 years, India hopes to continue on a path of sustainable and inclusive growth, committed to wiping out poverty completely.

The fundamentals of the Indian economy also remain strong. The government remains committed to taking steps to achieving sustained high GDP growth. And with a favourable investment environment, growing domestic consumption and an abundant skilled workforce, India’s economy is poised to play a leading role on the global stage.