Times of Oman - August 16, 2015 by Muscat Media Group

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SUNDAY, August 16, 2015 / 1 Dhul Qa’ada 1436 AH

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Omani girls starving for vanity’s sake More and more Omani women are skipping meals to remain slim-andtrim, unmindful of the harmful consequences on health, say doctors

SALEH AL SHAIBANY saleh@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: Young women between the ages of 18 and 25 suffer from mild to severe malnutrition as they try to lose weight and look attractive to emulate international celebrities, according to doctors in major hospitals. Doctors in major hospitals receive young women in this age bracket much more often with common complaints such as dizziness, body weakness, blurred vision, light-headedness and headache etc. “Some of them come again and

again. They go into extreme diet and lose a lot of weight. They become so weak that their blood sugar drops and cannot even walk due to weakness,” Dr Mohammed Al Farahdeen, told Times of Oman. Undernourishment A majority of the young women who suffer from undernourishment are university and college students, according to hospital sources. “More than 70 per’ cent of them are doing their degrees in different specialisations. They collapse at their universities or colleges and sent to the emergency. They don’t eat well at all and some of them eat only one meal a day,” Fatma Al Zadjali, a nutritionist at a government hospital, said. Starving themselves Young girls in Oman are obsessed with the figures of famous personalities and are starving themselves to look super skinny and that can lead to a major health issues, other doctors say. “These girls try to achieve the same figures as actresses and models they see in television, films and glossy magazines. They are desperate to follow them and deny themselves regular meals. What they don’t understand that food deprivation can lead to major health problems such as the thinning of the bones and sudden heart failure,” Dr Salam Al Obaidani,

S O N E VA G R O U P

told Times of Oman. Nada Al Balushi, a 21-year-old student at Modern College of Business and Science, admits that she can go all day eating — just a single meal — to maintain her slim ﬁgure. “I eat only once a day because I don’t want to get fat. It is important for me to stay thin. It makes me happy,” Nada said. But such diet is not without consequences and Nada admits that she sometimes suffers blackouts and dizziness. In severe cases, some girls here in Oman opt for surgery when dieting is not enough. “They do surgery to limit the size of their tummies when normal dieting does not work. They all have the signs of anorexia when they come to the hospital and yet that is not enough. They want to become skinny and bony,” Dr Salim Al Harthy, said. Helpless parents are concerned about the eating disorders of their daughters with the dangerous and unrealistic messages being sent to young women through fashion magazines. “My daughter does not listen to our advice no matter what we tell her. She is determined to eat little food and she does not mind the frequent dizziness or the blackouts as long as she stays skinny. It is frustrating and there is nothing we can do about it,” a mother of a 19-yearold student, said.

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BAHRAIN

HM sends condolences MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of condolences and sympathy to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain on the death of Sheikh Isa bin Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy, praying to the Almighty Allah to rest his soul in peace and grant his family patience to bear the loss. -ONA TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

OMAN

Are Shura Council polls losing sparkle?

The ineffectiveness of the Shura poll campaign has left many voters disillusioned with the electoral process. >A3

REGION

Yemen loyalists retake province

Forces loyal to Yemen’s exiled government retook a ﬁfth southern province Saturday. >A7

MARKET

Oman tops in foreign portfolio investment

Oman stood ﬁrst in terms of foreign portfolio investment in stock market in GCC. >B1

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE

Seven-star resort planned in Musandam

Divorce and marriage certificates Number of divorce certiﬁcates issued

Times News Service MUSCAT: A seven-star resort is being planned in Musandam Governorate in the Sultanate. Speaking to the Times of Oman, Sonu Shivdasani, a British Indian hotelier, who is the founder and CEO of Soneva Group which owns the luxury resorts, Soneva Fushi in the Maldives and Soneva Kiri in Thailand, said that work on the resort would begin in 2017. “It will be a Soneva brand resort where we will have about 40 villas,” he said. Giving more details about the seven star resorts, he said this is just a ﬁgure of speech. “However, it will be a notch above what exists today in Oman,” he clariﬁed. Shivdasani is a popular name in Oman and became famous for creating the renowned Ziggy Bay resort complex in Musandam. He is also the founder and former CEO of the Six Senses Resorts & Spas, across South East Asia and Europe, which he sold in 2012. He was in Muscat recently looking for property buyers from Oman for his Soneva Fushi Resort. “Owners of the properties will

It will be a Soneva brand resort where we will have about 40 villas. However, it will be a notch above what exists today in Oman Sonu Shivdasani British Indian hotelier

not only enjoy the ultimate private island lifestyle but will also beneﬁt from attractive rental yields,” he said. Soneva Fushi Private Residences capture the very essence of luxurious castaway fantasy at its ﬁnest. People can buy one bedroom water

villas to three bedroom villas. Soneva Fushi is located on Kunfunadhoo Island in the Baa Atoll area in the Maldives. The Maldives in the Indian Ocean, is home to some of the world’s ﬁnest white sand beaches and exceptional marine life, and only in 2011

allowed ownership of private real estate to foreigners. It is just three hours away from Muscat International Airport. The island is 1,400 metres long and 400 metres wide and is one of the largest islands that have been allocated for tourism in the Maldives. “Apart from crystal clear waters, white beaches and a tropical climate, the island’s lush vegetation offers a unique natural experience,” he added. From Male International Airport, the island can be reached by a 40-minute ride in a seaplane. The construction time will be between 12 and 18 months from the sign-off of architectural plans. “During the construction phase of villas, buyers are entitled to seven days free accommodations per quarter at Soneva Fushi,” he said. Water sports abound at Soneva Fushi and one can choose from a wide range of activities such as windsurﬁng, snorkelling, hobie cat sailing, and water skiing apart from wake boarding. The Soneva Fushi has its own fully equipped PADI diving school run by its own qualiﬁed staff and offering some of the best diving in the world. SIMPLIFYING PROCESS

Indian community celebrates Independence Day with patriotic fervour

New service launched for UAE entry visa Staff Reporter MUSCAT: A new service for issuing ‘entry visa’ to residents of the GCC countries and companions of citizens at all border check points and ports for categories mentioned in Decree No 377 for the year 2014, has been issued by the Ministry of Interior of the United Arab Emirates. “The service will be available through the Fawri (immediate) gate and people can apply through the website www.moi.gov.ae in accordance with the conditions and procedures mentioned,” WAM, the official news agency of the Emirate, reported. >A2

3,550 3,622

2013 2014 4 Number of marriage certiﬁcates issued

28,515 28,152 Number of contracts and other documents issued in 2014

147,444

12,766

2,429

Official documents

Non-marriage certiﬁcates

Widowhood certiﬁcates

Source: Ministry of Justice

Graphics

Divorce cases rise as marriages drop MOHAMMED FAHMI RAJAB

MUSCAT: There has been an increase in the number of divorces and decrease in marriages in the Sultanate in 2014 as compared to 2013. This was revealed by Faiz bin Mubarak Al Maskari, director of Notary Public Affairs Department at the Ministry of Justice, while speaking to Al Shabiba, the sister publication of Times of Oman. The divorce certificates issued by the Notary Public Affairs department in 2014 numbered 3,622 against 3,550 issued in 2013. The majority of these were issued in Salalah with 389 documents representing 11 per cent of the total, followed by Seeb with 326 representing 9 per cent, Muscat with 276 representing 8 per cent and Saham with 126 certificates. There were 28,152 marriage certificates issued in 2014 as compared to 28,515 issued in 2013. The majority of these were issued in Seeb with 1,959 documents representing 7 per cent of the total, followed by Salalah with 1,805 certificates representing 6 per cent, and Muscat with 1,500 certificates representing 5 per cent, apart from Saham with 1,488, and Al Suwaiq with 1,361. Talking about the issue of attestation/documentation, Al Maskari said, “It has been a common practice for long. With the develop-

ment in the Sultanate came the necessity for authentication of contracts and documents.” Notary public departments He said there were 60 notary public affairs departments in the various governorates. There were four in Muscat, nine in Dhofar, four in Musandam, two in Al Buraimi, and nine in Al Dakhiliyah, in addition to six each in North Al Batinah and South Al Batinah, ﬁve in South Al Sharqiyah, eight in North Al Sharqiyah, three in Al Dhahirah, and four in Al Wusta. Al Maskari said that the responsibilities of the notary public are not restricted to authentication or attestation of contracts but also include the issuance of marriage contracts, divorce certiﬁcates, documents of all types of agencies, acknowledgments among others, he added. “As of now, contracts are attested in the presence of the parties involved and at the notary public affairs departments. However, the Ministry of Justice has a plan which will enable parties to send details and data electronically with only the signing of contracts in the presence of parties,” elaborated Al Maskari. The number of contracts and other documents issued in 2014 numbered 210,537 against 191,164 in 2013. >A2

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 Breaking road safety regulations is an administrative offence, and receiving complaints regarding such practices would affect the ranking of any campaign Shaikh Issa bin Yusuf Al Busaidy, Head of the Omani Haj Delegation

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Haj operators urged to abide by safety norms It is a common tendency for drivers to over-speed while leaving Makkah. That is because almost everyone feels very

PIOUS JOURNEY: The ministry is studying a plan that would possibly reduce Haj costs in the coming years.

tired and wants to return home soon

MEHDI AL LAWATI

MUSCAT: Haj campaign operators have been urged not to overstress drivers, and avoid putting behind wheels men who are exhausted, to avoid accidents during the pilgrimage. Shaikh Issa bin Yusuf Al Busaidy, Head of the Omani Haj Delegation, recently said, “We have called on Haj campaign operators to adhere to road safety regula-

tions.” He said it becomes difficult to monitor them once they are abroad. He said, “Breaking road safety regulations is an administrative offence, and receiving complaints regarding such practices would affect the ranking of any campaign. However, in certain cases, some pilgrims themselves push drivers to over-speed and commit other driving offences.” Over-speeding He said, “It is a common tendency for drivers to over-speed while leaving Makkah. That is because almost everyone feels very tired

and they want to return home as soon as they can.” Accident in Al-Ahsa Late in July, a head-on collision between a truck and a bus carrying Omani pilgrims in Al-Ahsa (near Khuraiss) in Saudi Arabia had left nine people dead and 41 others injured. Saudi Arabia sees a road accident every second and 17 people are killed in crashes every day, as revealed by the Saudi Health Ministry last year. Haj costs According to Al Busaidy, Haj

campaign’ prices have increased by approximately OMR100, compared with last year. The highest price registered has surpassed OMR3,600, while the lowest price is OMR1,800 (flying) and OMR1,200 (driving), said Al Busaidy. He also revealed that the ministry is studying a plan that would possibly reduce Haj costs in the coming years. Asked if the campaigns or beneficiaries in Saudi Arabia are exploiting pilgrims, he commented, “We need to look into different aspects carefully before pointing fingers at any one. In any case, we have warned campaigns against being greedy.” Al Busaidy said unlicensed Haj operators are a common problem during the pilgrimage. He forewarned that if anything goes wrong, it would be difficult for the ministry to reach out to pilgrims travelling by these campaigns as they do not carry a Haj card. He also explained that should Saudi Arabia decide to implement strict security measures, unlicensed Haj operators might not be able to facilitate pilgrimage rituals.

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

Bahla is home to 103 types of water channels

Farmers rely on the aﬂaj to irrigate their ﬁelds. -ONA

BAHLA: While there are numerous tourist sites and attractions in Bahla in the Governorate of A’Dhakiliyah, as per the statistics issued by the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, this wilayat is also known for its 103 different types of aflaj or “water channels” such as Daoudi, Ghaili and Aini. While farmers rely on the aflaj to irrigate their plants, many farms suffer from severe drought because many aflaj have

run dry due to low rainfall in the past few years. The Al Maigha Falaj is one of the biggest and deepest in the wilayat. Farmers rely on it to irrigate the south-western parts of Al Alaya. The origin The Al Mohadith Falaj originates from the north-east of the wilayat. It begins 8 kilometres inside the mountains. Farmers in Al Ghaf district and up to Alaya rely on its

abundant water. The Falaj spa is about 30 metres deep. Al Fatth Falaj, a Daoudi one, is located in Al Fatth in the southeast of the wilayat. The falaj irrigates the small number of farms in Al Fatth, which have become a domestic tourist destination for many families. Ma’awal Falaj, which originates from Ma’awal village near Seeh al Ma’ashi, irrigates the orchards and gardens of date palm trees, citrus fruits and vegetables. -ONA NEW SERVICE

6 9 T H I N D E P E N D E N C E D AY

PATRIOTIC FERVOUR: The day was celebrated with traditional fervour to enliven the realisation of the dream of a separate Muslim homeland. – Supplied picture

Pakistan School marks Independence Day Times News Service MUSCAT: Pakistan School Muscat hosted a ceremony to mark the 69th Independence Day of Pakistan at Dr. A Q Khan Hall on the August 14, 2015. The day was celebrated with traditional fervour to enliven the realisation of the dream of a separate Muslim homeland -- The Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The ambassador of Pakistan to Oman, Ayaz Hussain, was the chief guest on the occasion. The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Adnan Shahzad, members of the BOD, Senior Principal PSS Attaullah Niazi, Principal Khalid Jadoon, embassy officers and a large number of members of the Pakistan community were present at the ceremony. The ceremony started in the name of Allah with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Haﬁz Faisal. Later, Ayaz Hussain, accompanied by the Defence Attaché Altaf Hussain and the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Muhammad Adnan Shahzad, took pride in hoisting the ﬂag of Pakistan with the singing of the National Anthem. The programme proceeded to

the special supplication for the perpetual well-being and prosperity of the beloved country, Pakistan. Principal Jadoon welcomed and felicitated each Pakistani on the 69th Independence Day of Pakistan. He paid homage to all those whose sacriﬁces resulted in the formation of Pakistan. He underlined the responsibility that each Pakistani must bear to pursue the spirit of our forefathers and be an ambassador of Pakistan as an honourable nation . “We can’t fail, we shall live … There is no power on Earth that can undo Pakistan.’’ A message by Qaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, was read out and the audience pledged to work untiringly for making Pakistan the best nation in the world. Senior Principal of the school, Atta Ullah Niazi, wished all Pakistanis on the Independence Day. Making the day even more remarkable, he unveiled the marvellous results that the students achieved in the Board Exams and the Cambridge University exams. He congratulated the proud students and their parents and commended the untiring efforts of the teachers.

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Major General Khalifa Hareb Al Khaili, Ministry of Interior’s Assistant Undersecretary for Naturalisation and Residency Affairs, pointed out that the new service is part of the Interior Ministry’s keenness to keep abreast of technological development. Al Khaili said that it is meant to facilitate and simplify procedures for those arriving in the country, thus saving time and effort at these ports.

These included 147,444 official documents representing 70 per cent of the total, 12,766 non-marriage certiﬁcates or 6 per cent, and certiﬁcates of widowhood at 2,429 or 1 per cent, he said. He added that the Muscat Governorate issued 20 per cent of such documents followed by North Al Batinah with 16 per cent, Al Dakhiliyah with 10 per cent, and Dhofar and North Al

A1 UAE visa A1 Notary Public Law Sharqiyah with 10 per cent each. Royal Decree He said that the Royal Decree No. 40/2003 establishing the Notary Public Law comprised 19 articles on their prerogatives and responsibilities. Prior to the issuance of the law, the courts were responsible for the authentication of contracts and documents.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

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SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Are Majlis Al Shura elections in Oman losing their sparkle? SUNDAY BEAT

The dwindling numbers of those taking part in the elections is casting a shadow over the ability of elected candidates to deliver on their promises

SALEH AL SHAIBANY saleh@timesofoman.com HAVE YOUR SAY AT TWITTER.COM/ TIMESOFOMAN OR SCAN THE CODE TO INSTANTLY POST YOUR THOUGHTS.

ot only are women expected to miss out on the chance to be elected for the next Shura Council but the ineffectiveness of the campaign has left many voters disillusioned about how well the electoral process serves the country. In the 2011 elections, the electorate turnout was 15 per cent less than the previous campaign in 2007. It may well be the same this year with some voters opting to stay at home rather than queuing up at the ballot stations. The dwindling numbers of those taking part in the elections is casting a shadow over the ability of the elected candidates to deliver on their promises made to the people who send them to Majlis Al Shura. When citizens go to the polls they are choosing more than a Council member. They want a person who would represent them in the government to negotiate their rights, solve their problems, and above all, get their voices heard. Voters

now are disenchanted believing their representatives want to be elected for the personal perks they can get with the positions, and not to make political changes. Voters want decisions to be made on most important issues that impact their lives. They are not willing to tolerate any more people who go for power and forget the ethics behind the electoral process. False promises People are baffled when they ﬁnd that the representatives they voted for are not available for consultations, or in some cases, have changed their phone numbers once elected. In many areas, especially in smaller towns, the changes members of the Shura Council promised the people — who put them in power — never materialised. They were promised reforms such as tougher laws on frauds, corruption, better health services, social security housing and even road repairs. In October, voters would ask themselves whether it is worth the trouble to do it all

over again. The elections have become grander and campaign pompous but the results are not to the expectations of voters. In a Western style campaign, candidates now spend a fortune for huge street posters and media promotions. They see hundreds of potential candidates sending countless social media messages to get themselves elected. Then there are the bland campaigns from candidates who cannot afford to pay for a blaze of publicity. They rely on word of mouth and their relationships with the inﬂuential people of their constituencies to do the work for them. This time, there are indications that voters would neither be impressed by the publicity nor respond to the quiet campaigners. It may well be the start of loss of conﬁdence in Oman’s homemade parliamentarian system. However, the declining voting interest in the last few elections could be what is needed to send a strong message for future elections. The contenders would know that it is not about them. It is

YOUR BIGGEST ROAD HAZARD IS IN YOUR HAND A TIMES OF OMAN HANDS-FREE DRIVING INITIATIVE

about electors and they would like their lives improved and protected. Unless the electorate ﬁnd the reason to drive to the polling stations in the next two months, the next election would be just another formality. They need to see the enthusiasm and in all modesty, genuine candidates who are worthy of their votes. They also need to see radical changes, meaningful dialogue and leadership. As October edges closer, women too have something to say — they have been blamed for not playing an active role. Women make up about half the population but it is men who have been controlling the Majlis Al Shura so far. Perhaps, this time, the women who have registered to stand for elections might be what is needed to put the wind back on the sail of the sinking electoral boat. There is a popular local saying: “It takes a woman to get a house into a good shape.” This House certainly needs a strong feminine participation to get itself in good order.

ISG holds health fest Times News Service MUSCAT: As part of inculcating healthy eating habits among children and spreading awareness about nutritional elements in the food they consume, the Department of Science of ISG CBSE In-

ternational, organised the Annual Health Week with a series of wellcoordinated activities. This year the main theme was ‘Diet Clinic’. Each class presented food items that were elemental in combating health issues, with attractive posters and slogans.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

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69th

Independence Day of India was celebrated athe embassy and the Indian schools in Muscat

INDIAN SCHOOL SEEB

Patriotic fervour at Independence Day function in school Times News Service MUSCAT: A distinguished gathering was present on the premises of the Indian School Seeb (ISS) on August 15, to celebrate the 69th Independence Day of India. Huge ﬂags adorned the entire school and the audience was given the feel of being in India’s capital New Delhi, with the stage resembling India’s Red Fort. The environment was abuzz with sounds of joy and gaiety. Biju Koshy, president of the school management committee, other members, principal, staff and students of the school gave Indra Mani Pandey, the new Indian ambassador to the Sultanate, a traditional welcome on his ﬁrst visit to an Indian community school in Oman. He was accompanied by distinguished personalities of the Indian community such as Wilson V George, chairman, Dr Kiran Ash-

er, vice chairman, other members of the board, and dignitaries from the Indian community. The ambassador unfurled the national ﬂag and took the salute. The school choir led the gathering in the singing of the national anthem awakening everyone’s feelings towards their motherland. This was followed by the march-past comprising students of ISM, ISG, ISWK and the host school. The ISWK march-past was headed by Hasmit and Ditte Parmar. Tara Fatima and Vivek Nair led the ISG contingent. Allen Gigi Thomas and Angela Alex of ISM led their group, while the host school was led by Rajneesh K V, school sports captain, and Alona Suresh. Their synchronised strides expressed the joy of freedom and urged the audience to experience peace and unity in diversity. Reshma Jaya, girl’s dean, formally welcomed the guests.

NATIONAL SPIRIT: The ambassador reiterated that the historical links between India and Oman have grown into a strategic partnership and thanked His Majesty’s government and the people of Oman.– OK Mohammed Ali/TIMES OF OMAN

Indian ambassador hails Oman-India ties Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey greeted the Indian community in Oman whose diligence, sincerity and professionalism is recognised by all

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT PATRIOTIC SYMBOLS: Indira Mani Pandey expressed his heartfelt elation to be amongst the students and the members of the Indian community. He called on the younger generation to live up to the expectations of their motherland.– Supplied photo

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

Times News Service MUSCAT: More than 350 members of the Indian community gathered on the premises of the Indian Embassy in Muscat to celebrate the country’s 69th Independence Day on Saturday morning. Indra Mani Pandey, Indian ambassador to the Sultanate, unfurled the Indian ﬂag and read out the address of Pranab Mukherjee, President of India, to the nation. Students from the Indian School Darsait led the gathering in singing the national anthem, followed by other patriotic songs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech

from the ramparts of the Red Fort was also screened. Earlier in the day, the ambassador unfurled the tricolour at the Indian School Al Seeb in the presence of thousands of students, teachers and parents. In his remarks on the occasion, the ambassador greeted the Indian community in Oman whose diligence, sincerity and professionalism is well recognised by all. He complimented them for their outstanding contribution in strengthening the friendly relations with Oman, and in the progress of Oman. The ambassador reiterated that the historical links between India and Oman have since grown to a strategic partnership and thanked His Majesty’s government and the people of Oman for their warmth and continued support for the Indian community in Oman. The ambassador also announced the continuation of the ‘Open House’ facility to meet ofﬁcers of the mission with regard to consular and community wel-

fare issues on all working days of the week from 10 am to 12 noon. Meanwhile, the president in his speech, which was read out said: “Our country’s rise will be measured by the strength of our values, but it will be equally determined by the economic growth and equitable distribution of the nation’s resources. Our economy promises much hope for the future. The new chapters of the ‘India Story’ are waiting to be written. ‘Economic reforms’ is a work-in-progress. Commendable performance “Our performance over the last decade has been commendable; and it is most heartening that after a dip, we have recovered to 7.3 per cent growth in 2014 and 2015. But the beneﬁts of growth must reach the poorest of the poor much before they land in the bank accounts of the richest of the rich. We are an inclusive democracy, and an inclusive economy; there is place for everyone in the hierarchy of wealth. But the ﬁrst call

Our country’s rise will be measured by the strength of our values, but it will be equally determined by the economic growth and equitable distribution of the nation’s resources. Pranab Mukherjee President of India

goes to those who suffer on the brink of deprivation. Our policies must be geared to meet the ‘Zero Hunger’ challenge in a foreseeable future.” The president also said, “Our democracy is creative because it is plural, but diversity must be nourished with tolerance and patience. Vested interests chip away at social harmony, in an attempt to erode many centuries of secularism. In an age of instant communication through ever-improving technology, we must remain vigilant to ensure that the devious designs of a few never overcome the essential oneness of our people.”

I N D E P E N D E N C E D AY

Indian students pay their tributes to freedom ﬁghters

COLOURS OF INDIA: Colourful performances by students in the Indian schools in Muscat evoked nationalistic feelings and everlasting memories.–Supplied photos

Times News Service MUSCAT: It was a special day for Indians assembled at the school grounds of Indian School Wadi Kabir as they celebrated India’s 69th independence day. They paid heartfelt tributes to the memory of freedom ﬁghters who sacriﬁced their lives for a free India. Narendra Kumar Surti, of Chimanlal Chhotalal Surti and Company, was the chief guest.

Indian School Ghubra The school celebrated the 69th Independence Day with the unfurling of Indian tricolour by the Chief Guest Dr. Mario De Souza, Member, School Management Committee followed by the singing of National Anthem of India. The presentation of ‘The True Heroes’ by the students of grades 6, 7 and 8 which depicted the sacriﬁces of the freedom ﬁghters enthralled the audience.

Indian School Muscat Indian School Muscat celebrated India’s 69th Independence Day with zest and ardour on the school premises. Chief Guest Dr. Avirat Vaishnav, President, School Managing Committee hoisted the tricolour The school choir led the National Anthem with great precision. Deep Wilson, Vice Principal, quoting Rabindranath Tagore’s poem ‘Where the Mind is Without Fear’.

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SUMMER PROGRAMME

Students boost English, IT skills Times News Service MUSCAT: It was a fruitful session for students as Sohar’s fourth annual Summer Educational Programme, which took on a record 330 local students this summer, came to a successful conclusion. A closing ceremony was held at the International Maritime College of Oman, with Sheikh Ali bin Mishari bin Ahmed Al Shamsi,

wali of Sohar, in attendance. A number of students were awarded trophies for their hard work and all participants received certiﬁcates to mark their successful completion of the programme. The programme is designed to help students in Sohar and the nearby province of Liwa to enhance their English and IT knowledge, arming them with vital skills that will help increase their em-

ployment prospects in the future. The programme provides an exciting new environment to the school classroom and students were given the opportunity to participate in workshops similar to those taught at college. This year’s programme was held in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sohar’s neighbouring International Maritime College of Oman (IMCO).

Extras get offers for ROHM show ROHM’s ‘Turandot’ will include 51 extras. This is a unique chance to discover your talent and become a part of Oman’s opera history

Times News Service MUSCAT: In a unique invite, the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) is offering local residents an exciting opportunity to participate on stage as ‘extras’, or amateurs in non-singing roles, for its encore production of ‘Turandot’, the opera that was staged for the venue’s inauguration in 2011. Set in ancient dynastic China, Turandot, Giacomo Puccini’s final masterpiece, tells the mythical story of an imperial princess whose cold, vengeful heart is eventually won by a prince with a love so great that he would willingly sacrifice his life for her. ROHM’s very special production was staged by Franco Zeffirelli, a famous Italian set and costume designer, filmmaker and director. With all the magnificent original sets and costumes ‘Turandot’ will be performed again by the incomparable Arena di Verona, its orchestra, chorus and corps de ballet on the October 1, 3 and 4. But this time ROHM’s ‘Turandot’ will include 51 extras. This is the chance to discover talent and become part of the history of the Royal Opera House, to be on stage with world-class singers, and, like them, to take cues from the orchestra conductor as you take

SHOWTIME: This a chance for extras to be on stage with worldclass singers, and take cues from the master conductor.–ROHM

part fully costumed in the unfolding plot of this glorious opera. Requirements Thirty-ﬁve men: Age: 18 to 45 years. Size: Average build. Height: 1m72 – 1m90 Roles: Soldiers, peasants, mandarins, executioners and princes Qualities: Men who love the theatre and arts, are passionate and like new experiences. Four women: Age: 20 to 35 years. Size: Average build. Height: 1m64 – 1m75 Roles: Peasant women and princesses. Qualities: Women who love music, and are energetic and like new experiences. Twelve children (boys and girls): Age: 6 to 12 years. Size: Average build Roles: Peasants and attendants. Qualities: Children who love music, are energetic and like new experiences. Schedule Applicants will need to be available for all scheduled rehearsals and performances, although this does not necessarily mean that those selected (particularly chil-

STUDENT EXHIBITION

TECH INSTINCTS: All models and other exhibits were made by the students and set up in the school itself.–Supplied photo

Students test their innovation skills Times News Service MUSCAT: A unique science exhibition titled ‘Science-o-matics – Innovations Woven Together’, was organised by the Indian School Ghubra (ISG), as part of the Senior Talent Fiesta, which is a subject speciﬁc annual event organised to hone the talents and skills of students. This year, this inter-house competition was held in Science and Mathematics. Although ‘Science-o-matics – Innovations Woven Together’ had all the trim-

mings of a science exhibition it was unique in status with its presentation and keen participation from all the students from Grade 6 to 12. It provided an opportunity for the students to link research, knowledge and creativity, and also learn the importance of team work and collective responsibility. The working models of a hydraulic lift and the hydraulic dump truck, electromagnetic vacuum cleaner, and a motor boat, in addition to the lead battery household lighting system were all made with much perfection.

dren) will be required at all times set out below. Single Daily Rehearsal from 4 pm to 8.30 pm on the following dates in September: Sunday through Thursday – September 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17. Saturday through Monday – September 19, 20 and 21. Twice Daily Rehearsals in September from 2 pm to 4 pm; and from 6.30 pm to 10 pm. Wednesday through Sunday – September 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27. Once Daily Rehearsal in September from 2 pm to 6.30 pm. Monday and Tuesday, 28 and 29. Performances 6 pm for 7 pm start time, October 1, October 3 and October 4. Application Please send an email to extras@ rohmuscat.org.om which includes: 1) a full length photograph of yourself; and 2) a headshot photograph; along with: 3) a covering e-mail telling us a little about yourself, including your name, age, height, clothing size and contact telephone number; and, 4) one or two concise paragraphs on why you would like to be involved.

SUMMER CAMP: The students were awarded trophies and certiﬁcates for their hard work.–Supplied photo

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

150

REGION

to 200 is the number of people who have died in the ﬁghting in Sirte, Libya’s ambassador to France, Chibani Abuhamoud, told AFP

DIPLOMACY

Atomic programme, Syria peace plan top on Lavrov-Zarif dialogue agenda

Yemen loyalists wrest Shabwa from rebels The rebels handed

MOSCOW: Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif will meet on Monday to discuss the Iranian nuclear programme and peace efforts in Syria, Russia’s foreign ministry said on Saturday. The ministry said in a statement that the meeting would take place during a working visit by Zarif to Moscow. Relations between Russia and Iran have warmed over recent years, with both countries sharing hostility to U.S. foreign policy and backing for Syria’s President Bashar Assad in Syria. Moscow sees the recent nuclear deal, which offers Iran relief from sanctions in exchange for curbing its nuclear programme, as opening the way to selling Tehran missile defence systems and winning lucrative new nuclear energy contracts. The two ministers will discuss bilateral relations, “taking into account the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action for regulating the situation around the Iranian nuclear programme”, the statement said. Key problems “An exchange of opinions will take place about key problems on the global and regional agenda, including overcoming the crisis in Syria.” Monday’s meeting also comes amid a general diplomatic push by Russia in the Middle East, where Moscow is seeking to curtail U.S. inﬂuence and assert itself as an important peace-broker. On Tuesday, Lavrov met with Saudi foreign minister Adel Al Jubeir in Moscow, and earlier in the month he travelled to Qatar, meeting Al Jubeir and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. The recent meetings also focused on efforts to forge an international coalition against Islamic

over Shabwa to government forces and withdrew after being promised a safe route out of the province, a military official said. Other Russian Foreign Minister Serguei Lavrov

State, which have floundered because of differences over Syria. Whereas Russia and Iran support Assad, he is strongly opposed by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Information on atomic past Meanwhile, Iran has given the U.N. nuclear watchdog information regarding its atomic past, a milestone in potentially meeting a condition for sanctions relief under an accord reached with world powers last month, Reuters said in a report from Vienna. Alongside the July 14 agreement to curb its nuclear programme in exchange for easing sanctions, Iran signed a deal with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to resolve outstanding questions about the possible military dimensions (PMD) of its past nuclear activities. “Iran today provided the IAEA with its explanation in writing and related documents as agreed in the road-map for the clarification of past and present outstanding issues regarding Iran’s nuclear programme,” the IAEA said on Saturday, confirming Iran had met a deadline. -Reuters

sources conﬁrmed the pull-out

ADEN: Forces loyal to Yemen’s exiled government retook a fifth southern province Saturday, extending recent gains against Houthi rebels who still control the capital. The forces backing exiled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi have been aided by troops and materiel from Yemen’s wealthy Gulf neighbours, as Saudi-led coalition warplanes pound rebel positions. The rebels handed over Shabwa to government forces and withdrew after being promised a safe route out of the province, a military official told AFP. Other sources confirmed the pull-out. “The province was handed over” to the Southern Movement, a secessionist group whose militants have been fighting in loyalist ranks, said Salem Al Awlaqi, a political activist in Shabwa. Officials said the pro-rebel governor of Shabwa, which has substantial oil reserves, had fled as loyalists prepared to enter the province. They also accused the rebels

EXTREMISM

IS ‘beheads’ 12 in battle for Libya’s Sirte: Media report TRIPOLI: IS militant group beheaded 12 people and hung them on crosses during a battle for the coastal city of Sirte, the national news agency LANA reported Saturday. The fighting for control of Sirte, hometown of slain dictator Moamer Kadhafi, has been raging since Tuesday, with one top Libyan diplomat warning of a “massacre” in the city. LANA said the 12 people beheaded were local gunmen who had been battling IS in the eastern Sirte district known as “neighbourhood three”. The agency also reported that IS militants executed 22 other Sirte residents who had taken up arms against the extremist group as they lay wounded in a city hospital. It said the extremists also set the hospital on fire. A Sirte city council official told AFP that clashes continued to rage on Saturday. “There is continuous fighting, especially in neighbourhood three, and the casualty toll is ris-

ing,” said the unnamed official. Libya’s ambassador to France, Chibani Abuhamoud, told AFP on Friday that ﬁghting in Sirte had left between 150 and 200 dead. “A real massacre is taking place, and we call on the international community to intervene,” the diplomat said. The ambassador answers to Libya’s internationally recognised government, which has taken refuge in the east of the country and is in a power struggle with a rival administration based in Tripoli. Operation to liberate Sirte Authorities in Tripoli, which was seized last year by a militia alliance known as Fajr Libya, announced on Tuesday the launch of an operation to liberate Sirte, 450 kilometres (280 miles) east of Tripoli. Media loyal to the Tripoli authorities said warplanes were bombing armed groups linked to IS in Sirte. The Libyan ambassador said

the fighting erupted after IS assassinated earlier this week an influential imam from the powerful Al Farjan tribe. The extremists have since been “massacring people, even killing people in their homes,” Abuhamoud charged. Late on Friday, the Dar Al Iftaa Muslim organisation that issues religious decrees issued a statement calling on Libyans to mobilise against IS. “All Libyans able to carry weapons must mobilise to confront this cancer which is trying to destroy our Muslim nation,” said the statement. Libya has descended into chaos since the fall of Kadhafi in 2011. It has two parliaments and two governments vying for power and a slew of armed groups and tribes fighting for its oil wealth and cities. IS, which already controls large swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria, has exploited the chaos in Libya, notably taking control in June of Sirte. -AFP

COURT CASE

Egypt’s deposed president Morsi appeals death sentence: Lawyer CAIRO: The court-appointed legal team representing deposed Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi ﬁled an appeal on Saturday at the country’s highest court challenging sentences of life imprisonment and death handed down in June, Morsi’s lawyer said. The Cairo criminal court sentenced Morsi to death over a mass jail break during the 2011 uprising against Hosni Mubarak as well as life imprisonment for giving state secrets to Qatar. It also issued sweeping punishments against the leadership of the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt’s oldest such group. The general guide of the Muslim Brotherhood, Mohamed Badie, and four other leaders

Mohamed Morsi

were also handed the death penalty. More than 90 others, including inﬂuential cleric Youssef Al Qaradawi, were sentenced to

death in absentia. The sentences were part of a crackdown launched after an army takeover stripped Morsi of power in 2013 following protests against his rule. Morsi has not appointed a lawyer to defend himself and has refused to recognise the legitimacy of the court proceedings, saying he remains the legitimate president of the country. The government has said the judiciary is independent and it never intervenes in its work. Meanwhile Egypt hit back on Saturday at a call by Human Rights Watch for an international investigation into the killing of hundreds of protesters in Cairo by security forces two years ago, AFP reported from Cairo. -Agencies

LIFE IN A CONFLICT: A boy is administered vitamin A drops at a school in Sanaa sheltering people after conﬂict forced them to ﬂee their homes in Yemen’s Houthi-controlled northern province of Saada on Saturday. -Reuters

of booby-trapping government buildings before ﬂeeing, as they had done in other provinces. As the rebels began entering neighbouring Baida province, Saudi-led coalition warplanes hit their convoys, destroying 13 military vehicles and leaving dead and wounded, military officials said. The sources could not immediately provide a casualty toll, and the rebels rarely acknowledge their losses. Loyalist forces in the south launched an offensive last month against the rebels, forcing them out of main southern city Aden. They subsequently retook Daleh, Lahj and Abyan provinces. The advance is heading towards third city Taez, southwest

of Sanaa, which analysts regard as the gateway to the capital which was overrun by the rebels in September. After seizing Sanaa unopposed, the Houthis advanced on Aden in March, prompting intervention from the coalition aimed at restoring Hadi to power. Renegade troops loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh have joined the Houthis. Taez targeted On the other side, the southern secessionists teamed up with pro-government troops as well as local tribes to form what they have dubbed Popular Resistance Committees. Analysts say the sweeping victories in the south are a result

of the rebels pulling their forces back to Taez, where residents reported ongoing clashes. On Friday, loyalists retook several facilities from rebels in Taez, including police and civil defence headquarters, the government’s Sabanew.net website reported. In a telephone call, Hadi reassured the 35th Brigade commander in the city Thursday that “Taez is on its way to being liberated and support will soon reach it.” Military sources say the coalition has provided Hadi’s supporters with modern heavy equipment in recent weeks, including tanks and personnel carriers, and Yemeni soldiers trained in Saudi Arabia. The conflict has cost nearly 4,300 lives since March, half of them civilians, according to UN figures, while 80 percent of Yemen’s 21 million people need aid and protection. Aid workers in the south told AFP aid groups from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and beyond began distributing much-needed food and other supplies to residents in Aden and nearby areas. A Saudi plane carrying 10 tonnes of medical aid landed at Aden on Saturday, the official SPA news agency reported, adding that this was the seventh aid flight to the city since July. Since the Saudi announced the forming of the anti-rebel coalition, it has pledged $540 million in aid to Yemen. The five provinces so far retaken by pro-government troops, along with Mahra and Hadramawt which the rebels never entered, comprise the formerly independent South Yemen. It was its own state from the end of British colonial rule in 1967 until its union with the north in 1990. A secession attempt four years later sparked a brief civil war that ended with northern forces occupying the region. -AFP

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 The common man doesn’t care so much about people at the top gobbling up millions but they are concerned about whether a policeman or another government official is taking bribes from them Mohan Guruswamy, Head of Centre for Policy Alternatives think tank

INDIA

Corruption eating away at India ‘like a termite’: Modi SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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Nation’s conﬁdence comes from people’s trust in BJP: Advani

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In his Independence

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

Day address from Delhi’s Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought to silence growing doubts about his leadership

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned on Saturday that corruption was eating away at India “like a termite” as he used an Independence Day speech to pledge his commitment to eradicating graft and poverty. In an address from Delhi’s Red Fort, Modi sought to silence growing doubts about his leadership after key reforms stalled in a rancorous parliament session dogged by allegations of corruption involving some of his top lieutenants. Modi, who has a reputation as a hardline nationalist, also warned against the “poison” of communalism in a wide-ranging speech that lasted for more than an hour. But it was his comments on the dangers posed by corruption that drew most attention, including his admission that the problem went right to the top. “I want to reaffirm that this nation will get rid of corruption. We can rid the country of corruption, we have to start from the top,” said Modi. “Corruption is like a termite, it spreads slowly, reaches everywhere, but it can be beaten with timely injections.”

INDEPENDENCE DAY SPEECH: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gestures as he delivers his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort in New Delhi on Saturday. - AFP

Embarrassing Modi’s speech comes after some of the most senior ﬁgures in his Bharatiya Janata Party became embroiled in corruption scandals, including Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj and the chief ministers of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh states.

The scandals have been particularly embarrassing as Modi’s election win last year was built in part on a pledge to clean up government after a series of scams under the previous Congress administration. Modi said there had been no cases of money being siphoned off

Congress accuses PM of skipping key issues in speech NEW DELHI: Congress on Saturday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech, saying he skipped many key issues concerning the nation like terrorism and foreign policy and disappointed exservicemen on OROP, though its top leadership kept a studied silence. Congress President Sonia Gandhi, who unfurled the national ﬂag at the AICC headquarters, refrained from making any comment on Modi’s address. Party Vice-President Rahul Gandhi, who has been unrelenting in his attacks on Modi on various issues including

corruption and land bill, said it was “not a day for politics”, leaving it to the next line of leaders to launch the offensive. Other Congress leaders alleged that the schemes enumerated by the Prime Minister in his speech from Red Fort were those started during UPA government and accused him of having different deﬁnitions of corruption, one for political opponents and the other for his own leaders. “What new thing has he stated. He has talked of twothree schemes, but I am sorry to say that those schemes were started by the Congress party during the UPA government,” said Leader of Opposition in

on his watch and that a new law on declaring income had led to the disclosure of around one billion dollars in hitherto hidden assets which will now be liable to tax. Other economic reforms however have snagged in parliament, including a national sales tax that the government sees as crucial to

Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad. Congress leader Ambika Sonia questioned the Prime Minister for “remaining silent all along on corruption by his ministers”. “We kept asking that if you want to break the logjam in Rajya Sabha, let the Prime Minister come and explain the steps he is planning to take or he has taken on the corruption scams which centred around Lalit Modi and disclosures which came on it and Vyapam. He did not show up there and has not opened his mouth. “Suddenly on August 15 he says there is no corruption. Nobody is going to believe him,” she said. - PTI

ﬁring up growth. Economy While the economy is growing at around 7.5 per cent, it still needs to pick up pace to elevate the hundreds of millions of people still mired in poverty in the world’s second most populous nation.

The right-wing premier, who has been accused of being too close to big business, portrayed himself as a champion of the poor by promising to help farmers and lower-caste dalits, formerly known as untouchables. Modi set a 1,000-day deadline for every village in India to get electricity, urging state governments which are responsible for power to ensure every community is finally linked to the national grid. “Even after so many decades of independence there are 18,500 villages in India which do not have electricity,” he said. “I appeal to the states and all other stakeholders to connect these villages with electricity system within 1,000 days.” Modi said he had striven to enable 170 million people to open bank accounts for the first time under a government-run scheme. “The poor are at bottom of the pyramid of development and we have to strengthen the base of the pyramid. If they are empowered, no one can stop us,” the prime minister said who came to power in May last year. Modi’s first August 15 address from the fort’s ramparts drew praise from across the political spectrum as he tackled issues such as violence and a lack of toilets. But 12 months on, problems are mounting up for the usually bullish prime minister and his opponents were in no mood to be generous this time round. Impossible task Mohan Guruswamy, who heads the Delhi-based Centre for Policy Alternatives think tank, said Modi had set himself an impossible task in pledging to completely eradicate corruption as it was endemic at every level of officialdom. “The common man doesn’t care so much about people at the top gobbling up millions but they are concerned about whether a policeman or another government official is taking bribes from them,” Guruswamy said. - AFP

EXCHANGING GREETINGS:

President Pranab Mukherjee exchanges greetings with BJP leader L. K. Advani, on the occasion of Independence Day at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Saturday. - PTI

NEW DELHI: BJP patriarch L. K. Advani on Saturday said that the self confidence the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government has on the country’s future, emanates from the trust of the large population in the party workers. “Today he (Modi) laid emphasis on the fact that his and his government’s self confidence emanates from the trust and self confidence of such a large population of the country in BJP workers. I also feel so,” he said after unfurling the national flag at his residence. He also expressed concern over the disruptions caused in Parliament and hoped that work in the coming sessions will carry on normally as the improvement witnessed towards the end of this session. Advani said on Saturday was the second year of the political change that took place last year and people have kindled a lot of hopes for the future years, even as the self confidence of the country has improved. Firmness in pledge “Today, the second year has completed and whatever the Prime Minister said earlier, he has reiterated them. There was also more firmness in the pledge. “I believe that as people see changes in the country, in accordance with that, the hopes they have kindled towards the future of the nation will also be further strengthened. I am sure everyone will join in accomplishing those commitments,” he said. - PTI

EMBARRASSING

Kejriwal faces ﬂak as students form his name with placards NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was on Saturday embroiled in yet another controversy when students who took part in the Independence Day ceremony, formed his name with placards instead of patriotic messages. The incident at the Chhatrasal stadium led to strong reactions from the Bharatiya Janata Party, which termed it a “misuse” of the Independence Day celebrations. In a statement, Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay con-

demned the Aam Aadmi Party government for politically misusing the Independence Day function and lowering the dignity and sanctity of the day. Delhi BJP media in-charge Praveen Shankar Kapoor said: “Self-obsessed chief minister Arvind Kejriwal should immediately apologise to the nation. This is an insult of the sacriﬁce of the freedom ﬁghters.” Former AAP leader Yogendra Yadav called the act “embarrassing”, and tweeted: “AAP Delhi

touches a new low. Embarrassing.” Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken termed it a matter of shame. “I don’t believe it! It’s a shame!” Maken tweeted. Reacting to the charges, government officials denied that it was done on instructions from the chief minister’s office. They said the children also displayed other messages such as “Welcome” and “Thank You”. Later, the government released a statement saying: “Delhi government condemns attempts to drag

it into an unnecessary controversy on Independence Day, particularly when it had nothing to do with the entire issue.” The government even released photographs of similar displays of the names of former chief minister Sheila Dikshit and Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung. “These photographs speak for themselves and this direct and concrete evidence should put an end to undesirable speculation which was completely avoidable,” the statement said. - IANS

INDEPENDENCE DAY CEREMONY: Children sit in a formation that reads Arvind Kejriwal during 69th Independence Day celebration at New Delhi’s Chhatrasal Stadium on Saturday. - PTI

E - G OV E R NA N C E I N I T I AT I V E S

Kerala declared ‘complete digital state’ THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Declaration of Kerala as a ‘complete digital state’ and announcement of a new youth programme in memory of former president, the late A. P. J. Abdul Kalam marked Independence Day celebrations in the state. With the state making remarkable strides in implementation of various e-governance initiatives, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy declared Kerala as the ‘complete digital state’. “The state has achieved 100 per cent mobile density, 75 per cent e-literacy, highest digital banking rate and broadband connection upto panchayat level,” Chandy said in his independence day speech at the Central Stadium here. “The implementation of e-district programmes in all districts and linking of Aadhaar and bank accounts have laid a strong foundation for Digital Kerala. I am proud to declare the state as the complete digital state, based on these indicators,” he said. Government would set up wi-ﬁ hotspots in all local self government institutions and implement complete mobile governance in

REMARKABLE STRIDES: A large tea plantation in Munnar, Kerala. With the state making remarkable strides in implementation of various e-governance initiatives, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy declared Kerala as the ‘complete digital state’. - File photo

the next phase to achieve the best results of the Digital Kerala initiative, he said. The state government would launch an innovative programme in the name of Dr Kalam to enable the youth translate their innovative ideas into sucessful business ventures. “Seeking to retain the memories of late A. P.J. Abdul Kalam, the Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment will launch a new youth

programme titled Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Youth Challenge,” he said. The programme aims at creating at least one enterprise from state universities every year based on innovative ideas submitted by college students or groups of students, he said. Seeking to check widespread exploitation of natural wealth and create mass awareness for their conservation, government plans to set up an inclusive development council, he said. - PTI

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INDIA B I L AT E R A L R E L AT I O N S

TAJ MAHAL BECOMES FIRST MONUMENT TO DEBUT ON TWITTER Security personnel patrol at Taj Mahal in Agra. With the launch of Taj Mahal’s Twitter account on Saturday, the 17th century mausoleum became the ‘ﬁrst historical monument’ to have an official handle on the micro-blogging site. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday launched the official Twitter account of the monument— @Taj Mahal at his residence in the state capital, Director General of UP Tourism Amrit Abhijat said. Within an hour of its launch, the Taj Mahal account got more than 2,000 followers. - PTI ﬁle photo

Modi’s trip to UAE to boost cooperation in key areas

Narendra Modi

3 killed, 5 injured in firing along Poonch sector border There have been 32 violations of the 2003 ceaseﬁre accord in August until Friday and this is the seventh day that Pakistani troops have shelled Indian posts along the Line of Control (LoC)

JAMMU: Three civilians including a sarpanch were killed in heavy ﬁring and mortar bomb shelling by Pakistani troops at several Indian posts and civilian areas Saturday in multiple ceaseﬁre violations along the LoC in four sectors of Poonch district.

FIRING VICTIM: A civilian injured in Pakistani ﬁring being shifted to Government Medical College Hospital in Jammu for treatment on Saturday. - PTI

The firing on Indian positions in the Jammu region in which five people were also injured on the country’s Independence Day in ceasefire violations for the seventh consecutive day drew strong retaliation from Indian troops. One child was believed to be among the injured. The offensive came even as Pa-

kistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif sent his greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, saying promoting friendly ties between the two neighbours was in mutual interest and ahead of the talks between their National Security Advisors(NSA) scheduled in New Delhi on August 23. The fatalities occurred when a

shell fired during the mortar bomb attack hit a car in which the three dead were the occupants and exploded in Basoni in Mendhar tehsil in Poonch district, a senior police officer said. Further details are awaited. The dead were identified by police as Keramat Hussain, who is sarpanch of Basoni, Abdul Rahman and Mohd Amin. A large crowd which had assembled at the spot also came under Pakistani fire and at least five civilians were injured, the officer said. There have been 32 violations of the 2003 ceasefire accord in August till Friday and this is the seventh consecutive day that Pakistani troops have shelled Indian posts along the Line of Control(LoC) in Jammu region, an Army official said. PRO, Defence Lt Colonel Manish Mehta said, “Pakistani troops resorted to firing of 60mm and 82mm mortar shells on forward posts and civilian areas along LoC in Mandi, Hamirpur and Saujiyan sectors of Poonch from 1820 hours last evening to 0730 today”. While Pakistani troops resorted to mortar shelling of 60mm mor-

tars shells and firing from 1820 hours last evening to 2350 hours in Hamirpur sector, they also fired in Mand and Saujiyan sectors from midnight to 0300 hours and again from 0730 hours, he said. There was also firing by Pakistani troops on Indian positions along the LoC in Balakote sector from 1130 hours and it is going on, a police officer said. Lt Colonel Mehta said troops guarding the borderline retaliated, resulting in exchanges, which are going on. On August 14, Pakistan troops had resorted to firing with automatic weapons and 82 mm mortar bombs on forward posts and civilian areas in Shahpur Kerni belt of Poonch district. Pakistani troops had also fired on forward posts along the LoC in Balakote belt with automatic, small arms and mortar bombs on the intervening night of 13 and 14 August. On August 13, Pakistani troops had resorted to firing by small arms and automatic weapons on forward posts along LoC in Bhimbher Gali (BG) sector of Poonch district, in which one jawan was injured. - PTI

ABU DHABI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive here on Sunday on a two-day trip, packed with a string of engagements high on substance and symbolism, including talks with the leadership of world’s second largest Arab economy and an address to the Indian diaspora, which forms 30 per cent of UAE’s population. During his visit, first by an Indian Prime Minister in 34 years, Modi will seek to enhance cooperation in energy and trade and reach out to investors to hardsell India as an attractive business destination. Modi’s trip is being seen as an opportunity to boost India-UAE ties in key areas of trade and security. Modi, ahead of his visit, described UAE as a “valued partner”. This fact, he said, was reflected in India being UAE’s second largest trading partner. Immense contribution The Prime Minister also lauded the immense contribution made by over 2.5 million Indians, who have made UAE their home, and said he was looking forward to meeting the large diaspora. They remit more than $13 billion annually. The 2.6 million-strong Indian community constitutes nearly 30 per cent of UAE’s population. Abu Dhabi will be the first port of call for the Prime Minister, who will hold extensive talks on Monday with Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. UAE, with a sovereign wealth fund of more than $800 billion, was very important from investment point of view and the Prime Minister is expected to impress upon the country to invest in infrastructure sector in India. Security is another potential area of cooperation between India and UAE, which have treaties and agreements on extradition, mutual legal assistance in criminal and civil matters, combating trafficking in narcotics, and information cooperation apart from maritime interaction. The two are expected to discuss ways to further enhance cooperation in these areas. Apart from talks with the Crown Prince, Modi will visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a key place of worship and a masterpiece of Islamic architecture here. - PTI

BLOCKBUSTER FILM

Sought Dharam-ji’s help to get role: Amitabh on Sholay’s 40 years MUMBAI: Remembering her iconic character Basanti in the blockbuster Sholay, which turned 40 on Saturday, veteran actress and BJP leader Hema Malini says even today she gets called by the onscreen name, which evokes a sweet nostalgia for her. The 66-year-old actress-politician added she is proud that she was a part of the movie, which also starred her husband Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bhaduri, Sanjeev Kumar and Amjad Khan. “40 yrs of Sholay and still going strong. So proud, I was part of such an iconic movie! Ppl still call me Basanti and transport me to that era again!,” she tweeted. Hema played the role of bold and talkative village girl with whom Veeru (Dharmendra) falls in love. Basanti became one of the most favourite characters of the ﬁlm, thanks to her popular dialogues like Bhaag Dhanno bhag, aaj teri Basanti ki izzat ka sawal hai and songs including, Haa Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Holi Ke Din. Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who was part of Ram Gopal Varma’s Aag the remake version of Sholay, says may be it was a mistake to revisit the iconic ﬁlm. In an email interview from

Mumbai, the 72-year-old went down memory lane and shared his thoughts about the Ramesh Sippy directorial. Penned by the indomitable Salim Khan-Javed Akhtar duo, the movie is about two petty thieves — Jai (Amitabh) and Veeru (Dharmendra) hired by a police officer (Sanjeev Kumar) to exact revenge on a ruthless bandit (Amjad Khan). Hema Malini and Jaya Bhaduri essayed the love interests of Veeru and Jai. Excerpts from the interview:

It was a very well-scripted film and credit must go to the writers SalimJaved first for its content. Ramesh Sippy ji as a director did many unconventional changes in its reproduction and its making the location, the action coordination, camera work, 70 mm and the scale - I guess it all worked out fine.

‘Sholay’ is one ﬁlm which has transcended generations of Hindi ﬁlm buffs altogether. What is it, according to you, that helps the movie to resonate even today when a lot about Hindi cinema has changed? The victory of good over evil and...most importantly, poetic justice in three hours! You and I shall not get it in a lifetime.

Often, you share anecdotes from the shooting of your ﬁlms. Any special memory that you have from Sholay? It would ﬁll a book... But this is not the adequate platform I would imagine... Suffice to say it was an experience that was unforgettable.

Many have said ‘Sholay’ had ﬂopped at the box office. Was it a disappointment back then for you and the team? In this profession, we are programmed for failure and success. Yes, when an effort fails, we feel disappointed but get back on the horse to ride again. Our disappoint-

bar Singh; the outdoor shoot in Ramnagar; the action sequences, et al. Your comment, please?

BRIEFING: Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan addressing a press conference on completion of forty years of ﬁlm ‘Sholay’ in Mumbai on Friday. - PTI

ment on this one lasted a day, because after that it converted itself into success. Given the fact that ‘Sholay’ has become a cult movie over the years, do you consider it as a career-deﬁning ﬁlm even though the 1970s saw you featuring in some of your best works like

‘Zanjeer’ and ‘Deewar’? I look upon every ﬁlm of mine to be career deﬁning, both those that failed at the box office and those that did not. ‘Sholay’, in many ways, was trendsetting — whether it was the ‘bromance’ between Jai and Veeru; a villain like Gab-

How did you end up landing in ‘Sholay’? Salim-Javed had just ﬁnished Zanjeer with me and recommended me to Ramesh ji. Guess that worked in my favour. I did, though, seek the blessings of Dharam-ji in putting in a word for me.

Who, in your eyes, could play Jai-Veeru and Basanti, in a new ‘Sholay’ remake? I haven’t the foggiest...! Ram Gopal Varma attempted a remake titled ‘Aag’, and you featured in it too. But it didn’t quite work. Do you believe a film like ‘Sholay’ was never meant for a remake? It’s not ‘it didn’t quite work’...It’s ‘it didn’t work’. I believe several Sholay remakes have been ventured into in some form or the other, but I doubt if they were able to create the iconic stature that the original did. Do you and Dharmendra and Hema still meet sometimes and recollect memories of the film? You have continued to do films with Hema, but have you come across offers to star with Dharam? We do not seek appointment to deliberately talk about Sholay, but we do meet on and off... And, yes, if there is any reference to Sholay, we do talk on it. Yes Hemaji and I continue to work together and, yes, Dharamji and I have been considered for films but they have not materialised. - Agencies

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

PAKISTAN SCANDAL

MIGRANTS IN SCUFFLE Pakistani, Iranian and Afghan migrants scuffle outside the police station of the city of Kos over priority at a registration queue on the Greek island of Kos, on Saturday. The United Nations refugee agency called on Greece to take control of the ‘total chaos’ on Mediterranean islands, where thousands of migrants have landed. About 124,000 have arrived this year by sea, many via Turkey, according to Vincent Cochetel, UNHCR director for Europe. — Reuters

Child abuse case emerges in Multan MULTAN: Police have booked ﬁve accused out of eight in a child abuse scandal in Multan. The accused were said to have captured videos with the threat of uploading them on internet on disclosure of the tragedy. Police have also conducted raids in search of the rest of the three accused. According to the police, the child abuse scandal came to light after the disclosure of Pakistan’s biggest child abuse scandal in Kasur. A spokesman to City Police Inspector Rana Zaheeruddin Babar said the Mumtazabad police have registered child sex abuse complaint against eight accused. They are Ehtisham Sindhu, Ahmed Baloch, Arbaz, Shan, Jafar Ghouri, Juna, Mohsin and Irfan. The accused were involved in sexually abusing a 9th class student and capturing it on video. The accused were blackmailing the family in order to receive more money and the family lodged complaint after failing to meet the demands by the culprits. The victim’s father lodged his complaint with Mumtazabad police stating that his son was 13 or 14 years old. He was studying in 9th class when his class fellow Muhammad Tayyab and Islam kidnapped him at gunpoint three months ago. The kidnappers shifted his son at a deserted house where three accused Ehtisham Sindhu, Ahmed Baloch, Niyiaz sexually assaulted the boy. — Express Tribune

SUSPENDED LEADER

PTI taken over by a maﬁa: Wajih

Minister quits over plot claim Climate change

LAHORE: There is no dictatorship in the party but a mafia has taken over its administration and isolated the rank and file from the leadership, Justice Wajihuddin said in Lahore on Friday. Having recently been suspended from the party by chairman Imran Khan for being vocal on internal matters of the party, Justice Wajihuddin has taken to initiating a campaign. He claims this campaign to be in the process of reforming the party. He denies rumours of forming a new bloc within the party. Seven demands have also been put forth by Wajih including formation of taskforce to implement decisions by PTI Election Tribunal and the Standing Committee on Accountability and Discipline. He has also insisted on the formation of an Accountability Commission; all central and provincial office bearers should be de-notified and made ineligible for intraparty elections along with formation of interim central and provincial set-ups. He further demanded that the party’s Election Commission should be empowered and resourced to immediately hold intra-party elections. He also insisted on the formation of a national reconciliation commission and suspension of all officebearers found guilty of corruption and misuse of authority. He said that the party was being run like a maﬁa. Demanding transparent intraparty elections in the party, he said he wanted democracy and strong institutions within the party. Additionally, Wajih said that it was time that middle age people be brought forward to take the lead. — Express Tribune

minister Mushahidullah Khan said on Friday that retired head of InterServices Intelligence agency, LieutenantGeneral Zaheerul Islam, had plotted against Nawaz Sharif during sit-in protests in Islamabad in 2011

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani government minister resigned Saturday, officials said, after a controversial interview with the BBC in which he claimed the country’s former chief spy had conspired to stage a military coup last year. Climate change minister Mushahidullah Khan told the British broadcaster in an interview published online on Friday that the retired head of Pakistan’s powerful Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI), Lieutenant-General Zaheerul Islam, had plotted to bring down the government of Nawaz Sharif during sit-in protests in Islamabad in 2014. Unrest Khan said in the BBC interview that Islam had worked to trigger conﬂict between the Prime Minister and army chief General Raheel Sharif, and had planned on exploiting subsequent unrest to take over the country. The bid failed, he said, when the civilian Intelligence Bureau

CONTROVERSY: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters pose as they gather to join a sit-in protest against the government near Parliament in Islamabad as leader Imran Khan announced a fresh protest rally on November 29, 2014. — AFP

(IB) -- which was tapping some of Islam’s telephone conversations -- presented evidence of the plot to the Prime Minister, who then informed the army chief. “There were voices of several people in that tape. There was also (the) voice of Zaheerul Islam Abbasi,” Khan had told BBC. Both the Prime Minister’s office and the military denied the claims soon after the interview was published on Friday, however, saying no such tapes existed. “The story about any tape recording as being discussed in media is totally baseless, unfounded

& farthest from truth,” Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa, the military spokesman had tweeted on Friday evening. Currently in Maldives Federal minister for information and broadcasting Pervez Rashid told AFP that Mushahidullah, who is currently attending a climate change conference in the Maldives, had sent his resignation to the Prime Minister after the interview. “Yes, he has sent his resignation from Maldives,” Rashid said. An official of the ministry of cli-

mate change said that the Prime Minister had ordered Khan back from the Maldives and asked him to resign. “He left for Maldives on Saturday morning and was called back by the government after the controversy created by his interview,” a senior official in Khan’s office told AFP on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to speak to the media. Khan had sent his resignation and was expected back in the country by late Saturday or Sunday, the official said. On August 14 last year, Paki-

stan’s main opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf launched a 126-day sit-in -- also supported by the religious political party Pakistan Awami Tehreek -- in front of the national parliament in Islamabad in an effort to bring down the government. Mass support The protest failed, however, largely because it could not inspire mass support from the public one year after general elections, and because the military establishment refused to move against the government. — AFP

S T R AT E G I C I N T E R E S T S

China praises Pakistan-brokered Afghan peace process ISLAMABAD: Lauding Pakistan’s peace and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan, China had reiterated its commitment to contributing to the process. “China encourages and supports peace talks between the Afghan government and Taliban, and commends the important role in pushing forward the peace talk played by relevant parties and Pakistan in particular,” the Chinese

foreign ministry said in a statement on Saturday. The comments come days after Afghan leaders pointed ﬁngers at Pakistan for the recent spate of attacks in Kabul. Pakistan hosted the ﬁrst ever face-to-face talks between representatives of the Afghan government and senior leaders of the Afghan Taliban. China had also participated in the talks held in

popular tourist resort Murree. The second round of talks scheduled for July 31 were postponed after conﬁrmation of the death of Taliban supremo Mullah Omar. Pakistan had said the talks were postponed on a request by the Taliban. “The Chinese side is ready to cooperate with all parties and play a constructive role in the extensive and inclusive peace and

reconciliation in Afghanistan as always,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said in remarks on the reconciliation process in Afghanistan. She told her weekly brieﬁng in Beijing on Friday that the Chinese side always stood for the “Afghanled and Afghan-owned” reconciliation process, believing the peace talk is the realistic way out to solve the Afghanistan issue.

“It is hoped that all parties would stick to the right direction, build up conﬁdence and determination on the peace talk, and make continuous efforts to realise lasting peace in Afghanistan,” Ms Hua said. Pakistani analysts believe Beijing wants to play an active role in political reconciliation process. Senate’s Defence Committee chairman Mushahid Hussain

said China was more than willing to play a proactive role to promote peace in Afghanistan, as it has already hosted meetings with the Taliban in Xinjiang earlier this year. “China’s readiness, willingness and ability to play a role in promoting peace talks among warring Afghan factions has the full support of both Pakistan and the US,” he said. — Express Tribune

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

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Tianjin chemical fume fears, says Xinhua; toll rises to 104 A days-long ﬁre intensiﬁed at the hazardous goods storage facility and the series of new explosions sent a thick black column of smoke into the air, the official Xinhua news agency said

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RUNNING FOR LIFE: A victim of the explosions carrying his belongings walks out of his home in a residential area near the site of the explosions in Tianjin on Saturday. Residents near the site of two giant explosions in the northern Chinese port city of Tianjin were being evacuated on Saturday over fears of toxic contamination, the official Xinhua news agency said. -AFP

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TIANJIN, CHINA: Residents around the site of giant chemical explosions in the Chinese port of Tianjin were evacuated Saturday over fears of highly-poisonous sodium cyanide, state media said, as fresh blasts were heard and the death toll rose to 104. A days-long fire intensified at the hazardous goods storage facility and the series of new explosions sent a thick black column of smoke into the air, the official Xinhua news agency said. The decision to relocate anyone within three kilometres (1.9 miles) of the site came three days after gigantic explosions sent a huge fireball soaring into the sky and left a vast swathe of destruction. It also came despite official assurances that the disaster had not released dangerous levels of toxic substances into the environment.

“Residents in a relocation site of the blasts have been evacuated in fear of chemical pollutants in the air,” Xinhua said. Armed police were carrying out the evacuation after sodium cyanide was found at the site, the Beijing News said. At a barrier on the edge of the evacuation zone masks were distributed to emergency personnel and police turned back anyone else, as at least 20 ﬁre engines streamed in. The area itself was already largely deserted, many of the buildings within it ruined, and an acrid smell hung in the air. One couple carrying suitcases confirmed from behind their masks only that they lived within it, before leaving. Officials said earlier that specialists from sodium cyanide producers were being sent in to the devastated industrial area where the blasts occurred. Reports have

RISING TENSIONS

South Korea gets strikes threat from North; US warned SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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SEOUL: North Korea on Saturday threatened South Korea with “indiscriminate” military strikes unless it halts cross-border propaganda broadcasts, and issued fresh nuclear weapons warnings against the United States. The threats came amid escalating military tensions on the Korean peninsula following a landmine attack South Korea blamed on the North and ahead of a major South Korea-US joint military exercise condemned by Pyongyang. 70th anniversary They also coincided with celebrations in both Koreas to mark the 70th anniversary of the Korean peninsula’s 1945 liberation from Japanese colonial rule. After three landmine blasts maimed two South Korean soldiers on border patrol, Seoul this week resumed high-decibel propaganda broadcasts across the heavily-militarised frontier, using batteries of loudspeakers that had lain silent for more than a decade. Pyongyang rejected accusations that it was behind the mine incident as “absurd”, and its frontline army command on Saturday demanded the broadcasts be halted immediately. ‘All-out’ military action Failure to do so would trigger “an all-out military action of justice to blow up all means for ‘anti-North psychological warfare’ in all areas along the front,” the command said in a statement carried by the North’s official KCNA news agency. The action will involve “indiscriminate strikes which envisage even possible challenge and escalating counteraction,” the statement said. The threat came a day af-

This picture taken by North Korea’s official News Agency KCNA on Saturday shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un and Korean People’s Army senior officers visiting the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang for the 70th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japan. -AFP

ter North Korea said it would turn Seoul into a “sea of fire” if South Korean activists continue the practice of launching antiPyongyang leaflets across the border by helium balloon. The nuclear-armed North regularly ups its bellicose rhetoric before and during the joint military exercises South Korea holds with its US ally every year, but rarely follows through on its threats. The last direct attack on the South was in 2010 when the North shelled a South Korean border island, killing four people. Nuclear threats On Saturday, the North’s powerful National Defence Commission threatened the United States with the “strongest military counter-action” should the joint exercise go ahead. The North Korean army and people “are no longer what they used to be in the past when they had to counter the US nukes with rifles,” the commission said in a statement. It is now an “invincible power equipped with both latest offensive and defensive means ... including nuclear deterrence,” it said. -AFP

said there could have been as much as 700 tonnes of the substance — exposure to which can be fatal — at the site. Soldiers trained in anti-chemical warfare techniques were also deployed. Authorities have struggled to identify the substances present at the scene, sparking fears and scepticism among residents of Tianjin, which has a population of 15 million. Host of possible substances At a news conference, Tianjin work safety official Gao Huaiyou listed a host of possible substances that may have been at the site at the time of the explosions. Personnel from sodium cyanide producers had been called in “because they are experts on the chemical’s nature and the ways to deal with it”, he added. A sewage pipe where the chemical had reportedly been detected

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had been sealed off, he said. Authorities had repeatedly said beforehand that air quality in the city generally met requirements, although levels of some pollutants exceeded regulations. Questions have also been raised over whether firefighters responding to an initial blaze at the warehouse could have contributed to the detonations by spraying water over substances that react explosively to it. One senior official insisted firefighters had followed the proper procedures. “We knew there was calcium carbide, but we don’t know whether the calcium carbide exploded and caught fire,” Lei Jinde, the head of the firefighting department at Tianjin’s public security bureau, said in an interview published by Xinhua. Lei said that the facility was also listed as holding ammonium nitrate and potassium nitrate.

‘In the dark’ There were 21 firefighters among the dead, authorities said, and 721 people had been hospitalised, 25 of whom were in critical condition. China has a dismal industrial safety record and authorities have only released limited information about the accident, a criticism often levelled at Chinese officials in the aftermath of disasters. Furious victims’ relatives railed against officials outside a news conference Saturday for the lack of transparency and information. “Nobody has told us anything, we’re in the dark, there is no news at all,” screamed one middle-aged woman, as she was dragged away by security personnel. The People’s Daily said earlier that the facility’s construction “clearly violated” safety rules, in particular those that require warehouses stocking dangerous materials to be at least one kilometre (0.6 miles) from surrounding public buildings and main roads. “I would rather not believe they are true when I see a series of rumours, but the cruel reality has proved their authenticity,” Chinese director Yang Li, the winner of a Silver Bear at the 2013 Berlin Film Festival, wrote in a post on microblogging platform Sina Weibo. “Why did they (the government) cover it up?” More than 360 social media accounts have been shut down or suspended for “spreading rumours” about the blasts, Xinhua reported citing the Cyberspace Administration of China. Popular verified bloggers had also made “irresponsible” comments about the blasts, such as comparing them to the atomic bombs dropped on Japan during World War II, it added. Chinese authorities and Internet companies operate a vast censorship system and while there has been extensive discussion of the explosions, it has been confined within set boundaries. -AFP

U N I T E D S TAT E S

Yosemite campground to close over squirrel plague SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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

LOS ANGELES: A second Yosemite National Park campground will be shut down for five days after a pair of dead squirrels were found to be infected with the plague, park and California public health officials said on Friday. The closure of Tuolumne Meadows Campground comes a week after a child who camped elsewhere in Yosemite, one of America’s top tourist destinations, was hospitalised with the disease. The case marked the first time a human was known to be infected with the centuries-old scourge, which is carried by rodents and the fleas that live on them, in California since 2006. The campground will be closed from Monday through Friday of next week based on “new evidence of plague activity in animals,” Karen Smith, director of the California Department of Public Health, said in a statement. A Yosemite spokeswoman said the evidence was found in two dead squirrels. The youth diagnosed with plague had camped in July at the Crane Flat Campground, 17 miles northwest of Yosemite Valley. That campground was closed and treated with insecticide. It reopened on Friday. The child, who was visiting the park from Los Angeles County, was said to be recovering from the illness. Smith said that despite the recent discovery of plague in Yosemite the risk to humans remained low and visitors were being advised on how to avoid transmission of the disease. “Although this is a rare disease, and the current risk to humans is low, eliminating the fleas is the best way to protect the public from the disease,” Smith said. -Reuters

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TIMESOFOMAN.COM/VIDEOS Paul Waldman Expatriates in Oman are fearful of losing their jobs as the government continues to accelerate its Omanisation process to ﬁnd employment for thousands of Omani job seekers.

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Jeb Bush is once again wrong about Iraq war

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hile you might think the Iraq war would be the last thing Jeb Bush would want to talk about, given the fact that his brother’s war was probably the single greatest foreign policy catastrophe in US history, and that Jeb Bush himself spent weeks trying to ﬁgure out whether he should say it was a mistake, he has not shied away from the topic. Just the opposite, in fact. He keeps bringing it up, and his latest remarks make clear just how little he understands about what happened there and what lessons it holds for the future. Here’s what Bush said Thursday, as he continued to push the line that the war was won until President Barack Obama messed everything up by leaving prematurely: He notably used wording similar to the “Mission Accomplished” banner that hung behind the 43rd president as he gave a speech on an aircraft carrier in 2003. The speech was one of the biggest embarrassments of his administration, since the war went on for years after that. “I’ve been critical and I think people have every right to be critical of decisions that were made,” Bush said Thursday. “In 2009, Iraq was fragile but secure. It was mission was accomplished in the way that there was security there and it was because of the heroic efforts of the men and women in the United States military that it was so.” In a question and answer session hosted by Americans for Peace, Prosperity and Security held on a college campus here, the Republican presidential hopeful said the removal of Saddam Hussein from power “turned out to be a pretty good deal,” and he praised the 2007 troop surge his brother pushed as “an extraordinarily effective” strategy. The idea that removing Hussein “turned out to be a pretty good deal” is so deranged that it boggles the mind. Imagine if his brother had said to the country in 2003, “Let me offer you this deal: We’ll take out Saddam, and it’ll only cost us 4,000 American lives, tens of thousands more Americans gravely wounded in body and spirit, around $2 trillion, a worldwide surge in anti-Americanism, and years of chaos in the Middle East. Whaddya say? Sounds like a pretty good deal, right?” But let’s set that aside. What about the idea that everything in Iraq was going great — “fragile but secure” — until Obama prematurely pulled the

United States out? Bush is wrong on both counts. First, there’s one absolutely vital fact one needs to understand on this topic, a fact that Bush doesn’t mention: The timing of the departure of US troops from Iraq was not decided by Obama; it was decided by George W. Bush. The Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) negotiated between the American and Iraqi governments declares in Article 24, “All the United States forces shall withdraw from all the Iraqi territory no later than December 31, 2011.” It was signed on November 17, 2008, when Jeb Bush’s brother — not Obama — was president of the United States. Conservatives argue that, well, Obama could have negotiated a new SOFA, one that allowed plenty of US troops to stay. And there was such a negotiation, but it foundered over the issue of immunity for US troops. The administration refused to leave a residual force there without a guarantee that our troops would not be arrested and tried by Iraqi authorities — something no US president, Democrat or Republican, would tolerate. When it became clear that the Iraqi parliament wasn’t going to approve such a guarantee, the negotiations broke down. It’s certainly true that Obama was eager to abide by George W. Bush’s schedule and have the United States out of Iraq by the end of 2011. And it may be true that if we had left thousands of troops there, they might have been able to keep some of the ensuing violence from happening. But they couldn’t have altered Iraq politics, and that’s the second thing Bush gets wrong. What Iraq needed to secure its future was the one thing Americans couldn’t give it: a political reconciliation. Without that, there would continue to be endless conﬂict, just as there has been. It was the Maliki government’s relentless sectarianism that created the opening for the IS to emerge. And this is perhaps the most dangerous thing about Bush’s perspective on Iraq, which can also be said of his primary opponents. They display absolutely no grasp of the internal politics of Iraq, now or in the past, not to mention the internal politics of other countries in the region, including Iran. Indeed, most Republicans don’t seem to even believe that these countries have internal politics that can shape what the countries choose to do and how they might react to our actions. — The Washington Post

READERS’ FORUM Oman is a second home for the Pakistani expats This refers to the news story, Pakistan Independence Day celebrated in style (August 15). Oman is a second home for the Pakistani community and we all feel very happy to celebrate all occasions related to Oman and Pakistan. The recent 14th August — the 69th Independence Day of Pakistan — was celebrated in great style in different parts of Oman on Friday, with day-long festivities to mark the occasion. The Pakistani community members feel that they live with the same traditions in the Sultanate of Oman as in their home country, Pakistan. I have been living in Oman for ﬁve years and I have celebrated all occasions of the Pakistani community. I pray for the success of Oman and Pakistan. I am sure that the cooperation and love among Omani and Pakistani communities will open many new avenues of economic and social progress. There is no doubt that Oman and Pakistan Scan this QR code adhere to the same philosophy, which is to send letters to the spreading love and peace all around world. Readers’ Forum, containing not more — Munawar Hameed Mangalwala, than 200 words with Muscat full name, address and telephone number, may be sent by mail (Times of Oman, P.O. Box 770, P.C. 112, Ruwi).

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FROM OUR ARCHIVES AUGUST 2000 Extensive plans for Muscat Walk MUSCAT: The Muscat Walk Coordinating Committee has held its ﬁrst meeting to review plans for the Muscat Walk, scheduled for September 29. The walk is being organised by Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) and is part of a worldwide celebration of good health and active ageing for life under the aegis of the World Health Organisation. This year, there will be walks in Nizwa and Sohar as well as Muscat.

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This refers to the online story, ‘Lots’ of fried food raises heart attack risk (August 11). I do not understand why such studies are carried out in the newspapers. Everybody should be able to eat what they want to without an expert giving needless opinion. Whether or not something happens to them is not due to what they eat or how they live. Such reports make it hard for the youth to enjoy life as adults continually give advice on something or the other. — Musarrat Omar, Ruwi

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WORLD 40 migrants die on boat off Italy as inﬂux continues show more “solidarity” with Greece as it struggles to handle the migrant crisis. “For example, solidarity in terms of ﬁnancial support to Greece, solidarity in terms of technical support, and solidarity in terms also of creating more legal ways for those people to reach Europe,” she told AFP.

An Italian navy helicopter spotted the boat, which was ‘overcrowded and starting to sink’, about 21 nautical miles off Libyan coast, south of Italian island of Lampedusa

ROME: At least 40 migrants died on a boat off Italy Saturday as Europe struggled to cope with hundreds of people making dangerous journeys to reach Italy and Greece. “Operation under way... many migrants saved. At least 40 dead,” the Italian navy said on Twitter, while the Corriere della Sera newspaper said those who died were found in the hold of the vessel, apparently having suffocated below deck. An Italian navy helicopter had spotted the boat, which was “overcrowded and starting to sink”, about 21 nautical miles off the Libyan coast, south of the Italian island of Lampedusa, a reporter with Italy RaiNews TV at rescue operation headquarters said. A navy vessel was sent to its aid at 7 am (0500 GMT) and when its sailors boarded, the

CLINGING TO LIFE: A handout picture released on Saturday by the Italian navy press office Marina Militare, shows an Italian Navy rigid-hulled inﬂatable boat, right, rescuing migrants crowded onto a ﬁshing boat off the coast of Libya. - AFP/MARINA MILITARE

grim discovery was made. Massimo Tozzi, commander of the rescue patrol, told the Italian news agency AGI that 319 people had been saved, including a dozen women and several children. “We were faced with a very emotional scene,” he told the agency, describing how some bodies were ﬂoating on the water. Survivors of the hazardous crossing from Libya often tell of how traffickers lock migrants in the hold -- mostly black Africans -- who pay less for the voyage. Packed inside the conﬁned space they not only risk drowning if the rickety boats capsize, but many are also overcome by diesel fumes.

HEZBOLLAH OPPONENT

Worst refugee crisis “The world ﬁnds itself facing the worst refugee crisis since the Second World War,” EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos said on Friday. Italy and Greece have born the brunt of the emergency. On the Greek island of Kos, scores of exhausted migrants, many of whom arrived on inflatable boats early Saturday, were turned away from a ferry that was due to start registering new arrivals.

“We don’t know where to go. We were told we could no longer register at the stadium” where Greek authorities were registering new arrivals this week, said Sleiman, a Syrian refugee among those gathering near the ferry in the morning. Vicious cycle “We are in a vicious cycle, and we keep turning round and round,” he said. UN refugee agency spokeswoman Stella Nanou said it was unclear whether registration on the ferry would begin later in the day, as authorities had announced on Friday. Nanou also said the EU must

Rebels kill imam in Mali village SEVARE (MALI): Extremists killed a village imam in central Mali who had refused their repeated attempts to recruit him, a local official told AFP Friday. Gunmen with suspected links to extremist cleric Amadou Koufa killed the imam of Barkerou village, Aladji Sekou, on Thursday night, the official said on condition of anonymity. The two men arrived by motorbike, leaving it on the edge of the village before approaching the imam’s home on foot where they shot him, he said, adding that the assailants appeared to be familiar with the area. “In recent months, the extremists have tried without success to get the imam of Barkerou to back their cause,” he said. The 63-year-old iman’s nephew Oumar Sekou also conﬁrmed his death, adding that he had been killed “because, for them, he is their opponent”. Security sources say that Koufa has linked with the Macina Liberation Front (FLM), a new group that emerged earlier this year and has claimed responsibility for a number of attacks, some targeting security forces in central Mali. The FLM draws its support from the Fulani people of central Mali, where Koufa is also from, and is also linked to Ansar Dine one of the groups that took control of Mali’s vast arid north in April 2012. Washington added Ansar Dine to its terror blacklist in 2013, accusing it of close ties to Al Qaeda and of torturing and killing opponents in the north. Investigators have found evidence linking the FLM to a deadly raid on a hotel in Sevare on August 7 that killed four foreign UN employees. — AFP

N E W C I V I L WA R F E A R E D

Lebanon arrests fugitive cleric BEIRUT: Lebanon arrested Saturday a fugitive cleric wanted over deadly clashes with the army as he tried to ﬂee the country, security sources told AFP. Lebanese authorities arrested Ahmad Al Assir this morning at the airport. He had changed his appearance and was trying to leave the country,” a security source said. Assir, who had shaved his beard, was trying to ﬂy to Nigeria by way of Cairo, using a fake Palestinian travel document that had a valid visa, the security directorate added. He had been on the run since June 2013, when he and some supporters fought a deadly battle with the army outside the southern city of Sidon. The army seized his headquarters after 48 hours of clashes that killed 18 soldiers, but Assir was able to escape with several of his followers. He has continued to issue audio statements while on the run, and various rumours circulated as to where in Lebanon he was hiding. In 2014, prosecutors sought the death sentences for Assir and 53 others, including singer-turned-fundamentalist Fadel Shaker. They were accused of having formed armed groups that attacked the army, killing officers and soldiers, and of having explosive materials, light and heavy weapons that they used against the army. Assir, a native of Sidon, was virtually unknown politically be-

The EU says the scale of migration, driven by war, disaster and poverty, has no parallel since the 1940s.

Ferry to Athens Still, hundreds of people who had registered could be seen leaving the Greek resort island on Saturday on a ferry to Athens. But after the precarious boat trip to Kos and sleeping rough on the streets, a young Syrian man, Anas, who is travelling to Athens with his daughter, feared more hardship was to come. “We managed to escape drowning but now we don’t know what is going to happen. We came to Europe but honestly, it’s all fear, it’s all danger and nothing is working,” said Anas, who declined to give his second name. Earlier this week, there were some 7,000 refugees and migrants on Kos, but that number has fallen to some 2,500, according to Greek police. More than 101,700 migrants have arrived on Italy’s shores since the start of the year, with at least 2,040 others dying on the crossing, according to the latest ﬁgures issued by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). To deal with the crisis the EU is fast-tracking 2.7 million euros ($3 million) to debt-wracked Greece, which will also receive 30 million euros from a total fund of 2.4 billion euros created for all 28 EU member states to cope with migrants until 2020. — AFP

INSURGENCY

Ahmad Al Assir

fore the outbreak of Syria’s civil war in 2011. He began making headlines after the conflict erupted by criticising Hezbollah and its ally, Syrian President Bashar Al Assad. He encouraged his supporters to join Syrian rebels and to rise up against Hezbollah. Assir also grabbed headlines with media stunts, such as taking a group of his followers to the trendy winter ski resort of Faraya in early 2013. The clashes between his supporters and the army erupted on June 24, 2013, after they opened fire on a military checkpoint. The fighting, which centred on the Abra district in the eastern outskirts of Sidon, spread quickly, wounding dozens of civilians and paralysing much of the coastal city. When the fighting was over, weapons including rocket launchers were found in Assir’s headquarters complex, which included a mosque, office buildings and apartment blocks. — AFP

Burundi’s ex-army chief assassinated BUJUMBURA: The former head of Burundi’s army during its 13year civil war was assassinated Saturday, further fuelling fears of a new civil war in the restive east central African country. Colonel Jean Bikomagu, a key figure in the former Tutsi-dominated army, was gunned down in his car by unidentified assailants as he was about to enter his home in Kinindo, a southern district of the capital Bujumbura, a family member told AFP. His killers opened fire as the car drew up outside the gates and then fled the scene. His daughter was also seriously wounded, the source said. The murder comes less than two weeks after the assassination of top general Adolphe Nshimirimana -- widely seen as the country’s de-facto internal security chief -in a rocket attack. The escalation of violence has spawned fears that the tiny country in east central Africa could be plunged back into civil war, with many fearful of pro-government reprisals after Nshimirimana’s death. Bikomagu was a major figure in the army during the civil war which raged between 1993 and 2006 and left at least 300,000 people dead. Even though the colonel had retired, he symbolised the old Tutsi-led Burundian army, enemies of the mainly Hutu rebel CNDDFDD movement now in power. “Bikomagu was totally out of politics, he had no real power within the army -- it is really a symbol they have assassinated,” a former diplomat in the country told AFP. Nshimirimana, feared by many

MOUNTING TENSIONS: Relatives, including the son, centre, of slain ex-head of Burundi’s army during its civil war Colonel Jean Bikomagu stand outside his home after he was shot dead there in his car by unidentiﬁed assailants while entering the residence in Bujumbura, on Saturday. — AFP

in the opposition, was seen as the right-hand man of President Pierre Nkurunziza, whose controversial re-election for a third term has caused months of unrest and triggered an exodus of refugees. The day after the general’s killing civil rights activist Pierre-Claver Mbonimpa, who had repeatedly accused Nshimirimana of ordering the deaths of government opponents, was himself wounded in an assassination attempt. He has

since left the country for Belgium. Several senior security chiefs and former rebel leaders vowed to avenge “General Adolphe” by killing an equally prominent ﬁgure “on the other side”, sources said. But on Twitter, presidential aide Willy Nyamitwe expressed his “condolences” to Bikomagu’s family, and said “the crime would go down with the other odious killings”. President Nkurunziza, a

51-year-old Hutu former rebel leader, plunged the country into crisis in April by pushing for a controversial third term despite weeks of protests and a failed coup against him. Arusha accords The opposition, United States and much of the global community claimed a third term violated the Arusha accords that had brought the civil war to an end. — AFP

S TAT E O F E M E R G E N C Y

Evacuations in Ecuador as Cotopaxi volcano rumbles to life LATACUNGUA (ECUADOR): Ecuador’s president Rafael Correa said on Saturday he will declare a state of emergency as the Cotopaxi volcano rumbled to life and prompted evacuation orders in several villages threatened by landslides. Cotopaxi volcano started to stir Friday, registering several small eruptions and angrily shooting plumes of dust and ash eight kilometers (ﬁve miles) into the sky.

By declaring a state of emergency -- also called a state of exception in Ecuador -- the president can access resources and deploy military personnel to aid communities affected by the volcano’s activity. Secure resouces “We will declare a state of emergency based on the activity of the Cotopaxi volcano. Why have I made that decision? To secure resources... to address a potential

emergency and mobilize the necessary resources,” Correa said in his weekly address. Earlier, officials ordered what they called precautionary evacuations in villages near the volcano, warning residents of potential landslides of volcanic debris, or lahars. Residents in towns and river settlements in Cotopaxi province, some 45 kilometers south of the capital Quito, were told to clear

out, said Pablo Morillo, head of the Secretariat for Risk Management. Officials did not specify how many people could be affected by the evacuation order. In the city of Latacunga, home to about 170,000 people, sirens sounded as residents frantically fled, packing food, water and pets into cars that quickly clogged the roads. “I was driving near the Cutuchi River and police came out with si-

rens, alerting us, and moving from house to house to draw people out. The sirens distressed us,” one woman told AFP, without providing her name. Soldiers could be seen in the streets of Latacunga on Saturday, along with cars carrying mattresses, motorcycles and other household items. Authorities maintained a yellow alert in the region, a midrange warning, and said it would

remain as long as Cotopaxi continued to stir. “We will maintain the same alert, but since there are still no lahar ﬂows, the evacuation order is still only preventive,” Morillo told AFP. The volcano, which towers to 5,897 metres high, is considered to be one of the most threatening in the region -- both because of its size and because it is so close to well-populated towns. — AFP

A 14

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BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: A competitor jumps off the Old Bridge during the Red Bull Cliff Diving Competition in Mostar, southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, on Saturday. - Reuters

FRANCE: French artist Gino rides the ‘Celestial Cyclo’ tricycle built by him in Le Marais neighbourhood in Paris, France, on Saturday. - Reuters

IRAQ: An Iraqi man looks at the damage following a car bombing at a vehicle market on Saturday, in Baghdad’s northern Shiite district of Sadr City. The blast hit the same district where a massive truck bomb ripped through a wholesale vegetable market just two days before, killing at least 54 people. - AFP

BRITAIN: Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, centre and Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh arrive at St Martin-

in-the-Fields, in London for a service of commemoration marking the 70th anniversary of VJ Day, on Saturday. Queen Elizabeth II is leading ceremonies in Britain to mark the 70th anniversary of the victory over Japan during World War II. In the background is Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex. - PTI/AP

SPAIN: Revellers make crochet patterns at the Rototom Sunsplash Reggae festival in Benicassim,

Castellon province, Spain, on Friday. Rototom runs from August 15 to 22. - AFP

CAMBODIA: Cambodian protesters shout slogans in front of Phnom Penh municipal court on Saturday. Cambodian police arrested Senator Hong Sok Hour on Saturday after the country’s strongman leader accused him of ‘treason’ for posting on social media a disputed document about the border with neighbouring Vietnam. - AFP

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‘Myanmar party chief ousted over ties with rivals, contentious bills’ The comments by Information Minister Ye Htut, who is also President Thein Sein’s spokesman, are the most detailed yet by the government on why Shwe Mann was ousted just three months before a general election

NAYPYIDAW: Myanmar President Thein Sein sacked Shwe Mann as ruling party chairman this week because he supported controversial bills in parliament and had ties to rival party leaders, the information minister told Reuters in an interview on Saturday. The comments by Ye Htut, who is also Thein Sein’s spokesman, are the most detailed yet by the government on why Shwe Mann was ousted just three months before a general election. In a post on Facebook on Saturday, Shwe Mann said he had worked toward creating a more robust role for parliament in the nation’s democracy.

OUT OF FAVOUR: Myanmar’s Information Minister Ye Htut, left, and Shwe Mann, speaker of Myanmar’s parliament, arrive for Myanmar’s top six-party talks at the presidential palace in Naypyitaw recently. Myanmar President Thein Sein sacked Shwe Mann as ruling party chairman this week because he supported controversial bills in parliament and had ties to rival party leaders, Ye Htut, who is also Thein Sein’s spokesman, told Reuters in an interview on Saturday. -Reuters

The battle between two of Myanmar’s most powerful ﬁgures played out in dramatic fashion on Wednesday when security forces surrounded the headquarters of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) in the capital Naypyitaw. Antagonising the military Shwe Mann had antagonised the military by building ties with Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and backing her campaign to change the constitution.

The military handed power to a semi-civilian government in 2011 but retains an effective veto over changes to the political system. Both Thein Sein and Shwe

Mann are former generals who played prominent roles in the junta that ruled Myanmar for 49 years. Members of the USDP’s governing body sent Thein Sein a

secret letter a few weeks ago to express concerns about party policy under Shwe Mann, Ye Htut said. They were also concerned about a lack of transparency in his relationships with rival party leaders, he said, although he declined to say with whom. While acknowledging Shwe Mann’s ouster was not good for the party’s image ahead of the November election, Ye Htut said Shwe Mann had made some “very questionable” decisions in parliament over the past year that reﬂected his own political ambitions rather than what was best for the party and the country. That included his support in June for a constitutional amendment to limit the military’s power, a bill that failed to pass parliament but was backed by Suu Kyi, he said. “He sometimes tried to force his will on other people,” Ye Htut said.” This kind of thing happened again and again. Because of his leadership style, there was a lot of concern about inter-party democracy.” Efforts by Reuters to reach Shwe Mann on Saturday for comment were unsuccessful. In the Facebook post on Saturday, Shwe Mann said he would do nothing to endanger the country or the people, and that neither should anybody else. He defended his work as a lawmaker and speaker of parliament in Myanmar’s lower house. “While others wished to make it a rubber-stamp parliament, I started making it a real life-blood institution of a democratic society. I’ve been facing a lot of difficulty since.” He still holds the powerful

post of speaker of parliament in Myanmar’s lower house, and on Friday he visited the parliamentary complex. Reforms continue On Wednesday, Thein Sein informed the USDP governing body that one of his allies, Htay Oo, was the new party leader, Ye Htut said. Shortly afterwards, security forces surrounded the party’s headquarters. The United States has expressed concern about the use of security forces to resolve the dispute. Ye Htut said the handling of the matter would have no bearing on the pace of reform in Myanmar. “There is no turning back in the reform process,” he said.” This is not good for the image of the USDP coming so close to the elections... this is an internal dispute and will not affect the executive.” Washington’s concern about reform was unwarranted, he added. “Sometimes, I’m surprised about the concerns from the political circle in Washington,” he said. The country needed free and fair elections to be able to move ahead with reforms, he added. Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) is expected to beat the USDP in the ballot. The military-drafted constitution bars the Oxford-educated Suu Kyi from becoming president because her two sons are British, but a strong NLD performance will increase her inﬂuence over the choice of the next president. Reuters reported last year that the NLD might back Shwe Mann as a presidential candidate after the election. -Reuters

NIGER

O N E O F AV I AT I O N ’ S G R E AT E S T M Y S T E R I E S

Malaysia, China to ‘refine’ MH370 search Four dead, more than KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia, China and Australia will meet in September to “refine” the search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 after part of the plane’s wing was discovered on an Indian Ocean island last month, more than a year on from its tragic disappearance. Ambiguity angers relatives On August 5, Malaysia’s prime minister Najib Razak said that experts had “conclusively confirmed” that the debris found on the French island of Reunion -- a piece of the wing known as the “flaperon” -- came from the doomed flight, which vanished 17 months ago in one of aviation’s greatest mysteries.

ON THE JOB: French maritime gendarmes in a boat take part in the search for wreckage from the missing MH370 plane off Saint-Marie on the French island of La Reunion on Friday. -AFP

However, French investigators were more cautious, saying only there was a “very high probability” that the ﬂaperon came from the plane, sparking anger from relatives over the ambiguity.

“With the discovery of the ﬂaperon, we have to sit down with Australia and China to map the way forward to ﬁnd the plane,” Malaysia’s deputy transport minister Abdul Aziz Kaprawi told AFP.

“We hope to refine and prioritise the search efforts. Definitely, the search will continue in the same area,” he said, adding that officials were working out the date for the gathering and the host for the meeting. The jet disappeared from radar on March 8 last year after mysteriously veering off its original flight path from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. Investigators believe the aircraft ran out of fuel and crashed somewhere in the southern Indian Ocean. Of the 239 people on board, the majority were Malaysians and Chinese. Australia has been leading the search for the plane, the largest multinational search operation in history. -AFP

20,000 hit by floods NIAMEY, NIGER: At least four people have died and more than 20,000 have been affected by floods in Niger caused by weeks of heavy rain, the United Nations said Friday. The bad weather has destroyed 2,170 homes and flooded nearly 545 hectares of agricultural land, the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a statement. Around 3,100 displaced victims are currently living in schools or have been taken in by host families, the agency said cit-

ing Niger’s emergency civil protection services. The bad weather is showing no sign of abating as the rainy season continues in the impoverished sub-Saharan country, which has often faced severe food crises due to flooding or drought. Since late July, local media have reported repeated floods, particularly in central and southern Niger. In the capital Niamey, the authorities have asked residents living near the edge of the Niger River to leave their homes because of the flood threat. -AFP S C H U Y L K I L L H AV E N

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SCHUYLKILL HAVEN (PENNSYLVANIA): Forensic archaeologists on Friday began excavating a highway embankment in eastern Pennsylvania, looking for more bones believed to be from impoverished victims of the worldwide Spanish flu pandemic in 1918. The state highway department, known as PennDOT, received reports of bones in what appeared to be an impromptu burial site beneath a broad meadow that was once the site of a poorhouse, said Bob Rescorla, a PennDOT inspector at the site. “There were rumours it was a mass grave here,” Rescorla said of the burial ground along State Highway 61 in Schuylkill Haven, about 100 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Historians say the Spanish flu pandemic touched all parts of the world and claimed tens of millions of lives. The flu could kill quickly, sometimes in less than a day. In Schuylkill County, the Pottsville Republican-Herald newspaper reported that some 17,000 residents were sickened and several thousand died during the pandemic. -Reuters

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Oman leads in foreign portfolio investment in the Gulf region Share of foreign holding in listed

by non-GCC investors from different parts of the world.

Foreign portfolio investment in GCC markets in 2014 Share (%)

companies of MSM was 29.5% by the end of Oman

29.5

2014, the highest among all GCC countries, Saudi Arabia

12.0

latest CMA report reveals A E JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman stood ﬁrst in terms of foreign portfolio investment in stock market among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states last year. The share of foreign holding in listed companies of Muscat Securities Market (MSM) was 29.5 per cent by the end of 2014, the highest among all GCC states, according to the annual report published by the Capital Market Authority. It was around 27.7 per

cent at the end of 2013. “This reﬂects the openness of the Omani market, thanks to the regulatory infrastructure, which enhanced foreign investors’ conﬁdence in the market and made it appealing to them,” the annual report noted. Foreign institutional investors’ interest in Omani bourse was also due to the attractive pricing as the price-earning ratio was one the lowest among GCC countries. The Omani capital market enjoys low price-earning ratio of 10.5,

Qatar

8.0

Dubai

6.3

Abu Dhabi

4.4

Muscat Securities Market. – Times ﬁle picture

Source: Muscat Securities Market

Graphics

which is an indication that the prices of the shares of the Omani listed companies were good and attractive to investors. As many as 120 companies are listed on the Muscat Securities Market. As far as other GCC states

are concerned, foreign investment share in Qatar bourse was merely 8 per cent, 6.3 per cent in Dubai, 4.4 per cent in Abu Dhabi and 12 per cent in Saudi Arabia, which was the latest bourse in the region to open up for foreign investors. GCC holdings were 16.6 per cent in Omani bourse, while the remaining 13.09 per cent were held

Market capitalisation The market capitalisation of MSM grew by three per cent to OMR14.56 billion, compared to OMR14.16 billion in the previous year. “Despite the effects of the fall in the oil prices on the performance of the sector, it still plays a prominent role in growing the national economy of the Sultanate.” The total market capitalisation represents 30 per cent of the gross domestic product, thanks to the growth in the performance of the listed companies in 2014. The good performance of the market and public listed companies had an effective role in realising good returns and proﬁts for investors. Listed companies were able to distribute OMR 450.18 million worth of dividends in cash, or as bonus shares and/or convertible bonds. Cash dividends were 92 per

cent of the total dividends. Dividends were five per cent of the total market value of all public listed companies and 55 per cent of the total annual unaudited profits for 2014. The level of return for dividends to shareholders in MSM was five per cent in 2014, which is higher than the global rate for the emerging and advanced markets. However, the Omani capital market is smaller in size among GCC bourses due to the small capital base of the listed companies. This capital base totalled OMR 2.56 billion at the end of 2014, which is small compared to the capital of the listed companies in the Saudi market, estimated at OMR50.15 billion last year. There were only four offerings in the Omani market in 2014, claiming a value of OMR74.76 million while the Saudi market witnessed six offerings during the same period at OMR2,597.09 million.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

MARKET JUNE

Oman records lowest inflation in GCC; UAE’s the highest MUSCAT: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) inflation index in June 2015 recorded rates that ranged between 0.18 per cent in the Sultanate and 4.22 per cent in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) compared to the same month of 2014, based on the latest statistics issued by the GCC-Stat. Among GCC member states, the highest inflation rate was recorded in the UAE at 4.22%, followed by Kuwait at 3.54 per cent, Saudi Arabia at 2.2 per cent, Bahrain at 1.7 per cent, Qatar at 1.4 per cent, and Oman at 0.18 per cent. Compared to the general index of May 2015, the inflation index of June 2015 shows a slight increase in Bahrain by 0.6 per cent, Sultanate by 0.51 per cent, Kuwait by 0.44 per cent, the UAE by 0.31 per cent, Saudi Arabia by 0.3 per cent, and Qatar by 0.2 per cent. Compared to the same month last year, the prices of the ‘Food

INFLATION IN JUNE

FOOD PRICES RISE: Compared to the same month last year, the prices of the ‘food and beverage’ group increased in June 2015 in most of the GCC countries. – File photo

and beverage’ group rose in June 2015 in most of the GCC countries: in Bahrain by 3.8 per cent, followed by Kuwait 3.65 per cent, Saudi Arabia by 2.2 per cent, and the UAE 1.44 by per cent, and Qatar by 0.2 per cent. In contrast, prices of this group fell in Oman by 0.09 per cent. In June 2015, the “Housing, wa-

BRIEFS

OPWP plans data centre MUSCAT: A new information technology data centre will be set up by Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP). A tender inviting bids from companies to procure and instal data centre infrastructure was ﬂoated by OPWP, which is responsible for the procurement of new electricity generation and water desalination capacity in the country. The last date of tender submission is September 7, according to a tender document. Further to the earlier disclosures by the company on the subject of merger/acquisition, the committee of the UFC board designated for the purpose met on August 12 to review the response dated August 11 received from Al Omaniya Financial Services and has decided to refer the matter to the full board for their review and appropriate decision making. Further disclosure will be made after the full board is able to meet, review the response from Al Omaniya Financial Services and take a decision in the matter.

China gold reserves move up BEIJING: China’s gold reserves rose by more than 19 tonnes in July, the official Xinhua news agency said, after the central bank last month gave the statistic for the ﬁrst time in six years. Bullion holdings stood at 1,677.30 tonnes at the end of July, Xinhua said citing the People’s Bank of China (PBoC), a 1.16 per cent increase on June’s 1,658 tonnes. China is the world’s largest producer of the yellow metal. - Times News Service/Agencies

ter, electricity, gas and other fuels” group showed an overall increase across all GCC member states compared to the same month last year, rising by 10.21 per cent in the UAE, followed by 6.54 per cent in Kuwait, 3 per cent in he Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain by 2.3 per cent, 1.8 per cent in Qatar, and ﬁnally by

0.68 per cent in the Sultanate. The “Transport” group also recorded an increase in most GCC countries in June 2015 compared to the same month of the previous year, as the transport prices rose in Qatar by 2.7 per cent, Kuwait by 0.64 per cent, and Saudi Arabia by 0.5 per cent, and the UAE by 0.38

UAE

4.22 per cent

Kuwait

3.54 per cent

Saudi Arabia 2.2 per cent

Bahrain

1.7 per cent

Qatar

1.4 per cent

Oman

0.18 per cent

per cent, and Sultanate by 0.02 per cent, On the other hand, transport prices decreased in Bahrain by 1.5 per cent. The data showed that the highest price rises among the main expenditure groups by country in June 2015 compared to the same month last year were as follows:

Non-oil sector in Oman fares well

The “Education” group in both Qatar and Sultanate by 11.1 per cent and 4.49 per cent respectively, followed by the “Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels” group in the UAE by 10.21 per cent, the “Culture and entertainment” group in Saudi Arabia by 6.9 per cent, the “Restaurants and hotels” group in Kuwait by 6.88 per cent, and “Health” group in Bahrain by 4.5 per cent. Data indicated that the largest price decreases among the major expenditure groups in each of the GCC states in June compared to the same month last year were as follows: “Clothing and footwear” in UAE, Oman and Kuwait by 3.35 per cent, 1.69 per cent and 1.53 per cent respectively, “Culture and entertainment” group in Qatar by 2.4 per cent, “Restaurants and hotels” group in Saudi by 1.6 per cent, and the “Transport” group in Bahrain by 1.5 per cent. — ONA OMAN OFFICE SHOW 2015

Exhibition to showcase office systems in September Times News Service

Agriculture, ﬁsheries, and industrial and service activities grew by 8.7 per cent in 2014 compared to 7.3 per cent in 2013

MUSCAT: Non-oil sector, which include agriculture, fisheries, industrial and service activities grew by 8.7 per cent in 2014 compared to 7.3 per cent in 2013, the latest statistics from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) reveals. The bulletin pointed out that the contribution of non-oil activities to the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2014 stood at OMR18,691,900,000 compared to OMR17,198,300,000 in 2013 and OMR16,029,600,000 in 2012. The gross production at current prices during the first quarter of 2015 stood at OMR6,508,300,000 compared to OMR7,589,200,000, a decline by 14.2 per cent. The GDP at the product price, which includes oil, non-oil activities and indirectly estimated financial brokerage services in the first quarter of this year stood at OMR6,680,600,000 compared to OMR7,908,700,000, a decline by 15.5 per cent due to the drop in crude oil and industrial activities. The Sultanate’s GDP at the current prices in 2014 stood at OMR31,215,200,000 compared

GOOD SHOW: Service activities in the ﬁrst quarter of the year grew by 6.6 per cent to reach OMR3,236,600,000 compared to OMR3,037,300,000 in the same period last year.- File photo

to OMR30,061,300,000 in 2013 and OMR29,353,300,000 in 2012 — a growth of 4 per cent and 2.3 per cent in 2014 and 2013 respectively. The contribution of the nonoil activities in the GDP at current prices during the first quarter of 2015 grew by 4.1 per cent compared to the same period last year with OMR4,448,900,000 compared to OMR4,271,700,000 in the first quarter in 2014. Natural gas and oil The bulletin also said that the oil activities dropped in the first quarter of this year to OMR2,395,700,000 compared to OMR3,789,100,000 in the first quarter last year, a drop by 36.8 per cent due to the decline in crude oil by 40.9 per cent. Natural gas contributed by 16.3 per cent of the GDP or OMR317.8 million compared to OMR273.3 million in the same period last year. The agriculture and fisheries contribution to the GDP at the current prices increased by 5.3 per cent in the first quarter of this year to hit OMR96.5 million

compared to OMR91.7 million during the same period last year. The service activities in the first quarter of the year grew by 6.6 per cent to reach OMR3,236,600,000 compared to OMR3,037,300,000 during the same period last year. Real estate and rentals The real estate, rents and commercial projects contributed to the GDP by OMR258.6 million in the first quarter of the year compared to OMR244.1 million in the same period last year. The gross contribution of the industrial activities to the GDP during the first quart of this year stood at OMR1,115,800,000 compared to OMR1,142,700,000 during the same period last year. The mining and quarries sector grew by 10 per cent to contribute OMR32.4 million during the same period. — ONA

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MUSCAT: Fourth edition of the Oman Office Show, scheduled to take place from September 14 to 16 at Oman International Exhibition Centre, Muscat, will once again showcase the best in office systems and commercial interiors. From high-tech furniture systems for dynamic office environments, and ergonomically designed workplace solutions, to innovations fashioned from sustainable and highly durable materials, Oman Office Show 2015 will feature a scintillating array of office-related merchandise sourced from leading manufacturers and markets around the world. Organised by leading Omani event management firm Global Exhibitions & Conferences (GEC), this annual show has come to be billed as an outstanding opportunity for world-class vendors to present their latest technologies and solutions to a target audience comprising a wide array of corporate, government and retail customers. This year’s show aims to build on the enormous success of a trio of hugely popular events that have helped cement the Oman Office Show’s reputation as signature exposition on the ideal office equipment and interiors environment. Complementing the show’s mainstay exhibition event is, for the first time in the series, an information-packed seminar featuring keynote presentations by leading industry and business experts. A distinguished roster of speakers will present on the best practices and technologies that will define the future of Oman’s commercial design sector. Market heavyweights Fahmy Furniture and Teejan Furnishing are backing the show as gold sponsors.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

MARKET Oman’s oil output increases 41m barrels produced by reﬁneries in June

Crude production in July amounted to

MUSCAT: Production at reﬁneries and petroleum companies in the Sultanate had reached more than 41,296,600 barrels by June-end, a 0.3 per cent increase compared to the same period of 2014. During the same period last year, the production was 41,174,300 barrels, statistics issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) revealed. The statistics, based on the data of Oman Oil Reﬁneries and Petroleum Industries Company, showed that the products included the regular

31,033,517 barrels, averaging 1,001,081 barrels per day, a rise of 0.48 per cent compared to June 2015 in daily average

MUSCAT: Oman’s crude oil and condensates production in July 2015 amounted to 31,033,517 barrels, averaging 1,001,081 barrels per day (bpd), thus reﬂecting a rise of 0.48 per cent compared to June 2015 in daily average. In July 2015, Oman achieved a new record in the daily production of crude oil and oil condensates, crossing the 1 million barrel barrier for the ﬁrst time in the history of the country’s oil industry. The achievement is attributed to the consistent efforts by the oil and supportive services companies, as well as the hard work by all workers to reduce the loss in production due to regular and irregular maintenance.

Crude oil exports The total exported crude oil in July 2015 amounted to 24,706,297 barrels, an average of 796,977 bpd, and a 12.61 per cent decline, in comparison to June 2015 when calculating the daily average. The decline was because of the Orpic company consuming approximately 900,000 additional barrels in July. The decline is also attributed to the DNO Company, which didn’t export any crude oil in July.

gasoline (90) and the premium gasoline (95). The production of regular gasoline reached 1,194,000 barrels, a decline of 32.2 per cent compared to the same period in 2014, when production of regular gasoline was 1,759,900 barrels. The production of the premium gasoline reached 11,381,300 barrels, comprising an increase of 9.7 per cent, in comparison to the same period in 2014 when it had reached 10,376,000 barrels. The Sultanate produced 2,394,000 barrels of jet fuel, a decline of 1.8 compared to

The Asian markets, as usual, accounted for the biggest share of the Omani oil exports (100 per cent of the Sultanate’s production in July 2015 exported to Asia). Although China’s imported rate declined by 20 per cent in comparison with June 215, it still topped the list with 69.25 per cent in July 2015. Japan’s rate rose by 15.15 per cent in July 2015, the highest by Japan since January 2015.

May 2014. The production of gas oil (diesel) rose by 12.2 per cent to reach 10,630,300 barrels, compared to 9,477,800 barrels at the end of June 2014. The Omani production of fuel oil reached 1,089,600 barrels, comprising a decline by 14.3 per cent compared to the same period in 2014, which reached 1,271,300 barrels. The production of liqueﬁed petroleum gas in the Sultanate of Oman reached 1,739,000 barrels, a decline of 12.7 per cent compared to the same period in 2014. - ONA

Taiwan’s and Thailand’s imports of Omani crude oil rose by 5.78 per cent and 2.20 per cent, respectively. Meanwhile, Singapore’s import of the crude oil fell by 0.50 per cent. The average price for American crude oil in New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) in July 2015 amounted to 51.19 USD per barrel, indicating a $8.95 decline compared to the trading of June 2015. The North Sea (Brent) basket in

BANKING

CBO assets touch OMR8.7b in June

ON GROWTH PATH: The balance sheet of the Central Bank of Oman noted that the claims on government at the end of June 2015 amounted to OMR265.1 million and on the local banks it amounted to OMR167 million. – Times ﬁle

MUSCAT: Total assets of the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) amounted to OMR7.8 billion at the end of June this year compared to OMR7.3 billion in June 2014, a rise by 7.4 per cent. This rise was supported by the foreign assets at CBO, which amounted to OMR7.3 billion, a rise by OMR277 million in comparison to last year. Among the foreign assets at CBO, the value of assets with banks abroad amounted to OMR949.4 million, the reserve at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) amounted to OMR139.6 million while the total value of foreign securities amounted to about OMR6.3 billion. The balance sheet of the CBO

ECONOMY

Insurance sector contributes 1.3 per cent to GDP in 2014 MUSCAT: Insurance sector contributed 1.3 per cent to the Sultanate’s GDP in 2014 compared to about 3 per cent by non-oil activities, shows the latest annual report issued by the Capital Market Authority. The value of the gross premium stood at OMR400 million in 2014 compared to OMR359.93 million in 2013. The report pointed out that the major indicators that reﬂect growth of the insurance industry is the depth of the insurance market which, is evidenced by its contribution to the Sultanate’s GDP. The insurance sector contributed by 1.3 per cent to the GDP in 2014 compared to 0.9 per cent in 2008. The report also pointed out that the average contribution of the insurance sector in the Middle East and North African regoin’s (Mena) macroeconomics stood at 1.3 per cent. In terms of the contribution of the insurance sector to non-oil activities, it grew from 1.8 per cent in 2008 to 3 per cent last year. The expenditure on insur-

AWARENESS

The average annual growth over the past six years was about 24 per cent. The indicators reﬂect the growing awareness among members of the Omani society

ance products in 2014 increased by 4 per cent compared to 2013. The individual expenditure on insurance increased from OMR72.6 in 2008 to OMR96.9 in 2014. The average annual growth over the past six years was about 24 per cent. The indicators reﬂect the growing awareness among members of the Omani society, thanks to the efforts made by the Capital Market Authority to raise awareness about the different sectors of the society.

Over the past six years, average annual growth rate of the insurance sector stood at 12 per cent due to the good performance of different insurance products. The value of the insurance sector grew by 10 per cent in 2014 compared to 2014. Health insurance grows The report also said that health insurance grew by 34 per cent in 2014, compared to 13 per cent in group life insurance and 6 per cent by auto and engineering insurance. As per the report, the number of valid insurance policies grew by 13 per cent in 2014 to hit 1,349,748, reﬂecting the growth in the number of non-auto insurance policies. In the coming year, Takaful insurance is expected to grow in the Sultanate, especially as about 53,564 individual and corporate organisations enjoyed Takaful insurance over the past year, or 4 per cent of the total number of insurance policies in Oman. - ONA

noted that the claims on government at the end of June 2015 amounted to OMR265.1 million and on the local banks amounted to OMR167 million. Share at IMF Oman’s share at IMF amounted to OMR83.3 million, the ﬁxed assets amounted to OMR40.6 million and other assets amounted to OMR65.3 million. The Central Bank of Oman has a capital of OMR760 million. The Central Bank’s balance sheet pointed out that the value of currency issued as at the end of June 2015 amounted to OMR1 billion and OMR675 million compared to OMR1 billion and OMR484 million in June 2014. — ONA

ICE in London averaged $56.91 per barrel, comprising a $7.21 decline, compared to the trading in June 2015. Major factors leading to drop in prices during the month included the continuing debt crisis in Greece, the collapse indicators from the Chinese stock market and Iran nuclear agreement. US dollar appreciation These factors sent oil prices plunging to a record low since 2015 beginning. Moreover, the appreciation of US dollar and the three-year peak production by Opec, in addition to the abundant supplies, also contributed to the decline in oil prices. There are no indicators in the market that the prices will improve at least in the short run. The world oil markets may need more subsidy and time to restore balance and recover its gains. The trading of Oman Crude Oil Future Contract at Dubai Mercantile Exchange (DME Oman) declined in price in the same month, as also was the case with other crude oils due to the abovementioned factors. It averaged between $61.85 and $52.47 per barrel. - ONA

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LPG PURCHASE

National Gas signs pact with Oman Trading Times News Service MUSCAT: National Gas Company said that it has signed an LPG purchase agreement with Oman Trading International for purchase of LPG for export outside the Sultanate. Though the quantities available would be entirely on an availability basis and there is no guarantee of any minimum supplies, continued supply if available would be impacting the company positively. National Gas shares moved up 1.72 per cent to 354 baisas on Thursday amid 20,888 shares changing hand. Net profit in first half National Gas parent company’s net profit in the first half of 2015 rose by 6 per cent to OMR527,863 from OMR497,895 for the same period last year. The parent company’s gross revenue showed a decline for the first half of this year, mainly due to a steep decline in the international Saudi Aramco gas price, the benchmark followed for purchases and sales for LPG in the international markets. This has resulted in lower purchase cost and sales revenue without affecting the profit margins.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

MARKET SPECIAL OFFERS

BankDhofar extends special rates on housing, personal loans Times News Service MUSCAT: Following the great response to its special offers and discounted rates on housing and personal loans that started in March 2015, BankDhofar extended the promotion period through December 31, 2015. The best bank in the Sultanate continues to offer diverse options of ﬁnancial solutions and reaffirm its commitment to provide the best customer experience through CHINA ECONOMY

IMF warns of ‘disorderly correction’ if reform slows WASHINGTON: The IMF warned on Friday that China, the world’s second-largest economy, could face a “disorderly correction” followed by slower growth if its reform programme slows. Presenting its annual assessment of China, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) expressed satisfaction with its transition to a more market-oriented economy. But it also warned Beijing to stay the course, despite recent warning signs. “The faster the progress, the sooner the benefits will materialise,” said Markus Rodlauer, head of the IMF mission to China and one of the authors of the review. The report forecasts 6.8 per cent growth for this year, relatively low by recent Chinese standards but this was expected as Beijing transitions to a more sustainable model. It also said the yuan is no longer undervalued, despite Beijing ordering this week’s steep fall against the dollar, noting it was still well up over the year. The IMF was also sanguine about the recent turmoil on Chinese stock markets, which it said does not threaten the wider economy. But it urged Beijing to quickly unwind its massive state intervention to support falling share prices, and warned that the true risk would come from slowing reform. “Insufficient progress in containing vulnerabilities and advancing structural reforms continues to pose the biggest risk to the outlook,” Rodlauer warned. “If there were going ahead insufficient progress that would be the biggest risk that, if realize, could result over the medium term in a disorderly correction and a protracted period of slower growth.” Markets and some world governments have been alarmed by this week’s decision by China to devalue the yuan, but the IMF said it should be seen as a step toward a more market-oriented exchange rate approach. “The exact impact will depend on how the new mechanism is implemented going forward,” Rodlauer told reporters. “China can and should aim to achieve a full floating exchange rate system within two to three years, he further added.” - AFP

following best international banking standards and applying cutting-edge technology, as well as embracing creativity and innovation. Commenting on the various facilities and solutions provided by BankDhofar to enrich customer experience, Khalid Al Amri, head of retail products, Business & Segments Department at BankDhofar, noted, “Housing and personal loan facilities from BankDhofar come with minimal processing fee and

attractive interest rates. This offer allows customers to enjoy 4.0 per cent interest rate on housing loans and 4.2 per cent interest on personal loans. We are committed to provide instant and personal-

ised loan options that are specially made to suit our customers and to fulﬁl their needs.” To further facilitate personal and housing loans, BankDhofar customers can enjoy special rates when they apply for personal and housing loans in the promotion period which lasts through December 2015 this applies to all new and buy-out loans. The combination of the thorough vision of the bank’s executive management, the compre-

hensive operational strategy that revolves around following best international banking practices and providing best customer experience, as well as commitment to community development and contribution to the growth of the national economy, placed BankDhofar on top of the list of best banks in the region. In 2015 alone, BankDhofar received a number of prestigious awards from leading international organisations, including ‘STP

Award 2014’ for Euro transactions by Commerzbank, Germany, ‘Straight-Through-Processing (STP) Excellence Award’ for U.S. Dollar transactions from CITI, ‘Best Mobile E-Commerce Bank 2015’ and ‘Best SME Bank Oman 2015’ by Global Banking & Finance Review, ‘Islamic Bank of the Year – Oman 2015’ by The Banker, ‘Best Mobile Banking Oman 2015’ and ‘Best Islamic Window – Maisarah, Oman 2015’ by International Finance Magazine and others.

Euro zone ministers agree to lend $96 billion to Greece cisive is that Greece does what it says it will do.” Schaeuble was among numerous ministers who stressed they saw it as vital that the IMF take part in the third bailout, as it has in two programmes totalling 240 billion euros since 2010. Not only would IMF lending reduce the amount needed from Europe — possibly by a sum similar to the 16 billion euros the Fund had ready when the second bailout programme expired — but the IMF’s reputation for rigour would reassure sceptical parliaments and ﬁnancial markets that conditions would be met.

Assuming approval by the German and other parliaments, 13 billion euros should be in Athens next Thursday to pay pressing bills and a further 10 billion will be set aside at the European Stability Mechanism, earmarked to bolster Greek banks’ capital Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. — Bloomberg News

BRUSSELS/ATHENS: Euro zone ﬁnance ministers have agreed to lend Greece up to 86 billion euros ($96 billion) after Greek lawmakers accepted their stiff conditions despite a revolt by supporters of leftist Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. Assuming approval by the German and other parliaments, 13 billion euros should be in Athens next Thursday to pay pressing bills and a further 10 billion will be set aside at the European Stability Mechanism, earmarked to bolster Greek banks’ capital. In all, euro zone governments will lend 26 billion euros in a ﬁrst tranche of the bailout before reviewing Greece’s compliance with their conditions in October. One remaining uncertainty — aside from Tsipras’ ability to deliver sweeping budget cuts and privatisations opposed by many of his own party — is the role of the International Monetary Fund. After backing two previous bailouts, the IMF renewed its call for the Europeans to grant Athens debt relief - a bone of contention between the Eurogroup and the Washington-based Fund.

After the changes in the government and the crises that we had, the cooperation with let’s say the changed Greek government is very constructive, very well organised Jeroen Dijsselbloem Dutch minister

Managing Director Christine Lagarde told the Eurogroup by telephone that she could not commit until the IMF board reviewed the situation in the autumn. Officials said the Fund needed more assurances and detail on Greek reforms, notably to pensions, and steps to persuade it that Greece’s debt burden was sustainable. But after deadlock since January that ravaged the already weak

Greek economy and ended in a dramatic U-turn a month ago by the anti-austerity leftist government to avert Athens’ expulsion from the euro, there was a cautious sense of optimism among ministers gathered in a Brussels deep in summer holiday languor. “After six months of very difﬁcult negotiations with lots of ups and downs, we ﬁnally have an agreement,” Greek Finance

Minister Euclid Tsakalotos told reporters on Friday. His appointment by Tsipras six weeks ago in place of his abrasive predecessor has been hailed by counterparts as a mark of a new Greek “realism”. “After the changes in the government and the crises that we had, the cooperation with let’s say the changed Greek government is very constructive, very well organised,” Jeroen Dijsselbloem, the Dutch minister who chaired the meeting, told reporters. Debt burden Even Germany’s Wolfgang Schaeuble, who last month floated a Greek exit from the euro as Tsipras hesitated to agree terms with fellow leaders, sounded upbeat, if still wary of a new tone in Athens that caused an angry split in Tsipras’ leftist party, with nearly a third of Syriza lawmakers rebelling in parliament. “We will have to wait and see,” said Schaeuble, who has become a hate-figure for rigid austerity among Greeks tired of five years of soaring unemployment.”This is an opportunity. But what is de-

Significant debt relief Lagarde said in a statement that Europe would need to provide “significant” debt relief as a complement to reforms Athens is trying to put Greece’s finances on a sustainable path. “I remain firmly of the view that Greece’s debt has become unsustainable and that Greece cannot restore debt sustainability solely through actions on its own,” she said, highlighting what has become a significant bone of contention with the European institutions with which the IMF helped negotiate the new accord. Led by Germany, euro zone governments have ruled out taking a “haircut” to reduce the nominal principle of Greece’s debts to them. But the Eurogroup said in its statement that it would consider longer grace periods and repayment periods if Greece successfully met its loan conditions by an October review. Dijsselbloem said it was still unclear that Greece could not afford to service its debts but he was optimistic differences with the IMF could be overcome. Also, the French Finance Minister Michel Sapin, who is among strong supporters of helping Greece stay in the euro zone, said that a consensus was emerging on the Greek debt. — Reuters

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$13.8B ALSTOM BID

GE expected to win EU approval BRUSSELS: General Electric (GE) is expected to secure EU approval for its proposed $13.8 billion bid for French peer Alstom’s power business, its largest ever deal, two people familiar with the matter said on Friday. The green light from the European Commission will come 14 years after it rejected General Electric’s (GE) attempt at a $42 billion takeover of Honeywell

International, despite clearance by US authorities. The EU veto resulted in a barrage of criticism from US officials, including US President George W. Bush. The current deal has the backing of the French state, which will buy up to 20 per cent of Alstom from construction group Bouygues once the GE bid is cleared. The US ﬁrm, which offered concessions to head off the Com-

mission’s worries about the deal a month ago, improved its package last week. “GE is likely to get approval,” one of the sources said. The second source said GE had originally offered to divest some manufacturing and services activities and research and development units around the world, including a facility in Switzerland and Alstom’s Power Systems Manufacturing operation. - Reuters

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ROUND-UP

alizz bank innovations attract more customers By giving the option of withdrawing up to OMR10,000 in any selected denominations without using cards, as well as allowing local and international transfers, alizz ITM became customer’s ideal choice for banking transactions

MUSCAT: alizz Islamic bank has seen a rise in customer banking transactions through its new Interactive Teller Machine (ITM) in Muscat Grand Mall. By giving the option of withdrawing up to OMR10,000 in any selected denominations without using cards, as well as allowing local and international transfers, alizz ITM became customer’s ideal choice for banking transactions during the weekends and after the branch working hours,

says a press release. Sadiq Al Lawati, head of e-Channels at alizz Islamic bank said, “Last month, over 120 customers used our ITM and around 40 per cent of those were non alizz customers enquiring about our new banking technology. Most of the transactions were cash withdrawals and local transfers with big amounts up to OMR105,000.” With its strong vision to consistently offer customers an enriching banking experience, alizz Islamic bank officially launched the ﬁrst ITM in the Sultanate last month under the auspices of Dr Salim bin Sultan Al Ruzaiqi, chief executive officer of Information Technology Authority. With the Interactive Teller, alizz Islamic bank customers can complete most of their typical branch transactions right at the ITM with the assistance of a live, remote teller. The Interactive Teller allows the alizz customer

OFFICIAL VEHICLE

Nissan Patrol supports UEFA Super Cup 2015

DUBAI: As the official automotive sponsor, Nissan provided a ﬂeet of cars that was used to support activities and programmes around the UEFA Super Cup match that took place recently. The Nissan Patrol, dubbed 'Hero of all Terrains in Life', was the iconic model and the ofﬁcial vehicle during the match. Through its sponsorship and engagement at the event, Nissan aimed to enrich the fans’ experience of the tournament and leave a lasting legacy for the people of Georgia, says a press release. Samir Cherfan, managing director at Nissan Middle East, commented: “We at Nissan Middle East are very excited to host and be part of such a prestigious event in Georgia, which falls under the NMEF territory. At Nissan we continuously strive to bring new levels of innovation and excitement in everything that we do. Our involvement in the UEFA Super Cup in Georgia is an example of our dedication to offering unique experiences for our customers and partners across the region. A total of 51 Nissan vehicles was provided to UEFA for various administrative needs including transportation of VIPs, UEFA

staff and referees. Out of the total ﬂeet, two Patrols were given to the UEFA President, Michel Platini and UEFA General Secretary, Gianni Infantino. Four Patrols were given to the competing teams, Barcelona and Sevilla (two each). Nissan vehicles will also be present when the Trophy Journey reaches the capital city. Nissan is the official global automotive sponsor of the UEFA Super Cup and UEFA Champions League, with a deal that will cover the period 2014/2015 to 2017/2018. As an official partner Nissan will be involved with Europe’s most prestigious club football competition through a number of its exclusive products and services. The UEFA Super Cup partnership is another example of Nissan’s dedication and growth in global sports which already includes the brand’s proud sponsorship of the Africa Cup of Nations, NCAA Football, Canadian Football League, sporting ambassadors including Olympic Gold Medallists Usain Bolt and Sir Chris Hoy, corporate partner for Heisman Trust/Heisman Trophy and the official global automotive partner of City Football Group.

to execute all branch banking features such as cash withdrawals above the daily limit, cash deposits, cheque deposit, cheque encashment, credit card payments, and money transfers. The new alizz ITM in Muscat Grand Mall, will offer teller services seven days a week from 10am to 10pm. In a customer service feedback survey, Mohammed Al Rahbi, a customer who used alizz ITM for cash withdrawal said, “I performed the transaction through the ITM easily without any assistance. The location of the machine in Muscat Grand Mall is ideal, but I hope alizz islamic bank will place more ITMs in different locations, including City Centre for example.” Another customer, Suleiman Al Balushi, who used the new Interactive Teller to transfer money pointed out that he enjoyed an ultimate digital-banking experience with the machine. Al Balushi said the ITM tim-

ing from 10am until 10pm 7 days a week helps him perform most of the branch transactions at his convenient time. He added, alizz kiosk in MGM provides enough privacy to interact live with the customer service agent using a handset. Continuing with its innovation to provide the ultimate banking experience, alizz Islamic bank has recently added a hi-tech touchscreen Self Service Kiosk in order to familiarise its customers with the services offered on internet banking and mobile banking. The kiosks are present in CBD and Al Khoudh branches. The features and beneﬁts of the Self Service Kiosk include access a walk-through of the Internet and mobile applications, get assistance to self-register for internet banking, perform transactions such as funds transfer or bill payment, explore alizz corporate website, and get information on alizz products and services.

'A R A N G E T R A M '

ISS student shines in her solo dance debut performance SOHAR: Aishwarya Mohanasundar, a student of Grade X of Indian School Sohar, recently performed her Arangetram (solo dance debut) at the Dr Preetha Reddy auditorium of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai. The Arangetram was very well conducted by Aishwarya’s Guru Githaa Ravishannkhar, the Director of Sohar Institute for Music & Arts in Sohar, says a press release. The Arangetram consisted of eight dances of various kinds such as Thodaya Mangalam, Jathiswaram, Varnam, Snake Dance, Meera Bhajan, Thillana, etc. The audience were ecstatic at the way Aishwarya swirled around the stage like a snake in snake dance and showed different kinds of expressions. Her performance depicting the despair of Draupadi and her emotional appeal to the saviour in Hari Tum Haro (Meera Bhajan ) drew long applause from the audience. The programme was presided over by the famous South Indian Music Director, ‘Then Isai Thendral’ Theva as the chief guest. P. Swaminathan, the famous writer and Upanyasagar was the Guest of Honour. Both Theva and Swaminathan congratulated Aishwarya for her ﬂawless performance and the guru, Githaa Ravishannkhar for her excellent choreography. Nattuvangam and her vigorous training which

culminated in making the programme a grand performance. The music provided by Chitrambari, Mridangam by Anil Kumar, the Professor in Kalakshetra Foundation, Violin by Naathasagaram, Isai Kalaimamani Yazhpanam Krishnan, Flute by Sangeet Sironmaani & Kalaimamani Sashidhar, an Asst. Professor in Kalakshetra Foundation mesmerised the audience. Aishwarya is also completing the 4-Year Certiﬁcate Course in Bharatanatyam in Sohar Institute for Music & Arts which has affiliation to KalaiKaviri College of Fine Arts of Bharatidasan University. Aishwarya is also a computer enthusiast and a very good artist. She won the ﬁrst prize in the art competition held by Indian Social Club, Sohar last year.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

ROUND-UP

Nissan NV350 Urvan provides enhanced driving performance With a special offer going on, customers can now avail EMI rate starting from OMR161 on the Nissan NV350 Urvan MUSCAT: The Nissan NV350 Urvan from the house of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles features a wide long body support with more model variations for a range of business needs. The latest range of NV350 Urvan with wide long body and high roof comes in two variants, the Panel van and the 15 Seater Bus both equipped with manual transmission. With a special offer for grabs, customers can now avail EMI rate starting from OMR161 on the Nissan NV350 Urvan, says a press release. Easy ﬁnancing option Nissan customers can also avail easy ﬁnancing option of a loan term up to eight years with attractive interest rates from Bank Muscat. Flexible EMIs can also be tailor made for any individual requirement from in-house Auto Finance team. Some of its striking new features include large sliding doors that open high and wide to make it easy for passengers to board and exit. The NV350 Urvan has rear air conditioning vents for each seat which provides efficient cooling so that all passengers can ride in comfort. The vehicles auto door closure allows customers to release the slide-door once it has closed half-

way. It is also equipped with stylish slide windows that are designed to be smart and convenient. Well received The NV350 Urvan standard body received a huge response from customers in the Oman market. The NV350 Urvan is equipped to handle rugged terrains, has a low operating cost and equipped with powerful yet fuel efficient engines. It is one of the most highly desirable vehicles for business purposes within the Sultanate. Given the high requirement for quality transport service and delivery in the country’s rapidly progressing business environment, the NV350 Urvan represents fully ﬂexible, spacious, functional and reliable features. The standard body NV350 Urvan comes in three variants, the panel van in manual transmission and the 15 seater bus comes in both manual and automatic transmission in DX grade with and without sliding windows. Powering ahead The NV350 Urvan’s QR25DE engine takes advantage of latest technology to achieve fuel economy. Combined with a 5-speed automatic transmission, the engine rotates at lower speed and makes

less noise while driving at high speed. Smooth and responsive acceleration from a start to highspeed driving is also realised with a power of 144HP/5600RPM and a torque of 21.7 Kg-M/4400 RPM.

Vision Meter combines with a Multi-Functional Display, which provides the driver with realtime fuel efficiency information, indication shift timing, as well as odometer and trip meter data.

Maximum interior space The NV350 Urvan offers ample load capacity and the interior layout makes maximum use of the larger cargo space for both occupants and cargo. For example, a folding seat is adopted so that a long item can be loaded. Functional interior styling that gives a feeling of spaciousness. Smooth ingress/egress realised by optimised positioning of the hand grips for both driver’s and front seats and enlarged distance between the seat and steering wheel. Wider driver’s seat sliding range and the adoption of tilt steering help provide a roomy, comfortable cockpit. Easy-toread and high-precision Fine

Upbeat comfort features The Urvan vehicles stand out with advanced features such as multi-functional display on the dashboard providing drivers with real-time fuel efficiency information, indicating shift timing as well as odometer and trip meter data. It also comes with a gear box located on the instrument panel, an extended seat slide range, tilt steering function, all redeﬁned making the cockpit area functional and easy to use. The vehicle also comes with advanced features like keyless entry system with alarm button (optional) and lower centre tray that can hold two - 500ml drink bottles and features a vent from the air conditioner to help

I N T E R NAT I O NA L G R OU P D A N C E

keep drinks cool. Low cost of ownership The NV350 Urvan signiﬁcantly improves on previous generations with best-in-class fuel efﬁciency for gasoline and diesel engine models, thereby leading to lower running costs apart from enhanced driver and passenger convenience. The new NV350 Urvan is also thoughtful in delivering safety to the driver through its standard driver airbag offering. The ‘Safety Shield’ concept In the area of safety technology, Nissan pursues innovation as part of its ‘Safety Shield’ concept, an advanced, proactive approach to safety issues based on the idea that cars should help protect people. This approach provides various measures to help the driver and passengers better avoid dangers in ways that are optimised to each of a wide range of circumstances that

the vehicle may be in, from ‘risk has not yet appeared’ to ‘post-crash’. Nissan technologies make it easier for the driver to maintain safe driving conditions. Some of these innovations reduce the driver’s burden, while others enhance visibility and awareness of the immediate surroundings at night and when parking, for example 1) SRS airbags for the driver (STD) that helps to reduce the risk of injury resulting from impact. Supplemental Restraint System. 2) Zone Body construction enhances cabin safety by combining impact-absorbing “crushable zones” with a high-strength “occupant zone” to protect passengers. 3) Seatbelts The driver and copilot seats are equipped with seatbelts optionally featuring pretensioners and load limiters as a set with SRS airbags. In microbus models, each rear passenger seat features 2-point seatbelts. Nissan NV350 Urvan’s combination of low running costs, durability and ﬂexibility have been helping large and small business enterprises deliver on time and on budget for generations. The NV350 Urvan range builds on this solid foundation by offering more transmission options, body variants and innovative features. With its refreshed and reinvigorated offering, SBA Oman is conﬁdent enough to consolidate its position of market dominance in this segment. SBA is largely committed to supporting Nissan’s growth in the Sultanate through major emphasis on customer satisfaction and by providing worldclass after-sales services in Oman.

SOCIAL COMMITMENT

Auditions for ‘Beyond the Star’ Bank Sohar employees take dance contest set for October 2 part in blood donation drive MUSCAT: The much anticipated ‘Beyond the Star’ international group dance competition will be held in Muscat, organised by Events Management in association with Angels Dance Group. The auditions for the competition will be held in Al Falaj Hotel on October 2 and the ﬁnalists will be performing in Qurum Amphitheatre on November 27, with a massive crowd to support and cheer. This dance competition is expected to attract a huge number of participants from all international schools across Oman. The children of Oman are highly talented but there is no platform where they can showcase their abilities. The focus of the event is to provide fully accessible platform to the children between the age groups of 6 to 21 years regardless of their gender, ethnicity or social background, says a press release. As one of the most awaited events in Oman the dance competition winner will be judged by

Dharmesh, the Bollywood star from Dance India Dance and star of the movie ABCD part 1 and 2. Dharmesh is an experienced and talented choreographer in Bollywood. The event also promises to provide the audience with a grand musical evening which is going to attract a number of audience from Indian subcontinent and Oman.

‘Nadeem Al Balushi’ Live in Concert will also be held; who will also be judging the winners. The group dance competition and the live musical concert will be held from 7pm to 10pm. Apart from having the famous celebrities Dharmesh and Nadeem Al Balushi on stage, the event will also have RJ Prince from 89.1 Radio 4 FM Dubai, master of ceremony, who with his refreshing voice and charming personality will host the show with all the deal he has in his entertaining box. During the live concert, a dance performance by the students of Angels Dance Group will be held which will be choreographed by Dhanlaxmi who has been performing with her dance group in various events, Muscat festivals, promotional events and ﬂash mobs. Entry to the show is free. For participation details and forms, you may contact 93293247, 96551786, 95132975 and e-mail: info@majanevents.com.

MUSCAT: Supporting the important cause and to further promote the healthy practice of donating blood, Bank Sohar recently organised a special blood donation drive at its headquarters in MBD. The donation event, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH) is part of the bank’s on-going corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme that aims to positively contribute to society and country at large, says a press release. Highlighting the importance of such initiatives, Munira Abdulnabi Macki, the DGM of Human Resource and Corporate Support at Bank Sohar said, “Hosting blood donation drives is an integral part of supporting our community. Every drop of blood collected counts; not many realise that a single pint of blood can help save the lives of up to three patients, and all that is needed is a few minutes of the donor’s time.” The blood donation drive comes from Bank Sohar’s ﬁrm belief that social responsibility is a common objective that should be shared by individuals and corporates also. The annual blood donation drive aims to support the efforts of the Ministry of Health and other medical institutions in

order to save lives. It also helps create awareness and embed the idea of regularly donating blood due to the massive positive impact it can have in the community. In addition to saving lives and contributing to the betterment of the community, the practice of donating blood also results in donors receiving numerous health beneﬁts. These include the prevention of toxic build-up in the blood; lowering of iron levels within the body, which in turn helps reduce the risk of heart diseases; and reduction in blood pressure and blood glucose levels. Moreover, after having donated blood, the donor’s body also initiates the process of creating fresh blood. Munira praised the high turnout from Bank Sohar employees

who supported the drive. The bank has been a part of numerous charitable initiatives as part of their responsibility to the society, with its employees always enthusiastically participating in such events. “This blood donation drive, among our many other initiatives, is an extension and proof of our unwavering commitment to the betterment of our community and it is always gratifying to see such support from our staff. We are truly proud of every employee that has donated blood during this drive, especially those that do so year after year. Their active participation clearly reﬂects an increase in awareness about the importance of donating blood, and also conﬁrms their commitment to saving lives,” she added.

E D UC AT I O NA L T R I P

ISG students spend summer at Nasa MUSCAT: Thirty six students of the International Wing of Indian School Al Ghubra recently went on an educational trip to the United States of America. The group of 36 students was accompanied by Pyarija Cidar, Anjum Jamadar and Sunder C. The trip took the children to Orlando, where the Space Center, Universal Studios and Disney World are located and Seattle, where they visited the Boeing Factory and the Microsoft Headquarters, says a press release. The children attended a threeday robotics workshop at the Kennedy Space Centre in Orlando, where they built robotic cars out of LEGO parts and then pitted the cars against it each in an eventful race on the ﬁnal day. The children were given a tour of the expansive location, got a chance to sit in rocket simulators and saw

several ﬁlms about the history of Nasa. They also got the opportunity to meet Astronaut Wendy Lawrence, who has been on four successful missions with Nasa in an interactive Q&A session. In Seattle, the children visited the Boeing Factory, where they saw planes being assembled in the hangar-like assembly line of gargantuan proportions. They also visited the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has chronicled the couple’s and others’ journey in making the world a better place. A

few interesting things they learnt were a way to combat malaria using socks, ways to help women in rural regions help carry water over many miles, and several stands of submissions to the organisation, made by the visitors wanting to make a difference. They also visited the Seattle Space Needle, the Paciﬁc Science Center, the famous Pike Place Market, the Museum of Flights, the world-renown Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Movie World.

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2015 Lincoln MKC uses Deepsoft leather to bridge past and present According to Lincoln Motor Company, feel is a very important part of the luxury car experience, and Deepsoft leather gives customers a luxury feel that they can only get in the MKC

MUSCAT: In the case of Lincoln Motor Company, its designers are pushing the boundaries of possibilities to realise accomplishments that make a Lincoln what it is. In the case of the MKC, while developing the small premium utility, Lincoln Motor Company strived to create a vehicle that displayed the company’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The luxury

automaker achieved that by turning to an old friend to create an allnew seating surface that is unique to Lincoln, says a press release. The 2015 Lincoln MKC introduces Deepsoft leather, an update to one of the brand’s most storied luxury-car features — Bridge of Weir Fine Scottish Leather seating surfaces. The all-natural seat covering was introduced in the MKC and will appear in other Lin-

coln vehicles moving forward. Lincoln’s relationship with Bridge of Weir dates back to the 1950s, and it was renewed about six years ago with the introduction of the Lincoln MKS full-size sedan. Longtime Bridge of Weir products appear in nearly every vehicle in the Lincoln stable. According to Lincoln Motor

Company, feel is a very important part of the luxury car experience, and Deepsoft leather gives customers a luxury feel that they can only get in the MKC. With the MKC, the Lincoln design team wanted not only to continue the Bridge of Weir offering, they wanted to further it. They wanted something softer to

C O M F O R TA B L E C L O T H I N G

MUSCAT: Babyshop has announced the launch of its all-new comfortable and colourful wardrobe to help children stay cool through the hot months, the Babyshop Summer 2015 ensemble will be available across all Babyshop stores in the Oman. Commenting on the seasonal collection, Ruban Shanmugarajah, general manager UAE, Babyshop, said: “With summer already upon us, our new collection reﬂects Babyshop’s position as the destination store for children, offering the best in fashion trends at great value.

Given the high demand, the range also features classic staples including slim-ﬁt jeans and matching co-ordinates for both boys and girls.

FA M I L I A R I S AT I O N T R I P

Gulf Air welcomes Russian travel trade officials to Bahrain

MANAMA: Gulf Air, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national carrier, recently welcomed a number of Russian travel trade representatives to Bahrain as part of a familiarisation trip that afforded them the opportunity to explore Bahrain and visit a number of its tourist attractions. During the visit, leading Russian trade representatives, tour operators, luxury travel outlets and foreign independent travel agents reviewed a number of hotels and experienced various local attractions around the King-

ury cue exclusive to Lincoln. Scottish Leather Group also adheres to animal welfare principles that are important to Lincoln. The leather supplier adopted the Five Freedoms set of principles, drawn up by the Farm Animal Welfare Council, to encourage farmers to maintain practices that provide lifestyles that take into account the animals’ needs and natural behaviours. The appearance of Deepsoft leather is one of numerous quality and craftsmanship cues that were emphasized during the development of the MKC. Lincoln’s newest vehicle also offers the new Lincoln steering wheel, French stitching on the instrument panel and seats and authentic, open-pore wood trim to accentuate the vehicle’s elegant interior. In Oman, Lincoln vehicles are brought to you by Arabian Car Marketing Co.

MYHASSAD

Babyshop unveils summer collection

Fashion-savvy customers “With its focus on comfort and light fabrics, the collection is sure to ﬁnd high uptake among our fashion-savvy and practical customers in the country.” Sport silhouettes are a dominant trend in this year’s summer line,and are ideal for children looking to engage in outdoor and fun activities during the warm months, says a press release.

heighten the customer experience. To get it, they consulted Bridge of Weir’s leather experts, emphasising a desire to offer leather seating surfaces that would improve on the already-luxurious Bridge of Weir product line. Bridge of Weir, a wholly owned subsidiary of Scottish Leather Group, Ltd., deﬁnes Deepsoft leather as semi-aniline, which means it is treated with only a partial protectant to maintain its soft touch. And while many leathers are embossed to give seating surfaces a uniform appearance, Deepsoft leather is chromiumfree, non-embossed and naturally milled. The natural grain of each piece remains visible. While many automotive leathers are dried in two hours, Deepsoft leather is dried for 16 hours, with the slow process helping to create its soft, buttery feel. Deepsoft leather is unique from any product ever made, truly a lux-

dom, says a press release. Additionally, the representatives experienced Gulf Air’s latest products, both inﬂight and on-the-ground and visited the airline’s headquarters to meet with the national carrier’s executive management team to learn more about the Gulf Air offering. Gulf Air launched a direct Moscow link in October 2014 and the route has seen steady growth. In support of this, the airline recently entered into a Special Prorate Agreement (SPA) with Russian carrier S7 Airlines.

Girls can enjoy prominent sprinter shorts, drop tops, resort shirts and sublimation print trees – which dominate the range. Reﬂecting the season’s mood,

the overall collection features a colour palette that veers towards fresh and bright notes such as lyrical yellows, sizzling reds and brilliant blues offset by neon accents and pastels. Animal motifs and tropical themes feature throughout the range, accompanied by graphic prints. Florals also mark a presence in the more classic pieces. Animal lovers will appreciate the profusion of cat graphics and popular slogans that also make an appearance throughout the range this season. Tropical themes also dominate the collection and are effectively combined with surf elements in keeping with the casual summer look for boys and girls that ensures great style and comfort, even for a simple visit to the beach! Notable graphics in the range include toucans, surf scenes, pineapples and palm prints. Mixed printed shorts with graphic-designed tees and straw hats provide a cool ‘tropical surfer’ look for boys.

ahlibank picks daily winners MUSCAT: ahlibank announced the names of the MyHassad daily prize draw winners. Hussein Kamal Oraby from Khuwair branch, Ibrahim Mabrook Al Bakhit Al Naqash from Salalah branch, Yaqoob Mirok Ali Al Balushi from Khoudh branch, Ali Salim Bakhit Al Shaali from Sohar branch and Said Abdullah Said Al Mazrou’I from Seeb branch from Nizwa branch were the lucky winners of OMR1,000 each for the week, says a press release. MyHassad savings account continues to successfully satisfy the existing customers and attract new ones. MyHassad Saving Scheme was introduced in July 2008 as an extension of the bank’s tradition of

product innovation. Opening MyHassad Saving account is simple and easy. Customers need only to open their MyHassad account with OMR100 for their chance to win OMR1,000 in the next working day’s draw hence their chance to “open today and win tomorrow” continues. Further enhancements in March 2009 allows customers to participate in the OMR10,000 monthly draw, by maintaining a minimum OMR250 during the month. Effective from June 2010 customers can also transfer their salaries to MyHassad saving account and will be eligible to enter in the daily, monthly draw as per the balance maintained.

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NBO offers free movie tickets at VOX Cinema With its ‘buy one, get one free’ incentive, National Bank of Oman becomes the ﬁrst bank in Oman to partner with a cinema

MUSCAT: National Bank of Oman (NBO) announced that it has entered into a partnership with Vox Cinemas Oman giving cardholders a convenient way to save on movie tickets. With its ‘buy one, get one free’ incentive, National Bank of Oman becomes the ﬁrst bank in Oman to partner with a cinema. Under the programme, the bank’s customers will receive a complementary ticket for every one ticket they purchase using a National Bank of Oman credit or debit card, says a press release.

“We developed this offering with the aim of providing customers a convenient way to save money even when they are spending money,” said John Chang, general manager and chief retail banking officer at National Bank of Oman. “At National Bank of Oman, we devote a great deal of attention on matching our banking offering to the individual needs of our customers. This commitment has allowed us to continually innovate and evolve our product offerings that satisfy their lifestyle and non-banking requirements,”

added John Chang. The partnership was announced during a special premiere of Mission Impossible 5 for invited cardholders and media representatives that took place recently at Vox Cinemas, Qurum City Centre, Muscat. Chang added: “We are conﬁdent that this partnership will be an excellent value addition to our customers in terms of accessing affordable family entertainment.” The ‘buy one, get one free’ discount is applicable on movie tickets booked through VOX Cinemas box-office counters.

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS AT HBL OMAN Ali Hasnain, regional manager, Habib Bank, (left) welcomes Mian Mohammad Riaz, managing director, Mohammad Riaz and Partner Co. (MRPCO), to the cake-cutting ceremony to mark Pakistan’s 69th Independence Day celebration at the bank’s Main Office in MBD. Riaz represents third generation of his group of companies doing business with Habib Bank, which invited him as the guest of honour to the event. — Supplied photos

SIXTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

GROWING DEMAND

Kuwait Airways to add two flights to Muscat from Aug. 31 MUSCAT: Kuwait Airways will be adding two new frequencies between Kuwait-Muscat-Kuwait on Friday and Sunday with effect from August 31. Further, these two flights will operate non-stop between Kuwait-Muscat-Kuwait. The introduction of new additional frequencies to Muscat is to cater the growing demand for traffic between Kuwait and Muscat, says a press release. Currently, Kuwait Airways is operating two flights a week from Kuwait to Muscat on Thursday and Sunday with a stop in Abu Dhabi on the way in or way out. On Thursday, the flight from Kuwait to Muscat will stop in Abu Dhabi and fly direct from Muscat to Kuwait. On Sunday, the flight from Kuwait will fly direct to Muscat and return via Abu Dhabi to Kuwait. Kuwait Airways has now acquired seven A320 new aircraft from airbus recently and these new aircraft will be used on Kuwait-Muscat route. The new A320 fleet is equipped with airbus’s innovate Runway overrun Prevention system (ROPS) technology. This on-board cockpit technology, which airbus has pioneered independently over several years, increases pilot’s situational awareness during landing, reduces exposures to runway excursion risk, and if necessary, provides active protection. Further, the new aircraft will have 18-inch wide seat standard for unmatched passenger comfort, an extra-wide aisle for faster boarding and highly efficient in-flight service, as well as more space for carry-on baggage. Effective August 31, Kuwait Airways having 4 flights a week from Kuwait to Muscat will provide good connections beyond Kuwait to Middle East, India, Subcontinent and Fareast destinations. In order to promote the new additional services, Kuwait

These two flights will operate non-stop between Kuwait – Muscat- Kuwait. The introduction of new additional frequencies to Muscat is to cater the growing demand for traffic between Kuwait and Muscat

Airways has launched a special promotional offers to Kuwait, various destinations in India, Subcontinent and Fareast to attract passengers. Further, Kuwait Airways will be offering additional 10kg free baggage allowance to customers travelling from Muscat during the promotional period. Kuwait Airways is providing a special and unique SMS service for customers. Kuwait Airways will send SMS on the registered customer’s mobile phone alerting confirmation of seats, expiry of ticketing time limit to purchase tickets and any change of timings in the departure of flights booked. The service will keep the passengers informed about the current status of their travel details and this service is available both in English and Arabic. “Kuwait Airways always strive continuously to provide best value for money, best services on board and benefits to customers,” said, Kuwait Airways officials in Oman.

FA S H I O N S TAT E M E N T

Xerox tops managed print services market report DUBAI: Xerox has again retained the top position in worldwide managed print services (MPS), according to the latest market landscape report by analyst research group Quocirca. The 2015 rankings mark Xerox’s sixth consecutive year as the leader, says a press release. Xerox helps companies optimise their printing infrastructure with MPS, and streamlines their communication and business processes to grow revenue, reduce costs and operate more efficiently. Through Xerox managed print services, businesses can outsource print management and cut costs by as much as 30 per cent. The Quocirca report, a vendor analysis of the global enterprise MPS market, cites Xerox’s “broad and mature MPS portfolio” and its ability to continually enhance its service offering – which spans office printing, production printing and business process services (BPS) – as testament to the company’s on-going leadership in the space. “Xerox is well-established within the MPS market – proven again by its sixth year leading the pack,” said Louella Fernandes, associate director at Quocirca. “Besides its continually strong MPS portfolio, Xerox’s strategy to reposition itself

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as a services company remains a key differentiator to its offering. By taking a more vertical industry approach – as we have seen – Xerox’s new industry alignment will be critical to its continued success in this space. At present, the company is well-positioned to capture even greater mindshare as enterprises look to more business process centric MPS engagements in future.” The report, which offers an independent evaluation of eight providers, also sheds light on key MPS drivers. With security concerns rising to the top of the agenda for the ﬁrst time, three quarters (75 per cent) of organisations surveyed indicated that the need for secure print solutions was an important or very important consideration in MPS decision making.

Additionally more than seven in 10 (72 per cent) respondents also indicated that they already have some form of paper free processes in place, citing MPS as the driver of this paper to digital transition. “Effectively managing and securing information – both in hard copy and digital format – across any enterprise is a huge undertaking,” said Joseph Hanania, senior vice president, Global Document Outsourcing Business Group, Xerox. “Quocirca’s latest assessment of the MPS landscape indicates that organisations are beginning to recognise the importance of this process, and acknowledges our ability to secure and integrate documents within an existing print environment through the use of Xerox’s print authentication, tracking and accounting tools. Our enhancements help companies of all sizes take control of their information while managing concerns, such as productivity or security, leaving them to focus on what matters most for their business.” The document management market is estimated at approximately $100 billion and is comprised of the systems, software, solutions and services that Xerox customers have relied on for years to help run their businesses and reduce their costs.

New Diesel Denim watch released DUBAI: If there’s one thing that never goes out of style, it’s Denim! This season, Diesel presents some fashionable Denims for your wrist. The brand’s Diesel Denim watches make for the ideal accessories to offset any outﬁt you put on, says a press release. Perhaps the only design element more prominent in Diesel’s DNA than its size, however, is its use of distinctive materials.

Denim has been one of the most integral factors of the Diesel brand formula since day one, and this season, the watch collection celebrates this contemporaryyet-timeless fabric. Take your pick from two striking watches that are as cuttingedge as they are trendy. Newcomer Stronghold excels with a lush denim strap, while collection cornerstone Daddy in-

novatively implements denim on the dial for a truly multi-dimensional aesthetic. Also available for women is the ladies’ cornerstone, Kray Kray, which showcases a denim strap with a gunmetal case. Mark a fashionable season as you up your wrist game with timepieces from Diesel’s Denim collection! The watches are available at all Paris Gallery outlets.

WAT C H M A K I N G

Gold enhances appeal of Perrelet First Class and First Class Skeleton DUBAI: Glowing since the dawn of time on every precious treasure, gold finds its natural place on a Perrelet watch. Embodying the encounter between age-old legend and one of the most distinguished creative traditions in fine watchmaking, gold nobly enhances the four newcomers to the First Class and First Class Skeleton line, says a press release. Designed to appeal to the discerning eye of the connoisseur, including by its fluted profile, the 4N 18K pink gold case of these four new First Class and First Class Skeleton models measures 42.50mm in diameter and 10.70mm thick. These are perfect dimensions in which to house a Manufacturemade mechanical automatic Perrelet movement: the P-321 driving three hands and a date at 6 o’clock for the former category; and the P-381 skeleton version with three functions for the latter. Both express the centuries-old horological mastery cultivated by Perrelet and fired by the spirit of its legendary founder. Perrelet’s inherent perfectionism is reflected in every part composing its elegant creations, starting with the incredible feat represented by the skeletonworking of the P-381 movement. The latter is thus transformed into an exquisite metallic lace-

work, notably featuring the extreme hollowing of the winding weight bearing the brand initial and visible through the seethrough sapphire crystal caseback glareproofed on both sides. Also protected by a sapphire crystal glarperoofed on both sides, the dial tells its own fascinating story. Whether through the subtle composition of the classic First Class models or the more daring approach manifested in the First Class Skeleton creations, it draws all eyes. On the First Class models, its raised, ﬁnely grained and guilloché texture comes in a choice of black or white versions, punctu-

ated by baton-type hour-markers swept over by three hands. The First Class Skeleton models feature a large central opening revealing the intricate workings of the gleaming Perrelet movement. To secure these exceptional creations to the wrist, Perrelet has chosen a supple black or brown alligator leather strap with a pin buckle also in 4N 18K rose gold. Through these First Class and First Class Skeleton models gracing the wrists of discerning individuals, aesthetes and collectors, gold continues to exercise its timeless fascination and to charm the gaze as much as the heart.

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PLATINI WARNED ME OF PRISON, SAYS BLATTER FIFA president Sepp Blatter has alleged UEFA counterpart Michel Platini warned him he faced prison if he did not withdraw from the world football governing body’s presidential race. >C5

Herath heroics leave Sri Lanka ‘speechless’, India humiliated SCOREBOARD

Sri Lanka 1st innings: 183 India 1st innings: 375 Sri Lanka 2nd innings: 367 India 2nd innings: L. Rahul lbw Herath 5 S. Dhawan c & b Kaushal 28 I. Sharma lbw Herath 10 R. Sharma b Herath 4 V. Kohli c Silva b Kaushal 3 A. Rahane c Mathews b Herath 36 W. Saha st Chandimal b Herath 2 H. Singh c Silva b Herath 1 R. Ashwin c Prasad b Herath 3 A. Mishra c Karunaratne b Kaushal 15 V. Aaron not out 1 Extras (lb-2, w-1, nb-1) 4 Total (all out, 49.5 overs) 112 Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-30, 3-34, 4-45, 5-60, 6-65, 7-67, 8-81, 9-102. Bowling: Prasad 4-2-4-0 (nb-1), Herath 21-6-48-7, Kaushal 17.5-1-47-3, Pradeep 6-3-8-0, Mathews 1-0-3-0 (w-1).

Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews said he was “speechless” at clinching victory after his team was down in the dumps on the third morning

GALLE: Veteran left-arm spinner Rangana Herath grabbed seven wickets as Sri Lanka stunned India by 63 runs in a thrilling first Test in Galle on Saturday. The tourists, set a victory target of 176 runs, were skittled for 112 in their second innings after lunch on the fourth day to give Sri Lanka the lead in the three-match series. Ajinkya Rahane top-scored with 36, but only three other batsmen reached double figures as India folded up in just 49.5 overs. In a remarkable turnaround, Sri Lanka won after being reduced to 95 for five in their second innings before lunch on the third day, still 98 runs away from avoiding an innings defeat. Dinesh Chandimal smashed a brilliant 162 off 169 balls, sharing valuable partnerships with Lahiru Thirimanne (44) and Jehan Mubarak (49) to lift the hosts to 367. India’s hopes of celebrating Independence Day in style vanished in a dramatic morning session in which six wickets fell after the tourists started the day at 23 for one. The 37-year-old Herath picked up four of those wickets to finish with seven for 48 in 21 overs, his 22nd five-wicket haul in 61 Tests. Young off-spinner Tharindu Kaushal backed his senior partner by taking the other three wickets for 47 runs.

SEVEN FOR: Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath, second left, celebrates after dismissing India’s Ajinkya Rahane during the fourth day of their opening Test match at the Galle International Cricket Stadium in Galle on Saturday. – AFP

‘Speechless’ Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews said he was “speechless” at clinching victory after his team was down in the dumps on the third morning. “What a turnaround this has been, I am quite speechless,” he said. “It was a great effort to come

back from where we were. “Chandimal was outstanding and he single-handedly got us to a ﬁghting score. The wicket was pretty demanding and we knew it won’t be an easy target to chase. “Rangana is, of course, a quality

bowler and we were really not surprised how well he bowled. He may be 37 but he keeps coming up with such match-winning spells. “We are a team in transition, so this win is a real morale-booster. (I) hope we can continue like this

E M B A R R A S S I N G C A P I T U L AT I O N

Kohli rues lack of ‘clarity of thought’, ‘mental strength’ GALLE: Left to rue India’s failure to finish the first cricket Test against Sri Lanka inside three days, captain Virat Kohli on Saturday made no bones about his side’s embarrassing capitulation, saying “we got no one to blame but ourselves”. In an extraordinary twist, India capitulated to a 63-run defeat against Sri Lanka, who scripted one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent Test history. A disappointed Kohli conceded that his side were to blame for their failure to wrap up the game on the third day itself on Friday when Sri Lanka were at 95/5 at one stage in their second innings before Dinesh Chandimal’s counter-attacking 162 set India a tricky victory target of 176. India were all out for 112 in their run chase. “We got no one to blame but ourselves. We failed to capitalise after taking the first five wickets (in the second innings). We should have finished the game in that session. One bad session and the game can turn, that is how Test cricket is,” Kohli said. “Credit to Angelo Mathews and his team. Rangana Herath is an outstanding bowler, he put our batsmen under pressure,” he added. He was also candid about what was lacking in the team in the match, saying that “clarity of thought” and “mental strength” were important ingredients to be

It’s clarity of thought that is required in a high pressure situations. That’s how you differentiate from average players or teams. That’s the most important thing we need to learn from today Virat Kohli India captain

successful in international cricket. “It’s clarity of thought that is required in a high pressure situations. That’s how you differentiate from average players or teams. That’s the most important thing we need to learn from today. It does not matter whether you are chasing 170, the thought process

has to be clear,” a disappointed Kohli said. “It is easier said than done but as international cricketers we should have the ability to think clearly and need to have that character. And also have those match winning partnerships. It is all about mental strength and we lacked that today.” - PTI

in the remaining two Tests.” Indian captain Virat Kohli refused to make excuses, saying the batsmen were unable to take the pressure of chasing in the fourth innings. “We did not counter what was being thrown at us,” he said. “We

should have been more smart with how we play the spinners. ‘Intent lacking’ “The need of the hour in the second innings was to take calculated risks, but the intent was lacking.

It should be a lesson for all and we need to improve on that. “Everyone in the squad is disappointed. We were let down by our batting. There are no excuses. It was a case of us not playing fearless cricket. We were very tentative.” It was only the second time Sri Lanka had defended a target of less than 200. Pakistan, set 168 to win at Galle in 2009, were shot out for 117 with Herath claiming four wickets. India made a slow start, adding seven runs in six overs to their overnight score, ﬁve of them coming off the bat of nightwatchman Ishant Sharma. Herath, who was brought on to bowl the seventh over, struck with his ﬁrst delivery by trapping Ishant leg-before for 10 and then bowled Rohit Sharma for four to reduce India to 34 for three. Eleven runs later Kaushal removed Indian captain and star batsman Virat Kohli for three as Kaushal Silva took a low, sharp catch at forward short-leg off a bat-pad edge. First-innings century-maker Shikhar Dhawan plodded for 83 deliveries to make 28 when he fell to a superb return catch by Kaushal, who dived to his left on the follow-through to pluck the ball. India, who went to lunch at 78 for seven, were bowled out an our after resumption, leaving them with a mountain to climb to save the series when the second Test starts at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo on August 20. - AFP

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Kohli for debate on DRS after Sri Lanka series

C O M M E N TA RY

Loss of freedom on Independence Day

The debate about India not using DRS again started after man of the match Dinesh Chandimal, batting on ﬁve, was adjudged not out off a bat-pad catch off Ashwin’s bowling by umpire Nigel Llong

GALLE: Indian Test captain Virat Kohli on Saturday made it clear that the issue regarding the use of the controversial Decision Review System (DRS) needs to be deliberated after the end of the ongoing three-Test series against Sri Lanka. India lost the ﬁrst Test from a winning position, getting bowled out for 112 in the fourth innings to go down by 63 runs. The debate about India not using DRS again started after man of the match Dinesh Chandimal, batting on ﬁve, was adjudged not out off a bat-pad catch off Ravi Ashwin’s bowling by umpire Nigel Llong. The replays however showed a thick inside edge onto pads before being snapped by KL Rahul at forward short leg. Chandimal’s 162 proved to be a game-changer.

TIME TO DEBATE: India’s Ravichandran Ashwin, right, Amit Mishra and Rohit Sharma, centre, appeal unsuccessfully for the wicket of Sri Lanka’s Dinesh Chandimal (not pictured) during the third day of their ﬁrst Test match in Galle on Friday. – Reuters

In fact Kohli was honest enough to admit that there is no point debating on DRS when they have not batted well. “We are not using it in this series. It is not an issue that I would want to debate on at the moment. Once the series is over, we will sit down and think how important is it and how much do we want to use it,” Kohli made his point clear at the post-match presentation ceremony. “We only have ourselves to blame for the way we played at the moment. Don’t want get into the debate of DRS or some other issues in this particular game. I think we should stick to how

badly we played today,” the skipper was brutal in his assessment about the harakiri created by his batsmen on the fourth morning. Interestingly, Kohli had said after the one-off Test against Bangladesh in Fatullah that he was “open to discussions on DRS with the team”. His stance was then seen as a marked departure from ODI skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s stance of not having DRS unless the technology is “100 percent foolproof”. In fact after Kohkli’s comment in Fatullah, BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya issued a state-

ment making it clear that the status quo persisted as far as DRS was concerned. “It is clariﬁed that the stand taken on the Decision Review System (DRS) by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains the same as on date,” Dalmiya was quoted as saying in a release. But Dalmiya’s statement also indicated that they are open to discussions. “But that does not mean we would not be open to discussions internally on whether the DRS could be used partially or in its modiﬁed version during bilateral series,” Dalmiya had said. - PTI

TEAM IN TRANSITION

Ramdin cautions against underrating Sri Lanka PORT-OF-SPAIN: West Indies Test Captain Denesh Ramdin has cautioned his side against underrating their next opponents, Sri Lanka, even though they are a team in transition. The West Indies next tour will be in October against Sri Lanka where they will play two Tests, three One-day Internationals (ODIs) and two T20 matches. Ramdin says while the Sri Lankans are rebuilding by drafting a

number of young players into the squad, they still should not be taken for granted. “The Sri Lankans are in a rebuilding phase and they have included a number of young players, so it is a good time to play them,” said Ramdin. “However, we are not going to under-estimate them, as they are in their own backyards and a number of their players still possess experience and quality, like

the captain Angelo Mathews and their wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal. We have to go there with great ﬁghting qualities and play good cricket to be successful.” The West Indies are seeking to rebound from a 2-0 defeat to Australia in the Caribbean earlier this year. Before that series, however, Ramdin’s men earned a credible 1-1 draw against England in a threematch Test series in the Caribbean. “I would like to see the batsmen

not settling for one good score in a Test series. We need to be more consistent and score more centuries in order to give our bowlers something to work with,” Ramdin said. “As far as the bowling is concerned we need to be more consistent. They need to do the basics right on a more regular basis.” Ramdin’s comments followed his meeting with the West Indies team management in Barbados on Wednesday. - IANS

he doodle done by Leon Hong for Google India on the day India celebrated the Independence Day anniversary depicted the famous Dandi March of 1930 led by Mahatma Gandhi in protest against inhuman salt laws of the British Raj. The Salt Satyagraha was one of the most significant, organised actions to win freedom for the country. Eleven guys seemed to have lost the very idea of freedom on the 69th anniversary of Indian Independence Day yesterday at Galle. Freedom is won only when you stand up against the oppressors and fight for your rights. If you don’t show the grit, you risk losing everything: your pride, your self-respect and even your life. That sort of sums up the shameful defeat Virat Kohli and his boys suffered in the first Test. It’s difficult to fathom why none of the Indian batsmen showed even a hint of intention to take on the Lankan spinners. There were only five frontline batsmen in the team, and starting day four with one already down, it was going to be tough on the Galle pitch if the team were to lose a couple of quick wickets early in the morning. Cricket is a team game, but it is often individual brilliance that draws the line between victory and defeat. Dinesh Chandimal’s fearless expression of freedom against adversity put the Sri Lankans on a platform to stage a fight-back, and without his heroics the Indians might have wrapped it up on day three. India sorely missed a Chandimal in their ranks — just one player who showed the guts and desire to hit back. What was it that held the Indians back? Among the five top-order Indian batsmen, Shikhar Dhawan, Kohli and Rohit Sharma are the guys who could effortlessly ease into the destroyer role and spark the kind of brilliance that fires up the whole team. Obviously, Rohit was reined in by the fear of losing his place, maybe to Cheteshwar Pujara running in now and then with the drinks, but that’s not the case with Dhawan for now, especially after he had hit a century in the first innings.

TENNIS

The writer is a freelance contributor based in India. All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not reﬂect those of Times of Oman FA M I L I A R I S AT I O N

Federer and Sharapova return to court at Cincinnati Masters CINCINNATI: Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova return to competitive tennis after long post-Wimbledon pauses to add extra world-class star power into the mix at next week’s ATP and WTA Cincinnati Masters. World No. 2 Federer, the defending champion, arrived early in the Midwest flatlands to get his eye in after not playing since losing the Wimbledon final five weeks ago to Novak Djokovic. The Swiss took a break that included touring charity projects for African children funded by his personal foundation, then decided to skip this week’s Montreal Masters to better prepare for the U.S. Open starting in just over a fortnight. Now, the champion who claimed the first of his six titles here in 2005, is bearing down in training to be ready for the final Grand Slam of the season in New York, with the week in Cincinnati his only competitive tune-up. The top eight seeds in both fields get first-round byes. Absent

Dhawan’s pep talk about how easy it was to switch into the role of Mr Patience was pure nonsense, considering the fact that in the second innings, out of the first 60 balls he had faced to score 13 runs, he could have been out a dozen times had the pokes he tried found the edge, or the edges didn’t fall just short of the fielders. His first boundary of the day was a mishit, an inside edge missing the stumps and rolling down to the rope. It was not about being cool and patient, or about poor shot selection, but about a miserable failure to sense the occasion and backing yourself up. The idea of slotting in five bowlers is not really bad, even after this initial setback, but there is an urgent need to have a guy who must walk in and just whack it, chips are horribly down or happily up. Ajinkya Rahane is not that type, so when the things are down, as it were at Galle yesterday, how do you win, or, even draw, a match? One of the five chosen guys needs to get a little impatient with the happenings around. It’s boring to have 11 players all so very nice and patient. Just before the start of the match on day one, team director Ravi Shastri was heard shouting again what he had been harping on ever since he parachuted himself into the island, that “we play to win”. Really, Ravi? Was that actually on his mind, I mean, even a faint hope of winning, when the decision on Amit Mishra, the last wicket to fall, was referred to the third umpire even as the Sri Lankans were giving Kumar Sangakkara a ride on their shoulders?

from the scene is 2014 finalist David Ferrer of Spain due to a long running shoulder injury. Federer, who turned 34 last weekend, will start with either Pablo Cuevas or Roberto Bautista Agut in the second round. Federer will aim for a strong start after losing to world No. 1 Djokovic, with the Serb leading the field in Cincinnati as he arrives with major titles from the Australian Open and the All England Club in his pocket. “He’s clearly making a big name for himself, having won as many times now as he has in these different Slams,” said Federer, holder of the all-time best of 17 Grand Slam singles crowns. “He’s for a streak going of winning a lot of titles time and time again. Clearly he’s going to be one of the top guys. I’m sure he still has many more great years ahead of him.” Cincinnati remains the rare Masters 1000 event where Djokovic has not claimed a trophy, losing finals in 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012.

World No. 2 Sharapova last played in a Wimbledon semifinal, when she lost to Serena Williams for the 17th time in succession. The Russian was to have returned for the WTA event in Toronto but made a late injury pullout just to be on the safe side. The 28-year-old with five Grand Slam trophies will again be on a mission to deny Williams a second title at the event where she finally broke through a year ago by beating Ana Ivanovic in the final. Serena Williams will face the winner from a qualifier or Tzvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria in her opening match. Romanian Simona Halep takes the third seeding ahead of Petra Kvitova, the double Wimbledon winner diagnosed with glandular fever but still given the medical OK to compete. Caroline Wozniacki is seeded fifth with Ivanovic sixth ahead of French Open finalist Lucie Safarova and eighth seed Karolina Pliskova. - AFP

OOC’s Ahmed to attend Rio Games seminar MUSCAT: The Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) has nominated Ahmed bin Darwish Al Balushi to attend the Rio 2016 Chefs de Mission Seminar to be organisedin Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from August 17-21. According to a press release issued by the OOC on Saturday, the organising committee of the Rio Olympic Games will host a number of programmes and activities for the heads of sports delegations during the the coming days. The participating delegation heads of the National Olympic Committees will also tour the various sports facilities which will host the competitions, including shooting rangers and equestrian ﬁeld, as well as the Athletes Village. The 2016 Olympic Games will be held in Rio de Janeiro from August 5 to 21 next year.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

SPORTS HOCKEY

Sardar wants India to work on short corner conversions

EYING MORE SUCCESS: Musandam-Oman Sail will be aiming to add to their 2015 Artemis Challenge success. – Supplied photo

Musandam-Oman Sail target Rolex Fastnet Race honours A forecast for light winds in the ﬁrst

It is not such a long race and it will be good to show the young Omanis what it takes to win races in light conditions

24 hours of the 608 nautical mile classic from Cowes to Plymouth has prompted Gavignet to place a restriction on the gear and stores

Sidney Gavignet

being loaded on

Skipper, Musandam-Oman Sail

board their trimaran

MUSCAT: After their line honours win at the 2015 Artemis Challenge on Thursday, the Oman Sail MOD70 crew on MusandamOman Sail are now focussed on adding the 2015 Rolex Fastnet line honours to their collection but will have to forego food and any frills to achieve their aim. A forecast for light winds in the ﬁrst 24 hours of the 608 nautical

mile classic from Cowes to Plymouth via the iconic Fastnet Rock in the Irish Sea has prompted French skipper Sidney Gavignet to place a restriction on the gear and stores being loaded on board their 70 foot high performance trimaran. A light boat is a fast one, Gavignet has reminded his six strong crew which is set to feature Fahad Al Hasni, Yassir Al Rahbi and Sami Al Shukaili from Oman as well as Ireland’s Damian Foxall and Spanish

sailor Alex Pella. “We will have to be very aggressive about our racing weight. It is not such a long race and it will be good to show the young Omanis what it takes to win races in light conditions,” said Gavignet. “It means limited food, no bread, no soft drinks or unnecessary things. Not even mugs. This is not an easy thing to deal with but necessary as part of their education because our aim is to win.” Gavignet has 10 Fastnet Races

under his belt while his deputy Damian Foxall, the renowned Irish sailor will be embarking on his sixth and Al Hasni his second. This experience combined with the time spent training on the MOD70 has put MusandamOman Sail among the favourites to win the multihull class but according to Foxall, it will not be easy. “It will be very light, unpredictable and changeable so it will be very tricky,” said Foxall. “We have

three other multihulls to race against but in these very light conditions we are not really in control of our own destiny. We have to sail well and minimise the risk and try not to let anyone get away from us. “After the ﬁrst 24 hours it will settle so we might be able to stretch our legs as we head out to the Irish Sea. This race will take longer than normal but it will be interesting because tactical decisions will be key. I doubt anyone will be setting any new records.” Fahad Al Hasni, who will share helming duties with Gavignet and Foxall, has been racing Laser SB20s all week with Al Rahbi and Al Shukaili as part of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week and is looking forward to getting out once again on the high seas. “The last time we were in the Irish Sea was in May when we broke the Round Ireland record but this time, the weather looks like it will be very different because back then we saw 40 knots of wind and huge waves,” said Al Hasni. “The challenge this time will be to stay patient and not make any mistakes. It will not be easy – we will have to sail well.” Musandam-Oman Sail will line up on Sunday morning against two other MOD70s as well as old rivals Prince de Bretagne and Spindrift 2 which in 2013, took line honours.

NEW DELHI: Praising his teammates for a creditable performance during their recent European tour, Indian hockey captain Sardar Singh said on Saturday that the players need to improve their penalty corner conversion before the FIH World League Final later in the year. The Indians had started their European sojourn with back to back victories over France before defeating Spain 2-1 in a three-match series. The only blip in an otherwise successful tour was a 1-4 defeat in the first match against Spain. But to their credit, the Indians make a strong comeback by emphatically winning the next two matches. However, the old achilles heel of poor penalty corner conversion continues to dog the Indians as they managed to score only five goals from short corners in the five matches. “We are in high spirits after the win in the European Tour and have come back with many learnings along with the weaknesses that needs to be worked upon. I think we need to work on converting scoring opportunities through penalty corners and which will be our emphasis before the FIH World League Final later in the year,” Sardar said. “The young players played exceptionally well and which is gradually adding to our strengths as we have a bigger pool of players to choose from before each tournament.” High performance director and chief coach Roelant Oltmans however, preferred to focus more on the positives. “The team performed exceptionally well in the European Tour which proves that our players are ready to take on greater challenges,” he said. - IANS FOOTBALL

Pereira named in Brazil U-23 team RIO DE JANEIRO: Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira was among 10 Europebased players named in Brazil’s U-23 squad for a September friendly against France. Others to be called up by national coach Dunga on Friday included midfielder Rafinha, centre-back Rodrigo Ely and midfielder Lucas Silva, reports Xinhua. Brazil’s Olympic-aged team will meet France in Le Mans on September 8. The squad: Goalkeepers: Ederson, Jean; Defenders: Lucao, Marlon, Wallace, Rodrigo Ely, Fabinho, Maicon, Wendell, Jorge; Midfielders: Rodrigo Caio, Lucas Silva, Otavio, Eduardo Henrique, Rafinha, Andreas Pereira, Felipe Anderson; Forwards: Kelvin, Alisson, Carlos, Luciano and Luan.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

SPORTS Chen, Marin eye successive titles Saina becomes first Indian to enter final

Chen Long was simply too quick and strong for Japan’s Kento Momota as he raced to a dominant 21-9, 21-15 triumph. Marin, meanwhile, came through a war of attrition against Korea’s Sung Ji-Hyun to claim a 21-17, 15-21, 21-16 victory

JAKARTA: Chen Long and Carolina Marin enjoyed contrasting semifinal victories on a good day for the top seeds and defending title holders at the World Badminton Championships on Saturday. China’s Chen has seized the mantle of the sport’s most dominant player from compatriot Lin Dan since claiming a maiden world crown in Copenhagen a year ago and the 26-year-old appears in no mood to relinquish his title in Jakarta. The lanky world No. 1 was simply too quick and strong for Japanese fourth seed Kento Momota as he raced through to the final in less than an hour with a dominant 21-9, 21-15 triumph. Former junior world champion Momota was expected to provide the toughest of tests, yet despite claiming the shot of the match with a full-length dive to retrieve a smash in the second game, the 20-year-old was overwhelmed by Chen’s power. Facing Chen in Sunday’s final will be Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia, who set up a repeat of last year’s title match with a impressive 21-7,

TOO STRONG: China’s Chen Long hits a return to Japan’s Kento Momota during their men’s semiﬁnal

match at the World Badminton Championship in Jakarta on Saturday. – Reuters

21-19 victory over Danish second seed Jan O. Jorgensen. Chen beat Lee 21-19, 21-19 a year ago but the Malaysian was stripped of his silver medal after he tested positive for a banned steroid and is enjoying a solid return to form since his ban ended in May as he seeks an elusive world title. Wily veteran Lee has topped the rankings for 298 weeks during his career yet remains without a global or Olympic title and will line up opposite the only man to beat him in singles competition this year in what promises to be a pulsating ﬁnale. Momentum shifts Marin, meanwhile, came through a war of attrition against Korea’s Sung Ji-Hyun to claim a 21-17, 15-21, 2116 victory in a marathon encounter

that ebbed and flowed through a series of momentum shifts. The injury-prone Spaniard was a surprise champion as ninth seed a year ago but has since risen to the top of the rankings with a game built on confidence, athleticism and a never-say-die attitude. Marin took the first game comfortably, stumbled in the second and appeared distracted in the decider as her exhausted opponent somehow forged a 13-8 lead when the Spaniard constantly floundered at the net. Sensing her grip on the title was weakening, Marin summoned one last push against the flagging Sung and rode a 10-point surge of momentum into the final with a series of smashes and drop shots. Marin will face Saina Nehwal

in Sunday’s final after the second seed survived a valiant effort from local hope Lindaweni Fanetri to secure a 21-17, 21-17 victory as she seeks to become the first Indian to claim a world title. The 29th-ranked Fanetri had beaten three seeds on her way to the last four but her heavily strapped right knee buckled several times during the match and a noisy Istora Senayan crowd was unable to carry her past the ruthlessly efficient Nehwal. In the mixed doubles, defending champions Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei saved two match points before overcoming Indonesia’s Tantowi Ahmad and Lilyana Natsir 20-22 23-21 21-12 to set up an allChinese final against Liu Cheng and Bao Yixin. - Reuters

JAKARTA: World No. 2 shuttler Saina Nehwal created history by becoming the first Indian to enter the final of the World Badminton Championships as the second seed defeated a stubborn Lindaweni Fanetri 21-17, 21-17 in a women’s singles semifinal here on Saturday. Olympic bronze medallist Saina prevailed in a 55-minute encounter against the world No. 29 Indonesian. In the final on Sunday, the 25-year-old Indian will meet defending champion and top seed Carolina Marin of Spain, who overcame eighth seeded South Korean Sung Ji Hyun 21-17, 15-21, 21-16 in one hour and 30 minutes. Saina holds a 3-1 advantage in career meetings against the world No.1, who defeated the former in the final of this year’s All England Championships. Going into the match, Saina was the heavy favourite but her opponent made a very good start. Saina took some time to attain momentum as Fanetri held a 6-2 lead. But once the former world No.1 found her rhythm, she seized the initiative and pushed her rival on the backfoot. Fanetri was forced to play catch up but remained close to Saina’s score at the Istora Senayan stadium. The Hyderabadi held a three-point lead at 14-11 but Fanetri kept coming back, equalising at 15all. They were involved in long rallies for the next two points. However, at 17-17, Saina utilised her experience and finished the game in her favour by taking three consecutive points. Saina’s deft

MAKING HISTORY: India’s

Saina Nehwal

net play played a key role in getting the better of the local talent of the same age. At the start of the second game, when the score read 2-1 in favour of strong favourite Saina, Fanetri suffered a knock to her heavily bandaged right knee after a fall but continued her fight. Fanetri kept fighting on even though she seemed to be struggling in her movements on the court. At the break, the second seeded Indian held a 11-10 lead before Fanetri equalised. Saina grabbed three points at a stretch to make it 14-11 but Fanetri equalised at the same score with sharp drop shots. But Saina fought back for a 17-14 lead before her opponent employed two sharp smashes to make it 16-17. Saina got two more points before her opponent reduced the deficit to one at 18-17. However, Saina once again wrestled the key moments as she bagged three consecutive points to seal the game 21-17 and march into the final. - IANS

MOTORSPORT

Lorenzo grabs MotoGP pole at Brno BRNO: Spanish Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo took pole for Sunday’s Czech Republic MotoGP in Brno after setting a new lap record in Saturday’s qualifying session. Reigning champion Marc Marquez, on a Honda, and championship leader Valentino Rossi, Lorenzo’s Yamaha teammate, will complete the front row. The 28-year-old Lorenzo, the 2010 and 2012 champion, clocked one minute and 54.989 seconds on the 5.4km (3.36-mile) circuit in the southern Czech city, wiping off his own record from Saturday morning’s practice. Fellow Spaniard Marquez, the 2013 and 2014 champion, stayed just 0.074sec behind Lorenzo while Italian star Rossi trailed by 0.364sec on a hot and dry afternoon. Rossi leads the overall standings with 195 points after 10 out of the season’s 18 MotoGP races, ahead of Lorenzo on 186 and Marquez with 139. “Before the qualifying I thought a lap time similar to the other time I made this morning was enough to make a pole position but I was wrong,” said Lorenzo, the last nonHonda rider to win at Brno in 2010. “I improved a little bit on braking, I improved a little bit on opening the throttle,” added Lorenzo, who earned his second pole this season. Marquez, who won at Brno in 2013, said he could see Lorenzo was too fast for him midway through the qualifying session.

NEW LAP RECORD: Movistar Yamaha MotoGP’s Spanish rider Jorge Lorenzo rides his motorbike during the qualiﬁcation of the Czech Grand Prix in Brno, Czech Republic, on Saturday. – AFP

“Already there I understood, OK, today the pole position will be difficult,” said the 22-year-old, who won the last two MotoGP races. “We must be happy because yesterday we were really far... and today we were closer and closer, maybe not close enough, but for the race distance I feel happy.” Rossi, the nine-time world champion across all categories, said qualifying on the front row was “very, very important” after a series of lacklustre qualifying performances.

Italian Ducati duo Andrea Iannone and Andrea Dovizioso took the fourth and sixth places respectively, with Britain’s Yamaha rider Bradley Smith sandwiched between them. Last year’s Brno winner Dani Pedrosa, Marquez’s teammate and compatriot, only managed ninth spot after a heavy crash in Friday’s practice. Weather might be an issue on Sunday as forecasters predict storms following an unprecedented heat wave that sent track temperatures soaring to 50 degrees

Celsius (122 Fahrenheit) on Friday. In the Moto2 class, French rider Johann Zarco, the championship leader, took the pole position ahead of defending champion Tito Rabat of Spain and another Spaniard Alex Rins, all of them on Kalex bikes. And in Moto3, Italy’s Niccolo Antonelli on a Honda earned his ﬁrst pole position of the season ahead of two other Honda riders, championship leader Danny Kent of Britain and Spain’s Jorge Navarro. - AFP

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SPORTS

Platini warned me of prison, says Blatter

PRESIDENTIAL INTERVENTION

Indonesia launches two new domestic tournaments despite FIFA suspension

Blatter claimed the warning, in which Platini allegedly said Blatter would go to jail if he did not withdraw from May’s FIFA presidential race, was made to the Swiss official’s brother Peter

PARIS: FIFA president Sepp Blatter has alleged UEFA counterpart Michel Platini warned him he faced prison if he did not withdraw from the world football governing body’s presidential race. Speaking exclusively to Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant, Blatter claimed the warning, in which Platini allegedly said Blatter would go to jail if he did not withdraw from May’s FIFA presidential race, was made to the Swiss official’s brother. But a source close to Platini, described the claim as “ridiculous”. Blatter said he found his 80-year-old brother Peter crying at the FIFA Congress in Zurich in May, where the 79-year-old Blatter was re-elected for a ﬁfth FIFA term, before later vowing to step down and hold new elections. “During lunch, Platini had sat down at my brother’s table and said: ‘Tell Sepp to withdraw from the election or he will go to prison’,” said Blatter. NEW CONTROVERSY

Tokyo 2020 logo designer apologises in plagiarism row TOKYO: The designer of Tokyo’s 2020 Olympics logo has apologised after admitting his team traced the designs used for a Suntory promotion campaign, as he faces plagiarism allegations over the Games design. Besieged designer Kenjiro Sano made the apology on Friday after withdrawing some designs created for the drinks giant following claims that there might be copyright problems. “Following our in-house investigation, it was found that we traced designs created by a third party for part of our designs,” Sano said in a statement posted on his design office’s website. “I feel very sorry for causing great trouble to the people concerned,” Sano said, adding he had taken the consequences seriously. Suntory, one of Japan’s biggest beverage ﬁrms, has said that it would stop shipment of certain bags bearing the designs that were part of a promotional campaign for non-alcoholic beer. Sano’s apology came after Belgian designer Olivier Debie took the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to court over use of the logo for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, which he claims was plagiarised from his work. Sano has refuted the claims as “completely baseless.” - AFP

FELT BETRAYED: FIFA President Sepp Blatter, left, and UEFA chief Michel Platini. – AFP

Blatter claimed the exchange happened before the elections but his brother only told him about it afterwards. “This complete fabrication is the latest in a series of attempts from Zurich to distract everyone from the problems FIFA is confronted with,” a source close to Platini said. “The UEFA president will not dignify these ridiculous allegations with a response.” Blatter continued his claims by saying he felt betrayed by Platini, 60, who is the favourite to succeed the Swiss in February’s new election. “You know, there was a time when our relationship was like that of a father and his son,” said Blatter. “He worked for me for

four years at FIFA, after the 1998 World Cup in France. Together we prepared his board memberships of both UEFA and FIFA. In 2007, he also became president of UEFA, with my direct support.” Blatter said Platini has “changed” but that he does not know why the UEFA chief, a former France international player and coach, should have turned against him. “You will have to ask him about his character. I don’t know what goes on in his head,” said Blatter. Although Blatter was re-elected, despite a corruption scandal engulﬁng the whole process after seven FIFA officials were arrested over accusations of bribery, the

Swiss announced four days later that he would resign. “The mounting pressure on me and FIFA left me no other choice. I was faced with a tsunami,” said Blatter. “It was a shock. It was not an easy decision to take, but it gave me time to think about what had gone wrong.” The source close to Platini said the Frenchman is concentrating on rehabilitating FIFA’s reputation following the corruption scandal rather than responding to allegations from Blatter. “Michel Paltini is currently more concerned with the preparation... of a programme to restore the image and reputation of FIFA,” said the source. - AFP

JAKARTA: Despite being under a FIFA suspension, domestic football returned to Indonesia on Saturday after intervention from President Joko Widodo led to the introduction of two new tournaments. Persekap Pasuruan kicked off the 24-team Independence Cup with a 2-0 win over Madiun Putra at the Wilis Stadium in Madiu. The competition, which features the lower league teams split into four groups, will be played over the next month. The President Cup, a 16-team tournament for mainly second division clubs, will kick-off later this month. It is the ﬁrst domestic football held in the populous Southeast Asian nation since FIFA banned the country in May after repeated warnings to the government to stop meddling in affairs of the local football association (PSSI) went unheeded. The ban resulted in Indonesia being kicked out of the joint 2018 World Cup and 2019 Asian Cup qualifying campaign and led to the disbanding of many top ﬂight clubs and players going unpaid as contracts became void. Attempts to restart the domestic top league by clubs had been halted by the government body put in place to administer the game after they suspended the PSSI. Understanding the popularity of the game in his country, Widodo met with Youth and Sports Minister Imam Nachrawi last week to thrash out the plans for the restart of some football. “After the PSSI was frozen, the President wanted to keep soccer alive,” Teten Masduki, a member of the presidential communication team, was quoted as saying

VICTORIOUS

by local media last week. Inter Milan majority owner Erick Thohir is involved in the President Cup with his PT Mahaka Media part of the organisation team. “The President wants something (soccer games) to keep rolling in society,” Thohir said. Local media reports said the top ﬂight clubs in the Indonesian Super League still retained hope of restarting the league in October. - Reuters AMBITIOUS

Van Gaal wants more from Man United BIRMINGHAM: Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal upbraided his attacking players for their sloppiness after they defeated Aston Villa 1-0 at Villa Park to record back-to-back Premier League victories. Adnan Januzaj marked his return to the starting XI with a 29th minute winner on Friday as United moved to the top of the table, but Van Gaal was dismayed by the ease with which his team conceded possession. Having mustered only one shot on target in their 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, United found the target just twice against Villa, but it was wayward passes, rather than shots, that concerned Van Gaal. “When you score more than your opponent, it’s enough,” he said. “But I think you are right, because we had too many unnecessary ball losses. That was not only Adnan Januzaj, but also Memphis Depay and Wayne Rooney. So a lot of players. I can say more. We have to improve that. “But in spite of this, we had more chances than the opposition, and bigger chances, and we scored a fantastic goal after a fantastic pass from Juan Mata and a fantastic cut from Adnan.” Januzaj’s goal saw him race onto a splendid pass from Juan Mata before cutting inside Villa captain Micah Richards and beating Brad Guzan with the help of a deﬂection off Ciaran Clark. Januzaj was replaced by Ander Herrera on the hour and while Van Gaal said the substitution had

It is the first domestic football activity held in the populous Southeast Asian nation since FIFA, the governing body of the global football, banned the country in May after repeated warnings to the government to stop meddling in affairs of the local football association (PSSI) went unheeded

I’m pleased with the goal, because it was a wonderful goal, how Adnan scored, but you have to do more than only scoring a goal

Louis van Gaal Manager, Manchester United

been pre-planned, he was critical of the Belgian’s use of the ball. “I’m pleased with the goal, because it was a wonderful goal, how Adnan scored, but you have to do more than only scoring a goal,” said the Dutchman. “That was less good than the goal.” Asked if Januzaj had lost the ball too much for his liking, Van Gaal replied: “Yes.” Januzaj has been linked with a loan move to Sunderland, but while he said he intended to stay at Old Trafford and ﬁght for his place

— dismissing the speculation linking him to the Stadium of Light as “just rumours” — Van Gaal was coy when asked if the winger would be loaned out. “You have to wait and see until we close the transfer period,” he said. “That’s now my beneﬁt of this transfer period.” Sherwood sanguine Van Gaal refused to be drawn on David de Gea’s future after the Spanish goalkeeper, strongly linked with Real Madrid, was again

left out in favour of Sergio Romero. And while he said United would go into Tuesday’s Champions League play-off first leg at home to Club Brugge with confidence, he warned that his side would need a defensive performance of similar fortitude to those produced against Villa and Spurs. “When you win two times then you shall have a lot of confidence, but every match is difficult,” he said. “Belgian teams can play very compact and can defend and always a team has a chance. When they score out of that chance, it shall be very difficult.” Villa manager Tim Sherwood gave home debuts to six players and with four of them taking their first steps in the Premier League, he conceded that it will take time for his team to find a winning formula. “The players are still acclimatising to England, let alone the football, but it’s going to take time,” he said. “We expected that. But they give me everything and they try and take instruction on. It’s not perfect, but they will improve. “The idea is to get them on the training field and hope they can gel.” Villa might have had a penalty shortly before half-time when United right-back Matteo Darmian appeared to grapple with Richards, but Sherwood was sanguine about referee Mike Dean’s decision to wave play on. “You can get them. Sometimes you do, sometimes you don’t,” he said. “I won’t be sticking pins in the referee. We didn’t get it, got a deflection on the goal. Someone wasn’t shining on us.” - AFP

Tottenham rope in Njie from Lyon on ﬁve-year deal LONDON: Cameroon international forward Clinton Njie has joined Tottenham Hotspur from Lyon on a ﬁve-year contract, the Premier League club announced on Saturday. Njie, who turned 22 on Saturday, arrives for an undisclosed fee, with French media reports claiming Tottenham have made an initial payment of 14 million euros ($15.5 million), rising to 17 million euros with add-ons. “We are delighted to announce the signing of Clinton Njie from Olympique Lyonnais, subject to international clearance and the player receiving a work permit,” Spurs announced on their website. Njie said: “I’m very happy to join Tottenham, such a big club in England. I’m still young, still growing up and it’s a big challenge — the Premier League is one of the biggest leagues in the world. “The club is ambitious and I’m ready to give my best to help the club achieve its aims.” Njie is Spurs’ fourth signing of the transfer window, following the arrivals of defenders Kevin Wimmer, Kieran Trippier and Toby Alderweireld. He will provide competition for last season’s top scorer Harry Kane and plugs a gap in manager Mauricio Pochettino’s squad created by Roberto Soldado’s departure to Villarreal on Friday. - AFP

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

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Manchester City spy chance to add to Chelsea’s woes LONDON: Manchester City will attempt to exploit the internal turmoil at Chelsea and land an early blow in this season’s Premier League title race when the sides face off on Sunday. Chelsea’s week has been dominated by the fall-out from manager Jose Mourinho’s criticism of ﬁrst-team doctor Eva Carneiro and physiotherapist Jon Fearn for running onto the pitch to treat Eden Hazard when the team were down to 10 men in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Swansea City. Widely criticised over the incident, Mourinho conﬁrmed on Friday that the pair have been demoted — temporarily, according to him — and will not be on the bench at

the Etihad Stadium. The Swansea game already represented an underwhelming start to Chelsea’s title defence after five games without victory in pre-season, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’s dismissal ruling him out of Sunday’s contest. City, in contrast, opened with an impressive 3-0 win at West Bromwich Albion that sent Manuel Pellegrini’s side to the top of the standings after the first round of fixtures. Raheem Sterling is settling in after his £49 million ($76.7 million, 68.9 million euros) switch from Liverpool, Sergio Aguero is nearing full fitness following his post-Copa America break and Yaya Toure suggested he was ready

to put last season’s troubles behind him with a goal and an assist at The Hawthorns. Sunday’s game, meanwhile, will be the ﬁrst at the Etihad since the opening of a new 6,000-seat tier on the South Stand and the addition of 1,500 extra pitch-side seats, taking the capacity to 55,097 — another sign of the club’s growing ambition. Victory would put City ﬁve points above Chelsea and although it is early days, Pellegrini knows that Sunday’s encounter represents an opportunity to disrupt the stride of a title rival. “We are not thinking about the title in the second game, but we are thinking about trying to win our points at home, especially as we

are playing against the champions and one of the teams that has a lot of chances to win the title,” he said. “It is the same as Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham — all the big teams.” Aguero in contention Aguero came off the bench against West Brom, but it may be too soon for last season’s top scorer to start, which would mean Wilfried Bony continuing to lead the line. For Chelsea, Asmir Begovic will make his competitive full debut, having come on against Swansea following Courtois’s second-half dismissal for felling Bafetimbi Gomis. Oscar is a doubt with a knock sustained in training, but Diego

Costa is in line to play, having allayed fears about the condition of his hamstrings by completing 90 minutes against Swansea. Even by Mourinho’s stormy standards, it has been a challenging week, as medical professionals from within the game have queued up to criticise him over his perplexing treatment of Carneiro and Fearn. He threatened to walk out of a brieﬁng with newspaper journalists on Friday when pressed on the matter, but he has dismissed suggestions the furore will have any effect on the outcome of the showdown with City. “If somebody thinks that a disagreement between two members of the medical staff and the man-

Leicester humble West Ham, Swansea down Newcastle

SUPERB HEADER: Leicester City’s Shinji Okazaki, right, scores past West Ham United’s goalkeeper Adrian during their English Premier League match at the Boleyn Ground in London on Saturday. – AFP

West Ham opened their campaign by winning 2-0 at Arsenal, but on Saturday they were brought crashing down to earth by Leicester City in a 2-1 verdict

LONDON: Leicester City brought West Ham United crashing to earth and returned to the top of the ﬂedgling English Premier League standings with a 2-1 victory at Upton Park on Saturday. West Ham opened their campaign by winning 2-0 at Arsenal, but they were 2-0 down by half-time as Japan striker Shinji Okazaki headed in his ﬁrst goal in English football and Riyad Mahrez scored his third goal in two games. New signing Dimitri Payet re-

plied for West Ham with a powerful strike, but it was not enough to prevent Claudio Ranieri’s Foxes reclaiming ﬁrst place on goal difference from Manchester United. West Ham’s misery was compounded in stoppage time when their Spanish goalkeeper Adrian was sent off for a high foot after going up to contest a corner. Swansea City also built on an impressive opening performance, following up their battling 2-2 draw at champions Chelsea with

a 2-0 win at home to Newcastle United that left Garry Monk’s side in fourth place. Bafetimbi Gomis rounded Tim Krul to put Swansea ahead in the ninth minute and Newcastle’s afternoon took a further turn for the worse shortly before half-time when Daryl Janmaat was sent off for two bookable offences. After Jefferson Montero and Gylfi Sigurdsson had both made the woodwork shudder, Andre Ayew made the game safe by polishing off a cross from the elusive Montero to register his second goal in two games. A late Stoke City fightback prevented Tottenham Hotspur claiming a first win of the season in a 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane. Beaten 1-0 by Manchester United on the opening day, Spurs, who welcomed back goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris, went 2-0 up through an Eric Dier header and a deflected Nacer Chadli volley.

Lukaku at the double But after Spurs striker Harry Kane had been taken off with an apparent injury, Stoke stormed back to level courtesy of a Marko Arnautovic penalty and a Mame Biram Diouf header. Earlier, Romelu Lukaku scored two first-half goals and Ross Barkley added another as Everton claimed their first victory of the season by winning 3-0 at Southampton. Belgium striker Lukaku headed home Arouna Kone’s 22nd-minute cross and swept in from Barkley’s astute pass on the stroke of half-time before the midfielder neatly curled in a third goal six minutes from time. Victory, Everton’s first at St Mary’s since 2002, elevated Roberto Martinez’s team to third place in the table, two points below Leicester and Manchester United, who won 1-0 at Aston Villa on Friday. “We’ve found it tough to come here in recent years, but I thought the performance today was out-

standing in every department,” said Martinez. “We scored three very good goals and could have had more.” Sunderland’s early-season woes continued as they went down 3-1 at home to promoted Norwich City, leaving Dick Advocaat’s side at the foot of the table. Goals from Russell Martin, Steven Whittaker and Nathan Redmond put Alex Neil’s visitors in command at a sombre Stadium of Light, before 21-year-old substitute Duncan Watmore replied for Sunderland. Watford, another promoted side, remain unbeaten but also winless after a goalless draw at home to West Bromwich Albion. Manchester City host Chelsea in an early clash of title contenders on Sunday, when the visitors will hope to move on from the furore sparked by manager Jose Mourinho’s demotion of medics Eva Carneiro and Jon Fearn. - AFP

ager can affect the week, it is somebody that doesn’t have a clue about what football is and about preparation for matches,” Mourinho said. “It is obviously not (a problem). “The season is very, very long. We are speaking about 38 matches — 38 matches is an eternity, a marathon that started last weekend and ends in around 10 months. “I cannot say it (the match) is crucial, I cannot say it is decisive, I cannot say it is very, very, very important. But, two title contenders, three points, so if you can get three and your opponent zero, it is important. “I am not going to say the game is not important, but for sure I don’t say the game decides anything for the winner or the loser.” - AFP IMPRESSIVE SHOW

Martinez lauds ‘unplayable’ Lukaku and Barkley LONDON: Everton manager Roberto Martinez described striker Romelu Lukaku and midfielder Ross Barkley as “unplayable” after they starred in a 3-0 Premier League victory at Southampton on Saturday. Belgian striker Lukaku struck twice before the interval and young England international Barkley’s curling late effort capped an impressive display by Martinez’s side. “They were unplayable,” the Spaniard told reporters. “When we play to their strengths they are very, very special.” Everton laboured for much of last season, having finished fifth in 2013-14, as their Europa League exploits seemed to effect their domestic form. But with Lukaku looking razor sharp, Barkley commanding the midfield and the likes of England defender John Stones looking calm and composed, Everton produced a faultless display at St Mary’s to move on to four points from two games. Lukaku struck after 21 minutes, heading in Arouna Kone’s cross after a dazzling counterattack, and his raw power unhinged Southampton’s defence when he exchanged passes with Barkley before firing his second just before halftime. Barkley sealed the points in the closing minutes, cutting back inside and placing a shot inside the far post. “We showed an incredible intent in attacking situations,” Martinez told the BBC. “The same way we had an incredible intent to defend well. Everything had a real meaning today.” “When Rom is in those positions he is as good as it gets, and Ross the same. Ross today was perfect with his responsibility and the way he worked for the team,” he said. “And the goal, you enjoy that as a football lover, the whole stadium thinks he is going to take it first time, an incredible moment of class.” Worrying signs For Southampton manager Ronald Koeman there are already worrying signs that his side will struggle to match the excellence of last season when they finished seventh after spending most of the season higher than that. “We lost the game in the first half. We maybe had one or two good chances, but the team was not compact like we normally are,” he said “We had difficulties in that and we gave them too much space to play football and to control the game. The pressing was not as normal.” - Reuters

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

Health WWWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

E Q E H A F E S D M E M A OH

LIFE-CHANGING LASER EY E SURGERY HAS NOW BE AN EASY COME NUMB OPTION FOR M ER O ANY IN O B MAN, EVID SURUT, IF YO F LASER EY ENT FROM E TREA GER U’VE THE INCR TMEN THO Y (C EASING T CLIN UGH ALL ICS IN T AB ED THE C OUT REF ITY. GOIN RAC G IN TIV FOR E EY A VI E SU SION RGE COR REC RY) TION ,

LIFESTYLE

SECTION

Y, LOG NO ECH RT ASE RL LE IME TAB LED E, S EXC TROL OF RAT -CON CCU USE A UTER , E HE OMP ECIS HT FAC Y PR HT O WIT VER ED HOUG OLV THE T OR A ING A CHILL ES F LY S N.” IF L O EMAINS ECTI CAL NAB ISSUE R CTI CORR YS E F EYE T PRA ADA OPTICAL UNTS O RE OW G C AMO I P O WE H N STIN C C S A I O R EAD ON. WH D LONG L AY MIC RMATION, SO R AN CUTTING AW EED MORE INFO LASER T TO YOU, YOU MIGHT JUST N PROSPEC

RAY OF HOPE

ER MB Y, U GER GN R N U I S GER IVE T G C A A Y, T GER EFR ES R R U H ED ES YT ALL CTIV C A DE B S R F E R RE ELM E ETIM S H M A L ED BY O R S E E G EV RW BLE. S G M I RI O A MET EEN T B S EF EL AVAIL ERY, SO A E SH T AT HAV H T S GI H S NOW R SURG ACRONYM L L L SKI ND U M ION ASE RGICA U S R YO F OPT IMES L PTIONS A E T RGICAL O MET IN O ND BET EMS TO SU L B O R P SO E BOOM CHNOLOGY A N F VISIO TH ROVED TE R RANGE O E G R A L P H C IM ED UP A MU AL DIRECTOR AT OPEN TORIA, THE ASSISTANT MEDIC VIC RIO DA DR N. TIO EC RR CO MUSCAT EYE LASER CENTER, TOLD US THAT MANY OF THE DANGERS OF THE SURG BEFORE TH ERY HAVE NOW BEEN ELIMINATED. “I N THE PAST, E LASER E PE RA, CORN CALLRFORMED B E A L REFRACTIV YC D ED E SURGER OF UE TO RADIAL REATING S Y USED TO THE THE OME R KERA BE ADIAL TOTO OPT LACK INCIS MY. ICA OF P IONS I THIS LC N THE PRO OR RECISI CORN CEDU REC ON EA RE W AND TIO AS A LOW NO BAN VER RAT DON E OF TIM ED LON E. B G TE OTH RM PRO STA BLE BILI MS TY

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

LIFESTYLE

Types of Surgery Available LASIK The most common procedure available, LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) has been performed since the mid-1990s. Most types of refractive error can be corrected with LASIK. Surgeons cut across the cornea and raise a flap of tissue. The exposed surface is then reshaped using an excimer laser and the flap is replaced. LASIK Xtra A new treatment, LASIK Xtra promises to virtually eliminate the risk of serious complications. Eye drops containing a modified version of vitamin B2 are applied after laser treatment and then “activated” by UV light.

According to the Ophthalmologists.... have deterioration in vision in the near future, it is better to control all those things before going ahead with the surgery,” said Dr Jose. “We usually say that after 18 years any person with normal eyes can have LASIK. The range is usually 18 to 45-50 years. And the power also will have to be correct. Even a 60-year old person can have LASIK done only if the patient’s eyes are normal.”

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Pros: • It works! It corrects vision. Around 96% of patients will have their desired vision after LASIK. An enhancement can further increase this number. • LASIK is associated with very little pain due to the numbing drops that are used. • Vision is corrected nearly immediately or by the day after LASIK. • No bandages or stitches are required after LASIK. • Adjustments can be made years after LASIK to further correct vision if vision changes while you age. • After having LASIK, most patients have a dramatic reduction in eyeglass or contact lens dependence and many patients no longer need them at all. Cons: • The cost • Changes made to the cornea cannot be reversed after LASIK. • LASIK can rarely cause a loss of ‘best’ vision. Your best vision is the highest degree of vision that you achieved while wearing your contacts or eyeglasses.

What to Expect “The patient must undergo a comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation by an experienced refractive surgeon who will advise the patient if he or she is a good candidate for the surgery,” said Dr Dario Victoria, Muscat Eye Laser Center. “There are different machines to evaluate not only the shape of the cornea and the surface but the back side of the cornea as well. This gives us a better idea of the state of the cornea, where the laser is to be applied. And that give us the wider spectrum of the safety of the procedure. Then we check the eye pressure, any possible infection, and do pathology study. One important part of the examination is the retina and the optic nerve. If everything is okay and there is nothing that reduces the potential vision then we can proceed to the surgery,” said Dr Jose Lievano, a Specialist Ophthalmologist, German Eye Centre. “For a diabetic patient, if the person’s sugar levels are fully controlled and the retina is in good condition, LASIK can be performed on the patient. But if there is anything that make us think that the patient is going to

The Surgery Itself “LASIK is a procedure in which we reshape the cornea by taking some tissues from it just with the laser. The more power you need to correct, the more amount of the cornea you need to remove. So you cannot remove whatever amount of tissue from a thin cornea, because that is going to compromise the safety of the person,” says Dr Jose. “Making a cornea thinner is making them weaker, for obvious reasons. In such situations we put some vitamins, riboflavin on top of the cornea to make the vitamins to be absorbed to the collagen fibres of the cornea and apply ultraviolet rays. These rays take the absorbed riboflavin in the cornea and make a new linking within the fibres of the collagen. We call it cornea collagen cross linking. That makes the structure more strong. So that gives us more stability in the corneal tissues, long life, and more stability as well.” The procedure itself is painless, says Dr Dario. “However there are some differences in the postoperative period based on the type of surgery. For patients who undergo ZLASIK or LASIK, it is normal to be free of symptoms after the surgery. However, for patients who go for surgeries like LASEK, PRK or Trans-PRK, it is normal to experience tearing and moderate pain for a couple of days after the procedure,” he said adding, “It is a quite short procedure. It usually takes 15 minutes for both eyes.” Post-LASIK scenario Healing after LASIK laser eye surgery usually occurs very rapidly. Most patients notice improved vision within a few days after sur-

gery. However, your vision may be blurry and hazy for the first day. You should plan to have someone drive you home after LASIK laser eye surgery. Your eyes will be dry even though they do not feel that way. Your doctor will give eye drops to prevent infection and keep your eyes moist. These eye drops may cause a momentary slight burn or blurring of your vision when you use them. Do not use any eye drops not approved by your surgeon or optician. Specific follow-up after the surgery varies from one surgeon to another but you’ll probably need to be seen for an evaluation 24 to 48 hours after LASIK laser eye surgery, as well as at regular intervals within the first six months after surgery. Dr Jose says, “The next morning, you can watch TV, drive, use a computer…basically, you can lead life normally. But still we advise patients some recovery time to take care of their eyes from dust and wind to avoid infection. And restrictions on swimming, steam bath, Jacuzzi for a month. We also warn of indulging in any contact games like football for three months. A hit by and elbowing or the ball itself can damage your eyes.” Four Main Disorders Problems that can be corrected by laser include short-sightedness (myopia), astigmatism (unevenly curved cornea), longsightedness (hyperopia), and presbyopia (focusing difficulty that occurs with age). “In theory all the refractive errors can be corrected with LASIK. But, there are some cases in which the perception to be corrected is too high. In such cases it is better not to do LASIK because we have to compromise the safety of the cornea. For example, myopia can be corrected, in theory, up to 10-12 diopters. But if the cornea doesn’t have the perfect scenario, like thickness, shape and stiffness you cannot perform surgery. But normally, we correct up to 8 diopters,” says Dr Jose Lievano, Specialist Ophthalmologist, German Eye Centre. —shafeeq@timesofoman.com

LASEK This involves chemically removing the top layer of the cornea to create a ﬂap before a laser corrects vision problems. LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis) is used when the cornea is too thin for LASIK treatment. A temporary, protective soft contact lens is worn as a “bandage” after treatment to aid healing. PRK Developed before LASIK and LASEK, PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) involves the cornea being reshaped by an excimer laser without cutting a ﬂap of tissue. The surface layer of the eye grows back during the healing process. Like all laser eye treatments, PRK takes between 15 and 20 minutes, for both eyes, and is performed under local anaesthetic. Wavefront This variation of surgery uses sensors to map the contours of the eye. A computer-controlled excimer laser then applies a spatially varying correction. Wavefront is used to treat problems unsuitable for other treatment. It reduces the natural irregularities of the eye, which can cause light rays to focus incorrectly.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

LIFESTYLE BRIEFS

Threat of summers on the heart

Try

DUBAI: Scorching summer sun, together with high humidity levels in the UAE, are making the heart work harder, placing heart disorder patients at higher risk. Latest ﬁgures from the World Health Organisation (WHO) reveal that almost 40 per cent of mortality in the region was caused by cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), making the disease a prominent issue in the UAE. The Dubai Health Authority has also highlighted the problem, with research ﬁndings suggesting that 25 per cent of Dubai’s population have a preventable cardiovascular disease risk factor. Health experts from Cinfa, a European drugs maker with a history of leadership in providing accessible care for CVD patients, believe that the UAE lifestyle plays a key role in the high number of CVD cases in the country. The experts say that the unhealthy eating habits, together with inadequate physical activity levels, and a high number of tobacco consumers, are major risk factors that are causing heart related problems in the country. With the addition of intense heat and humidity levels of the harsh UAE summers, CVD patients are at even higher risk with added stress on heart functionality.

W hy Here are a few simple, time-tested foods, techniques, and remedies to try, and a bit about why. Have you tried any of these tricks? How did you like them? Do you have a favourite remedy of your own? Tell us about it at lifestyle@timesofoman.com

Build Muscles with Dates Dates have a myriad of medical beneﬁts, from relieving constipation and other intestinal disorders, to preventing heart problems, anaemia, sexual dysfunction, diarrhoea, abdominal cancer, and many other conditions. What many people don’t know is that dates are one of the best foods for muscle development. Before you hit the gym, eat the fruit out of hand, blended with milk or yoghurt, or mashed into a delicious spread over whole grain toast.

Gargle for Tonsil Health Gargling with warm water mixed with a little salt is not just a good way of disinfecting the upper respiratory tract but also helpful in dislodging tonsil stones (tonsilloliths) which form due to accumulation of calcium salts or food debris the crevices of the tonsils. To gargle, take a deep breath and pour two or three ounces of the salt water into your mouth without swallowing. Tilt your head slightly backwards (keeping the back of your throat closed) and make a gurgling sound for 30 seconds. Spit out the water and repeat.

DECODING DOCTOR

Mohammed Shafeeqe chats with Dr Ashok Thomas Mathai, Dermatologist Specialist, KIMS Oman Hospital, Muscat

n the Middle East, summer sun can suck the life out of your skin, leaving it dry, dull, and, most dangerously, burnt. Dr Ashok Thomas Mathai, dermatologist specialist at KIMS Oman Hospital, shares some important summer skincare tips. How can I protect my skin when I go outside in the summertime? The time between 9am and 3pm is considered to be the danger zone for maximum ultraviolet exposure due to alignment of sun and earth, so to avoid photo damage it is advised to use broad

Relieve Rheumatoid Arthritis with Turmeric Studies have substantiated claims about the powerful antioxidant properties of turmeric, which neutralise free radicals (chemicals that can travel through the body and cause great amounts of damage to healthy cells and cell membranes). The painful joint inﬂammation associated with arthritis is thought to be due in part to free radicals, so turmeric‘s combination of antioxidant and anti-inﬂammatory effects offer very real relief to those who use the spice regularly.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK

Fitness app games no substitute for actual exercise Washington: There are nearly 31,000 health and fitness apps in the market and most of them use games to increase physical activity. Are they a real substitute for hitting the gym or walking in the park? According to a study, gamification is currently the popular trend for mobile fitness app makers looking to cash into helping people get fit. “It has just been assumed that gamified apps will work but there has been no research to show that they are effective for people in the long term,“ said Cameron Lister from Utah-based Brigham Young University. Lister and health science professor Josh West analysed over 2,000 health and fitness apps and found that the majority of the most popular and widely used apps feature gamification. As part of their study, the duo also downloaded and used 132 of the apps personally to see how well they worked. - IANS

A Sun Protection Primer spectrum sunscreens with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 50 and above and wear full sleeve clothing, which diffuses the direct impact of harmful ultraviolet rays. Use sunglasses to protect the eyes, caps or hats to shade the face, and eat a healthy diet including lots of “cooling” fruits and vegetables and water as a well hydrated body can better resist sun damages like solar elastosis. Even though you can’t feel the effects as intensely, it is just as important to protect yourself from sun-damage in the wintertime.

What is the difference between UVB and UVA rays? UVA-long wave - can AGE your skin UVB-short wave - can burn your skin, with the shorter wave lengths cause more immediate damage to skin. How much and how often should I apply sunscreen? If you are wearing minimal clothing, like swimwear, the standard rule for sunscreen application is an ounce of sunscreen for head to toe, applied 30 minutes before exposure, and reapplication every 2 hours. If you

are covered up or staying mostly indoors, you can use a nickel size amount and put about a 1/4 teaspoon each on your face, neck, and hands. What ingredients should we look for in a sunscreen? Avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octylmethoxycinnamate are organic chemical absorbers or blockers and titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are inorganic blockers - which are the basis for a good sunscreen. To keep it simple, just make sure the SPF is 15 or higher.

Does sunscreen go on before or after moisturiser? Any product applied over sunscreen reduces its effect so sunscreen is ALWAYS, ALWAYS the ﬁnal step in skin care. Is it OK to get laser or chemical peel treatments in the summer? If the situation is unavoidable, lasers and peels can be done in the summertime, but the person should strictly avoid sun exposure for at least one week after treatment and use a good sunscreen and after-sun repairing creams thereafter. shafeeq@timesofoman.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

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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

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SUR Fantastic Four (Action|Sci - Fi) (PG12) 4:00, 10:00, 11:55 PM Mission Impossible - Rogue Nation 05:50, 08:45 PM(Action) (PG12) Brothers (Hindi) (Thriller) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Jackie Shroff, Sidharth 11:15 PM Vacation ( Adventure / Comedy) (18+) 8:15 PM Inside Out (3D) (Animation) (PG) 5:15 PM The Daibolical (Horror / Sci-Fi) (15+) 7:15 PM

@RUWI

CITY CINEMA Contact (10 am to 6PM) 24567664 | 68. www.citycinemaoman.net facebook.com/citycinemaoman SHATTI Fantastic Four (2D)(Action)(PG12) Cast: Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan 1:15, 5:45, 9:45, 11:45 pm Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2D) (Action, Adventure) (PG12) Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy 3:15, 9:00, 11:30 pm Mr. Holmes (Crime, Drama)(PG) Cast: Ian McKellen, Laura Linney, Hiroyuki Sanada 3:00, 7:45 pm Vacation (Adventure, Comedy)(18+) Cast: Ed Helms, Christina Applegate, Skyler Gisondo 1:00, 5:00, 7:00 pm The Diabolical (Horror, Sci-fi)(15+) Cast: Wilmer Calderon, Kurt Carley, Merrin Dungey 5:00, 11:45 pm Shad Agzaa (Drama, Action))(15+) Cast: Mohamed Ramadan, Donia Samir 6:45 pm INSIDE OUT (Animation)(3D) PG Voice Overs: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis 1:00, 3:00 pm BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN (Drama)(PG) Cast: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor 8:45 PM MUSCAT GRAND MALL Fantastic Four 2D (Action, Sci-Fi ) (PG12) Cast: Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael Jordan 12:15, 9:45 & 11:45PM Gold Class: 2:45, 9:15 & 11:15PM Mr. Holmes 2D (Crime, Drama) (PG) 11:15PM & 2:15PM Gold Class : 12:45PM Brothers2D (Action, Drama) (TBC ) 6:45PM The Diabolical 2D (Horror, Sci-Fi ) (15+)

11:15PM & 2:15PM Gold Class : 12:45PM

1:15, 5:45, 9:45, 11:45 pm

3:45 pm

1.00, 4.00, 7.00, 10.00 PM

Mr. Holmes 2D (Crime, Drama) (PG) Cast: Ian McKellen, Laura Linney, Hiroyuki

FANTASTIC FOUR (Action)(PG12) Cast: Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan

Love 24x7 - 2D (M) (TBC) Romantic, Comedy Cast: Dileep, Anjali & Suhasini

Brothers (Drama/ Sports) – TBC Cast: Akshay Kumar, Sidahrth Malhotra, Jackie Shroff

Cast: Wilmer Calderon, Kurt Carley, Merrin 10:15PM Vacation 2D (Adventure, Comedy) (18+) Cast: Ed Helms, Christina Applegate, Skyler Gisondo 10:15AM, 5:15PM Gold Class: 4:45PM Inside Out 3D (Animation) (PG) 1:15, 3:15PM Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation 4:15 & 11:55PM; 2D (PG12) Gold Class: 6:45PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2D) ( Action ) (PG) 7:15PM

Cast - Hansika Motwani, TR Silambarasan 8:30 PM Inside Out – 3D (PG) Animation 12:00, 3:40 PM The Diabolical – 2D (15+) Horror, Sci-Fi, 2:00, 11:45 PM Love 24x7 – 2D (PG) Romantic, Comedy Cast - Dileep and Nikhila Vimal 5:30 PM Mr. Holmes – 2D (PG) Crime, Drama, Mystery 1:00, 9:45 PM Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation – 2D 11:15 AM, 9:30, 11:55 PM (PG12) Into the Grizzly Maze – 2D (15+)Action 1:45 PM Brothers – 2D (TBC) Action, Drama 3:30, 6:30, 8:30, 11:30 PM Fantastic Four – 2D (PG12) (Action) 11:00 AM, 3:00, 5:00, 10:00, 11:55 PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan - 2D (PG) (Drama, Action) 7:00 PM

AZAIBA Vacation – 2D (18+) Adventure, Comedy 11:30AM, 8:00 PM Vasuvum Saravananum Onna Padichavanga – 2D (PG) Comedy; 1:30 PM Cast - Aarya, Tamannaah Bhatia, Brinda Das Dekh Magar Pyaar Say - 2D (PG) Comedy Cast - Humaima Malik, Amna Ilyas, Sikander 4:15 PM Shad Agza – 2D (15+) Drama, Action Cast - Mohamed Ramadan, Donia Samir 6:30 PM Vaalu – 2D (PG) Action, Comedy, Romance

RUWI SCREEN 1 Brothers (Drama/ Sports) – TBC Cast: Akshay Kumar, Jackie Shroff, Sidharth M 1.00, 4.00, 7.00, 10.00 PM SCREEN 2

Baahubali: The Beginning (Act ) – 12+ 1.00, 7.00 PM Drishyam (Thriller/Drama ) – PG12 4.00, 10.00 PM SCREEN 3 Drishyam (Thriller/Drama ) – PG12 1.00 PM Dekh Magar Pyaar Se - Urdu (Comedy) – PG 4.00, 9.30 PM Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Action/Drama ) – PG 6.30 PM

2:10, 11:45 PM Shad Agza - 2D (Arb) (15+) Drama, Action Cast: Mohamed Ramadan, Donia Samir 6:15 PM Brothers - 2D (TBC) Action, Drama 9:00, 11:30 PM Love 24x7 - 2D (M) (TBC) Romantic, Comedy 3:45 PM Vaalu - 2D (T) (PG) Action, Comedy, Romance Cast : Hansika Motwani, TR Silambarasan, 6:15 PM

SOHAR Bajrangi Bhaijaan - 2D (PG) Drama, Action 4:00 PM Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation - 2D (PG12) Action; 3:55, 9:05, 11:55 PM Inside Out - 3D (PG) Animation, 2:10, 4:00 PM Fantastic Four-2D (PG12) (Action ) 2:00, 7:45, 9:45, 11:45 PM Vacation- 2D (18+)Adventure, Comedy 6:00, 8:15 PM Mr. Holmes - 2D (PG) Crime, Drama, Mystery 2:00, 7:00 PM Into the Grizzly Maze- 2D (15+) Action, Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, James Marsden 10:00 PM The Diabolical - 2D (15+) Horror, Sci-Fi,

BURAIMI Fantastic Four -2D (PG12) (Action) 5:30, 9:30, 11:30PM Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation - 2D 3:00, 8:45, 11:45PM (Action) (PG12) Inside Out - 3D (Animation, Comedy) (PG) 3:00PM Vacation – 2D (Comedy, Adventure) (18+) 5:15, 7:00PM Mr Holmes– 2D (Crime, Drama) (PG), 7:30PM The Diabolical – 2D (Horror, Thriller) (TBC) 3:00, 10:10PM Brothers – 2D (Drama, Sport) (PG) 4:30, 11:15PM Vaalu – 2D (Action, Comedy) (PG) 7:15PM

Dept time

Destination

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

06:30 06:30 08:00 13:00 13:00 16.00 16.00

07:00 07:00 13:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 17:00

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

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

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

20:50

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

36 28

JARON JOYSON August 16, 2011

Minimum

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

20-27%

07:00

Ruwi

10:25

Daily

Send us a colour photograph of the child (below 16 years) whose birthday you are celebrating, along with his/her full name, date of birth, address, telephone number and parents’/your name to Times of Oman, With Love, PO Box 770, PC 112, Ruwi or through e-mail to extra@timesofoman.com

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54) 08:00 08:00

08:55 Daily 11:40 Daily 20:20 Daily via Ibri 14:55 Daily 17:40 Daily 19:20 Daily 22:15 Daily

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

LISTINGS

ROYAL OMAN POLICE TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 07:30 14:30

Sur Sur

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) 12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

TO FAHUD - YIBAL (ROUTE 62) 06:30 06:30

Fahud Yibal

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

20:00 20:30 23:30 07:40

Daily Daily

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

19:50 13:15 22:30 07:30

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

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

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

15:00

Salalah

Daily

07:00

Daily

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

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 07:30 07:30 13:00 13:00 15:30 15:30

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

11.45 13.30 14.00

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence 24569603 Directorate General of Customs 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries 24510228 Public Relations Admin 24560099 EMBASSIES IN OMAN

Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

07:00

TO DUBAI (ROUTE 201) 06:00 06:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00

10:45 19:00

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

Ruwi Ruwi

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (ROUTE 100) Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

06:00 14:30

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (ROUTE 100) 07:00 10:00 10:00 19:00

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om Srimanthudu (Telugu ) ( Act ) Cast: Mahesh Babu & Shruthi Hassan 3-00 pm Cinema Main Brothers ( Hindi ) (Act ) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Sidahrth Malhotra 10-00 pm Cinema Main, 6-30 pm Cinema -2 Love 24x7 ( Mal ) ( Com ) Cast: Dileep, Anjali & Suhasini 3-45, 6-45 & 9-45 pm at Cinema- 3 Vasuvum Saravananum ( Tamil ) ( Com ) Cast: Arya, Tamanna & Santhanam 3-30 & 9-30 pm at Cinema-2; 6-30 pm Cinema Main Vallu (Tamil ) (Rom\Com ) From Friday Cast: Silambarasan & Hansika 3-45, 6:45 & 9-45 pm at Cinema-4 NEXT CHANGE: Madura Naranga Programmes are subject to change

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52)

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54) 14:30 14:30

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

STAR CINEMA

WEATHER

15:00 15:00 15:00

16:30 18:00 19:30

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation 2D (Action, Adventure, Thriller) (PG12) Cast: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy 5.00, 9.30 & 11.55 pm CP No: 1953 (PG12) Vacation (Comedy / Adventure) Cast: Ed Helms, Christina Appligate, Skyler Gisondo 1.30, 4.00 & 7.30 pm CP No: 2027 ( 18+) Awol - 72 (Action) Cast: Luke Goss, LouiseMandylor, RZA 11.30 a.m. 3.30 & 11.55 pm CP No: 2026 (12+) Brothers (Hindi )( Thriller ) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Jackie Shrof, Sidharth Malhotra 1.00, 6.00 & 9.00 pm CP No: 2028 (PG) The Night Crew (Action/Thriller) Cast: Danny Trejo, Jason Mewes, Luke Goss 11.30 a.m.; CP No: 1886 (15+)

WITH LOVE

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (ROUTE 36) Quriyat Sur Jaalan

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

SALALAH Mission: Impossible- Rogue Nation (2D) 2:00, 9:15, 11:45PM (PG12) Ant-Man (3D)(PG12) (Action/Sci-Fi ) 12:00PM Inside Out (3D)(PG) (Animation/Comedy) 10:00AM Fantastic Four (2D)(PG12) (Action) 12:00, 7:15, 10:05, 11:55PM Cast: Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2D) (PG) (Drama/Action) 7:15PM Vacation (2D) (18+) (Adventure/Comedy) Cast: Ed Helms, Christina Applegate, Skyler Gisondo 11:30AM, 8:15PM Shad Agza (2D)(15+)(Arabic) (Drama/Action) Cast: Mohamed Ramadan, Donia Samir Ghanem, Yasser Galal and Sabry 6:15PM Mr. Holmes (2D)(PG) (Crime/Drama/Mystery) Cast: Jacqueline Fernandez, Rajesh Sharma, Riteish Deshmukh 10:00AM, 5:15 PM Dekh Magar Pyaar Say (2D)(PG)(Urdu) (Comedy/Romance) Cast: Humaima Malik, Amna Ilyas, Sikander 1:15 PM AWOL-72 (2D)(12+) (Thriller) Cast: Luke Goss, RZA, Bokeem Woodbine 10:00AM, 10:00PM Brothers (2D)(TBC) (Action/Drama) 4:30, 11:30PM Srimanthudu (2D)(PG) (Action) 2:15PM Vaalu (2D)(PG) (Action/Comedy/Romance) 3:30PM

LONG DISTANCE BUS TIMINGS (OMAN NATIONAL TRANSPORT COMPANY SAOC) *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

BAHJA CINEMA

Daily Daily Daily

Afghanistan Algeria Bahrain Bangladesh Brazil Brunei China Cyprus Egypt France Germany India Indonesia Iran Iraq Italy Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya South Korea Kuwait

24698 791/4 24605 593 24 605 074/133 24 698 660 24640100 24 603533 24 696782 24 699815 24 600 982/411 24681 800 24835000 24684500 2469 1050 24 696 944/7 24603642 24693727 24 601 028 24692760/1/3 24 692418 24 697664 24 691490 24 699628

Lebanon Libya Malaysia Morocco Nepal Netherlands Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Senegal Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE United Kingdom United States Yemen

24 693208 24603466 24698329/643 24696152/3 24696177 24603706 24603439 24601312 24605335 24 691 153/2/4 24602894 24601705 24694139 24697977 24647300 24691101 24697841/2 24697875 24603267 24697904 24601 174 24 602684/5 24603486 24697050/1/2 24400000 24609000 24643400 24600815

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

Appolo Medical Centre, Hamriya Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi Salalah Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya Muscat, A Seeb Market Muscat, Al Khuwair Muscat, Al Hail South Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre 24485052 Atlas Hospital Ruwi 24811743/ Ghubra 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi 24563641 Azaiba 24499269 Sohar 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre,

Hamriya 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb 24420740 Ceregem National Raak 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic 24563217 Elixir Health Centre 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre 24472274 Hamdan Hospital 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital 24760100 24 Hrs Emergency 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar 26751128 MBD 24799077 Al Khuwair 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC 22004000 AIRLINE OFFICES Muscat Airport Flight information (24 hours) 24519456/24519223 Aeroflot 24704455 Air Arabia 24700828 Air France 24562153 Air India 24799801

Air New Zealand 24700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24701128 British Airways 24568777 Cathay Pacific 24789818 Egypt Air 24794113 Emirates Air 24404400 Ethiopian Airlines 24660313 Gulf Air 80072424 Indian 24791914 Iran Air 24787423 Japan Airlines 24704455 Jazeera Airways 23294848 Jet Airways 24787248 Kenya Airways 24660300 KML Royal Dutch Airlines 24566737 Kuwait Airways 24701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24796387 Lufthansa 24796692 Malaysian Airlines 24560796 Middle East Airlines 24796680 Oman Air 24531111 Pakistan International Airlines 24792471 Qatar Airways 24771900 Qantas 24559941 Royal Jordanian 24796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24789485 Singapore Airlines 24791233 Shaheen Air 24816565 SriLankan Airlines 24784545 Swiss International Airlines 24796692 Thai Airways 24705934

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

C11

LIFESTYLE

Hot stone massage

FA M I LY A D V I C E

ASK DR. GERRY Dear Dr. Gerry, I’m 16 and I have two brothers who are elder to me. One is 26 and the other one is 21 years old. Both of them study abroad in Lithuania and have come here for their vacation. My parents are extremely partial to both of them. In fact, whatever mistake they do is ultimately blamed on me. And my mother keeps on scolding me and stating that I’m the dumbest and the stupidest of the three children she has. It really hurts when she says things like this. I really work hard and when they end up calling me names, I feel like all my hard work is in vain. I don’t know what I should do. Day by day, I feel like I’m useless. What can I do to impress my parents and prove them that I’m better than my brothers? –Sad girl

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE By Hubert Vaz

Hot stone massage is a massage therapy intended to relieve stress and tension from muscles and to induce an overall feeling of relaxation and wellness. The massage is delivered using heated, smooth, ﬂat stones which are used to massage different sections of the body and are placed on key points on the body that represent the ﬂow of energy. It is most commonly used for relieving aches; especially back pain. The use of hot stones for a healing massage can be traced to ancient times but it became more popular after a masseur from Arizona, Mary Nelson, introduced it as ‘LaStone Therapy’ in 1993. The hot stones are usually made of basalt, a type of rock that is rich in iron, which retains heat. Flat rocks from riverbeds are normally used because of their soft surfaces, smoothed over time by the constant passing of river currents. Volcanic stones are also used at some massage centres. What to expect The stones are immersed in water warmed by an electric heater until the stones are a hot, but

bearable temperature. While some people are able to handle really hot stones, others prefer warm stones that do not render a sting. The heat of the stones relaxes the muscles, improves blood circulation, and calms down the nervous system. The massage usually takes about 90 minutes, as the masseur has to conduct his routine very slowly and leave the hot stones on the body for intervals in between. The masseur begins with the application of fragrant oil on different sections of the body followed by a light massage to ease the muscles. He then continues the massage rubbing a heated stone in a circular motion over the body, applying more pressure on the muscles of the arms, shoulders, lower back, thighs, and calves. The hot stones are then placed along the respective meridians (pathways that allow the ﬂow of ‘Chi’ or life force) on the arms, legs, and back and left for about 5-6 minutes. After a second round of light massage with oil, the hot stones are again placed on the back, from the nape of the neck to the lower back in a sequence that coincides with the meridian that

musculoskeletal problems • Better sleep: Following a hot stone massage, patients are able to gain better quality of sleep; especially, those who have difficulty getting to sleep.

passes through the spine. They are then left on for another 5 minutes. The heat from the stones penetrates the muscles and eases them, bringing on a feeling of deep relaxation. Beneﬁts • Stress: Hot stone massage is a good remedy for managing stress, which is often regarded as the root cause of many disorders. It not only relaxes the body and releases muscular tension but also induces a soothing sensation for the mind • Muscle relaxation: The heated stones loosen up tense muscles and make them relax. This also enables deep tissue manipulation • Good health: This therapy is used to treat many disorders like arthritis, hypertension and

• Pain relief: The slow manipulation of muscles reduces muscle spasms and relieves pain in speciﬁc areas like the neck, lower back, and calves. • Improves circulation: The hot stones revive the energy centres, which may get clogged or blocked and they improve blood circulation. • Releases toxins: Unwanted toxins are released from the body during the massage. Patients are therefore advised to drink a lot of water following a hot stone massage. Where it is done Hot stone massages are available at many Muscat area spas, including: Spaloon (only for men), Shatti Al Qurum, +968 2466 2906, Grand Spa (men & women), Bareeq Al Shatti, +968 2469 5766

FITNESS MOVE OF THE WEEK

How bad can a ﬁzzy glass of cola be? The seemingly innocent cans of soda are ﬁlled with sugar and calories that add up quickly and lead to weight gain and diabetes. Not convinced? Check out the stats on this sugary menace.

DUMP YOUR SODA

150 calories When you drink a full can of regular cola (330 ml) you are consuming around 150 ‘nutrient-empty’ calories.

7 kilograms One soda per day adds 150 calories every day.

40 grams

Five grams of sugar is one teaspoon. A can of soda can contain up to 40 grams of sugar

1/3 Cup A single, large glass of almost any soda pop (colas or other sodas) contains about 1/3rd of a cup of sugar.

40 grams Five grams of sugar is one teaspoon. A can of soda can contain up to 40 grams of sugar.

150 calories X 365 days equals 54,750 calories each year. Consume 3,500 calories (without burning them) and you’ll gain about half a kilo. So a single soda per day could add up to over 7kg gained per year. Conversely, when regular soda drinkers ditch the sugary stuff, the pounds melt away.

Dear Sad Girl I can feel your pain; there is something terribly wrong when we have to compete for our parent’s love and affection. Sadly this problem is all too common in many families with parents not realising how much it hurts children when they favour one child over other. This creates the seeds for severe sibling rivalry and hatred among family members. Each child is beautiful, we all have our strengths and weakness and it’s important for parents to treat each child as unique and precious in their eyes. We need to divide your problem into two. The ﬁrst is that’s all too easy to compete and blame your brothers for the problem. The fact is you don’t need to compete. You need to be yourself and compete with yourself to be the best you can be. Your brothers will always be important in your life. It’s important to try and keep your relationship with them as positive as possible. Sometimes talking with them about this problem may lead to a closer relationship. The second is dealing with your parents. If it’s possible, you should try to talk to your parents about what you feel. It’s very rare for parents to want to hurt their children. All too often comparisons are misguided attempts to encourage the other child. Tell them how much it hurts and be up-front with them. I hope they understand the damage their words are creating. More importantly believe in yourself, there are going to be many such challenges in our lives. Remember we all have our good and bad points. Hold on to your self-belief and keep growing to be the best you can be…that in the end this is the only thing than can be asked from any of us. All the best, Dr G

Dr Gerry D’Costa has an MD in psychiatry and a special interest in the areas of anxiety, depression, addiction, and children’s psychiatry. He has practiced as a specialised psychiatrist at Badr Al Samaa hospital in Ruwi for the last 9 years. Starting next week, Dr D’Costa will begin offering his advice and professional insights to the readers of Times of Oman. Send your mental health questions to lifestyle@timesofoman.com

C1 2

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

LIFESTYLE

Brain health is said to be linked to one’s body mass index (BMI) and what is good or bad for your heart is usually good or bad for your brain as well. But eating for brain health is something that goes beyond weight control. To keep your grey matter (and memory) in top form, add these nutritional powerhouses to your diet

Eggs Eggs, more speciﬁcally the yolks, are a good source of choline, a known precursor for acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in cognition and memory.

Whole grains Concentration is built on an adequate, steady supply of energy — in the form of glucose in our blood that goes to the brain. Whole grains release glucose slowly into the bloodstream, keeping one mentally alert throughout the day.

Eat: Eggs for breakfast for enhanced mental performance in the morning.

Eat: Brown cereals, wheat bran, brown pasta.

Tomatoes Oily ﬁsh EPA and DHA omega-3 fats reduce the risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease or memory loss and occur naturally in oily ﬁsh. Eat: Sardine, salmon, mackerel, herring, pilchard, trout.

Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, is beneﬁcial to protect against the kind of free radical damage to cells which occurs in the development of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s. Eat: Cherry tomatoes, slices of roma or beefsteak tomatoes, tomato sauce.

Seeds

Beetroot

Peeling and consuming pumpkin or sunﬂower seeds might be a boring task but just a handful of pumpkin or sunﬂower seeds a day provides your brain with a daily dose of zinc which is vital for enhancing memory and thinking skills.

The naturally occurring nitrates in beetroot and beetroot juice can increase blood ﬂow to the brain, which may help to improve mental performance and help combat cognitive decline. Eat: Roasted beets, beet juice, pickled beets

Blackcurrants Vitamin C has long been thought to have the power to increase mental agility. And one of the best sources of this vital vitamin are blackcurrants.

Eat: Pumpkin seeds, sunﬂower seeds.

Eat: Black currants as a snack or mix them into cakes or ice-cream

Broccoli Broccoli is a good source of vitamin K, which is known to enhance cognitive function and improve brainpower. Eat: Broccoli in soups, stir-fry, or raw.

Nuts A good intake of vitamin E is essential to prevent cognitive decline, particularly among elderly persons. Eat: Walnuts, almonds, cashew nuts, pistachios.

Red meat Red meat, especially beef, is said to be a good source of absorbable iron, which helps transport oxygen throughout the body, including to the brain. Eat: Lean beef, low fat ground beef, lamb.

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DAILY GUIDE FOR RENT

3BR villa, sitting, dining & hall, Azaiba behind Al Meera H- Market. Contact: 99259977 / 95033008 1BHK, Darsait, walking distance to ISM , neat and clean building, ground floor, OMR 260/- per month rent Call IQRAR on 99076557 840 sqr mtrs Store & Staff accommodation for Rent in Misfah. Contact 99792181 Flat for rent near Al Nahdha Hospital in Hamriya. Contact: 97380548 / 99680499 Big flat for rent in Al Khuwair, nr. Ibis Hotel. Contact 95724975 3 bedroom flat with 3 attached toilets, split A/C, brand Kims Hospital. Contact: 95225662 2BHK with Split AC. AL-KHUWAIR Near MARS HYPERMARKET – 92880107 Brand new 3BHK apartment on 5th floor at Qurum, PDO gate 2, master bedroom with en-suite (shower) with balcony, 2 bedrooms with bath, guest washroom with shower, laundry room, luxury floorings with A/Cs. Other amenities in the building: Gym, multi purpose room & children’s play area. Contact 24564460 / 97610908

3BHK Flats & 6BHK Villa in Azaibah. Contact : 96775026 1 BR flat at Darsait, near ISM. Contact 99237971 / 99320633 250 sq mtrs restaurant for rent in Plaza Hotel, Walja Ruwi. Contact 99326339 Villa for rent in Shatti Al Qurum. Contact: 99315150 2BHK with A/Cs Muttrah, near Oman House. Contact: 95915154 A fully equipped. Well running fabrication/carpentry workshop / store (area 1800 sq.ft) at Barka Industrial area, close to main road, with all facilities such as Portacabin, Labour camp for about 20 staff. Contact 95120404, Email : elmechoman@gmail.com Al Khuwair 17/1, 7 flats of single bedroom available, 2 big flats RO 200/-., 1 medium RO 150/-, 4 small flats RO 125/- respectively including Electricity & Water. Contact 99441798

1BHK, 2BHK, 3BHK new ﬂat available at Mabela in front of Modern English School Contact: 96239126

2 B/R res./comm. Flat directly from owner near Oman Medical College Bausher. Contact 92158031

3 BHK, 3 bathrooms, 2 balcony, nr. Al Hassan W/Kabir RO 330/-. Contact :99384640

Flats shops & stores for rent at Al Amerat. Contact: 96278724

3 Bedroom flat with 3 attached toilets, split A/C, brand new available, behind Kims Hospital. Contact 95225662 3 BHK flat for rent in Azaiba. Contact 99792181 2 BHK villa for rent in Azaiba, near Sultan Centre. Contact 99792181 3 & 4 BHK villa in Al Khuwair. Contact 99792181 2 BHK flat in Azaiba. Contact 99792181

A ﬂat for rent in Al Khuwair 33, 2 rooms and sitting room and all the necessary things. Contact:92277419

1 & 2BHK ﬂat in Al Khuwair. Contact 99792181

Flat for rent 2BR at Wadi Adai. Contact 94643380

250 sq mtrs office space (showroom) in CBD. Contact 99792181

Villa 2 bedrooms + hall + sitting room in Al Hail South R.O 300/Monthly. Contact: 93993354 2 BHK near CBD & Star Cinema, Muttrah. Contact 99233116 Shop/ office near CBD & Star Cinema, Muttrah. Contact 99233116 I BHK Flat -4 Nos at Hamriya – R.O. 200/- . 2 BHK - 2 Nos / 1 BHK- 2 Nos, at Wattayya R/A near the mosque- for Families. # 96457757 - 9 am to 7 Pm. 1 & two bedroom ﬂats available for rent in wadi-kabir (opp: pencil bldg), ideal for company staff / families bulk corporate deal possible. Contact 97677170 Shop at Azaiba. Contact 99024730

Fully furnished 3 BHK accommodation with all spacious rooms in a villa at Darsait near ISD. Contact: 9526 5289 / 9604 8422

Readymade office space for rent (100sm) in Bank Melli Iran building, MBA area Ruwi opposite Center Point. Contact: 99011352

Villa for rent in Al Khuwair 33, 8 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms with parking area near Taimur Mosque. Contact 99366624

2BHK & 1BHK ﬂats available in Darsait. Contact : 99357586 / 97500025

Furnished room for rent at Al Khuwair R.O 225/- for family only. Contact: 99251975 Flats for rent in Al Khuwair, Al hail, Wadi Kabir, Al Falaj, MBD, and Muttrah. Contact: 99119699 / 95250300 / 24813002 Fully furnished 2 bedroom luxury ﬂat for rent at Ghala for short or long term basis.# 9178526 / 99881653 1 BHK, 2 BHK & shop at Wadi Kabir. Contact 99024730 2 BHK, 3BHK at Qurum. Contact 99024730 1 BHK Flat in Honda Road (Ruwi). Contact 99792181 1 & 2 BHK Flat in Al Khuwair. Contact 99792181 1 BHK, 2 BHK at Al Khuwair. Contact 99024730

3 BHK Flat in Azaiba. Contact 99792181 4 & 5 BHK villa for rent in Al Khuwair. Contact 99792181 3 BHK Flat in Al Khuwair 33. Contact 99792181 2 BHK in Ghubra RO 350/-. Contact 97799175 / 92144045 2 BHK at Mumtaz RO 300/-. Contact 97799175 / 92144045 2 BHK at Darsait RO 300/-. Contact 97799175 / 92144045 1 BHK at Ghubra RO 275/-. Contact 97799175 / 92144045 Fabulous AC ﬂat at Al Khoud 3 bedrooms, hall and kitchen RO 270/for rent. Contact: 99334699 3 Bedroom ﬂat in Wadi Kabeer and 2 bedroom villa in Sidab- Muscat. Contact: 95755953

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DAILY GUIDE

BHK Flat in Azaiba. Contact 99385835 / 99428143 House in Amerat near to Makah hypermarket with three room, 5toilets, kitchen and hall 430/-. Contact: 92747078 Bath attached room for rent Al Khuwair. Contact 99743569

Villa with two ﬂoors in (Hay Al Arjan) in AL Khoud with 4 bedrooms, hall, Majles, kitchen & one room in ground ﬂoor. Contact: 93219597 1 Villa & 3 big Flats of 2/3 BHK with hall, Kitchen & ACs Al Khoudh 6, Close to express way, from owner. Tel 97600322 Email: alnehang@gmail.com

FOR SALE

Permoglaze paint mixer (tinting machine) – 6 months old – in good condition for sale in Rustaq. interested parties may pl call 93223382 / 99874936.

3BHK AlAmerat No.3, Rent190 pm. Contact 95113797 1bedroom in Al Hail South RO 150/monthly. Contact: 93993354 Flats for rent near Indian School in Wadi Kabir. Contact 99777122 2 BHK Flats for rent in Muttrah near Oman house. Contact: 97009734 / 92629232 2 & 3 BHK big Flats with Big hall, Kitchen & new split ACs at Al Khoudh 6, Close to express way, from owner. Tel 97600322 alnehang@gmail.com Flats for rent at Darsait near to Ministry of Sports. Interested candidates please Contact : 00968-92225523 2BHK near Oman house behind Khimji H.O. Contact: 95865686 2BHK ﬂat available behind Majan College / Darsait. Contact 24705742 4 BHK single villa in Al Khuwair. Contact: 97616158

1 &2 BHK ﬂats for rent at Wadi Kabir, Wadi Adai, Hamriya and Al Khoud areas, shop for rent at Wadi Adai Round about. Contact: 24834644, GSM 93994401 /02/03 lines

Office & furniture for sale rent RO 260/- Darsait. Contact 91211117 Used supermarket Gandola Shelving RO 40.00 per meter. Contact 96441670

An excellent grade, 8 yrs old, non residential civil construction company, having registered office in Muscat needs immediate sale. Company has considerable running projects of handsome amount. Only genuine buyers contact 92978650

MOTOR VEHICLE FOR SALE

A secured land of 1500 sqm available for keeping construction equipments, trailers, container etc. near Sohar Airport Contact: 94215208

Forklift sale. Contact: 99763831 3bed room well maintained flat (villa type only 2 flats in one bldg) in Al Khuwair behind Al Akhtam Restaurant, Villa no 1839, Way No 3922, block No 239. Contact: 99253125 2BK Wadi Kabir near Kuwaiti Mosque. # 97007934 / 92629232 600 sqr mtrs showroom in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99792181 House for rent in Sidab at reasonable rent. Contact: 95555162 / 95755953 Flat for rent with AC in Wadi Kabir. Contact: 95555162 /95755953 Flat for rent in Mabellah 8th. Contact: 97147240 Brand new villa Bosher 37, 4 BHK. Contact: 91936034 For rent if require flats for rent in Wadi Kabir please send me messages through Whatsapp. Contact: 99376454

Furnished office for sale. Contact 99024272

Spare parts heavy for sale at Ghala with stock worth 50000 R.O. Contact: 99263071

A well running security solutions company & a perfume shop for sale at Al Hail. Contact 93664357/ 95372501

400 sq mtrs Commercial/Residential land in Maabela Phase 5 Block 2. OMR 140 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Land for sale at prime location in Al Athaiba. Contact 91299531 / 91408005

Shop for sale in Ruwi High street, Contact 96078411

Wall papers, grass carpets sale & ﬁxing. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500

SELL/BUY Used furniture & Electronic items, office & house. Contact: 99834373 / 96642500

FOR EXPATS From owner plot of land near Zanzibar, airport price RO 15000. Contact 99348943

New villa at Qurum, 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, sitting, dining and open sitting on the terrace. Contact: 99342733

AVAILABLE Party & Wedding equipment rentals. Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chaﬁng Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. www.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

Honda Accord, 2010, No. 1, 105000 kms, expat lady driven, dealer maintained, silver, expected price RO 4700/-. Contact 99330509

Prado ,2012. Contact : 99336093

Mazda 3,1.6, 2008 Automatic, accident free, single owner. Contact: 92030516

Hyundai Elantra 2012 1.8 top model 3800RO GSM 99883832

Nissan Altima 2.5S, 2008 Model, Metallic Gold Colour, Excellent condition, self driven by diplomat, only 65, 000 k.m run, available for immediate delivery, Contact 99251286.

FOR HIRE Volvo 12 Ton Truck for monthly rent. Contact: 98713900

ACC. AVAILABLE Fully Furnished studio immediately available for couple in N.Azaiba. Contact 95450249 Independent rooms in Qurum / AL Hail. Contact 95529970

PAJERO 2015 km1400. Contact 99336093

Nissan Tiida, F. automatic 2011, R.O 2800/-. Contact: 93835318 Land Cruiser 2012. # 99336093 Sportage, 2013. Contact 99336093

ACC. AVAILABLE Sharing accommodation in CBD area for non cooking Executive bachelors, wiﬁ free, advance deposit. Contact 91852710 Room for rent in a ﬂat for Executive bachelor at Azaiba behind Al Meera Hypermarket Azaiba with attached bath with cot & A/C, rent RO 175/- per month including water & electricity. # 96404166 / 97433992 Contd on Pg 6

S U N D AY, AU G U S T 1 6 , 2 0 1 5 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classiﬁeds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

SITUATION WANTED SIT. WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

ACCOUNTANT

ENGINEER

Urgently required Junior Accountant. Please send CV: hr.azatllc@gmail.com

A grade Civil construction company in Muscat urgently requires the following person with minimum 3 yrs experience : 1) Electrical Engineer 2) AutoCAD Draughtsman 3) Purchaser. Send CV to hr.azatllc@gmail.com

Seeking minimum 5 yrs Construction company experienced Accountant able to read Arabic & owning vehicle. Email : hr@greencover.net

BEAUTY

Civil construction company looking for fresh Civil Engineering degree holders. Send CV: awahaibitrad@gmail.com

Required HAIR DRESSERS / FULL BEAUTICIANS with Gulf experience. Contact 96180078.

Smartphone Technician Required ftt@futuretarget.net GSM: 99110080/9669066

CATERING Chinese/ Arab/ continental cook & helper wanted. Contact 95529970 A fast growing chain of omani fusion restaurants in Muscat is looking to hire experienced waiters and chefs (2 yrs exp).Applicants should have NOCs if applicable. Forward resume to creativefoodsllc@gmail.com

MEP Engineer on urgent basis required for immediate placement. Please contact tgi17@omantel.net.om

Indian Cook required. Should know Omani traditional foods. #99209264

Software developer with experience in asp.net, sql server and crystal reports required for a software development ﬁrm. Email CV to hr@ promisworld.com

Temporary Cook required for 1 month for company mess. Contact 99413089 / 98048952

MEDICAL DRAFTSMAN Leading Civil construction company requires “MEP DRAFTSMAN” with 4-6 years gulf experience. Send your CV to mep.oman2015@gmail. com. (NOC required).

DOMESTIC HELPER An Indian family located in Azaiba looking for a Housemaid. Contact 99384009 Require qualify caregiver for an orderly mother. Contact 99425200

DRIVER A fast food restaurant in Muscat required Drivers. (1 car and 1 motor cycle) # 93216008. Forward CV :fastfoodoman2014@gmail.com Indian Driver required. Contact 99209264. Female Driving Instructor needed in Madinat Qaboos. Contact 95591068 Required Indian national Light Duty Driver for Omani house. Contact: 99420752 Driver heavy duty required urgently for trailer. Oman / GCC experience must. Those ready for immediate joining. Contact: 99310859

EDUCATION Required female Science & IT Teachers from Pakistan, 4 grade near Ibra. Contact 95810797 A well known private school require English, Mathematics, Science, Physics & Computer Teacher. Email : staffing.oman@gmail.com, ph: 96910649

Wanted GP Doctor for clinic. Ph 98115439 Medical CARE Centre, Multi Speciality Clinic, Seeb, requires Gynecologist to work on Freelance (Proﬁt Sharing) basis. Interested candidates call- 97884856 Wanted Nurse (Salary-RO 400/-) & Pharmacist (Salary RO 500/-)-MOH Licensed -Al Suwaiq Clinic Contact- 97742491 Required Nurse for A Clinic in Al-Buraimi, S. of Oman. Contact : 00968 92737149. Send CV to drpkabbas@yahoo.co.in Urgently required Lab Technician male / female, Receptionist female Omani (ﬂuent in English and Arabic) at Sinaw – Hala Medical Center. Contact : 95969249 / 94580112 Email: halamedicalgroup@gmail.com Required prometric passed or MOH license holder for the following posts Indian male & female GP Doctor, Indian Female dentist, Female Staff Nurse & Pharmacists. Contact: 97985325 Email: polyclinicomanhr@gmail.com

MANAGER Contracting Company requires a Project Manager (Civil) – 1 No. 8 ~ 10 years of experience in overall Project Management, GCC D/L. Mail CV : contractingrecruitment1234@ gmail.com Contracting Company requires a Sales Manager (Trading) – 1 No. Experience in Building Materials & Specialized Products, Oman/GCC D/L. Mail CV : contractingrecruitment1234@ gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Pakistani Female, Masters of Education. 13 years of Experience in Teaching. Looking for suitable placement. Contact: 94739533/97926339 Email: kiranilyas95@gmail.com

Required Indian or Pakistani calligrapher & Painter (staff accommodation) Contact# 24480487/24483493

Indian male, 10 years experience, 6 years in Oman with Oman driving license with NOC seeking suitable job. Contact: 96012973

Indian Female MBA , 3 Years Experience in Admin MIS , Family Visa. Contact 98234427, jkjsmith01@gmail.com

12 years of Oman experienced Chief Accountant looking for immediate placement. Contact : 99513082

Indian male having 17 yrs experience in Logistics, Purchase, payroll processing & office Admin, UAE D/L seeks suitable position, valid visa till 24th August’15. . Contact 91219303

Indian male, MBA, 27 yrs, 2 yrs exp. in Oman in Accounts upto ﬁnalization of accounts, seeks suitable placement. Contact 91208799, jahafeer@yahoo.co.in Indian male,, MBA, Finance, 10 yrs exp as Branch Supervisor in a reputed logistics company in Oman with an overall experience of 21 yrs in ﬁnance & logistics, with valid Oman D/L, on visit looks for suitable placement. Contact 96567151, girishlalmahadev@yahoo.com

Urgently require B.E. Civil Engineer with 5 yrs Gulf experience in multi storey buildings should have Oman driving license & join us immediately. Email : applyforoman@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Wanted Diesel Mechanics, foreman for cement block factory, JCB & forklift operators. Salesman for block factory, experienced salesman for logistics, labors for block factory. Email : smylackal@gmail.com, Contact 94007259 Established real estate company looking for male or female property agents for leasing and sales of the property. Applicant must be Graduate, possess Omani or GCC driving license. Having oman market experience. Apply with NOC. Attractive salary +commission. Send your CV: property@ labdmarkmuscat.com

SKILLED / UNSKILLED Wanted: Loading and unloading people. Apply - Indians only: Contact: 95451713

SALES / MARKETING Required outdoor sales man in construction and oilﬁeld sector with valid GCC D/L. GSM-92830110 Email : contact@absmct.com Required Smart, dynamic Sales & Marketing Executive having 2-3 years sales experience in building materials. Omani Driving License and NOC is must. Apply with photograph to E-mail: jobdsint@gmail.com.

SALES / MARKETING Urgently required outdoor salesman for building material, shop. Contact 99867456 / 24501882 Required Marketing Executive. Contact 24816774 / 99020458 Accomplished Sales Executives/ Telemarketing Executives for leading Digital Media Enterprise. jobs@interacoman.com Urgently require Indian male/ female Medical sales representative for Cosmetic Company. Email CV to dania@nitrogenmedical.com Furniture ﬁeld experienced Salesman with license. Contact - 99345159, 91398378 , E-Mail - agsan2005@gmail.com A reputed company in Muscat requires Sales Executive to promote Oil engine products. Candidate must have 2- 5 yrs experience in the related ﬁeld, with GCC driving license. Send CV with expected salary at employmentoil2015@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Accountant having 4 yrs experience looking job. Contact: 99867456 Email: ashkar7673@gmail.com

Contracting Company requires Outdoor Salesman (Trading) – 2 Nos. Experience in selling Building Materials in Oman/GCC with D/L solicited. Mail CV : contractingrecruitment1234@gmail. com

Part time Accountant with 15 yrs exp in accounts, ﬁnance audit taxation. Contact: 95857199

Sales Executive Industrial products : 2-3 yrs of exp. with good communication & computer skills. D/L is must. Send resume to salescvv@hotmail.com

Jordanian Accountant (ACPA) with more than 15 yrs experience in Oman (Accounts, Purchase & ﬁnance). Contact: 92881223 Email: kamal_sarhan@yahoo.com

Looking for Outdoor Salesman for heavy equipment spare parts. Contact - 93292015, Email: mail.om@gulfcenter.co

MBA, B.Com CA (ﬁnalist) 7 years experience (2 years in Oman) looking for suitable placement in a reputable organization. Expertise in ERP, Tally Quickbooks, peachtree and Excel. NOC available. Contact: 97736404 Email: adnantahir1990@gmail.com

A REPUTED TRADING & CONTRACTING CO. requires urgently sales Executive (male) having at least 3 years experience of construction materials in Oman/GCC with valid driving license . Send CV through Fax 24495411 or email: info@styletrading.net

Indian female Accountant with 5 yrs Gulf exp in accounts, audit, Admin payroll. Contact: 96263157

Motivated and energetic male 25 having 4 years of experience in finance with Master’s degree in Economics and CAT Certified seeking opportunity in Accounts/finance/ audit in a reputable organization. Cell no: 00968-94626209 E-Mail: omerjawedshah@gmail.com

ADMIN

Accountant Part time up to ﬁnalization on monthly basis by Indian CA. All reports, bank loan help, tax & Audit matters, affordable fee. Contact 92758370

Indian Male 18 years ( 7 years in Oman ) experience in HR / Admin in Oil & Gas , construction ﬁelds with Oman D/L seeks suitable position. Visa Transfer / NOC available. Call 92854993. Indian male 2+yrs oman exp in HR. joing immediatly. release available. Contact :93671437 Purchase, Admin, Indian male, 15 yrs Gulf experience. Contact 95435370 HSE Admin experience for 10 years in GCC with valid D/L seeking to join a reputed ﬁrm. NOC available. Contact: 99626821

Finance/ Audit professional with 18 yrs Gulf experience can work independently or head the division looking for opening. Contact 92787747 / 92168401.

Indian female, 29 yrs, MBA (HR) 4 yrs exp in HR & Admin seeking suitable placement. Contact: 95619537

FMCG professional with 18 yrs Gulf experience in commercial / operations looking for opening. Contact 92787747 / 92168401

14 years of Gulf experience in HR / Admin & logistics ﬂuent in Arabic / English with D/L looking for suitable position. Contact: 95824598

B.Com Graduate 3 yrs experience in Oman driving license looking for accounts/sales. Contact 93645008

Master degree HRM professional having excellent experience in ﬁnance and management and having 8 yrs experience looking for suitable placement. Contact: 92955453 / 91213269

Indian male, Accountant, B.Com, 1 yr experience in Accounts. Contact 98295101 Omani female exp. in Accounts & shipping & Secretary & PRO, job knowledge in Computer with Oman D/L. Contact 91161736

DRIVER Looking for driving job. Contact 98219182

Senior Document Controller, male, Indian, MCA 9+ yrs experience as Document controller in oil & gas sector seeks job as Senior Document controller. Contact 95388197, Email : rojanchristopher@gmail.com

LMV Driver, 8 yrs exp. (Keralite). Contact 93412587

Indian 24 years MBA ﬁnance 2 years experience seeking suitable placement. Contact: 9822253

Looking for a job as Driver, with 9 yrs experience in Oman, language : Arabic/ English/ Hindi. Contact 92517532

Indian female B.Tech (EEE) MBA finance with 1and half years experience as Bank Officer in India seeking suitable placement. Contact: 91358676 / 98157895 Email: sujivu88@gmail.com An Indian Lady Chartered Accountant with five years experience (including articleship), on family visa in Oman looking for a suitable job. Please Contact 9621 0347 / 9943 5346, shincycrajan@gmail.com Indian male, 27 years, M. Com, having 2years experience in Accounts looking for suitable position. Presently on visit visa. Contact 93455055| gibingeorge88@gmail.com Accountant Indian male 31 yrs Accounts up to finalization, 9 yrs experience (7 yrs in Oman) with D/L & NOC seeks suitable placement. Contact: 99582979 Part time accountant services available to handle all accounts related work up to finalization. Contact 96247295

ADMIN HR.Admin, Indian male..2+ Oman exp..joining immediately.. Contact 93671437

Light duty driver/ salesman looking for job, with Oman Driving license. Contact 91389466

Driver, 10 yrs. Contact 94260369 Light Driver, 5 yrs experience looking for job. Contact 92617293 Light driver 5 years exp Education B.A language English, Arabic & Hindi. Contact : 98522914 / 91615715 Indian (Kerala) light driver seeking for job 4 years exp in Oman. Contact 95844147 Sri Lankan driver. Contact: 97387112 Light duty driver, 8 yrs exp. Contact: 96736744

DRAUGHTSMAN 3D Draughtsman 25 years Indian male having 4 years experience. Contact: 93746877

DESIGNER Sr Designer, Civil & Structural (oil & gas) / Site Supervisor Indian male, 21 years experience in design ﬁeld with driving license seeks suitable placement N.O.C available. Contact: 92684051 Email: babyshibu@yahoo.co.in

S U N DAY, AU G U S T 1 6, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED

MISCELLANEOUS

DESIGNER Experienced Graphics Designer with 6+ years of international exposure in Middle East & Asia looking for job. Valid Omani D/L. 97615584.

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Keralite, Indian, Diploma in Mechatronic, PG Diploma in Industrial automation (PLC SCADA DCS) interest ﬁeld. Email : sajasvp@gmail.com Civil Engineer BSc -7 years experience with constructions companies - 2 years in Oman - qualiﬁed as a project Engineer- Fluent in Arabic & English - Contact 98078095 Project Manager / Senior Engineer, Indian Male BE Civil, 21yrs experienced including Oman looking for the Job Contact +918939295181 Email I’D : sanja_bala@yahoo.co.in SAP BW Analyst : Indian male, 26 yrs, B.Tech (CS & E) from ASET, New Delhi, worked as a Business Analyst in Software Industry. Contact 98008127 / 92878708, vaisakh.bhaskar@gmail.com Civil Engineer, more than 6 yrs experience in Supervision, site management, QS, Engineering software with valid Oman driving license. NOC available. Contact 91761364, Email : a-shaqfa@hotmail.com Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineer, 26 yrs, Masters from Singapore, Bachelors from India. Having 2 yrs work experience in Oman, with Valid Oman driving license. available immediately. Contact: 95498953 Indian male 25yrs B.E in Electronics and Communication Engineering with 2 yrs experience D/L. Email : azee245ec@gmail.com, Contact 94188216 B Tech Mechanical Engineer HVAC Plumbing with 2 yrs exp. in India. Contact : 97654489 nikhilchandpm@gmail.com 24Yrs, B.E (Mechanical), having 3 Yrs experience as a Piping Engineer, Seeking suitable job in Oman. Contact: +919965885511 (India), +96898989716(Oman), Email : nandhamek@gmail.com Indian female (M. Tech – power system) having Gulf experience, currently on family visa seeking suitable placement in Oman. Contact: 94306164 Mechanical Engineer with 5 yrs exp in which 3 yrs in GCC with valid D/L. looking for suitable placement. Contact :94172136, Email: allen.mathew@hotmail.com Indian male 24 yrs B Tech Electronics & communication looking for job, having 6 months exp available in Muscat on visit visa. Contact: 94756280 / 95084905, Email: vivek2573459@gmail.com Civil Engineer : Pakistani male having 4 yrs experience in Oman. Well handle site & guide workers, seeks suitable placement. All the documents available. Contact 96470310. Electrical and Electronics Engineer with one year experience and GCC licence holder seeking a job mail – shyjalpk@gmail.com Indian male, 30 yrs, Diploma in Civil Engineer, 5 yrs exp. at building construction & consulting company with Oman driving license. NOC available seeks suitable placement. Contact 95989500, cv.shihabedappal@gmail.com Indian male 25MBA having 4years Gulf experience in Coordination with contracting company .NOC Available. Looking for(Store,Coordination,Admin ,Backoffice) Jobs Ph:95405885 Indian male Electronic Technician, 7 yrs experience, CCTV Technician seeks suitable job, now on visit visa. Contact 98353542 / 99179853 Indian male, B.Tech, B.Tech (Electronics) MBA (Marketing) having 1 yr experience as Deputy Manager Sales in Fortune 100 MNC currently on visit visa seeks suitable job. Contact 96967234, Email: lijotitus111@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Indian male B.Tech Mechanical Engineer 1 year experience seeking suitable placement, available immediately. Contact: 93907707 Email: jubinkasim@gmail.com SUPERVISOR: Indian male site supervisor (AIR CONDITIONING) 25 years of experience with valid Oman Driving license, seeking suitable placement. Contact: 97498809, 93391910 Email: hilariankj@gmail.com

Diploma in Mech.Engg. Indian Female - with great experience in Quality Control, (QA/QC) Auto CAD, Primavera, CATIA, Pro E, seeking job. Currently in family visa Contact: 94526980/96510532 Electrical Engineer, Indian male, 29 yrs having 5 yrs of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in India (MRF tyres) seeks suitable placement. Contact 92789995, Email : akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com

Indian male MBA 13 yrs exp in Oman (8 yrs in Tech Documentation 5 yrs in Project coordination) Administration, seeks suitable placement. Visa transfer / NOC available. Contact : 93069441

Experienced Electrical Technician, with Oman driving license looking for suitable placement. Contact 96103843

Civil Engineer BSc-Total Experience 6 years-2 years in Oman, experience in site work & Structural Design & Technical office. Contact 97983610

Indian male 23, Mechanical Engineer, 1 year experience, knowledge in HVAC currently on visit visa looking for suitable placement. Contact: 95434381 Email: shuhaibusman313@gmail.com

Bangladeshi male, B.Sc, Engg. in Civil total 9 yrs experience, 2.5 yrs as Contractor Engg. & 3.5 yrs as consultant Engr, total 6 yrs exp in Oman seeking a job. Contact Mobile 95540721, Email : sheikwet@gmail.com Civil Engineer, 10 yrs exp. in building residential M.O.E, M.O.D, Stp looking for suitable placement. NOC available. Good knowledge AutoCAD, computer MS Office, Excel, making B.O.Q. all type of civil work related, building supervision. Contact 99471944, engrzagar@gmail.com HSE, 10 yrs Logistics Site Coordination consultancy valid Oman D/L, PDO driving permit. Contact 92565093 Indian male, Supervisor Electrician Diploma 8 yrs in Oman. NOC available. Contact 95057068, jratheesh@yahoo.com BE Civil Graduate /Male – More than 18 years of experience in Infrastructure in India,UAE and Oman. looking for a suitable job in Oman. Mob :98294123 Email: sandeepj02@gmail.com Egyptian Civil Engineer-total experience 6 years - 1 year @ Oman-I have good experience in Technical office & site Works. Contact number: 00968 94682217 B.Com MBA, Indian male 2 years experience looking for suitable job. Contact: 94718663 Email: naveelkhan524@gmail.com Sudanese male Telecommunication Engineer looking for job. Contact: 94537607 Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp. Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@gmail.com Electrical Engineer 5 years of exp in construction companies, NOC available Indian. Contact: 92641757

Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847 Indian male 24 years B.E mechanical 2 years exp. or visit visa. Contact: 99247326 Civil Engineer B.E, 5.5 years experience with Omani D/L. Contact: 96785311 Electrical Engineer 2 years experience (Indian) construction (building) looking suitable placement. Contact 00968 92596672 Email: kundara.renjith@gmail.com Electrical Engineer bachelor degree having 6+ years experience of Gulf and professional license available to join. Contact: 98063081 Email: imran.engr08@gmail.com Indian Male, Diploma in Civil Engineer working as a Project engineer with 7years of experience looking for suitable job. Contact- 92636569 Engineer with 3 yrs experience in Indian in MEP, HVAC& mechanical maintained ﬁeld on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact 99191535 Email: fareed029@gmail.com SAP – SCM.MM Consultant B.Tech. (Chemical), from NIT, working with oil industry, seeks employment. Contact: 98049288 Btech computer science graduate 2015 passout.. Android application marketing.. Having good communication skills and mindset to work in a team. Contact 91024385

EDUCATION Indian female, B.Sc, B.Ed, 3 yrs experience currently on visit visa looking for suitable placement. Contact 91330415

BE in ECE Indian female currently on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact: 94767662 Email: chaithanyankotian10@gmail.com

Indian female, M.Sc, M.Phil. Chemistry, 3 yrs Teaching experience currently on visit visa, seeks suitable position. Contact 96916534 / 91969756

Civil Engineer B.E 12 years experience with valid Oman driving license. Contact: 93843448

Indian lady M.Com, B.Ed looking for openings in teaching. Contact 97668603

Mechatronic Engineer (UK) with business operations PG Certiﬁcate (UK) & piping Engineering (IIT) looking for vacancy, with Oman driving license. Contact 99278195, email : justin_johns123@hotmail. com

Indian female, English teacher, MA,B.Ed,CELTA, 5+years experience, looking for suitable placement. Contact 99642462, kalcky@yahoo.com

Mechanical Engineer, Indian male, 24 yrs, having 1 yr plant experience currently on visit visa, looking for suitable job. Contact 92835957, rafeekmohammed84@gmail.com Indian female, Electronics and telecommunication Engineer, currently on family visa looking for suitable openings. Contact: 95020425 Civil Project Engineer exp 10 yrs. Contact: 92673432 Email: arifjamalkhan8@gmail.com Telecommunication Maintenance Engineer Sudanese male 2 years experience in HUAWEI hardware ﬁeld cabins good communication English & Arabic. Contact :+ 968 96433495 / +968 94756295 Email: muzamilawadalla@gmail.com

IT NETWORK/NETWORK SECURITY ENGG. Graduate in B.Tech CS. Have 5.3 years of experience in Network and Security devices. Certified on CCNA, CCNP, MCITP and CCIE Sec. Written passed. NOC available. Can join immediately. Contact +974-55297089, e-mail: rejad.hashim@gmail.com Indian male, MCA completed certificate come in Oracle, 10g, experienced as Software developer (Php) worked CSS HTML, codesigner seeking suitable position in IT field. Email: mohamedashif786@gmail.com Contact: 99153840 Sudanese female IT Tech. Support, Demographic, English fluent exp. 11.6 yrs. Contact: 96659392 Indian (f) with 7 yrs exp in software development (2.5 yrs Oman exp) good knowledge in .net and MSSQL Server seeks suitable placement. Contact : 93276784 email: sanalkumar63@gmail.com B. Tech (CSE) Oracle, DBA Indian female 23 yrs seeking suitable placement now on visiting visa Contact : 91873454 / 99508485. email : shahanasebi@gmail.com Indian female, BCA, MCA, SAP ABAP certification, ASP.Net Certification 2 yrs experience, looking for a suitable opportunity. Contact 99109121. Indian visit visa, Network / System Engineer switches, routers, servers, load balancers 5 yrs of exp holds B.E (ECE), CCNA looking for good opportunity. Contact: 91911792 Email: arafakdnl@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Indian male 26 yrs Graduate, 2 yrs exp as logistics Coordinator looking for suitable placement. Contact: 96944298 Indian male looking for indoor, sales, accountant, storekeeper, office assistant. Contact 98295101 Management Professional accountable, responsible for proﬁtable management can handle the entire operations, HR/Recruitment, Business development & Sales & marketing & etc, Great organizational skills with over 23+yrs exp. in Bombay, Saudi Arabia, Dubai-UAE & Oman(11yrs) as General Manager - Publications, Printing,Media. open to any industry, can Join immediately w/NOC. Contact : +968 98864706/99574638 Mail : akdas_uae@yahoo.com 10 yrs exp in Oman in logisticshave Oman D/L-looking for suitable placement. Contact 96410767 ; email: harishkts@yahoo.com

MEDICAL Female Nurse- Indian, Total 14 yrs. experience,6 yrs. in KSA, Prometric passed, ready to join immediately. Contact 95525004 & 98146565 BA degree Nursing professional having excellent looking for suitable placement. Contact:: 92955453 /91213269 GP Doctor Yemeni national-male, with 4 years of work experience. Mobile:00966531598754 Email: alsyaniramzy@gmail.com

PROJECTS Indian male, with 8 yrs exp. in Oman (BA- Graduate) working as a project Sales Coordinator, with Oman D/L, looking for suitable job, ready to join immediately with NOC, open for Sales & Marketing also. Contact 95245057

SALES / MARKETING MBA, BBA (Marketing), Certiﬁcates in NEBOSH, IOSH, MEDIC FIRST AID. 2 years work experience as BDE in HSE ﬁrm. Phone - 94362502, Email - libinakurisinkal@gmail.com Marketing/Sales, 1 year experience/ Degree holder(BBA) / valid Driving license. Contact;94122944, mail; raashidjabirm@gmail.com Indian on visit visa, having 5 yrs exp. in procurement / purchase in KSA with valid Saudi driving license. Contact 95438201 Looking for job as Salesman at any shop. Contact 96930922 Male, BA with D/L, 6 yrs exp. in Oman seeks suitable job in Sales & Inventory & procure. Contact 92191026 Expert in Sales Marketing & promotions, having D/L of Oman, good communication skills in Arabic & English. Contact 92262680 Indian male 8yrs experience in Purchase looking for a suitable placement with N.O.C. Contact : 95621614 Female, 5 yrs experience in software and 1 yr experience in administration, looking for any official job full time or part time or work from home. Contact: 00968 91711326 Email: shetty.sapna22@gmail.com Indian female high School Teacher having 30 years experience, currently on visit visa, looking for suitable openings. Contact: 95020425 Indian male B.Com & MBA Graduate 11 years experience airline travel & tourism, Sales & Marketing in Dubai & Oman with driving license NOC available. Contact: 92552612 Email: mazmanu1@gmail.com Indian male 27 years, B.Tech Graduate having good work experience with valid Oman D/L looking for a suitable opening as Sales Engineer. Contact: 91472953 Email: harees.rasheed.2014@gmail.com Sales and marketing - male 27 yrs, 2 years experience seeking suitable placement. Contact: 95642740 Email: shaijichakkara@gmail.com

SKILLED/ UNSKILLED TIG+ARC Welder Indian with 16 yrs Middle East exp. in Copper Nickel, Duplex, Inconel, S.S, CS Now on visit visa seeks suitable placement.. Contact : 96502282. Email: manuangold88@gmail.com

TOURS & TRAVELS 11 yrs experience in travel ﬁeld B.Com, IATA, MCSE working for Qatar Airways, Sales reservation ticketing driving license & NOC available. Contact 92954613

MISCELLANEOUS

HOSPITALITY MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Diploma holder in Aviation Hospitality & travel management, Indian male seeking for suitable position, presently in Oman. Contact 97309707 Indian female 40 yrs, MBA, Oman driving license with experience in service industry / business development is looking for suitable job. Contact : 98007311 4 Years experienced (Money exchange services & Hospitality services in Oman & India) - Indian male 27 years, graduate in Hospitality science, ﬂuent in English, Hindi & Arabic seeks suitable placement. Contact 91383167

MIB Post Graduate /male – more than 9 years of experience in shipping & Logistics in middle east (Liner Section) looking for a suitable job in Oman. .Mob :( India) 91-9400043894, Oman 99899627 Email: jaise81@gmail.com Indian Male 13 years experience in Purchase/Store seeks urgent placement Contact -99609696 Indian Male 9 years experience in Purchase/Supply Chain with Oman D/L looking for a suitable opening in Construction/ Oil & Gas Industry. Contact 91124175

Pakistani male 32 years IT network + Computer Hardware professional A+ MCSE Termination Technician work Experience in salalah airport. 10+ years experience in IT field and 2 years Oman working experience valid GCC driving license available looking for a suitable placement contact no 96733205 Email - faisalzaman24@gmail.com Well qualified Indian Female Bsc, Computers diploma 9 years of experience as Executive Secretary seeks placement. Contact 95423692,91374217 Indian female with MBA in finance on visit visa seeking immediate placement. Contact :968-93316493

Sales Representative or Purchase officer. Indian male 30 years , looking for suitable placement in construction industries and oilfield industries. Having 5 years of Gulf experience in FASTENERS and building material. with good communication skills. Contact: 97756269, Email: razzakbmt@gmail.comIndian B.E Mechanical engineer,2 years job experience in Oman in pipeline field, having ASNT level ll in UT,RT,MT and PT, fluent in English, Hindi, Gujarati and Marathi, with valid Omani driving license (light) searching for job. Contact : +968 92745691 ACCOUNTANT: Indian male senior Accountant, Graduate & CA Article ship completed. 18 Years of experience. Currently on visiting visa. seeks suitable placement. Contact: 97498809, 99769743, Email: hilariankj@gmail.com Indian male executive secretary having vast experience in admin, logistics & procurement well versed with computer seeks suitable placement. Contact : 99514286 Available for a part time accounting job. Contact 99196621 Indian male 35 yrs, 10 yrs UAE experience in FMCG, looking for a suitable position in sales and marketing, valid GCC license on visit visa. Contact 93438747, 95723635. Indian Male 28 years MSM, B. Com having 6years experience in Gulf and India as a HR and Admin looking for suitable placement. Contact : 97914340. Email: rajkv30@gmail.com Having exp in the following, MS Windows Server 2003 & 2008, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 & E-Mail Client Administration,Linux Administration, Service Desk Administration, Network Management, Technical Support. Presently the candidate in India.Mob:97239854 Software Developer, Indian female, B.Tech (AE & I), M.Tech (VLSI Design), asp.net, C#,.net, C++, Core Java, Android Java, looking for suitable placement. Contact 95906935, Email : amalpkku@gmail.com Electronics / Instrumentation Engineer, Indian female, M.Tech (VLSI Design), B.Tech (applied Electronics & Instrumentation), ASP.Net, C++.Net, C++, Android Java, looking for suitable placement. Contact 95906935, Email : amalpktu@gmail.com ACCOUNTANT, M.Com holder with 2 year working experience as an accountant in Kerela-India, seeks suitable placement. GSM NO:96947500, 9 9463120, mail: mohamedshafikk5@gmail.com 8 yrs exp 2d, 3d draughtsman (HOLDING OMANI DRIVING LICENSE) seeking job. Contact : 93790601 Indian Male 22 Years, Graduation In Electronics Seeking Jobs In Supervisory , Sales & Sales Co-ordination Fields , Good Communication Skill Contact 96141317, E-mail: akhilek5@gmail.com Chartered Accountant with 7 years of post qualification experience, seeking challenging job opportunity. Experience in auditing/accounts & finance/taxation/IFRS, etc. GSM +968 95763680 Indian Female Interior Designer, 4.5 yrs experience, seeking immediate mid-senior level position with firm having lady clearance. NOC Available. Contact 93033072 Sudanese.male 32 years.B.SC mechanical engineer.7years experience.5 years experiance in Gulf. working now in water pipeline projects.fluent Arabic and English.have Omani driving license.looking for good opportunity TEl:91117089 Indian Male 22 years, ACCA Affiliate with B..Sc. Degree in Applied Accounting having three months working experience seeking suitable placement in Finance / Accounts / Audit. Holding valid Oman D/L. Contact 97378607 / 92558734 Indian female Nurse, Prometric passed 64%, 5 years of experience, MOH licensed, presently working in Oman seeking a suitable placement in reputed Hospitals, NOC available. Contact: 98329941, Email: ancyanish2011@gmail.com. Syrian male 3yrs. exp in IT support, Networking, Security systems, Server support, IT sales and marketing. Valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement. Contact 91033395

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DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

SITUATION WANTED MISCELLANEOUS B.Com graduate, 11 years experience in Accounts, 9 years Oman experience , Oman valid driving license, looking for suitable post. Mob:92758404 NOC Available. Indian male, B.com, MBA, having 5 years experience (3 years in U.A.E) is currently seeking suitable opportunities within finance/accounts/ admin dept.Contact:93953613, allen.mathew83@gmail.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, Indian male,29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license. NOC available. Seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854 Indian male 23 years Graduate, working as a sales coordinator cum purchase & office coordination 2 yrs in oman Having oman license & NOC looking for suitable job in Muscat Email:yadhukrishnan08@gmail.com, GSM:97475860 Indian Male, 32 yrs, MBA-HR, Trainer & Faculty worked on Omanisation & nationals development activities with 10 yrs of experience seeking suitable job. Contact : 93891401 saiprasad_18@yahoo.com Female MBA gold medalist, with computer proficiency, Oman driving license looking for job opportunity in event management companies in Muscat. Ph : 99012949 Sudanese 29 male (Bsc computer science,diploma computer engineering), 6 yrs. experience dba oracle plsql , ms sql-server ,ms visual studio vba,network Omani Driver licence language English, Arabic Tel: 91415886 Piping Design Engineer, Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering. Having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708/97357143 Indian Male 22 Years , Graduation In Electronics Seeking Jobs In Supervisory , Sales & Sales Co-ordination Fields , Good Communication Skill # 96141317, E-mail: akhilek5@gmail.com Indian female B. Com MBA finance ,5 years experience in oman as an account seeking suitable placement. Contact 99044292 DIPLOMA+B.E.(CIVIL ENGINEER), Indian, 4 years of experience, currently on visit visa; Seeking Right Position. GSM:91570703. Two year experience in Oman, experience in sales, purchase and system admin, Having GCC license. Contact number 97475860, Yadhukrishnan08@gmail.com ME. Civil Engineer, Structural Designer, 3 Years Structural Design, 6 Years Str. Engineer Experience, Looking For Structural Designer Position. Iranian Male. Contact: 93696929, Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com B-tech Electrical Engineer with more than 2 years of experience in erection and designing of HT and LT electrical systems. Seeking for suitable job in Muscat. Contact: 98269366. Email: sijincleetus@gmail.com Male Graphic designer cum animation, non linear editing VFX, seeking suitable position. Contact: 97792661 / 96229406 Indian lady 30 years Graduate having work experience in India and Oman looking for Admin or any other suitable job. Contact : 95676957

Indian Female Accountant, CA Final (Group I cleared), 5+ year’s experience in the field of Accounts, Audit and Financial ERPs. Currently available in Muscat and seeking suitable job opportunities.Ph:94704800 email id: vinithsavith@gmail.com Civil site coordinator, Diploma, Male 25, now present in Oman, Seeking job in Oman. # 92887561, jubincivileng@gmail.com Data Entry operator cum Buyer, Indian male,26years.BA, Computer proficiency :Operating system (Windows 2000xp & Windows7) E plus and Tally ERP9, 4 yrs Experience in Oman seeks suitable placements. mob:95360255 Driver looking for job exp 2 yrs. Contact: 98522914 Indian Female BSC nurse with 8+ years of experience including 3 years of GCC exp. Oman Prometric passed with 57 %. Currently in Oman. Contact : 98034384 Senior Accounts Professional, Indian Male, 36 years, M.Com, MBA (Fin) 9 years in Oman, with valid Oman DL and NOC available. Capable to handle accounts up to finalization. Contact 9602 3965. Indian Male 24 years, Looking for a Suitable Job in Telecom / Networking, 1 year sales experience. M. Sc. Communications Engineering & Valid Driving license. Ph: 91280121. Email: jackrprasad@yahoo.com Indian female, 24yrs, M.COM (Accounts) having 3 yrs experience in Accounts, HR, Administration, Customer Service. Good Computer Proficiency seeking Suitable Position. Visa Transfer/NOC Available. Contact: 99654913 Indian male 27 years B.E & MS Mechanical Engineer working in Delhi for last 4 years in Jcb India pvt. ltd., seeks placement in Oman. Contact 93393768 Indian, presently on visit visa in Salalah looking for job B.com failed UAE experience in accounts, commercial Admin & warehouse. Contact: 92754071 /93346931 Email: sathyanathanuk@gmail.com Indian male, 39 yrs, MSC Computer Science 10 years experience IT support, FMS Engineer, bank experience looking for suitable job. Contact: 94276449 MBA (Marketing /HR) with 45 years exp in business development and marketing, having valid Oman driving license seeks suitable placement currently available on family visa. Contact 97618033 Email: vjgeorge12@gmail.com Indian male 63 years have 30 years Muscat experience all office work sales business development insurance administration accounts with Oman driving license. Contact : 99249412 Driver 5 years exp know English, Arabic,& Hindi Education B.A. Contact : 91615715 / 99512270 Indian female LLB (Advocate) 2 years experience looking for suitable post legal advisor company secretary etc. Contact 93343190 / 94476387 Email: shafu1019@gmail.com Indian female, B.Sc, PGDCA, currently on family joining visa, 2 years working experience in oman as customer care / sales co-ordinator, immediate joining seeks suitable placements. Contact no. (968) 95573205 / 95949230 / 95800792

B.E (IT) 1 year exp complete schooling in Muscat needs job in software / net working / java/ WEB design or marketing. Contact: 97136248 / 99313821 Indian male 22 years ACCA affiliate , BSc, Graduate in applied accounting 2 months working experience seeking suitable placement in Finance / Accounts / audit immediately. Contact: 97378607 / 92558734 HR.Admin..indian male..2+ Oman exp..joining immediately.. Contact 93671437 Indian male Chartered Accountant having 10 years of experience in Process audit, Risk assessment and Internal Audit is urgently looking for a suitable opportunity. Cell: +96897327343 Email: cabalkrishnadubey@gmail.com. NOC available Light driver 5 years experience language English, Hindi, Arabic education B. A. Contact: 98522914 Pick & drop any time. Contact: 91615715 B-tech Electrical Engineer with more than 2 years of experience in erection and designing of HT and LT electrical systems. Seeking for suitable job in Muscat. Contact: 98269366. Email: sijincleetus@gmail.com Project Manager / Senior Engineer, Indian Male BE Civil, 21yrs experienced including Oman looking for the Job Contact +918939295181 Email I’D sanja_bala@yahoo.co.in Indian male 26 , graduate in mechanical engineering having 2 years experience in fabrication production filed in India, looking for a suitable job. mobile: +968-91384621 EMAIL : rmekhil@hotmail.com Sr. Sales Executive, Indian Male, Holding Valid Oman DL. Total experience in Oman of 15 years with 4 years Rent a Car Co. experience. Looking for Opportunities in any Industry for similar sales role. GSM - 95703233 email id “khetani_r@yahoo.com INDIAN MALE 23 YEARS,B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic). Done IOSH & NEBOSH- IGC certifications. Looking for HSE engineer job in Oil Gas Sector, constructions or in any related industries. Contact 98045482 Indian male. M.com holder with two year working experience as an accountant in India. Now at Muscat on visiting visa. Seeks suitable placement. Gsm:96947500,99463120, Email:mohamedshafikk5@gmail. com ACCOUNTANT, Indian male,29 years.8 years experience .Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license. NOC available seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854 Female, Indian, 35 Yrs- house maid available for Full/Part time work in Muscat. contact- 96754303. 29 years Indian female (MBAFinance) with 4+yrs experience (Oman) in Accounts, seeking suitable placement in Accounts/Admin. Contact:96141283 Indian, male, 41 years, CA Inter, Persuing CA final. Now on express visa. 7 years of Experience in OMAN as Finance and Accounts Manager in Trading , Construction and Firefighting industry. 21 Years of exp. seeking suitable Managerial positions. No visa issues. Immediate joining. Contact 98469311 Email:sebin30@yahoo.co.in

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED B-tech Electrical engineer with more than 2 years of experience in erection and designing of HT and LT electrical systems. Seeking for suitable job in Muscat. Contact:98269366. Email:sijincleetus@gmail.com Indian male,Accountant, B.com, 1 yr experience in auditing and having knowledge in tally. #94733824/95769355 Indian Female B.Sc., B.Ed.(Maths), M.C.A residing in Al-Ghubra seeking a teaching position as a Math Teacher GSM.- 94231633 INDIAN MALE 23 YEARS, B. Tech (Electrical & Electronic) having 4 years working experience as an Electrical site Engineer. Looking for suitable job in Oil Gas Sector or in related industries. Contact 98045482 Indian male, ERP Functional Consultant (SCM, MM, HRMS), Seeks employment.Contact: 98478928, Email: anand.desai2408@gmail.com Indian male , 14 yrs Experience in maintenance & Supervisor in hotel ﬁeld ( Electrical . Ac Mechanical & Plumber ) N O C available mob : 95 25 36 40 . email = hareeshma24@yahoo.com Indian male 28YRS, 7Years exp. in Architectural & structural Draughtsman & 3d visualization, looking for a suitable Post GSM: +971551965944. Email:aboosuﬁyan@gmail.com Piping Design Engineer, Indian male 27, looking for suitable placement in Piping Design & Engineering. Having 7 years of experience in AutoCAD. Also familiar with PDMS (11.6 Version),CAESAR ll. Contact : 97351786 / 96143708, Email : mohammednazeer07@gmail.com Indian Female, M.Com & MBA with 1.5 years of experience in Reinsurance Treaty seeking a good job opportunity in Insurance & Reinsurance Accounts or General Accounts. Contact: +968 91920189, Email: neethumano.manohar@gmail.com CCNA MCITP network support / network technician with 2 years experience Indian male having bachelors degree on visit visa. Contact 93080871 sean.f.peters@outlook.com

ACC. AVAILABLE

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

Room for rent with sharing bathroom & kitchen at Al Khuwair, behind Golden Spoon Restaurant. Contact 92994415 Furnished room with equipped kitchen immediately available in N. Azaiba Contact 95450249 Furnished room with sharing bathroom immediately available in N.Gubrah. Contact 95450250 Furnished room with attached bath separate entrance in Mabela. Contact :99634841 preferable Omani ladies Furnished room for rent at Al Khuwair RO 225/- for family only. Contact 99251975 Furnished room for Indian Bachelor in Al Falaj area (Ruwi) & Lady in Wadi Kabir (near Al Maya). Contact 96761960 Sharing accommodation available with Kerala family, nr. Wadi Kabir Indian School Contact 95882866 / 96575016 Fully furnished room for a decent expatriate. independent kitchen, bathroom in Wadi Adai. Contact 96243086 at 5p.m. Fully furnished 1BHK with all household items in Darsait near Lulu on monthly Basis. Contact : 99378397/99493500 Sharing accommodation available for working lady or couples near Ruwi Church. Contact: 92837206 Room attached toilet and kitchen near Indian School Wadi Kabir. Contact: 95345537

Well established infrastructure works company with full assets & huge value contracts up for immediate sale. Contact 98867530 / 95565039 Invite business proposals on proﬁt sharing basis. Email : contact@absmct.com/ 99221683 Canadian Consultancy Company is looking for a Partner in Oman. For more information please contact +973 39990830 New company seek partnership. Contact: 96996938

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED BSC Female Nurse having 8 years of experience ( 3 years in gulf). Prometric passed - 57%. Currently in Oman. Contact : 98034384 ME. Civil Engineer, Structural Designer, 3 Years Structural Design, 6 Years Str Supervising Experience, Looking For Structural Designer Position. Iranian Male. Contact : 93696929 Email: mhsaz1359@gmail.com

General Investors. Gsm-99674870 Serious investor needed for succeeded furniture company for expansion purposes. Contact: 99041337

*Classiﬁed Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

S U N DAY, AU G U S T 1 6, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE TOURS

SITUATION WANTCARGO

SITUATION WANTED CARGO

RENT A CAR

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours Contact- 98029602, 92808636

TRANSPORTATION Transportation only in Muscat. Contact 96736975 Transportation any time. Contact 99365092 Transportation. Contact 98178135 Pick & drop anytime in Al Ghubra. Contact 97681599 Transportation available. Contact 95570429 Transport. Contact: 95190627 Transportation. Contact: 96538078 Transportation. Contact:98522914 Transportation. Contact 99508282 Car for rent. Contact: 92516090 Transportation. Contact: 98244078 Butter cup rent a car competitive prices new car 2016. # 97249449

Pick & Drop any time. # 97014786

S U N D AY, AU G U S T 1 6 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com Tel. 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

DRIVING

CLASSES Driver for Automatic Transmission. Contact: 99040813

SITUATION WANTMANPOWER SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

MATRIMONIAL Malayalee Nair boy from good family(only son) – 36 yrs- B.Com, MBA (Mktg & Finance)- Associate Regional Manager in an MNC in Coimbatoreinvites alliance – #+91 7639622079 Keralite male, 34 yrs, Hindu Viswakarma (Sudha Jathakam) working as Chef in reputed Hotel in Muscat seeks suitable alliance. Contact 97097061/ 91 8547644153 23 yrs Keralite Christian girl settled in Bangalore invites alliance from well settled Christian boys. Contact 99494371 Keralite Christian Orthodox boy, 28 yrs, MBA seeks suitable alliance. Contact 91394731 RCSC boy, Kanjirapally Diocese, 36-172. # 93028813 / 92501521

Spoken English IELTS & Computer classes. Contact: 92088325 / 24799938 Admission started in a private school, Darsait (Mount Zion Group of Institutions CBSE 1) for KG and grade 1 to 4 please register soonest. Contact: 92088325 / 24799938

COMPUTER

24 yrs, Keralite Christian girl Engineer working in Oman looking for alliance from good looking, well educated. Contact: 92467948 Sunni Muslim girl, Indian origin, 20 yrs BA graduate from Oman, good looking homely with good religious values, seeking alliances from Muslim professionals, well settled in Oman or Middle East. Contact: 99644760 or Email: ghulamuzma23@gmail.com

NRI

WEBSITE

One stop shop business services : Public Relation (PRO) formation new companies, LLC companies, Investor visa, business setup, prepare businesses & companies accounts, legal services, representing you and your company. Contact: Saleh : 96723485

9.75 cents square plot with compound wall and gate at Kovalam, Trivandrum(Kerala) for sale. Interested in NRI buyers only near to Hotel Leela. Contact: 00968 – 95210474 House shifting & transporting. Contact 92490422

NOTICE

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807

Pursuant to the provisions of Article 13 reiterated 2 of the Company law no. 4/74 & the amendments thereto, Al Amida Al Muthaida Co. for trade & contracting – associate, registered with the Secretariat of the commercial registration under no. 1128166 hereby announce that they are going to alter their legal status from (associate) to (limited partnership) with the name: Al Amida Al Mutahids Co. for trade & contracting – limited partnership. Any person who objects to the above shall present the reasons for his objection to the Secretariat of Commercial Registration at the Ministry of Commerce & Industry in Muscat within a period of 2 months from the date of this announcement.

*Classiﬁed Advertisement space booking with text, should be done till 12.00 noon for next day’s publication. * Subject to space availability

Split window cassette AC unit servicing, maintenance. Contact: 99540621 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. # 24810137, 99450130

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