Times of Oman - June 17, 2015

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WEDNESDAY, June 17, 2015 / 29 Sha’aban 1436 AH

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Two injured as Ghubra petrol station catches fire

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of congratulations to President Dr Olafur Ragnar Grímsson of Iceland on his country’s National Day. In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has expressed his sincere congratulations and best wishes of good health and happiness to President Grímsson and the people of Iceland further progress and prosperity. -ONA

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OMAN

Firms to give special offers to businessmen

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A number of companies have joined hands with the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (riyada) to provide special offers to entrepreneurs. The call centre of the Muscat Municipality will also be used for SMEs. >A3

BLAZE: The Al Ghubra petrol station seen up in flames, and right, firefighters try to put out the blaze. -O K Mohammad Ali

Staff Reporter MUSCAT: Two people were injured and some vehicles were damaged in a fire at a petrol station in Al Ghubra on Tuesday.

While the Public Authority of Civil Defence and Ambulance

(PACDA) officials said they were investigating the cause of the fire, they advised motorists to exercise caution while filling petrol.

Sending out instructions on Twitter, they asked motorists to switch off the vehicle’s engine while refuelling.

They also asked people not to smoke or talk on mobile phones at petrol stations.

The tweet from PACDA urged people to report any spillage to the staff. They also asked petrol station attendants to ensure that the fuel pump nozzle is disconnected

from the car fuel tank before the vehicle leaves.

On June 3, a car caught fire while refuelling in Bidbid at around 8am. In another incident, on June 2, a car caught fire at a petrol station in Yanqul.

During the previous incidents,

‘Expats should get minimum wage in Oman’

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Ministry of Health to monitor drug prices

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Regular inspections will be carried out by the Directorate General of Pharmaceutical Affairs and Drug Control of the Ministry of Health to check prices of drugs at pharmacies.

The inspection will be conducted by the department concerned. >A5

labour market. “Wages should be decided between the employers and employees,” he said.

Al Busaidi also added, “If anyone gets less than they were promised they should approach the Ministry of Manpower or their ministries.”

SPORTS

Khan clan to propel squash in Oman

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A person who is impressed with the growth of squash in Oman, is a member of the Khan clan, which has ruled the sport for many years. For those who have played squash in Oman years ago, it will ring a bell. We are talking about Yousaf Khan. >C1

Official from General Federation of Oman Trade Union says the revisions in the

Minister of Justice to open Sumail mosque

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BEGINNING OF RAMADAN

labour law should help expats too

325

REJIMON K, FAHAD GHADANI

Moon sighting committee for Ramadan to meet today

The moon is expected to be visible for more than 40 minutes in the governorates of Oman.

a PACDA official had told the Times of Oman that with the high temperatures being recorded in the country, incidents of fire were triggered off quite easily. The official called on motorists to install fire extinguishers in their vehicles and to abide by the rules.

MUSCAT: Moon Sighting Main Committee for 1436 AH led by Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Salmi, Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, will meet on Wednesday evening.

Members of the committee include His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalili, Grand Mufti of the Sultanate, Sayyid Harbi bin Hamad bin Saud, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, Eng. Khalid bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, Sheikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Siyabi, Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Court, Sheikh Ahmed Al Khatib, Judge of the Supreme Court in Salalah.

The reports of the Astronomical Affairs at the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs point out that the calculations on the sighting of moon for the Holy Month of Ramadan 1436 AH show that the moon may be sighted in all the governorates on Wednesday evening, if the skies are clear and there are no aerial factors to affect vision.

The moon is expected to be visible for more than 40 minutes in Oman. It will set in Muscat at 7.30pm and the sun will set at 6.55pm. In Salalah, the moon will set at 7.43pm and the sunset will be at 6.59pm. This means the moon will set 44 minutes after the sunset. -ONA

reji@timesofoman.com fahadnews@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A call for expat workers in Oman to get a guaranteed minimum wage under revised labour laws has come from a leading trade union member in the Sultanate.

“At present, there is no mention of minimum wages in the labour law either for nationals or migrant workers. However, in 2013, a ministerial decree ensured that nationals were guaranteed a minimum wage, even though it was not mentioned in the labour law,” Mohammed Al Khaldi, board member of General Federation of Oman Trade Union (GFOTU), told the Times of Oman.

“But the migrant worker was left in the lurch. Bringing in a system can improve the entire labour system in Oman,” said Mohammed Al Khaldi.

In 2013, the Ministry of Man-

Omani rials is the minimum salary guaranteed to a citizen in the private sector

power issued Decree No. 222, which mandated, effective from July 1, 2013, that the minimum salary of Omanis working in the private sector was to be increased to OMR325 from the existing OMR200. Accordingly, private sector establishments were told to increase the minimum salaries of Omani employees being paid less than OMR325.

The call to introduce minimum wages for migrant workers has not been welcomed by all though.

Ahmed Al Busaidi, Majlis Al Shura member, said he felt that there is no need to consider such a move as it would complicate the

Negative consequences Ahmed Al Hooti, member of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also feels that introducing such rules would lead to negative consequences.

It is important to see that migrant workers get what they are promised at the time of recruitment rather than ensuring minimum wages for them, he said.

However Shaji Sebastin, a Muscat-based social worker, said, “If the new labour law guarantees minimum wage system for migrant workers too, it would be a great move. This can solve a lot of Omani labour market issues.

Of course, in the job contract, the salary is mentioned. But as minimum wage is not a rule for migrant workers in Oman even when they are doing the same job, migrant workers get employed for different salaries.”

Shaji added, “Minimum wage can also help migrant workers’ home country governments to prepare their citizens while they are getting ready to take up jobs in Oman. When the guarantee comes from the labour law, the migrant can feel more secure.

It can protect migrant workers from being denied decent salaries.” >A6

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Oman’s expatriate workforce counted at 1.6 million by May MUSCAT: Oman’s expatriate workforce reached 1,614,545 by the end of May 2015, according to statistics issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), marking a 0.6 per cent increase since last April.

In April 2014, the number was 1,604,158. Holders of preparatory school certificates comprised a majority of expatriate workers while the holders of higher diplomas, Masters degrees and PhDs showed a drop.

Indians comprise the bulk As for the nationalities, Indians comprised the bulk of expatriate workers in the Sultanate.

The Indians working in the Sultanate numbered 626,721, an increase of 1.1 per cent, which in-

cluded 34,259 females and 592,462 male workers.

Workers from Bangladesh numbered 557,606, an increase of 0.6 per cent. This figure comprised 26,710 female workers and 530,896 males.

The percentage of Pakistani workers also increased 0.3 per cent to reach 215,781, which included 1,155 females and 214,626 males.

The number of Ethiopian expatriates showed a drop of 3.1 per cent. From 29,880 workers, females made up a whopping 29,607 and males numbered just 273.

Female workers also constituted a majority of Indonesian expatriates. They numbered 38,269 out of a total of 38,914.

The number of expatriates coming from the Philippines touched

32,075, which included 21,474 females and 10,601 male workers.

Egyptian workers decreased 0.2 per cent to reach 23,373 comprising 4,885 females and 18,488 males.

Nepalese workers numbered 12,781, which included 3,409 females, while the number of Sri Lankan workers reached 13,843 of which 7,070 were females.

The number of workers from other nationalities touched 63,571, showing a growth rate of 1.5 per cent. The largest number of expatriates was recorded in the Muscat governorate, which accommodated 722,983 workers, an increase of 0.7 per cent. It was followed by North Al Batinah, which accommodated 208,857 expatriates, an increase of 0.4 per cent. >A6

Expatriate workers by May 2015 2 million

1,614,545 1,527,241 1,565,523

By gender

By sector

1,425,966 1,303,637

By nationality 626,721

India

557,606

Bangladesh Pakistan

215,781

Ethiopia 29,880

1

Indonesia 38,914 Philippines 32,075

310,908

Egypt 23,373 Nepal 12,781

188,579

Sri Lanka 13,843

0 December 2013

October 2014

May 2015

Source: National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI)

Male

Female

Private Public

Others 63,571

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Corporates, riyada to support SMEs ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI elham@timesofoman.com

Under the agreement, the products and services of these companies in various fields, including training and development, will be offered to SMEs at discounted rates

CORPORATE PARTNERS: Entrepreneurs who are registered with riyada and hold ‘riyada card’, can utilise the services and products offered. – AR Rajkumar/TIMES OF OMAN

MUSCAT: A number of companies have joined hands with the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (riyada), to provide special offers to entrepreneurs.

Under the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed on Tuesday, the products and services of these companies in various fields, including training and development, will be offered to SMEs at discounted rates, said a riyada official.

“It shows the real partnership between the government sector and the private sector for the benefit of SMEs,” the official told reporters after the signing cer-

emony attended by Minister of Commerce and Industry Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy and a number of other senior officials and entrepreneurs.

The MoUs were signed with Oman Air, Omantel, Bank Nizwa, Tecnimont Civil Construction, Maire Tecnimont, Insight for Financial and Business Consulting, DHL Express, Oman Data Park and Prosper Management Consultancy.

The call centre of the Muscat Municipality will also be used for SMEs as part of the cooperation between the municipality and riyada.

The official noted that those entrepreneurs who are registered with riyada and hold ‘riyada card’ can utilise the services and prod-

ucts offered under the signed MoUs. There are above 500 riyada card holders, he said.

He added that more companies are expected to come on board to support SMEs in cooperation with riyada.

The progress made on the decisions of the symposium for SMEs held at Sultan Qaboos University earlier this year was also discussed during the event. A number of government bodies, including the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Higher Education, riyada, the Ministry of Housing, the Ministry of Civil Services, the Ministry of Finance and the Tender Board, delivered presentations on the latest steps that they have taken to implement the decisions related to SMEs.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

OMAN

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Colleges and universities across the Sultanate, and over 700 students will be taking part in the Sharikati competition this year.

Ramadan: Month for purification As the country awaits the arrival of the holy month of blessings, experts spell out the spiritual and physical benefits of fasting.

Ramadan is a time to help the poor and for good deeds

Ramadan is a time to remember the poor, and fasting makes you more patient, down to earth and appreciative of what you have

Studies have shown that during fasting, the blood vessels have less fluid and this increases the immunity of the body

Hilal Al Rashdi

Dr Ahmed Al Wahaibi

Adviser at the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs

Senior consultant, Ministry of Health

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI elham@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Ramadan is a golden opportunity to purify both soul and the body through renewing focus on God and a healthy lifestyle, say religious and health experts in Oman.

As the country is awaiting the arrival of the holy month of blessings, Hilal Al Rashdi, an adviser at the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, said, “Fasting is

one of the things that is been mentioned in all religions as it has a very good spiritual impact on any human being. Ramadan is a time to remember the poor, and fasting makes you more patient, down to earth and appreciative of what you have.”

Speaking to the Times of Oman, Al Rashdi said that the spiritual impact of fasting will be stronger

if it is accompanied by reciting the Holy Quran, remembering Allah, praying and indulging in acts of charity.

All these good deeds will help purify the ‘inner side’ of the human being and brings ‘inner peace’, he said.

“When you want to pray and stand in front of the Creator, not only do you clean your body but

you also cleanse your soul. Also, the more you recite the Quran, the closer you become to Allah. If you want to talk to Allah, pray, and if you want Allah to talk to you, recite the Quran,” said Al Rashdi.

Acts of charity Commenting on the rewarding act of charity, the advisor said that it is a blessing from God and the

person who donates something should consider it an opportunity granted by Allah.

“When you donate something to somebody, you are practically giving him something but basically he is taking whatever Allah has decided for him that very day, that very moment, that very time and from that very person,” he said.

“So you have been directed,

shown the way, given the means and given the wealth by God as if you are a messenger from Allah to give the charity to that person.

So you are doing your job. You are not doing that person a favour.

He is doing you a favour,” added Al Rashdi.

He also noted that charity should be given with ‘sincere intentions’ and not to ‘show off ’.

Health benefits Apart from the spiritual impact of fasting, health experts believe that it can help rejuvenate the body and bring the focus back on the significance of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

“The many benefits of Ramadan are not only spiritual, and fasting can help a lot in reforming our body,” Ahmed Hamed Al Wahaibi, senior consultant in Family Medicine at the Ministry of Health, told the Times of Oman.

“Studies have shown that during fasting, the blood vessels have less fluid and this increases the immunity of the body,” he said, adding that even the dead cells in the body are replaced.

Al Wahaibi said that people can reap numerous health benefits from fasting if they follow a healthy and balanced diet and also continue it even after Ramadan.

YOUTH POWER

Sharikati graduates continue their entrepreneurial growth Times News Service MUSCAT: As new entrants to the Sharikati programme begin to plot out their business plans and decide on their products and services in Injaz Oman’s Sharikati 2015 programme, past graduates are carrying on the legacy of the entrepreneurial experience and innovation.

Among one of the transformational stories from the Sharikati programme is that of Bella Luna Productions working from the National Business Centre in the Knowledge Oasis.

Sulaiman Al Mahrooqi took part in the Sharikati 2013 as part of Masaar, a student company that created applications for a grocery shopping and restaurant services system. Equipped with new skills

and knowledge, Al Mahrooqi decided to explore a new challenge, and today, he is one of the four founders of Bella Luna Productions, a photography and video production company that provides its services to conferences, exhibitions, corporate events, and weddings.

Al Mahrooqi stated, “We were freelancing as Bella Luna before Sharikati, but after completing the programme we decided to utilise what we learnt to establish our own company. We acquired new skills in management, client communications, leadership, and delivery of pitches, in addition to business development plans.”

Similarly, the student company Rawand from the Sultan Qaboos University, which participated in 2013, were not recognised for

any award when they took part.

However, Rawand continued to grow and develop until it became an officially recognised business creating and selling electronic accessories. The company creates branded electronic devices, such as multipurpose branded key chains that can be served as microUSBs and a flexible safety device.

Yousuf Al Hadhrami, CEO of Rawand, said, “What I learnt through the Sharikati programme was the cornerstone for establishing a real company. This was by far the most invaluable experience the competition gave us. ” This year, Injaz Oman will be delivering the largest and most competitive Sharikati competition yet, with 21 colleges and universities across the Sultanate, and over 700 students taking part.

NEW AVENUES: The four founders of Bella Luna Productions, a photography and video production company, and right, Rawand’s electronic accessories products have made the company a known brand in the Sultanate.–Supplied photo

Past graduates of the Sharikati programme are carrying on the legacy of the entrepreneurial experience and innovation. This year, Injaz Oman will be delivering the largest Sharikati competition yet, with 21 colleges and universities of Oman, and over 700 students taking part P R E - R A M A D A N PA R T Y

I WISH brings laughter and joy to children with cancer

FUN AND GAMES: Karen and Puja, along with the nurses of the Royal Hospital’s oncology ward, arranged a party complete with food, drinks, cupcakes and gifts for the 30 child patients and their family members.–OK Mohammed Ali/TIMES OF OMAN

Times News Service MUSCAT: On Tuesday, the playroom at the children’s oncology ward at the Royal Hospital rang out with laughter and squeals of joy from the more than 30 children suffering from cancer, who had gathered there for a preRamadan party organised by Puja Khimji and Karen Van de Ruit, cofounders of I WISH. “This was a slightly scaled down version of the bigger party that was to be held last Thursday at the hospital’s recreation centre, but it had to be cancelled due to the bad weather forecast,” said Puja.

Karen and Puja were determined to do something special for the children, even if it was on a small scale. So, along with the nurses at the oncology ward, they arranged a party complete with food, drinks, cupcakes and gifts for the 30 child patients and their family members. A magician entertained the children - and the adults - with his amazing tricks.

“I WISH is not a registered organisation and does not ac-

cept monetary donations, so they depend on donations in kind delivered directly to the patients.

They act as middlemen receiving ‘wishes’ from patients and then sourcing people to fulfil these wishes. Several people and companies helped make this party possible. The teachers and children of the International School of Oman donated educational toys for 30 children and organised the magic show, the staff of PricewaterhouseCoopers donated 10 tablet computers to some needy children and Leila Zawawi provided food, drinks and cupcakes for all the children, their families and hospital staff,” said Karen.

“We are hoping to follow this successful event with another party, possibly after the summer, for the nurses and doctors at the ward who do a stellar job looking after the patients. As always, we look forward to support from the community and want to take this opportunity to thank all the people who have donated wishes over the three years since I WISH was started,” they said.

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TIME Hotels set for Oman debut TIME Hotels Management has

We have properties in the UAE, Egypt and Qatar and my next destination is Oman...

We are planning to open 20 hotels in the GCC region by 2020

ambitious plans for Oman. The UAEbased company’s CEO says they are planning at least two hotels in Oman — one in Muscat and the other in Salalah

Mohamed Awadalla CEO, TIME Hotels

RAHUL DAS rahuldas@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: TIME Hotels Management, headquartered in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), plans to enter the Oman market soon.

“We are planning at least two hotels in Oman. One is in Muscat and the other is in Salalah,” said Mohamed Awadalla, CEO, TIME Hotels in an interview with the Times of Oman.

He, however, confirmed that the property in each of the places has not been finalised, and currently they are looking at land and some existing properties as well.

“We have properties in the UAE, Egypt and Qatar and my next destination is Oman,” confirmed Mohamed Awadalla.

He also described Oman, which has got a very rich culture, as a very promising destination for tourists.

“For this, I will be visiting Oman quite often this year to take things forward,” he said.

International exposure An international hotelier with over 28 years of experience, Awadalla has worked with some of the leading global hospitality companies, including Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, Hilton International, Rotana Hotels and now TIME Hotels Management L.L.C. TIME Hotels Management are currently managing 10 hotels in the UAE, Egypt and Qatar

while four other hotels are in the pipeline.

“We are planning to open 20 hotels in the Gulf Cooperation Council region by 2020,” he said.

He also said that there is a growing demand across the GCC for new budget brands with a quality pedigree from respected operators that travellers can trust to deliver comfort, connectivity and creativity when it comes to supporting services and facilities.

“For this we are very excited to debut our brand in Oman soon,” he said.

He also unveiled the details of a second hotel in Doha plus news on the Dubai Healthcare City property status and imminent launch of the TIME Express brand.

Located in Al Khail, just 10 minutes from Hamad International Airport in Qatar, the fourstar hotel is scheduled to open in the first quarter (Q1) of 2017.

“It has been a busy year for TIME Hotels with the launch of our first luxury resort in Hurghada, Egypt, plus a raft of announcements including two new Residences in Abu Dhabi, our first footstep into Doha, and a new five-star hotel for Dubai. We have also launched a number of new corporate initiatives such as our Slow Food programme and taken our hugely successful Carbon Offset Hotel Stay into its second year.

Now we are setting our goal in the

Oman market,” he said.

He also provided a detailed update on the status of two properties currently under development, the TIME Royal Hotel & Spa, Dubai, and TIME Rako Hotel, Qatar.

The first five-star UAE-based property for the company, the 277-room TIME Royal Hotel is located in the Dubai Healthcare City, adjacent to the popular Wafi shopping and leisure complex.

Medical tourism Set to open in 2016, it will have a strong medical tourism focus with facilities specifically designed to accommodate the needs of wellness tourists, such as signature spa featuring temperature-controlled pools, gymnasium with rehabilitation equipment, and health and juice bar. It will also have 20 rooms accessible to the differently-abled.

The other property will be the four-star 112-room Time Rako Hotel & Suites, situated in Al Wakra on the outskirts of Doha.

TIME Hotel’s pipeline of current projects also includes the first in its TIME Express brand.

“The three-star no frills, city centre-based concept will target budget-conscious business travellers and will launch in Dubai with a 133-room property, which is set to open in Q3 2016,” the hotelier added.

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OMAN C O N S U M E R W E L FA R E

Ministry to monitor drug prices Times News Service MUSCAT: To check the prices of drugs at pharmacies, regular inspections will be carried out by the Directorate General of Pharmaceutical Affairs and Drug Control (DGPA & DC) of the Ministry of Health.

“The inspection will be conducted by the concerned departments in the DGPA & DC in collaboration with the Directorates General of Health Services in all the governorates to ensure imposition of new prices which come into effect from July 1,” said a senior official of the ministry.

From July 1, the ministry has reduced the prices of 1,180 drugs including antibiotics, drugs for the

respiratory system and respiratory diseases, and drugs for eyes, nose, ears and throat diseases.

Drugs for various cancer-related diseases, haematology and some blood products and vaccines are also on the list.

The ministry notified that the new prices must be set by the respective official agents on all registered drugs. “The agent should change the prices at all pharmacies in case the drug is on the revised price list. These lists are available at the MoH website and are continuously updated as and when required,” added the official.

Therefore, the ministry has asked everyone to view those lists on its website (www.moh.gov.om).

Anyone who observes any altera-

tion in prices or any other anomaly should call the ministry’s Contact Centre on 24441999.

Earlier, in October 2014, the government had revised and reduced the prices of 1,400 drugs sold in private sector pharmacies from five therapeutic groups.

These are cardiovascular drugs, endocrine drugs, and gastrointestinal drugs, in addition to drugs for skin diseases, and musculoskeletal and joint drugs.

The list of reduced prices had been circulated to the agents of companies in the Sultanate on February 2015.

Each agent will have to take responsibility for amending the prices of the drugs in all pharmacies, the ministry said.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

OMAN

Giving back to the community by championing social and economic development has always been a key part of our goals and the Goodwill Journey remains an essential part of our strategy Kumail Al Moosawi, chief people and corporate affairs officer at Ooredoo

Free mammography test during Ramadan

S U LTA N Q A B O O S M O S Q U E

A mobile unit will be available for free

The mobile unit, which provides free mammography test to all women in Oman, has been very successful since its launch in 2009

mammography at OCA headquarters in Al Ghubra between 9.30am and 1pm and 10pm to 11.30pm

Times News Service MUSCAT: A mobile mammography unit of the Oman Cancer Association (OCA) will offer its screening services throughout Ramadan, the OCA said in a statement.

The unit will be available for free mammography at the OCA headquarters in Al Ghubra between 9.30am and 1pm and from 10pm to 11.30pm.

For further information, one can call 24498716 and 80077477, said the statement.

Yuthar Al Rawahy Chairperson, OCA

Yuthar Al Rawahy, chairperson of the association, had earlier told the Times of Oman that around 10 of the 1,547 women who were screened at the mobile mammography unit of the Oman Cancer Association in 2014 were diagnosed with cancer. According to her, the mobile unit initiative,

which aims to provide free mammography screening to all women in Oman, has been very successful since its launch in 2009.

Regular examinations Since 2009, 14,333 women have been screened, and 55 have been diagnosed with cancer, she said at

the time, highlighting the importance of regular examinations.

It is said that for women over the age 40, regular mammogram examinations are recommended every two years and they should carry out monthly self-examination of the breast a few days after the menstrual cycle.

LANDMARK: The mosque is spread over an area of 41,473 square metres in Al Maddarrah region. – ONA

Minister of Justice to open Sumail mosque SUMAIL: As delegated by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Minister of Justice Sheikh Abdul Malik bin Abdullah Al Khalili will open Sultan Qaboos Mosque in the Wilayat of Sumail in the Governorate of A’Dakhiliyah next Friday.

The mosque is spread over 41,473 square metres in Al Maddarrah region with a built-up area of 5,700 square metres and the remainder is dedicated for plants, and public parks.

The mosque has main prayer area, a VIP lounge, a room for the preachers, a library, three classrooms, maintenance room, administration office and guard room.

The praying area, stretching over 1,730 square metres, can ac-

GOODWILL JOURNEY

MUSCAT: After months of preparation, Ooredoo has announced plans for its two-week Goodwill Journey.

Now in its 11th year, the company’s leading corporate social responsibility is held every Ramadan to provide charitable organisations and local communities with life-enriching support. This year’s journey, the first since rebranding, will focus on empowering remote communities, developing financial independence among women, and delivering training workshops to improve lives in a sustainable way.

Ooredoo will, for the first time this year, be giving the public an opportunity to get involved and be part of the family by making their own goodwill donations. Donation boxes for chil-

Facilities The facilities also include a library, two 50-metre high minarets, 402 parking lots, green spaces and small garden for children.

In addition to the achievements witnessed by the wilayat during the blessed era of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Sultan Qaboos Mosque in the Wilayat of Sumail is one of the landmarks of the blessed Renaissance. -ONA L A B O U R L AW

Ooredoo plans donations for local communities Times News Service

commodate 2,403 people. The lobby can accommodate 121 people, in addition to the central area which can have 338 people. The mosque is provided with a prayer area for women which can accommodate 268 women.

dren’s toys and gifts will be placed at a number of stores and distributed throughout the journey. “Our aim this year is to achieve bigger and better results to help families and communities by empowering them through advanced education, skills training, and charitable donations, and using our brand presence to inspire others to touch the hearts of those in need.

“Giving back to the community by championing social and economic development has always been a key part of our goals and the Goodwill Journey remains an essential part of our strategy,” said Kumail Al Moosawi, chief people and corporate affairs officer, at Ooredoo.

“I would like highlight the tremendous contribution of the Ooredoo family volunteers, who, for

many years, leave their families behind during Ramadan and travel to spread smiles across the Sultanate.

This year they will head as far north as Musandam before stopping at Ad Dakhiliyah governorate on their way back to Muscat. The second phase will take our volunteers to Masirah and Dhofar,” he said.

First launched in 2005, Ooredoo’s goodwill journey takes fasting goodwill ambassadors on a voyage of compassion, generosity and enablement, covering the length and breadth of Oman.

Since the inaugural event, Ooredoo volunteers have travelled more than 48,000 kilometres and visited over 160 charitable organisations and associations, resulting in support for more than 10,000 people through this initiative.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Donation boxes for children’s toys and gifts will be placed at a number of stores and distributed throughout the journey.– Supplied photo

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Oman Tourism College invites applications for new courses Times News Service MUSCAT: Opening the doors to an exciting world of career opportunities in tourism and allied sectors, the Oman Tourism College has invited applications from candidates for its newly launched undergraduate programmes in Tourism and Events Management.

The three programmes – B.Sc (Hons) in Tourism and Hospitality Management, Tourism Marketing and Event Management – are open to both Omani and non-Omani candidates. Classes are scheduled to start by midSeptember.

“All the three undergraduate programmes are designed to create industry-ready professionals. The Oman Tourism College is the only specialised college in Oman offering Bachelor’s programmes in Tourism Mar-

NEW COURSES: Students are provided with the most advanced facilities. – Supplied photo

keting and Event Management disciplines. We provide our students with the most advanced facilities that are geared to fully meet the requirements of the industry,” said Dr Shoba Zachariah, assistant dean at OTC. The degrees will be awarded by the

Dublin Institute of Technology, Ireland. With the Sultanate witnessing amazing growth in the tourism and allied sectors, the demand for qualified professionals is immense, and the trend is here to stay.

“In today’s world, there is a great demand for people with soft skills. Not just companies in the tourism sector, but businesses across sectors including government bodies, are looking for candidates with soft skills. All three programmes have special modules focussing on the development of soft skills,” added Dr Zachariah.

A total of 60 seats are available for Tourism and Hospitality Management, while the intake figures for Tourism Marketing and Event Management courses are 40 each. The minimum qualification for entry to the programmes is 12 years of schooling.

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A1 Male expats reach 1,425,966 < FROM

Dhofar governorate came third with 177,484 expatriates at a growth rate of 0.3 per cent compared to figures recorded last April.

The statistics issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) also indicated that the number of male workers among the expats reached 1,425,966 while the number of female workers was 188,579.

The largest number of expatriate workers was working in the private sector. These totalled 1,303,637, and included 1,273,391

males and 30,246 females, by the end of May last. These numbers constituted a 0.7 per cent increase compared to the figures recorded in April 2014. They were followed by workers in the family sector (workers of families and individuals at their own expense) who reached 250,600. Most of them were females who numbered 137,328 compared to 113,272 recorded last May. This was an increase of 0.5 per cent.

The expatriate workers in the government sector came third.

They numbered 60,308 compris-

ing 39,303 males and 21,005 females, a decrease of 0.1 per cent compared to the figures recorded last April.

As for the educational level of the expatriate workforce in Oman, a majority of labourers held preparatory school certificates. The number of those labourers reached 592,970 comprising 526,619 males and 66,351 females. This category was followed by labourers who could read and write, whose numbers reached 423,732 which included 49,218 females.

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Equal benefit urged for expatriates

The Indian government has been planning to reject emigration clearance to the Gulf countries if they do not agree to pay recommended minimum wages prescribed by its embassies for different categories of Indian workers.

As per an agreement between Oman and India, “the minimum salary of the housemaid should be OMR75- (Omani Rial seventy-five) per month.

Besides sponsor will have to provide bank guarantee of OMR1,100 as security deposit to the Embassy of India, Muscat. The deposit shall be used for any unpaid dues, salary and legal obligations. The deposit shall be paid to sponsor after he/she produces visa cancellation/transfer papers and a letter from housemaid specifying that all dues have been paid.”

A senior official at International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) hoped that the new labour law will consider provisions which guarantee equal benefits and wages for both national workers and migrant workers in Oman.

Progressive steps “Oman has taken progressive steps in the past when compared to their neighbours with regard to the rights of workers.

As trade unions were also involved in the process of making the new labour law, we hope that there will not be any discrimination against migrant workers when compared to Omanis in terms of wages and benefits,” Walid Hamdan, ITUC’s regional lead organiser for Arab states, told the Times of Oman.

While commenting on the two-year visa ban for migrant workers who fail to submit a no-objection certificate from the previous employer, the official said this issue has also been seriously discussed. “Oman will have reasons to implement such a decision. However, we are aware that the issue of a migrant worker’s rights to mobility is being seriously discussed. We hope that Oman has a solution soon,” added the official.

Meanwhile, the Oman trade union also added that the government should reverse the decision and find a workable solution to streamline the labour market.

“We are aware that existing projects are being delayed and new ones are stuck due to a shortage of migrant workers. It is the paucity of legal workers which persuades companies to depend on illegal workers,” said the trade union leader, citing the recent arrest of illegal workers at the airport project site.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015 Opposition leader Ali Salman, who heads Al Wefaq political association, was sentenced to four years in jail for inciting disobedience and hatred in the country.

Judicial source, Bahrain

REGION

Egypt sentences Morsi to death over mass jail break The Brotherhood described the rulings as ‘null and void’ and called for a popular protest on Friday

CAIRO: An Egyptian court sentenced deposed President Mohamed Morsi to death on Tuesday over a mass jail break during the country’s 2011 protests and issued sweeping punishments against the leadership of Egypt’s oldest group.

The general guide of the Muslim Brotherhood, Mohamed Badie, and four other Brotherhood leaders were also handed the death penalty. More than 80 others were sentenced to death in absentia.

The Brotherhood described the rulings as “null and void” and called for a popular protest on Friday. Judge Shaaban El Shami, said the Grand Mufti, Egypt’s top religious authority, had said in his opinion that the death sentence was permissible for the defendants who had been referred to him.

Wearing his blue prison suit, the bespectacled and bearded Morsi listened calmly as Shami read out the verdict in the case relating to the 2011 mass jail break, in which Morsi faced charges of killing, kidnapping and other offences. Shami had earlier given the former president a 25-year

SWEEPING PUNISHMENTS: Egypt’s ex-president Mohamed Morsi greets Muslim Brotherhood members also behind bars after their verdict at a court at the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt, on Tuesday. – Reuters

sentence in a case relating to conspiring with foreign groups.

Morsi appeared unfazed, smiling, and waving to lawyers as other defendants chanted: “Down, down with military rule,” after the verdicts, which can be appealed, were read out at the court session in the Police Academy.

The rulings mark another setback for leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood, and increase the chances of its youth taking up arms against the authorities, breaking what the group says is a long tradition of non-violence.

The court last month convicted Morsi and his fellow defendants of killing and kidnapping policemen, attacking police facilities and breaking out of jail during the 2011 protests against Mubarak.

Prosecutors said at the time the Brotherhood planned to send “elements” to foreign countries.

Upon their return, prosecutors said, they would join forces with militant groups in the Sinai Peninsula, the Egyptian territory that borders Israel and the Gaza Strip.

The death sentence request had drawn criticism from the United

States, other Western governments and human rights groups.

After Tuesday’s sentencing, a senior Muslim Brotherhood member said the trial had “fallen below all international standards”.

“This verdict is a nail in the coffin of democracy in Egypt,” Yahya Hamid, a former minister in Morsi’s cabinet and head of international relations for the Brotherhood, told a news conference in Istanbul.

Western diplomats say Egyptian officials have acknowledged that executing Morsi would risk turning him into a martyr. The

I R A N I A N S TAT E T E L E V I S I O N

Iran opposition figure gets rare airtime TEHRAN: Iranian state television has taken the rare step of giving airtime to a high-ranking member of a silenced reformist opposition leader’s party.

Javad Haghshenas was a founding member of Etemad Melli (National Confidence), the party led

by Mehdi Karroubi, a former parliament speaker held under house arrest since February 2011 for disputing the result of a presidential election two years earlier.

Karroubi, a candidate, and Hossein Moussavi, a fellow reformist who declared he had won the ballot and who is also under house arrest, are denounced by hardliners as seditionists who tried to fell the regime. The contested poll result gave birth to the country’s so-called Green Movement, but

incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a hardline conservative, was officially declared the winner.

Street protests that followed were put down by the authorities, with dozens of civilians killed in the biggest political crisis in the country since the 1979 revolution.

Head-to-head debate On Monday night Haghshenas was a guest in a head-to-head debate with Hamid Reza Taraghi, a conservative politician, about President Hassan Rouhani’s first two years in power.

The programme, which was repeated on Tuesday morning, normally features supporters and opponents of the government but the latest edition was more notable for Haghshenas inclusion.

The one-hour programme focused on a spate of concerts which, despite being approved by the culture ministry, have been cancelled at the last minute by other authorities with little explanation. Karroubi and Moussavi, a former prime minister, face an uncertain future. Some want them to face trial, and their fiercest opponents say they should be executed. Their images are banned in Iranian media. They were placed under house arrest at the same time after calling for fresh demonstrations to try to revive the Green Movement.

Although the reformist camp fell into the wilderness afterwards, and two parties were outlawed, Karroubi’s National Confidence was not banned. Two new re-

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

formist parties — Nedaye Iranian (Voice of Iranians) and Ettehad Mellat Iran (Iranian National Unity) -- have also been formed ahead of legislative polls next February.

Rival parties are already positioning themselves for those elections.

On Tuesday it was announced that 10 former ministers and officials from Ahmadinejad’s government have formed a new party.

Yekta (Unique -- an acronym for the “Companions of the competence and evolution of the Islamic Republic) said it had programmes for all areas of government, but no official links with the former president. Ahmadinejad has kept a low profile since leaving office, but he made a limited return to the political scene in February by creating a new official website. — AFP

A7

Brotherhood, the Middle East’s oldest group, has survived decades of repression, maintaining popular support through its charities. Morsi, Badie and 15 others were given life sentences - which under Egyptian law, means serving 25 years - for conspiring with the Palestinian group Hamas, which rules Gaza. They included senior Brotherhood figures Essam El Erian and Saad El Katatni.

The court sentenced Muslim Brotherhood leaders Khairat El Shater, Mohamed El Beltagy and Ahmed Abdelaty to death in the same case. Death sentences were also handed to 13 other defendants in absentia.

In reading his verdict, Shami said that the Brotherhood had a history of “grabbing power with any price” and had “legalised the bloodletting of the sons of this country and conspired and collaborated with foreign entities .... to achieve their diabolical aims”.

“We were expecting all these verdicts today,” lawyer Mohamed Shibl, who defended Beltagy, told Reuters. Badie already has a death sentence against him and Morsi has a 20-year sentence in yet another case. Morsi has said the court is not legitimate, describing legal proceedings against him as part of a coup led by former army chief Abdel Fattah Al Sisi in 2013.

Morsi’s court-appointed leader, Samir Mahfouz, said the would appeal the death sentence verdict.

Sisi, now president, says the Brotherhood poses a grave threat to national security. The group maintains it is committed to peaceful activism. — Reuters

BAHRAIN

Al Wefaq’s leader gets four years in prison DUBAI: A court in Bahrain on Tuesday jailed prominent opposition leader Ali Salman.

Salman was sentenced to four years in jail for inciting disobedience and hatred in the country, a judicial source said.

But he was acquitted of the more serious charge of seeking to overthrow the government and change the political system.

Salman, 49, was also found guilty of “insulting an official body,” the source said, referring to the interior ministry.

Tight security Salman was present for the verdict, which was delivered amid tight security outside the Manama court, witnesses said. He heads the Al Wefaq political association, which once held the most seats in Bahrain’s parliament.

On Tuesday, Al Wefaq slammed the “false” ruling against Salman and demanded his release.

“We reject anything less than a non-guilty verdict for Sheikh Ali Salman. We consider this a false and injust ruling that is based on an illogical case and lacks sound foundations,” Al Wefaq said in a statement.

The prosecution said in a statement it was looking into the basis for Salman’s acquittal and that it would consider an appeal “if there were legal grounds for that”.

The prosecution said Salman was convicted of “public incitement” against naturalised Bahraini citizens and had accused them of being disloyal to the country. — AFP

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015 All allegations levelled are baseless. Her (Swaraj) statement and that of the party President (show) that whatever she did was with good intentions. She acted bona fide. The entire government and the party are one on the issue. There should be no doubt on this Arun Jaitley, Finance minister

INDIA

‘PM Modi has jumped to rescue of Lalit Modi’ Now when the time has come Modi ji is saving Modi. BJP can say all they want to, but the truth is that PM is saving a man with black money, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said

PROTESTS: Members of Youth Congress hold posters and shout slogans against External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in the row over helping scam-tainted former IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi obtain British travel papers, in Bengaluru on Tuesday. - PTI

JANJGIR/NEW DELHI: Continuing his attack on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Lalit Modi issue, Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said the man who had promised to bring back black money has now “jumped to the rescue” of a “man of black money”.

Talking to reporters during his padayatra here, the Congress vice-president said, “Who is Lalit Modi? He is man of black money.

In the world of cricket, he is man of black money. Now Modi ji is jumping to his rescue.”

He said that the entire nation remembers Narendra Modi promising voters during the election campaign last year to bring back black money and deposit Rs1.5 million in each bank account.

“Now when the time has come Modi ji is saving Modi. BJP can say all they want to, but the truth is that PM is saving a man with black money,” he said. Replying to another question on the beleaguered External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Rahul said, “Swaraj has no meaning in the government. Only one person matters in the govern-

ment and that is Narendra Modi.

Narendra Modi runs the government and the country.”

This is the second consecutive day that the Congress leader has targeted the primeminister on the ‘Modigate’ controversy.

“Lalit Modi is a symbol of black money. Mr Modi is standing behind Mr Modi. Who’s Sushma Swarajji? She means nothing in this government,” Rahul had said on Monday.

Replying to a question about BJP standing behind Swaraj, Rahul said, “Of course, the party will stand behind Sushma Swarajji.

The party is Mr Modi. Mr Modi is standing behind Mr Modi.

“It is not a question of Sushma ji resigning, PM Modiji should sack Sushma Swaraj ji from the government.” The Congress Vice President said Modi, “who wears a Rs 15 lakh suit,” prefers to go to Australia and the US. “If Modiji takes off his Rs 15 lakh suit and comes here to these villages, he will see the value of MNREGA,” he said.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday sought to

do some damage control by coming out in defence of Sushma Swaraj over her help to scam-tainted Lalit Modi while Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued to be targeted in the ‘Modigate’ by Congress.

Two days after the raging controversy broke out triggering a political storm for the Modi government, Jaitley, Swaraj, who holds the External Affairs portfolio, and Home Minister Rajnath Singh met in the Home Ministry and discussed the entire issue for an hour before Singh and Jaitley held a press conference.

Allegations baseless “All allegations levelled are baseless. Her (Swaraj) statement and that of the party President (show) that whatever she did was with good intentions.

“She acted bona fide. The entire government and the party are one on the issue. There should be no doubt on this,” Jaitley said with Singh by his side.

Jaitley’s defence of his cabinet colleague comes two days after party President Amit Shah and

Rajnath Singh had asserted that Swaraj had acted on humanitarian considerations in the matter of helping former IPL boss Lalit Modi get travel documents from Britain. Modi, former IPL boss, has taken refuge in London for over five years after the Enforcement Directorate levelled money laundering and other charges against him involving an amount of Rs 1,700 crore and wants him for investigations in India in the 2009 IPL scam.

Speculation has been rife over the “silence” of Jaitley after the controversy broke out on Sunday over Swaraj’s help to Lalit Modi.

There have been reports that the Finance Ministry and the External Affairs Ministry are involved in a blame game over who should appeal against the Delhi High Court order quashing the revocation of Lalit Modi’s passport in August last year.

The finance minister also said that a “light blue corner” notice has been issued against Modi in 2010 and that continues to be valid even on Tuesday. - PTI

N D A PA R T N E R

NDA ally wants Bihar CM candidate to be chosen ‘unanimously’ PATNA: The Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), latest party to join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar, on Tuesday refused to accept the chief ministerial candidate in the coming Assembly poll and suggested that the candidate be “unanimously” chosen at a meeting of all alliance partners.

Answering questions by reporters whether the party accepts senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi as the CM candidate, HAM state president Shakuni Chaudhary said, “How can we accept anybody as the CM candidate? The NDA has not declared anybody’s name for it till now. He should be chosen unanimously at a meeting of all alliance partners.”

Chaudhary, however, says that normally the bigger party in an alliance nominates its leader as chief ministerial candidate and “the decision of the bigger party is acceptable to other partners in an alliance”.

Praising the leadership of HAM leader and former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, Chaudhary said, “Manjhi has decided to contest the Assembly polls in the state” though the constituency for him was yet to be finalised.

He also asserted that wind would blow Manjhi’s way and the party or alliance whom he supports will win in the elections.

HAM, formed after Manjhi rebelled against JD-U and resigned as Chief Minister on February 20 this year, declared last week that it would contest the Bihar polls scheduled in September-October in alliance with the NDA. Meanwhile, remaining noncommittal about its Chief Ministerial candidate for Assembly polls in Bihar, Union Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister Ananth Kumar on Tuesday said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will go to the hustings by projecting its development agenda under

I am confident that the electorate of Bihar will reject the jungle raj being fostered by Lalu and Nitish during the assembly polls Ananth Kumar Chemicals and fertilizers minister

the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Describing the upcoming Bihar assembly polls as a contest between the ‘jungle raj’ of Lalu-Nitish Rashtriya Janata Dal(RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad and senior Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) leader Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development and good governance agendas, Kumar told reporters here that the electorate will embrace the Prime Minister’s agendas and reject Lalu and Nitish, who symbolized ‘jungle raj’.

“I am confident that the electorate of Bihar will reject the jungle raj being fostered by Lalu and Nitish during the assembly polls,” the union minister said.

In another development, state unit JD(U) chief Bashistha Narayan Singh took a dim view of the BJP not being confident to declare its Chief Ministerial candidate for Bihar and wondered as to “how a party which cannot decide on naming its chief ministerial face can go to the people with confidence for a mandate.” - PTI

STUDY

Indian Ocean warming has weakened monsoon WASHINGTON: Rapid warming of the Indian Ocean in the past century has led to a significant decrease in summer monsoon rainfall over the central-east and northern regions of India, a new study led by an Indian scientist said on Tuesday.

An international team of researchers led by Dr Roxy Mathew Koll, from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, found that the summer monsoon rainfall during 1901-

2012 showed a weakening trend over parts of South Asia.

The reduction in rainfall was significant over the central-east and northern regions of India, along the Ganges-Brahmaputra basins and the Himalayan foothills. In the study published on Tuesday in the journal Nature Communications, the researchers reported that the reduction in summer rainfall over central-east India during the past century is about 10 to 20 per cent.

“The Gangetic plains of India are the most heavily populated, and where agriculture is still largely rain-fed.Hence a significant reduction in rainfall over this region can be detrimental to the socio-economic livelihood in this region,” Koll said. The researchers used climate model experiments to demonstrate that the reduction in rainfall is linked to the rapid warming of the Indian Ocean, especially its western part, during the past century. -PTI

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INDIA

Nitish and BJP in a war of words over Yoga Day functions in Bihar their mind and body. BJP national president Amit Shah too would attend one of the camps in the state capital next week, he said and urged other political parties to organise such camps for their leaders and workers.

Sushil Modi said his party would incorporate the ancient fitness regime in school curriculum as an optional activity in Bihar if elected to power in the Assembly polls later this year.

The BJP slammed the Bihar chief minister for not organising an official function to promote the exercise in the state

PATNA: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sushil Modi on Tuesday castigated Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his snide remarks against Amit Shah and Baba Ramdev vis-a-vis promotion of International Yoga Day on June 21.

He also slammed Nitish for not organising an official function to promote the exercise in Bihar.

“Kumar has needlessly attacked BJP president Amit Shah and yoga guru Baba Ramdev for promoting the International Yoga Day scheduled for June 21... being himself a yoga supporter and practitioner, he should have organised official functions to promote the ancient exercise form,” Sushil told report-

REHEARSAL: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh makes an impromptu stop at North Block to watch the ministry officials practising yoga ahead of the International Yoga Day in New Delhi on Monday. - PTI

ers here. The former deputy chief minister complimented yoga guru Ramdev for yeoman service to promote the ancient exercise form as a fitness activity in the country and across the world.

Nitish had on Monday taken a dig at Ramdev for maximising his skills as a yoga expert to brand himself as a business and marketing guru.

N O C A S U A LT Y

Jaguar fighter aircraft crashes near Allahabad

WRECKAGE: Security personnel and onlookers stand next to the wreckage of an Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar fighter aircraft after it crashed while on a training sortie on the outskirts of Allahabad on Tuesday. - Reuters

ALLAHABAD: A Jaguar fighter aircraft of Indian Air Force(IAF) crashed on Tuesday morning during a training sortie in Chaka area of the district and both the pilots ejected safely, the second such incident this year.

The aircraft had taken off at 7:25am from IAF’s Central Air Command at Bamrauli on the outskirts of the city and crashed at 8.47am in an uninhabited field close to a Food Corporation of India warehouse at Chaka, about 50km away, IAF and police said, adding there was no casualty. A court of inquiry had been ordered into the incident.

A huge fire broke out as soon as the aircraft hit the ground and fire brigade was pressed into service. A small part of the wreckage caused minor damage to a boundary wall of one of the buildings, police said.

“Both the pilots had apparently sensed that something was wrong as they ejected before the

aircraft came crashing down,” Additional Superintendent of Police (trans-Yamuna), Allahabad, Ashutosh Mishra, said.

“Since there were no people nearby, the crash resulted in no injuries. No noticeable damage to property was visible either. A small part of the wreckage went flying off and caused minor damage to a boundary wall of one of the buildings nearby. Both pilots also landed safely,” he said.

Fire brigade was pressed into service as the wreckage had caught fire. Locals came rushing to the spot in large numbers after hearing the crash. They did their bit in assisting the fire brigade personnel. The flames were doused after nearly an hour.

“The aircraft has broken into smithereens as a result of the crash,” Mishra added.

“A number of IAF personnel also arrived at the spot. They took the two pilots who had a close shave,” the Additional SP said.-PTI

CLAIM CONTESTED

Detergent found in milk sample of Mother Dairy AGRA: The UP Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday said it has found detergent in one of the samples of Mother Dairy’s milk packets, a claim contested by the Delhi-based company.

“Results showed that the samples were sub-standard and one of the two contained detergent,” UP FDA official in Agra, Ram Naresh Yadav, said.

The samples had been picked up from Mother Dairy’s collection centres in Bah in November 2014.

“The samples were first sent to Lucknow and later to Kolkata on the demand of the company,” Yadav said.

Mother Dairy, however, has

categorically denied any adulteration of milk it supplies in pouches.

Sandeep Ghosh, the head of Milk, Fruits and Vegetables Section at Mother Dairy in Delhi, said, “Mother Dairy milk undergoes four levels of thorough testing at various levels — input, processing, dispatches and even at market level.”

Every tanker of milk reaching at plants passes a series of 23 stringent quality tests to check any deviation from defined parameters. These tests assist in detecting contamination of milk through water, urea, detergent, oil, etc, he said. - PTI

Defending Ramdev’s business activities, Sushil said the yoga guru was a self-made man for which he deserved kudos and not brickbats.

Countering Nitish’s charges that the Centre has ignored Bihar by not scheduling an official function in Bihar on the International Yoga Day, Sushil said the exercise regime was not a fiefdom of one party or one government and

anybody interested in it or understanding its health benefits could organise a function.

Nitish should have organised a camp to coincide with the International Yoga Day for policemen and prisoners in view of their stressful life, the BJP leader said.

On Nitish’s charge that the BJP has other motives in promoting Yoga, Sushil said that the chief

minister was ignorant about 177 countries embracing yoga and even the UN recognising its virtues by coming forward to celebrate Yoga Day on a global level.

On the BJP promoting yoga in Bihar in a big way, the senior BJP leader said it would organise statewide camps on June 21 to enable people to join in various arts of the exercise form to tone up

Optional activity “Yoga will be made an optional activity in the school curriculum in Bihar and one or two periods will be earmarked for the students to perform physical and mental exercises prescribed by the art,” he said.

The BJP leader also criticised Nitish for describing former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi as a betrayer and describing him as ‘Vibhishana’, the younger brother of Ravana.

“Going by his own interpretation, if he has called Manjhi a ‘Vibhishana’ then he must have described himself as Ravana..... in that scenario, the Dalit leader has done the right thing by walking out of the Ravana camp and joined us as we represent ‘Ram Rajya’,” he added. - PTI

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

PAKISTAN

As law and order is improving (in Karachi), we hope that things will get better. We are trying everything in our power to improve the situation Saira Afzal Tarar, Minister of State for National Health Services

CONTROVERSY

Seven more prisoners executed in Punjab

AFGHAN REFUGEE DAY Afghan refugee girls wearing traditional dresses play with a mobile phone while watching a friendly cricket match between Pakistani students and a team from the Afghanistan Embassy during an event on the eve of Afghan Refugee Day in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Tuesday. — Reuters

MULTAN: Pakistan on Tuesday hanged seven prisoners, bringing the total number put to death since executions resumed last December to 160, officials said.

Seven executions took place in several cities in the central province of Punjab including Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Dera Ghazi Khan, Sialkot and Bahawalpur.

All of those executed had been convicted of murder.

Resumption Executions in Pakistan resumed in December, ending a six-year moratorium, after Taliban militants gunned down 154 people, most of them children, at a school in the restive northwest.

Hangings were initially reinstated only for those convicted of terrorism offences, but in March they were extended to all capital offences.

‘Reinstate moratorium’ The European Union, the United Nations and human rights campaigners have all urged Pakistan to reinstate the moratorium.

Amnesty International estimates that Pakistan has more than 8,000 prisoners on death row, most of whom have exhausted their appeals. — AFP

Foreign aid groups told to re-register or pack up bags policies towards international aid groups in recent years, accusing them of covering for spying operations.

The decision, which will require the

Undermining Pakistan Save the Children’s offices in Pakistan were sealed last week and its operations remained suspended Tuesday, despite media reports the government had reversed an order halting its work in the country. Authorities accused the charity of “working against the country”, and threatened to expel more foreign aid groups for supposedly undermining Pakistan.

In 2012 the government expelled the expatriate staff of Save the Children, which has worked in Pakistan for over 35 years and employs 1,200 Pakistanis.

groups to undergo a fresh assessment by intelligence agencies before they are given the green light to remain in Pakistan, was taken during a meeting chaired by PM Nawaz Sharif

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday announced that all international aid groups operating in the country must re-register themselves with authorities within three months as part of a wider crackdown that has involved sealing the offices of Save the Children.

The decision, which will require the groups to undergo a fresh assessment by intelligence agencies

CRACKDOWN: A sealed lock is seen at the gate of Save the Children charity’s office in Islamabad, on June 12, 2015. Pakistan has toughened its policies towards international aid groups in recent years, accusing them of covering for spying operations. — Reuters

before they are given the green light to remain in Pakistan, was taken during a meeting chaired by Prime Minster Nawaz Sharif, his office said in a statement.

“After discussions, the meeting decided that all INGOs (Interna-

tional Non-government Organisations) presently working in Pakistan will continue to function for a period of six months within specified areas of operation allowed by the concerned authorities,” it said.

“It was further decided that in

order to streamline the functioning of the INGOs in Pakistan, all INGOs will complete the process of their fresh registration with the Government of Pakistan within three months.”

Pakistan has toughened its

Shakeel Afridi case That move came after Pakistani intelligence services accused the charity of links to doctor Shakeel Afridi, whom the CIA allegedly used to carry out a fake vaccination programme as they searched for Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden.

Save the Children has always vehemently denied any link to either Afridi or the CIA. The United States on Friday warned Pakistan it was only hurting itself by its actions against aid groups. — AFP

EXCHANGE OF FIRE

Army rescues Afghanistan soldier near Bajaur region RAWALPINDI/BANNU: Pakistani troops on Tuesday rescued an Afghan soldier who got severely injured in exchange of fire with terrorists near Bajaur Agency.

According to an ISPR statement, Afghan authorities requested for evacuation and treatment of the injured soldier opposite Bajaur Agency, 600 meters inside the Afghan territory.

Pakistani troops quickly responded to the request and shifted the injured soldier to Hospital in Khar area of Bajaur.

At least 2,763 militants have been killed in Operation Zarb-eAzb, a military offensive launched against militants in North Waziristan a year ago.

Bannu attack Meanwhile, a police constable was killed on Tuesday when armed assailants opened fire at him in the main Saddar area of Bannu district.

Officials confirmed the death and told The Express Tribune that Police constable Javed was on his way to work when a few motorcyclists opened fire at him.

A police official said the incident took place near Sheri Kala, adding that this was one of the many incidents in which police officials were being gunned down by militants. — Express Tribune

FORCING EXODUS

Pakistani doctors live in fear after spike in deadly attacks KARACHI: Dr Raza was waiting for his next patient when two young men walked into the consultation room, took pistols from a bag and shot him six times.

Left for dead, the Pakistani physician was badly wounded but somehow survived.

Raza, who gave only one name to protect his identity, is one of dozens of doctors to be targeted by extremist militants and criminals in recent years, spreading dread among senior medics and putting pressure on Pakistan’s overburdened health system.

“I tried to duck by covering my face, and I took the brunt of the bullets on my arms and fingers,” Raza said of the attack a few months ago in the southern port city of Karachi.

“One bullet got deflected by a stone-studded ring on my finger,” he told Reuters. He said the round may otherwise have hit his head.

A record 26 doctors were killed in Pakistan last year, according to police, three times the number in 2010. Most were in Karachi, a teeming commercial hub of 20 million people, where militant violence and crime are common

Raza was initially treated at a Karachi hospital before he and his family went into hiding. Realising he needed specialist treatment to restore full function to his hands, he travelled to Australia for more surgery. When he called friends to tell them he and his family had arrived safely, they told him another colleague had been killed.

A record 26 doctors were killed in Pakistan last year, according to police, three times the number in

2010. Most were in Karachi, Pakistan’s teeming commercial hub of 20 million people, where militant violence and crime are common.

Of those attacked, a disproportionate number, including Raza himself, have been from a minority community.

“Lashkar-e-Jhangvi activists revealed in interrogations they target these doctors,” Khurram Waris, an officer of Karachi’s Counter Terrorism Department.

Senior physicians are relatively wealthy, making them vulnerable to ransom kidnappings, while security officials say militants also prize doctors as targets because they are well respected members of society and easy to hit.

The two are often linked since militants finance their operations through extortion, according to police officials.

Medical groups say that unless the government can stop

the killings, a trickle of doctors fleeing the country may become a flood, undermining efforts to ensure Pakistan’s population of around 190 million has access to basic services.

More than 9,000 out of nearly 200,000 doctors registered with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), a regulatory body, have left Pakistan in the past three years.

The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) does not track why doctors leave, but says fear of attack is a major factor. Some doctors who stay in Pakistan have fortified their offices.

Others, including Raza, have shut up shop entirely. He is considering seeking asylum overseas.

Saira Afzal Tarar, Minister of State for National Health Services, said that in addition to Karachi doctors emigrating, some in Quetta, another city prone to sectarian

violence, are deciding to work in safer areas of the country.

“As law and order is improving (in Karachi), we hope that things will get better,” she told Reuters.

“We are trying everything in our power to improve the situation.”

The PMA did not have statistics on how many clinics had shut due to fears of violence or actual attacks.

Mirza Ali Azhar, general secretary of the PMA, says the situation could become acute within 10 years.

“Pakistan may have to import doctors,” he said.

In one recent case Azhar recounted, a doctor was working in the operating theatre when he received a call telling him he would be killed as he left the hospital.

The doctor fled to the airport in an ambulance, met his family there and they left the country on the first flight. — Reuters

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

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WORLD

NATO fumes as Russia aims to boost its nuclear arsenal Poland and other Eastern Europe countries have been rattled by Russia’s actions in Ukraine, where it annexed the Crimea Peninsula in 2014 before pro-Moscow separatists began fighting Ukrainian forces in the country’s east

The declaration from Putin came as Russia reacted with fury to reports that the US is planning to bulk up its military deployments in eastern Europe, with tensions between Russia and the West at their highest since the end of the Cold War over the conflict in Ukraine

SABRE-RATTLING: A Russian serviceman walks past the Buk-1M missile system at the Army-2015 international military forum in Kubinka, outside Moscow, on Tuesday. — Reuters

MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that Russia will boost its nuclear arsenal by more than 40 intercontinental missiles this year, in a move slammed as “sabre-rattling”

by NATO. The declaration from the Kremlin leader came as Russia reacted with fury to reports that the US is planning to bulk up its military deployments in eastern Europe, with tensions between Russia and the West at their highest since the end of the Cold War over the conflict in Ukraine.

“This year the size of our nuclear forces will increase by over 40 new intercontinental ballistic missiles that will be able to overcome any, even the most technologically advanced, missile defence systems,” Putin said at the opening of an exhibition of mili-

tary hardware outside Moscow.

NATO head Jens Stoltenberg said Putin’s remarks were part of a dangerous pattern of behaviour

by Moscow. “This nuclear sabrerattling by Russia is unjustified, destabilising and it is dangerous,” Stoltenberg said.

Russia has an estimated 7,500 nuclear warheads, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, of which around 1,780 are deployed on missiles or at military bases.

The United States, in comparison, has some 7,300 warheads with 2,080 of them deployed.

Poland and other countries in eastern Europe have been rattled

by Russia’s actions in Ukraine, where it annexed the Crimea peninsula in 2014 before pro-Moscow separatists began fighting Kiev’s forces in the country’s east.

Kiev and its allies accuse Moscow of sending in troops and armour to back the separatist conflict, but Russia has denied the claims. NATO has moved to reassure Russia’s nervous Eastern European neighbours, launching US-led drills in the Baltic states and Poland earlier this month.

US heavy weapons The New York Times reported at the weekend that the Pentagon was poised to station heavy weapons for up to 5,000 American troops in several Eastern European and Baltic countries to deter Russian aggression.

The proposal, if approved, would be the first time since the end of the Cold War that the US has had heavy military equipment -- including battle tanks -- in newer NATO members that were once

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under Moscow’s influence as part of the Soviet Union.

Poland said on Sunday it is in talks with the United States on the possibility of Washington storing heavy weaponry on its soil.

The US Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said F-22 fighter jets could be deployed to Europe as the standoff with Moscow rumbles on, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.

Russia’s foreign ministry lashed out at the possible US deployment to the region, warning that the move by Washington could “take on a life of its own”.

“The United States is fuelling tensions and nurturing its European allies’ anti-Russian fears, also because it plans to use current tensions to expand its military presence and hence strengthen its influence in Europe,” the ministry

said in a statement Monday.

Russia’s Deputy Defence Minister Anatoly Antonov on Tuesday accused NATO of “pushing (Moscow) towards an arms race,” staterun agency RIA Novosti reported.

Putin on Tuesday toured the vast arms fair displaying Russia’s latest hardware, accompanied by senior defence officials, at a site outside the capital that is set to become a “Patriot Park” aimed at showcasing Moscow’s military might.

Putin, who enjoys sky-high approval ratings and has pumped vast sums into rebranding Russia’s once dysfunctional armed forces, praised the country’s military-industrial complex as a “locomotive for innovation”.

Many nations across Eastern Europe are jittery over Russia’s expansionism in Ukraine. — AFP

L O N G - S H O T C A N D I D AT E

Trump joins race for US presidency NEW YORK: Property tycoon Donald Trump, one of America’s most flamboyant and outspoken billionaires, threw his hat into the 2016 race on Tuesday for the White House, promising to make America great again.

The 69-year-old long-shot candidate ridiculed the country’s current crop of politicians and vowed to take on the growing might of China in a speech launching his run for the presidency.

“I am officially running for president of the United States and we are going to make our country great again,” he said from a podium bedecked in US flags at Trump Tower on New York’s Fifth Avenue.

The tycoon strode onto the stage after sailing down an escalator to the strains of Rockin’ In The Free World by Canadian singer Neil Young after being introduced by daughter Ivanka.

His announcement follows years of speculation that the man known to millions as the bouffanthaired host of American reality TV game show The Apprentice would one day enter politics.

American dream Trump identifies as a Republican and has supported Republican candidates in the past. But in his speech he did not explicitly say if he was running for the party’s nomination or as an independent.

He trails in polls behind rival Republican candidates. Last month, just five per cent of voters said would vote for Trump at the Republican primary, according to the Quinnipiac University.

And in March, 51 per cent of all voters said they would definitely not vote for him, another Quinnipiac poll found. But none of that deterred Trump.

“Sadly, the American dream is dead. But if I get elected president, I will bring it back bigger and better and stronger than ever before, and we will make America great again,” he said. — AFP

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TIMES O F O MAN

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

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Bush’s goal is to expand the Republican Party

J

ohn Ellis Bush (Jeb) -- grandson of the late Sen. Prescott Sheldon Bush, son of former President George Herbert Walker Bush, brother of former President George Walker Bush and heir to the political estate known as the “Bush network” -- has a fight on his hands. And anyone who cares about politics -- not just Republican or presidential politics, but honest politics -- has a stake in this fight.

The former governor of Florida, who previously served on the board of Bloomberg Philanthropies, had hoped to spook rivals out of the Republican presidential primary with a showing of financial and party support. He may yet produce the financial war chest, courtesy of a super-PAC that amounts to the conjoined twin of his campaign. But endorsements and votes are going to be won hard or not at all.

The most interesting thing about Bush’s campaign, which he announced Monday, is how he plans to earn that support. Last year, Bush said that for his party to be successful in 2016, its nominee had to be willing to “lose the primary to win the general.” Appealing too strenuously to Republican base voters would alienate the general electorate.

Following such advice will be harder than offering it. So far, however, Bush has largely been true to his word. He has refused to sign the anti-tax pledge that constricts Republican policy-making. And he has stood his ground in favor of immigration reform -- with a path to legalization for undocumented immigrants who are longtime residents of the US - - and the Common Core educational testing standards that he has long and vigorously championed.

Bush has also been a successful governor of a large, diverse and complex state. He has a sharp mind for policy and the ability to master unscripted encounters with voters and the news media. His commitment to diversifying his party is the surest path to its success in the 21st century. And -- especially compared with that of some of his primary opponents - - his view of government’s role in society is notable for its generosity. “My core beliefs start with a premise that the most vulnerable in our society should be in the front of the line, not the back,” he said in a campaign video released in advance of his official announcement. It’s worth recalling that just a decade ago, Bush was one of the most conservative governors in the US, implementing education reforms and tax cuts and championing socially conservative causes that alarmed Democrats. That he enters the Republican primary hobbled by his family name is perhaps unavoidable. That some Republicans are calling him too moderate to be their standard-bearer should give more Republicans pause. If Bush continues to campaign on his own terms, not only his party will benefit -- the nation might, as well. — Bloomberg View

AFTER OBAMA

Foreign policy key in US presidential poll RICHARD N. HAASS

Migrant crisis woes

T

his time last year, migrants from Central America, including thousands of unaccompanied minors, were streaming into the United States, creating a problem for border communities and Obama administration officials. With far fewer people reaching American soil this year, it is tempting to conclude that the crisis is ebbing. That would be a mistake.

Thousands of desperate Central Americans fleeing violence, poverty and, in some cases, persecution, are continuing to embark on perilous journeys north. A growing share, though, are being turned back at Mexico’s southern border.

“The root causes of migration haven’t gone away,” said Maureen Meyer, an expert on migration trends who has analysed recent data from immigration authorities in Mexico and the United States.

“Things are certainly not getting any better.”

American immigration authorities along the southern border detained more than 70,400 non-Mexican migrants between October and April of this year, a majority of whom are from Central America.

That represented a considerable decline from 162,700 detained during the same period 12 months earlier. Meanwhile, Mexican officials stopped nearly 93,000 Central American migrants between October and April of this year, far exceeding the 49,800 detained in the same period 12 months earlier. As the White House scrambled to find solutions to the border crisis last year, officials urged Mexico to do more to protect its southern border. The Mexican government deployed more law enforcement officers along the border and made it harder for migrants to travel as stowaways aboard freight trains. That has meant that fewer Central Americans who have reason to seek asylum are getting a chance to make their case. — The New York Times

Need to ensure that best quality of food is supplied This refers to the news story, Public Authority of Consumer Protection to ensure availability of commodities in Oman during Ramadan, (June 15). The PACP deserves all praise for being vigilant and prudent enough in ensuring the continuous supply of commodities at their normal prices or lesser rates, so that people do not suffer during the Holy Month of Ramadan. However, beyond the quantity of food and the rates, the quality of the food supplied should also be checked with stricter and frequent inspections. This is the time of the year when vendors hope to make quick profits and therefore tend to keep food supplies beyond their expiration dates, or try to sell food stored in poor conditions. The consum-

ers too should be vigilant while making their purchases and not hesitate to report any violations to the concerned government authorities. Together let us make the holy month hassle-free.

Anna Kavalam Muscat

An urgent repair of safety bar in Al Hail is required This refers to a safety hazard in Al Hail North near the underpass going in the direction of Al Hail South. For nearly a month a safety bar of this tunnel is broken at one end and it seems it could fall at any time. If such an eventuality were to happen it would most likely cause serious injuries or even prove be fatal.

Younis Al Balushi Al Hail

It is difficult to know what role foreign policy will play in determining who will next occupy the Oval Office. The 2016 election is still 17 months away. A lot can, and will, happen between now and then

I

t is impossible to know whom American voters will choose as their next president. But it is certain that the choice will have profound consequences, for better and for worse, for the entire world.

More than anything else, this reflects the continuing reality of American power. It also reflects the near-certainty that the next president will inherit a world in considerable turmoil. What he or she chooses to do, and how he or she chooses to do it, will matter a great deal to people everywhere.

That said, it is difficult to know what role foreign policy will play in determining who will next occupy the Oval Office. The 2016 election is still 17 months away. A lot can, and will, happen between now and then.

Two related but distinct political processes – the Democratic and Republican parties’ nominating contests – will play out over the next year. Former secretary of state Hillary Clinton is the Democratic frontrunner, though her nomination is not a foregone conclusion. In any case, foreign policy probably will play little role in the decision, as the issues that most concern voters likely to participate in the Democratic primary elections are domestic and economic in nature.

The Republican side is far more crowded and uncertain, and it seems far likelier that foreign policy will play a large role in choosing the party’s nominee. The economy is improving under President Barack Obama, making it a less attractive political target. Global turbulence, by contrast, has given

READERS’ FORUM NEW INDIA ASSURANCE New India offers a wide range of HEALTH INSURANCE COVERS to you/family/employee.

the Republicans more room to attack Obama and the Democrats.

Nonetheless, a few foreignpolicy issues will dominate the conversation in both parties. One is trade, which is both a domestic and international matter. Obama is seeking Trade Promotion Authority, a necessary prelude to gaining congressional support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which would reduce barriers between the US and 11 other Pacific Rim countries. Many – but not all – of the Republican candidates back the TPP; the politics on the Democratic side is more hostile to the deal, making it potentially risky for any Democratic candidate to support it.

A second issue certain to dominate both parties’ nominating debates is Iran and the international negotiations to contain its nuclear programme. One can expect many of the Republican candidates to be critical of any proposed deal.

Questions will be raised about which sanctions are to be eased and when; about the terms of compliance inspections; and about what will happen once some of the limits on Iran’s nuclear activities expire. Democratic candidates are more likely to be sympathetic to whatever is negotiated; but there are certain to be differences among candidates on both sides.

A third issue is climate change.

Pope Francis will boost the issue’s salience when he releases a major statement on it next week. Likewise, planning for the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris in December will keep the issue in the news. Democrats will be more supportive of more far-reaching US commitments, al-

though, again, differences of view will emerge on both sides.

A fourth cluster of issues involves the Middle East. There is little appetite on either side for large-scale military intervention in Iraq and Syria to counter IS. But there will be heated debate – and considerable posturing – over what should and should not be done.

Then there are all the other issues, from Chinese assertiveness in Asia to Russian revanchism in Ukraine. The rhetoric, especially on the Republican side, will be muscular.

One hopes that what emerges from the parties’ nominating processes is insight into how the successful candidates answer three big questions.

The first concerns how much importance, in absolute and relative terms, the nominee assigns to foreign policy. If one thinks of national security as two sides of a coin, with foreign policy on one side and domestic policy on the other, how likely is each to land face up for the next president?

This is the classic “guns versus butter” debate over how resources, from dollars to presidential attention, should be allocated.

Second, what are the purposes and priorities of foreign policy?

The realist tradition in international relations focuses on influencing other countries’ foreign policies and places less emphasis on their internal affairs.

The main alternative tradition takes the opposite tack, arguing that other countries’ domestic affairs are what matter most, whether for reasons of morality and principle. — Project Syndicate

People opposing pop corns in cinema may be joking

peak hours (June 16). Such decisions are always welcome. In my opinion, in other months when they are prohibited from plying on the roads during the office hours, they can still be seen flouting the rule openly.

Vinod Lall Aryachalil Muscat

This refers the recent letters in your newspaper calling for banning of eating pop corn in cinema halls. It all seems to be a joke to me.

One goes to watch movies to have fun. In my opinion people calling for a ban on pop corns in theatres are perhaps thinking they go there to take examinations. If they want to have undivided attention during the screening of the film, it would be better for them to do so privately in their own houses.

Mohammad Jawad Al Khuwair

website: www.newindiaoman.com

Ban on trucks plying on roads not being followed

Words are but the signs of ideas SAMUEL JOHNSON

This refers to the online news story, Royal Oman Police bans heavy trucks during Ramadan

Appalled to see zoo animals being killed This refers to the news report about zoo animals roaming on Georgian capitals’ roads after floods. I am truly surprised that the owners didn’t have any safety measures in place. It was sad to see so many animals being killed mercilessly when they could not be captured alive.

Raza Ali Muscat

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

T I M E S OF OMAN

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

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PERSPEC IVE The risky challenges the US faces in dealing with Putin I

t could have been President Barack Obama issuing a firm warning — measured, devoid of bellicose threats — to Vladimir Putin that the West would keep the pressure on as long as Russia interfered with Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Instead, it was Jeb Bush, the former Florida governor and a leading 2016 Republican presidential aspirant, speaking at a news conference in Berlin on last Wednesday.

The political implication is minimal.

It’s not clear Russia will be a top issue in the presidential race, and Bush has bigger problems than sounding a bit like the president on one foreign policy matter.

But the similarity of tone underscores the how difficult and problematic USRussian relations are.

Obama, his Republican critics notwithstanding, has been pretty resolute since Putin took over Crimea and began assisting separatists in eastern Ukraine last year. In response to the aggression, the US has initiated tough economic sanctions and ‘isolated’ Russia.

The instinct among many in America, including more than a few politicians, is to see Putin as a rouge and Russia as a pale copy of the old Soviet Union — “a gas station masquerading as a country,” as Republican Senator John McCain is fond of saying.

Russia’s economy is weak, reliant on the slumping oil and gas market, and suffering from the sanctions. But the country remains a huge military threat with a lethal nuclear arsenal, exhibits a public nationalism that feeds on restoring the glories of yesteryear and is an important player on global issues such as Syria, Iran and terrorism.

Two recent articles in the National Interest, published by the Center for the National Interest, illuminate the risky challenges the United States faces in dealing with Putin. (This is the former Nixon Center, no hotbed of mushy peaceniks.)

Dimitri Simes, a Russia expert who runs the center, and Graham Allison, a Harvard professor and confidant of De-

ALBERT R. HUNT

Americans are focused on the atrocities of extremist terrorists and the economic and political challenges posed by superpower China while having little recognition of the potential peril from Russia

fence Secretary Ashton Carter, wrote that ratcheting up pressure could play into Putin’s hands. For example, a number of Obama’s critics are calling on him to supply lethal arms to Ukraine, but Simes and Allison warn that might provide a “pretext” for Russia to respond “with arms or even troops, initiating a game of escalation.”

Anti-West hawks In Moscow, they report from personal observations, the anti-West hawks are ascendant: “Putin is not the hardest of the hard-liners in Russia.”

Les Gelb, a former diplomat and leading member of the US foreign policy establishment, notes that Russians felt humiliated by the West after the fall of communism. They lost a quarter of Soviet territory, half the population and much wealth. Thus, he argues, it’s “totally unrealistic to think the West can gain Russian restraint” unless Russia is dealt with as a great power.

The US and Russia, he says, have to adopt a “Détente Plus” strategy of diplomacy, which he acknowledges that “formidable segments of the policy communities on both sides will not reconcile themselves to.”

Meanwhile, Americans are focused on the atrocities of extremist terrorists and the economic and political challenges posed by superpower China while having little recognition of the potential peril from Russia.

This threat is the subject of “Imperial Gamble: Putin, Ukraine and the New Cold War,” by Marvin Kalb, a former diplomat and Russian scholar, to be published this autumn. In a recent blog post, he wondered whether the US is “stumbling towards conflict with Russia.” Reflecting the reasoned postures taken by Bush and Obama, Mike McFaul, the US ambassador to Russia until last year and a nemesis of the regime, warns that there are no quick fixes: “The United StatesRussia conflict is not going to be resolved in weeks or months; this challenge will take years, even decades.” — Bloomberg View

Innovation sans insight M. HAMID ZAMAN

M

ention innovation, and you would get an earful on how innovative we all are. By looking at the growing list of start-ups in Pakistan, the dazzling innovation hubs and the brand new apps, the long waitlists of students trying to get into the IT programmes and the chestthumping exercise of institutions in being the pioneers of e-governance, we are reminded that innovation, somehow, begins with programming a computer and ends with a smartphone.

Others, who are unable to programme, can be very smart, perhaps, but not truly innovative. Some others would be generous enough to include other fields of sciences and engineering under the grand umbrella of innovation, but even that is really pushing the definition and must not extend any further.

Indeed, the growth of the tech start-up culture is promising, and transparency in governance is a step in the right direction, but if our definition of innovation is suffering from severe myopia, our ability to change things will be just as limited as the definition itself.

Our inability to appreciate and acknowledge innovation in social and the financial sectors, in it being inclusive of new ideas and approaches from the humanities and social sciences, is creating a limited vision for the future that is both extremely constrained in its scope and far from sustainable.

Whether it is strong argu-

Making air travel safer for environment

S

ummer is upon us, and with it peak US airline travel: This July, more than 80 million passengers will cross American skies.

But what’s good for vacation relaxation is terrible for the environment. According to the WWF, airline travel is the fastest growing source of global greenhouse gas emissions, leaving trucking and coal-burning power plants in their wake. Already, the 3 billion flights each year produce about 5 percent of the world’s output from all sources.

Yet even those who want, urgently, to fight global warming have been slow to deal with the impact of air travel. Think of those high-profile do-gooders who flew 550 private jets to confab at Davos about carbon dioxide levels in January. The Environmental Protection Agency only just declared that air travel contributes to global warming and that it will begin regulating greenhouse emissions by carriers under the Clean Air Act. Why, when car travel is perennially in the hot seat, has this issue got so little attention? We’ve got electric cars, smaller cars, cars with great gas mileage. Why

JEFF WISE

haven’t we seen the same technological evolution with planes?

The answer is that airplanes pose a fundamentally different engineering problem. They have to do work to carry their fuel through the air, so are limited by the energy density of the storage medium. Increasing efficiency of aircraft engines and wings will help, but only to a point.

And a lot of the “easy” fixes have been made. Companies like Boeing and Airbus have been working for five decades to build planes that burn less fuel, innovating materials and making computer-aided tweaks to aerodynamic design.

They’ve increased use of strong, lightweight materials like carbon fiber laminates that now make up more than 50 per cent of a modern passenger jet’s airframe. They also developed sophisticated turbofan engines that are significantly more efficient than older models.

Their newest aircraft (released in 2000) use half as much fuel per mile as the jets of a half-century ago (Cars and SUVs are about 40 percent more efficient today.) And engineers say there are few fixes left. “The present technology is already highly optimised,” says writer and aircraft designer Peter

Garrison. “The low-hanging fruit has been plucked.”

An alternative idea would be to write off conventional technology as a dead-end, and instead invest in radical approaches like solarpowered aircraft. The topic has been in the news lately, thanks to the photovoltaic-encrusted experimental plane Solar Impulse.

The plane, currently in Japan, is part of a 12-year project by Swiss adventurers Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, who want to fly around the world.

To save energy, Solar Impulse is neither pressurised nor climate controlled, so that temperatures in the tiny cockpit swing between 86 F and -4 F. And it is slow. Solar Impulse cruises at a languid 56 mph, about one-tenth the speed of a typical commercial jet. The reason is simple aerodynamics. As it flies, a plane disrupts the air it moves through, and this takes power.

The faster it goes, the more power it will consume. Very efficient airplanes, like gliders or humanpowered airplanes, have long, thin wings designed to move slowly through the air. That’s appealing for aeronautical engineers, but not to travellers. — The Washington Post

Our inability to appreciate and acknowledge innovation in social and the financial sectors, in it being inclusive of new ideas and approaches from the humanities and social sciences, is creating a limited vision for the future that is both extremely constrained in its scope and far from sustainable

ments in favour of humanities and the social sciences for an inclusive, tolerant and understanding society, the wellfounded arguments against the Higher Education Commission’s treatment of scholars outside natural and physical sciences, or the problems in the social sector that cannot be solved by just another app, our failure to recognise, respect and reward innovative thoughts and ideas is creating high barriers to our own development.

For this one, it is hard to pin the blame on a foreign nongovernmental organisations or our eastward neighbours.

Policy debates Our myopic definition of innovation is not only ostracising those who are outside the folds of engineering and the sciences, it is also affecting our ability to engage in policy debates in the international arena.

The recent European Union meeting on innovation policy for economic and social impact, held in Helsinki last week, had exactly zero representation of scholars or researchers working in Pakistan, though both our northern and eastern neighbours, along with researchers from countries across the globe, were well represented.

As I inquired further about the lack of Pakistani representation, I was told that the only interest from Pakistani colleagues was on technology and IT innovation, with little interest in innovation policy, social innovation or debates on inclusive innovation.

Challenges The loss was certainly ours, where, not only did we not benefit from the richness of the debates, but we also lost out on the opportunity to learn from others who may have used the vehicles of innovation and innovation policy, to address social, economic and developmental challenges.

Now, we have two options, we can either dismiss this as a giant conspiracy against us, like we often do, or we can recognise this as a major weakness in our intellectual landscape, and do something to change it.

Our current fixation with innovation as the domain of a single group within society shows that we are more interested in exclusion than inclusion, a trait not too unfamiliar in the domains of other social and political problems.

The fabric of our society, and the brilliant minds within its folds, is rich and diverse, in culture, training and knowledge.

The problems faced by the nation are equally diverse in their evolution and scope. It is only fitting that our innovative ideas, to solve these problems, embrace the same diversity of origin and scholarship. — Express Tribune

Paris Air Show orders

TODAY IN HISTORY

Airbus and Boeing kicked off the week-long Paris Air Show with orders for more than 200 aircraft. ATR, Bombardier, Comac and Embraer also secured new orders Commitments (firm orders and letters of intent)

146

Airbus

79

Boeing

78

Comac*

35

**

ATR

6

Bombardier

Sukhoi

Source: Flightglobal

3

Total commitments

450

1815

Napoleon defeats the Prussians at the Battle of Ligny.

1907

The Russian czar dissolves the Duma in St. Petersburg.

1935

President Roosevelt’s New Deal legislation is passed by the House of Representatives.

SEMINAR ON INFORMATION

103

Embraer

FROM OUR ARCHIVES

*Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China ** French-Italian Avions de transport regional Graphic News /

Graphics

MUSCAT: Dr Hamid bin Shadha Al Marjan, electronic information network adviser at the Ministry of Information, yesterday gave a lecture at the Press Club on information and local issues. The lecture was part of the information seminar being organised by the Ministry of Information. Dr Al Marjan talked about the roll of mass media and local issues, focusing on the roll of women in the society as an issue which should be given attention. “The woman is part of the society and social setup,” Dr Al Marjan said, assessing the negative sides in ignoring this issue. Dr Al Marjan then outlined the roll being shouldered by the electronic information network Omanet at the Ministry of Information. Despite its limited resources, Omanet currently responses to over 2,000 inquires per month.

1940 French Chief of State, Henri Petain asks for an armistice with Germany.

HISTORYNET.COM

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

GLOBAL EYE

CHINA: Old residential buildings are demolished with controlled blasting in Chongqing municipality, China, on Tuesday. The buildings were demolished within five seconds to make way for the construction of a future traffic hub, according to local media. — Reuters/China Daily

SWITZERLAND: Seized counterfeit pans and utensils await destruction at Swiss Customs in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday. About one tonne of counterfeit cooking items were destroyed. — Reuters

UNITED STATES: NAACP member Kitara McClure, left, cries as she hugs Angela Jones, right, during a protest in front of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) headquarters in Spokane, Washington on Monday. Rachel Dolezal, a civil rights advocate who has been accused of falsely claiming she is black, announced her resignation as leader of a local branch of the NAACP in Washington state. — Reuters

ITALY: Migrants wait near the sea, in the city of Ventimiglia at the French-Italian border, on Tuesday. Italy warned that EU solidarity is at stake if the 28-nation bloc fails to reach a deal on sharing the burden of the Mediterranean migrant crisis. — AFP

AZERBAIJAN: A police watch tower is silhoutted during sunset in Baku, Azerbaijan. — Reuters

INDONESIA: A woman uses a telescope with an SLR camera attached to spot the new moon to mark the beginning of Ramadan in Surabaya, in eastern Java province, on Tuesday. — AFP

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

WORLD

In a video statement, Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) confirmed that Nasir Al Wuhayshi was dead.

Houthi rebels rule out talks with Yemeni government bels a Security Council resolution ordering their withdrawal from seized territory. A UN-chartered plane carrying the rebels had left Sanaa on Sunday afternoon but was forced to wait in Djibouti for nearly 24 hours, forcing them to miss Monday’s opening of the talks and a meeting with UN chief Ban Ki-moon.

Rebel negotiating team member Mohammed Zubairi said they wanted talks with Saudi Arabia to stop the aggression

GENEVA/JEDDAH: Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Tuesday accused Saudi Arabia of trying to sabotage UN peace talks in Geneva and ruled out negotiations with the internationally recognised exiled government, saying it lacked legitimacy.

In Saudi Arabia, Yemen’s exiled president Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi reiterated that his government will only discuss with rebels a Security Council resolution ordering their withdrawal from seized territory.

The rebels finally joined talks on Tuesday afternoon as they ar-

PEACE TALKS: The United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, centre, sits with Yemeni rebels during Yemen peaces talks on Tuesday in Geneva. – AFP

rived a day late after being stranded in Djibouti — a fact they blamed on Riyadh. But rebel negotiating team member Mohammed Zubairi defiantly told reporters: “We refuse any dialogue with those who have no legitimacy.”

He said they instead wanted

talks with Saudi Arabia, which has been leading an aerial campaign against the rebels since March 26, “to stop the aggression”.

Badly-needed The United Nations is desperately trying to get the rebels, who

R A I LWAY D I S A S T E R

18 killed, 98 injured as passenger train hits lorry, derails in Tunisia TABIKA (TUNISIA): At least 18 people were killed and 98 injured on Tuesday when a train hit a lorry and derailed at a level crossing in one of Tunisia’s worst railway disasters, officials said.

Most of the dead were passengers on the morning rush hour train which hit the lorry in the village of Tabika, around 60 kilometres (40 miles) south of Tunis, the transport ministry said.

“We received the bodies of 17 people,” said Riadh Khlifi, director of El Fahes hospital a few kilometres from the accident scene, “and another dead person was sent to Zaghouan hospital”.

He added that among the 98 hurt, three were in a critical condition and had been sent to the capital for treatment.

The interior ministry said the train had been en route to Tunis from Gaafour, 120 kilometres to the southwest.

The collision happened at around 6:30am (0530 GMT).

Transport Minister Mahmoud MOUNT SINABUNG

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JAKARTA: More than 10,000 villagers have fled a rumbling volcano in western Indonesia this month, most in recent days after a series of violent eruptions, an official said on Tuesday.

Authorities raised the alert status of Mount Sinabung, on Sumatra island, to the highest level at the start of June after detecting a sharp increase in activity.

Back to life The volcano, which came back to life two years ago after a period of inactivity, erupted violently at the weekend, spewing hot ash and rocks high into the air. Sinabung -- which killed 16 people in a fierce eruption last year -- was continuing to belch out a thick plume of smoke high into the sky Tuesday, covering homes far away with a coating of ash. Around 7,500 residents have been evacuated from their villages following the weekend eruptions, disaster agency official Tri Budiarto said. — AFP

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Ben Romdhane said the accident happened because there was no barrier at the crossing, but this was disputed by the Tunisian National Railway Co (SNCFT).

“The main cause of the accident is the non-existence of a barrier... and protection at the crossing,” he told radio station Shems-FM. “In Tunisia, there are 1,150 rail crossings. Only 250 are equipped with signal posts and barriers

and only 150 have lights. This is insufficient.” But SNCFT spokesman Hassen Miaad told Tunisian radio there was “a stop sign and a railway crossing sign at the level crossing”.

Crashes common Train crashes are common in Tunisia, where much of the rail network is dilapidated, but Tuesday’s accident was the deadliest in recent memory. The presidency said it had called for an inquiry “to determine the cause of this catastrophe”. Witnesses spoke of mangled wreckage at the scene and dead bodies strewn across the tracks. — AFP

A15

control a large swath of terrain including the capital Sanaa, and the exiled government to agree to a badly-needed humanitarian truce. But any hope of a thaw appeared bleak with Hadi repeating on Tuesday that his side was only prepared to discuss with the re-

Accusation The rebels accused Egypt and Sudan of not allowing their plane to fly through their airspace.

“It was Saudi Arabia which asked its allies” to take the action with the aim of “torpedoing the negotiations”, Adel Shujah, another member of the rebel team, told AFP after arriving in Geneva.

He said they were able to travel on to Switzerland after the United States intervened.

In the Saudi city of Jeddah, the Hadi told an extraordinary meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) that “our delegation in Geneva will only discuss the terms of applying (Resolution) 2216”.

His comments were carried by Yemen’s official Saba news agency. The meeting was attended by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.— AFP

US DRONE STRIKE

Al Qaeda chief of Yemeni branch killed DUBAI: Al Qaeda has confirmed that its second-in-command, the chief of its powerful Yemeni branch, was killed in a US drone strike, in the heaviest blow to the militant network since the death of Osama bin Laden.

Already struggling with the rise of rival militants from the IS group, Al Qaeda has suffered a series of setbacks in recent months with several commanders reported killed. In a video statement, Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) confirmed that Nasir Al Wuhayshi was dead.

Western targets Wuhayshi “was killed in a US drone attack that targeted him along with two other mujahedeen”, who were also killed, said the statement read by prominent Al Qaeda militant Khaled Omar Batarfi and dated June 15.

AQAP — which was behind several plots against Western targets including the deadly attack on French magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris earlier this year -- said it had named its military chief Qassem Al Rimi as its new leader.

US officials were earlier reported to have been reviewing intelligence to confirm that Wuhayshi was killed in a CIA drone strike on June 9. — AFP

A 16

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

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CRUCIAL VOTE

Hong Kong on high alert as new democracy showdown looms HONG KONG: Hong Kong’s leader warned on Tuesday that violence will not be tolerated as six people were charged with conspiracy to cause an explosion ahead of a crucial vote on a Chinabacked electoral reform package this week.

Security has been stepped up across the Chinese-ruled city, including at government buildings and train stations, as it braces for a fresh showdown over plans for how its next leader is elected in 2017.

Authorities are taking no chances after mass pro-democracy protests crippled parts of the former British colony late last year and presented China’s Communist

Party leadership with one of its biggest political challenges in decades.

“Hong Kong society should not tolerate any illegal activities.

Whether these are violent or non-violent, we should not allow any illegal activities to be justified,” Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said in a televised briefing.

Ten people were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to manufacture explosives, police said on Monday, adding that some belonged to a radical group.

Six people were charged on Tuesday with conspiracy to cause an explosion.

Police said they would patrol inside the city’s Legislative Council

overnight ahead of the debate due to start on Wednesday.

A vote is due by the end of the week. Pro-democracy protesters are staging evening rallies throughout the week.

Proposed Beijing has proposed a direct vote for Hong Kong’s next leader in 2017, but only from among prescreened, pro-Beijing candidates.

Democracy activists say that makes a mockery of China’s promise of universal suffrage.

“If the pan-democrats stubbornly insist on vetoing the proposal, democracy in Hong Kong will come to a standstill,” said Song

Ru’an, a Chinese Foreign Ministry official in Hong Kong.

The head of China’s Hong Kong Macau Affairs Office, Wang Guangya, in an interview with two pro-Beijing newspapers, reiterated Beijing’s desire to see the electoral package passed.

He said that if the electoral framework were accepted, there would still be room for changes in future.

With tensions running high before the debate, Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption has also said it is investigating allegations by an unidentified legislator that he was offered a bribe to vote for the package.

Some of those arrested in the raids belonged to a little-known group called the National Independent Party, media reported on Tuesday.

According to its Facebook page the group was set up in January, but the page has now been deleted.

A June 1 post purportedly from the group warned that, if the reform package was passed, “Hong Kong people should be mentally prepared there will be casualties”.

The Global Times, a widely-read tabloid published by the Chinese Communist Party’s official People’s Daily, said in an editorial that following the finding of the explosives, Hong Kong risked

descending into chaos.

Rising tensions have resulted in a new front of radical activism in Hong Kong, where some groups have staged small but disruptive protests targeting mainland Chinese visitors.

Anger has also spilled over to football crowds, with supporters of the Hong Kong team loudly booing the Chinese national anthem on Tuesday night at the start of a local World Cup Asian zone qualifying match against the Maldives.

Some fans turned their backs and others chanted “we are Hong Kong” in a repeat of similar scenes last week before Hong Kong’s match against Bhutan. - Reuters WA R C R I M E S

Bangladesh upholds death sentence of top Jamaat leader DHAKA: Bangladesh’s highest court Tuesday upheld the death sentence against a top Jamaat leader for war crimes during the country’s battle for independence, prompting his opposition party to call a general strike in protest.

Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid could now be hanged within months after the Supreme Court dismissed his appeal against the sentence for the murder of scores of intellectuals during the 1971 conflict.

The 67-year-old is one of about a dozen leaders of Bangladesh’s largest party Jamaat-eIslami, a key opposition group, convicted by a controversial war crimes tribunal set up by the secular government in 2010.

The convictions have triggered the country’s deadliest violence since independence with some 500 people killed, mainly in clashes between Jamaat activists and police.

Security was tight ahead of Tuesday’s ruling, with heavily armed police and border guards surrounding the court in Dhaka and patrolling nearby streets.

But widespread violence was unlikely following a recent crackdown against the opposition by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government.

Jamaat, thousands of whose supporters have been arrested in the crackdown, called the strike for Wednesday, branding the trial of its general secretary “farcical”.

“Mujahid is a victim of the government’s conspiracy,” Jamaat’s acting chief Moqbul Ahmed said in a statement.

Mujahid was found guilty in 2013 of leading Al Badr, a notorious militia that carried out “exterminations” of Bangladeshi intellectuals including top writers, journalists and professors towards the end of the nine-month war. - AFP GROWING IS INFLUENCE

Taliban warn IS leader not to interfere in Afghanistan KABUL: The Taliban on Tuesday warned the leader of the IS group against waging a parallel insurgency in Afghanistan, after a string of defections.

The group also known by its Arabic acronym Daesh, has never formally acknowledged having a presence in Afghanistan but fears are growing that the group is making inroads in the country.

In a letter addressed to IS leader Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi, the Taliban insisted that “jihad (holy war) against the Americans and their allies must be conducted under one flag and one leadership”.

“The Taliban does not consider the multiplicity of jihadi ranks beneficial either for jihad or for Muslims,” said the letter signed by the Taliban deputy leader Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor. The statement demonstrates a growing disquiet within the Taliban about the creeping influence and popularity of IS within insurgent ranks, analysts say. - AFP

B

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM W EDN ES DAY, JUNE 17, 2015

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Muscat 6,493.78 - 0.61 - 0.01%

Dubai 4,079.05 - 38.52 - 0.94%

Abu Dhabi 4,545.11 - 3.92 - 0.09%

Saudi Arabia

9,536.92 - 24.78 - 0.26%

Kuwait 6,258.69 - 21.07 - 0.34%

Bahrain 1,364.91 + 0.23 + 0.02%

Qatar 11,873.55 - 29.68 - 0.25%

CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.28 Pound ...........................................1.65 Indian Rs ............................ 166.00 Pak Rs ....................................260.01 Bangla Taka.......................199.36

Indian Rs ...................................166.75 Pakistan Rs ............................ 263.20 Sri Lanka Rs .......................... 344.25 Bangla Taka.............................201.70 Phil Peso .................................... 116.25

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) .......15.20

Oman Crude............. (Spot) .........$61.66 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) .........$61.26 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) ........$63.29 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ........$60.86 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ........$63.82 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ........ $59.75

* Rates as of Jun 16 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

* Rates are as of Jun 16 Source: Bank Muscat

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......14.65 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ............143.25 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) ............ 136.00 * Rates as of Jun 16 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

South Korean firm plans auto spare parts project in Sohar term basis and the imports from Oman are likely to remain the same or decline this year due to a fall in energy prices in the international markets,” noted Kim. Also, Korean firms are participating in construction projects in Oman — both in government and private projects.

Proposal for building the project was at an early stage of negotiation with Omani partners, said South Korea’s ambassador to Oman A E JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A South Korean multinational company is planning to build an automobile spare parts manufacturing project in Sohar to produce aluminium automobile wheels, a top-level official of South Korean Embassy here told Times of Oman.

‘Strategic location’ Daesik Kim, Korea’s ambassador

to Oman, said that the proposal for building the project was at an early stage of negotiation with Omani partners. “Korean companies are realising the importance of Oman as strategic location.”

Kim said that Korean companies in the recent past were mostly engaged in oil exploration field in Oman. Now they have interest in the manufacturing sector as Posco, a Korean firm, has already tied up with Sun Metal (a joint venture between Oman and Indian investors)

CRUCIAL ISSUES

Renaissance to hold key meeting Times News Service MUSCAT: An extraordinary general meeting of Renaissance Services shareholders will be convened on July 6 to seek approval for repurchasing 423.14 million mandatory convertible bonds (MCBs).

A scheme for the repurchase of 423.14 million MCBs of OMR43.16 million issued in 2012 will be discussed during the extraordinary general meeting.

The meeting will be held at 3 pm at the premises of the Capital Market Authority (CMA).

According to a company statement, the approval of the scheme is subject to the availability of financing.

Another objective of the meeting is to consider and approve the issuance of Perpetual Cumulative Capital Certificates by the company’s wholly owned overseas subsidiary, with a coupon to be determined at the time of issue

based on market conditions to raise up to $200,000,000 through conventional or Sukuk financing.

Mandatory Convertible Bonds

Renaissance Services had issued 423,141,678 MCBs at an issue price of OMR0.102, amounting to OMR43.1 million MCBs in July 2012 to its shareholders on a rights basis. The purpose of the issuance was to provide capital for financing the investment required for the company’s growth and to strengthen the company’s balance sheet.

The MCBs offer investors an annual cash coupon of 3.75 per cent and shares in the company upon conversion, which aggregate to an internal rate of return of 16.9 per cent for MCB holders.

The conversion of MCBs is scheduled to be carried out in three equal tranches commencing from July 2015, with the remaining two tranches in July 2016 and July 2017.

B O S T O N C O N S U LT I N G G R O U P R E P O R T

Private wealth in Oman grows 35% Times News Service MUSCAT: Private wealth in Oman grew by an impressive 35.4 per cent in 2014, according to a new report by the Boston Consulting Group titled ‘Global Wealth 2015: Winning the Growth Game, released on Tuesday.’

In Oman, the growth of private wealth was driven mainly by equities. After all, between 2013 and 2014, the amount of wealth held in equities rose by a robust 146.3 per cent while bonds and cash and deposits grew by 7.1 per cent and 4.8 per cent, respectively.

Based on BCG’s study, Oman is poised for further growth (8.6 per cent) in the next five years, with the wealth breakdown anticipated to be 47 per cent in cash and deposits, eight per cent in bonds, and 45 per cent in equities.

Over the next five years, across Oman, private wealth held in equities is expected to increase at a compounded annual growth rate

(CAGR) of 11.6 per cent. In parallel, bonds will grow by 4.9 per cent and cash and deposits will see a 6.7 per cent jump.

Private wealth in that segment rose by a remarkable 116.8 per cent in 2014.

With a projected CAGR of 12.9 per cent over the next five years, this segment is expected to see continued growth. This will be triggered by both a large number of new households entering the segment and growth in average wealth per household.

In Oman, private wealth held by the lower high net worth segment (those with between $1 million and $20 million) grew at a rate of 35.8 per cent in 2014. It is forecasted to grow by 8.7 per cent over the next five years.

The Global Wealth 2015 report addresses the current and future size of the market – notably the projection that the AsiaPacific region (excluding Japan) will surpass North America as the wealthiest region in the world in 2016.

Daesik Kim. — Picture by A R Rajkumar/Times of Oman

for building a steel project in Sur. Referring to bilateral trade between the two friendly countries, the ambassador said Korea imports are mainly liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil. Korea imports $4 billion worth LNG from

Oman and another $1 billion worth crude oil, taking the total import value to $5 billion a year. Korea’s exports to Oman mainly consist of automobiles and white goods, with a total value of around $1 billion.

“LNG imports are on a long-

Oman-Korean partnership Citing the best example of OmanKorean partnership in developing Duqm Drydock, he said Korean firm Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering’s participation in Duqm enables Oman to learn from Korean firm’s know-how and expertise.

“This is a good example of transfer of expertise and know-how.”

Both parties have a ten-year operation and management agreement to ensure complete organisation for talent, experience and technology to the benefit of Oman in the

diversification of its economy,” he further added.

Kim also said that his country has a close economic relation with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. In the case of UAE, Korea has a close tie-up in healthcare sector. He said that Omani youths can get training in South Korea in various fields. When Korea started its economic development, the country depended on developed nations for know-how and transfer of technology.

And now, he said, Korean firms are known for its world-class technology in several industries, including ship-building, automobile, information technology and healthcare.

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B2

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

MARKET Orpic enters into pact with Japanese agency Raphael De Loenen, chief operating officer, said Orpic has worked with JCCP for over 10 years, mainly at Mina Al Fahal operation

Times News Service MUSCAT: A memorandum of agreement (MoA) to cooperate on various technical topics has been signed by Orpic, Oman’s national refinery and petrochemical company, with Japan Cooperation Center, Petroleum (JCCP).

Raphael De Loenen, chief operating officer of Orpic, said, “Orpic has worked with JCCP for more than 10 years, mainly on our Mina Al Fahal operation. However, this MoA extends our association for the next three years and will include Orpic’s plants in Sohar and Muscat.”

Japan Cooperation Center, Pe-

SEALING THE DEAL: Japan Cooperation Center, Petroleum, is a non-profit organisation, founded to promote friendly relations between oil-producing countries and Japan. - Supplied photo

troleum is a non-profit organisation, founded to promote friendly relations between oil-producing countries and Japan. It is a membership-based organisation, comprising 18 engineering companies, 12 oil companies and two banks.

Technical studies “The agreement includes technical studies to identify opportunities for enhancing operations and

maintenance practices of refineries in Oman and Japan, as well as a personnel exchange programme, which will enable both parties to share the expertise, skills and experience of our people,” the official said.

“The MoA will support us in meeting the ultimate goal of international cooperation in petroleum industries,” De Loenen added.

Training programmes, aimed at

exchanging information and access to Japanese technologies, as well as seminars in refinery operations, maintenance, instrumentations and management, will all be delivered as part of the agreement.

“We appreciate this opportunity to partner with Japan Cooperation Center, Petroleum and look forward to the benefits that will be generated for both organisations, from our association,” he said.

ACCESS TO FOREIGNERS

Foreign investors buy less than 5% of Saudi stocks CAIRO: The day the world’s biggest oil exporter allowed foreign investors direct access to its stock market, they bought shares in less than 5 per cent of equities.

By the end of Saudi Arabia’s trading day on Monday, qualified foreign investors (QFIs) held seven out of 170 stocks directly, owning less than a tenth of a percentage point of each company, according to data on the Tadawul Stock Exchange website.

Saudi International Petrochemical Company was the biggest winner after QFIs bought 0.02 per cent of the stock.

Anticipation had been building since July when Saudi Arabia said it will allow approved investors from outside the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council to own local shares directly amid a push to diversify its $752 billion economy away from oil. HSBC was one of the first QFIs to trade Saudi stocks directly, it said in a statement.

“There has been no rush to acquire QFI status,” Hootan Yazhari, the Dubai-based head of Middle East and North Africa (Mena) and global frontier markets equity research at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, said by phone on Tuesday.

“Many global investors we’ve met with have suggested they’re going to wait and see.”

Settlement system The biggest issue for foreign investors is the pre-funding of trades given the current T+0 settlement cycle, Yazhari said. While the CMA said on its website that it has no intention of changing the system, the stock market is studying it, the Tadawul’s chief executive officer Adel Al Ghamdi said in an interview on Monday. T+0 refers to same-day settlement.

QFIs also invested in Arab National Bank, Rabigh Refining & Petrochemical, Mouwasat Medical Services, Dallah Healthcare, Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Company and Bupa Arabia for Cooperative Insurance. Their holdings in each stock is 0.01 per cent, according to the Tadawul website.

Mouwasat Medical was the only stock out of the seven to rise on Monday. The benchmark Tadawul All Share Index of equities declined 0.9 per cent, trimming its gain this year to 15 per cent.

Shares in Tadawul are trading at 17 times of the estimated earnings for 2015. - Bloomberg News

AV I AT I O N

Boeing extends lead with order for new 100-single aisle planes PARIS: Boeing extended its lead over Airbus on the second day of the Paris Air Show, pulling in the biggest deal yet at the expo with 100 single-aisle planes that gives it almost twice the haul of its arch-rival.

The order, by leasing company Aercap Holdings, is for 100 737 MAX 8 aircraft valued at about $10.7 billion at list price. The accord is the biggest transaction yet at the trade show by numbers and value, as both manufacturers seek to maintain their momentum and unveil more deals in the next days.

The accord, which Aercap said was “intensely” negotiated over the course of last year, gives Boeing a tally of about $29.6 billion in total, almost double Airbus’s $15 billion. The advantage is a surprise lead for the United States manufacturer, which typically trails Airbus at the Paris Show, considered the European manufacturer’s home turf.

“This is a big day for us, it’s a real highlight of the show,” said Ray Conner, the head of Boeing’s commercial aircraft unit.

Aercap chief executive officer Aengus Kelly said the deal came together in the final days before the show, with Boeing telling the leasing company that it wanted to ‘make this happen’. Aercap is also interested in the larger 737 MAX 9 to help replace aging models in its fleet, Kelly said in an interview after the signing.

Boeing also announced another purchase agreement for the 737 MAX 8 on the second day, for 10 units by SMBC Aviation Capital.

Emerging markets Emerging-market carriers including PT Garuda Indonesia, Saudi Arabian Airlines and Qatar Airways went shopping for longhaul jets, a sign of faster travel growth in those regions than elsewhere. Heading into the Paris expo, analysts had played down sales prospects for Boeing and Airbus wide-bodies.

Embraer extended its advantage over Bombardier Inc. in regional aircraft, winning firm jet orders for $2.6 billion from customers including lessor Aircastle and United Continental.

Bombardier had one customer,

Deutsche Lufthansa’s Swiss unit, convert a CSeries order to take 10 of the larger version of the new plane instead of the smaller CS100, and another, Canada’s WestJet Airlines, exercise options to add five Q400 turboprops.

Production pipeline Garuda signed up for 30 Airbus A350s and the same number of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners together worth almost $17 billion, while Saudia, as the Arab carrier is known, placed the first order for a regional version of the Airbus A330. Qatar Airways bought 10 of Boeing’s upgraded 777X plus four 777 freighters, valued at a combined $4.8 billion. Garuda’s Dreamliner deal has a list price of about $7.7 billion, while the A350 component is worth more than $9 billion. - Bloomberg News

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

B3

MARKET Used car startup turns to US seeking $1 billion value research analyst with CBInsights.

“You need to go to players willing to invest in a new market,” Dempsey said. They may be reluctant to invest in an emerging market because “there’s a lot more uncertainty around how consumers will adapt to technology and how to scale in the country.” Yalcin declined to offer details on the company’s financials, but did say that several hundred businesses source cars from his company.

SellAnyCar.com buys used cars of any condition from individuals and auctions them to businesses, including dealerships

NEW YORK: SellAnyCar.com has shown that used-car sales in the Middle East can be turned into a point and click exercise.

Now its founder is hoping that United States venture capital investors will give his company a $1 billion valuation.

Saygin Yalcin met investors in New York and California this month, seeking to raise as much as $100 million to help fund an expansion into Europe. The fundraising could value his company at about $1 billion he said in an interview in New York.

Yalcin, 31, is coming to the US to capitalise on soaring private valuations and record fundraising by venture capital firms. American venture funds had an estimated $76 billion in uninvested capital at the end of 2014, compared to just $1.5 billion for those in the Middle East, says PitchBook Data.

“We believe now is a good time to raise money in the U.S., where startups are raising at significantly higher valuations and probably more than they need,” Yalcin said.

RAISING MONEY: Saygin Yalcin met investors in New York and California this month, seeking to raise as much as $100 million to help fund an expansion into Europe. The fundraising could value his company at about $1 billion, he said in an interview in New York. – Bloomberg News

SellAnyCar.com buys used cars of any condition from individuals and auctions them to businesses, including dealerships. The company offers free inspections and valuations of the vehicles, and owners can accept or reject the price. The deals are conducted on a mobile application.

It now operates in four countries in the Middle East, is launching in Germany soon and plans to expand elsewhere in Europe.

Unicorn status Venture capital investors in Dubai, where the company is based, generally limit investment rounds to between $20 million and $25 million, Yalcin said, which wouldn’t cover the costs needed to expand the business.

Other than scaling the technology platform, his company also has to build out logistics and payment systems, he said.

There are now more than 100

startups in the world valued at $1 billion or more, with 14 new such ‘unicorns’ joining the ranks between January 1 and April 14, according to data from CBInsights.

Two-thirds of these are US based.

Still, Yalcin will face some challenges if he’s pitching investors with no experience in the Middle East, since funds already willing to invest in the region probably have an established presence there, said Michael Dempsey, a

EXPORT CREDIT

Turkish descent Yalcin grew up in Germany and is of Turkish descent. He moved to Dubai more than five years ago to tap into the emerging technology scene in the area, starting Sukar.com, a shopping website.

He sold that Souq.com, the largest e-commerce platform in the Middle East, in 2012, and SellAnyCar. com was founded the next year.

Expansion means more than launching the app in a new country. Because no companies existed to ship the cars, Yalcin had to build a platform for individual truck drivers to contract for deliveries, he said.

He also had to obtain multiple licenses and work with governments to operate his company in each country and principality, he said. For startups in the Middle East, “you’re not usually building just a business model,” Yalcin said. “We have to create an entire infrastructure and pioneer the industry.” - Bloomberg News

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ECONOMY

India’s exports drop for sixth straight month NEW DELHI: India’s exports fell for a sixth straight month, the longest losing streak since 2009, weakening the rupee and boosting pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to spur demand in Asia’s third-largest economy.

Overseas shipments fell 20.2 per cent in May from a year earlier and imports dropped 16.5 per cent on lower oil prices, the Commerce Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

That left a $10.4 billion trade deficit, smaller than May’s $11 billion gap that economists in a survey predicted would hold.

The trade data “are a mixed bag,” Shilan Shah, Singapore-based India economist for Capital Economics, wrote in a report.

“Overall though, the data support our view that India’s external position no longer poses the same threat to the economy as was the case in 2013.”

Gold imports Gold imports are unlikely to surge as much as they did in previous years, leaving the current-account deficit at a more sustainable level, he said.

The country’s record foreign exchange reserves will serve as a line of defense against any volatility, the Reserve Bank of India said on June 2.

That’s even as a weakening rupee and acceleration in inflation indicates room is decreasing for governor Raghuram Rajan to lower interest rates further.

Oil imports fell 41 per cent to $8.54 billion while gold shipments rose 10.5 percent to $2.42 billion.

Exports of gems and jewellery fell 13 per cent to $3 billion and petroleum products dropped 59 per cent to $2.4 billion. - Bloomberg News

INDIAN FIRM

Oman’s export agency gives nod to Mahindra to supply credit limits for over OMR5 million parts to Airbus, Boeing applications received from policyholders to obtain credit limits cover against their local as well as export sales.

Times News Service MUSCAT: Export Credit Guarantee Agency (ECGA) of Oman board has approved credit limits for more than OMR5 million at its meeting on Sunday.

The fifth meeting for 2015 was chaired by Said bin Saleh Al Kiyumi and attended by the board members. During the board meeting, various topics were discussed related to ECGA of Oman services in promoting non-oil exports.

At the meeting, rhe board of directors of ECGA of Oman reviewed and approved various

Said bin Saleh Al Kiyumi

Domestic credit insurance The total credit limits approved during the board meeting amounted to OMR5,391,000 of which the total credit limits approved under domestic credit insurance amounted to OMR2,545,000 while the credit limits approved under the export credit scheme amounted to OMR2,846,000.

Export Credit Guarantee Agency of Oman sanctioned credit

limits in favour of 20 export policyholders. While the number of overseas buyers whom approvals were made for reached 19 buyers.

It is worth mentioning that the board approved credit limits against the UAE buyers for an amount of OMR2,716,000 or 50 per cent of the total credit limits approved by the board during the meeting.

Moreover, the board of directors approved a claim for loss submitted by one of its policyholders against their foreign buyer where the claim amount was OMR59,928.

SYDNEY: Mahindra Group, owner of India’s biggest sport-utility vehicle maker, plans to sell airplane parts to Boeing and other manufacturers after striking a supply agreement with Airbus.

The establishment of the plant near Bengaluru, the southern Indian city formerly known as Bangalore, is a ‘giant leap’ for India’s aspirations in the aerospace market and the Airbus contract is just the “tip of the iceberg,” Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mumbaibased group, said in an interview with Bloomberg Television’s Erik Schatzker and Olivia Sterns from the Paris Air Show.

Mahindra plans to supply more than a million parts a year to Airbus under the contract and will start deliveries later this year, the Indian company said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, championing his Make in India campaign, wants to fuel more manufacturing activity in his country and held talks with US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter this month to encourage the production of more United States military hardware there.

Airbus’s multi-year contract envisages manufacture and supply by Mahindra of a variety of metallic components that will be fitted into several aircraft. - Bloomberg News

NEW OFFICE

Exceed Gulf expands regional reach; opens bigger office in Muscat Times News Service MUSCAT: Exceed Gulf, a leading IT service provider in the Gulf Cooperatiob Council (GCC) region, has shifted its operations to a bigger office at Muscat Grand Mall, which was opened under patronage of Dr Salim Sultan Al Ruzaiqi, chief executive officer of the Information Technology Authority.

From this new premium location, Exceed Gulf endeavours to stay within reach of its clientele.

Located in the heart of the city, the new office will go a long way in establishing Exceed Gulf as a preferred IT service provider, catering to a wide range of customers across GCC.

Exceed has established presence across the GCC region, Asia, Africa, and South America, with headquarters set in Abu Dhabi. The new office location in Muscat will not only aid the brand to carry out operations in Oman market directly but also provides finer IT services quickly to all clients in the nation.

Strong portfolio Ahmad Chayati, General Manager, Exceed Gulf asserts, “A leading IT service provider and Microsoft Gold Partner, Exceed has set a benchmark in the industry through a strong portfolio studded with all-round IT services.

Through our new office, we endeavour to situate ourselves closer

Exceed has presence across the GCC region, Asia, Africa, and South America, with headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The new office location in Muscat will not only aid the brand to carry out operations in Oman directly but also provides finer IT services quickly

to our clientele to always be available to cater to their needs.”

On his part, Fawzi Al Harrassy, managing director of Exceed Oman, reaffirmed the company’s

dedication to improving the standards of services in Oman, highlighting that Exceed employs over 60 people in its technical and engineering staff, including around 40

Omani nationals. Referring to Exceed’s professional development efforts, Al-Harrassy announced the company is still working on developing and expanding its teams.

Earlier in 2015, Exceed Gulf received an honorary award from Dubai Ministry of Labour for its remarkable services. In the past, it also received recognition awards for being a preferred partner from leading technology syndicates including Microsoft, Dell and Qlik.

AamerShikho, Oman branch manager, Exceed Gulf said, “It feels good to see how Exceed has become a big brand across GCC. We are expanding at a fast pace.

Opening the new office in Muscat will help us provide extensive

support to our clients and enable them to run their tasks smoothly without any hindrance. We believe in providing our customers best value for their money and this shift is location is another step towards achieving it.”

“We are proud of Exceed’s achievements in the Sultanates in 2008. Our metrics speak for themselves, as we evolved from 4 employees in 2008 to around 60 today, with the client base reaching 70 organisations from the public and private sectors. Our records include training around 3000 candidates in various IT domains, all of which occupy important roles in their organisations,” Shikho added.

B4

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

MARKET

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OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................6,506.01 ...............6,493.78 ................... 6,493.78 ...................6,494.39...................-0.61 .................. -0.01 Financial Index .................................... 7,942.59 ...............7,909.56 ................... 7,922.80 ................... 7,907.46..................15.34 ................... 0.19 Industrial Index ................................... 8,430.84 ...............8,418.09 ....................8,419.72 ...................8,420.66..................-0.94 .................. -0.01 Services Index .......................................3,515.20 ...............3,508.79 ................... 3,515.20 ...................3,508.25....................6.95 ...................0.20 MSM SHARIAH INDEX....................1,039.65 ............... 1,037.89 ................... 1,038.50 .......................997.81................. 40.69 ...................4.08 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 22,131,423 ................. 3,836,977 .....................756 ................15,017,583,001 ................ 19 ........................5 .................... 15 .........................39

Index falls marginally

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR TUESDAY, JUNE 16 ISIN ..................................................SECURITY NAME ...............................................................................................VOLUME ..............TURNOVER...................TRADES ...........OPEN PRICE............. HIGH....................LOW...............CLOSE PR. ..........PREV. CLOSE..........DIFF (RO) .................DIFF %......................LAST PR...............LAST BID.....................LAST OFFER .................MARKET CAP ........PAR VALUE

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

OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 4,299,552.......512,195....................118 ............0.117 ........... 0.121............ 0.117 ............0.119 ............. 0.115 ............ 0.004............. 3.478 ................0.119 .............. 0.118................... 0.119 ................... 14,503,125 .........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 2,532,609......670,330...................130 ........... 0.262 ...........0.266 ...........0.261........... 0.265 .............0.260 ........... 0.005............. 1.923 ................0.265..............0.264...................0.265...................34,582,500.........0.100 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ..............14,300 ...............3,368........................6 ........... 0.236 ...........0.236 ...........0.235........... 0.236 .............0.232 ........... 0.004............. 1.724 ................0.235..............0.234...................0.236....................4,956,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS ...............................................................6,020 .............. 2,404........................2 ........... 0.396 ...........0.400 ...........0.396........... 0.400 .............0.394 ........... 0.006............. 1.523 ................0.400..............0.396...................0.400 ................. 20,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ..................................................56,041 ............ 30,599......................19 ........... 0.540 ...........0.548 ...........0.540........... 0.546 .............0.538 ........... 0.008............. 1.487 ................0.546..............0.546...................0.550...................28,665,000.........0.100 OM0000002200 ...........AHLI BANK .................................................................... 316,247 ............ 67,135........................6 ............0.212 ........... 0.213 ...........0.210........... 0.212 .............0.209 ........... 0.003............. 1.435 ................0.212..............0.210...................0.212..................302,107,663........0.100

Oman Orix Leasing, up by 7.91%, was the

OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 1,158,163 ....... 165,120.....................44 ............0.140 ........... 0.144 ...........0.140........... 0.143 ............. 0.141............ 0.002..............1.418.................0.143 .............. 0.141...................0.143.................... 8,414,580 ..........0.100

top gainer, while Oman Flour Mills, down

OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO.........................................................................25,770 ............ 20,301........................3 ............0.780 ........... 0.788 ...........0.780........... 0.788 .............0.780 ........... 0.008............. 1.026 ................0.780..............0.780...................0.788..................512,944,053........0.100

2.38%, was the day’s top loser

OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT ................................... 444,960........... 35,580..................... 26 ........... 0.079 ........... 0.081 ...........0.079........... 0.080 .............0.079 ............0.001 ............. 1.266 ................0.079..............0.079...................0.080 ...................16,572,111..........0.100

OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 1,329,180 ......322,028..................... 65 ............0.241 ...........0.243 ...........0.241........... 0.242 .............0.240 ........... 0.002............. 0.833 ................0.242............. 0.242...................0.243 ..................48,400,000 ........0.100 OM0000003125 ............GLOBAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ................ 3,284,312 ......396,202..................... 39 ............0.120 ........... 0.122 ...........0.120............0.121 .............0.120 ............0.001 ............. 0.833 ................0.121 ..............0.120...................0.122.................. 24,200,000 ........0.100 OM0000002366 ...........AL BATINAH DEV. INV. HOLDING ...................... 141,000 ............18,023......................13 ............0.128 ........... 0.128 ...........0.127 ........... 0.128 ............. 0.127.............0.001 ............. 0.787 ................0.127 ..............0.126...................0.127....................3,840,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002374............UNITED FINANCE ..................................................... 338,512.............51,078......................11 ............0.150 ........... 0.151............0.150 ............0.151 .............0.150.............0.001 ............. 0.667 ................0.151 ...............0.151...................0.152...................46,925,506.........0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ........................................... 30,000 .............11,040........................1 ........... 0.368 ...........0.368 ...........0.368........... 0.368 .............0.366 ........... 0.002............. 0.546 ................0.368..............0.368...................0.370...................22,523,172 .........0.100

MUSCAT: Oman’s general index — MSM30 Index — remained range-bound and closed at 6,493.78 points, down by 0.01 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index closed at 998.35 points, up by 0.05 per cent. Oman & Emirates Holding was the most active in terms of volume while Al Anwar Holding was the most active in terms of turnover.

Oman Orix Leasing, up by 7.91 per cent, was Tuesday’s top gainer, while Oman Flour Mills, down by 2.38 per cent, was the day’s top loser.

A total number of 756 trades were executed during the day’s trading session generating turnover of OMR3.83 million with over 22.13 million shares changing hands. Out of 39 traded securities, 19 advanced, five declined and 15 remained unchanged.

Omani Investors were net buyers for OMR618,000 while Foreign Investors were net sellers for OMR599,000 followed by GCC & Arab Investors for OMR19,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index gained 0.19 per cent to close at 7,922.80

points. Oman Orix Leasing, Oman & Emirates Holding, Al Anwar Holding, Ahli Bank and Gulf Investment Services gained 7.91 per cent, 3.48 per cent, 1.92 per cent, 1.44 per cent and 1.42 per cent respectively. Bank Muscat and Bank Sohar declined 1.08 per cent and 1.06 per cent respectively.

Industrial Index declined marginally by 0.01 per cent and ended at 8,419.72 points. Construction Materials, Gulf International Chemicals, Al Maha Ceramics and Al Anwar Ceramics increased 2.50 per cent, 1.72 per cent, 1.49 per cent and 0.47 per cent respectively. Oman Flour Mills and Raysut Cement declined 2.38 per cent and 0.97 per cent respectively.

Services Sector Index closed at 3,515.20 points, up by 0.20 per cent. National Gas, Ooredoo, OIFC, Al Jazeera Services and Al Suwadi Power increased 1.52 per cent, 1.03 per cent, 0.83 per cent, 0.55 per cent and 0.48 per cent respectively. Al Batinah Power declined 1.93 per cent to close at OMR0.203. — United Securities

OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER .................................................. 343,287 ............71,254.....................22 ........... 0.207 ...........0.209 ...........0.207........... 0.208 .............0.207 ............0.001 ............. 0.483 ................0.207............. 0.202...................0.207 .................148,596,519 ........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES .................................83,983 .............36,185......................12 ........... 0.428 ...........0.434 ...........0.428........... 0.430 .............0.428 ........... 0.002............. 0.467 ................0.434..............0.434...................0.436.................. 127,371,883 ........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ................................. 66,177 .............19,256......................11 ........... 0.295 ...........0.295 ...........0.290 .......... 0.291 .............0.290 ............0.001 ............. 0.345 ................0.290............. 0.290...................0.295...................29,100,000.........0.100 OM0000001483............NATIONAL BANK OF OMAN ................................. 300,000.........100,800......................14 ........... 0.336 ........... 0.336 ...........0.336........... 0.336 .............0.336 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.336..............0.330...................0.336..................450,478,644 .......0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN .............................................................. 93 .....................13........................1 ............0.135 ........... 0.135 ...........0.135 ............0.135 ............. 0.135............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.135 ..............0.134...................0.135 ................. 270,042,227 .......0.100 OM0000001749 ............OMAN CEMENT .......................................................... 447,505 .........246,128........................5 ........... 0.550 ...........0.550 ...........0.550........... 0.550 .............0.550 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.550..............0.550...................0.560 ................. 181,979,991 ........0.100 OM0000001889............SALALAH MILLS.................................................................550 ..................822........................2 ............1.495 ........... 1.495 ...........1.490............1.495 ............. 1.495............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.490 .............. 1.435...................1.600...................72,003,781 .........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ............. 77,377 .............10,792..................... 10 ............0.140 ........... 0.140 ...........0.139 ............0.139 ............. 0.139............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.139 .............. 0.138...................0.139...................12,510,000 .........0.100 OM0000002846 ...........GULF INV. SER. PREF SHARES ................................ 9,568 ............... 1,148........................1 ............0.120 ........... 0.120 ...........0.120........... 0.120 .............0.120 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.120..............0.120...................0.125...................10,966,894 .........0.100 OM0000003000 ...........ALMAHA PETROLEUM PRODUCTS MAR. ......... 5,660 .............12,395........................1 ............2.190 ........... 2.190 ...........2.190........... 2.190 .............2.190 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................2.190............. 0.000...................0.000 ................. 151,110,000 ........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ..........................56,409 ............98,304......................16 ............1.740 ........... 1.745............1.740 ............1.745 ............. 1.745 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.740 ...............1.735...................1.740 ................1,308,750,000 ......0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. .................. 461,361............ 60,345..................... 36 ............0.132 ........... 0.132 ...........0.130............0.131 ............. 0.131 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.130 ..............0.130................... 0.131 ................... 37,987,463 .........0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY .....................................................75,000 .............31,950........................1 ........... 0.426 ...........0.426 ...........0.426........... 0.426 .............0.426 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.426..............0.426...................0.452...................25,773,000 .........0.100 OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL............................................. 207,666 ............18,686......................18 ........... 0.090 ...........0.090 ...........0.089........... 0.090 .............0.090 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.090..............0.089...................0.090 ..................15,750,000 .........0.100 OM0000001418 ............RAYSUT CEMENT ........................................................ 13,350 .............20,501........................2 ............1.545 ........... 1.545 ...........1.535 ............1.535 ............. 1.550............-0.015 ........... -0.968 ...............1.535 .............. 1.530...................1.535 ................. 307,000,000 .......0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 363,940 ............67,693..................... 25 ............0.188 ........... 0.188 ...........0.186 ........... 0.186 ............. 0.188............-0.002 ........... -1.064 ...............0.186 .............. 0.185...................0.186..................268,107,840........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 426,539 .........234,550......................18 ........... 0.550 ........... 0.552 ...........0.548........... 0.550 .............0.556 ...........-0.006 ............-1.079................0.548..............0.542...................0.552................1,260,502,428 ......0.100 OM0000004925 ...........AL BATINAH POWER...................................................17,972 ...............3,649........................4 ........... 0.206...........0.206 ...........0.203........... 0.203 .............0.207 ...........-0.004 ........... -1.932 ...............0.203..............0.203...................0.206 .................137,002,148 ........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 16,933,103 .3,339,872...................682 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......32........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000001723 ............OMAN ORIX LEASING ................................................. 7,000 ...............1,050........................2 ............0.150 ........... 0.150 ...........0.150 ........... 0.150 ............. 0.139.............0.011 ............. 7.914.................0.150 .............. 0.147...................0.150...................36,207,606 .........0.100 OM0000001368 ............CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IND. ....................31,209 ...............1,280........................3 ............0.041 ........... 0.041 ...........0.041........... 0.041 .............0.040 ............0.001 .............2.500 ................0.041............. 0.040...................0.041....................3,485,000 ..........0.100 OM0000001566 ............OMAN FISHERIES .......................................................26,974 ............... 1,592......................11 ........... 0.060 ...........0.060 ...........0.059........... 0.059 .............0.059 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.059..............0.058...................0.059.................... 7,375,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING................................... 30,000 ...............3,000........................2 ........... 0.100 ........... 0.100 ...........0.100........... 0.100 .............0.100 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.100..............0.099...................0.100....................7,520,800 ..........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 735,816............. 53,715..................... 25 ........... 0.073 ........... 0.073 ...........0.073........... 0.073 .............0.073 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.073..............0.072...................0.073..................109,500,000 .......0.100 OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS .................................................10,460 ............... 5,149........................9 ........... 0.502 ...........0.502 ...........0.484........... 0.492 .............0.504 ...........-0.012 ........... -2.381 ...............0.484..............0.480...................0.506 ..................77,490,000 .........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 841,459 ............65,785..................... 52 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 6........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000005971 ............B.MUSCAT COMPL. CONVR. B.B.3.5 ................... 4,356,861 ......431,320.....................22 ........... 0.099 ...........0.099 ...........0.098........... 0.099 .............0.099 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.099..............0.099...................0.100...................32,092,000 ........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 4,356,861 ......431,320.....................22 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. .........1........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

INDIAN MARKETS

SEND US YOUR VIEWS AND COMMENTS editor@timesofoman.com webeditor@timesofoman.com

Sensex declines; rupee dips MUMBAI: Indian stocks declined, with the benchmark stock-index halting a two-day gain, amid a retreat in regional equities before the Federal Reserve meet and euro-area finance ministers discuss Greece’s debt crisis.

Housing Development Finance Corp. was the worst performer on the S&P BSE Bankex, which fell for the first time in three days.

Vedanta and Tata Steel both fell at least 1.5 per cent each. Bharat Petroleum Corp. slid to a threeweek low after the finance ministry is said to have proposed selling a stake in the state refiner. Financials and energy were the worstperforming groups on the MSCI India Index.

The S&P BSE Sensex fell 0.6

per cent to 26,434.66 at 1:01pm in Mumbai, while the MSCI Asia Pacific Index declined 0.7 per cent. Stocks were set to halt two days of gains as investors weighed the monsoon’s progress. Rainfall and its impact on food costs will be key to further rate cuts, the Reserve Bank of India said June 2 after cutting rates a third time this year.

Rupee at 21-month low The rupee continued to fall against the American currency for the fourth day on Tuesday, slipping by another 10 paise to close at 21-month low at 64.26 per dollar on sustained dollar demand from banks and importers ahead of the US Federal reserve

meeting amidst foreign capital outflows. The domestic unit opened higher at 64.05 from its previous close of 64.16 at the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market on initial selling of dollars by banks and exporters.

But, it dropped afterwards to 64.3050 before ending at 21-month low at 64.26 per dollar on fag-end dollar demand from banks and importers, disclosing a loss of 10 paise or 0.16 per cent from its last close after moving in a range of 64.0500 and 64.3050 during the day.

The rupee had last ended at 65.24 per dollar on Sept 6, 2013.

The rupee has dropped by 42 paise or 0.66 per cent in the four days. — Agencies

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ROUND-UP

Civil Service ministry, Gulf Research Analysis ink pact The government service performance evaluation programme is the product of a two-year research process into government services to understand the wants, needs and expectations of government service users in both the public and private sectors

MUSCAT: The Ministry of Civil Service signed an agreement with local Omani research and consultancy agency Gulf Research Analysis recently to conduct a government service performance evaluation programme.

The programme, in its first stage evaluates the performance of 11 government ministries, the first of which is the Ministry of Manpow-

er, says a press release.

However, the programme goes beyond evaluation. The objectives of the programme involve improving front line government services in terms of delivery, customer service and the steps involved in obtaining a government service. The programme also seeks to establish better dialogue and intercommunication struc-

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE: (Right) Sayyid Salim Musalim Al Busaidi, undersecretary for Administrative Development Affairs at the Ministry of Civil Services, exchanging the signed documents with Eng. Harith Suleiman Al Brashdi, director and owner of Gulf Research Analysis. – Supplied photo

tures between different government departments and ministries and encourage an environment where obstacles to service delivery are solved before they become a problem. Once implemented, the

B5

programme also includes monitoring phases to assess service performance from the perspective of government service users over time, which will tell ministries how their users see them and high-

light areas of poor performance that require improvement.

The programme is the product of a two-year research process into government services to understand the wants, needs and expectations of government service users in both the public and private sectors. This agreement, a public private partnership between the government and private sector, will carry on this process and continue to share knowledge and expertise.

Harith Suleiman Al Brashdi, director and owner of Gulf Research Analysis, when asked what makes this programme different from other government initiatives, said: “Gulf Research Analysis’ specialist understanding of the social and corporate mindsets, behaviours and cultures of Oman means that we can identify problems and solutions within the right context. This leads to better problem solving and realistic solutions that are more likely to succeed.”

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

AOL 'Yogathon' to mark Yoga Day on June 21 MUSCAT: Come June 21 and ‘yoga’ will be the catalyst to dissolve all boundaries as 3,000 locations around the globe will become one by the practice of the ‘12 pose yoga sequence’, a basic yoga sequence to commemorate the International Day of Yoga.

International Yoga Day In Oman, to mark the global celebration of UN International Yoga Day on Sunday, June 21, the Art Of Living (AOL) Foundation Oman is organising the event ‘Yogathon 2015’ at Bausher Sports Complex, Main Hall, Muscat, supported by the Ministry of Sports Affairs, Ministry of Health and Embassy of India, says a press release.

The finale will have a yoga demonstration in separate sessions for ladies and men and a felicitation ceremony, with participants performing the 12pose yoga sequence.

All are welcome to attend the finale event.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

PROMOTION

TSC offers special savings with Ramadan discounts MUSCAT: The Sultan Centre (TSC) is offering its customers a special savings with discounts up to 45 per cent across a wide selection of merchandise.

The promotion which began on June 10 will continue till June 24

giving TSC customers a chance to stock up on their favourite items for the holy month of Ramadan, says a press release.

Shoppers can take advantage of irresistible offers ranging from groceries and produce to a range

of housewares item. The current promotion is being run across all seven TSC’s stores across Oman.

So hurry over to your nearest Sultan Centre today, to take advantage of great savings on your favourite items.

SPECIAL OCCASION

Badr Al Samaa Falaj Al Qabail celebrates 1st anniversary MUSCAT: Badr Al Samaa, Falaj Al Qabail completed its first anniversary in May. Various events were organised to mark the occasion. The anniversary celebrations were inaugurated by Ali Mohammed Hamdan Al Sheikh, director, Administrative and Financial Department of Manpower, North Batinah Governorate, says a press release.

Badr Al Samaa in coordination with Falaj KMCC organised a free blood donation camp and it was inaugurated by Dr Vidhyanandh Vaidhya, Regional Epidemiologist, the Ministry of Health, North Batinah Governorate. More than 70 people donated blood in the camp.

Dr Asha Ashik, Internist, enlightened the public about the clinical aspects of blood donation. The donors were given one year free consultation in Badr Al Samaa Group of Hospitals.

Shamsudheen, president, Falaj KMCC, Manoj Kumar, manager, Badr Al Samaa Hospital, Sohar, Navas, general secretary, Falaj KMCC, Aneesh Mohanan, manager, Badr Al Samaa, Falaj, doctors, support staff and various other dignitaries were present on the occasion. Dr Danish Sardar, paediatrician deliv-

ered the vote of thanks.

A free medical camp was also organised. Specialist doctors, nursing and paramedical staff participated in the camp that lasted for three days. It provided opportunity to working class, who are employed, with various companies and associations, to have one to one consultation with most experienced doctors. Over 400 patients registered, were examined, screened and counselled for occupational diseases, tropical diseases, diabetes, hypertension, gastro intestinal problems, chest and pulmonary diseases and skin. New cases, latent diseases and conditions were detected and brought to the fore, and an aware-

ness of health and healthcare was impressed upon.

Patients were educated about their conditions and free treatment was given. Those requiring specialised medical attention were referred, for expert management.

Board of directors Abdul Latheef, V. T. Vinod and P.A Mohammed said, “We are grateful to the public of Batinah region, whose continuous support helped us to establish our name in the region.

We expect your continued support and cooperation in future. We also appreciate the branch head, the doctors, paramedical staff, nursing staff and all other support staff, for their ceaseless efforts and valuable contributions to Falaj branch.”

Omanexpo presents investment opportunities at Euro-Arab Forum MUSCAT: Nader Abbas, general manager, Omanexpo, speaking at the first Euro-Arab Forum themed ‘The Middle East-New Opportunities for Bulgarian Businesses’ at the Hilton Sofia in Sofia, Bulgaria recently, presented the various business and investment opportunities in Oman, highlighting the government’s priority sectors of food processing, healthcare, medical education, pharmaceuticals, transport infrastructure, construction and manufacturing.

Apart from emphasising the modern infrastructure in place in Oman, free market access through the country’s trade agreements, and Oman’s business-friendly environment, Abbas cited the government’s initiatives to boost spending on these sectors while focusing on the market potentials that Omanexpo’s major trade shows such as The BIG Show, Food & Hospitality Oman and Oman Health Exhibition & Conference offers, says a press release.

A news release by the Bulgar-

from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bulgaria, ambassadors from Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait, Sudan and Palestine, including Ali AlKathiry, representative in Bulgaria for Oman, and about 150 Bulgarian companies representing the food, health, construction and mining sectors.

He says “I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to present Oman as a potentially large market for companies in Bulgaria to explore and invest in. This comes at an opportune time when Bulgaria is seeking to shift investment focus on emerging markets in the Middle East, Oman in particular. As Oman is dependent on imports, this will hopefully pave the way for new investment in tourism, construction, medical tourism, and mining exploration, for which Bulgaria is committed to provide business support.

We are pleased to have received a positive response from a good number of Bulgarian companies for our events."

GET-TOGETHER

K E Y PA R T I C I PA N T

Khimji Ramdas participates in OER business summit MUSCAT: The Khimji Ramdas Group was a key participant in the recently concluded OER Business Summit 2015, which brought business leaders together in an animated discussion on challenges and choices before the government in a scenario of plummeting oil prices.

Pankaj Khimji, director at Khimji Ramdas was among the group of speakers at the panel discussion titled ‘Life at $50 a Barrel’.

The ensuing debate addressed concerns faced by government and private sectors - as businesses from both economic segments grappled with falling oil prices - and the way forward in successfully overcoming the challenges that followed, says a press release.

Khimji put up a list of recommendations that were viewed as possible solutions to companies – especially those operating in the private sector – on how to leverage the prevailing trend of low oil prices to turn around businesses and

ian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) mentions that “The conference provided information about three of the most visited and most comprehensive exhibitions in one of the richest and fastest-growing countries in the Arab world—Oman.

"The exhibitions are Oman Health — health, medical technology and equipment, Food & Hospitality Oman — for the food industry, and The BIG Show Oman — building, construction and interior design exhibition.”

The forum was organised

by Euro-Arab Business Forum (EABF), Ltd. in cooperation with BCCI with the support of the Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export (Ithraa) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bulgaria. Ithraa also presented the opportunities in sectors identified by the government as areas for economic development growth and investment.

Abbas addressed a diplomatic gathering comprising officials

promote economic growth. Some of the key strategies proposed by Pankaj Khimji included increased economic diversification, greater autonomy to the private sector, the addition of VAT where necessary, freeing up government labour policies and resolving issues relating to red-tape in conducting business.

Increasing efficiencies and productivity, he argued, would be far more beneficial to the economy in

the long run than the usual practice of retrenchment in order to curb costs. “In the private sector, if we shed five per cent of our staff it adversely affects the sentiments of existing employees as well as productivity. A possible and more effective option would be to cap salary increases instead. Both government and private sectors need to discuss ways on how to increase efficiencies in industries so we can

be more competitive,” Pankaj said.

On the subject of government involvement in the private sector he said, “The government should listen to challenges faced by the private sector in conducting business. For future businesses to carry on, the government needs to allow ease of regulations. One suggestion is to set up a committee to focus on strategies to make doing business in Oman efficient, easy and effective.”

Pankaj also explained how the levy of taxes and duty could allow companies in the private sector greater independence in business. “We recommend that the government levy service charges and free up the economy. Let me hire people as long as my business grows and I’m paying the taxes to the government. Also if skilled workers even after going through different procedures are not up to par we should be able to select, replace and hire replacement staff accordingly.”

ISC ladies organise Italian cuisine demo MUSCAT: How does one manage to look glamorous and conjure up a delicious, well planned, meal so effortlessly? Well, that’s exactly what Pallavi Nigam Sahay managed to do at the Ladies Wing get-together at the Indian Social Club recently.

Not only did she show the ladies how to put together a five course Italian meal in record time, she also added a few Italian words to their vocabulary!

Besides the cooking enthusiasts, there were those who had caught a glimpse of Pallavi’s culinary expertise, thanks to Thursday magazine, who eagerly turned up to witness the chef in action.

Needless to say, they were not disappointed. With her easy going manner, and the comfortable way in which she fielded questions from the enthusiastic group, the session was a big hit. As the ad-

age goes, “the taste of the pudding is in the eating”; likewise having tasted not only the Tiramisu at the end of the session, but also the other scrumptious preparations, one came away with a feeling of having temporarily been transported to the beautiful land of culture, art, history and culinary delights – surely a feast for the eyes and food to tantalise the taste buds.

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ROUND-UP Honda Oman announces mega deals Omasco offer will run till end of Ramadan.

Customers will also get a chance to win OMR500 during daily raffle draws and OMR1,000 on weekly raffle draws

MUSCAT: Omasco, the authorised distributors of Honda vehicles in the Sultanate, announced a unique Ramadan offer along with exclusive benefits and offers on their Honda line-ups.

Major highlights The offer extends till the end of Ramadan and includes free insurance (Oman and UAE), free service package for 3 years /50K km (up to 80k km on select models), free registration and a free gift (that includes a Black and

Decker car hand vacuum) with each model purchase. Customers will also get a chance to win OMR500 during daily raffle draws and OMR1,000 on weekly raffle draws, says a press release.

Selfie contest During the holy month of Ramadan, customers can walk into Honda showrooms in Muscat or Sohar and take a ‘selfie’ against the Ramadan backdrop placed inside the showroom and post it on their social media profile using the #hondaoman hashtag. All participants will enter a draw and can win a weekly prize of a 55 inch Panasonic TV every week during Ramadan and a CBR 250R Honda motorcycle in the last week of the holy month.

Adil Al Zadjali, National Sales Manager, Honda, said: “This year’s Ramadan offer is in a way reflective of the spirit of the holy month.

Ramadan is the month of giving and our offer says it all. It is our way of showing gratitude to all our valued customers, who have patronised Honda over the years. We are confident that we can jointly work towards providing customers the very best through our offer.”

This Ramadan, customers can take advantage of the smartphone

RECRUIT

mobile app which features numerous benefits it brings. Users can book service appointments, browse Honda’s latest offerings and gain real-time information on the Honda vehicle range including in-depth specification details, all at the click of a button.

2016 Honda City The 2016 City, which has been developed as a global sedan, encompasses the best of Honda’s technologies to deliver advanced sporty design, best comfort and best fuel efficiency in the category. The Honda City has undergone a complete design change based on a grand concept of an “advanced cool sporty car” that has a stunning presence with its

dynamic stance, outstanding fuel efficiency, comfortable and spacious interiors. It aims to reflect sophistication and vigor while in motion and a striking charisma when stationary.

2016 Honda Accord The Accord reflects its status as a dynamic, intelligent sedan with deeply sculpted sharp character lines in the exterior. The vehicle is equipped with a bold chrome grille to enhance the expressive character of the car keeping the local taste in mind. All grades are equipped with daytime running lights and LED brake lights. LED headlights and LaneWatch camera for the V6 Sports grade adds to the sophistication of the modern sedan.

Honda CR-V With a sophisticated overall look and feel, the Honda CR-V boasts a 2.4 litre i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). It has a fuel economy rating of 23/31 for front drives and 22/30 for 4 wheel drives. As standard equipment, every CR-V incorporates an electronic stability control system, antilock brakes with brake assist, driver and frontpassenger airbags, side curtain airbags with roll over sensor and a front seat design that can help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision.

Honda Pilot The Pilot is Honda’s midsize 4x4 offering, and their largest offering at this time. The new look features a new standard grille, new front and rear bumpers, and optional new wheels, along with a few other cabin additions. The Pilot can seat eight people at a pinch.

The standard 3.5-litre V6 engine features variable cylinder management (VCM) which allows it to operate on half the cylinders when power is not needed, improving fuel economy. Pilot Touring has navigation system and rear entertainment system as standard features.

Honda Odyssey The Honda Odyssey, the upmarket minivan, is aimed at big families, and is longer, wider and lower than the previous version. It comes in LX, EXL and Touring trim levels. Mechanical specs include a 3.5-litre V6 with cylinder-shutoff technology, a 6-speed automatic, MacPherson strut front and double-wishbone rear suspension, 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels and an 80-litre fuel tank. Odyssey Touring has navigation system and rear entertainment system as standard features.

Extended showroom timing Honda has extended the opening hours for its key Honda showrooms across Oman in order to better accommodate their patrons and enable them to visit the showrooms at a time that is convenient for them.

During Ramadan the extended hours provide additional flexibility.

Honda commitment Honda is confident that its showrooms will continue to welcome increased footfalls with auto enthusiasts over the coming weeks of Ramadan to avail of the promotion. Giving brings joy during the holy season and the current Ramadan offer is testament to this.

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM W EDN ES DAY, JUNE 17, 2015

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RECRUI JOB POSTINGS

CAREER COACH

Managing your after-hours work demands HAVE you ever gotten an email from your supervisor’s secretary late one afternoon, just as you were wrapping up for the day, saying: “The boss needs to see you now”? Or worse, the summons came late Friday when you had plans to enjoy the night with your family?

What is it about 5pm that seems to entice managers to find more pressing things for their employees to do?

I have heard from employees lamenting the fact that their bosses pile on more work or ask to see them after hours and on the weekend. Some of these requests are legitimate, and some jobs require critical immediate decisions and actions. But do all jobs? Do all these tasks have to be done right away or can some of them wait until the following morning or after the weekend?

Some of you may think such people are lucky they have jobs and should stop complaining.

People should feel fortunate to have a job, and many are working hard to do well — in many cases even putting in extra hours, especially with reduced staffs in many firms today. But the real issue is what can we do to better manage expectations for after-hour work without getting fired?

Good communication is important in any conversation you have with your boss. Clear, concise comments, delivered in a calm tone and face-to-face are your best bet. E-mail or texting your concerns is not the best way to approach these issues.

Ask your manager to prioritise your assignments. Sometimes bosses are not even aware of the vast number of projects they have dumped on their employees.

Present data to your boss about the hours you have worked. Maybe you’re supposed to work 40 hours but your manager has had you working 60 to 70 for the past month. Perhaps you were initially helping out since staff had left and positions had not yet been filled. Document what you have been doing and calmly share it.

Work with your manager to set more realistic expectations.

This can help eliminate or postpone the extra work your boss throws at you.

Before you talk to your manager, practice what you’ll say. Have someone role-play the scenario so you can practice how you will respond to questions or issues.

This will give you increased confidence when you do meet.

If the conversation gets heated, take a break. It’s better to come back to the issue again when both parties have had more time to reflect.

While you might have the goal of getting your boss to change his or her practice of dumping work on you after hours, sometimes just getting them to listen to your concerns and be willing to talk with you again might be a good first step. If they do listen, follow up (within a day) with a note or email thank-you for their time and willingness to listen.

Bosses can also do some things: Rethink “the boss needs to see you” e-mails or messages without any explanation. They can come across as a summons and be very stressful for your employees, especially if they don’t know why you want to see them.

If you want healthy (lessstressed) employees, don’t send e-mails after hours on weekdays or weekends in jobs where the work does not have to be done right away.

If you have to send an email regarding work after hours, let your employee know if he or she has to respond right away. Certainly don’t flag it as urgent if it really isn’t.

Allow your employees time in the evenings or weekends to see their families and friends, to engage in their hobbies, and to reconnect with their communities. Not only will they come back more refreshed, but they may become more loyal as well.

— Joyce E. A. Russell/The Washington Post

Get the right people on the bus and the wrong people off the bus.

— Jim Collins

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

ROUND-UP A L WAT H B A H S M E T V

Bank Muscat launches SME digital information channel MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, as part of its commitment to sustainable social development and promoting the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, launched a dedicated digital information channel for entrepreneurs under the auspices of Said bin Saleh Al Kiyumi, chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, at the bank’s head office on Monday, in the presence of Abdul Razak Ali Issa, chief executive of Bank Muscat. al Wathbah SME TV from Bank Muscat is the first educational video channel in the banking sector in Oman with the sole objective of helping SMEs gain 24/7 access to vital information that help drive their business further.

The initiative comes as part of the bank’s commitment to sustainable social development, complementing government efforts in strengthening the role of SMEs in the economic development of Oman, says a press release.

The dedicated online channel for SME customers mainly includes videos featuring experts sharing critical information on subjects that help SMEs gain indepth understanding about business operations integral to succeed. Al Kiyumi congratulated

Bank Muscat for launching the unique al Wathbah SME information channel. “The bank’s initiatives to encourage the country’s youth to embark on self-sustainable employment initiatives are in line with the directive of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to support the SME sector and strengthen its role in the economic development of Oman,” he added.

Abdul Razak Ali Issa said: “Bank Muscat is proud to launch yet another unique initiative to enhance support to the SME sector in Oman.

The SME information channel will play an important role in filling the gaps and empowering entrepreneurs to chart successful business ventures. The information channel marks a clear progression of the well-defined strategy pursued by the bank in line with the directives of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to support the SME sector, especially youth, in Oman.”

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The primary objective of al Wathbah SME TV, accessible on Bank Muscat website, is to provide a common platform to educate and update SMEs on the latest rules, regulations, challenges and opportunities for SME business ventures etc. The SME channel will be updated on a regular basis to highlight topics relevant to SMEs. Ilham Al Hamaid, AGM – SME Credit, Marketing and Regional Corporates, said: “The objective of al Wathbah SME channel is to provide relevant information and impart the required skills and guidance for entrepreneurs to establish successful business ventures in Oman. In light of the business environment in Oman which offers tremendous opportunities and challenges for the SME sector, Bank Muscat remains committed to creating self-employment opportunities for citizens across the Sultanate.”

Sonata named Best Midsize Sedan in 2015

The award-winning all-new Sonata was launched in the Middle East and Africa in September 2014 and became the second Hyundai model to feature the brand’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design concept

MUSCAT: Hyundai Motor Company has once again received praise from the region’s most respected motoring experts, with the all-new Sonata being named Best Midsized Sedan of 2015 by leading Middle East and Africa motoring magazine, Automobile.

The award-winning all-new Sonata was launched in the Middle East and Africa in September 2014 and became the second Hyundai model to feature the brand’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design concept, while also offering modern styling, excellent performance, and practical application of the latest technologies such as smart trunk

function and blind spot detection, says a press release.

Now in its seventh generation, the all-new Sonata delivers maximum driver confidence through the inclusion of top safety features and a new suspension, which provides the driver with a smoother overall ride. Pioneering safety technology such as vehicle stability management, hill assist control and electric parking brake are all included.

Three engine options are available: a newly launched 2.0L four cylinder Turbo gasoline direct injection (T-GDI) engine, a 2.0 L multi-port injection (MPI) unit

and a 2.4 L MPI engine.

Automobile is one of the region’s most respected motoring magazines and has a circulation that spans the whole of the Middle East and parts of Africa. The magazine was founded in 1994 and is based in Lebanon. General Manager and Editor-In-Chief, Ibrahim Fakhri is one of the region’s most highly respected motoring journalists.

Commenting on the accolade, Fakhri said: “The all-new Sonata has been subjected to numerous performance tests as part of our judging process and it is a deserving winner of the midsize sedan award. Not only does this model look great but it also exceeds in the engine option category.”

“Since it first arrived in the Middle East and Africa in 1988, the Sonata has proven extremely popular with the region’s car buyers. Awards such as this one from Automobile demonstrate that the all-new Sonata is perfectly equipped to continue this success,” said Jin (James) Kim, vice president and head of Hyundai operations in Africa and the Middle East.

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WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM COM W EDN ES DAY, JUNE 17, 7, 2015

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SPOR YOUR GAME

KHAN CLAN READY TO PROPEL SQUASH IN OMAN

S

STUNNED RAFA NADAL AL UEEN’S CRASHES OUT AT QUEEN’S Rafael Nadal suffered a shock first round exit from the Wimbledon warm-up event at Queen’s Club as the Spanish star was beaten 6-3, 6-7 ian (6/8), 6-4 by unheralded Ukrainian y. >C6 Alexandr Dolgopolov on Tuesday.

T.K. MOHANDOSS sportseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: One person who is highly impressed by the growth of squash in Oman is none other than a popular member of the Khan clan, which has ruled the sport for many years.

We are talking about Yousaf Khan.

For those who have played squash in Oman many years ago, it will ring a bell.

But for the new generation, it is heartening news to know that this squash personality is still very much in the Sultanate and also is ready to impart his knowledge for the upcoming squash racquet wielders.

Coming to the point, Yousaf is the first cousin of Pakistani legend and former world champion Jahangir Khan.

Jahangir had lately launched a campaign in Pakistan to revive the sport and Yousaf says he is ready to bring in Jahangir’s legacy for the benefit of squash players in Oman. Yousaf, like Jahangir, has been a top player in Pakistan, having represented the country in many international tournaments. He has also been a prominent contender

Yousaf Khan, the first cousin of the

in the national scenario in Pakistan. Yousaf’s highlight was in playing the World Championship in Karachi 1984, where he defeated England No. 1 Lars Kuvent only to fall to world No. 2 Hiddy Jahan in the second round.

Speaking to Times Sport: “I don’t know if anyone remembers about World Grand Prix played in Oman. In the tournament played at the Al Falaj Hotel courts, where I faced the likes of world No. 16 Qamar Zamam of Pakistan.”

Adding on, Yousaf reminded the days when he was No.1 player in Oman and his avatar as the Gulf champion. Yousaf won the Gulf crown during the 1986 Gulf Championship held in Manama, Bahrain. “For the past 25 years I have been playing and teaching the sport,” he said. “I continue to do what I can to spread the game and help in developing the future players.”

Sensing that there is a renewed vigour in the sport in Oman, Yousaf said: “I am pleased to hear that squash is picking up in Oman. Young Omanis have the talent but the need is of good trainers.”

On his idea of imparting his knowledge, Yousaf said: “My plan is to visit schools and colleges and spot the talent. But it depends if I get a chance. I am also planning to meet the current crop of players and share my ideas for the benefit of the game.”

He went on to say that to make the sport popular, Oman should have more squash tournaments.

“If needed I have also a plan to invite Jahangir Khan for Oman’s squash tournaments. Having him as a guest will boost the squash further,” said Yousaf. “As we all know Jahangir is running his own squash academy in Karachi and his expertise is sure to help the game in Oman.”

legendary squash player Jahangir Khan, is promising to bring in former world champion’s legacy for the benefit of Oman’s squash players

— Photo by JUN ESTRADA/Times of Oman

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

Guam stun India, Aussies survive scare, Japan held SINGAPORE: Guam stunned India to move to the top of their 2018 World Cup qualifying group on Tuesday, while Japan saw their campaign get off to a rocky start as they were held to a goalless draw by Singapore.

Reigning Asian champions Australia scraped past a gritty Kyrgyzstan with a 2-1 victory.

South Korea, China and the United Arab Emirates, meanwhile, had no such problems with all winning their opening matches in their bids to qualify for the 2018 tournament in Russia.

The tiny Pacific island of Guam produced Tuesday’s most remarkable result, with the Matao winning 2-1 against the opponents who are currently 33 spots ahead of them in the Fifa world rankings.

Looking to build on their 1-0 win over Turkmenistan on Thursday, Guam took the lead at the GFA National Training Center after 38 minutes when Brandon McDonald headed in Ryan Guy’s long throw-in.

Travis Nicklaw extended the advantage in the 62nd minute when he received a long pass from his elder brother Shawn and fired home on the turn.

Sunil Chhetri got a consolation goal for India with the last kick of the game but it did little to take the shine off the result for Guam, who moved to the top of Group D

with six points from two games.

Australia will count themselves lucky that they didn’t suffer a similar fate as India. Mile Jedinak gave the Socceroos an early lead in the second minute of the game when his free kick from 25 yards out wasn’t stopped by the Kyrgyzstan keeper Valery Kashuba. But then instead of buckling under the pressure, the home side went on the attack and caused quite a few problems for the ragged Aussie defence.

The second half saw a similar script with Kyrgyzstan extremely unlucky not to score as they hit the side netting three times. But then in the 67th minute Tommy Oar, who had come on as a substitute just nine minutes earlier, scored the second goal for Australia.

Kyrgyzstan tried to keep up the attacking tempo but could only find a consolation goal through Azamat Baimatov in injury time.

It left the central Asians ruing the missed chances that could have caused a big upset.

Japan, meanwhile, dominated their opening match in Group E in the second round of Asian qualifying against Singapore but they failed to make their possession count against the Lions at a packed Saitama Stadium 2002.

The Blue Samurai are aiming to qualify for a sixth consecutive World Cup, but Singapore goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud made a

string of excellent saves to deny the home side, including a pair of superb stops to keep out secondhalf headers by Shinji Okazaki and Keisuke Honda.

Honda went closest to breaking the deadlock with a 73rd minute free-kick that came back off the crossbar.

The stalemate meant that Singapore moved to the top of Group E with four points following their 4-0 win against Cambodia on Thursday.

Afghanistan are level with second-placed Syria on three points.

South Korea, who are eyeing a ninth consecutive World Cup appearance, started well in Group G as goals in either half by Lee JaeSung and Bayer Leverkusen’s Son Heung-Min gave them a 2-0 win over Myanmar.

China also made an excellent start in Group C with striker Yang Xu netting a hat-trick in a 6-0 thrashing of Bhutan at Thimphu, but Asian Cup semifinalists UAE had to work hard for a 1-0 win over Timor Leste in Group A as Omar Abdulrahman netted the only goal 10 minutes from time.

Hong Kong lead the way in Group C after a 2-0 win over Maldives, Thailand sit atop Group F after winning 2-0 at Chinese Taipei and North Korea are frontrunners in Group H following a 4-2 victory over Uzbekistan in Pyongyang. - AFP

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

SPORTS

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Mohit sees himself as a beginner Speedster Mohit Sharma, who calls himself a “beginner in international cricket” attributes his recent success in international cricket to the opportunities that was given to him by his IPL and India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni

NEW DELHI: Speedster Mohit Sharma, who calls himself a “beginner in international cricket” attributes his recent success in international cricket to the opportunities that was given to him by his IPL and India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Mohit has played 20 ODIs and four T20s since making his debut international debut in August 2013. It would be fair to say that he is a regular in the limited overs squad, if not in the playing XI. However, the soft spoken cricketer from Faridabad sees his position in the side differently.

“Actually I still see myself as beginner. The only big difference (since debut) has been that I spend double time on my bowling and fitness. When you finally get to play for India, then you realise how tough it is keep doing well and maintain your place in the team,” Mohit told PTI before leaving for Bangladesh for the three-match ODI series.

Next month, he is set to travel to Zimbabwe, a place where he donned the India jersey for the first time in 2013 following a successful IPL with Chennai Super Kings. Mohit may not be in the ‘express league’ like Umesh Yadav or Varn Aaron, but has made good use of his strength, which is consistently bowling an accurate line and length.

Ask him about his evolution as a bowler in the last two years, the 26-year-old has plenty to say.

LONG WAY TO GO: Mohit Sharma is set to travel to Zimbabwe, a place where he donned the India jersey for the first time in 2013 following a successful IPL with Chennai Super Kings. – File photo

“I think am a lot wiser now. I am able to assess the situation much faster than earlier times. I have experienced major changes in my body as well, the fitness has in-

creased and because of that I have gained speed as well. Overall, I feel much more knowledgeable about the game. “I am very much a beginner but learning can’t stop even if

you become a very big player. When you enter international cricket, you instantly get to know what to do at what time just by sitting in the dressing room. Besides that, the pressure

situations teaches you a lot.”

And he doesn’t like if you only call him a line and length bowler.

“I may not be super quick but I think I bowl at a decent pace. I have

been consistently hitting 135-140 kmph and that’s decent speed. And it not just about pace for me. I focus on landing the ball in the right areas and leave the rest to the conditions.

Having said that, I understand that I need to improve improve my pace further,” he retorts.

Like many others, luck has played a substantial role in Mohit’s fledgling career. He replaced an injured Ishant Sharma in World Cup squad and ended up playing in all eight matches, taking 13 wickets at an average of 24.15.

“Really feel fortunate to be part of that squad and whatever chances I have got so far, it has been made possible by Mahi bhai (Dhoni). Anyone who is new to international cricket cannot do well without the support of his captain.

I feel lucky to playing under him in IPL and in the Indian team.

“The best part about him is that he helps you out in all matters, on and off the field. But I did not feel this way when I just joined Chennai Super Kings.

“When I was new at Super Kings, he did not used to talk to me much.

And when your captain is not talking to you, you often feel that you are doing something wrong. But I realised it was not like that when I eventually spoke to him.

“The first thing he told me that ‘if I would have straightaway come to you and spoken, you would have felt the pressure of doing well. I know you have already done well in Ranji Trophy and you will do here as well’. For a beginner like me, those words coming from Mahi bhai gives you a huge push.”

While he spends a lot of time with Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar) when he is with the Indian team, Ashish Nehra is his ‘go to man’ in IPL. “I have grown up watching Ashu bhai (Nehra) bowl. He advises you in every phase of the game. How to bowl on a particular pitch, how to bowl in a specific situation.

Normally, we underestimate the length ball in T20s but he has made me understood that length is very important part of your bowling.

“For example, it is rare you see AB (de Villiers) or Chris Gayle, hitting a length ball for a six. Either we pitch it too full or too short. Before they try something, the bowler ends up trying a lot and ends up giving loose balls,” explains Mohit.

We conclude the chat by asking him about his Test ambitions.

“As I said before, I am working a lot on my fitness. If get an opportunity, I am full ready for the five-day format.” - PTI

CRICKET

Dhoni & Co. gear up for ODI series against Bangladesh DHAKA: Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be back in the saddle after over a month-long break as eight players join India’s squad and get battle-ready to face Bangladesh in a three-match ODI series starting Thursday.

Dhoni along with Stuart Binny, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Suresh Raina, Mohit Sharma, Dhawal Kulkarni and Ambati Rayudu arrived here yesterday to face the hosts in the limited-overs matches.

India, who had gained a moral victory by making Bangladesh follow-on in the rain-hit one-off Test match that ended Sunday, are looking to carry on their good showing even as some of the Test players returned home.

India’s team manager Biswarup Dey informed that the team gave a send-off to the players returning home.

“Team India decided to go out last night. We decided to

BACK IN BUSINESS: Indian ODI captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni , left, and Test skipper Virat Kohli, right, attend a practice session at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. – AFP

celebrate because of the good performance. Some of the Test players are leaving and so it was also the last day with all the players together,” Dey was quoted as

saying on ‘thedailystar.Net’.

The ODIs slated for June 18, 21 and 24 in Mirpur have all been assigned reserve days due to monsoon showers in the country.

India last played a bilateral series in Bangladesh in 2014 when the Suresh Raina-led side got past the hosts 2-0 after the final ODI was washed off. - PTI

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

SPORTS

England are far more ‘scary’ now New Zealand coach Mike Hesson thinks England are playing a brand of cricket that puts one under the pump unless a team is really on-song

LONDON: New Zealand coach Mike Hesson believes his side are now facing a far more “scary” England team compared to the one the Blackcaps thrashed at the World Cup. In February, New Zealand hammered England by eight wickets in Wellington en route to a World Cup final which they lost to co-hosts Australia.

The Blackcaps skittled out

England for just 123 on that occasion, with Tim Southee taking a New Zealand one-day international record seven for 33.

New Zealand then chased down their meagre target in a mere 12.2 overs, with skipper Brendon McCullum blasting 77 in 25 balls. But Hesson’s men haven’t had things all their own way during their ongoing fivematch one-day international se-

ries in England. The first ODI at Edgbaston saw England make 408 for nine in a 210-run win — both national records.

New Zealand levelled the series with a 13-run Duckworth/ Lewis success at The Oval but only after England, initially chasing 399 for victory, had been 345 for seven and needing 54 more runs from 37 balls when rain stopped play.

The Blackcaps, however, went 2-1 up at Southampton on Sunday after restricting England to 302 all out.

But they still needed a New Zealand record third-wicket stand of 206 between Kane Williamson (118) and Ross Taylor (110) to take them close to completing a three-wicket win which was only sealed with an over to spare.

England’s team at the Rose

Dangerous England Improving England’s standing in 50-over cricket is a key aim for new director of cricket Andrew Strauss and now the likes of opener Alex Hales, all-rounder Ben Stokes, leg-spinner Adil Rashid and left-arm paceman David Willey are being given a chance to show what they can do at international level Hesson, asked if England’s performances in the series so far had been a surprise, given how poor they had been at a World Cup where they crashed out in the first round and didn’t beat a Test nation, told report-

F E AT

CRICKET

Home conditions give England ‘edge over Australia in Ashes’ LONDON: Pakistan’s veteran all-rounder Shahid Afridi has said England’s home ground advantage gives them an edge over Australia in the upcoming Ashes series, which starts in less than a month in Cardiff, England.

England have not lost to Australia on home soil in Ashes for 14 years and Afridi, who recently concluded a brief stint with English Twenty20 side Northamptonshire, said England’s bowlers will lift themselves in their own backyard.

“England will have advantage of playing in home conditions.

Their bowlers know a thing or two about bowling in England.

If you notice they have always bowled better in England as compared to other countries,” Afridi was quoted as saying by Cricket Australia (CA) on Monday.

“They may have struggled in the One-Day Internationals (ODI) lately (against New Zealand) but in Tests we can expect a good contest from them. I can’t pick one team as favourite to win the Ashes but I think England will have a slight advantage due to home conditions,” he said.

Australia completed a 2-0 series clean sweep against the West Indies last week, the same opponents England drew with 1-1 all in April and May. England drew their most recent

Bowl contained just four survivors from their Wellington humiliation in skipper Eoin Morgan, batsman Joe Root, wicket-keeper Jos Buttler and fast bowler Steven Finn.

I can’t pick one team as favourite to win the Ashes but I think England will have a slight advantage Shahid Afridi Pakistan all-rounder

Test series 1-1 against New Zealand with questions surrounding England’s middle-order batting and bowling unit still largely unanswered.

Afridi also revealed the two Australians that have caused him the most grief over his 19-year international career are Glenn McGrath and Michael Clarke.

Afridi was dismissed five times in 25 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and once in Tests against McGrath.

“The bowler I always admired

and found really tough was Glenn McGrath,” Afridi said.

“He is the sort of bowler you can’t hit blindly. He just does not give you a chance to hit. I don’t think I have seen a better new-ball bowler than him in my career.”

Afridi said as a bowler he finds current Test skipper Clarke the most difficult to dislodge.

“I think Michael Clarke was the best Australian batsman I bowled to. It is because his footwork against spin is extremely good,” 35-year-old Afridi said. — IANS

Teen spinner snares seven on debut LONDON: Teenager Matt Carter enjoyed the most successful debut by an off-spinner in the English County Championship for 77 years when he took seven for 56 to bowl Nottinghamshire into a strong position in their First Division match away to Somerset on Monday. Somerset were wellplaced at 112 for two in reply to Nottinghamshire’s first innings 410 —which included former Zimbabwe batsman Brendan Taylor’s 152 — when 19-yearold Carter started to make inroads from the River End. He took seven wickets in just 12 overs at a cost of 45 runs.

Carter’s figures were the best by a spinner on Championship debut since Australian Jack Walsh took seven for 46 for Leicestershire against Northamptonshire in 1938.

“My first ball was a nervous one, but the lads were talking to me and after my first over was finished I felt a lot more confident,” said Carter. “It’s always nice to see a ball turn, especially on day two, and that is a bonus for me because my height allows me to get extra bounce.

“When I first started bowling I didn’t turn the ball much, but now I have worked on a few things and turn it more.” — AFP

ers in Southampton on Monday: “They are a completely different team, a different team in so many ways.

“If this side was at the World Cup, I think they would certainly scare a few teams in terms of the way they play,” he added.

“They haven’t quite nailed it yet, but you are never going to straight away. But on their day, crikey, they are dangerous,” insisted Hesson ahead of the fourth ODI at Nottingham’s Trent Bridge ground on Wednesday.

England have cited New Zealand as an example to follow in 50-over cricket but Hesson said: “No-one owns a particular style.

“I think England are playing a brand of cricket that puts you under the pump unless you are really on-song.”

New Zealand too have a slightly different look to the team that played at the World Cup, with Ben Wheeler given a debut at the Rose Bowl on Sunday after fellow left-arm seamer Trent Boult was ruled out of the rest of the tour with a back injury.

Wheeler, 23, responded with an impressive three for 63, while novice left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner took one for 30 in five overs, and Hesson said: “Ben, you couldn’t expect much more from a debutant, taking three of the top seven wickets and being there at the end with the bat.

“The beauty of the squad is that we trust everyone to take on key roles. We certainly gave them (Wheeler and Santner) key roles, we didn’t hide them, and they stood up.” - AFP

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

SPORTS The Wave, Oman Air look to maintain domination at Cardiff

MOTORSPORTS

The Wave, Muscat took the Cardiff crown in

Ahmad eyeing change in fortune

2014 and 2013, claiming victory ahead of 2012 winners Oman Air. Both crews are back again this year to battle it out for the fourth successive Omani win

MUSCAT: Paul Ricard in the south of France will host the longest race of the Blancpain Endurance Series season so far this coming Saturday, 20th June, where Ahmad Al Harthy is eyeing a change in fortune for the Oman Racing Team.

While the successful squad is enjoying a strong season in the Avon Tyres British GT Championship, where Ahmad and teammate Daniel Lloyd are currently fifth in the driver standings and lead the ‘Silver Cup’ classification, their Blancpain campaign has been less than straightforward up to now.

Even so, the team’s pace with its Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 has been clear and at Paul Ricard this weekend there will be a very strong determination from the duo, who will be partnered by Endurance Series teammate Jonny Adam, to chalk-up a first points-scoring top 10 finish of 2015.

At six hours in duration, the Paul Ricard 1,000km on Saturday will be double the length of the first two rounds of the Blancpain season and will therefore provide an even greater challenge for the 60-plus car grid.

Added to that, the race will begin at 17.00 (local time) so the chequered flag won’t fall until darkness has blanketed the Le Castellet venue, providing another variable for the drivers to get to grips with and a challenge Ahmad is relishing.

“It’s true we haven’t had the season we wanted up to now in Blancpain but we know we can turn things around at Paul Ricard”, said the Aston Martin Middle East and North Africa ambassador, “The pace has been there, we proved that at Monza and Silverstone, but a variety of things have gone against us unfortunately.

“Our car is working very well, the Aston has been a pleasure to drive all year in Blancpain and also British GT, and the team has been doing a fantastic job. Some-

I’m confident we can have a strong weekend at Paul Ricard

MUSCAT: Cardiff, the United Kingdom, has proved a happy hunting ground over the years for Oman Sail’s teams as they ruled the Welsh waves with three back to back wins between them, but the pressure is now on to maintain the winning streak and earn valuable points in this year’s Extreme Sailing Series.

The Wave, Muscat took the Cardiff crown in 2014 and 2013, claiming victory ahead of 2012 winners Oman Air. Both crews are back again this year to battle it out for the fourth successive Omani win.

“We have done a few events in

Cardiff now and it has been pretty good to us over the years but we feel like we must win this one. We want to win this one,” said Leigh McMillan, skipper of The Wave, Muscat, who last month turned his hand to racing the foiling GC32s along with his core crew Nasser Al Mashari and Pete Greenhalgh, and after just four days of training swept to victory on board Sultanate of Oman at inaugural the Bullitt GC32 Racing Tour in Austria.

“We were level at the top of the 2015 Extreme Sailing Series leaderboard with SAP Extreme Sailing Team before the last event

in Qingdao, China, but lost out to them in the end. We have had some success here before and look forward to repeating it again this year. We learned quite a lot during our GC32 experience and it helped to highlight a few things we had stopped doing. In Cardiff, we know what to expect – it is a skinny patch of water and it is often breezy, so the racing will be exciting and fast paced and we are hoping to come out on top.”

The Wave, Muscat bowman, Nasser Al Mashari, has been a winner on both Oman Air and The Wave, Muscat in Cardiff and is excited about returning to one of his favourite venues.

“We have done very well in Cardiff previously – it is a great venue and we love to sail there. It is a tight reaching course and very windy but our teamwork is getting better and better, so hopefully we can achieve another win in Cardiff for The Wave, Muscat and Oman,” he said.

The Wave, Muscat currently stands in second place on the overall leaderboard, just one point behind SAP Extreme Sailing Team

after three events, while Stevie Morrison’s Oman Air are in 5th place and keen to pull out all the stops in a venue that many of the crew consider ‘home’ waters.

“Hopefully we will get some good support in Cardiff and that will give us an advantage,” he said.

“We will certainly be quite comfortable in our home environment and I hope that will show in our performances. We learned some lessons in Qingdao and have had some good discussions since, so if we can execute what we have set down as areas that we can improve on, then I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t get on the podium.

“Oman Air won this event in 2012 and, although none of us were on board then, we would hope the boat knows its way around the course!”

Racing at the Extreme Sailing Series Act 4, Cardiff presented by Land Rover, starts on Thursday June 18 and continues through to June 21 2015. It is one of the narrowest city-centre stadium racecourses on the global tour with racing often very tight and action packed.

Ahmad Al Harthy Oman Racing Team

times motor racing is like this, you have all of the pieces of the jigsaw in place and just need a bit of good fortune! I’m confident we can have a strong weekend at Paul Ricard.”

Last year during the corresponding event, the Oman Racing Team – which is backed by Oman Air, Oman Ministry of Sports Affairs, Ooredoo, National Bank of Oman and Al Hashar Group – secured a top 10 Pro Cup result. So far in the 2015 Blancpain season, Ahmad and team-mates Lloyd and Adam have a best finish of 15th position in the headline Pro Cup from last month’s visit to Silverstone.

Practice and pre-qualifying at Paul Ricard will take place on Friday, with final qualifying following on Saturday. Round three of the 2015 season will get underway at on Saturday.

SMOOTH SAILING: File picture of last year’s Extreme Sailing Series at Cardiff. – Supplied photo

OMAN TENNIS ASSOCIATION OFFICIALS, SPORTS CLUBS DISCUSS MINI TENNIS PROGRAMME Oman Tennis Association officials and the coaches of various clubs held a meeting to evaluate the mini tennis programme and discuss various developmental aspects. The Oman Tennis Association was represented by Salman Al Balushi (Head of the working team), Siddiq Al Hashmi (National teams head coach), Dr. Ahmad bin Al Saeedi (board member) , Basel Ouajeeh (Technical Coordinator) and the club coaches were Yehya Al Kharousi (Nizwa Club ), Salem Al Mashaykhi (Jaalan Club), Hamad Al Waheibi (Bidiya Club), Saeed Al Seyouti (Quriyat Club) and Hamad Al Harasi (Bashayer Club). — Supplied photo

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F I FA S C A N D A L

Chuck Blazer was US informant since 2011 NEW YORK: Chuck Blazer, the American who blew the whistle on Fifa’s giant corruption scandal, worked secretly for US prosecutors from 2011 while still on Fifa’s executive committee, court documents show.

According to a 19-page plea agreement, unsealed by a federal court in New York late Monday at the request of media outlets, Blazer began helping US authorities as early as December 29, 2011. The 70-year-old was still a member of Fifa’s executive committee at the time.

He was suspended in disgrace only in 2013.

In the deal, he pleaded guilty to 10 counts, including racketeering, tax evasion, and wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies. He agreed to cooperate in exchange for a reduced sentence. The document, dated November 25, 2013, was signed by Blazer and US Attorney General Loretta Lynch, then attorney for the eastern district of New York.

In it, Blazer agreed to hand over all relevant documents, keep his cooperation under wraps and testify in New York and anywhere else in the world at the request of US prosecutors.

Blazer acknowledged that he earned more than $11 million from 2005 to 2010, and agreed not to oppose any future ban imposed on him by Fifa or any other football governing body.

Blazer also agreed to pay outstanding income tax from 20052013, a fine of more than $2.4 million and a second amount to be determined by the court in advance of sentencing.

From 1990 to 2011 Blazer was general secretary of Concacaf, overseeing their entire operations from New York, and from 1997 to 2013 he was the only US representative on Fifa’s executive committee. — AFP

SPORTS

Blatter could remain Fifa head if suitable candidate not found Klaus Stoehlker, who advised Blatter during this year’s Fifa election campaign, told Sky News that Blatter could remain head of world soccer’s governing body if a “convincing candidate” to replace

WILL HE RECONSIDER? Speculations of a U-turn by Sepp Blatter is emerging. – File photo

him did not emerge

Asia unmoved by reports of possible Blatter U-turn ZURICH/NEW YORK: Sepp Blatter could go back on his promise to stand down as Fifa president, a former adviser said on Monday, even as U.S. prosecutors revealed a plea deal with a past Fifa executive who told investigators about bribes and kickbacks.

Klaus Stoehlker, who advised Blatter during this year’s Fifa election campaign, told Sky News that Blatter could remain head of world soccer’s governing body if a “convincing candidate” to replace him did not emerge.

Fifa said in a statement that Stoehlker, who was in a meeting when contacted by Reuters and unable to comment, was no longer working with Blatter.

Blatter said on June 2 that he would step down as Fifa president. He is under pressure to leave sooner rather than later as U.S. and Swiss authorities widen investigations into bribery and corruption at the organization.

European Union lawmakers are among those calling for his immediate departure.

Also on Monday, U.S. pros-

KUALA LUMPUR: The Asian Football Confederation remains unmoved by reports that Sepp Blatter may seek to stay on as Fifa president despite announcing his intention to resign amid a major corruption scandal. Support for Blatter’s leadership has traditionally been strong in the 46-nation Asian bloc but the AFC declined to throw its weight behind any push to keep the Swiss in power for a fifth term.

“With regard to recent media

ecutors revealed their plea agreement with Chuck Blazer, showing that the former Fifa executive committee member secretly provided authorities with information for nearly two years before he admitted guilt in court in November 2013.

Blazer was the former general secretary of Concacaf, soccer’s

stories, the Asian Football Confederation confirms its position as previously outlined, namely that the AFC takes note of the Fifa President’s intention to step down at an Extraordinary Congress scheduled to be called later this year or early 2016, which will be the subject of the upcoming Fifa Executive Committee meeting on 20 July,” the AFC said in a statement emailed to Reuters on Tuesday. “AFC fully respects the decision of the Fifa President

governing body in North and Central America and the Caribbean and a Fifa executive.

Fifa underwent yet another blow to its prestige on Monday when the Nobel Peace Center said it was ending its cooperation with the governing body.

The center was behind the Handshake for Peace initiative,

DISAPPOINTED

Fifa says Nobel Center decision ‘isn’t fair play’ ZURICH: Fifa reacted with bitterness on Tuesday over the Nobel Peace Center’s plan to end cooperation over the Handshake for Peace initiative, saying the decision was “not fair play” and obstructed anti-discrimination.

In an unusually strongly-worded statement, soccer’s governing body added that it was disappointed to hear about the news through the media. “We are disappointed to have learned from the media about the Nobel Peace Center’s intent to terminate the cooperation with Fifa on the Handshake for Peace initiative,” said Fifa in a statement.

“Fifa is reluctant to accept this unilateral approach on what is a joint initiative between the football community and the Nobel Peace Center (NPC). This action does not embody the spirit of fair play especially as it obstructs the promotion of the key values of peace-building and anti-discrimination.”

The NPC announced on Monday that it was ending its link with soccer’s scandal-plagued governing body and did not give a specific reason. Fifa said NPC executive director Bente Erichsen phoned president Sepp Blatter on Tuesday morning and that

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she “continued to believe in this initiative and hoped it would live on in football with Fifa”.

The Oslo-based NPC was behind the Handshake for Peace Initiative, something that had been enthusiastically promoted

by Blatter for three years.

Simple gesture Fifa encouraged pre-match handshakes between team captains and officials as the Handshake for Peace and was also hoping to introduce it at the end of matches.

“The Handshake for Peace initiative combines football’s international reach with the simple gesture of a handshake to promote peace and fair play,” said Fifa.

“At Fifa’s tournaments, players and officials use the Handshake for Peace to set a good example in front of both the fans inside the stadium and the wider public watching games on television.”

Fifa said the Handshake for Peace would remain protocol at the U-20 World Cup in New Zealand and the women’s World Cup in Canada. The NPC’s announcement came three days after Interpol suspended a 20 million euros ($22 million) arrangement with Fifa. — Reuters

DRIVE SLOWER LIVE LONGER

to step down and is sure that it was taken after deep and careful consideration.”

Africa’s soccer confederation (CAF) said on Monday it had not heard of any of its members asking Blatter to stay on. “At CAF level we are not aware of any African countries who have written to ask Blatter to stay on,” Kalusha Bwalya, a CAF executive committee member and president of the Football Association of Zambia,said. - Reuters

which had been enthusiastically promoted by Blatter over the past three years.

As the international probe intensified, pressure mounted at the Swiss body to stabilize its leadership. But Blatter has changed his mind in the past. In 2011, he said his fourth mandate would be his last but he stood again this year.

A Swiss newspaper on Sunday, the Schweiz am Sonntag, reported that Blatter had received messages of support from African and Asian football associations, asking him to rethink his decision to step down. Blatter was honoured by the support and had not ruled out remaining in office, the newspaper reported, citing an anonymous source close to him.

Africa’s soccer confederation (CAF) said on Monday that it had not heard of any of its members asking Blatter to stay on. “At CAF level we are not aware of any African countries who have written to ask Blatter to stay on,” Kalusha Bwalya, a CAF executive committee member and president of the Football Association of Zambia, told Reuters.

English Football Association chairman Greg Dyke does not think Blatter will have a change of heart.

“I think it (a U-turn) is extremely unlikely. I think it would be very controversial,” Dyke told Reuters. “There would be a rebellion amongst a lot of people (if he did).”

Insiders at the Union of European Football Associations (Uefa) told Reuters that European soccer’s governing body was left perplexed by the reports that Blatter would stand again and that the plot would be too outrageous even for a Hollywood script.

Officially, European soccer’s governing body did not want to comment, but the German football association (DFB) called on Blatter, who is staying on until the election, to leave quickly.

“We only know the media reports which strengthen our clear position,” spokesman Ralf Koettker told reporters.

“Blatter’s announced resignation must be formally completed as soon as possible.”

Domenico Scala, the official overseeing the process of choosing a new president, said that Blatter’s departure was an “indispensable” part of planned reforms to soccer’s governing body. - Reuters

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

SPORTS

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Winning Wimbledon remains the dream of Victoria Azarenka Hewitt still planning to make Wimbledon impact

Repeated injuries have prevented Azarenka from winning a title for 22 months, and she endured an up-anddown first round at the Wimbledon

CELEBRATION: Belarus’s Victoria Azarenka reacts after beating US player Varvara Lepchenko on Day Two of the Aegon Classic. – AFP

warm-up event in Birmingham on Tuesday

BIRMINGHAM: Former world number one Victoria Azarenka says she still dreams of winning Wimbledon, despite revealing some of the frustrations and uncertainties she has suffered in the last couple of years.

Repeated injuries have prevented Azarenka from winning a title for 22 months, and she endured an up-and-down first round at the Wimbledon warm-up event in Birmingham on Tuesday.

She was five times within a point of going 0-5 down against Varvara Lepchenko, an American ranked outside the top 30, before fighting back, with a mixture of fierce hitting and varying confidence, to win 7-6 (9-7), 6-4.

Azarenka started to serve commandingly and successfully take risks with ground-stroke attacks whilst whittling away that big leeway.

But she still needed to save a set point at 6-7 in the tie-break, and recover from the disappointment of losing her service break in the

second set before prevailing.

“The most important thing I changed was the mindset,” she said. “It can put you down or lift you up. So it is part of your job to choose which way you want to go — up or down.”

Though some of the Belarusian’s difficulties stemmed from these inner uncertainties, the best elements of her performance suggested that at the age of 25 she could still have significant successes ahead. A turning point at break point down in the fifth game offered insight into Azarenka’s state of mind, for she stopped mid-rally to request a video replay of a Lepchenko drive only to see it depicted as plumb on the baseline.

That may have caused anger to overcome anxiety, for she responded with a brilliant combination of cross-court ground strokes to get back to deuce, and followed it with two pressurising returns of serve to break. She was often a different player after that, usually dominating the rallies, though she was helped to make the even more important second service break by an indifferent ninth game by Lepchenko.

This provided Azarenka with a platform for recovery which, despite two further hiccups, she enterprisingly used to raise her game

by striking the ball more and more freely. It was, she concluded, “still a dream” to win Wimbledon.

“It’s everyone’s dream to win it — and it’s definitely still mine.”

She next plays Zarina Diyas, the world number 34 from Kazakhstan, and could have a quarterfinal with Karolina Pliskova, the impressively rising world number 12 from the Czech Republic.

Encouraging form Earlier another former world number one, Jelena Jankovic, also made a winning start, though more comfortably than Azarenka.

The Serbian is also making her way back from injuries and overcame Tereza Smitkova, the world number 62 from the Czech Republic, 6-4,6-4.

The loquacious Jankovic, a former Wimbledon mixed doubles champion, has not enjoyed a good grass court Grand Slam for four years, and this year is playing two build-up tournaments instead of one to try to put that right.

Here she was in encouraging form both with deeds and words.

“This match went very well. I served very well from the beginning until the end, and I was waiting for my chances to break my opponent,” Jankovic said. - AFP

LONDON: Lleyton Hewitt insists he can still make some noise in his final appearance at Wimbledon despite being forced to bid a premature farewell to Queen’s Club.

Hewitt, famous for his shrieked war cry of ‘C’mon’ whenever he wins an important point, is embarking on a prolonged goodbye tour before retiring after next year’s Australian Open and would love to roll back the years at Wimbledon later this month.

The 34-year-old Australian won Wimbledon in 2002 and regards the brief grass-court season as his favourite time of year on the ATP Tour.

Hewitt’s hopes of making a strong farewell run in the Wimbledon warm-up event at Queen’s were shattered

by Kevin Anderson as the big-serving South African saved a match point en route to winning 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 6-2 in their first round clash in west London on Monday.

That was the injury-ravaged Hewitt’s fifth defeat in six matches in 2015. But he remains convinced he can still cause an upset or two at Wimbledon given a decent draw.

“The last two weeks I’ve played a couple of pretty good grass court players. It would be nice to play someone that’s not quite as good as those two on grass first up at least,” Hewitt said.

“You’re in the hands of the gods, though, when you’re not seeded. You can come up against anyone. But as I showed for the majority of the first two sets today, I felt like

ON A GOODBYE TOUR: Australia’s Lleyton Hewitt attempts a return during his lost match against Kevin Anderson. – AFP

my standard of tennis was still pretty damn good.”

In reality, Hewitt has been on the decline for several years due to his advancing age and injuries and his ranking has dropped to 117 as a result.

All guns blazing His last Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance came at Wimbledon in 2009, but that lacklustre record won’t stop the feisty Australian going down all guns blazing at the All England Club in two weeks time. “It was always in my mind that I wanted to come back and play Wimbledon one more time, and obviously here at Queen’s,” he said.

“I love this time of the year.

As soon as I got to London and started preparing for Wimbledon and Queen’s I felt right at home straightaway.

“Obviously Wimbledon, going back there as a former champion and member, it’s a pretty special place.”

Although Hewitt was unable to win another Grand Slam af-

ter taking the Wimbledon title, the former world number one, whose other major triumph came in the 2001 US Open, says he has no regrets about his career path.

“Even though I was young, I made a lot of sacrifices up until that point as well to try and be the best tennis player I could be,” he said.

“It’s a relief, I guess, in some ways, too, that you can go out there and enjoy that you’re a former winner of probably the biggest tournament there is in the world. “To me it doesn’t really matter if you win it once or five times. I’m pretty sure I’ll take what I got.”

Once his grass-court farewell is complete, Hewitt will turn his attention to helping Australia make a strong run in this year’s Davis Cup, while also serving as a father figure to young compatriots Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis.

“I’m going to work my schedule around the Davis Cup. For the rest of year that will be the priority,” he said. - AFP

QUEENS CHAMPIONSHIP

Stunned Nadal crashes out at Queen’s LONDON: Rafael Nadal suffered a shock first round exit from the Wimbledon warm-up event at Queen’s Club as the Spanish star was beaten 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 6-4 by unheralded Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov on Tuesday.

Nadal’s dismal defeat against the world number 79 is the latest in a growing list of lacklustre performances in a troubled 2015 campaign for the former world number one.

The 14-time Grand Slam winner was beaten at the French Open for only the second time in his glittering career when Novak Djokovic won their quarter-final clash in Paris.

As a result, Nadal’s ranking has plunged to 10th -- his lowest position for a decade -- and to add insult to injury he will now head to Wimbledon, which gets underway later this month, with renewed questions about a decline that hit another low with this setback in west London.

It was the second time this year Nadal had lost to an opponent outside the top 50 after his January defeat to world number 127 Michael Berrer.

Nadal, back at Queen’s for the first time in four years, wasn’t expected to have any problems with Dolgopolov after the confidence booster of winning the grasscourt tournament in Stuttgart last week -- his first title on the surface since lifting the Wimbledon

SHOCK EXIT: Spain’s Rafael Nadal watches a moment during his his first round match. – Reuters

crown five years ago.

He even had Jose Mourinho in his corner as the Chelsea manager sat courtside just behind Nadal’s uncle and coach Toni.

Yet it was Dolgopolov who forced the pace and the 26-yearold from Kiev secured the first break in the second game, unfurling a spectacular cross-court forehand winner on the run.

Dolgopolov came into the tournament on a three-match losing streak, but he had won his last meeting with Nadal — at Indian Wells last year — and continued to dominate from the baseline as he closed out the set.

Decisive moment In a dramatic second set tie-break,

a blistering forehand at 5-5 gave Dolgopolov a match point, but Nadal saved it with a nerveless serve.

The fifth seed then produced a perfectly-timed volley to secure a set point that he converted when Dolgopolov dragged a backhand wide.

Nadal looked firmly in control after breaking in the third game of the final set, but he let the momentum, and a 4-2 lead, slip away when, after being given a warning for a time violation, he allowed Dolgopolov to break back.

There was more frustration for Nadal at 4-4 when he wasted three break points and that proved the decisive moment when Dolgopolov unloaded a searing winner on match-point in the next game to

steal a sensational victory.

Earlier, French Open champion Stanislas Wawrinka gave short shrift to Nick Kyrgios’s claims that his 6-3, 6-4 victory was the result of the Australian’s physical and mental fatigue.

The Swiss second seed swept through his first round clash in just 49 minutes to set up a second round meeting with big-serving South African Kevin Anderson.

But, while Wawrinka was on top form, emerging star Kyrgios attributed his poor performance to an illness and home sickness after a lengthy spell on the road.

“I’ve been sick for the last week.

I’m obviously not feeling great,” Kyrgios said.

“I almost found it difficult to get myself engaged and didn’t want to be there. I’ve been battling mentally a bit.”

Wawrinka, however, was unimpressed by Kyrgios’s complaints and said the brash youngster’s comments in press conferences had to be taken with a pinch of salt.

“I think he’s saying a lot of things every day. It doesn’t really surprise me,” he said.

“I read before the match he was ready, excited for the challenge, and now he was sick.”

Meanwhile, defending Queen’s champion Grigor Dimitrov moved into the second round with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory against 2010 winner Sam Querrey. - AFP

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SECTION

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

LIFE & STYLE

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

The nomads on ‘the edge of the world’ Nenets of Russia are among the world’s last true nomads, true to their traditions, true to their heritage

I

t’s dark and I’m fumbling to undo the numerous layers I’m wearing, without falling into the deep snow. Then out of the starry night, an antler prods my bottom. Before long, I’m surrounded by a group of reindeer, apparently attracted by the salt in my urine. Any notions of privacy seem to have evaded them.

These are the far fringes of the Yamal Peninsula in Siberia’s Arctic and for a couple of weeks I’m living here with a family of Nenets reindeer herders.

Indigenous to the region, Nenets are among the world’s last true nomads.

There are around 45,000 throughout Russia of which 12,000 live in Yamal; 7,000 of them migrating 2,000km each year by reindeer-drawn sleighs (the rest stay in settlements). They travel, with the seasons, from the forest tundra south-west of the Yamal Peninsula in Nadym District in mid-March, north up to the Kara Sea in mid-August, where polar bears prowl. Then, they retrace their steps – constantly seeking fresh pastures for their herds.

In the Nenets language, Yamal means “edge of the world” and my journey there certainly lives up to expectation. After reaching Moscow, there’s a three-hour flight to Salekhard, the regional capital teetering on the edge of the Arctic Circle. I’m with my fixer, Ed; an Englishman who now lives in Moscow, and speaks fluent Russian, having spent many years living with nomadic groups throughout Siberia. He has also worked with several film crews; the Nenets way of life forms part of Kate Humble’s new, three-part BBC2 series, Living with Nomads.

In Salekhard we climb into a Trekol, a monster ATV (all-terrain vehicle) with chest-high wheels. “If we fall through the ice it will float,” Ed explains. It is only possible to reach the tundra village of Yar Sale in this way between mid November and mid May, when the river is frozen — there are no roads. From June to October, you’d have to take a ferry.

Seven hours later, we arrive at a wooden bungalow, belonging to a lady called Galina, where we spend the night. Inside, it’s so hot I almost pass out. Her family walks around as if dressed for summer, oblivious to the fact that it’s minus 25 degree Celsius outside. A cat dozes under a radiator.

Next morning — after what will be my last shower for more than a week — we travel by snowmobile to the nomad’s camp, through snow that appears pearlised in the sun. It’s night when we finally arrive, and radiant ghostlike figures bounce around the sky. The Northern Lights illuminate two chums — tepee-like tents covered in reindeer

There are around 45,000 Nenets throughout Russia of which 12,000 live in Yamal; 7,000 of them migrating 2,000km each year by reindeer-drawn sleighs

skin — and the wooden sleighs that are scattered haphazardly around, some piled with raw meat. All around is nothing but the flat expanse of tundra.

An extended family of around 15 Nenets is housed here. Inside one of the chums, Nadia — with her hair in two long plaits — sits sewing, using thread made from reindeer sinew. Achum, her husband, is making a reindeer harness from a mammoth tusk. “There are fossilised remains of mammoths and other ice age giants beneath the permafrost here,” Ed explains.

The following day, the family will pack up and move as they do every couple of days. My camera freezes during the night, and my fingers are numb; yet there is no time to delay. The chums need to be dismantled on to the sleighs.

Vasili gets a bottle from one of the sleighs, though it too has frozen.

Suddenly, without warning, the pace picks up. Hundreds of reindeer stampede towards me, husky dogs yipping behind them. Lassos cartwheel through the air as the men catch certain bulls, shouting “hey ho”, and tackling the animals to the ground. “These reindeer have been trained to pull the sleighs,” Ed says. “Even at the speed they are running the men can recognise each one.”

Using a snowmobile, Achum drives the reindeer, with their towering antlers, towards us. Nenets rub shoulders with the modern world, their traditions now incorporating mobile phones and generators. In spite of more than 70 years of communism and the construc-

tion of a gas pipelines across their land (the world’s biggest gas fields are here), their way of life carries on.

Before the migration begins, it’s time for tea. We sit in the snow, dunking sweet biscuits into the hot tea from blood stained cups. Raw reindeer meat is eaten hungrily, so the snow is also red. “It’s warm today, we’re having a picnic!” Vasili exclaims. He’s serious.

While it’s minus 20 degree Celsius today, temperatures often plummet below minus 50C. Nadia feeds a biscuit to a pure white reindeer with piercing blue eyes. “All tundra Nenets families have several reindeer which they hand-rear,” she explains. “They sleep in our chums and are loved like family.” These are young deer that have lost their parents; they are treated like pets until they are strong enough to be released into the herd. They will never be killed by the family, but given to another when too old to migrate.

Soon, we’re off. The transport reindeer are dressed with bells and regalia by the women, who themselves are resplendent in sunglasses, big sumptuous white hats, and long reindeer fur coats with embroidered trims.

Days are spent alternating between these magnificent migrations and life at the camp. One day, Achum points at the sacred sleigh. An idol sits on top of it, dressed in reindeer hide. “It protects our reindeer,” Achum says. “Inside the sledge are wolf, sable, and polar bear furs which defend us from evil spirits and give us good luck while hunting.”

Nenets life is rich with beliefs. Between the central stove and the back of the chum, there is an imaginary line, which no woman can cross without serious consequences.

Another day we come to a chum, with bloodied reindeer skins hanging outside, and rosy-cheeked children playing, with scant regard to the cold.

The couple has seven children. One must be just days old and lies swaddled in reindeer fur.

“When we’re born we are wrapped in fur, when we die our body is laid under fur; and in between all our life is spent living with, eating and wearing reindeer,” Vasili explains.

On my last day with Vasili’s family, the light is golden as we arrive at camp.

I marvel at the tundra’s beauty. Everyone is moving fast; the chums are up quickly and then that glorious moment — the fire is lit. The thick, heavy reindeer fur door thumps down behind me, and the warmth on my face is delicious.

Nadia spreads out a bright plastic tablecloth and we tuck into supper. Instant mashed potato has never tasted so good. -Kate Eshelby/The Independent

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

EXTRA

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

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

ACES ON BRIDGE

One more trip down this deal’s road TRUMAN Capote said, “Life is a moderately good play with a badly written third act.”

I hope this column is a well-written third act of this deal.

Yesterday, we studied the play in four hearts after West began the defence with three rounds of diamonds. South ruffed and ran the heart 10 to take five spades, three hearts, one club and the trick-three diamond ruff.

Today, though, do you see how four hearts can be defeated?

Finally we have the right auction. North, knowing that a 4-4 fit is almost

always better than a 5-3 fit, plans to raise hearts. But with such strong hearts and spades, North controlbids (cue-bids) four clubs over three hearts.

This says that North is raising hearts with fourcard support, really likes his hand, and has the club ace. Here, of course, South signs off in four hearts. (If North has fewer than four hearts, he continues with either three spades or three no-trump.)

West leads the diamond ace, and East signals enthusiastically with his 10 to indicate the queen, the honor touching the two promised by West’s

opening lead. Now West should lead his diamond two. This shows that he started with exactly four diamonds. (If he had only three, he would have cashed the king before playing the third round.

And if he had five, would have led his original fourth-highest at trick two.)

East takes this trick and knows that South is now out of diamonds. East can also see his trump trick. So he should shift to the club 10, hoping to establish a fourth defensive winner there, which is exactly what happens.

- Phillip Alder MARMADUKE

CROSSWORD

B I G NAT E

Answer to previous puzzle

ACROSS 1 6 11 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25

Vice — Ghost towns Island welcomes Han Solo’s Millennium — Bottle top Coyote plaints Garden-pond fish Lyric poem Attack like a hawk Devotee’s suffix Payment to the landlady At present Robert E. and Spike Cook in a wok

27 Interior designs 29 Daintily use a napkin 31 Tractor-trailer 32 Sprang up 35 Netherlands sight 38 Incline 39 Author — Rand 41 Coral islets 43 Collected sayings 44 Silver or Scout 46 Somber evergreen 47 Tackle a slope 48 Comforter stuffing 49 Andy Capp’s quaff 50 Lease signer 52 Offended the nose 54 Thoroughly

22 24 26 28 DOWN 30 32 1 Bravery 33 2 Drops syllables 34 3 Gopher or 36 marmot 4 Teacher’s warning 37 38 5 Pleased sighs 40 6 Rough file 7 Safety-testing org.

42 8 More yucky 44 9 Bronco snaggers 45 10 Grumpy moods 12 Seeded 51 13 Violet or orchid 53 16 Lumber proficient 55 Squander

Type of pool Mr. Spock’s forte Hip-hop music Spanish hero El — Scram! (2 wds.)

Joined Galahad’s mother Tinted Arctic canoes Shoelace hole — luego!

“Faint heart — won ...”

Norse neighbour Transmitted Took a gun out of its holster News agcy.

Apiece

BORN LOSER

WITH LOVE

SHARON

NIRUPA LAKSHMI NARAYANAN

BASSAM MUBARAK

June 18

June 18, 2006

June 19, 2008

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

KIDSPOT

H E A LT H C A P S U L E

C10

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

FIND-IT-ALL Y O U R B I R T H D AY

BORN today, you are always one to stand up for yourself and your rights.

You never let a personal wrong stand unanswered. But you are just as quick to defend others; you will always step in to protect anyone who seems unable to defend him or herself.

Indeed, you are likely to consider it a personal mission in life — one that can indeed last a lifetime — to do what you can for others in need. You are caring, generous and eager to see others grow and evolve. You are not the kind to do everything for another — for that may yield only more failure and disappointment — but rather you will teach others how to prevail on their own.

You are highly creative, and you will always do things in a way that can be recognised as yours and yours alone. Some may claim that there is no real artistry in what you do, but this is only sour grapes, the opinion of those who cannot match you in some way. The truth is that you do, indeed, have the artist’s touch.

Also born on this date are: Venus Williams, tennis player; Barry Manilow, singersongwriter; Greg Kinnear, actor; Igor Stravinsky, composer; Thomas Haden Church, actor; Mark Linn-Baker, actor; Newt Gingrich, politician; Jason Patric, actor; M.C. Escher, artist; Joe Piscopo, actor and comedian; Ralph Bellamy, actor; Will Forte, actor; Dan Jansen, speed skater.

W E AT H E R

C

WORLD

Max 42 Min 28 Max 28 Min 21

Max 39 Min 24

Max 38 Min 31 Max 24 Min 11

Max 37 Min 30

Max 18 Min 10

Max 43 Min 28

Max 45 Min 30

Max 44 Min 29

Max 36 Min 27

Max 36 Min 29

[MAY 21-JUNE 20] Max 33 Min 29

Max 29 Min 16

Max 34 Min 27 Max 19 Min 13

—www.met.gov.om

GULF Abu Dhabi Doha Dubai Kuwait Manama Riyadh

38 42 39 43 40 43

29 28 27 30 29 26

WORLD Athens Baghdad Beijing Berlin Boston Cairo Colombo Frankfurt Hong Kong Istanbul Johannesburg Kuala Lumpur Lisbon Paris Perth Singapore Tokyo Toronto

34 43 34 19 24 39 29 22 31 24 9 31 30 24 20 30 28 20

20 24 24 14 14 19 27 13 27 18 -3 25 18 16 13 28 18 15

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

TO MUSCAT (RUWI)

[JUNE 21-JULY 22]

LEO [JULY 23-AUG. 22] You may be surprised to discover what you are feeling, as you’ve been avoiding the truth in subtle, but effective, ways.

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (Route 36) Dept Destination Arrival Time Time 15:00 Quriyat 16:30 15:00 Sur 18:00 15:00 Jaalan 19:30 TO AL BURAIMI (Route 41) 06:30 Sohar 06:30 Buraimi 08:00 Buraimi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Buraimi 16.00 Sohar 16.00 Buraimi TO SINAW (Route 52) 17:30 Sinaw

Operating Days Daily Daily Daily

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (Route 36) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 05:30 Sur 06:45 Daily 05:30 Quriyat 08:30 Daily 05:30 Ruwi 10:00 Daily

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

Daily Daily Daily via Ibri Daily Daily Daily Daily

20:50

Daily

TO AL BURAIMI (Route 41) 07:00 Sohar 07:00 Ruwi 13:30 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 17:00 Ruwi TO SINAW (Route 52) 07:00 Ruwi

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

Daily Daily Daily via Ibri Daily Daily Daily Daily

10:25

Daily

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

VIRGO [AUG. 23-SEPT. 22] You may not believe what you see with your own eyes or hear with your own ears, but many are warning you that you must face the truth.

LIBRA L [[SEPT. [S S 23-OCT. 22] You are getting something out of a certain situation that others do not see or appreciate as you do.

SCORPIO S [[OCT. 23-NOV. 21] There’s no reason to think that your current path won’t get you where you want to go. Still, be prudent!

SAGITTARIUS S [[NOV. 22-DEC. 21] Are you sure you’re sending out the right signals? Others may not react the way you hope they will. Why is that?

CAPRICORN [DEC. 22-JAN 19] You’re eager to see those around you having just as much fun as you are, and you can do more to make sure that they do just that!

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

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

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

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

10:20 12:30

Daily Daily

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

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

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

12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

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

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

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

10:30 11:15

Daily Daily

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

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

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

Daily Daily Daily Daily

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

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101) 06:00 Marmul

Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101) 06:00 Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

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

Daily

16:50

SALALAH TO DUBAI (Route 102) 15:00 Dubai 07:00 TO DUBAI (Route 201) 06:00 Sohar 06:00 Dubai 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Dubai 15:00 Sohar 15:00 Dubai

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

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

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

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

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

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

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

LISTINGS

AQUARIUS [JAN. 20-FEB. 18] You’re nearing a certain point in your anticipated path that may well be fraught with danger. You can take necessary steps.

PISCES [Feb. 19-March 20] See if you can do something in a new way — if only to prove to someone that you can. You certainly have room to manoeuvre.

ARIES [March 21-APRIL 19] Are you willing to admit defeat? If not, you’re going to have to buckle down and assert yourself in a way you haven’t in the past.

TAURUS [APRIL 20-MAY 20] You may fear doing the very thing that is best for you, and you surely have good reasons. Still, you can conquer that fear.

Sunset Sunrise (Tomorrow) High tide Low tide

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi: 24783334; Appolo Medical Centre, Hamriya: 24782666; Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi: 24702542, Salalah: 23291635; Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra: 24503585; Ruwi 24811715 Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya. Tel: 24787766 Muscat, A Seeb Market. Tel: 24421691 Muscat, Al Khuwair. Tel: 24485740 Muscat, Al Hail South. Tel: 4537080 Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah.

Tel: 23291635 HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre: 24485052 Atlas Hospital: Ruwi: 24811743/ Ghubra: 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic: 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi: 24563641, Azaiba: 24499269, Sohar: 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital: 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory: 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre: 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya: 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic: 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi: 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb: 24420740 Ceregem National Raak: 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic: 24563217 Elixir Health Centre: 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre: 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre: 24472274 Hamdan Hospital: 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC: 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital: 24760100

24 Hrs Emergency: 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar: 26751128, MBD: 24799077, Al Khuwair: 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital: 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital: 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair: 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC: 22004000 ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence: 24569603 Directorate General of Customs: 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries: 24510228 Public Relations Admin: 24560099 ACCOMMODATION Al Bahjah Hotel: 24424400 Al Bustan Palace: 24764000 Al Khuwair Hotel Apartments: 24478171 Al Madina Holiday Inn: 24596400 Al Maha International Hotel: 24494949 Al Fanar Hotel: 24712385 Al Falaj Hotel: 24702311 Al Qurum Resort: 24605945 Azaiba Hotel Apartments: 24490979 Beach Hotel: 24696601 Bowshar Hotel: 24491105 Coral Hotel Muscat: 24692121 Crowne Plaza Muscat: 24660660 Crystal Suites: 24826100 Golden Tulip Seeb: 24510300 Grand Hyatt Muscat: 24641234 Haffa House Hotel: 24707207 Hotel Muscat Holiday: 24487123 InterContinental Muscat: 24680000 Majan Continental Hotel: 24592900 Marina Hotel: 24711711 Midan Hotel Suites: 24499565 Mina Hotel: 24711828 Muttrah Hotel: 24798401

Nuzha Hotel Apartments: 24789199 Oman Dive Centre: 24824240 Park Inn: 24507888 Qurum Beach House Hotel: 24564070 Radisson Blu Hotel: 24487777 Ramee Dream Resort Seeb: 24453399 Ramee Guestline Hotel: 24564443 Ruwi Hotel: 24704244 Safeer Hotel Suites: 24691200 Sheraton Oman Hotel: 24772772 Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa: 24776666 The Chedi Muscat: 24524400 The Treasurebox Muscat Hotel: 24502570 Sifawy Hotel +968 24749111 Juweira Hotel +968 23239600 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

WEDNESDAY

Min

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

You are proud of the work you have done recently, and you’re hungry for greater recognition. You may have to go searching for it!

12.13pm 3.30pm 7.00pm 8.23pm 3.53am

8:52pm 3:44am

6.55pm 5.20am 10:37am 3:40pm

SEA STATE: Rough to very rough along southeastern coast with a maximum wave height of 4.0 metres and moderate along rest of Oman’s coast with a maximum wave height of 2.25 metres.

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

THE NEXT 48 HOURS OUTLOOK: Partly cloudy to cloudy skies over governorates of south Al-Sharqiya, Al-Wusta and Dhofar with chances of isolated rain. Chances of convective clouds developments over Al-Hajar mountains and adjoining areas during evening and chances of rain and occasional thundershowers. Chances of late night and early morning low level clouds or shallow fog over most of the Sultanate coast.

Max

OMAN

CANCER

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

AIRLINES

lear to partly cloudy skies over the governorates of Al-Wusta and Dhofar with chances of isolated rain and mainly clear skies over rest of the Sultanate with chances of convective clouds development over AlHajar mountains and adjoining areas during evening associated with isolated rains and occasional thundershowers. Chance of late night and early morning low level clouds or fog patches over the coastal areas of Oman Sea and the Arabian Sea. EXPECTED WIND: Along the coastal areas of Dhofar and Al-Wusta governorates wind will be southwesterly moderate to fresh and will be easterly to northeasterly light to moderate during day becoming variable light at night over the Oman Sea coast, while over rest of the Sultanate it will be easterly to southeasterly light to moderate.

GEMINI Putting your needs first may prove more difficult than expected, as there are others whose needs are somewhat greater than your own.

PRAYER TIMINGS

Airlines: 24791233, Shaheen Air: 24816565, SriLankan Airlines: 24784545, Swiss International Airlines: 24796692, Thai Airways: 24705934, Turkish Airlines: 24703033 MUSEUMS Bait Al Baranda: Corniche (seafront opp fish market), Open from Saturday to Thursday 9am to 1pm and 4 to 6pm Natural History Museum: Al Khuwair, Tel: 24604957, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm; Thursday: 9am to 1pm Museum of Omani Heritage: (former Omani Museum), Madinat Al Alam, Sat-Wed 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday 9am to 1pm, Tel: 24600946 Armed Forces Museum: Bait Al Falaj, Tel: 24312651, Open from Sat to Wed: 8am to 1:30pm; Thurs 9-12pm and 3-6pm; Fri 9-11am and 3-6pm. Al Hoota Caves 24498258; Turtle Beach 96550606/96550707 Children’s Science Museum: Shatti Al Qurum, Tel: 24605368, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pm Oman-French Museum: near Muscat Police Station, Tel: 24736613, Open from Sat to Wed: 8am to 1:30pm, Thurs: 9am to 1pm Bait Al Zubair, Muscat: Tel: 24736688, Al Saidiya St., Muscat museum@baitalzubairmuseum.com Open from Sat to Thurs: 9:30am to 6pm.

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

THURSDAY FLT NO

ARRIVALS FROM

KUWAIT 0005 CAIRO 0005 JEDDAH 0005 MEDINA 0005 RIYADH 0010 SALALAH 0020 SALALAH 0120 ISTANBUL 0135 DACCA 0200 LAHORE 0215 BAHRAIN 0325 DUBAI 0340 DOHA 0345 DUBAI 0350 ADDIS ABABA 0350 ABU DHABI 0400 FRANKFURT 0515 AMMAN 0635 BAHRAIN 0635 ABU DHABI 0640 SALALAH 0645 KUWAIT 0650 RIYADH 0655 RAS AL KHAIMA 0655 MALPENSA 0705 DOHA 0715 JEDDAH 0735 PARIS 0735 LONDON HEATHROW 0740 DUBAI 0800 TEHRAN 0805 BEIRUT 0805 DUBAI 0805 LAHORE 0825 LAHORE 0830 BOMBAY 0835 HYDERABAD 0900 SHARJAH 0905 BANGALORE 0910 COCHIN 0920 DUBAI 0930 DELHI 0935 TRIVANDRUM 0955 MADRAS 0955 DOHA 1000 ABU DHABI 1010 COCHIN 1020 DOHA 1035 DUQUM OMAN 1035 BAHRAIN 1040 TRIVANDRUM 1045 KHASAB 1115 DUBAI 1115 MUKHAIZNA 1120 BAHRAIN 1130 DUBAI 1140 COLOMBO 1140 CALICUT 1155 LAHORE 1215 KUALA LUMPUR-SINGAPORE 1215 BANGKOK 1220 ABU DHABI 1220 SALALAH 1230 DOHA 1250 KARACHI 1300 KATHMANDU 1305 DUBAI 1340 SALALAH 1440 KHASAB 1445 ISLAM ABBAD 1515 SHARJAH 1525 DUBAI 1535 MUKHAIZNA 1550 BAHRAIN 1610 DOHA 1650 BOMBAY 1655 CALICUT 1710 LUCKNOW 1740 DOHA 1745 DUBAI 1745 HYDERABAD 1750 DELHI 1750 MADRAS 1750 DUBAI 1800 BAHRAIN 1810 TRIVANDRUM 1820 SHARJAH 1905 JAIPUR 1910 KUWAIT 1920 DUBAI 1940 SALALAH 2000 ABU DHABI 2005 ABU DHABI 2005 MALE 2020 DUBAI 2025 JAKARTA 2035 KATHMANDU 2040 DUBAI 2100 BANGALORE-HYDERABAD 2105 AMSTERDAM-DOHA 2105 MUNICH 2105 COCHIN 2115 DELHI 2125 BOMBAY 2130 LONDON HEATHROW-ABU DHABI 2140 DUBAI 2150 MADRAS 2200 CHITTAGONG 2210 ZURICH-DUBAI 2225 DOHA 2225 BAHRAIN 2240 FRANKFURT-DOHA 2245 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 2250 KARACHI 2250 ABU DHABI 2300 AMMAN 2300 SALALAH 2310 BOMBAY 2315 BOMBAY 2325 DOHA 2335 ABU DHABI 2340 BAHRAIN 2340 SALALAH 2345 BANGKOK 2350 DUBAI 2355 DAMMAM 2355

WY424 WY676 WY648 WY682 WY914 BG021 CV610 WY916 TK774 4H585 PK225 GF560 QR1132 EK866 ET624 EY384 PK291 MS930 FZ041 WY114 4H586 WY658 WY638 WY902 WY644 WY686 WY154 WY144 WY678 WY668 WY674 WY102 FZ043 WY602 WY346 NL768 WY272 WY202 WY236 G9114 WY226 EK862 WY210 WY242 WY212 WY252 QR1128 EY382 IX817 IX443 WY652 9W530 WY604 WY918 GF562 WY372 FZ037 IX337 WY822 WY818 WY634 WY904 BG023 WY670 WY332 PA950 CV611 WY606 WY3302 WY632 WY906 WY920 WY3922 FZ045 KU677 SV530 WY344 QR1126 WY204 WY292 WY264 WY664 EK864 WY254 WY232 WY246 WY284 WY3932 GF564 TG507 G9116 WY374 WY646 FZ047 WY908 RG125 WY614 WY848 WY338 WY434 FZ049 KL441 WY124 4H561 9W534 AI973 6.00E+81 BA073 WY624 UL205 AI907 WY312 LX242 QR1134 GF566 LH616 WY414 SG061 EY388 WY910 WY910 9W540 AI985 WY662 WY662 WY636 WY654 WY816 WY612 WY696 WY612

BEIRUT 0005 JEDDAH 0005 KUWAIT 0005 RIYADH 0010 SALALAH 0020 DACCA 0100 LUXORE 0115 SALALAH 0120 ISTANBUL 0135 DACCA 0200 KARACHI 0215 BAHRAIN 0325 DOHA 0345 DUBAI 0350 ADDIS ABABA 0350 ABU DHABI 0400 ISLAM ABBAD 0410 CAIRO 0410 DUBAI 0415 FRANKFURT 0515 DOHA 0600 BAHRAIN 0635 ABU DHABI 0640 SALALAH 0645 KUWAIT 0650 RIYADH 0655 ZURICH 0700 MALPENSA 0705 MEDINA 0710 DOHA 0715 JEDDAH 0735 LONDON HEATHROW 0740 DUBAI 0800 DUBAI 0805 ISLAM ABBAD 0815 LAHORE 0830 JAIPUR 0830 BOMBAY 0835 HYDERABAD 0900 SHARJAH 0905 COCHIN 0920 DUBAI 0930 GOA 0935 DELHI 0935 TRIVANDRUM 0950 MADRAS 0955 DOHA 1000 ABU DHABI 1010 MANGALORE 1010 COCHIN 1020 BAHRAIN 1040 TRIVANDRUM 1045 DUBAI 1115 KHASAB 1115 BAHRAIN 1130 COLOMBO 1140 DUBAI 1140 CALICUT 1155 KUALA LUMPUR-SINGAPORE 1215 BANGKOK 1220 ABU DHABI 1220 SALALAH 1230 DACCA-CHITTAGONG 1230 DOHA 1250 KATHMANDU 1305 SIALKOT 1310 MADRAS 1315 DUBAI 1340 MUKHAIZNA 1350 ABU DHABI 1355 SALALAH 1440 KHASAB 1445 DUQUM OMAN 1510 DUBAI 1535 KUWAIT-ABU DHABI 1540 JEDDAH 1550 LAHORE 1605 DOHA 1650 BOMBAY 1655 CALICUT 1710 LUCKNOW 1740 DOHA 1745 DUBAI 1745 MADRAS 1750 HYDERABAD 1750 DELHI 1750 BANGALORE 1750 SOHAR 1805 BAHRAIN 1810 BANGKOK-KARACHI 1900 SHARJAH 1905 COLOMBO 1915 KUWAIT 1920 DUBAI 1940 SALALAH 2000 ABU DHABI 2005 DUBAI 2025 JAKARTA 2035 KATHMANDU 2040 TEHRAN 2055 DUBAI 2100 AMSTERDAM-DOHA 2105 MUNICH 2105 DACCA 2115 COCHIN 2115 DELHI 2125 BOMBAY 2130 LONDON HEATHROW-ABU DHABI 2140 DUBAI 2150 COLOMBO 2155 MADRAS 2200 CHITTAGONG 2210 ZURICH-DUBAI 2225 DOHA 2225 BAHRAIN 2240 FRANKFURT-DOHA 2245 AMMAN 2300 AHMEDABAD 2300 ABU DHABI 2300 SALALAH 2310 SALALAH 2310 BOMBAY 2315 BOMBAY 2325 DOHA 2335 DOHA 2335 ABU DHABI 2340 BAHRAIN 2340 BANGKOK 2350 DUBAI 2355 DAMMAM 2355 DUBAI 2355

FLT NO

DEPARTURES TO

FLT NO

DEPARTURES TO

9W539 AI986 WY657 WY637 WY235 WY281 WY201 WY685 WY643 WY251 WY341 WY601 WY431 WY371 WY123 WY847 WY241 WY901 WY667 TK775 4H584 PK230 WY331 EK867 ET625 EY385 FZ036 QR1133 WY651 GF561 WY3921 G9842 WY603 WY903 WY3301 WY917 WY347 WY669 WY323 FZ044 WY633 WY815 WY291 WY215 WY253 NL769 WY717 WY263 WY385 WY821 WY843 G9115 WY231 WY905 WY605 WY203 WY245 EK863 IX554 WY337 QR1129 EY383 IX442 WY311 9W533 WY919 QR8550 WY655 GF563 WY273 FZ038 WY3303 IX350 PA451 WY113 WY663 WY143 WY645 WY101 WY423 WY153 WY927 WY413 WY405 WY609 WY907 WY675 G9110 FZ046 WY631 WY613 QR1127 WY327 WY623 WY681 WY647 WY909 GF565 EK865 WY695 WY661 WY653 G9117 WY913 WY635 FZ048 WY611 RG126 WY915 FZ050 AI978 KL442 WY817 9W529 6.00E+82 AI908 AI974 WY677 GF567 LX243 BA072 QR1135 WY673 EY381 LH617

BOMBAY 0020 BOMBAY 0020 BAHRAIN 0055 ABU DHABI 0105 HYDERABAD 0110 BANGALORE 0110 BOMBAY 0115 RIYADH 0115 KUWAIT 0120 MADRAS 0120 LAHORE 0145 DUBAI 0145 TEHRAN 0155 COLOMBO 0155 MUNICH 0200 JAKARTA 0215 DELHI 0215 SALALAH 0215 DOHA 0225 ISTANBUL 0230 DACCA 0300 LAHORE 0315 KATHMANDU 0350 DUBAI 0450 ADDIS ABABA 0450 ABU DHABI 0500 DUBAI 0510 DOHA 0515 BAHRAIN 0645 BAHRAIN 0715 DUQUM OMAN 0740 RAS AL KHAIMA 0745 DUBAI 0750 SALALAH 0750 MUKHAIZNA 0800 KHASAB 0815 ISLAM ABBAD 0830 DOHA 0835 KARACHI 0835 DUBAI 0845 ABU DHABI 0900 BANGKOK 0905 CALICUT 0915 TRIVANDRUM 0915 MADRAS 0915 LAHORE 0930 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 0940 LUCKNOW 0940 MALE 0945 SINGAPORE-KUALA LUMPUR 0945 MANILA 0955 SHARJAH 0955 HYDERABAD 1000 SALALAH 1020 DUBAI 1020 BOMBAY 1025 DELHI 1040 DUBAI 1045 TRIVANDRUM 1045 KATHMANDU 1050 DOHA 1100 ABU DHABI 1105 COCHIN 1120 CHITTAGONG 1140 COCHIN 1145 KHASAB 1145 DUBAI WORLD CENTRE-DOHA 1205 BAHRAIN 1215 BAHRAIN 1215 JAIPUR 1220 DUBAI 1225 MUKHAIZNA 1230 CALICUT 1255 LAHORE 1315 FRANKFURT 1320 DOHA 1330 MALPENSA 1350 KUWAIT 1350 LONDON HEATHROW 1400 BEIRUT 1415 ZURICH 1420 SALALAH 1430 AMMAN 1440 CAIRO 1440 DUBAI 1445 SALALAH 1540 JEDDAH 1615 SHARJAH 1615 DUBAI 1620 ABU DHABI 1640 DUBAI 1710 DOHA 1750 KARACHI 1810 DUBAI 1840 RIYADH 1840 KUWAIT 1845 SALALAH 1850 BAHRAIN 1855 DUBAI 1910 DAMMAM 1915 DOHA 1920 BAHRAIN 1920 SHARJAH 1955 SALALAH 2000 ABU DHABI 2015 DUBAI 2025 DUBAI 2035 ABU DHABI 2045 SALALAH 2100 DUBAI 2145 HYDERABAD-BANGALORE 2200 DOHA-AMSTERDAM 2220 BANGKOK 2225 TRIVANDRUM 2230 BOMBAY 2245 MADRAS 2300 DELHI 2310 MEDINA 2310 BAHRAIN 2325 DUBAI-ZURICH 2325 ABU DHABI-LONDON HEATHROW 2330 DOHA 2330 JEDDAH 2350 ABU DHABI 2355 DOHA-FRANKFURT 2355

9W539 AI986 WY657 WY637 WY225 WY235 WY211 WY685 WY201 WY643 WY251 WY345 WY601 WY371 WY123 WY901 WY241 WY847 WY667 BG022 TK775 WY209 4H585 PK226 WY331 CV610 EK867 ET625 EY385 FZ042 MS931 PK292 QR1133 WY651 4H586 GF561 WY903 WY603 WY917 WY669 FZ044 WY633 WY373 WY815 WY343 WY253 WY291 NL769 WY263 WY821 G9115 WY231 WY283 WY3301 WY905 WY605 WY203 WY631 WY245 EK863 WY337 QR1129 IX818 EY383 IX442 WY311 9W533 WY919 WY3921 WY655 GF563 FZ038 IX350 WY113 WY663 WY645 WY143 WY101 BG024 PA951 WY927 WY405 WY413 CV611 WY433 WY907 WY3931 WY675 FZ046 KU678 SV531 WY613 QR1127 WY623 WY681 WY647 WY909 GF565 EK865 WY695 WY661 WY653 G9117 WY913 TG508 WY635 FZ048 WY611 RG126 WY915 FZ050 WY411 4H561 KL442 WY817 9W529 6.00E+82 AI908 UL206 WY705 WY677 AI974 GF567 LX243 QR1135 BA072 WY673 EY381 LH617

BOMBAY 0020 BOMBAY 0020 BAHRAIN 0055 ABU DHABI 0105 COCHIN 0105 HYDERABAD 0110 TRIVANDRUM 0110 RIYADH 0115 BOMBAY 0115 KUWAIT 0120 MADRAS 0120 ISLAM ABBAD 0125 DUBAI 0145 COLOMBO 0155 MUNICH 0200 SALALAH 0215 DELHI 0215 JAKARTA 0215 DOHA 0225 CHITTAGONG-DACCA 0230 ISTANBUL 0230 GOA 0255 DOHA 0300 KARACHI 0315 KATHMANDU 0350 MADRAS 0355 DUBAI 0450 ADDIS ABABA 0450 ABU DHABI 0500 DUBAI 0510 CAIRO 0510 ISLAM ABBAD 0510 DOHA 0515 BAHRAIN 0645 DACCA 0700 BAHRAIN 0715 SALALAH 0750 DUBAI 0750 KHASAB 0815 DOHA 0835 DUBAI 0845 ABU DHABI 0900 COLOMBO 0900 BANGKOK 0905 LAHORE 0915 MADRAS 0915 CALICUT 0915 LAHORE 0930 LUCKNOW 0940 SINGAPORE-KUALA LUMPUR 0945 SHARJAH 0955 HYDERABAD 1000 BANGALORE 1000 MUKHAIZNA 1000 SALALAH 1020 DUBAI 1020 BOMBAY 1025 ABU DHABI 1030 DELHI 1040 DUBAI 1045 KATHMANDU 1050 DOHA 1100 MANGALORE 1100 ABU DHABI 1105 COCHIN 1120 CHITTAGONG 1140 COCHIN 1145 KHASAB 1145 DUQUM OMAN 1210 BAHRAIN 1215 BAHRAIN 1215 DUBAI 1225 CALICUT 1255 FRANKFURT 1320 DOHA 1330 KUWAIT 1350 MALPENSA 1350 LONDON HEATHROW 1400 CHITTAGONG-DACCA 1400 SIALKOT 1430 SALALAH 1430 CAIRO 1440 AMMAN 1440 LUXORE 1445 TEHRAN 1445 SALALAH 1540 SOHAR 1600 JEDDAH 1615 DUBAI 1620 KUWAIT 1640 MEDINA-JEDDAH 1650 DUBAI 1710 DOHA 1750 DUBAI 1840 RIYADH 1840 KUWAIT 1845 SALALAH 1850 BAHRAIN 1855 DUBAI 1910 DAMMAM 1915 DOHA 1920 BAHRAIN 1920 SHARJAH 1955 SALALAH 2000 KARACHI-BANGKOK 2005 ABU DHABI 2015 DUBAI 2025 DUBAI 2035 ABU DHABI 2045 SALALAH 2100 DUBAI 2145 AMMAN 2205 JEDDAH 2215 DOHA-AMSTERDAM 2220 BANGKOK 2225 TRIVANDRUM 2230 BOMBAY 2245 MADRAS 2300 COLOMBO 2305 DARESSLAM-ZANZIBAR 2310 MEDINA 2310 DELHI 2310 BAHRAIN 2325 DUBAI-ZURICH 2325 DOHA 2330 ABU DHABI-LONDON HEATHROW 2330 JEDDAH 2350 ABU DHABI 2355 DOHA-FRANKFURT 2355

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WY648 WY406 WY676 WY672 WY682 WY914 WY916 TK774 4H583 PK229 GF560 FZ035 QR1132 EK866 ET624 EY384 WY114 WY412 WY658 WY638 WY902 WY644 WY686 G9841 WY144 WY668 WY674 WY132 WY102 FZ043 WY432 WY422 WY602 WY342 NL768 WY202 WY236 G9114 WY282 WY226 EK862 WY242 IX549 WY252 QR1128 EY382 IX443 QR8550 WY3922 WY652 9W530 WY918 WY604 WY3302 GF562 FZ037 WY372 IX337 PA450 WY822 WY818 WY634 WY904 WY670 WY324 WY332 WY606 WY906 WY920 WY348 G9119 FZ045 WY3304 WY656 QR1126 WY204 WY292 WY264 WY664 EK864 WY232 WY246 WY254 WY610 GF564 WY216 G9116 WY274 WY646 FZ047 WY908 RG125 WY632 WY386 WY614 WY848 WY338 FZ049 AI977 KL441 WY124 9W534 AI973 6.00E+81 BA073 WY624 AI907 WY312 LX242 QR1134 GF566 LH616 WY717 WY328 EY388 WY414 WY910 9W540 AI985 WY662 WY636 WY654 WY928 WY816 WY612 WY696

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

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EXTRA BRIEFS

World’s thinnest light bulb is here

VIDEO GAME INDUSTRY’S NEXT BIG THING The video game industry’s biggest trade show is in full swing at Los Angeles and all gamers’ eyes are turning to the Los Angeles Convention Centre

T

he annual show, called the Electronic Entertainment Expo or “E3,” is a weeklong celebration of all things video games. On Sunday night, Bethesda Softworks kicked things off with an announcement-packed press conference in which it detailed its post-apocalyptic Fallout 4 — which will be set partly pre-apocalypse for the first time — its demon-destroying chainsaw-heavy shooter Doom 4, fighting game Battlecry, and the assassin game Dishonored 2.

The company also introduced a social network just for its many titles called Bethesda.net, showed off a newly released update to Elder Scrolls Online and surprised the crowd by introducing a standalone iOS game based on Fallout. The game is called Fallout Shelter and draws inspiration from games such as The Sims to let you control an underground colony post-nuclear attack.

Here are some major storylines

to watch from E3 this year.

Virtual Reality From a gadget perspective, virtual reality is the story at this year’s E3. While we’ve seen demos and heard buzz about the technology at past shows. But these things are getting real now — these gadgets have shipping dates.

Oculus and Microsoft have teamed up to say that Xbox One games will be compatible with the Rift through users’ PCs. Meanwhile, Sony has its own “Project Morpheus” virtual reality headset that the company is expected to talk about during its presentation.

Overall, there are 22 virtual reality exhibitors on the show floor, said Michael Gallagher, chief executive of the Entertainment Software Association, which puts on E3.

Games, games, games We already ran through the list of games that Bethesda showed off during its press conference, and that is just scratching the surface. It’s more

or less a given that we’ll get more information about new titles from favourite franchises such as Call of Duty, and Assassins Creed, Forza and Gears of War plus updates of music titles Rock Band and Guitar Hero — remember those?

Microsoft’s expected to reveal details about some of those titles as well as Halo 5 during its conference. Ubisoft will likely focus on titles including Assassins Creed: Syndicate, and updates on anticipated titles such as The Division.

Electronic Arts is slated to reveal more about Star Wars Battlefront and Mirror’s Edge among other titles. Sony is likely to pull Morpheus out for a demo or two, and is also likely to talk about a new “Uncharted” title and to offer more details about its ambitious exclusive adventure game, No Man’s Sky. Nintendo, as per usual, is opting not to do a big press conference, but is streaming an announcement to fans shortly. The company is expected to show off its latest Star Fox title. The company

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

has said that it won’t be releasing new information on its upcoming Legend of Zelda game, but there is chatter that it may step up with a new Metroid game.

Mobile There are 70 mobile exhibitors at E3 this year, showing that the industry understands that the average gamer is likely to be more often than not huddled over a smartphone screen these days.

The show traditionally has been focused on the console world, but Gallagher said that the ESA is committed to working with more mobile studios to pull them into the fold.

But you can also expect to see traditional studios put more emphasis on mobile games as well.

Bethesda announced three games that work on mobile devices in its presentation — a companion app to Fallout 4 for iOS and Android, the iOS-only Fallout Shelter, and a strategy card game, Elder Scrolls: Legends that will run on PCs and iPads.

Moving beyond games Games, of course, are the heart and soul of the show. But you can expect to see some of these companies shift their focus slightly away from the pure console games we’ve come to know and love. Microsoft has already made clear that it wants the Xbox to be more than just a gaming console, with its entertainment features, and it will be interesting to see if the company expands that ambition — and how.

Bethesda set the tone for this with the introduction of Bethesda. net which is a digital platform that will host discussion forums, fan modifications to games and grant insider access to members.

Fan engagement is a major part of this year’s show — the show floor opens to 5,000 consumers for the first time, showing that the industry is trying to stay on top of social and playing trends that drive gaming in an always-connected world that doesn’t centre around the living room anymore.

-Hayley Tsukayama/The Washington Post

IMAGINE HOW thin a light ‘bulb’ could be? Well, it could be just one atom thick! Using graphene — an atomically thin and perfectly crystalline form of carbon — as a filament, scientists have demonstrated for the first time an on-chip visible light source. The visible light from atomically thin graphene is so intense that it is visible even to the naked eye, said researchers.

A chocolate a day keeps heart diseases at bay IF YOU are worried about the health of your heart, here’s a sweet solution.

Researchers have found that eating up to 100 grams of chocolate every day is linked to lower heart disease risk. There does not seem to be any evidence for cutting out chocolate to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, the researchers said in the study published in the journal Heart.

Scratching an itch is fruitful, says study THE PLEASURE that you receive by scratching an itch is due to “overactivity” in the areas of the brain involved in motor control and reward processing. “Despite being pleasurable, scratching can lead to increase in the intensity of itch as well as pain and skin damage,” said first author, Hideki Mochizuki, assistant professor of dermatology, Temple University School of Medicine in the US. -IANS

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

EXTRA

RETRACTION WATCH What happens when science itself is under scrutiny?

A steady increase in retractions of studies has alarmed journals and scientists, raising difficult questions about how research is conducted

T

he crimes and misdemeanours of science used to be handled mostly in-house, with a private word at the faculty club, barbed questions at a conference, maybe a quiet dismissal. On the rare occasion when a journal publicly retracted a study, it typically did so in a cryptic footnote. Few were the wiser; many retracted studies have been cited as legitimate evidence by others years after the fact.

But that gentlemen’s world has all but evaporated, as a remarkable series of events last month demonstrated. In mid-May, after two graduate students raised questions about a widely reported study of the effect of political canvassing on opinions of marriage, editors at the journal Science, where the study was published, began to investigate. What followed was a frenzy of secondguessing, accusations and commentary from all corners of the Internet — Retraction as serial drama, rather than footnote. Science officially pulled the paper,

by Michael LaCour of the University of California, Los Angeles, and Donald Green of Columbia, on May 28, because of concerns about LaCour’s data.

“Until recently it was unusual for us to report on studies that were not yet retracted,” said Dr Ivan Oransky, an editor of the blog Retraction Watch, the first news media outlet to report that the study had been challenged.

But new technology and a push for transparency from younger scientists have changed that, he said. “We have more tips than we can handle.”

The case has played out against an increase in retractions that has alarmed many journal editors and authors. Scientists in fields as diverse as neurobiology, anaesthesia and economics are debating how to reduce misconduct, without creating a police-state mentality that undermines creativity and collaboration.

“It’s an extraordinary time,”

said Brian Nosek, a professor of psychology at the University of Virginia, and a founder of the Centre for Open Science, which provides a free service through which labs can share data and protocols. “We are now seeing a number of efforts to push for data repositories to facilitate direct replications of findings.”

But that push is not universally welcomed. Some senior scientists have argued that replication often wastes resources. “Isn’t reproducibility the bedrock of science? Yes, up to a point,” the cancer biologist Mina Bissell wrote in a widely circulated blog post. “But it is sometimes much easier not to replicate than to replicate studies,” especially when the group trying to replicate does not have the specialised knowledge or skill to do so.

The experience of Retraction Watch provides a rough guide to where this debate is going and why. Oransky, who has a medical degree from New York University, and Adam Marcus, both science

journalists, discovered a mutual interest in retractions about five years ago and founded the blog as a side project.

They had, and still have, day jobs — Marcus, 46, is the managing editor of Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News, and Oransky, 42, is the editorial director of MedPage Today (he will take a position as distinguished writer in residence at NYU later this year).

In its first year, the blog broke a couple of retraction stories that hit the mainstream news media — including a case involving data faked by an anaesthesiologists who later served time for health care fraud. The site now has about 150,000 unique visitors a month, about half from outside the United States.

Oransky and Marcus are partisans who editorialise sharply against poor oversight and vague retraction notices. But their focus on evidence over accusations distinguishes them from watchdog forerunners who sometimes came off as ad-hominem cranks. Last

year, their site won a $400,000 grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, to build out their database, and they plan to work with Nosek to manage the data side.

Their data already tell a story.

The blog has charted a 20 to 25 per cent increase in retractions across some 10,000 medical and science journals in the past five years — 500 to 600 a year today from 400 in 2010. (The number in 2001 was 40) The primary causes of this surge are far from clear. The number of papers published is higher than ever, and journals have proliferated, Oransky and other experts said. New tools for detecting misconduct, like plagiarism-sifting software, are widely available, so there’s reason to suspect that the surge is a simple product of better detection and larger volume.

Still, the pressure to publish attention-grabbing findings is stronger than ever, these experts said — and so is the ability to “bor-

row” and digitally massage data.

Retraction Watch’s records suggest that about a third of retractions are because of errors, like tainted samples or mistakes in statistics, and about two-thirds are because of misconduct or suspicions of misconduct.

The most common reason for retraction because of misconduct is image manipulation, usually of figures or diagrams, a form of deliberate data massaging or, in some cases, straight plagiarism.

In their dissection of the LaCourGreen paper, the two graduate students — David Broockman, now an assistant professor at Stanford, and Joshua Kalla, at CaliforniaBerkeley — found that a central figure in LaCour’s analysis looked nearly identical to one from another study. This and other concerns led Green, who had not seen any original data, to request a retraction. (LaCour has denied borrowing anything.)

Data massaging can take many forms. It can mean simply excluding “outliers” — unusually high or low data points — from an analysis to generate findings that more strongly support the hypothesis.

It also includes moving the goal posts: that is, mining the data for results first, and then writing the paper as if the experiment had been an attempt to find just those effects.

“You have exploratory findings, and you’re pitching them as ‘I knew this all along,’ as confirmatory,” Nosek said.

The second leading cause is plagiarising text, followed by republishing — presenting the same results in two or more journals.

The fourth category is faked data. No one knows the rate of fraud with any certainty. In a 2011 survey of more than 2,000 psychologists, about 1 per cent admitted to falsifying data.

Other studies have estimated a rate of about 2 per cent. Yet one offender can do a lot of damage.

The Dutch social psychologist Diederik Stapel published dozens of studies in major journals for nearly a decade based on faked data, investigators at the universities where he had worked concluded in 2011. Suspicions were first raised by two of his students.

“If I’m a scientist and I fabricate data and put that online, others are going to assume this is accurate data,” said John Budd, a professor at the University of Missouri and an author of one of the first exhaustive analyses of retractions, in 1999. “There’s no way to know” without inside information. -Benedict Carey/The New York Times News Service

BRIEFS

Richa to soon start shooting ‘Chalk n Duster’

RICHA CHADHA, who has completed shooting Pooja Bhatt’s production Cabaret, says she has signed up Chalk n Duster, which is Bollywood’s well-known makeup artist Subhash Singh’s maiden production venture. Also featuring veteran actress Shabana Azmi, Chalk n Duster will see Richa in a cameo role.

Ishita Dutta is talented, says Ajay Devgn

AJAY DEVGN who is awaiting the release of his upcoming film Drishyam, says his co-star Ishita Dutta is “talented and focussed”. Ishita, who is making her Bollywood debut with the film, plays Ajay’s elder daughter.

Priyanka to shoot for ‘Gangaajal 2’ in Bhopal

PRIYANKA CHOPRA has jetted off to Bhopal to begin shooting for Prakash Jha’s Gangaajal 2. Priyanka will be seen playing the role of a policewoman in the police-drama, which is a sequel to the hit 2003 film that starred actor Ajay Devgn. “A sense of quiet...

Inner balance... Time to discover the calm in the eye of the storm. Heading to Bhopal to start,” the actress tweeted. -IANS

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DAILY GUIDE

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

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Flat in South Al Hail, 2 bedrooms, Majlis, 2 bathrooms, kitchen RO 250/-. Contact 93221474

Deluxe 1, 2 BHK flats in Darsait, AL Khuwair 1deal for office & residence. Contact 99369081 /99142314

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1BHK, 2BHK, 3BHK new flat available at Mabela in front of Modern English School Contact: 96239126 Furnished flats for rent in Al Buraimi, daily, weekly, monthly.

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Flat in Amerat, Phase 5, 4 rooms, 3 bathrooms, kitchen with A/C. Contact : 95522405 Luxury 3 BHK flat in Al Wattaya with split A/C & private parking.

RO.500/- Contact – 93191111 Villa of 5 BHK in Al Ansab with split A/C. RO.650/- Contact – 93191111 2 BHK flat in Al Ansab with split A/C. RO.250/- Contact – 93191111 3BHK 8 Nos flats in Ghobrah.

Contact: 97616158 Flats for rent Al Ansab (Ghala) 2 bedrooms, 2 toilets, 1sitting room & kitchen. Contact: 94229023 3 bedroom at Al Khuwair 33. House No. 866, Way No. 4712. Contact Mohamed : 99580484, Ahmed : 99486805, Awadh 95525509 Commercial 3 BHK flat in Al Ghobra 18 Nov Street. RO 700/Contact 93191111 2 BHK flat in Al Azaiba near sea, with split A/C. RO.340/Contact – 93191111 Brand new 6 BHK villa in Al Azaiba with split A/C & lift. RO.1200/Contact – 93191111 4 Ware house at Barka Falaij.

Contact: 99337857 1BHK Ghubra R.O 275/-.

Contact 92144045 For rent 3 industrial land.

Contact 92702891/ 95490842 1BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/-.

Contact: 97799175 Flats shops and store for rent in Ruwi, MBD Honda road.

Contact 97293708 / 92433127

Bath attached room for rent Al Khuwair. Contact 99743569 Labor camp available with all facilities at Sohar Falaij (Near Sohar Sea port) - Contact – 92982172 Flats for rent in Muttrah near Oman house 2 BHK. Contact: 97009734 / 92629232 For rent in Darsait new flats.

Contact: 99777351 For rent in Darsait, new flats.

Contact: 99311525 Flats/villas owned by ROP pension fund available for rent in Muscat. Contact 99349526 Villa for rent : 4 bedroom villa with kitchen available in Azaiba. Sharing / Family. Contact : 98048207/99261773 Villa for rent - Al Seeb/Al Mawelah - Block 5 - 4 bedrooms with attached bathrooms, Majlis, 2 halls, kitchen and storeroom. split Ac and carpark.

Contact 99564616 2BHK Darsait R.O 325/-, 300/-.

Contact: 92144045

FOR SALE Clinic for sale in al amerat.

Contact:93753655 Used & refurbished Porta cabins, Toilets unit available for sales. Contact: 99215560 Email:omegaunitedoman@gmail. com A/C 2 Ton, window type for sale, 3 years old, Samsung, ro 45/Contact 98564647 2,560 sq mtrs industrial land in Wadi Kabir main road, First line on way to Al Bustan hotel. Possible to make petrol station or hotel. OMR 990 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 60,000 Sq Mtrs Agriculture Land in Misfah, can be changed to Industrial Land. OMR 29 Per Square Meter.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

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D3

DAILY GUIDE

FOR SALE 5 Flats of 1 bedroom for Sale in Boushar: OMR 35 Thousand each.

Monthly income OMR 270 Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 3 floor commercial building in Muttrah behind Police. Generating income of OMR 18 Thousand annually. Neat and well maintained. Built on 197 sq mtrs land. 2 tailor shops on ground floor and 6 flats. OMR 207 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 23,886 Sq Mtrs Agriculture land with water well in Al Salwa, Barka.

OMR 260 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Ice cream & juices shop in Ruwi, good location for sale, 1.5 mt fish display machine for sale. #92150455 Well running Bricks Factory for Lease in Seeb. Contact. 99711003 Beauty parlor for sale near Muscat Palace monthly rent 350/- OMR serious buyers. Contact: 91902154 Training center with license.

Contact: 91121277 Commercial land for sale 3000 m in quriyat road main high way can use as a petrol station license available asking price 350,000 For more information please call on 99070701 with out name Super market in (Hairoon Hairithi) Thamrith road. # 98189810 / 99675190 Shop for sale in Ibra and Bid Bid. Contact: 95304693

MOTOR VEHICLE FOR SALE

ACC. WANTED AVAILABLE Required a room or studio flat in Darsait / WadiKabir /Ruwi area.

Contact : 95405033

Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

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

ACC. AVAILABLE Excellent big room, with A/C kitchen available near Ontc busstation (Ruwi).

Conatct 95569740 Semi furnished room with attached bathroom for Executive bachelors at CBD area behind chamber of commerce. Contact: 96389375/93554942

NRI

Furnished attached bathroom at Mumtaz area. Contact: 93103337 / 95212017

Spacious bedroom, toilet & kitchen in Wadi Kabir.

Contact : 96098443 Furnished single rooms available for Executive bachelors at Ruwi.

Contact: 98049288 Semi furnished single room for Executive bachelors behind Kamat Restaurant Al Khuwair.

Contact 94271085 Furnished room attached bath for lady in Wadikabir (Mars Hypermarket) – 95941515

Tata bus - 66 seater model -2008 KM, 85, 673, dealer service. Contact: 99444341 & 99352790 Expatriate driven Yaris 2008 model 100,000 kms & land rover 2005 model 93000 Kms, excellent conditions. Contact : 97094797

Furnished single / sharing room for EXE bachelor at Rex Road with WIFI available. Contact 92873832

Sharing flat in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99335057

Yaris 2008, 1.3, 229 kkm full option 2100 expected. Contact: 93289652

MATRIMONIAL Hindu Ezhava family, settled in Muscat looking for suitable groom working within Oman for their daughter 25 yrs (MBA) working with a reputed company in Muscat.

Contact : 98689663 Alliance invited for a Nair girl 24 yrs, 5ft, 1”, fair, slim, B.Tech graduate reputed family of Ernakulam dist. (Star Thiruvonam Sudhajathakam) financially sound, from parents of B.Tech nair boys from Trissur, Palakkad and Eranakulam dist. .

Contact :00919495924302 email: raveendrandr@yahoo.com

Ready / under construction apartments / villas. Near guruvayur.

Contact: 00919846877773 Available Duplex flat 1900 sqmt with 3 bedroom and complete POP made at Manipal (Indrali) also fittings and accessories are branded from Gulf. #96440811 / 93804434

MATRIMONIAL

Ford Explorer 4WD, 2010 XLT, automatic km 72000, 4 yrs old, under warranty. Agent serviced. Owned by one owner (expat) white colour, very good condition.

Contact 92824047

Peugeot 206-2007 Model, expat driven. Contact 99209285 2 Prime Movers Man 2008 with 40 ton petrol tank each working at the moment in Al Maha. Price OMR 35 Thousand each. Contact 97000155 or 92688692 Land Cruiser 2012. Contact 99336093 Hyundai Accent 2004, fully automatic. Contact: 99045803

TRANSPORTATION Required 40 feet open trailers to UAE, on trip basis for transporting our goods. Contact: 99352790 / 98037854

Pick & Drop anytime Contact: 91653903 Pick & Drop any time. Contact: 97014786

Transportation. Contact: 98178135 Transportation. Contact: 98505294

RC girl (28 yrs) hailing from kanjirappally dioces working in Royal Hospital looks for suitable alliances. Contact: 92801093 / 97498373

TATA bus make model 2012 & Peugeot boxer van make model 2013. Contact: 93895941

Transportation. Contact: 98244078 Transportation. Contact: 95190627

Pick & drop with car & driver available any time. Contact: 9615828/ 96502406/92218001

D4

W E D N E S D AY, J U N E 1 7, 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 Male 24, B.Com /PGD having 2 years experience in accounts and inventory field looking for suitable job on visit visa. Contact: 94129550 Indian male, well experienced in Accounts & Admin looking for a suitable vacancy. NOC available.

Contact 98717938 Accounts part time, up to finalization of monthly accounts. Handled by a CA. contact 96293120

ADMIN Vacancy for Omani PRO for Customs duties in Sohar. Email: arabianseabridge@gmail.com, Mob: 97990844

EDUCATION

Indian male, with B.Com 1 year experience in Accounts or Sales, on visit visa, Cont... 98295101

Required professional Teachers for teaching Science, Mathematics, Accountancy, Business Studies & English IELTS/ TOFEL in schools & Universities. Contact 99674870

Indian male M.Com 6 yrs experience in accounts up to finalization in Oman co having Oman D/L, available to join immediately with NOC. Contact: 98363897 Email: prince9496@hotmail.com

ACCOUNTANT ENGINEER Required Accountant with 3 yrs. exp. in construction company.

Email : wadcocareers@gmail.com A leading excellent grade company at Muscat looking for Junior Accountant with min.1 year Gulf experience. Please send CV to pmjino@gmail.com Urgently required Junior Accountant.

Please send CV: hr.azatllc@gmail.com

BEAUTICIAN Urgently required Indian experience Beautician (good package) in Al Hail, visa available.

Contact : 92139922 / 92284899 Required Beautician visa available, salary accommodation.

Contact: 91902154

CATERING Urgently required baker (tandoori bread maker) for a restaurant.

Contact 92764880 Chinese shawarma cook & helper wanted. Contact 95529970 Family in Muscat seeking to hire an experienced butler. Hotel experience is preferred. Candidate must hold a valid driver’s license. Please send CV’s on vacancyinmuscat@gmail.com

DOMESTIC HELPER Required looking for full time Housemaid for Omani family at Mabela, visa available. Contact 92454170

DRIVER Driver & Business co coordinator speaking English urgently required.

Contact : 95327813

DESIGNER Required Large format printer operator – for HP. Graphic Designer.

Send CV to hr.oman@yahoo.com

EDUCATION Teachers required: Teachers for KG, Grade I to IV class in English, Maths, Science, Computer & Art. Qualification: Degree in relevant subjects & B Ed; IELTS or TOFEL plus two years experience preferred. Please apply to: burj@alhakkim.com

Required Site Supervisor with 5 yrs. exp. in construction company, electronic technician with 3 yrs experience in gate motors systems.

Email : wadcocareers@gmail.com Leading Construction company requires HSE Officer with minimum 4 to 5 years experience in building construction line. Send your CV : hseoman2015@gmail.com (NOC require).

Urgently required for a first grade construction company Graduate Civil Engineer (5 years experienced) shuttering carpenter mason (Block, Plaster, Tile Fixing) Civil Foreman building work.

Contact: 24700373/ 99427674 Fax: 24701368 Email: rajma@omantel.net.om Mechanical / Civil Site Supervisor; diploma / ITI fitter; 3-4 year’s exp in supervision of Erection work of sheds, customer coordination, and project execution. Omani D/L is must. Contact: hr@khancogroup.com / 99102383 Construction Company in Oman urgently requires following candidates: BE Civil Engineer, minimum 3-5 years gulf experience & Civil site foreman, minimum 5 years gulf experience, diploma not required.

Email: applyforoman@gmail.com Construction Company in Oman urgently requires the following: B.Sc Civil Engineer, minimum 3-5 yrs Gulf experience.

Civil Site Foreman, minimum 5 yrs experience with operating knowledge of Tally. Please Email CV ; applyforoman@gmail.com Required swimming pool Engineer/ civil /M& P / Draughtsman with D/L, Preferred gulf experience.

Email: jvacancy05@gmail.com

MEDICAL Urgently required G.P doctor with or without MOH license for one month from 01/07/2015.

Contact: 93824902

MISCELLANEOUS A company from UAE require 2 merchandisers in retail food supply, store keeper with English and invoicing experience. Email: yesterdaysun@hotmail.com Mason, C.C.T.V, Technician, Electrician cum Plumber.

Contact: 99383044 Urgently required: (1) female dermatologist with minimum 3 years experience (2) female Omani reception coordinator for a medical center in Qurum. Contact: 96062933

SKILLED Urgently required a silk Screen printer with good knowledge and release letter or NOC. Contact: 93280288 or send CV to albayanstamps@gmail.com

SECRETARIAL & OFFICE Required Office Assistant 160+25+Acc, Contact 99454425

SALES / MARKETING Sales Coordinator : Mechanical Diploma holder with 3-4 yrs exp. in sales department preferably in Metal fabrication Company. Omani D/L is must. Contact: 99102383 hr@khancogroup.com

SALES / MARKETING Required Counter Salesman for building materials in Salalah.

Contact 99496142 Urgently required Sales & Marketing Executive for Electrical & lighting products with Oman driving license. Send CV at Email : albasilinternational@gmail.com Marketing Executive for digital painting company. Contact: 94356769 / 96936564 Looking for Outdoor Salesman for heavy equipment spare parts.

Contact - 93292015, Email: mail.om@gulfcenter.co Required male or female candidate with 5 years experience in renting of properties. Interested candidates may please mail to alqurumprop@gmail.com Urgently required outdoor Sales Executive for furnishing company with valid Oman D/L and minimum 3 years experience. Contact 93231403 / rainbowfurnishing156@gmail.com Required Sales man - 1 Person Qualification. Gulf Experienced - Minimum 5 Years with Oman Driving Licence Language - English Education:- Any Degree Further Contact :Mr. Abdul Hameed Nashabat - Mobile No: 97414307 and -92807399 amn@yaqeeneng.com Urgently required Sales and Marketing Executive for Graphic designing company. Contact: 96727631 mail: smartgraphic518@gmail.com Urgently required Advertising & Media Sales Executives with Oman D/L. Trainee positions available for Freshers. Email: jobs@interacoman.com

SITUATION WANTED SIT. WANTED HOSPITALITY Chef for Yacht. International cuisine.

Minimum 15 years chef experience. alibadawy@gmail.com

MEDICAL Required Gynecology, General Physician, Dentist, Staff Nurses, Lab technicians, Pharmacists, X Ray technicians.

Contact : 95133572 / 96064925 Email: kunoozghala@gmail.com Wanted Staff Nurse for a polyclinic in Sohar. Contact :93457270

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE M.Com, CA (Article ship), 15 years Gulf experience looking for suitable position in finance & accounts on visit visa valid up to 10/7/2015.

Contact: 97767828, knowledge of quickbooks, Tally 9, Focus V.5 Email: altabhossain2008@hotmail.com An Indian lady Chartered Accountant with five years experience (including article ship) on family visa in Oman looking for a suitable job. #9621 0347 / 9943 5346, shincycrajan@gmail.com

Tanzanian male, 25 yrs Accountant successful experience in Tanzania looking for suitable placement in any field. Contact : 96710154 Tunisian lady has Professorship in social and economical sciences and accounting, diploma in Experimental Sciences degree in English for media. Contact 95391050, aysser2013@gmail.com

Senior Document Controller MCA Indian male 9+ year’s total experience 5+ years experience in Gulf in oil & gas sector and construction field on visit visa in Oman.

Contact: 95388197 Email: rojanchristopher@gmail.com Indian male, B.Com, well experienced in Accounts & Admin, knowledge of Tally ERP 9 experience in Oman with valid Oman driving license. NOC available, looking for suitable job in Oman, join immediately.

Contact 94245039 Accounts & finance Indian male B.com M.B.A (F) Tally ERP9, 35 years, 8 years experience 1.5 years Oman family visa N.O.C available.

Contact: 93257426 Email: sibigeorp@gmail.com Senior Accountant 13 years experience FMCG & retail Noc available.

Contact: 93473942 Indian male B.Com Accountant 10 years in Oman experience in accounts (upto finalization) & Admin knowledge of tally ERP9, focus RT. Having NOC & D/L looking for suitable job in Muscat.

Contact: 93086105 MBA Indian male looking for suitable position having 2 years working experience as an accountant now in Oman a visiting visa.

Contact: 99424803 Young, energetic 24 yrs, ACCA finalist, Advanced diploma in Accounting and business, seeking suitable placement in accounts, finance or audit. Contact : 92430152, Email: rau_dey@yahoo.com Sudanese Accountant seeking job in Nizwa state experience 10 years 3 years in Saudi Arabia, 7 yrs in Sudan.

Contact : 97796394 / 94003247 Finance Manager, CPA, with more than 15 yrs. of experience in GCC. Fully knowledgeable in Finance, General & Management Accounting .

NOC available. Contact 96209331 Indian male with total 5 year experience (2 years experience in Accountant cum sales co ordinator in a FMCG Company in Oman) in accounts field and NOC available.

Looking for suitable job #92130188 Indian Accountant: Male, M com, 7 Yrs experience in Accounts up to finalization, having knowledge of ERP, Tally, seeks suitable placment. contact 93950138 Email: lijinrajan123@gmail.com

Indian male 22 yrs B. Com Graduate 1 year exp in Accounts, currently on visit visa. Looking for suitable job.

Contact 94341848 / Email – mohdhaji7272@gmail.com B.com graduate with NOC more than 4 years of experience in Oman with valid Oman driving license for a suitable job ready to join immediately. Contact: 98976252 Indian male, B.Com, 1 year Exp in Accounts/ Sales, on Visit Visa,..

Contact – 98295101 MBA Graduate with 6 yrs exp in finance/accounts/ auditing. Specialized in accounts payable dept, Oracle app user, proficient in Sap (fico) end user & tally 9.0. lean &six sigma certified trainer on visit visa.

Contact – 91967213 / 99064780 Accounts part time works up to finalization on monthly basis. Profit & loss A/C and financial statements, MS Reports Etc. Contact: 96247295 ACCA affiliate , BSc Honors in applied Accountancy advance diploma in Accounting and Business, CAT Affiliate 1 year hand on working experience of Oman, with Oman driving license looking for a suitable placement in Audit firm. Having NOC can join immediately.

Contact : 98989970 Indian male, 32 years, M. Com. 7 out of 9 years experience in Oman in Accounts/finance. Having NOC and valid Oman D/L. Contact 98277143, Email: anzarks@gmail.com Indian male 25 yrs B.com having experience in accounts for 3 yrs currently on visit looking to job.

Contact: 97937868 Email: rehman.naseer999@gmail.com

ADMIN Indian Female M.C.A 4 years of experience looking for suitable position as as programmer/lecturer/Web Designer/Admin.

Contact No: 99486374.

Indian male 2+yrs oman exp in HR. joing immediatly. release available.

Contact :93671437 Over 14 years of gulf experience in Admin /HR /Logistics, fluent in Arabic & English with D/L looking for suitable position.Contact 95824598 Indian Female 25 MBA in HR looking for a suitable opening in Admin/ Hr. Contact 97013375 Indian female 29 MBA (HR) BSc, 4 yrs exp in HR& Admin looking suitable placement. Contact : 95619537 Indian female with 10 yrs of experience in HR/Banking/Operations seeks a suitable placement.

Can be contacted on 98919015 or sherianne.coelho@gmail.com MBA (international business) from London, 4 years of UK experience in operations with D/L, looking for suitable position. Contact 91710075 Indian female MBA – HR 1 and half years experience seeking suitable job. Contact : 99257214

BEAUTICIAN Beautician exp Gulf, looking job from India. Contact 99531802

W E D N E S DAY, J U N E 1 7, 2 0 1 5

D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED

DRIVER Light driver. Contact: 96313100 Driver looking for job.

Contact: 99507039

Driver with car 3 years experience looking for job. Contact: 92041902

Pakistani male light vehicle driver with 2 yrs exp looking for job.

Contact : 96342684 2 years experience driver looking for job in companies or residence, release available. Contact: 98051400 Pakistani, male light vehicle driver looking for job. Contact 97943750 Driver light with 5 yrs experience, knowing English, Arabic, Hindi, education B.A. Contact 98522914 Light driver valid GCC license looking for job. Contact 99531802 Indian male, 3 yrs exp. as Driver in Oman looking for job.

Contact 98238043 Light duty driver looking for job.

Contact: 94040926 Driver with car. Contact: 97705694/98988208 Looking for job driving Bangladeshi. Contact : 94077119 Looking for job driving Bangladeshi.

Contact: 97418036 Light driver for job. Contact: 95779594 Driver light. Contact: 91020999 Pakistani driving available.

Contact : 96913836 Driver looking for job with visa, release available, 5 yrs driving experience. Contact: 96261895 Faruqu.

Light Driver needs Job. Contact: 93284327

DOMESTIC HELPER Looking for job for House maid.

Contact : 93599302 Laundry Housekeeping professional looking for a opening in Oman with 18 years experience.

Contact : 91957861

DRAUGHTSMAN Indian female 23 yrs, Autocad Civil Draftsman with 3ds max & rivet, 3 yrs exp. looking for suitable vacancy in Muscat now on visit visa.

Contact: 95601266.

20years exp CAD Drafts man looking for suitable post.

Contact: 94027838 / 99020636

DESIGNER Architect designer experience in Architecture design in 2D, 3D visiting to site : 2 years experience (in Oman), fluent Hindi & English. Email: zhussain9950@gmail.com Contact: 94253074 Architect and Interior Designer 8 years experience design and execution working with 3D max, AutoCAD, photo shop, BOQ, NOV available looking for suitable placement. #95273166 Graphics Designer/ prepress C.T.P Pagination 3 yrs exp. in Muscat Photoshop Illustrator, Indesign, CorelDraw autocad premier preps appoge Indian male now on visit visa. Contact 97436606

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Indian male Diploma, civil engineer 4.3 year experience at building construction and consulting company with Oman driving licence and N.O.C available seeking suitable placement contact 95989500 email cv.shihabedappal@gmail.com Omani Mechanical Engineer, has 3 years experience ,has HSE, H2S, Riggers/Banks men Permit, Drawing / cad, SCBA, Safety Leadership and Initial Fire Response Courses. good with computer and English language looking for suitable job.

Contact 99224319-98454500 Indian male 22 Mechanical Diploma holder Engg with HVAC certified, having 1 year exp. seeking suitable position. Currently available on visit visa. Contact - 92835952 Indian male Diploma in Mechanical Engineer with 14 years Gulf experience in heavy equipments and vehicles valid Oman driving license.

NOC available looking for a suitable placement. Contact: 91985028 / 95463430 Indian male 47 years DM Civil, PG PGDMM, I& M, having 25 years of experience Manager in Civil, Stores Purchase, Inventory, cargo, transports, Admin , looking for best job in Muscat.

Currently on visit visa. Contact: 91170749 / 97672647 Email: gdp4767@gmail.com Site Engineer(Civil) Diploma in Civil Engineering / Supervisor 6 years experience (with N.O.C).

Contact : 99512416.

Electrical Engineer Pakistani male 4 years B. Tech & 3 years’ diploma seeking a suitable placement.

Contact: 96752080 Email: ilyasoader97@gmail.com BE (Electrical), MBA, certified PMP and Chartered Engineer with 10 years experience in EPC Project management for substation construction (onshore/offshore) GCC employed Indian, seeking opportunity to lead challenging projects, position in managerial role.

Email ID: jacobmval@gmail.com Structural Engineer 4 years experience Indian, will handle projects independently, able to get Municipality approvals easily.

Contact: 91668044 Indian male 29 years Civil Engineer diploma 4 years Oman experience, 2 years road construction looking placement. Contact: 93298395 N.O.C available Sudanese Industrial Engineering & Management, experience 12 years in QA/QC and production. Contact: 94041960 / 94044784, Email: mekkimedani@hotmail.com / mekkimedani78@gmail.com

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR

SALES / MARKETING

Quantity Surveyor with 5 Years experience (one year in Oman) looking for job. Contact 91090036

Indian male, B.E ( computer science engineer), MBA (finance), OCA certified, having 5 years of experience in oracle Dba/ oracle apps Dba, seeks a suitable position in the field of IT. Contact: 96212062 email: zubairkhan11@gmail.com

B.Com Diploma in Material management having 12 years experience in local / overseas prelease, logistics, ware house. NOC available.

Contact: 96477638

Indian Male, B.Com Graduate, 23, with experience in Sales looking for suitable placements.

Contact 98371144

BE ,Electrical Engineer with 5 Years Gulf Experience in Underground cable & Overhead line in HT and LT, Distribution Substation, MEP. Oman D/L available. NOC available. Contact:95054644, 00918807888109, speninsam@gmail.com Quantity Surveyor or Site Engineer in civil, 5 years experience in Oman have valid Oman driving license looking for suitable posts, NOC available. Contact: 96394948/ 98294919.

Email: asvinsha@gmail.com Civil Engineer, Expatriate Female, 3 yrs experience, on visit visa seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 99195433 Iraqi Engineer specialized in telecommunication net working & PC experience in nuking network and security systems. Contact: 92898329 / 99249124 Electronics & communications Indian male, 2 years experience seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 99456725 / 94678625 D.A.E Civil 4 years exp in land surveyor and building work worked on AutoCAD, T.S and G.P.S 1 year exp in Oman looking for placement.

Contact: 92140890 / 98780156 Email: engrsafiullah91@gmail.com Indian male 24 yrs B. Tech (Mech.

Eng) on visit 1 yr experience in production field looking for suitable placement. Contact: 98925685 Indian male, 28 yrs, Electronics & Instrumentation Engineer with 4 yrs experience in Industrial Automation (SCADA) seeking suitable job.

Contact 93154156 / 98416190 Indian male 23 yrs B.Tech Civil having 2 years exp, currently on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 98031034 Email: musheer786.mm@gmail.com B.Tech in Electronics Engineering, Indian male 26 years with around 5 years of experience (Including work experience in Japan) looking for a job in any field & can join immediately. Contact: 91902646 Email: ajumalmajeed@gmail.com

EDUCATION Experienced, competent, English teacher for high school and college.

Contact: 91954541 Indian female MCA, Three years experience in teaching field, seeks placement currently on visit visa.

Contact: 93431567 Email: fivona.mel@gmail.com English Teacher female (M. A. B. Ed) Having 14 years experience with 11 years experience in Oman with reputed institute and school.

Contact: 92289080 / 99318276 Email: babujosev@yahoo.com

IT Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847 Indian male, B.Tech Mechanical having 4 years experience with QA/ QC / CSWIP looking for a suitable position. Contact: 99447106 Email: dhanubhasi87@gmail.com Btech computer science graduate 2015 passout.. Android application marketing.. Having good communication skills and mindset to work in a team. Contact 91024385

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Indian female, B.Tech biotechnology with strong computer skills and 2 years experience as associate research analyst (Media Monitoring) in Nasdaq Oman seeking growth oriented jobs. Contact 92044603 /918056169148 or angeline.babithac@gmail.com.

IT

Mechanical Engineer, Indian, 24 years with Piping Engineering, Autocad, Ansys NX- Cad, pro-e, Catia & PDMS now on visiting visa seek suitable placement. Contact: 99168054 / 96684345 Email: : mbkishore@hotmail.com

Paksitani Driver with 6 yrs experience looking for job.

Contact: 93985087

Driver available with car and without car. Contact 96771598

ENGG. / TECHNICAL

Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp.

Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@gmail.com 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

IT Desktop Support Engineer 2 years Oman 3 years in Indian Exp. Contact 91937060 Network system Engineer B.E / ECE + CCNA & Ms certified with 4+ yrs exp looking for a job. Currently in Oman on visit visa. Contact: 92589502 Email: careersjegan@gmail.com Male 26 completed MBA and have 1.5 years experience, good knowledge of computer, software’s, looking for job in procurement / warehousing. On visit visa till 5th Sep /2015.

Contact: 00968 91795092 Email: jameel6345@gmail.com IT & Media Sales specialist looking for job opportunities also decent exposure to H.R & customer relations currently in Muscat on visit visa kindly. # 96238199 or 99874205 Email Id: m_cadri@rediffmail.com

Omani Citizen searching a job in the field of computer especially in data base professional in operating Oracle SQL, PL/ SQL, form6i, Report 6i. Contact 96977368 Email: talaloml@yahoo.com B.E Computer Science, Indian lady, with 2 years experience in Oman looking for suitable job in Muscat having valid GCC driving license.

Contact: 97738624 Indian male, completed diploma in Computer technology fresher, seeking suitable position, currently on visit visa. Contact : 93596096

Project / Construction ManagerElectrical 15++in OMAN and UAE,45 yrs, married,D/L Oman, Qatar & UAE),Manage with Arabic, Good Knowledge in Metro Viaduct, UG & OG stations, Live airport projects, multi cuisine hospital project (Cleveland clinic Abu Dhabi,). Holding of FEWA, ADCC and OMAN electrical license. Contact Venkatesh on +97477394707/ geetvenkat2002@gmail.com 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. Contact 95245057

M.Sc 3+ years exp from France & India in IT Support Engineer / Hardware & Networking / Server support / scientific system support looking for suitable position. Indian, male on visit visa, contact 98898781/ anoopys@gmail.com

Indian Male, M.B.A. (U.K) 10 Yrs of Experience, looking for suitable position in Sales/Marketing/Retail/ H.R/ Admin. Contact No: 99271903.

Computer Networking/Facility Mgmt 5 Yrs of Exp Holds B.E(ECE), CCNA Looking for Good Opportunity, Indian - Visit Visa. Contact 91911792/ arafakdnl@gmail.com

Indian male MBA 7 years experience in Hospitality industry, operation, sales & marketing looking for suitable vacancy. Contact 92115860 Email vibin.py@gmail.com

LOGISTICS 10 yrs exp in Oman in logisticshave Oman D/L-looking for suitable placement-contact 96410767 .

Contact email: harishkts@yahoo.com

MEDICAL MBBS lady Doctor experienced in Medical insurance, direct billing, preauthorization’s life rating, claims registration, client query handling & hospital insurance queries seeking suitable placement.

Contact : 97763918 Email: minmaths@yahoo.com Well experienced MOH Licensed Indian GP Doctor looking for locum / permanent position in the Capital area. Contact 98140024 email:drgpoman@yahoo.com Indian female Dentist MOH Oman passed seeking a suitable placement in capital region. Contact– 91377681 hashimsarawat@gmail.com Indian female looking for suitable position 2nd rank in MSC microbiology, fresher now on visiting visa.

Contact : 91633089 Email: mansytk4@gmail.com Indian male Nurse, 31 years Oman prometric passed 6 yrs ICU experience. Contact : 94195150 / 92758895 Lab Technician, Civil (8yrs Gulf experience) looking for a suitable job (NOC available) Contact-93344378

MISCELLANEOUS MCA, BCA with 2 yrs relevant experience seeking suitable opportunity.

Contact: 96377039 Ware house In charge or store keeper 27 yrs Gulf experience 4 yrs in Oman NOC available.

Contact: 97657823 Email: rusaikmzm_2009@yahoo.com Indian Female with over 9 yrs experience with good communication skills seeks jobs in customer service or sales field. Contact : 96108289, shijipaul84@gmail.com Part- Time Accountant, well experience senior accountant ,doing all type of accounting works, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact 98803439 13 Years UAE experienced in MNC & reputed firms logistics distribution looking for a suitable placement, on visit visa contact 99838743, gani.dawood@gmail.com

Pakistani Female Bachelor of Information Technology with 8 years’ experience in Banking, Sales, business development, retail & customer service seeking for a suitable placement. Having valid D/L& NOC available. Contact 94699970 shehla. chohan@gmail.com Indian male 45+ yrs , 20 yrs exp as sales supervisor in India looking for indoor sales /stores /cashier or any suitable placement can speak Hindi , English, Malayalam, Tamil, kannada can join immediately on visit visa.

Contact 93086105/33016546 Pakistani male 34 yrs Intermediate 2 yrs exp in sales & marketing in Oman. Looking for suitable job.

Contact - 92146864

SALES / MARKETING SKILLED/UNSKILLED

MBA Graduate with D/L looking for sales or marketing jobs.

Contact 94143154 Email: rinojnathen008@gmail.com Male BA with D/L having 6 years exp Oman wanted suitable job in sales, inventory, procure.

Contact : 92191026 Indian female MSc, MPHIL (Chemistry) 3 years Teaching experience currently on visit visa seeking suitable position. Contact : 96916534 / 91969756 Omani female exp in PRO with Oman D/L. Contact: 91161736 Looking for good job 2 years experience Oman sales marketing valid driving license Indian Kerala.

Contact : 98626682 Graduate having 6 yrs experience Lubricant sales looking for sales job with D/L. Contact : 93410723 Indian male, MBA with 5 yrs of experience as a Lecturer in Department of Marketing & Business Management, looking for suitable position. Contact 93126770 Sales & marketing professional having 5 yrs exp with D/L. Contact 92262680 Outdoor salesman with car looking for job. Contact 91615715 Indian male, 34 yrs, 10 yrs exp. in UAE in sales & merchandise with valid GCC license, looking for suitable position. #93438747 / 93033252 Indian male, 39 yrs having 15 yrs Gulf experience (UAE, Qatar, Oman) in sales & marketing looking for a suitable position with NOC. Contact 94054730 Sales man looking for a opening in Oman with 18 years Gulf experience.

Contact: 91957861 8 years store experience Indian male looking for placement. N.O.C available. Contact: 98456535 Indian 23 years B.Com Graduate, 2 years experience in Sales knowledge of TALLY, ERP & MS Office.

Contact: 93134643 Email : syedismailnoor@gmail.com 8 years purchase experienced Indian male looking for job. N.O.C. available. Contact: 98161323 Indian male, B.Sc (Mathematics) PGDBM (Marketing). 9 yrs of Oman experience in sales in midlevel management, NOC available.

Valid Oman D/L. Contact: 95278838 Email: anup2p4p@yahoo.com

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

Experience skilled candidate with driver license seeks position in sales in Salalah. Contact: 98579382 Mason, sh/carpenter, steel fitter, looking job. Contact 95175192 Electrician, Plumber, Welder , exp gulf and india looking job.

Contact 99531802 Helper /cleaner looking for job.

Contact 95175192

SECRETARIAL/OFFICE Indian female completed computer literacy program (patiently fundamental, MS Office, word processing) and offset printing, seeking suitable job in Muscat. Contact : 97236545 Email: sun2giri@gmail.com

TOURS & TRAVELS 25 Indian female B.S.C. Fashion Technology. 5 years experience in textile industry as a merchandiser and good in fashion marketing.

Currently available on visit visa, seeking for a suitable job.

Contact 96990368.

Email: simmy.missy@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Tunisian women looking for a job, khnows english,frensh, italian and arabic. Contact: 91171838 Indian male, post graduate, currently in Oman on visit visa.

Seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92388346 Indian male 60 years old have 30 years Muscat experience in all office works with Omani driving license.

Contact: 99024055 Male, 30 years Accountant, 1 year Oman experience in accountants, finance. Seeking suitable position in Muscat .Can join immediately, NOC available. Email: lalitbls1@gmail.com Call: 97903175 Sudanese male, 31 year old, have 3 year Diploma in electrical engineer, 5 year experience in different activities. Contact; +96894549609 More than Ten years of experience in Sales & Marketing, Advertisement and Credit Control and Logistics& Administration.

Contact; 91076608 / 99322748 MCA IT Professional Indian Female seek placement in Teaching/ Non Teaching field. Presently on visit visa. Contact 9588 7051, Email: ashwininakod@gmail Indian female BA graduate. My total experience is 4 and half year in Call Center looking for jobs in admin and HR. Contact : 96089143, Email: sharanjit_kaur2009@yahoo.com Key Account Executive, Indian male, currently working with a reputed FMCG company Oman is looking for a placement asap, NOC will be given. Valid Omani driving license. Total experience in Oman is 12yrs and particularly in Sales is 8 1/2 years. Contact 95589765 Email : agnelfrancis@yahoo.co.in

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W E D N E S D AY, J U N E 1 7, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION WANTED MISCELLANEOUS B.Sc. Mechanical Engineer Sudanese 3 yrs of exp. In industrial field available in Muscat on visit visa seeking suitable job .

Contact: 95868922, Email: almouthanaosman@yahoo.com Indian Male MBA with two year experience in H.R as a H.R Assistant, Now in India, Seeking for an urgent suitable position.

Contact:-98620260 / 93895992 , Email:-deepakmb4@gmail.com 8 years successful experience.

Senior Accountant, Indian male,29 years, presently working in oman as a senior accountant with oman driving license. NOC available. seek suitable opportunity. gsm: 97705854 Sudanese male (B.Sc Computer science) (diploma computer engineering) 6 yrs. experience DBA Oracle plsql, MS sql-server ,ms visual studio vba, network. Contact :91415886 Indian male with 8 yrs experience in FMCG in Oman as Sales Supervisor looking for suitable placement.

NOC available. Gsm: 96495206 B.Sc. Mechanical Engineer Sudanese 3 yrs of exp. In industrial field available in muscat on vist visa seeking suitable job . Contact: 95868922, Email: almouthanaosman@yahoo.com IT system and Printer engineer ME, 5Years bank IT Management exp in India looking for full time job visit visa contact 94462150 24 year Indian Chartered Accountant male with 3yrs of experience is seeking suitable placement in Muscat, currently on visit visa & ready to join immediately. Contact him on 98201476 or email at lokeshkaluri@gmail.com MCA IT Professional Indian Female seek placement in Teaching/ Non Teaching field. Presently on visit visa. 9588 7051, ashwininakod@gmail.com ACCA Affiliate, Indian, 2.5Years experience in Audit/ Finance in Big 6 Audit Firm and Oil Accounting in PDO, For Permanent Placement for Finance or Accounts or Audit. Release NOC Available on hand.

Contact #95140445, a.saran891@gmail.com Finance ACCA Affiliate, Worked as an Auditor with 2.5 Years Experience in reputed firm, Handled independent audit/finance assignments, Looking for permanent placement, NOC available. #95140445. a.saran891@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, E-mail : mohammednazeer07@gmail.com Indian Male, Graduate, 11 years Sales experience in Lighting / Industrial products, ready to join immediately. GSM: 9710 5356 Indian heavy duty driver with 8 years experience in oman available with NOC. GSM : 93601943 GSM : 94496457 Over 15 years experience in Gulf.

Interior Architect, Lebanese Nationality, on visit visa seeking a suitable Placement. 96268005.

Indian male, 28 yrs MBA (HR/M) 2 years experience in Indian Oman in HR & admin seeks suitable placements. NOC available.

Contact 97484159 Email: rameshkapa86@gmail.com

M.Sc 3+ years exp from France & India in IT Support Engineer / Hardware & Networking / Server support / scientific system support looking for suitable positions. Indian, male on visit visa, contact 98898781/ anoopys@gmail.com Indian male, 34years having 10 years of experience in Sales, Sales Coordination and Administration.

Experienced in SAP and MS Office.

NOC available. Contact # 94686594 British Beauty Therapist looking for suitable position. please contact :97175240 Indian Male MBA Marketing/HRM 3 year experience with Omani D/L, seeking suitable jobs.

Contact: 97424188 email: dharwesh@gmail.com Indian, Male, 23 years, BE Electrical, having 2 years experience in Electrical Works-H.T. cabling etc, & Construction, looking for a suitable placement. # +968 96927880 (Oman), +91 9765376109 (India), Email: rahulrevi6@gmail.com Indian Female M.Com with Computer Skills and Four Month Experience as Accountant ,Currently On Family Visa Looking for a Suitable Placement, Available Immediately.

Contact : 95846642, Email : dhanyashree91@yahoo.com ACCA Affiliate, Experience in audit/ finance of 2.5 years in Big 6 Firm and Oil industry, looking for suitable permanent placement, Release NOC available. Contact: #95140445 a.saran891@gmail.com B.Tech Computer Engineer Wanted job to work on(IT/Banking/Administrator/Technical/Office works) having NOC with the limited time from (04/06/2015 to 13/06/2015).

Mobile:98402389 email:naresh6672@gmail.com Indian male Executive Secretary having vast experience in admin, logistics & procurement well versed with computer .seek suitable placement. Contact : 99514286 Highly Qualified & Experienced Finance Manager Pakistani with USA , UK & Canadian Degrees , CPA ,ACCA-UK . MBA-USA ,IFA- Financial Consultants Canada , Corporate Analyst USA Professional of Banking , Audits ,ERPs & Profit Maximizations ( NOC available ) call 94 504505 – 94403270 27 year Indian female who has 4 years of experience with logistics function in distribution of spares for both heavy machinery & wind turbine parts. Kindly contact me on +91 9790769104 E-mail: joemohana@yahoo.co.in Looking for managerial post (full time ), More than Ten years of experience in Team Development ,Training, planning, Administration, Sales & Marketing, Advertisement and Credit Control and Logistics. Contact 91076608 / 99322748. RELEASE & NOC AVAILABLE

7 and half years experience working accounts / inventory manager looking suitable job. Contact: 96991782 Email: srinivasu.sp@gmail.com Indian female , MCA BCA, certification PL SQL , 6months training PHP, date warehouse looking for suitable placement. Contact : 95694330 Email: mondkashyapodl@gmail.com B.Com with more than 5 yrs exp. looking for an accounts part tome job work. know with tally.

Email-shilpa_62@yahoo.com Part- time accountant, well experience senior accountant , doing all type of accounting works, finalization, budgeting available.

Contact : 98803439 Indian male, looking for a part time accounting job. Having additional knowledge & experience in HR admin & purchase.

Contact 99196621 HSE Advisor, NEBOSH IGC, Indian male, 4 years experience in construction and oil fields, seeking suitable jobs. Gsm: 97458900, Mail: miroshbabu@gmail.com Highly Experienced Finance Manager, CPA ,ACCA-UK . MBA-USA , Professional of Banking, Audits , ERPs Sap , Management as Team Leader and Problem Solver call 94 504505 / 94403270 Indian male MBA Finance presently OMAN IN visit visa, 26 years, looking for an accountant job.

Contact 95240641, email Id mohammadabdulazharuddin@ gmail.com Admin Executive, 31, Indian Male, having 9+ years exp. in reputed companies. Seeking suitable placement in any gulf region. Contact +968 99276601 & 97693456. email : muralimahdav77@gmail.com Indian Female, 24yrs, M.COM (Accounts) having 3yrs experience in Accounts, HR, Administration, Customer Service. Good Computer Proficiency. Seeking Suitable Position. Visa Transfer/NOC Available.

Contact: 99654913 MEP Quantity Surveyor-Estimation-Project, 10 Years Experience (3 years in Oman). Having NOC & Oman D/L, looking for suitable job, Contact - 98291626 Indian house maid looking full time job. Contact : 98254909 B.E. Civil Engineer age 27, total 3 years of experience in Mumbai looking for placement asap in oman now on visit visa of 1 month ph 9571 3441 Email. Khatrialeem@gmail.com Indian Male, 29 years, CCNP, MCITP having Bachelor degree and 6 years of experience in Networking looking for job. 96760618 / varghese.manthara@gmail.com

Indian male MBA (U.K), 10 Years of experience in Admin, Sales, HR, stores and logistics seeks suitable placement. Contact 99271903.

ACCA affiliate, with 2.5 years experience in Big6 audit firm and Oil industry, looking for permanent placement in Accounts/Audit.

Release available Contact :95140445 a.saran891@gmail.com

Indian Female MCA, 4 plus Years of experience in Web designing, Admin, P.A, seeks suitable placement.

Contact 99486374

Sudanese male, 31 year old, have 3 year Diploma in electrical engineer, 5 years experience in different activities . Mobile No ; +96894549609

8 Years successful experience, SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, Indian male,29 years. Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license seeks suitable opportunity.

GSM: 97705854

Indian Female, Commerce Graduate, Total 9 yrs of experience in India. worked as Accounts Assistant and Business executive seeking for suitable placement.

Tel : 96173533/24222457 Email : topranidivya@gmail.com

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED 8 yrs exp Site supervisor cum 2d, 3d Draughtsman (holding Omani driving license) seeking job.

Contact : 93790601 Indian Male, 29 years, CCNP, MCITP having Bachelor degree and 6 years of experience in Networking looking for job. 96760618 / varghese.manthara@gmail.com B.E. Civil Engineer from India with 3 years of experience looking for suitable vacancy in oman now on visit visa. Contact 9571 3441, Email . Khatrialeem@gmail.com Indian male 21 IT Eng. networking & computer hardware diploma, 1 year experience, currently on visit visa looking for a suitable job.

Contact 96036273 email: faizanfarooqui23@gmail.com Indian, 32 years, completed M.A. English, M.Sc. Psychology and B.Ed in English. Searching for suitable job in the field of teaching. To Contact: 00968 99869535 Email: sahadkeyi33@gmail.com Iraqi Pharmacist with 15 years experience as regulatory affairs and Marketing Manager seeking job in pharmaceutical co.

Mobile 96720441 Indian Male 24 years, Looking for a Suitable Job in Telecom / Networking. 1 year sales experience. MSc. Communications Engineering & Valid Driving license. Ph: 91280121.

Email: jackrprasad@yahoo.com Female Executive Assistant/Executive Secretary with 27+ experience, worked with top management/ Board in financial services with shorthand skills & Omani driving license, seeks suitable placement. call 95941515 26 years Indian male with MBA & PGDFM, Total 3.8 years experience in Administration, seeking suitable placement in any gulf region.

Holding Oman valid driving license.

Contact :94501423 24 year Indian Chartered Accountant male with 3yrs of experience is seeking suitable placement in Muscat, currently on visit visa & ready to join immediately. Contact him on 98201476 or email at lokeshkaluri@gmail.com

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

W E D N E S DAY, J U N E 1 7, 2 0 1 5

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

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

TOURS

RENT A CAR

RENT A CAR

Butter cup rent a car presents fantastic offers all vehicles are model 2016.

Contact : 97249449

GOOD NEWS Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis massage, steam bath, obesity, spondylitis IDEAL , CARE Ayurvedic Clinic 18 November street, Azaiba. Contact 99639695 / 99117987

Available car with driver daily, weekly and monthly basis.

Contact : 95518612

GOOD NEWS Genuine Ayurvedic treatments & massage, Ayurvedic clinic at Al Khuwair. Contact 24478618 / 97263637 /93309131

Ayurvedic massage backache, joint pain & neck pain etc.

Contact: 98254909

DRIVING

FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 96050000, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133.

For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit: www.islamfact.com Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).

Contact 24475280 / 95371554 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

Learn driving with professional only automatic. Contact 94022250

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W E D N E S D AY, J U N E 1 7, 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION WANTSERVICES

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ED

BUSINESS

WEBSITE

Finance ACCA Affiliate, 2.5 years experience in audit/finance and oil company in reputed firms. Looking for suitable permanent placement. Release available. Contact 95140445, a.saran891@gmail.com B.E Biomedical Engineer, having 5 years of experience in Diagnostics division seeking suitable position.

94151658 Indian Male 34 years Mechanical Engineer 3 years of Experience seeking suitable placement immediately Contact: 91991435, 93310821 Electronics and instrumentation Engineer 28 year Indian male, electrical, electronic, industrial, building & automation exp of 4+ yrs in India.

Contact - 93154156 CCNP Network Professional with 6 years experience having Bachelors degree on visit visa looking for suitable job. #96760618 email: varghese.manthara@gmail.com

ACCOUNTANTS AND CONSULTANTS

General Investors. Contact 99674870

WE ARE PROVIDING ACCOUNTING/ AUDITING TAX/ CONSULTING CONTACT: 24 567 251 / 95 498 033

CLASSES

Indian female with MBA (Finance) on visit visa, seeks immediate placement. Phone: 968-98430089 Civil Engineer, Diploma, Male 25, 3 years experience in site, CAD, 3d, MS Project, Seeking job in Oman.

Contact 92875345, jubincivileng@gmail.com Indian male, Engineer, BE Mechanical, having with 21 years of experience in India and 13 years in Oman, In production, project management, quality control and assurance and MR for ISO and API Standards looking out for a suitable placement in Oman. GSM: 00968 97311616.

E-MAIL: fahazasa@yahoo.com Indian female B.ED & BCA looking for a suitable placement in school or admin office, having 5 yrs exp in same field. Contact – 97384206 / rani_sweet786@live.com Indian female, B.Com. knowledge of MS Office & Tally, 4yrs experience in Accounts &admin dept. looking for good placement in any field.

Contact.98928220

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman Learn Cup cakes, exotic cakes, Icing decorations, handicrafts.

Contact 95941515

COMPUTER

SITUATION WANTMANPOWER

CCNP Network Professional with 6 years experience having Bachelors degree on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact: 96 76 06 18 Indian male, total experience is 5 years in Retail industry. Currently supervisor in Sun and sand sports Muscat City centre.

Contact : 96994345.

Email : jsp.jsr85@gmail.com

Specialist available for explosive growth in term of restructuring all modules of businesses with over 30 years of experience across continents with a decade in Oman.

Contact 96733578 Email : profitoman@gmail.com

Available for longer period : Mig Welder 5 nos, General worker with PDO pass 10 nos, Helper 10 nos, Mason 8 nos. Contact 99610703

Split & window A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517

SITUATION WANTED CHANGE OF NAME We, Sebastian Mannamthuruthil George (name of father as per the passport holder of Indian passport No. J 5561755 and Jemini Sebastian (name of the mother, holder of Indian passport No. F 6582603) having permanent address in Mannamthuruthil House, Edathua PO, Alappuzha, Kerala (complete postal address in India) and presently residing at the following address in Oman, P.B No. 2542, P.C No. 112, Sultanate of Oman, here by solemnly affirm and declare to change the name of our child Master Unni George Sebastian (name as per present passport), holder of Indian passport No. J5562354 date of issue 26/06/11 issued at Muscat. The name of our child will be henceforth known as George Sebastian (new name for all purposes). Any objection towards change of name of our minor child may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat , Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, PB No. 1727, PC 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman.

SITUATION WANTED CHANGE OF COMPANY NAME Obaid Mosbah AlSheyadi & his Partner for Trad joint Company which is recorded under the commercial register in directorate general for trade industry number 3307972 is going to change its name to Zajel Alshmal Al mumayza for Trad joint Company. This is to inform anybody who concerns about that.

SITUATION WANTED LOST Mohammad Monju has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AF 3382562. Finder please handover to ROP

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422 Carpet & sofa cleaning, house cleaning. Contact 99542979 / 98855815 Split & window A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact: 96236476 Window & split unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact 99557080

SITUATION WANTSERVICES

Split & window A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089/95323517

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

Air condition maintenance split and window services AC specialist ducted and package type unites.

Contact: 98667326

MARBLE CRYSTALLIZATION restore the original shine of your marble. Contact 24793614/ 99314807 House shifting. Contact 99708138

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

Ramadhan Gifts with company name printable advertisement on t-shirt, clock.

Contact: 98796982 House shifting packing.

99657644 / 98518013

Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance.Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722