Times Of Oman - June 24, 2015

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RAMADAN PRAYER TIMINGS IFTAR 7.02PM FAJR 3.54AM

WEDNESDAY, June 24, 2015 / 7 Ramadan 1436 AH

GEORGIA

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G C C C O O P E R AT I O N

HM receives greetings MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received a cable of thanks from President Giorgi Margvelashvili of Georgia in reply to His Majesty’s congratulatory cable on the Independence Anniversary of Georgia. In his cable, President Margvelashvili expressed his utmost appreciation for His Majesty’s congratulations, stressing the importance of promoting relations between the two countries to achieve the joint interests of the people. -ONA TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

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Oman-India ties

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Oman and India ties have grown stronger politically, socially and economically, said envoy JS Mukul. >A2

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Ramadan and Zakat

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In Ramadan, Muslims share their possessions with their less fortunate fellow beings. >A4

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Human trafficking

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Human trafficking in Oman is very low due to its deterrent laws and procedures. >A6

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Mobile roaming rates For local calls For outgoing within the calls to other country GCC visited countries

Cost per minute (OMR) For calls received

For each SMS sent

Existing

0.106

0.255

As of 1 April 2016

0.100

0.246

0.135

0.031

0.096

0.238

0.108

0.027

0.092

0.231

0.085

0.023

April 2017

April 2018

April 2019

April 2020

For mobile data (per Gigabyte)

0.500

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12.14pm 3.32pm 7.02pm 8.24pm 3.54am

ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company

Salary law not helping 50% of expat workers

0.327 0.231

Despite the ministry order for payment

0.192

The rates are ceilings and the operators are free to compete by setting prices below these regulatory caps.

of private sector staff salary through

0.161

banks, very few companies have

Source: Telecommunications Regulatory Authority

Graphics

followed the norms,

Oman telecom body announces roaming rate cap Staff Reporter MUSCAT: A limit on roaming rates will be imposed by Oman’s Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA) for subscribers travelling in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

The new rates will start from April 1, 2016, a TRA announcement on Tuesday said.

In continuation of the cooperation between the GCC regulators under the auspices of the GCC General Secretariat, the TRA announced that Omani citizens and residents roaming in the GCC countries will enjoy reduced roaming rates for voice calls, SMS, and mobile data services.

The new price caps for roaming charges were approved by the GCC Ministerial Committee for Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology during its 24th meeting held in Doha earlier this month.

However, there seems to be some confusion as one of the telecom operators in Oman, said that they were not aware of the statement and were surprised to

hear the announcement by the telecom regulator.

The reduction in roaming charges on both inter-operator wholesale level and end user retail level will take place gradually, over a three-year period, for voice calls and SMS services, and over a five-year period for mobile data services.

Telecom regulators The approved price caps are based on the recommendations of the GCC Roaming Working Group (RWG) which consists of representatives from the telecom regulators of the GCC countries.

The RWG has conducted an extensive study on roaming charges, which was shared with the stakeholders and the general public through a public consultation document published on the TRA website on September 2014.

Meanwhile, people travelling to other Gulf Cooperation Council countries welcomed Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) move to slash roaming rates for voice calls, SMS, and mobile data services.

violating the rights of expat workers

REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Nearly 18 months have passed since the Sultanate’s wage protection system came into effect, still only half of the expatriate workers are receiving their salary through banks, the Times of Oman has learnt.

In January 2014, a wage protection system (WPS) was introduced by the Ministry of Manpower and the Central Bank of Oman (CBO), making wage payment in the private sector mandatory through authorised banks and financial institutions.

However, referring to the official data, a Majlis Al Shura member said that only 600,000 of the 1.2 million expatriates working in Oman are getting their salaries credited into their banks accounts.

“Isn’t it surprising? We can understand that a few expatriates may be running their own business with a silent Omani partner, but what about the rest? This reveals that many are bypassing the WPS norms set by the government,” said Tawfiq Al Lawati, a member from the Majlis Al Shura.

The system was implemented to create an accurate database

BALANCE CHECK: A person withdrawing account statement from the ATM of one of the banks. – Supplied photo

pertaining to the wages of workers in the private sector and to control the processes. The programme comes under Article 53 of the Labour law.

Under the article, salaries are to be deposited in bank accounts.

It states, “The employer will be held responsible for the employee’s salary until it is deposited in his account in one of the locally approved banks. A decision by the minister may determine the exceptions to this rule.”

Verifying the Shura member’s statement, an official from the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) also said that they have confirmed that only a few companies have linked their wage distribution system to banks.

“The system was initiated to protect the rights of workers and

to avoid salary disputes. However, the number of companies joining the system is too low,” said the official who refused to be named.

“Similar systems are present in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Qatar. It was done in different phases to cover everyone. Oman could also have achieved it in phases and covered everyone,” added the official.

“Moving a step forward, other than creating a salary account for workers, the UAE government issued them with electronic cards.

Moreover, the government also instructed that the companies failing to deposit the salary of their workers in banks would not be issued visas,” said the official, adding that it should be seen as a commitment rather than a profitmaking business. >A6

B U D G E T M A N UA L D ATA

Government staff pay, perks to cost OMR5.2b this year

Pakistan heatwave death toll nears 700

HAMDA AL BALUSHI

MUSCAT: In the country’s budget manual the Ministry of Finance has revealed that the government is estimated to spend about OMR5.2 billion on salaries, allowances and other benefits for its employees from various ministries this year.

More than one-third of the country’s budget for the current year was allocated to the education and housing sectors. The manual shows that the education sector expenditure is estimated at OMR3 billion amounting to 21.3 per cent of the total public expenditure, followed by the housing sector, at OMR2.3 billion.

The manual also shows that salaries and allowances represent 66 per cent of the total government spending in the budget estimates for 2015.

The total salary increase from the Eighth Five-Year Plan since the end of 2010 is estimated at about 133 per cent.

At the level of economic sectors, the education and health sectors accounted for most of the government expenditure amounting to 47.8 per cent of the budget, while the housing and social welfare sectors amounted

OMR3 billion amounting to 21.3 per cent of the total public expenditure is estimated to be spent on education, followed by the housing sector, at OMR2.3 billion

A11 M E R S - C O R O N AV I R U S

Omani MERS sufferer’s condition improves Times News Service

to 22 per cent. The government seeks to use the surplus funds to cover the shortfall and funding from reserves with a base of OMR1.7 billion.

The manual shows also that the government owns 77 companies, both local and foreign, either totally or partially.

Budget deficit The manual shows that the estimated budget deficit for 2015 is about OMR2.5 billion.

The Sultanate internally borrows OMR500 million of which it will pay OMR100 million during the current year.

A monitor connected to a body temperature scanner shows flight passengers arriving at Bangkok airport. -Reuters

MUSCAT: The 75-year-old Omani businessman diagnosed with the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is recovering, and if he tests negative over the next few days, he will be out of danger, said Rajata Rajatanavin, Thailand’s public health minister to the Bangkok Post on Tuesday.

The Omani citizen arrived in Bangkok from Muscat for treatment of a heart disease on June 15, but was found to be infected with the MERS-coronavirus. He had visited two health centres in Oman before travelling to Bangkok.

Currently, he is admitted to

the Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute in Nonthaburi province and he has been kept in isolation. Three relatives, travelling with him, have also been quarantined.

The health minister said MERS situation in Thailand was under control and improving.

The number of people being monitored after coming into contact with the Omani man was dropping and some of them could return home.

Dr Rajata said Thailand had effective disease control measures in place for visitors from the Middle East countries and South Korea, the two risk areas. Thai

authorities have not placed any restrictions on travel from these countries, therefore, tourism has not been hit.

The WHO said the national health authorities in Thailand are reviewing and strengthening infection prevention and control measures at the hospital where the patient was initially admitted.

“They are tracing the households and healthcare contacts and activating the emergency operation centre as well as the preparedness and response units,” it said.

The information on this event is also being shared between the two concerned countries, Thailand and Oman, it added. >A6

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There were more than 50 training and rehabilitation programmes launched in 2014 and 2015, benefitting about 600 craftsmen.

Crafts industries spur employment >A5

Outgoing Indian envoy upbeat over booming economic ties JS Mukul, who will be leaving Muscat

What is interesting is now a number of new Indian companies are coming in to establish joint ventures in Sohar, Salalah and recently also in Duqm

on July 6, described the relationship with Oman as exceptionally close

SARAH MACDONALD

sarah@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Since JS Mukul, ambassador of India to Oman, arrived in Muscat in October 2011, the ties between the two countries have grown stronger politically, economically, and socially.

Mukul, who will be leaving Muscat on July 6 to take up a new posting as ambassador to the Netherlands, described the diplomatic relationship, now in its 60th year, as special and exceptionally close.

In the 44 months since his mandate began there have been new joint military training exercises, growth of the Oman India Joint Investment Fund, doubling of the numbers of visas to visit India issued, and stronger cultural ties.

“We take collective satisfaction from the fact that the bilateral India-Oman relations are the strongest they’ve ever been. In my three and half years we have (had) the strongest bilateral relations ever,” Mukul told Times of Oman.

To begin with, there have been high-level political visits, most notably two visits by Oman’s foreign minister Yusuf bin Alawi to India last year, including as the first foreign dignitary to greet the new government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Similarly, the Indian minister of external affairs Sushma Swaraj

JS Mukul

Ambassador of India to Oman

made her first official visit to Oman this past February.

Strong political ties have led to increased military and economic relations, such as defence and military cooperation.

Mukul said he was very pleased that this year for the first time there were army to army joint exercises held in Jebel Akhdhar, and that these would become a regular feature of the military ties.

“Oman is the only country in this region with which India does regular biennial exercises of the navy, the air force and the army,” he explained.

One of the backbones of the Indo-Oman relationships is trade, Mukul said, adding that bilateral trade reached $6 billion in 2014.

The Oman-India Joint Investment Fund, which was launched in 2011, has seen $100 million invested by Oman in projects in India. Oman is also home to Omifco (Oman India Fertiliser Company), which is India’s largest joint venture abroad.

Mukul said he strongly encour-

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ages Indian companies and businesspeople to consider investing in Oman because of its strategic location as a gateway to the GCC and because of its logistics hubs.

“What is interesting is now a number of new Indian companies are coming in to establish joint ventures in Sohar, Salalah and recently also in Duqm,” he said.

Another vital aspect of the strategic bilateral relationship is the people-to-people ties, Mukul said. During his mandate in Oman Mukul has also seen the number of the visas issued at the embassy more than double. The number of visas rose from 41,000 in 2011 to over 81,000 in 2014.

This is due in part to new visa regulations which make it easier for Omanis to visit India for

tourism, business and education purposes, and also due to the increased number of flights now connect 13 cities in India with Muscat and Salalah.

“The interest, the interaction and the exchanges are very rigorous. That is something we are very proud of,” he commented.

While more Omanis are showing an interest in India, here in Oman Mukul said he is proud of the contributions the “large, diverse and well-regarded” Indian community has made and is thankful that many have found “a home away from home” here.

“This hardworking, technically skilled, law-abiding community in the Sultanate has contributed with its knowledge and skills, with its sweat and toil, to the building of the excellent infrastructure in this country,” he said.

As ambassador Mukul has been closely involved in the day-to-day issues of the Indian expatriates.

He attended every embassy open house, which is held on the third

Friday of each month, so he could meet Indian residents of Oman and listen to their concerns, resolving many problems as a result.

Based on the success of these monthly open houses, the embassy is now open for two hours each working day for Indians to come and meet with high-level diplomats, including the ambassador himself. “I think the embassy has engaged very closely with the Indian community. I think it is wellknown that the welfare of the community is our top-most priority.

It’s important for an ambassador to be in touch with his community,” he said.

Mukul said he has also been proud of the rich Indian culture that is present in Oman, such as the Indian Social Club and its branches and wings, and the performances by the many talented local expats and visiting musicians and dancer, be they Bollywood stars or artists who have performed at the Royal Opera House Muscat.

Mukul said his time as ambassador to Oman has been highly fulfilling since he was able to contribute to the ever stronger IndoOmani relationship, expanding the ties in all areas.

“It has also been a most professionally and personally satisfying and enjoyable experience serving as India’s ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman,” he said.

On a personal lever Mukul said he has enjoyed travelling around Oman and has been lucky to have visited most of the country, from Musandam down to Dhofar and the interior as well.

He said he will remember Oman for its breathtaking natural beauty and its down to earth, modest and friendly people.

“I really treasure those sights, those visits, the meetings, the encounters that I have had. But I think above all it is the charm of the people that I will always remember,” he concluded.

MINISTERIAL DECISION

Ban on poultry import from eight countries

HEALTH ALERT: In another

decision the ban on import from Germany and Holland has been lifted.– File photo

Times News Service MUSCAT: Import of poultry products and live birds from eight countries to the Sultanate has been banned, while it has been revoked from two others by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

The decision was taken according to the ministerial decision 158/2015 regarding the ban on the import of live birds, their products, derivatives and their offal.

Amendment one of the decision says imports of live birds, along with their products, derivatives and offal, are banned from Vietnam, Canada, Turkey, and the United States, in addition to Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria. The ban will remain in place until a decision is taken to rescind it.

The ministerial decision 158/2015 is based on the law for veterinary quarantine issued in the Royal Decree 45/2004, the executive regulations for the law of veterinary quarantine issued in the ministerial decision 107/2004 and recommendations of veterinary specialists regarding the ban on the import of live birds, their products, derivatives and their offal.

Meanwhile, as per another ministerial decision, 157/2015 the ban on import of live birds from Germany and Holland has been lifted.

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TODAY’S DUAA “O Allah, I seek Your protection from acute hunger, for it is an evil companion and from dishonesty as it indicates a bad nature.”

Ensuring full social security in a society

Zakat leads to purification of one’s wealth from all sins.

Ramadan is the time where Muslims look forward to sharing their possessions with their less fortunate fellow beings. AFTAB H. KOLA outlines the amazing benefits of Zakat

P

ayment of the obligatory charity or Zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, is obligatory upon all Muslims whose wealth is above certain limits. Muslims must pay this obligatory charity to the poor and needy among Muslims, so that the gap between the rich and those in need will be narrowed, and to make sure that the basic needs of everyone’s are met, thus, the society will live in peace and harmony, and the chances of social and economic disparity will be reduced.

Dr. Pranam Dhar, a professor in West Bengal University, writes, “Zakat is the Islamic contribution to social justice: those who have to give charity share the benefit of their prosperity with those who have fallen short. This is the Islamic approach to remove greed and envy and to purify one’s soul based on good intentions. This is the institution of Zakat in Islam.”

Allah says in the Holy Quran: “And whatsoever you spend of anything (in the cause of Allah), He will replace it. He is the best of those who grant sustenance”. He further exhorts: Establish worship, pay the poor-due (Zakat), and bow your heads with those who bow (in worship).”

Its importance can be realised from the fact that in 82 verses of the Holy Quran, Zakat is associated with prayer (Salah); such as, “Establish regular prayer and give Zakat; and obey Allah and His Messenger.” (Holy Quran, 33:33).

The beloved Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said about Zakat: Zakat is a (great and strong) bridge of Islam; If a man pays the Zakat due on his property, it causes its evil influence to vanish; Gains the pleasure of Allah; Increases wealth and protects from losses; Causes Allah’s forgiveness and blessings; Protection from the wrath of Allah and from a bad death; A

shelter on the Day of Judgment; and Security from seventy misfortunes.

Zakat purifies the human personality by removing selfishness, greed and materialism. It creates compassion, care, love and kindness among Muslims and it makes a person more thankful to Allah.

Zakat helps the needy and provides funds for good causes and for community projects.

Zakat is the wealth given in the way of Allah to obtain purity of heart and to obtain the blessings of Allah. The root of the word ‘Zakat’ in Arabic has two meanings: purity and growth. It aims to ensure full social security in an Islamic society. Zakat is mandatory on every Muslim, whose finances (not just cash) are above a certain specified minimum, and has to pay 2.5 per cent of his cash balances annually to a deserving fellow being.

The principle of this obligation is based on the premise that everything belongs to Allah; and we human beings are only trustees even of our own wealth.

Allah wants us to help the needy.

In a bid to cleanse our wealth, the Muslims are taught to set aside a portion of it for those in need as this spirit of sharing with the less fortunate balances and encourages new growth. Thus, paying Zakat manifests an unbreakable bond amongst members of the community.

While the ‘haves’ are purified from the twin evils of greed and selfishness Zakat also cleanses the hearts of `have-nots’ from feelings of jealousy and animosity.

Although Zakat can be distributed any time of the year, Muslims all over the world prefer the Holy Month of Ramadan for its distribution.

Thus we see Ramadan is the time when Muslims look forward to sharing their possessions with

Hadith of the day ABU HURAYRAH reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said fasting is a shield; so when one of you is fasting he should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise his voice in anger. If someone attacks him or insults him, let him say: “I am fasting!”

(Muslim)

their less fortunate fellow beings.

The Holy Quran is replete with verses instructing people to pay Zakat equating it with purifying and cleansing oneself. A verse in chapter Taubah, verse No. 103 reads: “Take from their wealth charity (alms) to purify them and cleanse them thereby, and pray for them.” Another verse states: “Never shall you attain piety unless you spend (in the way of Allah) out of what you love (Al Imran: 92).”

It is reported that Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) said: “Until four questions have been asked to, no one will be allowed to move on the Day of Resurrection. Two of these questions are: How did you earn and how did you spend?” The Holy Quran guaran-

tees the Zakat giver prosperity as the Holy Book states, “those who establish regular prayers and pay regular poor-due (Zakah) are the ones who will prosper (31:4-5).”

Zakat can only be given to those who qualify to receive it. The Holy Quran has identified eight groups of people who are entitled to receive Zakah. They include fuqara (the hardcore poor), masakin (the needy), mu’allafatu ‘l-qulub (converts), Pi’r-riquab (slaves), algharimin (over-burdened debtors), fzsabilillah (those striving in the way of Allah), Ibnu’s-sabil (travellers) and amilina-alayha (those who administer Zakat).

Zakat is to be paid on cash as well as other wealth comprising several sub-categories, namely, on savings, business, crops, livestock, buried treasures, etc. Although it is permissible to take out Zakat and distribute it on an individual basis it is highly recommended to pay one’s share of Zakat to Baitulmaal, literally a House of Wealth, from where it will be distributed systemically and to the right beneficiaries.

Zakat is compulsory for every Muslim, male or female, who owns more than the threshold (limit) of Zakah, which is equivalent to 85 grams of gold in excess of what he needs for his own and his dependent’s living.

Writes Adil Salahi, a prominent Saudi-based scholar: “Zakat is imposed on every type of property that is liable to growth. Thus, it is not imposed on a person’s own accommodation, or the tools of his trade, even though these maybe costly”. He adds, “Zakat is payable on capital and profit, every year, at the rate of 2.5 per cent for most types of money and property, although the rates may be different in some situations.”

Islamic scholars guide Muslims to calculate their Zakat properly so that it is given out in correct proportion.

Thus Zakat ensures full social security in a society, giving is a demonstration of love and caring.

It may be interesting to note that Zakat is the minimum and voluntary charity is wide open. Sadaqah is another form which refers to voluntary charitable donations.

Simply put, it is a financial help offered to a needy or a poor person without any obligation on the part of the giver or any condition on the receiver. Sadaqah need not be confined to financial help and refers to any good work. Offering just a glass of water is considered charity in Islam.

A tradition says that a good word is a charity and removing a harmful thing from the road is also a charity.

Sadaqah is an act that reflects feelings of love and compassion on the part of the giver, who is considered “rich” in the sense that he has more than he needs.

Thus, it has a dual effect of purification: It purges the beneficiaries of any feelings of grudge and hatred towards rich people and purges the rich givers of feelings of greed, self-aggrandisement and miserliness.

Charity has a tremendous positive impact on society. A person under poverty tends to think that Allah has deserted him and that the society shows no concern for him or his needs and thus shows no compassion.

This enhances his sense of frustration and weakens his allegiance to his society resulting in a string of negative habits which will lead to destruction.

Zakat or Sadaqah thus come as a godsend to him and he experiences a genuine sense of happiness and contentment. Thus through Zakat a social security is established and maintained in a society, ensuring that a poor person who is unable to work, or does not have sufficient income, has enough to meet his ends.

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PAC I R E P O R T

More than 13,000 craftsmen working in wilayats MUSCAT: There were more than 13,000 craftsmen working in various wilayats of the Sultanate until the end of 2014, recording an increase of 17.76 per cent compared to the same period in 2013, according to an official study.

The Public Authority for Craft Industries (PACI) has plans to increase the number of craftsmen by implementing the integrated rehabilitation and training programmes in a scientific manner.

More than 50 training and rehabilitation programmes were launched in 2014 and 2015, benefitting about 600 craftsmen.

The PACI recently completed a documentary project for the classification and description of Omani craft industries. It is a unified

reference for the classification of Omani crafts.

The project lists, documents and organises various Omani craft activities, under one system. The project will contribute to creating a platform for the development of craft training curricula for various craft industries and provide a reference for researchers and those interested in the sector.

From 2005 to 2014, the PACI launched around 30 marketing outlets in various governorates.

There are 115 craft projects that market a variety of craft products, including incense, perfumes, pottery, and porcelain, in addition to textiles, silverware and copper products.

The PACI continues to launch

new outlets for the sale of craft products. These outlets are the result of the support provided to craftsmen. Here, developed craft products are purchased from craftsmen and then resold through craft outlets to help young craftsmen prosper.

The Omani Crafts House is one of the most prominent marketing outlets. These outlets strengthen craft investment by providing opportunities to artisans to manage the promotion of their products.

In line with this approach, a number of Omani Craft Houses and craft markets were launched this year, in the Wilayat of Ibra, in North Al Sharqiya, Al Buraimi, and Al Rustaq, in South Al Batinah.

New craft outlets will be opened

very soon. The Omani craft sector has witnessed a qualitative leap in different fields. In response to the Royal directives of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to maintain the craft industries, the PACI strives to promote the achievements made and develop them keeping in mind the present day.

The PACI has provided the optimum levels of care, subsidy, rehabilitation, training and production for craftsmen. It has established specialised centres for training and production and ensured qualified and trained Omani craftsmen. It has also helped craftsmen to enter the labour market and promote entrepreneurship by starting SMEs. The PACI is also keen on imple-

Arabian Sea depression moves away from Oman The depression in the Arabian Sea has moved eastwards, said Met department

Staff Reporter MUSCAT: A depression in the Arabian Sea has intensified into a deep depression and has moved further eastwards towards India, said Omani and global meteorological departments quoting weather charts.

“The depression has moved eastwards,” said the Oman meteorological department citing satellite images.

Skymet, India’s largest weather monitoring and agri-risk-solu-

HOT DAYS AHEAD: The Oman Meteorology department has forecast a spell of hot weather over the next few days in Muscat.–File photo

tions company said in its latest statement that the system has moved further eastwards and is presently centred in the Northeast Arabian Sea, off the Gujarat coast.

The Oman Meteorology department has forecast a spell of hot weather over the next few days in Muscat and adjoining areas.

In the coastal areas of Dhofar governorate and adjoining

mountains the forecast is of partly cloudy to cloudy skies, while it is likely to be clear to partly cloudy skies over governorates of Musandam, South Al Sharqiya and Al Wusta.

There are chances of clouds development over Al Hajar mountains and adjoining areas with isolated rain occasionally thunder shower during evening and chance

of blowing dust over deserts and open areas of the governorates of Al Buraimi, Al Dahirah.

Jason Nicholls, senior meteorologist and international forecasting manager at AccuWeather, said that the depression is pushing into India in the next few hours.

According to the Indian meteorology department, it will bring squalls and heavy rains in Maharashtra and Gujarat.

“Yesterday’s depression over the Arabian sea has turned into deep depression and crossed the coastal town of Diu, and surrounding areas of Saurashtra region of Gujarat today,” said Manorama Mohanty, deputy director of Ahmedabad Meteorological centre. Due to the crossing over of the deep depression over the land border, the coastal areas surrounding Diu are receiving rainfall, said Mohanty.

“It will bring heavy to very heavy rainfall with strong winds across the state for the next 48 hours,” she said. — With inputs from agencies

menting craft projects that meet the needs of the sector to provide the maximum number of opportunities for Omani craftsmen to join the different training and rehabilitation programmes.

It also provides craftsmen with financial subsidy and modern equipment and tools. It enhanced the subsidy programmes and integrated care provided to craftsmen.

The PACI launched a number of initiatives, such as providing design and evaluation consultancy services and introduced a project to set up a number of craft villages in different wilayats to ensure continuity of the industry and professions. These villages were provided with modern tools and equipment that develop craft work.– ONA

TRADITIONAL CRAFT: From 2005 to 2014, the PACI launched around 30 marketing outlets in various governorates.–File photo

S K Y T R A X W O R L D A I R L I N E AWA R D S 2 0 1 5

Oman Air scoops top global awards Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman Air has been named the winner of the ‘Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East’ at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2015.

The award was presented at a ceremony held at the Paris Air Show recently. It recognises the commitment of Oman Air’s staff to providing the airline’s customers with quality, comfort and a seamless passenger experience.

Oman Air also achieved acclaim in six further categories of the awards. The airline’s renowned Business Class service attained the top-ten places in the ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline’, ‘Best Business Class Airline Seats’, ‘Best Business Class Airline Catering’ and ‘Best Business Class Comfort Amenities’ categories.

Oman Air also achieved topten places in the ‘Best First Class Airline Catering’ and ‘Best Economy Class Airline Seats’ categories of the awards.

HONOUR: The award was given

at the Paris Air Show

Abdulrahaman Al Busaidy, chief operating officer of Oman Air, said, “To have won this award two years in a row, and to have achieved high rankings in a further six categories of the awards this year, is testament to the extraordinarily high standards of hospitality that our staff offer.”

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The findings revealed the need for more aggressive treatment of bad cholesterol to lower the risk Dr Khalid Al Rasadi, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital

Breakthrough in treatment of cholesterol-related disorders Dr Khalid was part of a team of cholesterol

The findings revealed the need for more aggressive treatment of bad cholesterol to lower the risk

and lipid-lowering drugs experts who conducted a study on the cardiovascular treatment and risks in the GCC

Dr Khalid Al Rasadi

Sultan Qaboos University Hospital

ELHAM POURMOHAMMADI

elham@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: Treatment of cholesterol-related disorders in Oman has taken a step forward with a first-of-its-kind study covering patients in the Sultanate and other Gulf countries.

Dr Khalid Al Rasadi from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) Hospital was part of a team of cholesterol and lipid-lowering drugs experts from across the region who conducted a one-year study on the

current cardiovascular treatment and risks in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

“A total of 5,861 patients from Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, in addition to Kuwait and Bahrain were recruited,” said Dr Al Rasadi, head of the Department of Biochemistry at the College of Medicine and Health Science at SQU. Speaking to the Times of Oman, the specialist said that the study

evaluated the achievements of therapeutic goals according to international guidelines in patients who are receiving lipid-lowering drugs and the factors contributing to treatment practices in the region from both the physicians’ and the patients’ sides.

The study was supported by a grant from AstraZeneca and had two main objectives, said Dr Al Rasadi, head of the Lipid and LDLApheresis Unit at SQU Hospital

and president of Oman Society of Lipid and Atherosclerosis. The first objective was to see how many of the patients who are on cholesterol-lowering medication achieve the target level, he said.

“For example, if a patient has a heart disease, we recommend that the bad cholesterol should be decreased to below 1.8 mmol/L (millimoles per litre). If a patient has diabetes, then the level should be below 2.6,” said Dr Al Rasadi.

He added that a lot of international studies have been done on this subject and this study sought to analyse how current treatment for lipid disorders was progressing according to international standards.

Regarding the first objective, the study found that around 48 per cent of the patients under treatment still had not achieved the target level, he said, adding, “The findings revealed the need for more aggressive treatment of bad cholesterol to lower the risk.”

The second objective of the study was to analyse patient-physician perceptions and awareness about disease treatment.

“The study showed that most of the patients were compliant, but their compliance increased when the physician gave them further information about the treatment and target levels,” he said.

Dr Al Rasadi, who is a graduate of the College of Medicine at SQU with extensive training experience abroad, said that his unit has been involved in promoting awareness about the findings of the study through various scientific articles, workshops and training sessions.

“In February 2015, Oman Society of Lipid and Atherosclerosis with the help of the International

Atherosclerosis Society, conducted a lipid training course with the support of national, regional and international faculty and the participation of 33 clinicians from the Middle East and North Africa region,” he said.

“The event aimed at increasing the knowledge of clinicians in the management of lipid disorders and helping them disseminate this knowledge in their countries, and we will continue to hold such programmes annually,” he added.

The specialist also said that more treatment facilities and trained professionals are required in the field of lipid disorders in Oman and the region.

He noted that more public awareness campaigns are needed to improve the public awareness about the lipid disorders and its management.

Oman Society of Lipid and Atherosclerosis has been active in this regard and plans to continue the outreach campaigns and programmes in the future, he said.

In addition, more studies should be done to complement and follow up on the results of this study, said Dr Al Rasadi, a board member of International Atherosclerosis Society and a member of National Lipid Association.

MEETING

Awareness on human trafficking MUSCAT: Stressing the importance of activating the role of civil society organisations in creating awareness in combating human trafficking and its dangers to the community, the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking (NCCHT) decided to organise programmes and events in co-operation with the authorities concerned .

The NCCHT held a meeting

under the chairmanship of Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, secretary-general of the Foreign Ministry, and chairman of the NCCHT. The meeting approved the NCCHT annual report for 2014, so that it could be submitted to the Council of Ministers.

Human trafficking in Oman is very low despite its geographical location due to deterrent laws and procedures. -ONA

SALARY IN BANK

A1 Rights of workers < FROM

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) implemented the wage protection system in way back in 2010.

“The WPS helps to protect the rights of workers because it allows the Ministry of Labour to create a database that maintains records of wages in the private sector to guarantee timely, efficient and regular payment,” said Dr Ahmed Al Hashemi, director of Middle East Centre for Training and Development (MECTD), who has played a key role in initiating the WPS in the UAE. Narrating their plight to Times

of Oman, some expatriate workers alleged that their employers deposit their salaries into their accounts, but as they have taken away their debit cards, they withdraw the money and pay them less than what is mentioned in the contract.

“It happens every month, but what can we do? We cannot even complain, because even if we do, our bank statements reflect that our salary has been credited in full and withdrawn later through our own debit cards,” said the workers.

MERS

< FROM

A1 Health regulations Globally, since September 2012, the WHO has been notified of 1,334 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERSCoV, including at least 471 re-

lated deaths. Oman’s Ministry of Health is also in touch with the health authorities in Thailand in compliance of international health regulations.

WE DNE S DAY, J UNE 24 , 2 0 1 5 French President Francois Hollande will host Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister Prince Mohamed bin Salman after the inaugural meeting of W EDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 a Franco-Saudi committee that is to discuss proposed projects in the aeronautics, nuclear power, health and investment sectors.

20 PROJECTS

Saudi Arabia, France set to boost relations PARIS: Top French and Saudi Arabia’s leaders will huddle on Wednesday in Paris to discuss projects worth billions of euros, as France tightens relations with the kingdom.

French President Francois Hollande will host Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister Prince Mohamed bin Salman after the inaugural meeting of a Franco-Saudi committee that is to discuss proposed projects in the aeronautics, nuclear power, health and investment sectors. France and Saudi Arabia have been reinforcing their links as Riyadh seeks to broaden ties with top Western powers beyond traditional allies the United States.

The gathering in Paris comes hard on the heels of Hollande’s visit to Riyadh in May when he appeared at a summit of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), making him the first Western leader to attend. Saudi Arabia rolled out the red carpet for Hollande, who had a personal meeting with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia’s during his visit. The French president was also the first Western leader to meet with the king after a major reshuffle in the kingdom’s top leadership.

Contracts After the summit, Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius announced Saudi Arabia — the Arab world’s largest economy — and France were in talks regarding 20 projects potentially worth tens of billions of euros. It is unclear if the Saudi visit this week will yield concrete signed contracts, but Hollande said in May that announcements on deals between the two nations could come as soon as June.

After months of negotiations, Paris and Riyadh concluded a deal last year over the sale of French weapons to Lebanon, which were paid for with a $3-billion (2.6-billion-euro) donation from Saudi Arabia. The first deliveries of the arms started in April. — AFP

Iran MPs pass bill to protect nuclear rights Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s spokesman said the bill, which still has to be signed into law

by Iran’s Guardian Council, was unconstitutional TEHRAN: Iran’s parliament approved a bill on Tuesday that lawmakers said would protect the country’s nuclear programme, an intervention that comes as the government tries to seal a deal with world powers.

The move quickly exposed tension between President Hassan Rouhani’s government and lawmakers in Tehran, where hardliners routinely voice doubts about the merit of talking to the West.

Rouhani’s spokesman said the bill, which still has to be signed into law by Iran’s Guardian Council, was unconstitutional.

The action in parliament, just one week before the nuclear deal deadline, is unlikely to immediately affect those talks but it could prove a complication after an accord is signed because the bill lays down terms for Members of Parliament (MPs) accepting its terms. Rouhani aims to end Iran’s diplomatic isolation, wants a deal to ensure the lifting of sanctions that have hobbled the economy. However critics

COMMON CAUSE: Iranian members of parliament attend a ses-

sion of parliament in Tehran on Tuesday. – AFP

of his nuclear policy, including members of the conservativedominated legislature, say too many concessions have been made. The bill says the government must “preserve the country’s nuclear rights and achievements”, a reference to retaining the ability to enrich uranium and continuing to keep all its nuclear facilities open.

Such demands have already been enshrined in an outline agreement struck on April 2 between Iran and the P5+1 powers — Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States plus Germany. But the bill, whose backers said it would protect Iran’s negotiating team from further demands, goes further and says sanctions must be lifted “on the day Iran starts implementing its obligations”.

The timing of removal has become important as members of the P5+1 have said it can only happen upon international verification that Iran has met requirements laid down under a deal. Some 214 lawmakers out of 244 present supported the bill,

NAT I O N AT WA R

39 killed in southern Yemen ADEN: At least 39 people were killed and dozens wounded in 24 hours of clashes in the southern Yemeni cities of Aden and Dhaleh, officials said on Tuesday.

In Aden, Yemen’s second city, seven civilians died and 94 were wounded after Houthi rebels fired rockets on neighbourhoods controlled by troops loyal to exiled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, the city’s health chief P R O PAG A N D A T O O L

IS drowns, decapitates ‘spies’ in brutal video BAGHDAD: An IS militant group video released on Tuesday showed the militants murdering 16 men by drowning them in a cage, decapitating them with explosives and firing a rocketpropelled grenade into a car.

The video, apparently shot in Iraq’s Nineveh province, was one of the most brutal yet in a series released by the militants of killings of opponents in areas under IS control. IS has executed hundreds of people by gunfire, dozens by beheading, stoned some to death, thrown others from buildings and burned a captured Jordanian pilot alive. Videos of the killings are a key propaganda tool of the militants, used to shock and terrify their enemies as well as to draw in new recruits seeking the most brutal and active militant group.

The men killed in the latest video are said to be “spies”, with some of them making recorded “confessions”.

First, the militants lead four men to a car and close the doors, after which one fires a rocketpropelled grenade under the vehicle, setting it alight. A militant is later shown locking five men inside a metal cage, which is then lifted by a crane and submerged in what appears to be a dirty swimming pool. — AFP

Al Khader Laswar said. The fire destroyed several houses, according to Aden vice-governor Nayef Al Bakri.

Further north in Dhaleh, fierce clashes between Houthi fighters and loyalist troops killed 24 rebels and eight in the pro-Hadi camp, including a local commander, a local official said.

Both camps used heavy weapons after the rebels attacked

pro-government positions in the northern and eastern areas of the city, the official said, adding that there were dozens of wounded on either side.

A Saudi-led coalition has been pounding rebel positions in Yemen since March 26, following a Houthi advance from their northern stronghold into the capital Sanaa, and a subsequent push south towards Aden. — AFP

with 10 against, six abstentions and the remainder not voting.

The bill passed in Tehran allows inspections of nuclear sites but not military or sensitive non-nuclear establishments -- a refusal likely to alarm Western powers given their longstanding suspicion Iran is covertly developing an atomic bomb.

Rouhani’s spokesman, Mohammad Bagher Nobakht, said the draft law infringed the country’s defence and security policies. “This bill contradicts article 176 of the constitution. The issue of negotiations is in the sphere of the Supreme National Security Council... not the government or the parliament,” he said.

His comments came despite the bill being watered down on Sunday, with the task of supervising a nuclear deal being given to the SNSC, a committee ultimately controlled by Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Although parliament will still have to approve a nuclear deal it had wanted the right to have formal oversight. — AFP

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W EDN ESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015 If anybody helps a ‘bhagoda’ (fugitive), it is wrong. This is wrong legally as well as morally. If anybody meets a fugitive, it is absolutely wrong. Whosoever has helped him, I think it is completely wrong R. K. Singh, Former Home Secretary

INDIA

Modi silent on Lalit issue to protect ministers: Congress Congress party alleged that union

The allegations against the BJP leaders were have not been brought

by Congress. We as the Congress party demand their resignations on legal, ethical and moral grounds Sachin Pilot

ministers were also giving clean chits to Sushma Swaraj and Vasundhara Raje without any investigation and probe, thus ‘exposing’ the double standards of BJP

Pradesh Congress Committee president

JAIPUR: Stepping up attack on BJP leadership over Lalit Modi controversy, Congress on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was losing political capital by trying to protect foreign minister and Rajasthan chief minister through his continued silence on the “indefensible issue”.

The party alleged that union ministers were also giving clean chits to both the leaders without any investigation and probe, thus “exposing” the double standards of BJP. Demanding resignation Rajasthan PCC President Sachin Pilot, while demanding resignation of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and state Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje for helping former IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi, said that the allegations against them were levelled

by Lalit Modi himself and not the Congress party.

“The allegations against the BJP leaders were have not been

Helping Lalit is legally, morally wrong: BJP lawmaker NEW DELHI: BJP MP R. K. Singh on Tuesday struck a discordant note over party leaders Sushma Swaraj and Vasundhara Raje extending help to former IPL boss Lalit Modi, saying “any help to a fugitive is legally and morally wrong”. He urged the government to take all measures to bring him back to India to face the law.

Singh’s strong comments are the first public criticism by a ruling party MP against the

brought by Congress. We as the Congress party demand their resignations on legal, ethical and moral grounds,” Pilot said at a press conference here.

help extended to Lalit Modi

by External Affairs Minister Swaraj and Rajasthan Chief Minister Raje, an issue which has snowballed into a major political storm for the Narendra Modi government even though BJP has defended both the leaders. “If anybody helps a ‘bhagoda’ (fugitive), it is wrong.

This is wrong legally as well as morally. If anybody meets a fugitive, it is absolutely wrong.

Whosoever has helped him, I

“Ministers in Government of India are neither heads of investigation agencies nor judges in the court of law and it is very surprising that they, before investigation

think it is completely wrong,” Singh, a former Home Secretary, told reporters here.

He said Lalit Modi had been evading judicial warrants and summons and he was clearly a fugitive and any help given to him or any meeting with him was wrong. He did not name either Swaraj or Raje.

Asked if Lalit Modi was being “saved”, Singh said the departments concerned should be doing their job. - PTI

is conducted or finished by Enforcement Directorate, are giving clean chits to people against whom there are serious allegations,” he said. Pilot said, “No one in the par-

HEART DISEASE

Sister Nirmala, successor to Mother Teresa, dies at 81

ty and the government is denying existence of these documents. BJP said that till the documents were verified, they would not ask for her resignation but it will take the government of India one hour to verify authenticity of those documents,” he said.

Targeting Targeting the prime minister, Pilot said that his silence on indefensible issue has exposed him and he was losing political capital day by day.

PM’s words, “Na Khaunga Na Khane Dunga (neither will I take bribe, nor will I allow anyone to take bribe)”, have come to haunt him. He is losing political capital and he and his party have been fully exposed. BJP is obstinate on this issue but we will not let the issue die down,” he said.

“The party will raise it in parliament and in the state assembly sessions,” he added. Lalit Modi, who is alleged to have created black money and is fugitive of law, was helped by BJP leaders and this is also breach of law and violation of sections of IPC and CrPC. Demadning Raje’s resigantion to clear way for a thorough investigation, the Congress leader said, “Maharashtra Government sought clarification from Mumbai Police Commissioner regarding his meeting with Lalit Modi on the basis of a photograph but in case of Raje, there is a clear backing”.

When asked about BJP’s allegations on the son of former chief minister Ashok Gehlot about illegal transaction linked to a Mauritius-based company, the PCC President said that Gehlot has already clarified his stand.

He, however, also said that “everyone is equal before law, irrespective of political affiliation”.

“The former chief minister has already said that a probe from sitting judge of High Court can be conducted on allegations against his son, so nothing is left to say anything on this now,” he added. -PTI

Sister Nirmala Joshi

KOLKATA: Sister Nirmala Joshi, who succeeded Mother Teresa as head of her Missionaries of Charity in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata, died on Tuesday at the age of 81, church officials said.

Joshi had been suffering from a heart condition and her health had been deteriorating recently, confining her to a Missionaries of Charity home, Archbishop of Kolkata Thomas D’Souza and media reports said.

“She had been suffering from a heart disease for quite some time, but she never lost her smile and was always cheerful,” D’Souza said.

“She passed away peacefully, surrounded by sisters praying for her.”

Her body has been placed in St John’s church where some 60 nuns were singing and praying on Tuesday to celebrate her life, an AFP photographer said.

“Sister Nirmala carried forward Mother Teresa’s legacy of compassion, gentleness, service to the poorest of the poor and holiness of life,” D’Souza said.

As head of the order for 12 years, Nirmala kept up Mother Teresa’s work of helping the poor and sick in Kolkata’s slums, before stepping down in 2009 because of ill health.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led tributes to Sister Nirmala, who was born a Hindu but embraced Roman Catholicism later in life. - PTI

ANDHRA PRADESH

63 kilos of gold seized at airport VISAKHAPATNAM: In one of the major gold hauls in recent times in the region, as many as 63 kilo gram of gold bars, valued about Rs200 million in the market, were seized at Vizag airport in south India the other day.

Customs officials seized the smuggled gold during their routine baggage checking, airport sources said.

They also detained 55 pas-

sengers who had arrived on Silk Air, Air Asia and Malindo Air flights from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur in connection with the incident, they said.

55 passengers detained All the detained persons hail from Tamil Nadu. Sources in DRI and Customs said the smugglers split in three groups and boarded flights in Kuala Lumpur and Sin-

gapore. Their handlers were suspected to be in Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu.

To escape the scanners at the airport, the yellow metal was stuffed in battery transformers and other electronic gadgets, they said. The detained persons were merely carriers who handed over the contraband to their handlers outside the airport, sources said adding that further probe is on. - PTI UNITED KINGDOM

Three Indians win inaugural Queen’s Young Leaders award LONDON: Three Indians including two women have won the inaugural Queen’s Young Leaders award in the UK for “taking the lead in transforming the lives of others and making a lasting difference in their communities”.

Ashwini Angadi, 26, Devika Malik, 24, and Akshay Jadhao, 27, from India are among 60 others who received the Queen’s Young Leaders award from the British monarch at a gala ceremony in Buckingham Palace on Monday evening.

Queen’s Young Leaders award was set up by Queen Elizabeth II to recognise exceptional young people from across the Commonwealth.

Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust present the award to recognise young people from across the 53 countries of the Commonwealth who are “taking the lead in transforming the lives of others and making a lasting difference in their communities”.

Angadi was awarded for using her own experiences as a visually impaired student to lobby for more braille and audio books.

Jadhao, won for his efforts in launching education and skills courses in the rural farming region of Vidarbha. - PTI

W E D N E S DAY, JU N E 24, 2 0 1 5

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Karnataka challenges Jayalalithaa acquittal Jayalalithaa, her close aide Sasikala and two of her relatives, were on September 27 last year sentenced to four years in jail for accumulating wealth disproportionate to known sources of income in an 18-yearold corruption case

The appeal in the Supreme Court against the May 11 Karnataka High Court verdict acquitting J. Jayalalithaa also sought setting aside of the acquittal of Jaya’s close aide Sasikala and two of

NOT OUT OF WOODS: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa ad-

her relatives

dressing during an election campaign in her R K Nagar constituency for the by poll in Chennai on Monday. - PTI

NEW DELHI: Karnataka government on Tuesday challenged in Supreme Court the state High Court’s verdict acquitting J. Jayalalithaa in a disproportionate assets case that cleared the decks for the AIADMK supremo to return as the Chief Minister of south Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

The appeal against the May 11 verdict also sought setting aside of the acquittal of Jayalalithaa’s close aide Sasikala and two of her relatives, V. N. Sudhakaran and Elavarasi, on the grounds that Karnataka’s prosecuting agency was not made a party by them before the High court.

Computation of assets The petition, filed through advocate Joseph Aristotle, claimed that the High Court erred in computing the disproportionate assets of the AIADMK leader.

“The judge committed a grave mistake in totalling the ten items of loan by arriving at a figure of Rs241.7 million when, actually on

proper totalling, the same ought to be Rs106.7 million, resulting in erroneous decision that disproportionate assets is only to the extent of 8.12 per cent of the income when actually it works out to 76.7 per cent, the disproportionate assets being Rs163.2 million and the income as found being Rs212.6 million,” the plea said.

‘Erred in law’ The state government in the petition asked as to whether the High Court had “erred in law” by according the benefit of doubt to Jayalalithaa in pursuance of a Supreme Court judgement holding that an accused can be acquitted if his or her disproportionate assets was to the extent of ten per cent.

It also claimed that the High Court has erred in law in overruling the preliminary objections raised by the state government and added that the accused had filed their appeals against conviction without impleading Karnataka as a party.

The plea also referred to a recent

Supreme Court judgement holding that Tamil Nadu government had no right to appoint advocate Bhawani Singh as special public prosecutor (SPP) to appear in Karnataka High Court.

Sought stay State government has sought a stay on the High Court verdict saying that Jayalalithaa “was holding position of Chief Minister of the state at the time of the commission of the offences. The charges are grave. The order of acquittal has resulted in gross miscarriage of justice”.

The Karnataka High Court had on May 11 acquitted the AIADMK leader in the case, saying that her conviction by the special court suffered from infirmity and was not sustainable in law.

Special court verdict The special court had last year held Jayalalithaa guilty of corruption and sentenced her to four years imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 1 billion.

NAT U R E ’ S F U RY

Flood situation in Assam grim, 30,500 affected GUWAHATI: The flood situation in Assam deteriorated on Tuesday with more than 30,000 people suffering under the waters in more than 45 villages across the state.

Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said in its daily flood report that more than 30,500 people were affected as of now in 46 villages across

Barpeta, Dhemaji,Morigaon and Lakhimpur districts. Till Monday, over 27,000 people were affected in 72 villages under five districts across the state.- PTI

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Jayalalithaa, her close aide Sasikala and two of her relatives, were on September 27 last year sentenced to four years in jail for accumulating wealth disproportionate to known sources of income in an 18-year-old corruption case.

Guilty of corruption The Special Court, which had held Jayalalithaa and three others guilty of corruption, had also slapped a fine of Rs1 billion on the AIADMK chief and Rs100 million fine on each of the three other convicts. On October 17, 2014 the apex court had granted conditional bail to Jayalalithaa.

The apex court on April 17 had extended the bail of Jayalalithaa, which was to expire on April 18, till the disposal of her appeal in the Karnataka High Court.

A bench of Chief Justice H. L. Dattu had also granted the high court time till May 12 to decide the AIADMK chief’s appeal, which will be subject to a decision by a three-judge bench of the apex court. - PTI

H I N D U S TA N S A M A G A M P R O G R A M M E

Lalu, Nitish in show of bonhomie; vow to send BJP packing in Bihar elections PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD President Lalu Prasad on Tuesday came together at a platform for the first time after announcement of secular front for coming Bihar poll and promised to send BJP packing in state elections.

The two leaders who buried their hatchet to come together for Bihar polls targeted Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and showed bonhomie among them.

The occasion was Hindustan Samagam programme to discuss agenda for Bihar.

Earlier on two occasions, despite being scheduled, the two failed to share dais as Nitish Kumar skipped both functions apparently against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) creating roadblocks in process of merger and later tieup for Bihar elections.

Speaking first, Nitish Kumar hit at BJP and called it “worst practitioner” of caste politics in the country.

“While BJP accuses us of being ‘casteist’, the fact is that BJP’s politics is centred on caste and to gain votes its sparing no efforts to organise caste based meetings and convention,” Kumar said.

Kumar, who drove Janata Dal (United) to sever ties with BJP on June 16, 2013 over elevation of Narendra Modi as BJP’s prime ministerial candidate, made a mockery of saffron party’s claiming “share” in the good governance in the state since 2005 when National Democratic Alliance (NDA) came to power in Bihar.

“They are claiming share in good works even in ministries which were not with BJP ministers,” Kumar said mocking the claim.

Kumar alleged that BJP was trying to whip “communal frenzy” with an aim to derive votes of

ELATED: Bihar Chief Minister

Nitish Kumar and RJD chief Lalu Prasad at Hindustan Bihar Samagam 2015 in Patna on Tuesday. - PTI

majority section which was dangerous for the country.

RJD President Lalu Prasad defended joining hands with Nitish Kumar and said they hailed from same family.

He narrated past incidents since the days of Jayprakash Narayan’s 1974 movement to show their closeness.

The two are known in Bihar politics as “Bade bhai” (Lalu) and “Chote bhai” (Nitish).

“Nitish had helped me become Leader of Opposition in those days and also to become Chief Minister in 1990,” he said.

“Nitish was kidnapped by BJP whom I have set free now,” he said triggering laughter even by Kumar sitting by his side.

The RJD chief said they have come together to facilitate “ghar wapsi” of BJP in the elections.

Prasad after showing resistance initially accepted Nitish Kumar as CM face of secular alliance reportedly after Congress made it stand clear in favour of Kumar.

Prasad hailed the good work of Nitish Kumar in the state and reminded that journalists used to come in horde to see development in the state under him. -PTI

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PAKISTAN Heatwave death toll nears 700

MALALA ON VISIT TO US CAPITOL HILL

2014 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai, left, chats with Senator Richard Durbin during her visit to Capitol Hill in Washington, United States, on Tuesday.

Malala met with members of the House and Senate to share about her work globally, and speak out about the importance of education for girls internationally. — Reuters

The number of people who have died in the scorching weather has now reached 692, said a senior provincial health official

KARACHI: Nearly 700 people have so far died in a severe threeday heatwave in Pakistan, officials said on Tuesday, with medics battling to treat patients as a state of emergency was declared in hospitals.

A majority of the people died in government-run hospitals in the port city of Karachi, Pakistan’s economic hub of around 20 million people, as temperatures reached 45 degrees Celsius (111 Fahrenheit) at the weekend.

“The number of people who have died in the heatwave has now reached 692,” said Saeed Mangnejo, a senior provincial health official, adding that the toll may rise further.

The highest number of deaths have been recorded at Karachi’s largest hospital, Post Graduate Medical College Hospital, where they have treated more than 3,000 patients, doctor Semi Jamila told AFP. Pakistan’s largest charity, Edhi Welfare Organisation, said their two morgues in the city had received more than 400 corpses in the last three days.

“The mortuaries have reached capacity,” Edhi spokesman Anwar Kazmi told AFP. Meanwhile, seven people have died from the heat in Punjab province over the past 24 hours, officials said. The deaths came as the country observes Ramadan.

Some clerics have issued public warnings saying that physically weak people can abstain from fasting in these tough conditions.

Electricity shortages have crippled the water supply system in Karachi, hampering the pumping of millions of gallons of water to consumers, the state-run water utility said.

Temperatures remained at

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around 44.5 Celsius in Karachi on Tuesday but thunderstorms were forecast for the evening, Pakistan’s Meteorological Office said.

“Due to a low depression developing in the Arabian Sea, thunderstorms will likely begin this evening and might continue for the next three days,” a Meteorological official told AFP. The provincial government meanwhile announced a public holiday to encourage residents to stay inside, an official said. Many of the victims have been labourers who toil outdoors.

Some residents also took to hosing each other down with water on Tuesday to avoid collapsing from heat stroke.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has issued special instructions to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and other relevant organisations to arrange urgent assistance for the heatwave victims.

An official from the National Disaster Management Authority told AFP heatstroke treatment centres would be established at all hospitals across Sindh province, of which Karachi is the capital. The deaths come a month after neighbouring India suffered a deadly heatwave, with more than 2,000 deaths.

Hundreds of mainly poor people die at the height of summer every year in India, but this year’s toll was the second highest in the country’s history. — AFP

VISIT TO CAMPS

I M R A N FA R O O Q

UN official urges world not to ‘forget’ Afghan refugees PESHAWAR: The UN’s top official for refugees on Tuesday urged the world not to “forget” the millions of Afghans forced to live for decades in Pakistan because of war in their homeland.

Pakistan has the world’s second-largest refugee population, 1.5 million, most of them Afghans living for years in poor conditions in camps in the restive northwest.

Islamabad is keen for the refugees to return to Afghanistan, with more than 65,000 going back this year -- a big jump on last year’s 25,000.

Fragile On a visit to the camps in Pakistan, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres said Afghanistan, where security gains against the Taliban remain fragile and reversible, needed help to create an environment in which people returning could thrive.

“The attention of the international community has been fo-

END CALL SAVE LIVES

A TIMES OF OMAN HANDS-FREE DRIVING INITIATIVE

EXPRESSING CONCERN: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres, right, looks on during a visit to the UNHCR repatriation centre in Peshawar on Tuesday. — AFP

cused dramatically on the Middle East crisis in Syria, in Iraq, in Yemen,” Guterres said, noting that Afghans were still the second largest refugee group in the world, after Syrians.

“My appeal is for the international community to understand that this is not only the responsibility for Pakistan or Iran or other neighbouring countries, it is a collective responsibility.” — AFP

UK police to visit to quiz murder suspects ISLAMABAD: British police will arrive in Pakistan this week to interrogate two suspects in the London murder of a prominent Pakistani politician, a minister said on Tuesday.

Imran Farooq, 50, a founding member of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement party, was stabbed and beaten to death in Edgware in London as he returned home from work in September 2010.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said Pakistan would help the British police in a transparent investigation.

“We will ensure proper investigation without any prejudice, without any favour,” he said.

The suspects were arrested last week in the southwestern province of Balochistan near the Afghan border.

“The suspects are in custody of the Frontier Corps in Quetta. We will bring them to Islamabad and assist the British police in the investigations,” he said. — AFP

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T IME S O F O MAN

W EDN ESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

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Europe should strike a bargain with Greece

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hen the euro system’s leaders meet Monday night, the fate of the single currency and the larger European project will be in their hands. Greece and its creditors can finally start to undo the damage of recent months -- or else refuse to budge, and gamble on fatally undermining the whole European venture.

Putting things right will be hard because no trust remains between Greece’s government and the others. Yet the situation can still be retrieved. The purblind rigidity and casting of insults -- there’s been plenty of each from both sides -- have to stop. The discussion must set aside narrow technicalities and rise to the larger political ambitions at stake.

Three principles need to be uppermost.

First, the creditors should recognise that their disgust at a reckless government given to terms such as “pillaging,” “criminal” and “terror” in speaking of its partners doesn’t justify punishing the Greek people or putting their own economies at risk.

Second, they should admit that Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is correct on one vital point: The current bailout program rescued Greece’s creditors but condemned his country to long-term penury. It has failed. Even the International Monetary Fund acknowledges that it cannot work without further debt restructuring.

Third, every road out of this mess is going to be expensive for both sides. The challenge is to minimise the costs, broadly understood, then explain the reasoning to voters who may be skeptical or downright hostile. To do this, Europe’s leaders need to think big, and weigh the possible consequences of an ugly European divorce both in terms of economic contagion and geopolitical damage. They should reflect on some history. The Cold War started when US President Harry S. Truman resisted the Soviet threat to Greece; last week, Tsipras went to Russia to sign a deal for a jointly- owned natural gas pipeline that the European Unions says would be breach its rules. Applying the three principles, Greece’s creditors should release the remainder of the current bailout funds to keep Greece afloat through the summer and offer further debt relief as a part of a new long term deal. In return, Greece must accept demanding euro area fiscal economic reform conditions applying to rest of this year and beyond. But since Syriza is not to be trusted, the creditors should also attach a new string.

For the deal to be done, Tsipras must agree to hold a referendum at the earliest possible date (with wording acceptable to the creditors) that puts a clear choice to Greek voters: Accept these terms in full, and stay in the euro system; or reject them, and quit.

Tsipras ought to have done this already at his own initiative. He has no mandate to take Greece out of the euro system, or even to default, though his scorched-earth negotiating tactics suggest he thinks otherwise. Most Greeks want neither of those things. — Bloomberg View

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCE

Welcome to the dawn of the age of robots VIVEK WADHWA

A killing heat

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he country is under the hammer of one of the hottest summers on record. Karachi has been particularly hard-hit and on the day of the solstice — the longest day of the year — the mercury topped out at 107°F (42°C). It is estimated that over two days, the heat killed at least 120 people and disabled dozens more to the point at which they needed hospital treatment. Doctors speaking to the media reported that many people were already dead when they arrived at the hospital, with 30 brought in dead at the Jinnah Post-Graduate Medical Centre while another 55 died during treatment. The hot weather is going to affect the elderly and those already sick and hospitals expect a spike in admissions as a result, but the current heatwave must be regarded as exceptional.

Karachi is particularly poorly-equipped to cope with extremes of meteorological events, from extreme rainfall to extreme heat.

It has a ramshackle infrastructure that means that there are frequent power outages, which means that there is often no electrically-powered cooling and in many areas there is little potable water, with the water-tanker mafias ensuring that the poorest pay the most to stay hydrated. Medical services are quickly inundated in mass-casualty events such as this. Many daily-wagers will be working through the heat of the day at the same time as they are fasting — with several fatalities as a direct result. Elsewhere and in rural parts of the country, the power is off for up to 18 hours a day and there is likely to be little immediate respite. The pre-monsoon rains may only be ‘moderate’ in Karachi, although parts of lower Punjab and upper Sindh are seeing predictive rainfall of up to 40mm on June 23-24. Pakistan is going to experience an increase in the number and severity of extreme weather events as global warming advances. — Express Tribune

Instal cameras to catch unlawful lane changers As of late, while driving on the streets of Muscat, I have noticed a lot of drivers do not feel obligated to use indicators while changing lanes. This can be particularly unnerving if it is done close to cars in the other lanes, or, if the yellow line has been crossed in violation of traffic rules. I would like the concerned authorities to instal cameras to catch such offenders.

Justine Summers Muscat

Muscat residents must act to stave off weather impact This refers to the news story, Plan to help Muscat weather the storms (June 23). A programme to contain the adverse impact of inclement weather conditions is indeed

worth praise. I would like to point out certain areas that need attention of the residents themselves.

People should note that during rains the city’s low lying streets and residential areas get flooded.

The least they can do is not to venture to such places when it is about to rain. People who live in such localities need to think ahead and keep ready sand bags handy. The society needs to be proactive.

Prasad Kumar Muscat

Schools not promoting healthy lifestyle This refers to the news story, Healthy lifestyle curbs cholesterol (June 23). This advice is welcome indeed. However, in my view the present social climate does not prepare people to able to main-

After watching the DARPA Challenge and observing the rapid advances of computing, artificial intelligence, and sensor technologies, I see Rosie being very close to reality

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rowing up, I believed that very soon we would all have robots like Rosie, from “The Jetsons,” cleaning up after us. For those out there who are too young to remember “The Jetsons,” Rosie is the family’s domestically adroit robot maid. After all, why should anyone waste time doing dishes or folding clothes? I longed for a droid friend like C-3PO, Luke Skywalker’s robot buddy from “Star Wars.”

But Rosie never came. All I got was a Roomba — an automated vacuum cleaner that goes round and round. And the closest thing to C-3PO on the mass market is Siri, who is cute, but not terribly clever, and, beyond superficial capabilities, conversationally challenged. Even in this exponential era, we seem far away from robots that can talk to us, help us keep our home clean or perform unstructured tasks.

If you watched the videos of the robots from the DARPA Robotics Challenge, you might believe that we may never see Rosie in real life.

The robots were required to navigate an eighttask course simulating a disaster zone. Tasks included driving alone, walking through rubble, tripping circuit breakers, turning valves, and climbing stairs. Despite the best efforts of the world’s best roboticists, the robots were slow and clumsy. They kept falling over, and moved at the speed of molasses. In fact, no robots can quickly perform tasks we humans consider mundane. Picking up a towel from a laundry basket and neatly folding it is something robots still struggle to do. So it appears that these droids are not yet a threat to human jobs, let alone saviours for countries, such as Japan, that face significant demographic challenges due to their rapidly aging populations.

But after watching the DARPA Challenge and observing the rapid advances of computing, artificial intelligence, and sensor technologies, I see Rosie being very close to reality. These technologies are all advancing at exponential rates. And exponential technologies can be deceptive. Things move very slowly at first, but then disappointment turns into amazement.

That is what I believe will happen with robotics over the next five to 10 years. Amazing progress is being made in the underlying hardware and software. In part, that’s because costs have plunged. The single-axis controller, a core part of most robots’

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Peace begins with a smile MOTHER TERESA

inner working, has plunged in price from $1,000 to $10. And according to Rob Nail, the chief executive of Singularity University, the price of critical sensors for navigation and obstacle avoidance has fallen from $5,000 to less than $100.

It is notable, too, that three teams — and incidentally, three different designs — completed the DARPA Challenge course. That’s better than in the DARPA Grand Challenge in 2004, in which no self-driving car came close to finishing. Now, only 11 years later, self-driving cars are legal in eight US states and a common sight on the streets of the Bay Area.

A clue about how fast this can happen can be found in the world of drones. Less than a decade ago, drones with real capabilities were expensive, rather large, and very hard to fly. Today, consumer drones are starting to match the capabilities of the fancy Predators and other custom-made, expensive unmanned aerial vehicles flown by the US military.

Companies such as Shenzhen-based DJI Innovations are selling drones with the same capability as the original military ones, for less than $1,000.

These Chinese firms are, in turn, competing with even cheaper drones, created by amateurs around the world, who share their designs for free in communities online. It’s safe to say that drones are the first technology in history of which the toy industry and hobbyists are beating the military-industrial complex at its own game. These personal drones can do everything that military drones can, aside from blow up stuff.

That drones have achieved autonomy and low cost before robots is not surprising. It takes serious coding to have a semi-autonomous bipedal robot stay on its feet, not to mention detect its surroundings. Moving around in a cluttered, ever shifting environment is precisely the sort of task that humans learn to do from very young ages but robots struggle to replicate, because it is computationally expensive. (Folding clothes and doing dishes are two other examples of these types of tasks.)

For voice recognition, we are already pretty close to C-3PO-like capabilities. Both Apple and Google use artificial intelligence to do a reasonably good job of translating speech to text, even in noisy environments. No bot has passed the Turing Test yet, but they are getting closer and closer. When it happens, your droid will be able to converse with you in complex, human-like interactions. — The Washington Post

tain such habits. A number of schools here either do not have a playground or do not have weekly games classes. In such conditions I don’t know how a nation can achieve a health culture. Another thing that I have noted is that although the capital has lots of parks most do not have proper jogging tracks. Moreover, the big ones do not open around sunrise when the air is clean and healthy.

Sadaf Naz Mabella

Educate Pakistani masses to avoid heatwave deaths This refers to the mounting death toll in Pakistan’s Sindh province due to an ongoing heatwave.

Although everyone is blaming the weather; it is actually a man made crisis. The federal government

has been trumpeting its power generation efforts no end, however, what we are seeing at present are severe electricity outages. These cuts have led to water shortages.

The provincial Pakistan Peoples’ Party government is likewise responsible. At the end of the day due to these delusional policies — where the present problems are ignored and new schemes hatched — it seems unlikely both Islamabad and Karachi will learn anything from all this. It is hoped that the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz will forget about politics and act to save people in the short-term. In the long-term, educating the masses about what to do in such a weather is more important than merely installing power plants.

Sameer Bunori Al Khuwair

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

T I M E S O F OM A N

W E D N E S DAY, JU N E 24, 2 0 1 5

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PERSPEC IVE Republican’s case for From economic Obama’s Cuba policy booms to busts I

was born in Havana in November 1953, about six years before Fidel Castro led a revolution in Cuba. In July 1960, my family fled to the United States in search of freedom. Like many Cubans, they left behind close relatives, a business, property and memories. We lost everything.

My parents’ decision to seek exile in the United States has been the single most important event of my life. Thanks to their vision, and the safety and opportunity of this country, I have achieved personal and professional success beyond anything I could have imagined as a 7-year-old refugee in Miami. I became a citizen, embraced my life as a new American and fell in love with the New York Yankees. Like many fellow Republicans and Cuban-Americans, I was critical when President Obama announced in December 2014 that his administration would begin to normalize ties between the United States and Cuba. After years of hostility and failed attempts at détente, I wondered: Did the Cuban government really want better ties with America, or was this simply another chess move in a tired game? After all, Obama is not the first president to try to change the relationship with Cuba - Castro’s revolution has outlived 10 American administrations.

Today, I am cautiously optimistic for the first time in 56 years. I see a glimmer of hope that, with Cuba allowing even a small amount of entrepreneurship and many American companies excited about entering a new market, we can actually help the Cuban people. My 30-year career at the Kellogg Company taught me that, at its best, business can have a transformational and uplifting impact on communities and whole societies. It is because of that belief that I have always been proud to call myself a Republican.

As secretary of commerce in the administration of George W. Bush, I was a voice for American business abroad and saw firsthand that our private sector could be the best ambassador for American values, such as the power of free enterprise to raise living standards and the importance of being free to work where one chooses.

I believe that it is now time for Republicans and the wider American business community to stop fixating on the past and embrace a new approach to Cuba.It has now been six months since Obama’s policy shift was announced. Both governments have confirmed plans to open embassies, and

CARLOS M. GUTIERREZ

From a governmentto-government perspective, there has not been so much communication between the United States and Cuba in 50 years. I never expected negotiations to get this far

negotiations have covered a variety of issues, including the extradition of American fugitives who fled to Cuba. Almost every week a new congressional delegation lands in Havana. From a governmentto-government perspective, there has not been so much communication between the United States and Cuba in 50 years. I never expected negotiations to get this far.

On the business side, scores of Americans have begun to travel to Cuba under expanded licences.

American credit card companies have been authorised to handle transactions in Cuba. Some of the most innovative companies in the world, like Airbnb and Netflix, have begun to offer their services in Cuba. The New York Cosmos soccer team has played exhibition matches on the island, and the National Basketball Association has sponsored a workshop in Havana. Some presidential candidates, including the Cuban-American senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, have argued that Obama has conceded too much. The truth is that the changes so far have been incremental and this will be a long and gradual process.

Contrary to popular belief, Obama’s executive actions do not allow for free and open commerce with Cuba, nor do they open the doors for Americans to visit the island as tourists; the HelmsBurton Act of 1996 codified the embargo that prohibits most American companies from undertaking transactions with Cuba, and travel remains restricted. Rather, the reforms have allowed some American companies and individuals to engage in limited additional activities in Cuba.

Perhaps most critical among these activities has been granting Americans the right to support a new generation of Cuban-born entrepreneurs and Cuban-run small businesses. This move is a logical response to a change allowed by the Castro regime in recent years. These small-business owners and their employees will need tools, supplies, building materials and training in accounting, logistics and other areas. The new reforms allow American citizens and businesses to address such needs, and I am hopeful the Cuban government will allow its citizens to take full advantage of their assistance. Cubans yearn not only for these interactions but also for a time when they can enjoy opportunities to chart their own course in life without having to leave their home, as I did 55 years ago. — The New York Times

Why colleges should admit ex-felons

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n 2001, Vivian Nixon was released from the New York State prison system. After 3 1/2 years behind bars for a drugrelated felony, she wanted to rebuild her life. She wanted something better for herself.

So Nixon applied for college.

She started with an application for State University of New York College (SUNY) at Old Westbury, a state school on Long Island. She answered all the standard questions: name, previous education, desired major. Then, she came to a question asking whether she had a criminal background. There were two boxes — yes and no. She checked yes.

The school didn’t reject Nixon immediately. First, they asked her for an array of supplementary materials — an official rap sheet, a letter explaining her crime and what she’d done since, and additional letters of recommendation. Nixon provided them, but ultimately Old Westbury denied her admission.

Many former prisoners have felt this chilling effect of “the box,” which has spurred a national campaign to ban questions about criminal history on applications.

But the “Ban the Box” campaign

KERI BLAKINGER

has focused its effort on job applications. The idea has gained support in 17 states and more than 100 municipalities that have passed laws making it more difficult for employers to discriminate against people with convictions. In February, Georgia made it unlawful for state agencies to ask about criminal backgrounds on job applications. Virginia adopted a similar law in April.

And the New York City Council approved “ban the box” legislation this month, prohibiting both public and private employers from asking job applicants about their criminal histories.

Because people with jobs are less likely to commit crimes, these laws reduce recidivism and keep communities safer. But even in areas that ban the box on job applications, education remains a barrier to gainful employment for many people with criminal backgrounds.

There are no prohibitions on asking about criminal history on college applications.

Research on the effect of “the box” on college admissions decisions, while limited, suggests that it’s a major hurdle for applicants with criminal histories. In 2010,

the Center for Community Alternatives surveyed 3,248 colleges about how they use applicants’ criminal histories in admissions.

Of the 273 responding colleges, 55 percent said they do ask about criminal history on their initial applications and use the information in the admissions process.

The Common Application, accepted at more than 500 schools nationwide, has a criminalhistory question.

Alan Rosenthal, a criminal defence attorney and an author of the 2010 study, notes that “the box” presents a two-fold problem for college applicants with criminal histories.

First, it typically triggers secondary application requirements that result in a high application attrition rate. Former inmates are often asked to obtain official documents and to complete additional paperwork that can be onerous and sometimes outright impossible to get.

The additional requirements can include getting recommendations from a corrections official and an employer, obtaining an official list of charges filed, and a conversation with the applicant’s parole officer. — The Washington Post

NOAH SMITH

D

o economic booms cause economic busts?

To a lot of people, this seems like a silly question to even ask. Of course booms cause busts, they say. Excessive greed or optimism or easy credit leads to overinvestment, soaring asset prices and unsustainable borrowing binges. What goes up must come down, and the surest sign of a bust tomorrow is a boom today.

So many people instinctively believe this that it would astonish most people to learn that for the last half-century, this hasn’t been the way macroeconomists -- the type working as university professors, anyway -- think about the business cycle.

For the past half-century, the academic macro story has gone something like this: There is a general trend of rising growth and prosperity in the US economy, caused by steady improvements in technology. But this steady course is disturbed by unpredictable events -- “shocks” -- that temporarily slow growth or speed it up. The shocks might last for a while, but a positive shock today doesn’t mean a negative shock tomorrow. Recessions and booms are like rainy days and sunny days -- when you look back on them, it looks like they alternate, but really they’re just random.

Why did macroeconomists arrive at this conclusion? First of all, the most simple theory of booms and busts -- that the economy is like a wave, peaking and plunging at regular intervals -- doesn’t hold up.

The occurrence of booms and busts is highly irregular.

Some people tried to compensate by making the models very complex and chaotic, but the math got too hard, and in the end, chaotic systems usually just end up looking random anyway.

At this point macroeconomists turned to the “trendplus- shocks” model that they still mostly use today. But since the grand debacle of 2008 and 2009, there has been a lot of pressure on macroeconomic theorists, from both within academia and without (but mostly from without), to discard old ideas and try new ones.

So a small handful of macroeconomists are turning back to the old idea that booms cause busts, and vice versa. “About time,” you might say. But academic research paradigms are very difficult ships to turn around, and researchers are often less like captains and more like prisoners chained below decks.

Publish some pathbreaking theoretical idea, and you might become a hero, but it’s even more likely that you will just get your paper rejected,

especially if there isn’t some extremely convincing empirical support. For the most part, only the most famous and well-established researchers can get radical ideas taken seriously.

Paul Beaudry and Franck Portier are two such researchers. They are famous for a 2006 theory saying that news about future changes in productivity could be what cause recessions and booms. That model never really caught on -- it always had some issues with the data, and it definitely didn’t seem to be able to explain the Great Recession. But it inspired further research, and it was an interesting and novel idea.

Now, Beaudry and Portier, along with co-author Dana Galizia, are going after bigger fish. They want to resurrect the idea that booms cause recessions.

In a new paper called “Reviving the Limit Cycle View of Macroeconomic Fluctuations,” Beaudry and Portier try to think of reasons whybooms might cause busts.

The mechanism they come up with is pretty simple. You have a whole bunch of people -- basically, companies -- who invest in their businesses. The amount other people invest affects the amount I want to invest, but I can only adjust my investment slowly. When you have feedback effects like this, you’re going to get instability in your model economy, and that’s exactly what the authors find -- the economy experiences booms and busts in a chaotic, unstable way. To reproduce the randomness found in the real economy, the authors simply add in some random “shocks” to productivity.

Now, this exercise will be infuriating to some “heterodox” macroeconomists, who have been conducting similar exercises in obscurity for decades, largely ignored by the mainstream of the profession. But it’s an interesting exercise nonetheless, for two main reasons.

The first thing it shows is that academic macroeconomists are starting to question their most basic, fundamental assumptions about how the economy works. Maybe the old macroeconomics, which critics had long said needed to be tossed out, really was smashed by the crisis. If this paper is any indication, it means macroeconomists are casting around for big new ideas, which in turn means that they have realised that they don’t know what’s going on. The second thing it shows is that if you add even a little bit of the right kind of feedback into an economic system, it becomes unstable. Heterodox macroeconomists have long been yelling that this is the case, but now some heavy hitters in the mainstream are finally starting to catch on to the idea as well. — Bloomberg News

World’s highest-paid politicians

TODAY IN HISTORY

Senators in Nigeria’s National Assembly – already among the highest paid in the world – are each set to receive more than $700,000 a year in perks, while seven in ten fellow Nigerians live on less than a dollar a day

$177,600 Senator’s annual salary (US dollars)

President Muhammadu Buhari Campaigned against waste and corruption

$2,546

FROM OUR ARCHIVES

Wardrobe allowance (annual)

$24,974 Housing allowance (once in four years)

$37,460 Furniture allowance (once in four years)

$49,947 Car loan (never repaid)

$112,380 Vehicle maintenance (annual)

$99,895 Constituency allowance (annual)

$74,921 Newspapers (annual)

$112,380 Domestic staff (annual) Leave allowance $14,984 Recess allowance $14,984 Severance gratuity $37,460 (once in four years)

Other annual perks Hardship allowance $74,921 Utilities allowance $49,947 $37,460 Personal assistant

Senators’ salaries (per annum) United Kingdom (MP) $106,618

$49,947 Entertainment (annual)

Canada

$142,400

Australia

$152,048

United States $174,000 Source: Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Quartz Africa

Nigeria $177,600 Total including expenses: $887,521 Graphic News /

Graphics

HOSNI TO ATTEND LABOUR MEETING IN GENEVA

MUSCAT: Sheikh Amer bin Shuwain Al Hosni, Minister of Social Affairs, Labour and Vocational Training, is due to leave on Thursday for Geneva to attend the meetings of the 88th session of the international labour conference, to be held from tomorrow.

The meetings will discuss several topics including a report by the head of the board and director general of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), developing human resources and vocational training, review of the agreements relevant to the topics of motherhood protection, safety and health in farming, working hours in mines and reducing working hours. The minister will be accompanied by a delegation that comprises representatives of the three productive parties, the government, business owners and labourers.

1700

Russia gives up its Black Sea fleet as part of a truce with the Ottoman Empire.

1760

Austrian forces defeat the Prussians at Landshut, Germany.

1902

Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy renew the Triple Alliance for a 12-year duration.

1934

Italy gains the right to colonise Albania after defeating the country.

1966

Civil Rights marchers in Mississippi are dispersed by tear gas.

HISTORYNET.COM

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W EDN ESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

GLOBAL EYE

UNITED STATES: A pickup truck drives through a flooded roadway at W Daisy Place after a tornado struck the previous day on Tuesday in Coal City, Illinois. — Jon Durr/Getty Images/AFP

FRENCH GUYANA: A handout picture taken on Monday and

CHINA: Belgium’s King Philippe, second left, and Queen Mathilde, centre, receive an umbrella as a gift while visiting a Wanda Group theatre to watch a performance, in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, on Monday. — Reuters/Stringer

released on Tuesday by the European Space Agency shows a European Vega rocket blasting off in Kourou, French Guyana carrying the Sentinel-2A satellite for Europe’s Copernicus Earth observation programme. — AFP/ESA/CNES/ARIANE ESPACE

JAPAN: Flame of Peace is seen at Peace Memorial Park where

NETHERLANDS: Dutch Princess Laurentien, centre, attends the

commemorating those who died in the battle of Okinawa during World War II, in Itoman on Japan’s southern island of Okinawa, on Tuesday, to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the battle. -Reuters/Kyodo

BRITAIN: Traffic passes an anti-fracking sign in the village of

Little Plumpton, Britain on Tuesday. Lancashire County Council is debating an application by shale gas firm Cuadrilla Resources to frack on the Fylde coast, local media reported. — Reuters

presentation of the temperature sticker of the supermarket Lidl, in the battle against food waste, in the presence of pupils in Huizen, Netherlands. The sticker serves as a reminder to turn the refrigerator on 4 degrees, the optimum temperature to preserve food. AFP/ANP

KENYA: A trader salvages a bundle of clothing after a fire burned through part of Gikomba market, East Africa’s largest second hand clothing market, in Nairobi, Kenya, on Tuesday. — AFP

W E D N E S DAY, JU N E 24, 2 0 1 5 O Samsung Medical Centre was unable to stop the MERS Our iinfection and its spread, and caused too much suffering and concern to the public. I bow my head in apology a Jay Y. Lee, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics Co Ltd J

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WORLD

Samsung scion apologises for MERS About half of the 175 MERS cases in South Korea have been traced to the Samsung Medical Centre run by a group foundation

SEOUL: The heir-apparent of South Korea’s massive Samsung Group bowed in apology during a nationally televised address on Tuesday for failing to stop the spread of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) at a Seoul hospital run by a group foundation.

About half of the 175 MERS cases in South Korea have been traced to the Samsung Medical Center, tarnishing the image of one of the coun-

try’s most prestigious hospitals.

The South Korean outbreak is the largest outside Saudi Arabia, and 27 patients have died.

Jay Y. Lee, the only son of Samsung Group patriarch Lee Kunhee, said the conglomerate would do everything it could to stop the outbreak and revamp care at Samsung Medical Centre, located in Seoul’s wealthy Gangnam district.

Lee Kun-hee has been hospitalised at the centre since a heart attack last year.

“Our Samsung Medical Centre was unable to stop the MERS infection and its spread, and caused too much suffering and concern to the public. I bow my head in apology,” the younger Lee said in rare public remarks by the man set to lead South Korea’s largest familyrun conglomerate, or chaebol.

“We have failed to live up to the expectation and trust of the public,” he said.

Lee had previously visited the hospital during the outbreak but did not make a statement.

The hospital’s chief has also made public apologies.

NAT U R E ’ S F U RY

World Bank promises loan of up to $500m for quake-hit Nepal

DEVASTATION: Pedestrians walk past damaged temples at the UNESCO world heritage site of Bhaktapur on the outskirts of the Nepalese capital Kathmandu, following a 7.8 magnitude earthquake which struck the Himalayan nation on April 25 in this photograph taken on April 30. - AFP

WASHINGTON: The World Bank on Tuesday promised a loan of up to half a billion dollars to help Nepal rebuild after earthquakes killed nearly 9,000 people there in April and May, levelling homes and pushing hundreds of thousands of people deeper into poverty.

The global development lender, based in Washington, said it would lend $300 million for housing reconstruction and budgetary support, and a further $100 million to $200 million could be redirected from existing loans and be replaced at a later date. The loan would be paid back over 38 years, and carries an interest rate of 1.56 per cent, bank officials said.

Nepal said reconstruction from its worst disaster on record would cost some $6.6 billion over five years, and asked international donors to attend a conference this week to help.

Nepal’s Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat said only some of that figure was expected to be paid for by donors, with the rest

met through the government’s own resources, the private sector and individuals.

He warned that Nepal should not become heavily indebted to foreign agencies during reconstruction.

“We will ask for grants and concessional loans payable over a long period of time,” Mahat said.

Nepal owes about $3.8 billion, mainly to development banks, or 18 percent of GDP, and is due to pay back $200 million this year.

It has almost no commercial foreign debt.

The Jubilee Debt Campaign, an activist group, has called for Nepal’s debt to be cancelled after the earthquake.

Aid, including loans from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, already supports two-thirds of Nepal’s economic development.

One in every four Nepalis lives on a daily income of less than $1.25, and the number of poor increased by 700,000 after the quake, according to government officials. - Reuters

S O U T H C H I NA S E A WAT E R S

Japan, Philippine army planes take flight near disputed waters

PUERTO PRINCESA: Japanese and Philippine military planes flew together near disputed South China Sea waters on Tuesday, as the two countries deepened their alliance in the face of separate territorial disputes with China.

A Japanese P-3C Orion and a Philippine Islander plane flew to-

gether from the western island of Palawan with three Filipino military observers aboard the Japanese plane, according to Philippine spokesman Commander Lued Lincuna.

“They flew outside the territorial waters for a familiarisation flight. Outside, going west,” he said. - AFP

tients and their families have experienced,” he said.

TAKING NO CHANCES: A woman, right, walks past South Korean policemen wearing face masks in Seoul on Tuesday. South Korea reported three new MERS cases but no additional deaths, bringing to 175 the total number of confirmed cases. - AFP

South Korea’s MERS outbreak, traced to a businessman who returned last month from the Middle East, has scared off tourists and dealt a blow to the economy as consumers stay home. Its health ministry said the outbreak appears

to have levelled off, with new infections reported in recent days in the low single digits, including three on Tuesday.

Lee, who turned 47 on Tuesday, became vice chairman of group flagship Samsung Electronics Co

Ltd in 2012 and is expected to take the reins of that company and the overall group.

“My father has been lying at this hospital for more than a year,” he said. “I understand even to a small degree the worry and pain that pa-

Criticised Samsung Medical Centre, which was founded in 1994, has been criticised after it was revealed that a MERS patient had been in its emergency ward for two-and-ahalf days before being diagnosed, coming into contact with nearly 900 people, including staff.

Such waits are not unusual at the most sought-after hospitals in Seoul, where patients can wait days for a room to open, a local custom that has been blamed by experts for exacerbating the country’s MERS outbreak.

The hospital later suspended most services when an emergency ward orderly tested positive for the virus after working for a number of days despite having symptoms and coming into contact with more than 200 people.

South Korea’s health ministry said on Tuesday 54 people who had tested positive for the virus have recovered and been discharged from hospital. - Reuters

A16

W EDN ESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

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the order and helping my security to get me out, and save my life , said former Ukraine president Viktor Yanukovych

LONDON: Former Ukraine president Viktor Yanukovych has thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for “saving my life” during the bloody demonstrations that led to his ouster.

Yanukovych, currently exiled in Russia, told the BBC that he would like to return to Ukraine one day and blamed the country’s plight on the demonstrators who occupied Kiev’s Maidan Square -- the

focal point of the uprising against his rule. Months of protests led to a bloody crackdown that claimed more than 100 lives and ultimately toppled the president.

Yanukovych fled to Russia on February 23, 2014, with the help of Moscow’s troops.

“The fact that Vladimir Putin took that decision, on the recommendation of his own special forces, that was his right and his

business,” he said in the interview, aired on BBC’s Newsnight on Monday.

“I am of course grateful to him for giving the order and helping my security to get me out, and save my life,” he added.

Accusation The former leader accused his opponents of mounting a “military coup”, adding: “they’ve broken up the country. They’ve drawn the whole world into this conflict.”

Separatists in the country’s east have been waging a war for independence from Kiev’s new proWestern leadership since March 2014. The campaign has claimed

the lives of nearly 6,500 and driven more than a million people from their homes. Yanukovych insisted that he did not give any orders to use firearms against protesters, but admitted he could have done more to prevent bloodshed.

In one of the interview’s more

bizarre moments, he defended his opulent mansion, whose gates were thrown open after his departure, saying that the ostriches in the residence’s petting zoo “just happened to be there”. Ukrainian officials accuse him of embezzling millions of dollars. — AFP DIVORCE SETTLEMENT

Berlusconi ex-wife to get $1.5m a month ROME: Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi has been ordered to pay his former wife $1.5 million (1.4 million euros) in alimony as part of a divorce settlement, Italian media reported on Tuesday.

Veronica Lario, 58, was married to the billionaire media magnate and politician for nearly 25 years before officially divorcing him in 2014.

She was initially awarded an allowance of 3 million euros per month but Berlusconi, 78, appealed the amount.

On Tuesday, a court in Monza near Milan confirmed he would only have to pay her half, or 1.4 million euros. The two separated in 2009 after Berlusconi was embroiled in a scandal following his participation in the birthday party of 18-year-old Noemi Letizia. At the time of the separation, Lario told the press that she “could not stay with a man who associates with minors”.

In 2011, the former prime minister was also accused of paying underage exotic dancer Karima El Mahroug — known as “Ruby the Heart Stealer” — for “bunga bunga” parties at his Milan villa. After being convicted in 2013, Berlusconi was cleared of all charges earlier this year. — AFP WA R R A N T

Rwandan spy chief arrested in London LONDON: British police have arrested the head of Rwanda’s intelligence service Karenzi Karake on a warrant issued by Spain, officials said Tuesday, sparking outrage from Kigali.

The British police said Karake was held on suspicion of war crimes, apparently in reference to a 2008 arrest warrant from a Spanish court for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and terrorism.

However, a Spanish judicial source said some of those allegations have since been dropped and Karake was now wanted for terrorism offences relating to the deaths of several Spaniards in Rwanda in the 1990s.

The Rwandan government condemned the detention of the 54-year-old general, who has been President Paul Kagame’s spy chief since 2011, branding it an “outrage.”

Unacceptable “Western solidarity in demeaning Africans is unacceptable!!” Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo said on Twitter, calling the arrest “lunacy”.

Justice Minister Johnston Busingye has “sought explanation” from British authorities over the move, which came after Karake had been on official business in London for a week, according to Rwanda’s New Times newspaper.

Karake was arrested on Saturday morning at London’s Heathrow Airport and after an initial court hearing, was remanded in custody pending another hearing on Thursday, the Metropolitan Police said. — AFP

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CURRENCY RATES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.28 Pound ........................................... 1.63 Indian Rs .............................164.80 Pak Rs ....................................260.01 Bangla Taka.......................199.52

Indian Rs .................................. 165.00 Pakistan Rs ............................. 263.10 Sri Lanka Rs .......................... 344.90 Bangla Taka.............................201.70 Phil Peso .................................... 116.50

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

Oman Crude............. (Spot) .........$61.58 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) ..........$61.18 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) .........$63.51 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ........ $60.78 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ........$63.29 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) ........$60.28

* Rates are as of June 23 Source: Bank Muscat

* Rates as of June 23 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) .......14.65 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ............143.25 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) ............ 136.00 * Rates as of June 23 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

Al Madina Insurance plans to acquire Vision Insurance A. E. JAMES

businesseditor@timesofoman.com

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and satisfactory financial, business, legal due diligence

MUSCAT: Al Madina Insurance Company, the Sultanate’s first Islamic insurance firm, is planning to acquire Vision Insurance.

Al Madina’s board has expressed interest in fully acquiring Vision Insurance, but the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and satisfactory financial, business and legal due diligence.

Gautam Datta, chief executive officer of Al Madina Insurance,

said that the main objective for the acquisition was to achieve an inorganic growth. “Organic growth can at times impose constraints on return on capital.”

Further, Datta said that in a small insurance market with many players like Oman, the proposed acquisition would enable the company to achieve better returns on its capital, which is at OMR17.5 million now.

“We have to look at all opportunities to increase our stakeholder’s value and this is one of them,”

GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIES

US-Gulf airlines’ subsidy spat reaches a ‘deadlock’ HONG KONG: A dispute between the largest US airlines and Gulf carriers over alleged subsidies has reached an impasse and should be taken up at the government level, the head of American Airlines Group said.

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Continental Holdings contend that Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways receive government subsidies that allow them to compete unfairly.

Talks with counterparts at Gulf airlines haven’t resolved the issue, American Airlines Chief Executive Officer Doug Parker said

American Airlines CEO Doug Parker. — Bloomberg file picture

on Tuesday in Hong Kong.

“We’ve agreed to disagree and I think this now belongs with governments, not CEOs,” Parker said

at a media briefing.”We can compete with airlines; we can’t compete with countries.”

The major US airlines say Gulf carriers have received $42 billion in subsidies from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, allowing them to win market share by offering cheap international connections through their hubs.

The US airlines have asked the government to keep the Gulf carriers from adding more US flights pending a review of Open Skies air treaties among the countries.

“We’re petitioning the government to enforce our trade laws,” Parker said. - Bloomberg News

he explained. This is one way in which the company can better service its capital.

Al Madina’s shares surged ahead by 2.25 per cent to 91 baisas amid 147,000 shares changing hand on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) on Tuesday, after announcing the merger plans.

In fact, insurance regulator Capital Market Authority (CMA) has been encouraging consolidation and strengthening of local insurance firms with higher capital base to retain underwriting

income within the country. “This also falls in line with the CMA’s long-term objective for the market,” he added.

“This will add value to our shareholders and policyholders and have a positive impact on our income and strengthening of insurance sector in Sultanate of Oman,” Al Madina said in a disclosure statement posted on MSM website.

Oman government last year raised the minimum capital of insurance firms to OMR10 million

from OMR5 million and asked national insurance companies to float shares on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) within three years.

The existing companies have been given a grace period of three years to raise their minimum capital to OMR10 million. Vision Insurance has a capital base of OMR5 million and the company has to raise its capital to OMR10 million and list its shares within the stipulated period, if it does not proceed with the merger plan.

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W EDN ESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

MARKET CLEAN ENERGY

SoftBank plans $20b solar power project in India TOKYO: Japan’s SoftBank will tie up with Bharti Enterprises and Foxconn Technology in a $20 billion solar power venture in India, as the nation seeks to expand clean energy output about fivefold by 2022.

The project will aim to add 20 gigawatts of solar generating capacity, SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son said at a briefing in New Delhi on Monday. He spoke alongside Bharti’s Sunil Mittal, who said SoftBank will control the venture, with Bharti and Foxconn having minority stakes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal is for India to have 100 gigawatts of solar capacity to curb blackouts and pollution, up from 4.1 gigawatts now. The challenge

is finding the $94 billion needed to pay for a clean-energy overhaul that reduces India’s reliance on dirty, coal-fired plants. Son’s venture, if successful, would account for a fifth of Modi’s objective.

“The question is whether Japanese investors can get comfortable with the Indian market, where local companies have been bidding extremely aggressively in tenders, and there are risks around land ownership and transmission build that may not be what SoftBank is used to in Japan,” said Vandana Gombar of Bloomberg New Energy Finance in New Delhi. Still, “there is no shortage of opportunity in India.”

SoftBank rose 1.2 per cent to

efficient,” Son said. “So it makes a lot of sense to create large scale solar power generation.”

¥7,410 in Tokyo trading on Tuesday. The shares have gained 2.7 per cent this year, compared to the 18 per cent gain for the Nikkei 225 Stock Average. Son said he will aim to invest $20 billion over the next decade, with the pace depending on the cooperation he

receives from India’s central and state governments.

India has two times more sunshine than Japan and construction costs for solar parks that are half those of Japan, Son said.

“Twice the sunshine, half the cost; that means four times more

Rajasthan and Andhra The new venture will look at potential sites in Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh states, Mittal said. It also will aim to manufacture solar panels in India.

The intention is to start the the first project in one to one-andhalf-year, Mittal said.

“Finding good projects is a challenge for every developer, and spending $20 billion on good projects may not be easy,” Gombar said.

Son said SoftBank can bring its experience of the solar industry in Japan to India, adding the compa-

ny has invested $1 billion in Asia’s third-largest economy in the past nine months. Japan is the secondlargest market for solar cells, after China. India ranks fifth.

Modi’s solar ambition encompasses both rooftop projects and utility-scale plants. Adani Enterprises, Reliance Power and SunEdison are among those pledging investment.

Trina Solar said last week that it plans a $500 million solar plant with India’s Welspun Energy.

Telecommunications company SoftBank set up a unit in 2011, SB Energy, to develop clean energy projects following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan the same year. – Bloomberg News

Pacific trade pact faces second test The legislation has already endured six weeks of US congressional wrangling and two close brushes with failure after revolts

by Barack Obama’s own Democrats

WASHINGTON: United States President Barack Obama’s signature Pacific trade pact faces another test in the Senate as legislation needed to close the deal returns for a second run through the chamber.

The legislation has already endured six weeks of congressional wrangling and two close brushes with failure after revolts by Obama’s own Democrats, many of whom believe trade deals will threaten US jobs.

The bill, which would establish a fast track through Congress for trade deals, needs support from sixty senators to clear a procedural hurdle.

Although the measure passed

the Senate a month ago on a vote of 62-37, including backing from 14 Democrats, some may withdraw support.

Fast-track legislation gives lawmakers the right to set negotiating objectives for trade deals such as the 12-nation TransPacific Partnership, or TPP, but restricts them to a yes-or-no vote on the final agreement.

Fast-track legislation Trading partners say they want fast-track legislation enacted before finalising the TPP, which would be the biggest trade deal since the North American Free Trade Agreement liberalised commerce between the United

States, Canada and Mexico two decades ago. It took two attempts to pass this same procedural hurdle on the legislation’s first run through the Senate last month, after Democrats successfully demanded the measure be bundled with three other trade bills.

Opposition in the House of Representatives, where Democrats refused to renew a previously uncontroversial program providing aid to workers hurt by trade, has forced the measures apart again.

Senators will vote in Tuesday to limit debate on fast-track and — if that vote succeeds — on the actual bill on Wednesday, before tackling a second bill extending trade benefits to African nations.

That bill now also contains the worker aid programme.

Republicans want both measures to pass this week before Congress goes on a week-long break so that Obama can promptly sign them into law.

“If we simply vote the same way we did a couple of weeks ago, we won’t miss this opportunity,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Monday. - Reuters

ECONOMY

China, Japan firms slow to respond to stimulus SYDNEY: China’s mammoth manufacturing sector showed some tentative signs of stabilising in June, according to a non-official survey, without finding the momentum needed for a lasting recovery in the world’s secondlargest economy.

Optimism appeared in short supply as firms surveyed by HSBC/Markit reported the sharpest reduction in hiring intentions for six years, regardless of Beijing’s efforts to kick-start activity through policy stimulus.

“After a decade of pell-mell growth in both capacity and leverage, this situation is symptomatic of excess supply capability in

manufacturing amidst moribund demand,” analysts at Westpac said in a research note issued after the survey’s release.

“This nexus of low confidence and weak demand for credit is an obvious impediment to growth.”

Shrinking With factory activity apparently shrinking for three straight months, it is becoming mathematically harder and harder to avoid economic growth falling below 7.0 percent in the second quarter for the first time since the Global Financial Crisis.

The news from Japan wasn’t any better. The factory sector ac-

tually went backwards in June, as a recovery in the world’s third largest economy continued to struggle after a recession in the middle of last year. That left the onus on factory surveys in Europe and the United States to offer any evidence of a much-needed pick up in global growth.

Fortunately for financial markets hopes of progress in the Greek debt saga provided a timely boost to risk appetites and lifted Japanese shares to their highest in 15 years.

The headline flash measure of Chinese manufacturing did edge up to a three-month high of 49.6 June, from 49.2 in May. - Reuters

W E D N E S DAY, JU N E 24, 2 0 1 5

B3

MARKET SHARIA-COMPLIANT

Oman Arab Bank’s Islamic banking arm plans new products Times News Service MUSCAT: Oman Arab Bank’s Islamic banking arm Al Yusr plans to launch new products and services, which was approved by the Sharia Supervisory Board of the bank.

The decision was taken at the seventh Sharia Supervisory Board (SSB) meeting held recently.

One such key product deliberated at the Sharia board meeting was ‘Al Yusr Running Musharakah product,’ a Sharia-compliant solution to cater to business requirements of regular operating and overhead expenses and to fulfil the cash-flow demand of the customers.

As part of the commitment to contribute to the growth of the Islamic banking industry in the

Oman, Al Yusr always comes up with innovative and value-added products and services that are being developed, keeping in mind the unique individual and business needs of the people in the Sultanate, said the bank.

In order to ensure full compliance with Sharia, the Sharia Supervisory Board reviewed the ‘Post product implementation’ of Al Yusr products and services to ensure that they are in line with the Sharia rules and principles.

The Sharia Board also reviewed and approved the Sharia audit plan for this year.

The meeting was held at the bank’s corporate office presided over by Dr Essam Al Enezi, head of the Al Yusr Sharia Supervisory

Board, and attended by Abdul Qader Shir Al Bulushi, general manager, Al Yusr and other senior officers.

Abdul Qader Shir Al Bulushi, while appreciating the Sharia Supervisory Board members, said that such regular meetings with the Sharia Board scholars who have vast knowledge of Islamic banking and finance, is pivotal in expanding the Islamic banking concepts and knowledge among the management, staff and clients.

Overall, it will create awareness among the public in the Sultanate, he added.

In the past, the Al Yusr Sharia Supervisory Board members have conducted several presentations and seminars on Islamic banking and finance in Muscat and Salalah.

MEETING: The Sharia Supervisory Board reviewed the ‘Post product implementation’ of Al Yusr prod-

ucts and services to ensure that they are in line with the Sharia rules and principles. – Supplied picture

India plans to ease IPO norms for start-up firms In a move that could allow local investors to profit from an e-commerce boom, the regulator may weigh a proposal by a group of investors to relax listing rules

MUMBAI: India is considering easing rules for initial public offerings (IPO) by startups in a move that could allow local investors to profit from an e-commerce boom.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) at its board meeting may weigh a proposal by an group of investors to relax listing rules linked to profitability, use of funds and valuation methodology, says Praveen Chakravarty, an angel investor and member of Sebi’s panel on startups.

Current norms for initial public offerings include several ‘onerous conditions’ that make it unattractive for startups to list in India, Chakravarty said in a phone interview. “We are proposing tao dilute some of these requirements.”

India is in the midst of an ecommerce boom, with UBS predicting the market to grow 10 times to $50 billion by 2020.

Yet, the industry has been fueled almost entirely by capital from overseas, including money from New York hedge fund Tiger Global Management and billionaire Masayoshi Son’s Softbank Corporation.

The new rules could potentially lure Indian investors, said Gopal Srinivasan, chairman at TVS

INVESTOR-FRIENDLY: The market regulator may evaluate proposals to lower entry barriers for investors and dilute disclosure rules for companies planning to list as outlined in a paper released by the regulator in March 2013. – File picture

The proposed rules would allow institutional investors, including mutual funds such as HDFC Asset Management Company that manage a combined Rs12 trillion ($187 billion), to invest in such ventures

Capital Funds.

Entry barriers In its board meeting, Sebi may evaluate proposals to lower entry barriers for investors and dilute disclosure rules for companies planning to list as outlined in a paper released by the regulator in March 2013.

The proposed rules would allow institutional investors, including mutual funds such as HDFC Asset Management Company that manage a combined Rs12 trillion ($187 billion) to invest in such ventures.

“We are rethinking the whole framework to make it investor oriented,” Srinivasan, a member of Sebi panel, said in a phone inter-

view from his Chennai office.

The panel has also made recommendations for regulations to cover crowdfunding, along the lines of the United States Jumpstart our Business Startups Act or JOBS Act, which was passed in 2012.

The proposal, if accepted, could provide a platform for startups to raise initial seed funding prior to approaching angel investors or venture capital firms, said Abid Hassan, chief operating officer at MobME Wireless and a member of the Sebi startup panel.

– Bloomberg News

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DEBT CRISIS

Greece working to seal bailout deal with a week to go BRUSSELS: Greece and its creditors were working to seal a bailout deal with exactly one week to go before Athens is due to repay the International Monetary Fund (IMF) around €1.5 billion or face default and a possible exit from the European Union.

After an emergency summit in Brussels, they ordered their finance ministers to hold fresh talks on Wednesday to thrash out the details ahead of a full meeting of all 28 EU leaders on Thursday.

Global stocks surged —including a nine per cent leap in Athens — on signs of a potential breakthrough, which came after Greece submitted an 11th-hour reform plan to free up crucial funds from its EU-IMF bailout.

European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said he was ‘convinced’ they could end the five-month stand-off with the leftist Greek government led by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

“I’m convinced that we will come to a final agreement in the course of this week, for the simple reason that we have to find an agreement this week,” Juncker told a press conference.

French President Francois Hollande also said a deal was within reach. “We are moving towards an accord,” Hollande told reporters.

“There is still work to be done... every effort must be made so that when eurozone finance ministers meet Wednesday, a solution is in sight.”

Most Asian markets climbed Tuesday on the news, tracking US and European markets. Tokyo jumped 1.62 per cent to a fresh 15-year high Tuesday morning on hopes of a deal, while Hong Kong was 0.35 perc ent higher.

The euro inched down to $1.1264 and 139.33 yen in Tokyo from $1.1340 and 139.91 yen in New York late Monday.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that while Greece’s plans were a “good starting point

I am convinced that we will come to a final agreement in the course of this week, for the simple reason that we have to find an agreement this week Jean-Claude Juncker Chief, European Commission

for further talks”, it was also clear that “absolutely intensive work is necessary now”.

Merkel’s warning Merkel also ruled out any question of debt reduction, as Greece has demanded, and also said the leaders had not discussed any possible extension of the Athens bailout.

Hardline International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde said they were “long on work and short on time” to reach a deal.

The Greek proposals were a last-ditch bid to unlock the final €7.2-billion tranche of its aid plan, which creditors have refused to release unless Greece agrees to more austerity measures.

Cash-strapped Greece is at risk of defaulting on a €1.5-billion ($1.7-billion) IMF payment on June 30 if it fails to get a deal to extend its international bailout by the same day.

Syriza party leader Tsipras said that the “ball is now in the court of the European authorities”, who have until now always insisted that it is up to Greece to make concessions. - AFP

B4

W EDN ESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

MARKET Index ends unchanged

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OMAN STOCKS

MUSCAT SECURITIES MARKET

INDICES Index .................................................High .................Low..................... Value ............... Prev . Value.......... Diff ...............Diff % MSM30 Index ........................................6,453.69 ...............6,449.73 ................... 6,450.98 ....................6,451.75.................. -0.77 ................. -0.012 Financial Index .................................... 7,800.00 ...............7,784.53 ....................7,792.21 ................... 7,800.15.................. -7.94 .................. -0.10 Industrial Index ................................... 8,383.30 ...............8,375.66 ................... 8,375.66 ................... 8,381.49.................. -5.83 .................. -0.07 Services Index .......................................3,489.66 ...............3,487.66 ....................3,487.72 ...................3,489.42...................-1.70 .................. -0.05 MSM SHARIAH INDEX....................... 997.55 ..................996.98 ...................... 996.99 .......................997.55.................. -0.56 .................. -0.06 Trading Summary Volume ................Turnover ..........Trades .............. Market Cap............. Up............Down ............. Equal .........Sec. Traded 70,664,525 ............... 11,673,360 ................. 8,865 ............... 15,048,169,910 .................. 8 ........................9 .................... 17 .........................34

Top gainer was Al Madina Takaful, up by 2.25 per cent, while Gulf Investment Services,

SHARE PRICE BULLETIN FOR TUESDAY, JUNE 23

down by 3.57 per cent, was the day’s top loser ISIN ..................................................SECURITY NAME ...............................................................................................VOLUME ..............TURNOVER...................TRADES ...........OPEN PRICE............. HIGH....................LOW...............CLOSE PR. ..........PREV. CLOSE..........DIFF (RO) .................DIFF %......................LAST PR...............LAST BID.....................LAST OFFER .................MARKET CAP ........PAR VALUE

MUSCAT: Oman’s general index — MSM30 Index — ended without any big change at 6,450.98 points, down by 0.01 per cent. The MSM Sharia Index edged down 0.06 per cent to close at 996.99 points.

Phoenix Power was the most active in terms of volume as well as turnover. Tuesday’s top gainer was Al Madina Takaful, up by 2.25 per cent, while Gulf Investment Services, down by 3.57 per cent, was the day’s top loser.

As many as 8,865 trades were executed during the day’s trading session generating turnover of OMR11.67 million with over 70.66 million shares changing hands. Out of 34 traded securities, eight advanced, nine declined and 17 remained unchanged. GCC and Arab investors were net buyers for OMR1.18 million while foreign investors were net sellers for OMR1.15 million followed by Omani Investors for OMR32,000 worth of shares.

Financial Index ended lower at 7,792.21 points, down by 0.10 per cent. Al Madina Takaful, Oman & Emirates Holding, Al Madina Investments and Bank Muscat increased 2.25 per cent, 1.74 per cent, 1.27 per cent and 0.73 per cent, respectively. Gulf Invest-

ment Services, Al Anwar Holding, Al Sharqia Investments and Bank Nizwa declined 3.57 per cent, 2.22 per cent, 1.54 per cent and 1.37 per cent, respectively.

Industrial Index closed the day at 8,375.66 points, down by 0.07 per cent. Al Hassan Engineering and Voltamp Energy gained 2 per cent and 0.47 per cent, respectively. Galfar Engineering, down by 1.57 per cent, was only sector loser.

Services Sector Index retreated by 0.05 per cent and closed at 3,487.72 points. Al Jazeera Services and OIFC gained 0.54 per cent and 0.41 per cent, respectively. Al Suwadi Power, National Gas, Phoenix Power and Omantel declined by 1.96 per cent, 1 per cent, 0.67 per cent and 0.57 per cent, respectively.

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

OM0000004768 ...........AL MADINA TAKAFUL............................................. 147,000.............13,377......................13 ............0.091 ........... 0.091 ...........0.091 ............0.091 .............0.089 ........... 0.002.............2.247 ................0.091 ..............0.090...................0.091...................15,925,000 .........0.100 OM0000001681 ............OMAN AND EMIRATES INV. HOLDING........... 624,767 ............73,165......................15 ............0.117 ........... 0.118............0.116 ............0.117 ............. 0.115 ............ 0.002............. 1.739.................0.118 .............. 0.118................... 0.119 ...................14,259,375 .........0.100 OM0000001962............AL MADINA INVESTMENT .....................................46,895 ............... 3,737........................4 ........... 0.079 ...........0.080 ...........0.079........... 0.080 .............0.079 ............0.001 ............. 1.266 ................0.080..............0.079...................0.081....................16,572,111..........0.100 OM0000002796 ...........BANK MUSCAT ............................................................ 1,287,495 ......708,042..................... 30 ........... 0.546 ...........0.550 ...........0.546........... 0.550 .............0.546 ........... 0.004............. 0.733 ................0.550..............0.546...................0.552................1,260,502,428 ......0.100 OM0000002226 ...........AL JAZEERA SERVICES ..............................................6,000 ...............2,216........................4 ........... 0.368 ...........0.370 ...........0.368........... 0.370 .............0.368 ........... 0.002............. 0.543 ................0.370..............0.374...................0.376...................22,645,581 .........0.100 OM0000003661 ............VOLTAMP ENERGY ........................................................7,055 ...............3,005........................2 ........... 0.426 ...........0.426 ...........0.426........... 0.426 .............0.424 ........... 0.002............. 0.472 ................0.426..............0.426...................0.440 ..................25,773,000 .........0.100 OM0000001525 ............OMAN INVESTMENT AND FINANCE.............. 1,745,754 .......423,980.....................60 ........... 0.242...........0.245 ...........0.242 .......... 0.243 .............0.242 ............0.001 ............. 0.413 ................0.244 .............0.243...................0.244 ..................48,600,000 ........0.100 OM0000001087............OMAN UNITED INSURANCE ...................................3,400 .................. 966........................1 ........... 0.284 ...........0.284 ...........0.284 .......... 0.287 .............0.287 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.284..............0.284...................0.290 ..................28,700,000.........0.100 OM0000001517 ............HSBC BANK OMAN ..................................................... 50,000 ...............6,700........................1 ............0.134 ........... 0.134 ...........0.134........... 0.134 .............0.134............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.134 ..............0.132...................0.134..................268,041,914........0.100 OM0000001533 ............OMINVEST .................................................................... 526,000 .........252,480........................4 ........... 0.480 ...........0.480 ...........0.480........... 0.480 .............0.480 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.480..............0.450...................0.000 .................177,800,304........0.100 OM0000001822............UNITED POWER .............................................................2,000 ...............3,120........................1 ............1.560 ........... 1.560 ...........1.560 ........... 1.560 .............1.560............ 0.000.............0.000 ................1.560 .............. 1.550...................1.560....................3,120,000 ..........1.000 OM0000002028 ...........GULF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS ............ 100,000 ...........23,400........................2 ........... 0.234 ...........0.234 ...........0.234........... 0.234 .............0.234 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.234..............0.234...................0.238....................4,914,000 ..........0.100 OM0000002168............AL ANWAR CERAMIC TILES .................................87,500 .............37,625........................1 ........... 0.430 ...........0.430 ...........0.430........... 0.430 .............0.430 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.430..............0.420...................0.430 ................. 127,371,883 ........0.100 OM0000003224 ...........RENAISSANCE SERVICES ..................................... 143,875............ 41,580......................21 ........... 0.289 ...........0.289 ...........0.289........... 0.289 .............0.289 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.289..............0.283...................0.289 ..................81,525,297 .........0.100 OM0000003281............TAAGEER FINANCE ..................................................... 1,000 .................. 144........................1 ............0.144 ........... 0.144 ...........0.144........... 0.144 .............0.144 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.144..............0.144...................0.157 ...................36,516,960 .........0.100 OM0000003398 ...........BANK SOHAR................................................................ 105,400 ............19,499........................2 ............0.185 ........... 0.185 ...........0.185 ............0.185 ............. 0.185............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.185 ..............0.184...................0.185................. 266,666,400 .......0.100 OM0000003711 ............SOHAR POWER................................................................ 1,030 .................. 389........................2 ........... 0.378 ........... 0.378 ...........0.378........... 0.380 .............0.380 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.378............. 0.000...................0.388...................83,983,800.........0.100 OM0000003968 ...........OOREDOO....................................................................... 263,609 .........206,589......................15 ............0.780 ........... 0.784 ...........0.780........... 0.784 .............0.784 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.780..............0.780...................0.784..................510,340,276........0.100 OM0000005005 ...........ALMAHA CERAMICS ..................................................43,559 ............ 23,962......................15 ........... 0.548 ........... 0.552 ...........0.548........... 0.550 .............0.550 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.552..............0.550...................0.554...................28,875,000.........0.100 OM0000003026 ...........OMAN TELECOMMUNICATION ..........................68,960 ...........119,794......................17 ............1.740 ........... 1.740............ 1.735 ............1.735 ............. 1.745 ............-0.010 ........... -0.573 ...............1.740 .............. 1.740................... 1.745 ................1,301,250,000 ......0.100 OM0000001160 ............NATIONAL GAS ........................................................... 102,413............ 40,456........................7 ........... 0.396 ...........0.396 ...........0.390........... 0.396 .............0.400 ...........-0.004 ........... -1.000 ...............0.390..............0.360...................0.390 ..................19,800,000.........0.100 OM0000002440 ...........AL SHARQIA INVESTMENT HOLDING ........... 198,940 ........... 25,464......................14 ............0.128 ........... 0.128 ...........0.128........... 0.128 .............0.130............-0.002 ............-1.538................0.128 ..............0.127...................0.128...................11,520,000 .........0.100 OM0000003521 ............GALFAR ENGINEERING AND CON. ................... 36,200 ...............4,529..................... 10 ............0.127 ........... 0.127 ...........0.124............0.125 ............. 0.127............-0.002 ............-1.575................0.125 ..............0.124...................0.125...................36,247,580 .........0.100 OM0000004933 ...........AL SUWADI POWER ....................................................35,000 ...............7,000........................7 ........... 0.200...........0.200 ...........0.200 .......... 0.200 .............0.204 ...........-0.004 ............-1.961................0.200 .............0.190...................0.200 .................142,881,268........0.100 OM0000001772 ............AL ANWAR HOLDING............................................... 1,348,485 ......297,043...................102 ........... 0.225 ...........0.225 ...........0.219........... 0.220 .............0.225 ...........-0.005 ........... -2.222 ...............0.220 .............0.219...................0.220 ..................28,710,000 .........0.100 OM0000002820 ...........GULF INVESTMENT SERVICES ......................... 306,248 ............41,323......................14 ............0.135 ........... 0.135 ...........0.134............0.135 .............0.140 ...........-0.005 ............-3.571................0.134 ..............0.134...................0.135 .................... 7,943,834 ..........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 7,288,585.......2,379,587 ...............365 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ......26........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

Etisalat shares jump Emirates Telecommunications (Etisalat) shares rose the most in a decade after the United Arab Emirates said it would lift a ban on foreign ownership of shares in its biggest phone company. The stock jumped 15 per cent, the most permitted in a day, to Dh13.80 at 12:28pm in Abu Dhabi. The UAE government owns 60 per cent of Etisalat. – United Securitie/Bloomberg News

OM0000002564 ...........AL HASSAN ENGINEERING....................................10,000 ...............1,020........................2 ............0.102 ........... 0.102 ...........0.102........... 0.102 .............0.100 ........... 0.002.............2.000 ................0.102..............0.099...................0.102.....................7,671,216...........0.100 OM0000001400 ...........OMAN FLOUR MILLS .................................................10,000 .............. 4,920........................1 ........... 0.492 ...........0.492 ...........0.492........... 0.492 .............0.492 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.492..............0.492...................0.500 ..................77,490,000 .........0.100 OM0000004511 ............ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK.............................................. 150,000 ............11,992........................2 ........... 0.079 ...........0.080 ...........0.079........... 0.080 .............0.080 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.080..............0.078...................0.080 ..................80,000,000 ........0.100 OM0000004776 ...........TAKAFUL OMAN INSURANCE ................................ 2,327 .................. 277........................1 ............0.119 ........... 0.119............0.119 ............0.119 ............. 0.119 ............ 0.000.............0.000 ................0.119 .............. 0.110................... 0.119 ...................11,900,000 .........0.100 OM0000005963 ...........PHOENIX POWER ...................................................... 60,775,958.9,045,567............... 8,460 ............0.147 ........... 0.151............0.146 ........... 0.149 .............0.150............-0.001 ........... -0.667 ...............0.149 ..............0.149...................0.150.................. 217,927,618 ........0.100 OM0000004420 ...........BANK NIZWA ................................................................ 388,732 ........... 28,142......................12 ........... 0.072 ........... 0.073 ...........0.072........... 0.072 .............0.073 ...........-0.001 ........... -1.370................0.073..............0.073...................0.074................. 108,000,000 .......0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 61,337,017 . 9,091,918............... 8,478 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........ 6........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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

OM0000004867 ...........BANK MUSCAT C C B 4.5 .................................................561 .....................57........................1 ............0.101 ........... 0.101............0.101 ........... 0.102 .............0.102 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.101 .............. 0.101...................0.000 ..................32,603,553 .........0.100 OM0000005971 ............B.MUSCAT COMPL. CONVR. B.B.3.5 ................... 2,038,362...... 201,798......................21 ........... 0.099 ...........0.099 ...........0.099........... 0.099 .............0.099 ........... 0.000.............0.000 ................0.099..............0.099...................0.100...................32,092,000 ........0.100 .............................................SUM: .................................................................................. 2,038,923......201,854.....................22 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... TRADED SEC. ........2........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

CELLULAR-TOWER NETWORK

INFRASTRUCTURE

Turkish firms eye $10b projects in Iran ANKARA: Iran is seeking partnerships with Turkish companies for highway, airport and railway projects worth $10 billion over the next three to five years, Iranian Ambassador to Turkey Ali Reza Bikdeli said in an interview in Ankara on Tuesday.

“We have many projects,” Bikdeli said late on Monday.

“We are ready to award these projects to internationally-proven

Turkish companies.”

Turkey and Iran aim to double annual commerce to $30 billion this year as they push to lift international trade restrictions over Iran’s nuclear programme. In January, they sealed a trade agreement after 10 years of negotiations that gave Iran preferred tariffs on some agricultural products and similar breaks to some Turkish industrial goods. Iran also seeks

a bigger share in Turkey’s energy market. A sharp increase in commerce between the neighbouring nations would depend on Iran and world powers reaching a deal that would trade sanctions relief for curbs on Iran’s nuclear work.

Nuclear talks have snagged ahead of a June 30 deadline for a deal, with Iranian and European officials accusing each other on Monday of backing away from an

agreement. Contracts to Turkish corporations would be awarded through work partnerships with Iranian companies and without bids, Bikdeli said. Ankara-based construction company Bergiz Insaat, in a joint venture with an Iranian state company, has already begun building a $1 billion highway project and an $800 million subway in northwestern Iran, he said. - Bloomberg News

Mobily network sale attracts investors DUBAI: Saudi Arabian mobile operator Etihad Etisalat is attracting interest from companies, including American Tower and IHS Nigeria, for its cellulartower network, according to two people with knowledge of the matter. The sale could be worth about $2 billion, the people said,

asking not to be identified as the information is private.

Mobily, as the Saudi Arabia company is known, is being advised by TAP Advisors, the people said. Talks are at an early stage and formal bids haven’t yet been submitted, the people said.

— Bloomberg News

INDIAN MARKETS

Sensex climbs; rupee falls MUMBAI: Indian stocks advanced for an eighth day, sending the benchmark index above its 200-day average for the first time in three weeks, as a pickup in monsoon rains eased inflation rate concerns.

Coal India, the world’s biggest miner of the fuel, was the best performer on the S&P BSE Sensex.

Larsen & Toubro, the largest engineering company, rallied to a twomonth high. Cigarette maker ITC advanced for an eighth day and Mahindra & Mahindra, a tractor maker, rose to its highest price in five months.

The Sensex added 0.3 per cent to 27,804.37 at the close in Mumbai. The gauge capped its longest winning run since January as above-normal rains in an El Nino year improved the outlook for further easing in monetary policy, and optimism Greece will strike a deal with creditors sent global stocks higher. India’s central bank on June 2 said it will assess monsoon rains before cutting borrowing costs for a fourth time this year.

“There’s hope of a rate cut coming through before the next credit policy, given the progress and distribution of the monsoon,” Gaurang Shah, a vice-president at Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services, said in an interview with Bloomberg TV India on Tuesday. The better-than-forecast rainfall has allayed “the scare we had when the monsoon season started,” he said. The central bank is scheduled to review rates on August 4.

Larsen & Toubro, ITC Monsoon rainfall has been 23 per cent above normal since the start of the season on June 1, with about 80 per cent of the nation receiving excess to normal showers. The weather office on June

There’s hope of a rate cut coming through before the next credit policy, given the progress and distribution of the monsoon Gaurang Shah Vice-president Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services

2 predicted that rains would be deficient for a second year, sparking concern that rising food costs will curb the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) from easing monetary policy further.

A sell-off in equities through the three weeks ended June 14 had dragged the Sensex below its 200-day mean.

Coal India surged 3.9 per cent, the steepest advance since June 5. Larsen & Toubro climbed two per cent, taking this year’s gains to 18 per cent. ITC added 1.3 per cent to its highest level since June 2 this year.

Bharti Airtel, the nation’s largest cellular-phone operator, climbed, bringing its year-to-date advance to 22 per cent. Mahindra & Mahindra added 1.8 per cent, extending last week’s 9.4 per cent surge in value.

International investors sold a net $17 million of Indian stocks

on Friday, June 19, paring this year’s inflow to $6.3 billion.

The Sensex has risen 1.1 per cent this year and trades at 15.6 times projected 12-month profits, versus the five-year average of 14.4. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is valued at a multiple of 12.

Rupee declines India’s rupee fell the most in a week on speculation importers are stepping up dollar purchases to settle their month-end bills.

The rupee weakened 0.2 per cent to 63.6050 a dollar in Mumbai, the most since June 15, according to prices from local banks compiled by Bloomberg. The currency snapped a four-day advance. Sovereign bonds declined for a second day.

“Importers are buying dollars and that is getting reflected in the rupee,” said Ankur Jhaveri, co-head of currency and rates at Edelweiss Financial Services in Mumbai. Importers find the current dollar levels good to meet their immediate needs, he said.

The yield on the notes due in July 2024 rose two basis points to 7.92 per cent, according to prices from the Reserve Bank of India’s trading system. That on the new 10-year securities maturing in May 2025 increased one basis point to 7.75 per cent.

The rupee climbed 0.8 per cent in the five days ended June 19, its best week in three months, while the 2024 debt completed its biggest weekly advance since it was first issued in July.

The gains came as a pickup in seasonal monsoon rains eased concern inflation will accelerate and the Federal Reserve signaled it will raise US interest rates gradually, reducing chances of a sudden outflow from emerging markets like India. — Bloomberg News

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Ooredoo team kicks off 11th Goodwill Journey Dedicated to enriching the lives of people in Oman, this year’s journey will foster women’s empowerment, education and self-sufficiency, as well as promoting sustainable development

MUSCAT: Ooredoo’s Goodwill Journey kicked off yesterday from Musannah with a route that takes them to the length and breadth of the country, visiting 11 cities in the two-week voyage.

Dedicated to enriching the lives of people in Oman, this year’s journey will foster women’s em-

powerment, education and selfsufficiency, as well as promoting sustainable development.

Marking the beginning of yet another year of giving, 22 Ooredoo volunteers began the journey by celebrating the graduation of 25 local community women from an incubator programme, designed to equip them with the skills they need to succeed in business, says a press release.

Working hand in hand with the Omani Women’s Association in Musannah, Ooredoo identified and designed this unique incubator programme to spur growth within the community. Using both in-house and external experts, the trainees underwent a series of intensive ongoing workshops where

they were taught essential skills in the disciplines of beauty, IT, cooking, and sewing; skills that they can use either within their local communities or even to start up their own business enterprise.

“The Goodwill Journey is the cornerstone of our corporate social responsibility platform and a key event in our annual calendar.

Over the last 10 years, we have been able to spread joy and put smiles on the faces of thousands of people across the country,” said Kumail Al Moosawi, chief people and corporate affairs officer at Ooredoo.

“This year we have taken it one step further. Our aim is not only to provide charitable contributions from us and our customers, but

Z U B A I R S E C I N I T I AT I V E

to invest in building the future of many men and women.

"Ooredoo’s support will extend to help them on their way to becoming small and medium enterprises and use their newfound expertise to enjoy a better and more prosperous tomorrow,” added Moosawi Over the next week, Goodwill volunteers from the Ooredoo family will head north, stopping in Liwa, Al Buraimi, Ibri, Nizwa and Samael visiting various associations and hospitals and sharing the spirit of the holy month with communities. The first leg of the Journey will end in Muscat on June 27, where preparations will commence for the second leg to head south all the way to Salalah.

CHARITY

alizz Islamic bank unveils 'Iftar Sa’yim' MUSCAT: In line with the spirit of giving during the holy month of Ramadan, alizz Islamic bank (AIB) has launched the alizz Iftar Sa’yim initiative. Implementing the Islamic principles and values of charity and volunteer work during the blessed month, alizz Islamic bank distributed 300 food packages for low income families throughout the major cities in the Sultanate.

The primary goal of the Ramadan initiative is to support the low income families to prepare for the month of Ramadan with essential foods including rice, wheat, lentils, sugar, milk, oil, etc.

The secondary goal is to encourage employee volunteerism, says a press release.

Companies, employees, and the community gain the benefits of employee volunteerism. Employee volunteerism offers a tangible way for businesses to become more personally invested in undertaking social issues, to strengthen employee skills and morale, and to cultivate a more positive and productive business environment.

Mazin Al Habsi, head of Service Quality at alizz Islamic bank, said: “I was personally delighted to enrol in this initiative by giving back to the community.

I am truly thankful and humbled

by the experience.”

A large number of alizz staff volunteered in distributing packages for the low income families across the country. Throughout last week employees travelled from the head office in CBD area, Ruwi, to assist other employee volunteers in key locations including Muttrah, A’Seeb, Nizwa, Sohar, and Salalah.

Aisha Al Kharusi, chief marketing officer, alizz, said “Our Iftar Say’im initiative aims at promoting the spirit of solidarity and cooperation within the bank, employees and the larger community by providing necessity to low income families during the holy month of Ramadan. This initiative also plays a significant role to further encourage the concept of volunteerism within the bank’s work environment.”

APPOINTMENT

‘Karam’ jewellery combines novelty, simplicity in designs MUSCAT: Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC) recently organised a launch ceremony of the new collection of silver and gold plated jewellery called ‘Karam’ introduced by Daar Al Washa Est, owner of the brand ‘Kidani’, specialised in designing and fashioning ornaments and jewellery.

Zubair SEC, driven by its strategy and commitment towards small enterprises, launched this initiative to stress the significance of the adoption of small businesses and providing it with various services and technical, administrative and legal advisory to enable such projects to continue its growth and progress. The event was attended by Khalid Muhammad Al Zubair, managing director of the Zubair Corporation, along with a number of representatives from the public and private sector, says a press release.

Kidani is one of the small projects affiliated to Zubair SEC and winner of the 2015 Direct Support Programme. Its vision is based on reflecting the modernist symbol within the cultural identity in its designs and fashioning of jewelleries and combines tradition with modernity in its fashions.

The company owner, Muna Amir Al Khusaibi adopted quality and excellence as main elements to achieve progress, and the authentic traditional lines of heritage to exhibit the simplicity and colourfulness of its brands. Today ‘Kidani’ is well recognised in the jewellery market as a harmonious combination of jewelleries that marries Omani silver with gold layers and precious stones. It simply reflects the essence of the national heritage with a creative touch of the spirit of originality and the elegance of modernity.

Khalid Al Zubair, Managing Director of The Zubair Corporation, said: “The Zubair Corporation, through its strategy and vision towards small enterprises, is pursuing to steer entrepreneurs and members of Zubair SEC to join the

B5

Holiday Inn Muscat appoints new GM graduated from the University of Brighton with BA (Hons) in International Tourism Management and has focused on building her career in Holiday Inn Express and Holiday Inn brands across both the franchise and managed operations of IHG, says a press release

MUSCAT: Laura Eggleton has been appointed general manager, Holiday Inn Muscat Al Seeb, recently.

Laura joins from Holiday Inn London Heathrow Ariel in the UK where she has been general manager for the last two years. She E X PA N S I O N

private sector by creating a healthy and sustainable economic environment for growth. The centre is making all its services available for the entrepreneurs and owners of small businesses to enable them to find solid ground and well established foundation within the market for a better future.”

“In the case of ‘Kidani’ and other projects which won the Direct Support Programme, the support provided was not limited to guidance and counselling in the administrative and legal aspects, but the centre, through its staff, maintained a close supervision on the projects, step by step, to insure the sound execution of fine details needed by the entrepreneurs for the continuity and sustainability of their projects which will lead in turn to exert further hard work,” he added Zubair SEC team has worked closely with Muna on many levels, most importantly the strategy to move with Kidani from amateur attempts to a clear well studied business development approach based on development and marketing strategies that enables the brand to reach higher exposure in local and international markets.

The launching event for the new collection Karam is considered a milestone in the marketing strategy put in place with and for Kidani to introduce to the market the many features of the products and the good recognition the brand deserves.

Today, Zubair SEC has reached beyond the mere limited concept of extending support to SMEs, to adopt a wider approach of collabo-

ration, as the Centre extends to its members opportunities for business development and application of best practices towards business expansion and sustainability.

“I would like to thank The Zubair Corporation, particularly Zubair SEC, and all the staff of the centre for the genuine support and guidance they provided me with.

I’m very happy for the success of my dream project ‘Kidani, praise be to Allah, which was only possible by the efforts and support of the centre. Today I feel I’m on the right track and confident of my abilities to develop and insure the success of my project,” said Muna Al Khusaibi.

“The basis of the idea of the new ‘Karam’ collocation came from the beautiful scenery of the silver stars sparkling at night and the romantic colour of the moon making an elegant necklace.

"It is from this unique and beautiful combination that the new collocation ‘Karam’ is designed to reflect its literal meaning of Arabian generosity as the night, the moon and the stars are the guests of the desert,” she added.

She further commented on her new collection: “Karam collection, although different but consistent, combines innovation with the originality in its design.

It reflects life and inspires a splendour of an Arabian spirit which seeks through its elegant designs to combine simplicity and innovation with the depth of the idea.

These silver varieties are designed for taste, originality and elegancy reflecting the past, the spirit of the present and future.”

Ethiopian Airlines to commence flights to Cape Town, Gaborone MUSCAT: Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline in Africa, announced that it has finalised preparations to start flights to Cape Town, second destination in South Africa and Gaborone, Botswana from June 30. The flights to Cape Town and Gaborone will be operated three-times-a-week, says a press release.

Cape Town is the second biggest city of South Africa and one of the top tourist destinations in the continent of Africa. Gaborone is the capital and an important economic centre of Botswana.

The new services will offer passengers more choice and flexibility, as well as facilitate trade, investment, and tourism ties with these two countries.

Summer special offer Ethiopian Airlines Muscat has also launched special offer for passengers travelling from Muscat to Dar Es Salaam, Zanzibar, Nairobi, Johannesburg and Khartoum whereby on purchase of three adult tickets only taxes need to be paid for the fourth ticket. The fourth passenger can be adult or child and all must travel together.

Holiday packages The airline also offers exciting Safari packages for Kenya and Tanzania as well as short holiday breaks in Ethiopia. During recent times, many Omani residents – locals and expatriates have been visiting Addis, Ethiopia as a tour-

Ethiopian Airlines Muscat has also launched special offer for passengers travelling from Muscat to Dar Es Salaam, Zanzibar, Nairobi, Johannesburg and Khartoum whereby on purchase of three adult tickets only taxes need to be paid for the fourth ticket

ist destination.

Ethiopia, as a tourist destination, has a lot to offer. Addis Delight 3 nights/4 days package offered by the airline for short break at Addis Ababa starts at OMR195. Addis Ababa is as cosmopolitan as any of the world’s great metropolises, and the architecture is as varied as the city itself. This package is an ideal also for the airline passengers who

wish to take a short break in Addis Ababa while visiting other countries.

Currently, over 35 nationalities including India, Germany, South Africa, UK, etc. enjoy the facility of visa on arrival at Ethiopia.

For the nationals who require securing visa approval prior to travel, visiting Ethiopia is easier than before. Omani nationals and residents can currently apply for Ethiopian visa through Ethiopian Airlines office in Muscat.

"The airline will facilitate in processing of visa within 10 working days of submission of required documents. The original visa will later be stamped on arrival. This facility will attract more passengers in the Sultanate to visit Ethiopia for tourism but will only be offered to passengers travelling from Muscat on Ethiopian Airlines," said Sami Muctar, country manager of Ethiopian Airlines, Oman.

Ethiopian Airlines, a Star Alliance Member, now operating 4 nonstop flights a week from Muscat to Addis Ababa and offers excellent connection over Addis to rest of the Africa. Ethiopian is proud to be the first African carrier to have taken delivery of the B787 Dreamliner and be able to offer passengers the ultimate travel experience on-board this game changing aircraft before other carriers. National Travel & Tourism is the General Sales Agency for Ethiopian Airlines in Oman.

P O U LT R Y P R O D U C T S

Enjoy Ramadan with healthy, nutritious food options from A’Saffa MUSCAT: A’Saffa Foods, Oman’s largest producer of poultry and poultry products, has urged customers to invest in their health this Ramadan and buy A’Saffa food products, with the confidence that their food investment is not only truly Halal, but also an extremely healthy eating option during the holy month of fasting and fortitude.

Since families opt for healthy eating habits during Ramadan, A’Saffa products are a perfect option, as they provide nutritious

and the most natural halal chicken products to customers in the Sultanate as well as neighbouring regions, says a press release.

The company believes that eating natural and healthful foods like A’Saffa chicken is one of the keys to a healthier and more energetic lifestyle for everyone during the holy month; as chicken in particular is considered a high-protein food option and can help families regain their lost energy and nutrition from an entire day’s fast.

“As a business we have always

put healthy eating at the top of our agenda ensuring we deliver to the Omani consumers the very best quality and real halal products.

Our core principle is to provide products which are ‘real halal’ to our growing customers here and in the region; ensuring an authentic, trusted and credible product to families who buy our frozen and fresh range of A’Saffa Foods products,” said Sidhartha Lenka, head of Marketing and Sales for A’Saffa Foods.

“When consumers buy A’Saffa

fresh and frozen chicken or from our delicacies range they are assured of giving their families the very best products to help promote and support a healthy lifestyle while enjoying chicken that is 100 per cent natural and tasty," he added.

With so much food available on the shelves from all over the world, Omani consumers are being urged by the Sultanate’s fastest growing food company to put the health of the family and themselves first this Ramadan.

B6

W EDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

ROUND-UP Nissan announces exciting offer on its crossover range Ăł !-"#*Ĺ&#x2014; ,)--)0 ,Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014; " Ĺ&#x2014; ) Ĺ&#x2014; the growing number of ordinary entries in the segment.

The Nissan Crossover range provides customers with a comprehensive product line-up and gifts up to OMR500 on purchasing any vehicle from the Nissan crossover range. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; (&#'#. Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ă°.-Ä&#x2020;Ĺ&#x2014; #-- (Ĺ&#x2014; -choose from Nissan sures customers free registration, six yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; extended warranty on PathďŹ nder 3.5L, &&Ĺ&#x2014; ,)--)0 ,Ĺ&#x2014; ') &-Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; -3Ĺ&#x2014; Ă°( ( ing options, a loan term up to eight X-Trail, Murano and years and attractive interest rates. Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; #.#)( &Ĺ&#x2014; ' (Ĺ&#x2014;"#!"&#!".Ĺ&#x2014; the Juke of 2015: This year Nissan has introduced another exciting line up ) Ĺ&#x2014; ' (Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ă°.Ĺ&#x2014; ),Ĺ&#x2014; ." #,Ĺ&#x2014; 0 &MUSCAT: In the spirit of the ued customers. Customers who holy month of Ramadan, Nissan already own a Nissan model and Oman from the house of Suhail want to buy a second one will reBahwan Automobiles (SBA) has ceive additional incentives from announced a unique â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Big Jackpot SBA where customers enjoy Offerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crossover range. 10,000km additional service, they will receive special interest priviThe offer lasts till July 31. lege card and also be eligible for (3Ĺ&#x2014;., Ä&#x161;#(Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ă°.-Ä&#x201E;Ĺ&#x2014; BeneďŹ ts Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; * # &Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014;, . Ĺ&#x2014;)(Ĺ&#x2014; "Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; , . "Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x2039;Ĺ&#x2014; #(Ĺ&#x2014; ÄĄ.1)Ĺ&#x2014; --/, Ĺ&#x2014; gifts): Customers buying any Nis- crossover model san Crossover vehicle will receive Ĺ&#x2014;Ä&#x2019; , . "Ĺ&#x2014;Ä&#x2039;Ĺ&#x2014; #(Ä&#x201C;Ĺ&#x2014; , Ĺ&#x2014;1"# "Ĺ&#x2014;1#&&Ĺ&#x2014; Grand raffle entitle them to two assured gifts The grand raffle draw from Niscomprising free service up to life- san is being held in association time of the car (minimum assured with Al Wisal and Merge FM 1 year/ 10,000km PMS) and free where participants can enter the fuel up to OMR1,000 (minimum draw to win a sleek Nissan Altima (2 vehicles to be won); just SMS assured of OMR50) Ä&#x160;Ĺ&#x2014; -"Ĺ&#x2014; !# .-Ä&#x2020;Ĺ&#x2014; /-.)' ,-Ĺ&#x2014; 1#&&Ĺ&#x2014; <Nissan Altima> to 90448. The also walk away with assured cash lucky winner can walk away with

an opportunity to

a brand new Nissan Altima.

Easy ďŹ nancing options SBA designed the Ramadan scheme to add to the pleasure and convenience of owning a Nissan model and ensure hassle and worry-free driving at all times. Nissan /-.)' ,-Ĺ&#x2014; (Ĺ&#x2014; &-)Ĺ&#x2014; 0 #&Ĺ&#x2014; -3Ĺ&#x2014; Ă°nancing option of a loan term up to eight years with attractive interest rates from Bank Muscat. Flexible EMIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s can also be tailor made for any individual requirement from in-house Auto Finance team.

Nissan Oman has always made pioneering efforts to offer world class facilities and services to its valued customers.

Customers can also get unlimited access to Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prestigious vehicle line up at the comfort of their homes or offices. Simply visit Nissan Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s facebook page i.e http://www.facebook.com/Sbanissanoman or send an SMS to get updated information on any of the vehicles from the house of Nissan.

The Nissan Crossover range provides customers with a comprehensive product line-up and an opportunity to choose from Nissan ."Ă°( ,Ĺ&#x2014; Ă˝Ä&#x201E;Ăż Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x161; , #&Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; /, ()Ĺ&#x2014; and the Juke.

NOBLE CAUSE

Nissan PathďŹ nder 3.5L " Ĺ&#x2014; 0 "# & Ĺ&#x2014; )' -Ĺ&#x2014; 1#."Ĺ&#x2014; Ă˝Ä&#x201E;Ăż Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x20AC;Ĺ&#x2014; Engine, 254hp along with20â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Alloy wheels, Remote EngineStarter, ,Ĺ&#x2014; # 1ÄŤĹ&#x2014; )(#.),Ĺ&#x2014; 1#."Ĺ&#x2014; #, Ä&#x201C;-Ĺ&#x2014; 3 Ĺ&#x2014; # 1Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014; '#&3Ĺ&#x2014; (. ,. #(ment System. With an EMI starting from OMR190/- only, the Nis- (Ĺ&#x2014; ."Ă°( ,Ĺ&#x2014;Ă˝Ä&#x201E;Ăż Ĺ&#x2014;#-Ĺ&#x2014;- .Ĺ&#x2014;.)Ĺ&#x2014; Ă°( Ĺ&#x2014; 1" .Ĺ&#x2014; ." Ĺ&#x2014; ( 2.Ĺ&#x2014; ! ( , .#)(Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014; should offer: perfect off-road capability (i-Auto 4WD system), dynamic design, class-leading comfort, thoughtful technology, and a rewarding driving experience.

Nissan Juke Made in Japan and available with an EMI starting from OMR99 only, the Nissan Jukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s turbocharged engine delivers serious boost when required, The Nissan Intelligent Key allows drivers to unlock the door with a tap of a button on the door handle. " Ĺ&#x2014; #-- (Ĺ&#x2014; /% -Ĺ&#x2014; )' -Ĺ&#x2014;#(Ĺ&#x2014;ĂťÄ&#x201E;Ä&#x20AC; Ĺ&#x2014; engine and the vehicleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s features

Ĺ&#x2014; -#!( ./, Ĺ&#x2014; ,)(.Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014; , ,Ĺ&#x2014; lights and comes with a Sports Bike Inspired Console. With 17â&#x20AC;?

Alloy Wheels, Power Windows, ABS, EBD and BrakeAssist, Dual Airbags â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Jukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safety features are unbeatable.

A decade of promise Suhail Bahwan Automobiles is largely committed to supporting Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth in the Sultanate through major emphasis Nissan X-Trail on customer satisfaction and by Now available with an EMI start- providing world-class after-sales #(!Ĺ&#x2014; ,)'Ĺ&#x2014; ÝÞÄ&#x20AC;Ĺ&#x2014;)(&3Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014; Ä&#x161; , #&Ĺ&#x2014; services in Oman. With a national adopts Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advanced elec- network of more than 19 showtronic four-wheel drive system, all rooms, 22 service centres and 35 mode 4x4i. Controlled via a rotary spare parts outlets, SBA has furswitch on the center console, it of- ther built upon its legacy of trust, fers a choice between two-wheel excellent customer service and ,#0 Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; /.)Ĺ&#x2014;') Ĺ&#x2014;),Ĺ&#x2014; ) %Ĺ&#x2014;)ĂŽ ,#(!Ĺ&#x2014; providing value for money to each permanent four-wheel drive. of its customers.

Nissan Murano Available with an EMI starting from OMR183 only, the second generation Nissan Murano made in Japan features a whole range ) Ĺ&#x2014;, Ă°( ' (.-Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014; (" ( ' (.-Ĺ&#x2014; designed to keep Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s popular,

Reliability For every customer purchasing a Nissan vehicle, it is the beginning ) Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014; /&Ă°&&#(!Ĺ&#x2014; 2* ,# ( Ĺ&#x2014; -Ĺ&#x2014; #-sanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top class after sales service makes sure every customer is hap*3Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014;- .#-Ă° Ä&#x201E;

Omani woman comes out with ďŹ&#x201A;ying colours in data analysis exam MUSCAT: An Omani woman employee at Public Authority for Social Insurance came out with Ăł3#(!Ĺ&#x2014; )&)/,-Ĺ&#x2014; #(Ĺ&#x2014; ." Ĺ&#x2014; Ă°,-.Ĺ&#x2014; ,.#Ă° Ĺ&#x2014; . Ĺ&#x2014; ( &3-.Ĺ&#x2014; 2 '#( .#)(Ĺ&#x2014; recently, says a press release. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Zakiya Talib Al Amri, senior internal auditor of Public Authority for Social Insurance (PASI), appeared for this exam#( .#)(Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014;+/ &#Ă° Ĺ&#x2014;#(Ĺ&#x2014;" ,Ĺ&#x2014;Ă°,-.Ĺ&#x2014; attempt itself,â&#x20AC;? Jose Chacko, CEO of Osool Arabia, said. Ĺ&#x2014; ÄĄ Ĺ&#x2014; ,.#Ă° Ĺ&#x2014; . Ĺ&#x2014; ( &3-.ĢĹ&#x2014; ,.#Ă° .#)(Ĺ&#x2014; *,)gramme sets the industry -. ( , Ĺ&#x2014; ),Ĺ&#x2014; . "(# &Ĺ&#x2014; *,)Ă°ciency and professional exper.#- Ĺ&#x2014;#(Ĺ&#x2014;/-#(!Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014; ( &3.# -Ĺ&#x2014; . Ĺ&#x2014; analysis software. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Earning the ACDA designation is a testament to your #&#.3Ĺ&#x2014; .)Ĺ&#x2014; #(. !, . Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014; . Ĺ&#x2014; ( &3-#-Ĺ&#x2014; . "()&)!3Ĺ&#x2014; #(.)Ĺ&#x2014; Ă°nancial analyses and business processes,â&#x20AC;? Jose, who himself #-Ĺ&#x2014; (Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014; ,.#Ă° Ĺ&#x2014; *,) -sional, added.

LU C K Y D R AW

Bank Muscat, Dar Al Attaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;a support Omani families MUSCAT: As part of its commitment to supporting the community and sustainable development Bank Muscat employees organised an event in support of Dar Al Attaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;a voluntary organisation.

The event held at the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head office by the employees of the Corporate Banking division on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan evoked strong response from employees and visitors.

The proceeds raised through the event were presented to Dar Al Attaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;a, which is actively engaged in community social development programmes, says a press release.

In line with the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to voluntary social activities, events are held to contribute towards sustainable development by working closely with local communities with the aim of improving living standards in a manner that serves the national development process.

ACHIEVEMENT

In keeping with its leading position in the Sultanate, Bank Muscat strives to set an example in all its activities, especially social initiatives in support of needy sections of society.

Enabling everyone to participate, the basic premise of the event was that no matter how small the donation, it can transform someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life.

The event succeeded in encour-

SPREADING KINDNESS

aging employees to generously donate to the noble cause.

The bank regularly conducts 0)&/(. ,3Ĺ&#x2014;-) # &Ĺ&#x2014; .#0#.# -Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ă°.ing disadvantaged sections of society. ReďŹ&#x201A;ecting the corporate ethos, the bank employees seize every available opportunity to channel resources for creating sustainable, positive changes in communities by investing in their welfare to equip them for a better life.

Honda announces Ramadan scheme raffle draw winners MUSCAT: Known to be a trusted name amongst auto enthusiasts, Honda Oman has always strived to be different and unique by offering unmatched services to their patrons.

Honda Oman is offering their customers a unique Ramadan experience with unmatched service and packages making it one of the most admired and desirable brands of vehicles.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ramadan scheme gave customers a chance to win a wide array of fabulous prizes including cash prizes as part of their daily and weekly raffle draws, says a press release. .Ĺ&#x2014;1 -Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014;Ă°,-.Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014;#.-Ĺ&#x2014;%#( Ĺ&#x2014; ' dan scheme where Honda showcased exclusive giveaways along 1#."Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014; - &Ă° Ĺ&#x2014; )(. -.Ĺ&#x2014; ),Ĺ&#x2014; -) # &Ĺ&#x2014; media enthusiasts.

Four lucky winners were announced as part of their daily rafďŹ&#x201A;e draw at the Honda showroom.

Customers who purchased a new

It was a first of its kind Ramadan scheme where Honda showcased exclusive giveaways along with a selfie contest for social media enthusiasts Honda vehicle were entitled to enter the raffle. The three winners were entitled to individual cash prizes worth OMR500.

The four winners were ecstatic with joy and expressed their gratitude towards Honda not only as a brand but the impeccable service that it renders to valued customers. They were very happy to be associated with the brand.

Besides the raffle draw, this

yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ramadan offer entitles customers with free insurance (Oman and UAE), free service package for three years / 50Kkm (up to 80K km on select models), free registration and a free gift (that includes a Black and Decker ,Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014; //'ĢĹ&#x2014; 1#."Ĺ&#x2014; "Ĺ&#x2014; model purchase.

Adil Al Zadjali, National Sales Manager, Honda said â&#x20AC;&#x153;At Honda, we always believe in providing unique and exciting offers to our valued customers. Honda as a brand is known for its superior ,#0#(!Ĺ&#x2014; Ă°( -- Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014; 1 Ĺ&#x2014; 1 (.Ĺ&#x2014; )/,Ĺ&#x2014; customers to be able to experience all of that. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ramadan scheme has been a success so far, and we would like to congratulate all the winners.â&#x20AC;? )( Ĺ&#x2014; #-Ĺ&#x2014; )(Ă° (.Ĺ&#x2014; ." .Ĺ&#x2014; #.-Ĺ&#x2014; showrooms will continue to welcome increased footfalls with auto enthusiasts over the coming weeks of Ramadan to avail of the promotion.

C O R P O R AT E AWA R D

Takaful Oman wins AIWA Award

McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team cheers children at Royal Hospital MUSCAT: As part of its â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Spread Kindnessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; campaign during the holy month of Ramadan, McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oman, owned by Al Daud Restaurants, demonstrates how small acts of kindness can brighten up someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day and contribute to better communities.

McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team together with Birdie character visited the Paediatric Oncology ward at the Royal Hospital and painted a smile on kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; faces, spreading happiness and giving away gift items, says a press release.

The iconic brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visit at the

hospital demonstrated a way of inspiring people from all walks of life to spread kindness through simple but thoughtful deeds that could have positive impact on other peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives especially on children. Under the theme, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Spread Kindnessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expects to bring a little more happiness to everyone especially those who are sick and to children with special needs. Using the #SpreadKindess hashtag, McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is sharing aspirations of kindness and encouraging the public to do the same.

MUSCAT: Takaful Oman Insurance Company, a full-ďŹ&#x201A;edged Islamic insurance provider in the Sultanate, won the AIWA Award 2015 in a special category as the Most Promising Islamic Insurance Company.

The award, instituted by Alam Al-Iktisaad Wal Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mal (AIWA) business magazine, recognises the top achievers in Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s corporate world. The award was received at the ceremony in the presence of dignitaries, senior government and private sector officials, says a press release.

The awards are based on a survey of companies listed on Muscat Securities Market (MSM). The ranking of companies was based on their performance in the last Ă°- &Ĺ&#x2014; 3 ,Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; . %#(!Ĺ&#x2014; #(.)Ĺ&#x2014; )/(.Ĺ&#x2014; Ĺ&#x2014; Ă°( Ĺ&#x2014; - .Ĺ&#x2014; ) Ĺ&#x2014; ,) Ĺ&#x2014; * , ' . ,-Ä&#x2026;Ĺ&#x2014; including growth, return ratios, *,) / .#0#.3Ĺ&#x2014; ( Ĺ&#x2014; *,)Ă°. #&#.3Ĺ&#x2014; , tios measuring the growth and efĂ° # ( 3Ĺ&#x2014;) Ĺ&#x2014;." Ĺ&#x2014; )'* (# -Ä&#x201E; New benchmarks Takaful Oman, in a short span of one year has demonstrated a trackrecord of success and performance that has set new benchmarks. After surpassing projections made during the IPO, Takaful Oman is

The AIWA Awards recognise the top achievers in Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s corporate world. Takaful Oman received the Most Promising Islamic Insurance Company award at the ceremony in the presence of dignitaries, senior government and private sector officials

probably the only company in the Middle East region to break-even within one year of commencing operations. Winner of two prestigious

regional awards, the company has increased its customer base and has been setting standards in terms of risk management, control and IT.

Speaking on the occasion Sayyida Rawan Ahmed Al Said, Managing Director and CEO said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This award reiterates the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to become one of the most successful Takaful companies in Oman, contributing to the development of the economy and giving people a choice of Takaful products.â&#x20AC;?

O. G. Ravishankar, CFO and general manager of Takaful Oman Insurance, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a proud moment for us. We have achieved this through hard work and commitment and by assiduously pursing our vision to ensure that we reach the best of Islamic insurance products and services.â&#x20AC;?

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B7

ROUND-UP

Art of Living celebrates International Yoga Day

CORROSION PROTECTION

The programme started with wishes

Hempel organises technical seminars

and gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said followed by a small children’s presentation and an art form show by Omani kids

MUSCAT: To mark the global celebration of UN International Yoga Day on June 21, the Art of Living (AOL) Foundation organised the event ‘Yogathon 2015’ at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. The event was supported by the Ministry of Sports Affairs, Ministry of Health and Embassy of India.

Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Saidi, minister of health, was the chief guest while His Highness Sayyid Mohammed bin Thuwaini Shihab Al Said was the guest of honour for the event.

Sayyida Basma Al Said, founder of Whispers of Serenity and mental health counsellor and psychotherapist was the guest of honour at the ladies session. Indian ambassador J. S. Mukul and his spouse Mita Mukul were also present, says a press release.

The other dignitaries included several diplomats and heads of leading business houses including W. J. Towell, Al Ansari Trading Enterprise, Khimji Ramdas, Mosaic and many others.

The three-month long yoga campaign focusing on physical, mental and emotional wellness, kicked off with a yoga festival held in March this year. As part of the campaign , free sessions of yoga were conducted by volunteers all over Oman; in schools, institutions, corporates, colleges, hospi-

tals, social clubs, residential complexes and labour camps. More than 7,000 people in different cities in Oman benefited from these sessions in the last three months.

The finale had a yoga demonstration in separate sessions for ladies and men. The session started at 9pm for the ladies with a small presentation followed by yoga demonstrations and interactive yoga, both led by dynamic energetic trained yoga teachers, Meenakshi and Jaya. This was followed by a brief meditation session conducted by Kamal Khimji.

The men’s session was conducted from 10.30pm onwards and was felicitated by Nabil, an Art of living yoga Faculty. The programme started with wishes and gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said followed by a small children’s

presentation and an art form show

by Omani kids. They wished His Majesty good health and long life and welcomed his return to Oman.

Mukul also addressed the gathering and spoke on the importance of yoga for health and wellbeing of general population. A small presentation highlighting ‘Yogathon 2015 Project and AOL Activities in Oman’ was screened.

The Sports Yoga team consisting of Omani youth did wonderful stretches and exhibited unity and harmony in Oman. Mitra and Said Ali Al Thuli led performers into Yoga Asanas and 12 pose sequence yoga. The Interactive and desktop Yoga followed by meditation was led by Aruna. The programme ended with a vote of thanks by Ajay Khimji of the apex body of the Art of Living Foundation.

RECRUIT QUOTES If you can hire people whose passion intersects with the job, they won’t require any supervision at all. They will manage themselves better than anyone could ever manage them. Their fire comes from within, not from without. Their motivation is internal, not external.

— Stephen Covey

MUSCAT: Hempel Oman, a subsidiary of one of the world’s largest independent suppliers of protective, marine and decorative coatings, recently hosted a series of technical seminars to bring the story of their organisation to life.

Over 60 of Hempel Oman’s key customers associated with the Oil and Gas industry based in Muscat and Sohar participated in the seminar entitled ‘New Developments in corrosion protection for hydrocarbon processing facilities — a story in two parts.’

The chief presenter at the seminar was Hempel Group’s Oil & Gas Market Segment Manager, Simon Daly, says a press release.

Daly, a veteran in the coating industry, presented on Avantguard, a new patented innovative anti corrosion technology based on activated zinc.

Avantguard significantly re-

duces the effects of corrosion and offers superior protection. This increased durability has been proven in extensive tests and documented. Hempel’s Hempadur AvantGuard product range was named Materials Performance (MP) Corrosion Innovation of the Year for 2014 at the NACE Corrosion 2015 Conference and Exhibition.

Talking at the event, Jacob Kuruvilla, country manager, Hempel Oman, said: “As we see oil prices moderately recover across the world, we (Hempel) continue to remain mindful and try to support the oil and gas operators to extend their asset life cycle, prevent unplanned shutdowns, loss of production and income on account of corrosion related matters. Avantguard and VersiLine products reiterates Hempel’s proactive approach towards addressing concerns related to corrosion.”

B8

W EDN ESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

ROUND-UP

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Audi announces Ramadan offers

Under the slogan, ‘You deserve extra’, the campaign gives customers purchasing an Audi before July 24, extra features, luxury, and peace-of-mind with a 6-year service and maintenance plan, 6-year extended warranty and free registration

MUSCAT: Celebrating the holy month, Audi Oman, represented

by Wattayah Motors, announced the start of its annual Ramadan promotion, which introduces superior offers to customers during the promotional period.

Under the slogan, ‘You deserve extra’, the campaign gives customers purchasing an Audi before July 24, extra features, luxury, and peace-of-mind with a 6-year service and maintenance plan, 6-year extended warranty and free regis-

tration, says a press release.

Faisal Nawaz, marketing manager of Audi Oman, explains: “The holy month is unequivocally the best time to invest in a new German engineered vehicle, as Wattayah Motors provides customers with value-added rewards that are synonymous with the sentiment of giving during the holy month.

“Our focus has, and continues to be on capacity and quality in sales and after-sales service; and promotional offers such as these allow us to continue to connect with customers even after their initial purchase.”

Audi has set its sales target at 20,000 units annually in the Middle East by 2020.

This and similar peace-of-mind ownership initiatives aim to continue to attract new and existing customers to the brand.

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SPECIAL PRICING SCHEME

Ahlan Ramadan promotion offers Maisarah customers big benefits MUSCAT: Celebrating the holy month of Ramadan, Maisarah Islamic Banking Services continues to offer special pricing scheme for property finance, auto finance and goods finance as part of its Ramadan promotional campaign, says a press release.

Jamsheed Hamza, Maisarah’s head of retail, stressed on the great opportunity awaiting Maisarah’s customers to enjoy the ‘Ahlan Ramadan’ promotions.

“As we celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, we at Maisarah reiterate our commitment to provide world-class Islamic banking services and finance solutions. This campaign aims to make it easier for our customers to own the property, vehicle and goods they need. All our products

and services are designed to meet the financial needs of Maisarah customers, and we are constantly introducing finance solutions to fulfil their requirements.”

The ‘Ahlan Ramadan’ promotions are valid till July 15, offering reduced profit rates to 4.20% p.a. on property finance, auto finance and goods finance. Maisarah customers can also enjoy a norepayment grace period where repayments start only from August 2015. However, the profit accrues for the period starting from disbursement. Additionally, the property finance special offer is valid for one year from the date of disbursement, while other types of finance pricing is be valid for six months from the date of disbursement.

F I NA N C I A L PA R T N E R

H O LY M O N T H

Special Ramadan car loan offer from OAB MUSCAT: Oman Arab Bank (OAB) recently launched a special Ramadan offer for auto financing. The offer will be valid throughout the holy month of Ramadan and continues until August 31.

Under the promotion period, customers applying for auto finance will be entitled to a special discounted reducing interest rate of 4.5% per annum which is equivalent to a fixed rate of 2.5%.

The offer also guarantees instant approvals (during Ramadan) and a tenor of up to 10 years, says a press release.

In addition to the above, customers applying for the car loan, will also be entitled to a special personal loan interest rate and a free credit card with no annual fee. This offer is available for Omani nationals and expatriates working in the public and private sectors.

Speaking about the scheme, Fahd Amjad, GM Retail Banking OAB, said: “We aim to be the finance partner for all prominent car brands in Oman by offering the most complete auto finance to our customers.

“Our staff are available on-site in many showrooms where cus-

Maisarah is a full-service provider of a broad range of Shariacompliant financial products and solutions. It is one of the fastest growing Islamic banking windows in the Sultanate with a dedicated head office in Muscat and branches in Muscat, Salalah, Sohar and Barkat Al Mouz. Maisarah maintains a complete segregation of business activities in order to provide Sharia compliant financial services for its valued customers.

As part of its future growth plan, Maisarah plans to distinguish itself by focusing on providing outstanding customer service, developing and launching new products, investing in technology to provide the best customer experience in timely and convenient manner.

Under the promotion period, customers applying for auto finance will be entitled to a special discounted reducing interest rate of 4.5% per annum which is equivalent to a fixed rate of 2.5% tomers can apply digitally for an instant car loan approval. This is our gift to customers wishing to purchase a car in the holy month of Ramadan.”

Haseeb Iqbal, senior manager, Retail Assets OAB, added: “OAB is looking to provide an unmatched customer experience through our new auto loan offer. With your ID card and a car quotation, the application can be processed within one hour. So our rates are competitive and our services efficient.

What’s more, the offer even caters to customers for used cars.”

ISC Kerala Wing to host Iftar party on June 26 MUSCAT: To celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, Indian Social Club Muscat’s Kerala Wing is organising a grand Iftar party on Friday, June 26 at 6.30pm on ISC Muscat premises.

Knitting the social fabric based on secular and human values, ISC Kerala Wing will once again join hands with the Indian, general expatriate and local communities to celebrate the messages of sacrifice, humbleness and humanity during the holy month. Kerala Wing aims to bring the people together beyond creed, community and linguistic boundaries with the aspiration of extensive social support to the under-privileged during the holy month, organisers stated in a press release.

This Iftar, said the organisers, would be a gesture of spreading the worldly principles of Indian heritage of diversity, reaching out to the local Omani community and strengthen the great cause of coexistence for all.

“We are expecting around 600 people to participate in the Iftar party,” the organisers said.

C

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ASHWIN DEFENDS UNDERERFIRE INDIA CAPTAIN DHONI ONI Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Tuesday defended underfire skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who says he is willing to step aside as captain following their first ever oneday series defeat to Bangladesh. >C3

Oman preparing well for World Twenty20 qualifiers in Ireland Oman national cricket team is based in Cork County and have so far played three games against the local teams winning all the three. Oman’s official warm-up matches are against Nepal on July 6 and Ireland on July 7

MUSCAT: The Oman national cricket team arrived in Ireland and hence travelled to Cork on June 15 for training, practice sessions and acclimatisation prior to travelling to Belfast to play warm-up matches against Nepal on July 6 and Ireland on July 7 prior to the commencement of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifiers.

Cork County is one of the most beautiful places in Ireland with lush green cricket grounds and cool weather. After a day’s training for 5 hours on June 17 the Oman team played its first practice match against a combined team of Munster Club which is second best team in the county.

Batting first Oman scored 130 playing for the first time in cool

WARMING UP: Oman national cricket team players warming-up as coach Duleep Mendis, right, looks on at the Cork County Club. Former England player Derek Pringle has also joined the team as technical advisor. – Supplied photo

and windy conditions. Skipper Sultan Ahmed and his deputy Syed Aamir Kaleem scored 25 and 18 runs respectively.

Oman did exceptionally well with the ball to restrict their opponents and win the match by 30 runs. Ajay Lalcheta claimed three wickets while Munis Ansari, Aamir Kaleem and Khawar Ali grabbed a wicket each.

In the second practice match played the following day against

local champions, the host for the tour Cork County Club which consists of some overseas players from South Africa.

Oman won the toss and elected to bat with Khawar Ali and Mehran Khan. Khawar Ali played a superb innings scoring 75 runs which included 7 fours and a towering six, other notable contribution came from Vaibhav Wategaonkar 23, while Aamir Kaleem and Zeeshan Siddiqui remained unbeaten

on 23 and 18 runs respectively.

Oman scored 162 runs off the 20 stipulated overs.

Requiring 163 for a win Cork County Club scored 134 runs with their overseas South African player Stephen Grobler scoring 28 runs.

Ajay Lalcheta yet again bowled superbly to end with figures of 4 wickets for11 runs. Aamir Kaleem and Khawar Ali claimed a wicket each . The Lord Mayor of Cork County was the chief guest and presented a

memento to the Oman team.

The third match on the tour played on June 21 was the most exciting match against a strong team from Munster Cricket Union.

Winning the toss the home team elected to bat and hammered all the Oman bowlers around the ground scoring 159 runs for the loss of 2 wickets with their overseas player Stephen Grobler scoring a blistering 104 runs which included 7 sixes and 2 fours. Conor

Mulan scored a breezy 29.

Oman opened thir innings with Khawar Ali and Mehran Khan with Mehran Khan getting out cheaply.

Khawar Ali scored 24 runs and after his dismissal Jatinder Singh and Vaibhav Wategaonkar followed cheaply.

The Oman team were reeling before skipper Sultan Ahmed 40 and Amir Ali 28 getting involved in a rescue bid to take Oman closer to their target with lusty shots.

With their departure the match was slipping from Oman’s grip before an unfinished partnership between Rajesh Ranpura and Sufyan Mahmood got Oman home to an exciting victory with two deliveries to spare.

Rajesh remained unbeaten on 20 and Sufyan scored 8 not out. It was a combined team effort that earned an unexpected victory for Oman .

The Oman team since its landing in Ireland are training vigorously daily for approximately 5 hours under very cool conditions .

The Oman team were joined on June 20 by former England cricketer Derek Pringle as the Technical Advisor and is lending valuable support and advise to all the members of the team. He is very happy with the team and sees lot of potential in the players.

Oman’s national team coach Duleep Mendis is pleased with the team performance and says that the tour to Ireland before the start of the tournament, specially to Cork where the weather and wickets are similar to that of Scotland is giving Oman team chance to gear up for the big tournament.

He said its blessing in disguise that Oman team has this opportunity to be here in Cork .

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W EDN ESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

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Pakistan eye series victory in Sri Lanka Pakistan team is riding high after a 10-wicket triumph in the opening Test despite the first four sessions of the match being washed out

COLOMBO: A confident Pakistan will aim to clinch a first Test series win in Sri Lanka for nine years when the second match starts at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo on Thursday. Misbah-ul Haq’s tourists are riding high after a 10-wicket triumph in the opening Test in Galle on Sunday despite the first four sessions of the match being washed out.

Pakistan have lost their last three series in Sri Lanka following a 1-0 success in 2006 but Misbah’s men could not have asked for a better venue to seal the series than the historic Oval ground where Sri Lanka played their first Test match, against England, in 1982.

The sporting Oval pitch, regarded as the finest on the island, has produced a winner in eight successive Tests since 2005, and another decisive result is on the cards.

Sri Lanka have lost their last three matches at the ground, going down to India in 2010 and being beaten by both England and New

Zealand in 2012. Pakistan, who lost by seven wickets when they played at the Oval in 2009, will bank on their impressive showing in the first Test to deal another blow to the hosts.

The tourists bowled out Sri Lanka for 300 after electing to field first, but were themselves reduced to 96-5 before Sarfraz Ahmed and Asad Shafiq launched a gritty fightback.

The pair put on 139 runs for the sixth wicket in quicktime to turn the tables on Sri Lanka, with Shafiq making 131 and Sarfraz 96, as Pakistan gained a 117-run lead.

Yasir Shah then ripped through the second innings with figures of 7-76 — the best by a leg-spinner on Sri Lankan soil — to bowl out the rivals for 206 and set up the memorable win.

Taming Herath However, the key to Pakistan’s success lay in their batsmen dominating Sri Lanka’s spin spearhead

Rangana Herath, a constant thorn for the tourists in the past.

When the two sides last met in Sri Lanka in 2014, the seasoned left-arm spinner grabbed 23 Pakistani wickets in two Tests to engineer a 2-0 win for the hosts.

Misbah had indicated before the current series that it was important to tackle Herath if Pakistan were to win matches. And the batsmen responded by conceding just one wicket to the spinner in Galle.

“Playing Herath confidently was the key for us,” Misbah said. “It’s a good sign for us because he is a very good bowler and could have done a lot more.

“We need to keep this going to win the series because he is a tough competitor capable of doing anything.”

Pakistan’s spinners claimed 13 wickets between them in Galle, compared to five for Sri Lanka’s, and the home captain Angelo Mathews conceded that cost his team dearly.

“I admit that our spinners were not as effective as their spinners, even though the pitch was turning from day one,” said Mathews.

“Hopefully, Rangana (Herath) will bounce back quickly.”

Pakistan may play all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez as a batsman after his bowling action was reported by umpires for a second time in seven months. — AFP

C O N F I D E N T WA S I M S AY S

CRICKET

Bayliss will have impact on Ashes KARACHI: Legendary Pakistan paceman Wasim Akram said Tuesday England’s new coach Trevor Bayliss would help make the Ashes a closer contest despite Australia starting out as hot favourites. The left-armer, who was bowling coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders in India’s domestic Twenty20 league while Bayliss was head coach, said the Austral-

STRATEGY TALK: Sri Lankan cricket coach Marvan Atapattu, right, and captain Angelo Mathews, left, watch other players during a practice session at the P. Sara Oval Cricket Stadium in Colombo. – AFP

ian’s cool and collected approach would serve England well.

“Bayliss keeps it simple and his coaching module is very impressive,” Wasim said. “At this level it should always be simple and Bayliss keeps it that way and I am sure his experience with Sri Lanka and New South Wales will help him in the Ashes. I am sure he will give a positive mindset to

England besides spicing it with the Australian touch of aggression and that will make the Ashes more competitive. I am sure it will not be a one-sided affair.”

Bayliss guided Sri Lanka to the World Cup 2011 final before having a successful stint with the New South Wales state side. He will start his England stint with the first Ashes Test from July 8. - AFP

Ashes series all set for bumpy ‘sledging’ ride MANCHESTER: According to the Lord’s-based Marylebone Cricket Club, still the guardian of cricket’s rules, it is against the ‘spirit of the game’ to “direct abusive language towards an opponent”.

Ask many a cricket fan for a definition of ‘sledging’ and the chances are they would settle for the MCC version.

But, in a sign of how tricky it is to agree on what is or isn’t acceptable, Australia’s Shaun Marsh, speaking ahead of the first Ashes Test against England in Cardiff on July 8, said Monday: “It is an Ashes series and I am sure there will be sledging from both teams, but I am also sure it will be in the spirit of the game.”

The opener also said: “I think it is really important to get out there and show your aggression and put your stamp on the game — that is the Australian way.”

But there was a recognition that things had got out of hand during the last Ashes campaign, which saw Australia whitewash England 5-0 on home soil in 2013/14.

During the first Test in Brisbane, Australia captain Michael Clarke told England tailender James Anderson to “get ready for a broken...arm”.

Clarke later apologised for the tone of his comments and on Sunday promised the upcoming Ashes would be played in the “right spirit”.

Prior to this year’s World Cup, the International Cricket Council promised a crackdown on sledging.

Haddin blast But that did not stop wicket-keeper Brad Haddin from giving sendoffs to several departing New Zealand batsmen during Australia’s seven-wicket World Cup final win in Melbourne on March 29.

Haddin subsequently gave a radio interview in which he defended his actions by saying: “They were that nice to us in New Zealand (when Australia lost a pool match) and we were that uncomfortable.

Billings to press Test claims MANCHESTER: England’s Sam Billings is eager to show he is more than just a one-day player by starring for Kent in the first official match of Australia’s tour of England later this week.

The 24-year-old rising star featured in all five matches the thrilling recent 3-2 series one-day international series victory over New Zealand — his first taste of senior England cricket — and made a valuable 41 in Saturday’s decisive clash at Chester-le-Street.

He is also set to feature in Tuesday’s one-off T20 international at Old Traf-

“I said: I’m not playing cricket like this. If we get another crack at these guys in the final I’m letting everything (out).

“And I’m not going to play another one-day game so they can suspend me for as long as they like,” added Haddin, still Australia’s first-choice Test gloveman.

England and New Zealand have just finished thrilling Test and one-day series where both sides have been lauded for demonstrating it is possible to play aggressive cricket without sledging.

New Zealand opener Martin Guptill, who played in the World Cup final and has been a mainstay of the side in England, said he expected the cordial atmosphere to remain when the Black Caps completed their tour with a lone Twenty20 international at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

“The respect between both sides has been right up there and that shouldn’t change tomorrow

ford, the final match of New Zealand’s tour. But the hard-hitting batsman, yet to don the gloves for England, although he keeps wicket for his county, is keen to prove his worth in a longer format when Kent welcome Australia to Canterbury for a four-day match.

“Hopefully that will be a really good test and a great opportunity for me personally and for the team,” Billings told reporters. Prior to his Test debut, Alastair Cook made a name for himself by scoring a double ton against Australia for Essex in a tour match at Chelmsford. — AFP

(Tuesday),” Guptill told reporters at the Manchester ground on Monday.

As for Australia’s sledging in the World Cup final, Guptill said: “It’s just the way they are. We can’t do a lot about them, can we?”

Part of the problem is that there is little humour in modernday sledging, unlike the time when England great Ian Botham responded to Australia wicketkeeper Rodney Marsh’s barb of “how’s your wife and my kids?” by answering: “Wife’s fine, kids are retarded.”

What Marsh, now Australia’s national selector and no relation to Shaun, thinks of modern-day sledging is likely to be a topic for discussion when he gives this year’s MCC Spirit of Cricket Lecture at Lord’s on September 1.

By then the Ashes will be over, although Australia will still have five one-dayers to play against England before their tour ends. - AFP

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SPORTS Bangladesh aim for a whitewash Bangladesh outplayed India in the first two ODIs to take claim their first series win. The final contest may be a dead rubber but Dhoni and his men would want to play for pride and salvage some of the remains before they head home LET’S PLAY ONE MORE TIME: Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, second right, talks to Bangladesh’s Sabbir Rahman, right as

Mohammad Mahmudullah and Virat Kohli look on during a practice session at The Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. – AFP

MIRPUR: Stung by their firstever series defeat against Bangladesh, under fire India will look to salvage some pride and prevent the hosts from registering a rare clean sweep when they go into the third and final cricket one-dayer here on Wednesday.

After being outplayed in the first two ODIs to give the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead, the visitors have faced severe criticism from all quarters, but beleaguered skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni insists that the current team has the best available players.

The Men in Blue have been outplayed in virtually every department of the game since their 79run loss in the first match and the slide has been difficult to arrest.

The Indians will be keen to win the last match of the series and save face as a whitewash will be really embarrassing for the team which reached the final of the World Cup earlier this year.

But they have to plug all the loopholes to get the better of a spirited Bangladesh. The top-order’s form has been patchy while the team has suffered from lack of partnerships

Can’t expect Mustafizur to take five wickets every time: Streak

Mustafizur Rahman

in the middle-order. The bowling has been far from convincing with the likes of Umesh Yadav and Mohit Sharma leaking way too many runs on slow Bangladesh

NO PROBLEMS

Ashwin defends under-fire Dhoni DHAKA: Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Tuesday defended under-fire skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who says he is willing to step aside as captain following their first ever oneday series defeat to Bangladesh.

Ashwin’s said Dhoni was not to blame for India’s embarrassing losses in the first two matches of the series to minnows Bangladesh, saying “we failed as a group”.

India suffered a thumping sixwicket loss to Bangladesh on Sunday in Dhaka, sealing the international series for the hosts.

“He (Dhoni) is a legend of Indian cricket. He has done so much for the nation,” Ashwin said at a press conference in Dhaka ahead of the third and final match on Wednesday. “You can’t blame him for the whole team’s performance. That’s not fair. We have failed as a group. We need to grow up as a group.”

Ashwin, Dhoni’s team-mate in the Indian Premier League franchise Chennai Super Kings, said the team was fully behind its captain. “As far as I am concerned it’s like an army, if you don’t go behind your leader then you are definitely going to get shot.”

Dhoni, who turns 34 next month and is regarded as India’s best limited-overs player, has won a string of trophies for India

NO HASSLES: Ravichandran Ashwin speaks to media. – AFP

since taking the helm in 2007.

But the losses in Bangladesh again raised questions about his recent form as captain after India’s semifinal exit from the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand earlier this year.

The wicket keeper-batsman quit Test captaincy midway through the Australia tour in December and was replaced by batsman Virat Kohli.

“If it is a justifiable thing that if you remove me and Indian cricket will start doing really well, and if I am the reason for all the bad that is happening to Indian cricket, definitely I would love to step away and play as a player,” Dhoni said after Sunday’s loss. - AFP

MIRPUR: Bangladesh bowling coach Heath Streak made it clear that inspite of pacer Mustafizur Rahman claiming 11 wickets in his first two One-Day Internationals (ODI), expecting five-fors in every match would be unrealistic. Mustafizur broke Zimbabwean Brian Vitori’s record of ten wickets in his first two ODIs when he took 6 for 43 in the second ODI against India in Mirpur on Sunday. By taking 5 for 50 in his first ODI, he became only the second Bangladesh bowler to take a five-for on

pitches. Even spinners Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja have failed to make an impact. Bangladesh, on the other hand, have been brilliant on all counts and the results

debut, after Taskin Ahmed.

“He (Mustafizur) is still very young. We have to be careful. He has taken 11 wickets but we can’t expect him to take five wickets every time. He has shown his potential,” Streak was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo on Monday. “If we look after him and support him, he will be a big match-winner for us. When Mashrafe started, he was looked after throughout his career.”

Streak said since some players need more coaching than others, it will be important to

are a fair indication of their rise in world cricket. After demolishing Pakistan in the recent three-match series, the Mashrafe Mortaza-led side is looking to do the same to

closely monitor Mustafizur but they would have to be careful not to overdo it.”

Streak noticed Mustafizur in May last year in Bangladesh A’s tour to the West Indies and was immediately impressed with him. “Mustafizur has been bowling well. We fought hard to get him into the T20 squad against Pakistan and he showed what he is capable of. Since then it has been good to have Mustafizur, Taskin Ahmed and Rubel Hussain who we know can perform,” he said. - IANS

big brothers India. If the batsmen have shown the will to win by putting up runs on board — the hosts posted 307 in the first ODI — then the bowling department has found

a new hero in Mustafizur Rahman.

The young left-arm pacer has not only created history by picking two five wicket hauls in as many matches but has also dented the confidence of the Indian batsman.

Going into the final match, the numbers may still favour the Men in Blue but on form the hosts remain clear favourites to sweep the series. Mortaza though insisted that the team is not putting unnecessary pressure on itself to go for a series sweep.

“There is no pressure, nobody told us ahead of the match that we will win this series 2-0. India also said that we have nothing to lose so now we will just come on the field and enjoy. If we do that the result will be there. But we are not worried or thinking about a whitewash.

We are just hoping to do our best,” he said. The all-rounder though does not want to stay complacent and has warned the team of any slackness going into final ODI. “Look, consistency was our biggest problem. At the moment things are going well for us and I hope it will continue. In cricket, momentum is very important.

Hopefully the boys will keep it up.

“There were a lot of challenges in the last 15 years but keeping this form is going to be a greater challenge for us. I think it’s a good pressure. When you win everything comes out well. Hopefully the boys will now deliver regularly,” Mortaza said after the team’s historic series win against India on Sunday. Dhoni, on the other, hand insists that is the best lot of players available but they have not been able to adjust to the conditions.

“This is the best lot of players we have,” Dhoni said. “What we have to think about is, if we are playing in the subcontinent whether we want to go in with the extra spinner, whether we really want fast bowlers who bowl quick but are not good with line and length..

“If you see Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar), he is not exceptionally quick but even when the batsmen are scoring fast he gets away with it. Overall you have to see what is the best balance and accordingly you move forward,” he added. - PTI

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W EDN ESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

SPORTS

Neymar-less Brazil will have to do it hard way to win fifth Copa The South American super-power decided on Monday not to appeal a four-game ban handed to star striker and captain Neymar for violent conduct, meaning they will have to do without him for the knock-out stages

SANTIAGO: If Brazil are to win their fifth Copa America in seven editions, they are going to have to do it the hard way.

The South American superpower decided on Monday not to appeal a four-game ban handed to star striker and captain Neymar for violent conduct, meaning they will have to do without him for the knock-out stages. What’s more, they are in a loaded draw that conspiracy theorists might be tempted to suggest had been fixed to help hosts Chile reach the final.

Argentina, Colombia and Brazil, the teams ranked third to fifth in the FIFA World rankings are all in the same side of the draw, while on

FOR THE ALBUM: Brazil’s Neymar, centre, who is suspended for the rest of the Copa America 2015 tournament, poses with teammates at the team’s hotel in Santiago. – Reuters

the other side you find the likes of 61st ranked Peru up against 89th placed Bolivia.

In fairness, Chile (19th) are actually drawn in their quarter-final against the highest ranked team in their half, Uruguay, the defending champions ranked eighth by Fifa And it is Argentina and Colombia who have been hardest hit, as the two highest ranked sides face each

other in the last eight. Whichever negotiates that clash of the titans, they will expect to find Brazil in the semis as the Selecao are up against Paraguay.

Paraguay may have reached the final four years ago, just a year after making it to the World Cup quarterfinals, but they have been in freefall since, failing to reach last year’s World Cup and dropping to

85th in the world. Ranked 15th after their World Cup 2010 exploits, Paraguay won only four out of 19 international matches from the beginning of 2013 until this tournament started.

Even without Neymar, Brazil will expect to progress and the team themselves are eager to exact revenge having lost to Paraguay on penalties at this very stage four

years ago. “It’s going to be a tough match,” said centre-back Thiago Silva after Sunday’s final group game. “Any team here is hard. Paraguay got to the last Copa America final and got there on merit, beating us along the way.

“Beating them on Saturday will have a special meaning.”

Paraguay are liable to provide stubborn resistance having already

FOOTBALL

MISQUOTE

Peter Moores hits out at ‘number cruncher’ image LONDON: Former England coach Peter Moores has said his second spell in charge of the national side was blighted by a misguided perception that he was obsessed with statistics.

Moores was sacked in May, following a drawn Test series away to the West Indies came hot on the heels of a wretched World Cup where England suffered a first round exit.

His second spell in charge lasted just over a year, with the ECB having previously sacked Moores six years earlier.

After England’s World Cup exit was sealed with a defeat by Bangladesh, Moores gave an interview to former England captain Nasser Hussain on Sky Sports when he said: “We’ll have to analyse the game data a bit later.”

However, Moores also told Hussain that his England set-up was not numbers driven.

Meanwhile assistant coach Paul Farbrace — now in caretaker

held both Argentina and Uruguay to draws in the pool phase, while beating Jamaica, albeit thanks to a comedy error by the Caribbeans’ goalkeeper Duwayne Kerr.

The quarterfinals begin on Wednesday with hosts Chile tackling Uruguay, whose form has been a bit patchy here.

Chile face perhaps their best ever chance to win this tournament — in which they have four times been beaten finalists, most recently in 1987 — not only playing at home but also blessed with a golden generation that beat Spain at the World Cup last year.

Boasting Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez and Juventus midfield lynchpin Arturo Vidal amongst a talented outfit, Chile play with pace and verve and thrashed Bolivia 5-0 in their final group game.

They certainly won’t be overawed by a side missing star striker Luis Sanchez, still serving a ban for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup. Edinson Cavani has yet to get off the mark for the shot-shy Uruguayans who mustered just two goals in three pool games.

On Thursday, the two outsiders Bolivia and Peru, both former winners of the competition, meet in Temuco while on Friday, Vina del Mar will be the setting for the heavyweight Argentina-Colombia clash.

Argentina have not exactly shone so far but with an attacking arsenal comprised of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria, Javier Pastore, Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain, they will surely be expecting to end their 22-year wait to lift the Cop America. - AFP

FRUSTRATED: Peter Moores.

charge of England before Australian Trevor Bayliss takes over — said he had used far more statistics when coaching Sri Lanka to the 2014 World Twenty20 title.

Moores has maintained a dignified silence since his latest sacking by England but went public Tuesday to voice his “frustration” at the way he had been portrayed.

“I have to accept my time as England coach has gone,” Moores told the ESPNcricinfo website.

“But I am frustrated. The portrayal of me as a coach in the me-

dia is just wrong.” He added: “We moved away from stats and ‘data.’

Coaching doesn’t work like that at all...It’s not a numbers game. We kept it simple. We tried to give the players responsibility to lead themselves.”

Moores, who led Sussex and Lancashire to the County Championship either side of his first spell as England coach, won plaudits for giving the likes of James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann and Matt Prior a chance to shine at international level during his initial period in charge of the national side.

Meanwhile his second spell saw Joe Root, Gary Ballance, Moeen Ali and Jos Buttler introduced into the England set-up.

When Moores was sacked in May, a side featuring several inexperienced players had won four and lost one of their last six Tests, not a bad run given he had inherited an England team thrashed 5-0 in the 2013/14 Ashes. - AFP

Former Brazil skipper Lucio signs for Goa NEW DELHI: Former Brazil skipper and 2002 World Cup winner Lucio has signed up as FC Goa’s marquee player for the second season of the burgeoning Indian Super League (ISL), the club said on its Twitter feed.

The 37-year-old former Bayern Munich and Inter Milan defender had been playing at home with Palmeiras but will join up with Brazil great Zico, who is head coach of the club in the eight-team competition.

Goa, with a number of Brazilians in the squad, finished the inaugural season of the ISL second in the table before being knocked out in the semifinals on penalties by eventual winners Atletico de Kolkata, backed by a Spanish contingent.

“Lucio has been signed as the marquee player for FC Goa as he was strongly recommended

by Zico,” co-owner Shrinivas Dempo has been quoted as saying in the local media. - Reuters

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EYEING COWES CUP: Oman Sail’s ‘Sultanate of Oman’ crew seen in action during the Austrian event, which saw them win for the first time. — Supplied photo

‘Sultanate of Oman’ crew head to Isle of Wight for Cowes Cup For the second event of the Bullitt GC32 Racing Tour, Ed Smyth is stepping in for Glenn Ashby who has Emirates Team New Zealand duties

MUSCAT: Oman Sail’s ‘Sultanate of Oman’ GC32 will arrive in the Isle of Wight full of confidence after victory in the inaugural round of the Bullitt GC32 Racing Tour in Austria, and looking to build on this success at the Cowes Cup and Round the Island Race. Crewmembers, Nasser Al Mashari, Leigh McMillan, Pete Greenhalgh, and Ed Smyth, fresh from a win in Cardiff at Act 4 of the Extreme Sailing Series on board The Wave, Muscat, will be joined by foiling specialist, Alister Richardson, looking to continue the good form that sees them lead the pack early on.

“Racing in Cowes will be a very different scenario to the lake sailing we did in Austria,” said skipper Leigh McMillan, a local to the Isle of Wight. “In some ways the light conditions that we had for the opening event played into our hands given our lack of foiling experience. It was great to do so well right off the bat though – a real credit to the team.”

Before the inaugural event in Austria in May, the Sultanate of Oman GC32 team, supported by the Ministry of Tourism of Oman and EFG Bank Monaco, had spent just three days sailing on the foil-

ing boat. For the second event of the Bullitt GC32 Racing Tour, Ed Smyth is stepping in for Glenn Ashby who has Emirates Team New Zealand duties. Ed is a regular on The Wave, Muscat and is no stranger to foiling having trained with the team before Austria.

“It is a big learning curve for all of us, we have got a big challenge ahead. We are very experienced on the Ex40s but we are very much still in the learning phase on the GC32s,” said Leigh. “We have to change gears and our mindset a bit, but it is a really good, fun, boat to sail so we are very excited about

TENNIS

Bouchard finally finds rhythm to claim victory at Eastbourne EASTBOURNE: Canda’s Eugenie Bouchard won only her second match since mid-March after struggling to find form, earning a 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 defeat of Alison Riske on Tuesday at the Eastbourne International.

The former top 10 player, now ranked 12th, at 2-10 over her last dozen matches as the form which took the 21-year-old to the Wimbledon title match, as well as Australian Open and Roland Garros semifinals in 2014, disappeared in 2015.

Bouchard’s second-round victory in one hour 40 minutes was her first on grass this season and could not have come at a better time, with Wimbledon starting in six days.

“It’s good to finally get a win,” said Bouchard, who was helped by two aces in the final game as she closed out the 42nd-ranked Riske, to take a 3-0 lead in that series at the WTA level.

“I had to try and stay with her, she was playing well. I tried to stay calm at the end, enjoy the moment. I’ve really had some ups and downs this season. I’ve learned a lot about tennis, myself and life as a result.”

The seventh seed will wait for a third-round opponent from Swiss teen Belinda Bencic and 2014 titleholder Madison Keys, seeded 12th. Bouchard is making

BACK TO WINNING WAYS: Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard returns the ball to Alison Riske of the US dur-

ing their women’s singles second round match at the WTA Eastbourne tennis tournament. – AFP

her Eastbourne main draw debut after falling out of qualifying two years ago.

Two other seeds met upset fates in the second round, with Briton Johanna Konta extending her hometown win streak with a knockout of Russian fourth seed Ekaterina Makarova 6-2, 6-4.

“It’s important for me not to

treat it differently, I do believe very much so that I do need to approach every match exactly the same with my same intentions and personal goals,” said the number 146 wild card.

“I’m just happy that I was able to do that today and I’m looking forward to my next opportunity to be able to do that again.”

American Sloane Stephens eliminated Spanish clay ace Carla Suarez Navarro, seeded fifth, 6-1, 7-5. Czech eighth seed Karolina Pliskova beat Australian Casey Dellacqua 6-4, 7-5 and German tenth seed Andrea Petkovic beat Caroline Garcia 6-2, 6-4 to level her summer grass record at 1-1. - AFP

that, we know it is a steep learning curve and we have some big lessons ahead, but we will still be pushing hard.”

Conditions in Cowes can be mixed and the tides contribute to making it a tricky venue. “Generally you get a bit of breeze so the boats should be up on the foils and absolutely ripping along – it will be great to be flying along at 30 knots.

It should be quite a spectacle.”

After such a great win in Cardiff, Nasser Al Mashari, the bowman on both the Extreme 40 and the GC32, is itching to ‘fly’ again: “We are really looking forward to foiling again

– we are still learning, but will try to do our very best and do well.”

The Bullitt GC32 Racing Tour Cowes Cup runs from Wednesday 24 June through to Friday and then the fleet joins the Round the Island Race for the historic sprint around the Isle of Wight on Saturday.

The GC32 class is a foiling catamaran that is regarded as one of the most exciting newcomers on the scene. Oman Sail joined the circuit earlier this year, following the sailing accomplishments in different other classes. The win in Austria was a testament of further prospects coming this year.

C6

W EDN ESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

SPORTS

Qatar group to push sports integrity in US even as World Cup award faces probes The Doha-based International Centre

There is no question that a Qatari entity faces some reputational challenges as it sets out to clean up sports. Qatar is investing heavily in projects designed to enhance its public image.

Whatever its other goals, I am sure the ICSS was established in part for this reason

for Sport Security (ICSS), which is largely funded by the Qatari government, will talk about its efforts to boost transparency in bidding processes for major sporting events and combat financial malpractice in

Alexandra Wrage

professional sport at

Anti-corruption expert

an event it is holding at the National Press Club on Wednesday

NEW YORK/LONDON: Fifa’s granting of rights to Qatar to host the World Cup in 2022 is a focus of U.S. and Swiss probes into alleged corruption at soccer’s governing body, but that isn’t stopping a group financed by the tiny nation from coming to Washington this week to talk about cleaning up sports.

The Doha-based International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS), which is largely funded by the Qatari government, will talk about its efforts to boost transparency in bidding processes for major sporting events and combat financial malpractice in professional sport at an event it is holding at the National Press Club on Wednesday.

The group, which is headed by two former officials from Qatar’s military, includes Fifa’s former head of security as an executive director and Interpol’s former president as a member of its advisory board.

The event comes on the heels of the indictment by U.S. authorities

of nine current or former Fifa officials and five executives in sports marketing or broadcasting on May 27. They face charges of bribery, money laundering and wire fraud involving more than $150 million.

That investigation is also examining allegations that there was corruption in the awarding of World Cup hosting rights to Russia for 2018 and Qatar four years later, according to a U.S. law enforcement official. The Swiss authorities have their own criminal probe into those decisions.

“The ICSS encourages and supports any proactive action that targets corruption in sport governing bodies by law enforcement agencies,” the organization said in a statement on its website.

Its budget is 70 percent financed by the government of Qatar and the rest is income from projects, said ICSS spokesman Stuart Hodge. ICSS couldn’t immediately say how large that budget is.

Critics say the organization has a public perception problem because of the investigations into the allegations about how it’s main

patron won enough support from Fifa’s 24-member executive committee in 2010 to get the 2022 hosting rights. It had faced competing bids from the U.S., South Korea, Japan and Australia.

“There is no question that a Qatari entity faces some reputational challenges as it sets out to clean up sports,” said Alexandra Wrage, an anti-corruption expert and founder of the Annapolis, Marylandbased TRACE International.

“Qatar is investing heavily in projects designed to enhance its public image. Whatever its other goals, I am sure the ICSS was established in part for this reason,” said Wrage, who resigned in frustration from Fifa’s Independent Governance Committee in 2013, saying calls for change went unheeded.

And Jens Sejer Andersen, the director of Danish governmentfunded sports integrity group Play the Game, said the ICSS clearly had a credibility problem “when serious suspicions are floating in the air surrounding Qatar’s 2022 bid due to the corrupt culture in

FIFA at the time.” ICSS, though, says it is independent.

“There is no external influence or input put on the ICSS from the government of Qatar in terms of how we are run and our activities,” said Hodge.

Both Russia and Qatar have vehemently denied there was any wrongdoing in the way they won the World Cup hosting rights.

They were not the subject of the indictments announced by U.S. prosecutors last month.

Qatar, Fifa, Interpol links ICSS President Mohammed Hanzab, a former lieutenant colonel in the Qatar Armed Forces, announced the formation of the organization in March 2011, only about three months after the desert country won its bid to host the 2022 competition.

Soon after, Qatar’s 2022 World Cup Supreme Committee — in charge of delivering infrastructure and planning for the contest — announced an agreement with ICSS to assist with security for the games.

Hodge said the establishment of the ICSS was in no way connected with the vote to award Qatar the World Cup rights and plans to create the center were well underway beforehand.

ICSS’ advisory board includes Singapore’s Khoo Boon Hui, who was Interpol’s president from 2008 to 2012. Qatar’s 2022 Supreme Committee was among the top ten sources of external funding for the international crime fighting group in 2014.

Interpol earlier this month suspended a 20-million-euro ($22 million) sports “integrity” agreement with Fifa in the wake of the investigations.

ICSS’s connections to Fifa include Chris Eaton, the group’s executive director for sport integrity. A former Australian cop and Interpol official, Eaton became Fifa’s head of security in 2010 where he looked into allegations of vote swapping between Qatar and Spain-Portugal, who had put in a joint bid for the 2018 World Cup. According to a book by journalists from the UK’s Sunday Times

called “The Ugly Game,” Eaton surprised his bosses at Fifa when he announced his move to ICSS in 2012 and brought along the bulk of his investigative team. Eaton, who is due to speak at Wednesday’s event, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Last year, the ICSS published a joint research project with the Sorbonne in Paris, one of France’s best-known universities, that found an estimated $140 billion is laundered every year through sports betting. ICSS also partnered with the United Nation’s Office on Drugs and Crime to help train law enforcement officers so that they could crack down on game-rigging.

One ICSS advisory board member Juliette Kayyem, who worked as an assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security in President Barack Obama’s first term, said she didn’t see any reasons for concern, noting that the ICSS was doing good work in examining how to keep massive sporting events safe.

The faculty member at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government declined to comment on Qatar’s World Cup award, but said: “I think every person on that board is asking all the right questions.” - Reuters

O LY M P I C S

Paris in race for 2024 Games PARIS: Paris entered the race for the 2024 Olympics on Tuesday, proclaiming the bid on Olympic Day in what promises to be a tightly fought contest.

Paris, which failed in bids for the Olympics in 2008 and 2012, joined the US city of Boston, Rome and Germany’s Hamburg as candidates for the Games in 2024, 100 years on from the last time the Olympics were staged in the French capital.

Bids must be officially submitted by September 15 this year and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will then make a decision at a congress in Lima on September 15, 2017.

Bernard Lapasset, current president of World Rugby and future head of the bidding committee, announced: “Paris is delighted to officially confirm its bid for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games — an important first milestone as our Host City campaign journey commences.

“We believe that this bid and our goal to host the 2024 Games will excite, unite and enthuse the people of Paris, our entire nation

and lovers of Olympic and Paralympic sport all over the world.

“As we move forward with our bid, it is very pleasing to see today that we already have the full support of the city, regional and national governments as well as the CNOSF (French Olympic Committee) and the French sports movement — it is wonderful to also receive significant public support and real backing from our athletes.”

Bid-backing Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo invited all Parisians to show their support for the French capital’s initiative by gathering along the banks of the river Seine later Tuesday.

France’s defending Olympic heavyweight judo champion Teddy Riner added: “I think a lot of French people are already behind this project, but we want everyone hand-in-hand for this beautiful adventure because the Olympic Games are much more than just sport.

“They’re an adventure, a dream, something you can live at home.”

Paris will roll out an Olympic declaration with more political and state pomp on July 14 when

a national parade is held along the Champs Elysees. After the disappointment of being beaten by Beijing and London respectively for the last two Olympics, French officials are leaving nothing to chance this time.

The proposal includes holding one sport under the Eiffel Tower as well as at the Stade de France, which was used for the 1998 World Cup final. On the financial side, French organisers say the cost will be about six billion euros ($6.8 billion) and they will get a big chunk of that from the IOC. France President Francois Hollande promised full state backing. “#Paris2024 will be a great mobilisation of our country. To want the Games is to want to share in a big event, to realise that together,” Hollande tweeted.

Aside from Boston, Hamburg, Paris and Rome, Budapest’s city council earlier Tuesday approved the launching of a bid, the idea now passes to the Hungarian parliament in July, where avid sports fan and Prime Minister Viktor Orban is likely to ensure it goes through. — AFP

C

LIFE & STYLE

SECTION

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM W EDN ES DAY, J U N E 24 , 2 0 1 5

Picture this?

T

his month in the journal Cortex, the condition received a name: aphantasia, based on the Greek word phantasia, which Aristotle used to describe the power that presents visual imagery to our minds.

I find research like this irresistible.

It coaxes me to think about ways to experience life that are radically different from my own, and it offers clues to how the mind works.

And in this instance, I played a small part in the discovery.

In 2005, a 65-year-old retired building inspector paid a visit to the neurologist Dr Adam Zeman at the University of Exeter Medical School. After a minor surgical procedure, the man - whom Zeman and his colleagues refer to as MX - suddenly realised he could no longer conjure images in his mind.

Zeman couldn’t find any description of such a condition in medical literature. But he found MX’s case intriguing.

For decades, scientists had debated how the mind’s eye works, and how much we rely on it to store memories and to make plans for the future.

MX agreed to a series of examinations. He proved to have a good memory for a man of his age, and he performed well on problem-solving tests. His only unusual mental feature was an inability to see mental images.

Zeman and his colleagues then scanned MX’s brain as he performed

Certain people, researchers have discovered, can’t summon up mental images — it’s as if their mind’s eye is blind certain tasks. First, MX looked at faces of famous people and named them. The scientists found that certain regions of his brain became active, the same ones that become active in other people who look at faces.

Then the scientists showed names to MX and asked him to picture their faces. In normal brains, some of those face-recognition regions again become active. In MX’s brain, none of them did.

Paradoxically, though, MX could answer questions that would seem to require a working mind’s eye. He could tell the scientists the colour of Tony Blair’s eyes, for example, and name the letters of the alphabet that have low-hanging tails, like g and j. These tests suggested his brain used some alternate strategy to solve visual problems.

After I came across the case study of MX in 2010, I wrote about it. And then something remarkable happened: I discovered that MX was not alone.

“I have spent my entire life explaining to people that I do not think visually,” one reader wrote to me. “I cannot conjure a mental image of a person or of a place to save my life.”

As more e-mails arrived, I did the only thing I could think to do: I forwarded them to Zeman. It turned out that he and his colleagues were also hearing from people who thought they had the condition. The scientists decided to make a formal study of their e-mail correspondents. They replied to e-mails with a questionnaire designed to probe the mind’s eye. All told, the researchers have received 21 responses.

Among the questions, the scientists asked their subjects to picture things like a sunrise. Try as they might, most of the respondents couldn’t see anything.

But some of them did report rare, involuntary flashes of imagery. The mention of a friend’s name, for instance, might briefly summon a face.

When the scientists asked their subjects to mentally count the windows in their house or apartment, 14 succeeded.

They seem to share MX’s ability to use alternate strategies to get around the lack of a mind’s eye.

All in all, Zeman and his colleagues were struck by how similar the results of the survey were. “These people seemed to be describing something consistent,” Zeman said. Rather than being a unique case, MX may belong to an unrecognised group of people.

In their new report, the scientists note that many of the survey respondents differed from MX in an important way. While he originally had a mind’s eye, they never did. If aphantasia is real, it is possible that injury causes some cases while others begin at birth.

Thomas Ebeyer, a 25-year-old Canadian student, discovered his condition four years ago while talking with a girlfriend. He was shocked that she could

remember what a friend had been wearing a year before.

She replied that she could see a picture of it in her mind.

“I had no idea what she was talking about,” he said in an interview. Ebeyer was surprised to discover that everyone he knew could summon images to their minds. Last year, someone showed him my article about MX. “I’d been searching forever on Google, but I didn’t know what to look for,” he said. “It was really empowering just to hear a story of someone else who had it.”

Ebeyer got in touch with Zeman, who sent him the questionnaire. Like many other subjects, he could count his windows without actually picturing his house. “It’s weird and hard to explain,” he said. “I know the facts. I know where the windows are.”

The new study has brought Ebeyer some relief. “There’s something I can call this now,” he said.

Zeman now wonders just how common aphantasia is. “Moderately rare” is his guess, but to follow up, he has sent the questionnaire to thousands of people in Exeter.

He hopes to find enough people with the condition to begin a bigger scanning study, comparing their brains with those of people who see vivid mental images. Together, they may reveal more than MX could on his own. -Carl Zimmer/The New York Times News Service

C8

W EDN ESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

EXTRA

Sparkling bays, staggering ruins, thrilling watersports, and chic hotels — there’s plenty to enhance a beach break

T

here are few simpler pleasures than strolling through a Turkish town at night, after a long, hot day spent gazing out at the turquoise seas. As the muezzin’s call to prayer wafts through the warm air, your only concern will be where to go for dinner. A rooftop restaurant perhaps, looking out across the glinting lights of the surrounding bay. Or maybe something more intimate, in an atmospheric courtyard garden, garlanded with lowhanging lanterns.

With 7,199km of coastline, picking the perfect resort can be tricky, although most of Turkey’s coastal activity is concentrated around its western and southern shores, where the Aegean and the Mediterranean meet. The Black Sea coast is much less focused on tourism.

There are destinations to suit most travellers here, whether you hanker for the boutique hotels and beach clubs of Bodrum, or the quieter coves of the Bozburun Peninsula. The tiny town of Alacati has long lured windsurfers to the blustery Cesme peninsula. If scuba-diving is more your thing, consider the charming resort of Kas. Further west, the lively resort of Oludeniz combines a muchphotographed beach with an ideal destination for paragliders.

Daniel Craig launched himself off

the town’s 1,969m Mount Baba in the 2012 Bond film Skyfall. Boat lovers are also well served by numerous “blue cruises” along the coast, which take place on traditional wooden gulets.

Trips often depart from Fethiye for a three-night journey along the coast, stopping at Oludeniz, Butterfly Valley, Kas, Kalkan and/or the sunken city of Kekova, before docking in at Demre and travelling by road to the ruins of Olympos, an ancient city left by the Lycians.

Indeed, the entire Turkish coastline is littered with archaeological intrigues, most notably at the Greek city of Ephesus.

Europe’s most complete classical metropolis is an unmissable detour for anyone visiting the central Aegean coast.

Despite having undergone 150 years of excavation, only onefifth of the 10th-century city that once stood on the site has so far been revealed.

Those who prefer to take in their history on two feet will be awed by the Lycian Way, a 539km long-distance walking route that runs from Oludeniz to Geyikbayiri (cultureroutesinturkey.com/ the-lycian-way). It traces the settlements of the Lycian people eastwards via graves and ruins, with opportunities to swim and kayak along the way.

Bodrum and beyond The town of Bodrum and its surrounding peninsula are known

for their luxury hotels and beach clubs, which come alive in summer when the well-heeled, party crowd descends. Upmarket places to soak up the 24/7 atmosphere include Ibiza-style club Halikarnas (halikarnas.com.tr), with its Secret Garden restaurant designed by Jade Jagger.

Among the swathe of highend hotels to have sprung up in the area in recent months are the Jumeirah Bodrum Palace ( jumeirah.com), which opened on 1 May, and Mandarin Oriental Bodrum.

Anyone with a desire to sample the quieter side of the Turkish coast should head instead to the twin peninsulas of Datca and Bozburun, south of Bodrum.

Sea breezes, beautiful beaches and olive groves define the landscape of Datca, whereas Bozburun’s pinebacked curving coastline is more rustic.

Kas and Kalkan Kas and Kalkan, which are a 25-minute drive apart along a stunning stretch of Mediterranean road, make for an ideal twincentre escape. Kas is the quieter and arguably more charming of the two, the small streets off its main square lined with lantern-lit restaurants. Kas is also a centre for scuba-diving.

For more bustle, head to Kalkan, which is known for its rooftop restaurants. New for this season is Botanik Garden Bar, which uses herbs grown on site

in its garden to produce drinks.

Thomson (thomson.co.uk) offers a week at the Samira Resort Hotel and Apartments in Kalkan for £353pp in July including flights from Glasgow to Dalaman.

From both Kas and Kalkan, you can access Patara, home to a ruined Lycian city including an impressive amphitheatre. Nearby, you’ll find one of Turkey’s longest beaches – an impressive 18km long. Kaputas, a small stretch of sand, reached by walking down 180 steps, is also accessible from both towns.

Cesme and Alacati The windswept Aegean peninsula of Cesme is Turkey’s top destination for windsurfers, so popular that it draws professionals annually for the PWA World Cup (17 to 22 August; pwaworldtour.com).

To sample the area’s watersports, stay in the atmospheric town of Alacati, close to the bay.

Alacati Surf Paradise Club has a handful of schools operating between May and October. Five windsurfing lessons with Bu Bi Surf School (bubisurf.com) costs from TL530 (£130) per person.

More recently, the town has lured the chic Istanbul set to its smart hotels, enticing boutiques, excellent restaurants and bougainvillea-draped houses. In Alacati, you’re a taxi ride away from the white sands of Ilica Beach or a two-hour journey away from the ruins of Ephesus. Numer-

ous operators offer tours to the former capital of Asia Minor; No Frills Ephesus Tours (nofrillsephesustours.com) offers a halfday excursion for €40 per person. Departing from Selcuk, it includes transport, guiding and entrance fees.

Fethiye and Oludeniz For the traditional gulet experience sailing out of Fethiye, Ocean Yachting (bluecruise. com) is a well-established company, charging €175 for three nights including meals and accommodation on board.

Walkers wishing to tackle the Lycian Way also embark from this area. Explore (explore. co.uk), has a week that starts in Kayakoy and ends in Dalaman from £419pp, including accommodation, guiding and meals; flights extra.

The much-photographed lagoon beach of Oludeniz trails like a teardrop into a protected national park and is undoubtedly one of Turkey’s finest.

Its beauty has not gone unnoticed and the resort itself has been the subject of much development; beyond the beach, tacky tourist shops and restaurants abound.

Nevertheless, it’s a great spot for families in search of sand and amenities. Paragliders are also spoilt in Oludeniz, with the chance to cruise down Mount Baba to spy the Blue Lagoon below.

Where to stay On a serene cove east of Bodrum, Kempinski Barbaros Bay (kempinski.com) offers an excellent spa and six restaurants; doubles from €512, half-board. Handy bases for exploring the Datca and Bozburun peninsulas include Jenny’s Place in Selimiye, where doubles start at £530 per week, B&B; and Eski Datca Evleri which has three traditional stone houses in Eski Datca from €80 a night, B&B. In Kalkan, the upmarket Villa Mahal (villamahal.com) has a chic beach club; doubles from €220, B&B. Alavya is one of Alacati’s most charming hotels (alavya.com.tr), built on the site of the town’s first openair cinema; doubles from €190, B&B. Before the start of a gulet cruise from Fethiye, chill out at Perdue (perduehotel.com), eight safari-style tents, facing out towards Butterfly Valley; doubles from £190, B&B. Avoid the bustle of Oludeniz while making the most of the beach at Beyas Yunus (beyazyunus.com), a luxurious property carved into the rockface; doubles from €300, B&B. Getting there and getting around There are four main hubs: Bodrum, which also serves the Datca and Bozburun peninsulas; Dalaman, for Oludeniz, Fethiye, Kas and Kalkan; Izmir for the Cesme peninsula; and Antalya for the eastern Mediterranean.

-Laura Holt/The Independent

W E D N E S DAY, JU N E 24, 2 0 1 5

C9

ENTERTAINMENT CINEMA SCHEDULE

BAHJA CINEMA Jurassic World (Action / Adventure) Cast: Chris Pratt, Judy Greer, Ty Simkins 9.30 pm CP No: 1495 (PG12)

Dead 2 India (Horror) (18+) Cast: Joseph Millson, Meenu Mishra, Anand Krishna Goyal 11:30 pm Jurassic World (Action, Adventure) (3D) (PG12) Cast: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins 9:00 /11:15 pm Spy (Action, Comedy) (18+) Cast: Jude Law, Raad Rawi, Melissa McCarthy 9:15 pm He Who Dares Downing Street Siege (Action) (12+) Cast: Tom Benedict Knight, Simon Phillips, Russell Kilmister 11:45 pm ABCD 2 (Dance, Musical) (PG) Cast: Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor, Prabhudheva, Raghav, Dharmesh 9:00 pm

Spy (2D) (Action/Comedy) (18+) Cast: Jude Law, Raad Rawi, Melissa McCarthy 11:15 pm

SCREEN 3

He Who Dares Downing Street Siege (2D) (Action) (12+) Cast: Tom Benedict Knight, Simon Phillips, Russell Kilmister 11:30 pm

Jurassic World - 3D (PG12) Action |Adventure | Sci-Fi Cast: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins 9:15, 11:45 pm

ABCD 2 (2D) (Dance/Romance) Cast: Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor, Prabhudheva, Raghav, Dharmesh 9:00 pm

Premam - 2D (M) (PG) Comedy | Romance Cast: Nivin Pauly, Anupama Parameshwaran, Jude Anthany Joseph 9:00 pm

The Homesman (2D) (Drama) (12+) Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Hilary Swank, Grace Gummer 11:45 pm

He Who Dares: Downing Street Siege - 2D (12+) Action Cast : Tom Benedict Knight, Simon Phillips, Russell Kilmister 11:45 pm

SCREEN 1

ABCD 2 - 2D (TBC) Dance | Musical Cast: Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor, Prabhudheva,Raghav, Dharmesh 9:00 pm

ABCD 2 (Dance/Musical ) – PG Cast: Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor, Prabhudeva, Raghav and Dharmesh 9.45 pm SCREEN 2

Jurassic World (3D) (Action/Adventure) (PG12) Cast: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins 9:15 pm Gold Class: 9:00 pm

Dil Dhadakne Do (Romance/Drama/ Comedy ) – PG12 Cast: Anil Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Shefali Shetty, Anushka Sharma, Priyanka Chopra 9.45 pm

Hamari Adhori Kahani (Romance/Drama) – PG Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Vidya Balan and Rajkummar Rao 9.45 pm

Kaaka Muttai - 2D (T) (PG) Comedy, Drama Cast: Ramesh, Vignesh, Iyshwarya, Babu Antony, Silambarasan, Dhanush 9:15 pm Eli - 2D (T) (PG12) Comedy Cast: Vadivelu, Sadha, Pradeep Rawat, Kitty 11:15 pm

The Dead 2: India - 2D (18+) Horror Cast: Joseph Millson, Meenu Mishra, Anand Krishna Goyal 11:55 pm

Jurassic World - 3D (Action/Adventure/ Sci-Fi) (PG12) Cast: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins 9:15 pm He Who Dares: Downing Street Siege – 2D (Action) (12+) Cast: Tom Benedict Knight, Simon Phillips, Russell Kilmister 11:30 pm Premam – 2D (Comedy, Romance) (PG) Cast: Nivin Pauly, Anupama Parameshwaran, Jude Anthany Joseph 9:00 pm Manglehorn – 2D (Comedy, Romance) (12+) Cast: Al Pacino, Holly Hunter, Harmony Korine 11:55 pm Kaaka Muttai- 2D (Comedy, Drama) (PG) Cast: Ramesh, Vignesh, Iyshwarya, Babu Antony, Silambarasan, Dhanush 9:30 pm Jurassic World - 2D (Action) (PG12) 11:30 pm

Jurassic World (3D) (Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi) (PG12) Cast: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins 9:05, 11:15 pm

(Action ) (12+) Cast: Tom Benedict Knight, Simon Phillips, Russell Kilmister.

9:15 pm Premam (Mal) (Comedy | Romance) (TBC) Cast: Nivin Pauly, Anupama Parameshwaran, Jude Anthany Joseph 11:00 pm

Jurassic World (3D) (PG12) (Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi ) Cast: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins 9:15 pm Kaaka Muttai (2D) (PG) (Comedy, Drama) Cast: Ramesh, Vignesh, Iyshwarya, Babu Antony, Silambarasan, Dhanush| 11:30 pm ABCD 2 (2D) (PG) (Dance, Musical) Cast: Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor, Prabhudheva,Raghav, Dharmesh 9:00 pm The Dead 2: India (2D) (18+) (Horror) Cast: Joseph Millson, Meenu Mishra, Anand Krishna Goyal 11:45 pm Premam (2D) (PG) (Romance, Comedy) Cast: Nivin Pauly, Anupama Parameshwaran, Jude Anthany Joseph 9:00 pm He Who Dares: Downing Street Siege (2D) (12+) (Action ) Cast: Tom Benedict Knight, Simon Phillips, Russell Kilmister 11:55 pm

He Who Dares Downing Street Siege

Dead 2 India (Horror ) Cast: Joseph Milson, Meenu Mishra, Anand Krishna Goyal 11.45 pm CP No: 1512 (18+) The Homesman (Drama) Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Hilary Swank, Grace Gummer 11.45 pm CP No: 1513 (12+) Hamari Adhuri Kahani (Romance) Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Vidya Balan, Rajkumar Rao 9:30 pm CP No: 1497 (PG)

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

STARS CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Premam (Mal) (Comedy) Cast: Nivin Pauly, Anupama Parameshwaran and Sai Pallavi 10:00 pm at Cinema Main Eli (Tamil) (Action/Comedy) Cast: Vadivelu and Sadha 9:30 pm at Cinema -2 Kakka Muttai (Tamil) (Drama/Comedy) Cast: Ramesh and Silam Barasan 9:45 pm at Cinema-3 Chandrettan Evideeya (Mal ) (Romance/Comedy) Cast: Dileep, Namitha and Annu Sree 9-45 pm at Cinema -4 (Programmes are subject to change)

For More Information 24789032, 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

ACES ON BRIDGE

Sit on your hand to slow down SLOANE Crosley, an essayist, wrote, “I used to think that nails-down-achalkboard was the worst sound in the world. Then I moved on to people-eatingcereal-on-the-phone.

But only this week did I stumble across the rightful winner: it’s the sound of a baggage carousel coming to a grinding halt, having reunited every passenger on your flight with their luggage, except for you.”

No doubt we can all relate to that. You stand there for ages, hoping against hope not to be disappointed.

At the bridge table, many play their cards as if their

suitcase were the first to appear on the carousel.

They take no time to consider the possibilities.

In today’s deal, how can the defenders defeat four spades after West leads his diamond ace?

Note South’s advance of his partner’s takeout double. By an unpassed hand, a simple suit bid shows only 0-8 points.

With 9-11 points, the advancer must jump in his suit.

Yes, South wishes he had a five-card suit, but one has to make the best of the situation. Here, North has an easy raise to four spades.

The first key play comes at trick one. East must drop his queen under West’s ace. This shows the queen and the jack (or a very unlikely singleton queen).

Now West must resist the temptation to play another diamond. Instead, he should shift to his singleton heart.

South will win the trick and play a trump, but West can take that trick and continue with a low diamond.

East wins with his jack, and it should be the work of a moment for him to return a heart, which West ruffs to defeat the contract.

- Phillip Alder MARMADUKE

CROSSWORD

B I G NAT E

Answer to previous puzzle

ACROSS 1 “Cheers” bar owner 4 Beer container 7 Dentist’s photo (hyph.)

11 Sinister 13 Forty-niner’s quest 14 Auel heroine 15 Turner of “Typical Male” 16 Bully 18 Far-reaching views 20 Founded 21 Mouse alert 22 British FBI 23 Eavesdropped 26 Rapid rise 30 Drop the ball

31 32 33 36 38 39 40 43 46 48 50 51 52

3 4 5 6 7

Tax shelter Santa — winds Bring up Soothsayer Prez after Jimmy Crane arm Famous racetrack Homburg cousin Briny liquid Faint glow Chapeau’s place Genre Revealing mannerism 53 Rock star, say 54 Importune 55 Token amount

8 9 10 12 17

DOWN 1 Clique 2 Tel —

26 27

19 22 23 24 25

Skirt style Early camera Psyche’s beloved Garnet or ruby “Kubla Khan” locale Deli breads Sheltered Fabric measure Hologram maker Long-legged wader Danson or Kennedy Books pro Do a sewing chore Prior to Son of Val and Aleta Large vase Dust collector

28 Veld grazer 29 Flair for music 31 Chem class particle 34 Garden tool 35 Modicum 36 Facilitate 37 Wolf-pack member (hyph.)

39 Dried meat 40 — spumante 41 Nut, actually 42 Roman historian 43 At one — swoop 44 Wishes undone 45 Guthrie of folk music 47 Friendly advice 49 Mont Blanc

BORN LOSER

WITH LOVE AHANA ROY CHOUDHURY

MURJANAH SHAHUL

SANJAY S. NAIR

SAGAR SATHEESH

June 24, 2012

June 24, 2009

June 24, 2004

June 26

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

W EDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

PRAYER TIMINGS

FIND-IT-ALL Y O U R B I R T H D AY

BORN today, you are one of the most powerful individuals born under your sign, and you exert that power in a straightforward, overt sort of way that seems to belie your Cancer heritage! While others may be much more subtle, even retiring, in their approach, you are far more likely to jump out in front and pursue what you want in an aggressive fashion.

It is this fearlessness that sets you apart, for you’re not the kind to back down when things get tough — and for Cancer natives, things can get tough quite often! While it is true that you harbour certain insecurities, you never let them control you to the point that you are unwilling or unable to move forward.

You will progress even when you are afraid to do so!

You are a deeply caring individual, and your sensitivities are best applied not only to those around you, but to your work as well. Put your heart into your work and apply your keen understanding of human nature, and success is all but assured. Feeling, for you, is a strength, not a weakness.

Also born on this date are: Mick Fleetwood, musician; Jeff Beck, guitarist; Roy Disney, entrepreneur; Jack Dempsey, boxer; Peter Weller, actor; Sherry Stringfield, actress; Ambrose Bierce, writer; Nancy Allen, actress; Al Molinaro, actor.

W E AT H E R

P

WORLD

Max 42 Min 34 Max 28 Min 18

Max 36 Min 23

Max 42 Min 32 Max 24 Min 14

Max 38 Min 31

Max 26 Min 18

Max 46 Min 31

Max 47 Min 32

Max 44 Min 25

Max 43 Min 34

Max 37 Min 31

[JUNE 21-JULY 22] Max 33 Min 28

Max 30 Min 18

Max 34 Min 28 Max 18 Min 14

—www.met.gov.om

GULF Abu Dhabi Doha Dubai Kuwait Manama Riyadh

37 42 37 40 38 41

32 32 31 30 33 24

WORLD Athens Baghdad Beijing Berlin Boston Cairo Colombo Frankfurt Hong Kong Istanbul Johannesburg Kuala Lumpur Lisbon Paris Perth Singapore Tokyo Toronto

31 39 28 16 26 35 30 21 30 26 18 32 24 23 18 30 28 25

20 25 21 12 15 16 27 12 27 17 1 25 17 16 9 28 20 15

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

TO MUSCAT (RUWI)

[JULY 23-AUG. 22]

VIRGO [AUG. 23-SEPT. 22] You must take care that your treatment of others is always in line with your own view of how people should be treated!

LIBRA L [[SEPT. [S S 23-OCT. 22] You may be unusually adept at doing those things that others find difficult, especially when they require attention to detail.

SCORPIO S [[OCT. 23-NOV. 21] You may be rather nervous or skittish, but any real fear is unnecessary, as genuine dangers are few and far between.

SAGITTARIUS S [[NOV. 22-DEC. 21] You can prove to yourself that you have what it takes, and there’s no need to advertise it, as others already know!

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

[DEC. 22-JAN 19] You may be yearning for a taste of something long gone, but you’ll realise that you’re on the verge of something new and exciting.

AQUARIUS [JAN. 20-FEB. 18] You will benefit greatly from collaborating with someone who complements your talents with his or her own. This is a productive union!

PISCES [Feb. 19-March 20] Not everyone will approve of what you have to say, but it is important that you give yourself free rein — at least for the moment.

ARIES [March 21-APRIL 19] You are likely to emerge from a period of uncertainty. Now is the time, then, to make certain plans and set them in motion.

TAURUS [APRIL 20-MAY 20] You can’t afford to perform at a mediocre level; you must strive to be the best. In that way, you will compel yourself to improve.

GEMINI [MAY 21-JUNE 20] You’re not really seeing things in the proper light. You must be certain to avoid fooling yourself in any significant way.

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

To Yanqul (Route 54) 14:30 Nizwa 14:30 Yanqul

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (Route 54) 08:00 Nizwa 08:00 Al Araqi

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (Route 55) 07:30 Sur 14:30 Sur TO FAHUD - YIBAL (Route 62) 06:30 Fahud 06:30 Yibal

08:55 11:40 20:20 14:55 17:40 19:20 22:15

Daily Daily Daily via Ibri Daily Daily Daily Daily

10:25

Daily

To Yanqul (Route 54) 06:00 Nizwa 06:00 Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

Daily Daily

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (Route 54) 15:40 Nizwa 15:40 Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

TO SUR (Route 55) 06:00 Ruwi 14:30 Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

10:30 11:15

Daily Daily

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (Route 62) 12:30 Fahud 12:30 Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (Route 100) 07:00 Salalah 20:00 10:00 Marmul 20:30 10:00 Salalah 23:30 19:00 Salalah 07:40

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (Route 100) 07:00 Ruwi 19:50 10:00 Marmul 13:15 10:00 Ruwi 22:30 19:00 Ruwi 07:30

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101) 06:00 Marmul

Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101) 06:00 Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (Route 102) 15:00 Salalah 07:00

Daily

16:50

SALALAH TO DUBAI (Route 102) 15:00 Dubai 07:00

CAPRICORN

6.57pm 5.22am

High tide Low tide

2:29am 9:12pm

TO DUBAI (Route 201) 06:00 Sohar 06:00 Dubai 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Dubai 15:00 Sohar 15:00 Dubai

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

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (Route 204) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 07:00 Fujairah 11.45 Daily 07:00 Sharjah 13.30 Daily 07:00 Dubai 14.00 Daily

TO DUBAI (Route 201) 07:30 Sohar 07:30 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Ruwi 15:30 Sohar 15:30 Ruwi

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

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (Route 204) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 16:00 Sharjah 16:30 Daily 16.00 Fujairah 18.15 Daily 16.00 Ruwi 23.00 Daily

LISTINGS

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi: 24783334; Appolo Medical Centre, Hamriya: 24782666; Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi: 24702542, Salalah: 23291635; Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra: 24503585; Ruwi 24811715 Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya. Tel: 24787766 Muscat, A Seeb Market. Tel: 24421691 Muscat, Al Khuwair. Tel: 24485740 Muscat, Al Hail South. Tel: 4537080 Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah.

Tel: 23291635 HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre: 24485052 Atlas Hospital: Ruwi: 24811743/ Ghubra: 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic: 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi: 24563641, Azaiba: 24499269, Sohar: 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital: 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory: 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre: 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya: 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic: 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi: 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb: 24420740 Ceregem National Raak: 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic: 24563217 Elixir Health Centre: 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre: 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre: 24472274 Hamdan Hospital: 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC: 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital: 24760100

24 Hrs Emergency: 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar: 26751128, MBD: 24799077, Al Khuwair: 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital: 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital: 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair: 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC: 22004000 ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence: 24569603 Directorate General of Customs: 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries: 24510228 Public Relations Admin: 24560099 ACCOMMODATION Al Bahjah Hotel: 24424400 Al Bustan Palace: 24764000 Al Khuwair Hotel Apartments: 24478171 Al Madina Holiday Inn: 24596400 Al Maha International Hotel: 24494949 Al Fanar Hotel: 24712385 Al Falaj Hotel: 24702311 Al Qurum Resort: 24605945 Azaiba Hotel Apartments: 24490979 Beach Hotel: 24696601 Bowshar Hotel: 24491105 Coral Hotel Muscat: 24692121 Crowne Plaza Muscat: 24660660 Crystal Suites: 24826100 Golden Tulip Seeb: 24510300 Grand Hyatt Muscat: 24641234 Haffa House Hotel: 24707207 Hotel Muscat Holiday: 24487123 InterContinental Muscat: 24680000 Majan Continental Hotel: 24592900 Marina Hotel: 24711711 Midan Hotel Suites: 24499565 Mina Hotel: 24711828 Muttrah Hotel: 24798401

Nuzha Hotel Apartments: 24789199 Oman Dive Centre: 24824240 Park Inn: 24507888 Qurum Beach House Hotel: 24564070 Radisson Blu Hotel: 24487777 Ramee Dream Resort Seeb: 24453399 Ramee Guestline Hotel: 24564443 Ruwi Hotel: 24704244 Safeer Hotel Suites: 24691200 Sheraton Oman Hotel: 24772772 Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa: 24776666 The Chedi Muscat: 24524400 The Treasurebox Muscat Hotel: 24502570 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 may be doing things in ways that others see as unusual or even eccentric. No harm is done, of course.

Sunset Sunrise (Tomorrow) 2:19pm 7:22am

the rest of the Sultanate.

SEA STATE: Rough along the Arabian Sea coast with maximum wave height of 5.0 metres and moderate along western coast of Musandam with maximum wave height of 2.0 metres and slight along rest of Oman’s coast with maximum wave height of 1.25 metres.

HORIZONTAL VISIBILITY: Good over most of the Sultanate becoming poor during rain and blowing dust.

THE NEXT 48 HOURS OUTLOOK: Partly cloudy to cloudy skies along the coastal areas of Dhofar governorate and adjoining mountains with chance of intermittent drizzle. Chance of blowing dust over deserts and open areas of the governorates of Al Buraimi, Al Dahirah, and Al Wusta due to fresh northwest wind.

Max

OMAN

LEO

12.14pm 3.32pm 7.02pm 8.24pm 3.54am

AIRLINES

artly cloudy to cloudy skies along the coastal areas of Dhofar governorate and adjoining mountains with chance of intermittent drizzle and clear to partly cloudy skies over governorates of South Al Sharqiyah and Al Wusta. Mainly clear skies over rest of the Sultanate with chance of clouds development over Al Hajar mountains and adjoining areas with isolated thunderstorm during evening may associated with downdraft wind, and chance of blowing dust over deserts and open areas of the governorates of Al Buraimi and Al Dahirah.

EXPECTED WINDS: Northerly to northeasterly light to moderate along the coastal areas of Oman Sea during day becoming variable light at night, and along the coastal areas of Arabian Sea wind will be southwesterly moderate to fresh, while it will be northwesterly light to moderate occasionally fresh over

CANCER You must be willing to devote a little more practice to something that is not yet up to par, but you can surely exceed that level soon.

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

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

MEDINA 0005 JEDDAH 0005 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 0005 RIYADH 0010 KUWAIT 0015 SALALAH 0020 DUBAI 0030 SALALAH 0035 SALALAH 0120 ISTANBUL 0135 DACCA 0200 KARACHI 0215 BAHRAIN 0325 DUBAI 0340 DUBAI 0350 DOHA 0355 ABU DHABI 0400 FRANKFURT 0515 ABU DHABI 0640 SALALAH 0645 KUWAIT 0650 BAHRAIN 0650 AMMAN 0650 RAS AL KHAIMA 0655 RIYADH 0655 MALPENSA 0705 DOHA 0715 JEDDAH 0735 PARIS 0735 LONDON HEATHROW 0740 DUBAI 0800 TEHRAN 0805 DUBAI 0805 DOHA 0815 LAHORE 0825 LAHORE 0830 BOMBAY 0835 HYDERABAD 0900 SHARJAH 0905 BANGALORE 0910 COCHIN 0920 DUBAI 0930 DELHI 0935 MADRAS 0955 TRIVANDRUM 0955 DOHA 1000 ABU DHABI 1010 KHASAB 1015 COCHIN 1020 DUQUM OMAN 1035 TRIVANDRUM 1045 BAHRAIN 1105 DUBAI 1115 MUKHAIZNA 1120 BAHRAIN 1130 DUBAI 1140 CALICUT 1155 KATHMANDU 1205 LAHORE 1215 SINGAPORE-KUALA LUMPUR 1220 BANGKOK 1220 SALALAH 1230 ABU DHABI 1230 DOHA 1250 KARACHI 1300 DUBAI 1340 KHASAB 1400 SALALAH 1440 ISLAM ABBAD 1515 SHARJAH 1525 DUBAI 1535 MUKHAIZNA 1550 DOHA 1645 ABU DHABI 1650 BOMBAY 1655 ABU DHABI 1710 CALICUT 1710 LUCKNOW 1740 DOHA 1745 DUBAI 1745 JAIPUR 1745 HYDERABAD 1750 MADRAS 1750 DELHI 1750 BAHRAIN 1750 DUBAI 1800 BAHRAIN 1810 TRIVANDRUM 1820 SHARJAH 1905 KUWAIT 1930 DUBAI 1940 SALALAH 2000 ABU DHABI 2005 DUBAI 2025 CHITTAGONG 2035 KATHMANDU 2040 DUBAI 2100 AMSTERDAM-DOHA 2105 BANGALORE-HYDERABAD 2105 MUNICH 2105 COCHIN 2115 DELHI 2125 BOMBAY 2130 LONDON HEATHROW-ABU DHABI 2140 DUBAI 2150 MADRAS 2200 CHITTAGONG 2210 DOHA 2225 ZURICH-DUBAI 2225 BAHRAIN 2240 FRANKFURT-DOHA 2245 KARACHI 2250 ABU DHABI 2300 SALALAH 2310 BOMBAY 2315 BOMBAY 2325 DOHA 2335 BAHRAIN 2340 ABU DHABI 2340 SALALAH 2345 BANGKOK 2350 DUBAI 2355 DAMMAM 2355

SG061 WY717 WY676 WY424 WY682 WY648 WY914 FZ131 WY3908 BG021 CV610 WY916 TK774 4H585 PK225 GF560 ET624 EK866 QR1132 EY384 MS930 PK291 FZ041 WY114 4H586 WY658 WY412 WY638 WY902 WY644 WY686 WY144 WY678 WY668 WY674 WY102 FZ043 WY602 WY346 NL768 WY272 WY202 IX817 WY236 G9114 WY226 EK862 WY242 WY212 WY252 QR1128 EY382 WY918 IX443 WY844 WY652 9W530 WY634 WY604 GF562 FZ037 IX337 WY824 WY818 BG023 WY904 WY670 CV611 WY606 WY3302 WY920 WY906 WY3922 FZ045 KU677 SV530 WY344 QR1126 EY386 WY204 WY292 WY632 WY208 WY264 WY664 EK864 WY254 WY232 WY284 WY246 WY656 WY3932 GF564 WY610 TG507 G9116 WY374 WY646 FZ047 WY908 RG125 WY614 WY848 WY338 WY434 FZ049 WY124 KL441 9W534 4H561 AI973 6.00E+81 BA073 WY624 UL205 AI907 WY312 QR1134 LX242 WY414 GF566 LH616 SG061 EY388 WY910 9W540 AI985 WY406 WY662 WY636 WY654 WY928 WY816 WY612 WY696

AHMEDABAD 0001 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 0005 JEDDAH 0005 BEIRUT 0005 RIYADH 0010 KUWAIT 0015 SALALAH 0020 DUBAI 0030 SALALAH 0035 DACCA 0100 LUXORE 0115 SALALAH 0120 ISTANBUL 0135 DACCA 0200 KARACHI 0215 BAHRAIN 0325 ADDIS ABABA 0335 DUBAI 0350 DOHA 0355 ABU DHABI 0400 CAIRO 0410 ISLAM ABBAD 0410 DUBAI 0415 FRANKFURT 0515 DOHA 0600 BAHRAIN 0635 AMMAN 0635 ABU DHABI 0640 SALALAH 0645 KUWAIT 0650 RIYADH 0655 MALPENSA 0705 MEDINA 0710 DOHA 0715 JEDDAH 0735 LONDON HEATHROW 0740 DUBAI 0800 DUBAI 0805 ISLAM ABBAD 0815 LAHORE 0830 JAIPUR 0830 BOMBAY 0835 MANGALORE 0840 HYDERABAD 0900 SHARJAH 0905 COCHIN 0920 DUBAI 0930 DELHI 0935 TRIVANDRUM 0950 MADRAS 0955 DOHA 1000 ABU DHABI 1010 KHASAB 1015 COCHIN 1020 MANILA 1025 BAHRAIN 1040 TRIVANDRUM 1045 ABU DHABI 1110 DUBAI 1115 BAHRAIN 1130 DUBAI 1140 CALICUT 1155 SINGAPORE-KUALA LUMPUR 1220 BANGKOK 1220 DACCA-CHITTAGONG 1230 SALALAH 1230 DOHA 1250 MADRAS 1315 DUBAI 1340 MUKHAIZNA 1350 KHASAB 1400 SALALAH 1440 DUQUM OMAN 1510 DUBAI 1535 KUWAIT-ABU DHABI 1540 JEDDAH 1550 LAHORE 1605 DOHA 1645 ABU DHABI 1650 BOMBAY 1655 CALICUT 1710 ABU DHABI 1710 GOA 1740 LUCKNOW 1740 DOHA 1745 DUBAI 1745 MADRAS 1750 HYDERABAD 1750 BANGALORE 1750 DELHI 1750 BAHRAIN 1750 SOHAR 1805 BAHRAIN 1810 DUBAI 1830 BANGKOK-KARACHI 1900 SHARJAH 1905 COLOMBO 1915 KUWAIT 1920 DUBAI 1940 SALALAH 2000 ABU DHABI 2005 DUBAI 2025 CHITTAGONG 2035 KATHMANDU 2040 TEHRAN 2055 DUBAI 2100 MUNICH 2105 2105 AMSTERDAM-DOHA COCHIN 2115 DACCA 2115 DELHI 2125 BOMBAY 2130 LONDON HEATHROW-ABU DHABI 2140 DUBAI 2150 COLOMBO 2155 MADRAS 2200 CHITTAGONG 2210 DOHA 2225 ZURICH-DUBAI 2225 AMMAN 2225 BAHRAIN 2240 FRANKFURT-DOHA 2245 AHMEDABAD 2300 ABU DHABI 2300 SALALAH 2310 BOMBAY 2315 BOMBAY 2325 CAIRO 2330 DOHA 2335 ABU DHABI 2340 BAHRAIN 2340 SALALAH 2345 BANGKOK 2350 DUBAI 2355 DAMMAM 2355

FLT NO

DEPARTURES TO

FLT NO

DEPARTURES TO

9W539 AI986 WY225 WY637 WY657 WY281 WY235 WY201 FZ132 WY685 WY251 WY643 WY341 WY601 WY431 WY123 WY901 WY847 WY241 WY667 TK775 WY331 4H584 PK230 EK867 QR1133 EY385 FZ036 WY651 WY917 GF561 WY3921 G9842 WY903 WY603 WY3301 WY347 WY323 WY669 FZ044 WY823 WY815 WY633 WY215 WY253 WY291 NL769 WY263 QR8550 G9115 WY843 WY231 WY905 WY605 WY203 WY245 EK863 WY337 WY717 WY273 IX554 QR1129 WY919 EY383 IX442 WY311 9W533 GF563 FZ038 WY3303 IX350 PA451 WY113 WY655 WY663 WY631 WY143 WY101 WY645 WY423 WY927 WY609 WY907 WY675 G9110 FZ046 WY613 QR1127 EY387 WY327 WY681 WY623 WY647 WY909 GF565 EK865 WY695 WY661 WY653 G9117 WY913 WY3907 WY635 FZ048 WY611 RG126 WY915 FZ050 AI978 WY411 KL442 WY817 9W529 6.00E+82 AI908 WY677 AI974 LX243 GF567 QR1135 BA072 WY673 LH617 EY381

BOMBAY 0020 BOMBAY 0020 COCHIN 0105 ABU DHABI 0105 BAHRAIN 0110 BANGALORE 0110 HYDERABAD 0110 BOMBAY 0115 DUBAI 0115 RIYADH 0115 MADRAS 0120 KUWAIT 0120 LAHORE 0145 DUBAI 0145 TEHRAN 0155 MUNICH 0200 SALALAH 0215 JAKARTA 0215 DELHI 0215 DOHA 0225 ISTANBUL 0230 KATHMANDU 0245 DUBAI 0300 LAHORE 0315 DUBAI 0450 DOHA 0500 ABU DHABI 0500 DUBAI 0510 BAHRAIN 0645 KHASAB 0715 BAHRAIN 0715 DUQUM OMAN 0740 RAS AL KHAIMA 0745 SALALAH 0750 DUBAI 0750 MUKHAIZNA 0800 ISLAM ABBAD 0830 KARACHI 0835 DOHA 0835 DUBAI 0845 KUALA LUMPUR-SINGAPORE 0900 BANGKOK 0905 ABU DHABI 0910 TRIVANDRUM 0915 MADRAS 0915 CALICUT 0915 LAHORE 0930 LUCKNOW 0940 DUBAI WORLD CENTRE-DOHA 0945 SHARJAH 0955 MANILA 0955 HYDERABAD 1000 SALALAH 1020 DUBAI 1020 BOMBAY 1025 DELHI 1040 DUBAI 1045 KATHMANDU 1050 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 1050 JAIPUR 1055 TRIVANDRUM 1055 DOHA 1100 KHASAB 1100 ABU DHABI 1105 COCHIN 1120 CHITTAGONG 1135 COCHIN 1145 BAHRAIN 1215 DUBAI 1225 MUKHAIZNA 1230 CALICUT 1255 LAHORE 1315 FRANKFURT 1320 BAHRAIN 1325 DOHA 1330 ABU DHABI 1345 MALPENSA 1350 LONDON HEATHROW 1400 KUWAIT 1400 BEIRUT 1400 SALALAH 1430 DUBAI 1445 SALALAH 1540 JEDDAH 1615 SHARJAH 1615 DUBAI 1620 DUBAI 1710 DOHA 1745 ABU DHABI 1755 KARACHI 1810 RIYADH 1840 DUBAI 1840 KUWAIT 1845 SALALAH 1850 BAHRAIN 1855 DUBAI 1910 DAMMAM 1915 DOHA 1920 BAHRAIN 1920 SHARJAH 1955 SALALAH 2000 SALALAH 2015 ABU DHABI 2015 DUBAI 2025 DUBAI 2035 ABU DHABI 2045 SALALAH 2100 DUBAI 2145 HYDERABAD-BANGALORE 2200 AMMAN 2205 DOHA-AMSTERDAM 2220 BANGKOK 2225 TRIVANDRUM 2230 BOMBAY 2245 MADRAS 2300 MEDINA 2310 DELHI 2310 DUBAI-ZURICH 2325 BAHRAIN 2325 DOHA 2330 ABU DHABI-LONDON HEATHROW 2330 JEDDAH 2350 DOHA-FRANKFURT 2355 ABU DHABI 2355

AI986 9W539 WY637 WY225 WY235 SG062 WY657 WY211 FZ132 WY201 WY685 WY643 WY251 WY345 WY271 WY601 WY123 WY847 WY241 WY901 WY667 BG022 TK775 WY331 4H585 PK226 CV610 ET625 EK867 QR1133 EY385 FZ042 MS931 PK292 WY651 4H586 WY917 GF561 WY903 WY603 WY633 WY669 FZ044 WY823 WY373 WY815 WY291 WY343 WY253 NL769 IX818 WY263 G9115 WY3301 WY283 WY231 WY605 WY207 WY905 WY203 WY245 EK863 WY337 WY919 QR1129 EY383 IX442 WY311 9W533 WY3921 GF563 FZ038 IX350 WY113 WY655 WY663 WY609 WY405 WY645 WY143 WY101 WY423 BG024 WY413 WY927 CV611 WY433 WY907 WY3931 WY675 FZ046 KU678 SV531 WY613 QR1127 EY387 WY681 WY623 WY647 WY909 GF565 EK865 WY695 WY661 WY653 G9117 WY913 TG508 WY635 WY3907 FZ048 WY611 RG126 WY915 FZ050 WY411 4H561 KL442 WY817 9W529 6.00E+82 AI908 UL206 AI974 WY677 WY705 GF567 LX243 QR1135 BA072 WY673 LH617 EY381

BOMBAY 0020 BOMBAY 0020 ABU DHABI 0105 COCHIN 0105 HYDERABAD 0110 AHMEDABAD 0110 BAHRAIN 0110 TRIVANDRUM 0110 DUBAI 0115 BOMBAY 0115 RIYADH 0115 KUWAIT 0120 MADRAS 0120 ISLAM ABBAD 0125 JAIPUR 0135 DUBAI 0145 MUNICH 0200 JAKARTA 0215 DELHI 0215 SALALAH 0215 DOHA 0225 DACCA 0230 ISTANBUL 0230 KATHMANDU 0245 DOHA 0300 KARACHI 0315 MADRAS 0355 ADDIS ABABA 0435 DUBAI 0450 DOHA 0500 ABU DHABI 0500 DUBAI 0510 CAIRO 0510 ISLAM ABBAD 0510 BAHRAIN 0645 DACCA 0700 KHASAB 0715 BAHRAIN 0715 SALALAH 0750 DUBAI 0750 ABU DHABI 0750 DOHA 0835 DUBAI 0845 KUALA LUMPUR-SINGAPORE 0900 COLOMBO 0900 BANGKOK 0905 CALICUT 0915 LAHORE 0915 MADRAS 0915 LAHORE 0930 MANGALORE 0940 LUCKNOW 0940 SHARJAH 0955 MUKHAIZNA 1000 BANGALORE 1000 HYDERABAD 1000 DUBAI 1020 GOA 1020 SALALAH 1020 BOMBAY 1025 DELHI 1040 DUBAI 1045 KATHMANDU 1050 KHASAB 1100 DOHA 1100 ABU DHABI 1105 COCHIN 1120 CHITTAGONG 1135 COCHIN 1145 DUQUM OMAN 1210 BAHRAIN 1215 DUBAI 1225 CALICUT 1255 FRANKFURT 1320 BAHRAIN 1325 DOHA 1330 DUBAI 1345 CAIRO 1350 KUWAIT 1350 MALPENSA 1350 LONDON HEATHROW 1400 BEIRUT 1400 CHITTAGONG-DACCA 1400 AMMAN 1410 SALALAH 1430 LUXORE 1445 TEHRAN 1445 SALALAH 1540 SOHAR 1600 JEDDAH 1615 DUBAI 1620 KUWAIT 1640 MEDINA-JEDDAH 1650 DUBAI 1710 DOHA 1745 ABU DHABI 1755 RIYADH 1840 DUBAI 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 SALALAH 2020 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 DELHI 2310 MEDINA 2310 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 2310 BAHRAIN 2325 DUBAI-ZURICH 2325 DOHA 2330 ABU DHABI-LONDON HEATHROW 2330 JEDDAH 2350 DOHA-FRANKFURT 2355 ABU DHABI 2355

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ARRIVALS FROM

WY672 WY676 WY717 WY682 WY648 WY914 FZ131 WY3908 WY916 TK774 4H583 PK229 GF560 FZ035 EK866 QR1132 EY384 WY114 WY638 WY902 WY644 WY658 WY412 G9841 WY686 WY144 WY668 WY674 WY132 WY102 FZ043 WY432 WY602 QR8550 WY342 NL768 WY202 WY236 G9114 WY282 WY226 EK862 WY242 WY252 IX549 QR1128 EY382 WY918 IX443 WY3922 9W530 WY652 WY604 WY3302 GF562 FZ037 IX337 WY332 PA450 WY824 WY818 WY904 WY634 WY670 WY324 WY606 WY920 WY906 WY348 G9119 FZ045 WY3304 QR1126 EY386 WY204 WY632 WY292 WY264 WY664 EK864 WY274 WY232 WY254 WY246 WY656 WY610 GF564 WY216 G9116 WY646 FZ047 WY908 RG125 WY614 WY848 WY338 FZ049 KL441 AI977 WY124 9W534 AI973 6.00E+81 BA073 WY624 AI907 WY312 QR1134 LX242 GF566 LH616 WY328 EY388 WY910 9W540 AI985 WY662 WY654 WY636 WY928 WY816 WY612 WY696

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W E D N E S DAY, JU N E 24, 2 0 1 5

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EXTRA SHOULD WE GOOGLE OUR SYMPTOMS?

After news that a young woman died when a GP rejected her cyber-diagnosis, find out how much Googling the doctors order

‘S

top Googling your symptoms.” It’s pretty futile advice in age of the Internet, when the vast majority of people with a health concern start by typing it into their computer.

It’s also potentially fatal advice, as the case of teenager Bronte Doyne revealed this week. The teenager, who was suffering from a rare form of liver cancer, begged doctors to take her seriously after she found worrying details about her condition online. But they ignored her and in March 2013, the cancer did just what the Internet said it would – it killed her.

The case, concluded Keith Girling, deputy medical director at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust in the UK, has put the spotlight on how the availability of information online can challenge the way medics respond to patients, who are increasingly well informed.

“The days of doctors being patronising and offering one-way communication should be long over,” believes GP Clare Gerada, who is all for patients turning to Google. “The Internet has given patients

the opportunity to be far better informed about their own health and I for one welcome that because it makes them much more likely to look after themselves and to seek medical advice when they find something is wrong.” The rarer the condition, the better the Internet is, she adds.

“We tend to do all the tests for serious conditions, but not always the rarer ones.”

But all this comes with an important caveat, she says, and that is that you can never replace clinical judgement. “This morning, I had three patients, all with exactly the same symptoms and each had a different diagnosis. You need the medical professional to translate the medical knowledge to the individual patient.”

GP Dr Pauline Brimblecombe agrees that GPs should embrace the Googling of symptoms. “I find these patients much easier to work with. The relationship somehow feels more equal and I don’t have to spend so much time explaining everything.

I often learn something new myself if they pass on interesting resources to me. Even when they come into the surgery misinformed, at least I can reassure them.”

But while the best online information is helpful, accurate and evidence-based, some is inaccurate, misleading or just plain nonsense. “A patient once gave me a whole volume of articles printed off the Internet that he’d actually leather bound.

The note said, ‘I know you don’t have much time to research my condition, so I’ve done it for you.’ But much of it was utter rubbish,” reports GP Dr Rob Hicks.

Good news Then there are those who become so terrified about what they find online that they put off a visit to the GP altogether. “On balance, I think people are more likely to go to the doctor if they find something online that worries them, which is particularly good news for groups like men, who we know can often put off visiting the GP,” says Dr Hicks. “But there still remains a group that goes the other way.”

This group often includes so-called cyberchondriacs – those who Google symptoms as simple as “headaches and nausea” or “twitching muscles”, only to find their concern turn to blind panic as they

Web surfers should remember, though, that anyone can build a website, and that a lot of online medical information is out of date spot links to websites on rare and untreatable diseases. Research shows that these normally rational Internet users latch on to the worst diagnosis and even if they visit the GP, they often remain convinced.

“I do see some people who don’t believe my reassurances and that can be quite a difficult consultation. Also, none of us is infallible,” says GP Dr Nicola Kemp. More often than not, though, she says the Googling of symptoms is positive. “Even though it means GPs spend more time seeing the worried well, if we can reassure them, then that has to be a good thing.”

Web surfers should remember, though, that anyone can build a website, and that

BRIEFS

Smart insulin patch could replace injections MANAGING diabetes could soon become a lot easier as researchers have developed the first "smart insulin patch" that can detect increases in blood sugar levels and secrete doses of insulin into the bloodstream whenever required. The patch - a thin square no bigger than a penny - is covered with more than 100 tiny needles, each about the size of an eyelash. These "microneedles" are packed with microscopic storage units for insulin and glucose-sensing enzymes that rapidly release their cargo when blood sugar levels get too high. The study was published in the journal proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Researchers find potential way to beat MERS virus RESEARCHERS have found molecules that shut down the activity of an enzyme essential to the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus replication. The virus is in the international spotlight again as South Korea faces the largest MERS outbreak outside the Middle East. More than 2,800 people have been quarantined during the outbreak. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported 27 deaths and 172 confirmed cases in its most recent update on June 22. The study was published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

Centenarian men are healthier than women WHILE women are four times more likely than men to reach the age of 100 years, males tend to be healthier and have fewer diagnosed chronic illnesses compared to women, a research says. The number of females reaching the age of 100 years between 1990 and 2013 went up by 50 per cent, the results said.

-IANS

DRIVE SLOWER LIVE LONGER

a lot of online medical information is out of date. Stick to trusted websites, such as the NHS, Patient UK, Webmd.com and the search engine Medhunt. And remember that search engines are programmed to generate results relevant to the query, not the person making it, adds Dr Kemp – meaning that if you search “headache”, and “brain tumour” appears near the top of the page, you shouldn’t think, “Oh my God, that’s it, I’m going to die.”

Don’t be frightened to tell your doctor when you’ve found something online that’s concerned you, adds GP Dr Shalini Chopra. “If you are upfront, then the doctor can deal directly with your concerns.”

Finally, says Dr Hicks, save the bulk of your research until after you have a diagnosis. “Possible treatments, as well as tips and advice for living with the longer-term condition, are the most helpful aspects of the Internet when it comes to health. In fact, as a doctor, I find myself increasingly advising my patients to use them, particularly the support groups’ and charities’ websites. Google away, I say.”

-Kate Hilpern/The Independent

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W EDN ESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

EXTRA

SCIENCE WEIGHS IN ON HIGH HEELS

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any commentamentators have pointed out thatt the new movie Jurassic World d is scientifically suspect, if not fantastical. But they have overlooked ked one of the more prominent ways ays in which the blockbuster diverges ges from established research. The he movie’s heroine runs from rammpaging beasts in high heels withhout turning a hair or an ankle. e.

But research on the biomechanics of wearing heels, including a new study of the effects on ankle strength and balance, says of her equipoise, “Ha.” Obviously, what we wear on our feet affects how our bodies move.

People who run barefoot, for instance, are more likely to land near the front of the foot with each stride than people wearing typical running shoes, who more commonly land on their heels.

But few shoes affect the shape and functioning of the foot as drastically as high heels do. According to a recent review of research about the footwear, walking in heels can “alter the natural position of the foot-ankle complex and thereby produce a chain reaction of effects that travel up the lower limb at least as far as the spine.”

But while it’s clear that the feet and ankles of women who wear heels over a long period of time are different from those of women who usually wear flats, the progression of these changes has not been well understood.

So for a new study published this month in The International Journal of Clinical Practice, researchers at Hanseo University in South Korea turned to a handy recruit group: young women at the university studying to become airline attendants who were required to wear high heels to class because they would have to wear them if hired by a South Korean airline. With each passing year, from freshmen to seniors, the women would have one additional year of heel wearing behind them, making it easy to track physiological changes.

Experts recommend that people who often wear heels should strengthen their ankles whenever possible with simple heel lifts So the researchers invited 10 young women from each class to the laboratory and tested their balance with a wobbly board and the strength of their ankle muscles using computerised exercise machines. Compared with the freshmen, who were generally new to wearing heels, the sophomores and juniors displayed greater strength in some of the muscles around their ankles, particularly those on the inside and outside of the joint.

This difference between new and experienced heel wearers suggests that “wearing high-heeled shoes may at first lead to adaptation and increased strength,” as the ankle

responds to the stresses placed upon it by the unfamiliar shoes, says Jee Yong-Seok, a professor of exercise physiology at Hanseo University, who led the study.

But the senior women, who had been wearing heels the longest, showed weakening of those same muscles, compared even with the freshmen, as well as much weaker muscles along the front and back of the ankle and vastly worse balance.

In fact, all of the upperclasswomen had worse balance than the freshmen, even as some of their muscles were strengthening.

What seems to have been happening, Yong-Seok says, is that the ratio of strength between the

muscles on the sides of the anm kles and those at the front and kle back became increasingly unbalbac anced over years of wearing heels, anc contributing to ankle instability con and balance problems and evenan tually to a decline in the strength tu even of those muscles that had ev been stronger for a while. be This finding is somewhat worrrisome, said Neil Cronin, a biology professor at the University of Jyp vaskyla in Finland who has studied heel wearing and wrote the recent review of related science.

Strength imbalances in the muscles around a joint, he said, particularly those around the ankle, “are known to increase injury risk in other muscle groups,” such as those in the hamstrings or upper leg.

Neither he nor Yong-Seok suggests that women eschew heels, however. Yong-Seok does recommend that people who often wear heels strengthen their ankles whenever possible with simple heel lifts, for which you stand barefoot and then rise onto your toes repeatedly, and heel drops, during which you stand on the edge of a stair and slowly lower your heel over the edge.

Cronin also suggests slipping off heels while sitting at your desk, because wearing the shoes even when not moving “can alter the resting length of the muscles and tendons around the ankle,” which could destabilise the joint and increase the risk of injury.

He also strongly advises against running in heels. The impact forces created “would be concentrated over a small region of the foot in high heels, creating regions of very high pressure,” he said, meaning foot pain. Also, balance and biomechanics are compromised, making running in heels “a very inefficient way to move.”

The lesson for fans of Jurassic World is: Don’t do what she did.

“When attempting to run from a fast-moving, deadly animal,” Cronin said, “high heels are perhaps the worst choice of footwear possible. Running shoes would get my vote.”-Gretchen Reynolds/The New York Times News Service

H O L LY W O O D

James Horner dies in plane crash OSCAR WINNING music composer James Horner died at the age of 61 in a plane crash near Santa Barbara.

Horner, who won two Oscars for the music of Titanic and scored for other blockbusters like Avatar, Braveheart, and A Beautiful Mind, died on Monday, reports hollywoodreporter.com. His death was confirmed by Sylvia Patrycja, who is identified on Horner’s film music page as his assistant. “We have lost an amazing person with a huge heart and unbelievable talent. He died doing what he loved.

Thank you for all your support and love and see you down the road,” Patrycja wrote on social networking website Facebook on Monday.

Horner was piloting the small aircraft when it crashed into a remote area about 60 miles north of Santa Barbara, officials said. An earlier report noted that the plane, which was registered to the composer, had gone down, but the pilot had not been identified.

For his work on the 1997 Best Picture winner Titanic, directed by James Cameron, Horner captured the Oscar for Original Dramatic Score, and he nabbed another Academy Award for Original Song (shared with lyricist Will Jennings) for My heart will go on, performed by Celine Dion.

His score for Titanic sold a whopping 27 million copies worldwide. His fruitful partnership with Cameron also netted him Oscar nominations for original score for the blockbusters in the 1986 film Aliens and 2009 film Avatar.

The duo reportedly were also at work on Avatar sequels.

Horner earned 10 Oscar nominations in all, also being recognised for his work on two other Best Picture winners: Braveheart and A Beautiful Mind.

He also received nominations for An American Tail, Field of Dreams, Apollo 13 and House of Sand and Fog. Horner has three films coming out soon — Southpaw, the boxing drama that stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Rachel McAdams and is due in theatres in July; Jean-Jacques Annaud’s Wolf Totem, out in September; and The 33, a drama based on the 2010 mining disaster in Chile that’s set for November.

His lengthy film résumé includes The Lady in Red (1979), Wolfen (1981), Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) and Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1983), Red Heat (1988), Glory (1989), The Rocketeer (1991), Patriot Games (1992), Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993), Jumanji (1995), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), Troy (2004) and The Amazing Spider-Man (2012).

-IANS

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W E D N E S DAY, J U N E 2 4 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

FOR RENT

New two B/R flat diretly from owner in bank Dhofar bldg Bausher.

Contact: 92158031 One & two bedroom apartment available for rent, near Grand Mall, close to Atlas hospital next to Diwan building. Contact: 99833747 Small old house for rent Al Ghobrah.

Contact 95112461 2 BHK commercial / residential flat at Honda Road.

Contact: 99348733/99795241 Room for rent in CBD (near Costa coffee). Contact: 96568110 Showroom available 250sqm – near bank Sohar, CBD area ideal for pharmacy, clinic, Travel agency, money exchange, fast foods, departmental store etc. Contact: Tel: 24707088 fax: 24706099 GSM: 98283633 Email: alyounistrading@gmail.com 3000 sq mtrs Industrial landß, in Barka Sanaiya, with electricity 400KW, shed, staff accommodation and office. Ready to start any kind of factory. Contact 99384255.

Basement Store, 146 SQM, Wadikhabeer, Opposit Al-Hassan.

99441193, 93004802 We have 2BHK flats in Ghubra North 18th November Street new Mars Hypermarket flats with 2 rooms, 3bathrooms large sitting hall & kitchen. # 93782735 / 99208033 Furnished room for rent at Al Khuwair R.O 225/- for family only.

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Contact 99792181 Labour Camp for Rent in Wadi Kabir.

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Contact: 97616158 4 & 5 BHK villa in Al Khuwair.

Contact 99792181

Apartment in Al Khuwair 33/1, 4 bedroom 550/-R.O. Contact : 99340055 / 97557555 Flats, shops and basement for rent in Khuwair, behind RAWASCO. Contact: 99441122 , 95893518 We have small building commercial for staff accommodation in Bowsher.

There are 4 flats & 1 shop can be used for store or staff accommodation. Contact 93782735 / 99208033 5BHK villa available for rent, near Hamriya roundabout.

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Contact 93387962 5 BHK Villa with parking & backyard garden in Al Khuwair (House No. 1110 & Way No. 3914 ), near Radisson hotel, is available for rent @ RO. 1000/- p.m. Contact : 99024087 / 92620773 2BHK at Al Khodh commercial area 2 rooms, 1 hall, 2 bathrooms.

Contact: 99224748 / 99332297 Office / shop near Oman house Muttrah. Contact: 99233116

2BHK flat + store room in CBD, Ruwi with Split A/c’s, secured access, car parking. Rent 400/.

Contact 99603696 3BHK & 2BHK in Darsait.

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Contact 97819981 / 93593336

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RO.500/- Contact – 93191111

Tent for wedding Iftar party for rent.

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Contact 94652485 / 99273774 / 99202278

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OMR 1,500 Monthly. It has Electricity and boundary wall. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

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For rent in Darsait new flats.

Contact: 99777351

Room with bath AC furnished AL Khuwair.

Contact: 97004265/99643569 2 BHK Flats for rent Muttrah near Oman house.

Contact: 97009734/92629232

New flats for rent in Wadi Kabir.

Contact : 92130703 / 96045478 Flat for rent in Al Khuwair.

Contact : 98151674 1BHK R.O 190/- & 2BHK R.O 250/- & Store 140 sqm R.O 250/- near Medical Darsait. Contact: 98748925 Brand new 6 BHK villa in Al Azaiba with split A/C & lift. RO.1200/Contact – 93191111 2 bedroom flat at Hamriya, main road with A/C. Contact 99331448 Flat in South Al Hail, 2 bedrooms, Majlis, 2 bathrooms, kitchen RO 250/-. Contact 93221474 Flat in Ruwi Mumtaz 2 BHK RO 300 or 1 BHK 250 RO. Contact 98588240 Flats for rent behind Indian School.

Contact 99777122

500 sq mtrs office space on mezzanine floor near Royal Hospital. OMR 6.500 per sq mtr. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

2 BHK, 2 baths, Split A/C, Wadi kabeer, Near Indian Elementary School.

Contact 99441193, 93004802

Shop/Office 68 SQM, Wadi kabeer, Opposite Al-Hassan. Contact 99441193, 93004802

Shop/Office, 56 SQM, Wadikabeer, Opposite Al-Hassan.

Contact 99441193, 93004802

Villa of 5 BHK in Al Ansab with split A/C. RO.650/- Contact – 93191111

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 Bath attached room for rent Al Khuwair. Contact 99743569 Flats for rent Al Ansab (Ghala) 2 bedrooms, 2 toilets, 1sitting room & kitchen. Contact: 94229023 Commercial 3 BHK flat in Al Ghobra 18 Nov Street. RO 700/- # 93191111 2 BHK flat in Al Azaiba near sea, with split A/C. RO.340/Contact – 93191111 For rent 3 industrial land.

Contact 92702891/ 95490842 Flats shops and store for rent in Ruwi, MBD Honda road.

Contact 97293708 / 92433127 Labor camp available with all facilities at Sohar Falaij (Near Sohar Sea port) - Contact – 92982172 For rent in Darsait, new flats.

Contact: 99311525 Villa for rent : 4 bedroom villa with kitchen available in Azaiba.

Sharing / Family. Contact : 98048207/99261773

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D3

DAILY GUIDE

MOTOR VEHICLE FOR SALE

Echo 2002 for sale 300.000 km only last price R.O 1000/-.

Contact: 95119655

FOR SALE

BUSINESS

Villa for sale in Al Khoudh close to Dan super market, 3room , 3 bathroom , 1 hall ,1 setting room, 1 store , kitchen & maid room with garden plot 600sq with car parking selling price 135.000/-. Contact: 91010668

AVAILABLE

FOR SALE

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

NRI

Clinic for sale in al amerat.

Contact:93753655 Used & refurbished Porta cabins, Toilets unit available for sales. Contact: 99215560 Email:omegaunitedoman@gmail. com Fully decorated & Equipped kitchen cabinet and marble showroom for sale at Mabela industrial area road no – 10 only serious buyers can.

Contact: 99337670/97763560

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. Contact 96440811 / 93804434

FOR RENT Flats/villas owned by ROP pension fund available for rent in Muscat. Contact 99349526

Household furniture for sale.

Contact: 97094797

Well furnished meat shop in Amerat. Contact: services customers. Contact 92454250/96374850 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

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

Super market in (Hairoon Hairithi) Thamrith road. Contact: 98189810 / 99675190

Building material shop for sale at al Ghubrah with two clearances.

Contact: 91295985

Ice cream & juices shop in Ruwi, good location for sale, 1.5 mt fish display machine for sale.

Contact: 92150455

60,000 Sq Mtrs Agriculture Land in Misfah, can be changed to Industrial Land. OMR 29 Per Square Meter.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Shop for sale in Ibra and Bid Bid. Contact: 95304693

Hyundai Accent 2004, fully automatic. Contact: 99045803

Doctor driven Yaris, manual 2006 model 125000 K.M expected price R.O 2000/-. Contact : 99747481

TATA bus make model 2012 & Peugeot boxer van make model 2013. Contact: 93895941

Yaris 2008, 1.3, 229 kkm full option 2100 expected. Contact: 93289652

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

Tata bus - 66 seater model -2008 KM, 85, 673, dealer service. Contact: 99444341 & 99352790

Land Cruiser 2012. Contact 99336093

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

ACC. AVAILABLE Furnished room with attached bathroom in W/K. Contact: 97167857

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

For Sale Toyota Echo 2004 Model, Registration up to Dec. 2015 Please Contact: 99038311

Peugeot 206-2007 Model, expat driven. Contact 99209285

5 Flats of 1 bedroom for Sale in Boushar: OMR 35 Thousand each.

Monthly income OMR 270 Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Expatriate driven Yaris 2008 model 100,000 kms & land rover 2005 model 93000 Kms, excellent conditions. Contact : 97094797

Single furnished room.

Contact: 24833609 Furnished bath, attached sharing accommodation available behind AL Nahdha hospital. Contact: 99030037 General Investors. Contact 99674870

ACC. WANTED Required a room or studio flat in Darsait / WadiKabir /Ruwi area.

Contact : 95405033

ACC. AVAILABLE A/C attached furnished single room with separate bathroom available for executive bachelor near Grand Hypermarket Ruwi.

Contact: 95149047/96567139 Fully furnished 1BHK with all household items in Darsait near Lulu on monthly Basis. Contact : 99378397 One room for rent (A/C +bed +bath) at Al Khuwair. Contact: 99382008 Independent rooms in Qurum / AL Hail. Contact 95529970

Sharing for non cooking executive bachelor in CBD area WIFI free, Advance deposit. Contact: 95094504 Excellent room, with A/C kitchen available near ONTC bus station for family / bachelor (Ruwi).

Contact 95569740 Single room attached toilet & bath for Executive bachelor rent including electricity & water. Contact: 99327158 Independent rooms in Qurum / Al Hail. Contact 95529970 Acc. opp. OK Center for non cooking bachelor. Contact 95126452 between 2 pm & 4 pm only.

Contact 95126452 Sharing flat in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99335057 One room separate bathroom for Indian Executive bachelor near Al Khuwair R/A. Contact: 99659513

Furnished room attached bath for lady in Wadikabir (Mars Hypermarket) – 95941515 Single room with sharing kitchen available for executive bachelor near Saud Bahwan Residency Complex, Wadi Kabir. Contact: 99024362, 93166353.

Rooms available with separate bathroom for executive bachelors in azaiba near al meera hyper market.

Gsm 99053844

TRANSPORTATION Pick & drop any time. Contact: 98522914 / 99512270 Required 40 feet open trailers to UAE, on trip basis for transporting our goods. Contact: 99352790 / 98037854 Transportation. Contact: 98178135 Transportation. Contact: 98505294 Transportation. Contact: 98244078 Transportation. Contact: 95190627 Pick & Drop anytime Contact: 91653903

Large room Sep/ Entrance furnished Wadi Kabir. Contact 99336206

Furnished attached bathroom at Mumtaz area. Contact: 93103337 / 95212017

Pick & Drop any time. Contact: 97014786

Furnished single /sharing room for ex bachelor at Rex Road with WIFI available. Contact 92873832

Furnished single rooms available for Executive bachelors at Ruwi.

Contact: 98049288

Pick & drop with car & driver available any time. Contact: 9615828/ 96502406/92218001

D4

W E D N E S DAY, J U N E 2 4 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

ADMIN Vacancy for Omani PRO Email: abid673@yahoo.com Mob 94192526 Urgently Required: Administration with an experience minimum in 3 years in building construction, required immediately join and MUST have NOC.Apply, fax 00968–24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com.

Vacancy for Omani PRO for Customs duties in Sohar. Email: arabianseabridge@gmail.com, Mob: 97990844

BEAUTICION Required Beautician for Beauty Saloon at Ghubra. Clearance / visa available. Contact no. 95924910

ACCOUNTANT Reputed Construction Company required Accountant experience in Construction Company with accountancy degree. Email: jvacancy05@gmail.com Required Accountant with 3 yrs. exp. in construction company.

Email : wadcocareers@gmail.com Urgently required Junior Accountant.

Please send CV: hr.azatllc@gmail.com

CATERING Chinese/ Arab/ continental cook & helper wanted. Contact 95529970 Requires experience Cook for an Omani family 1Nos. Contact: 99228046 Email: oman518@gmail.com Chinese / Arab / Continental 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

Leading Construction Company requires Project Engineer, Degree holder with minimum 5 to 6 years experience in building construction line. (NOC require) Send your CV to – degree.engineer2015@gmail.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).

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 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

DOMESTIC HELPER EDUCATION Cook required for an Omani family having experience in preparing all kinds of Omani & Arabic food.

Minimum 5 years experience. Send CV to abfarsi@omtel.net.om or fax to 24706990, Tel. 24786072 Housemaid wanted for an Indian family in Al Hail. Must be able to cook and take care of baby. Full-time position. 96532872 Small Omani family wanted educated female House maid visa is available. Contact - 98500222 Keralite family in MBD area (near pizza hut) want a Keralite housemaid on fulltime basis. Contact 94736916.

Urgently needed full time, live-in house maid for cooking Indian nonveg. food. Visa will be given. Maids with release will be preferred.

Contact 99349924.

Required looking for full time Housemaid for Omani family at Mabela, visa available.

Contact 92454170

DRIVER Required Heavy Duty Truck Driver holding Omani driving license w/ 5 years experience please contact 92001111 Indian driver required for light vehicle with construction experience.

Contact: 92888337

DESIGNER Required Large format printer operator – for HP. Graphic Designer.

Send CV to hr.oman@yahoo.com

SITUATION WANTED SIT. WANTED

ENGINEER

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 professional Teachers for teaching Science, Mathematics, Accountancy, Business Studies & English IELTS/ TOFEL in schools & Universities. Contact 99674870

SALES / MARKETING

MISCELLANEOUS 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

MEDICAL Required Gynecology, General Physician, Dentist, Staff Nurses, Lab technicians, Pharmacists, X Ray technicians.

Contact : 95133572 / 96064925 Email: kunoozghala@gmail.com Urgently required G.P doctor with or without MOH license for one month from 01/07/2015. Contact 93824902

SALES / MARKETING

Required male or female candidate with 5 years experience in renting of properties. Interested candidates may please mail to alqurumprop@gmail.com Required sales man for spare parts shop preferably with driving license.

Contact : 96378289 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 Required Salesman, Tailor and Barber. Contact: 96964767 Looking for Outdoor Salesman for heavy equipment spare parts.

Contact - 93292015, Email: mail.om@gulfcenter.co

Marketing Executive for printing press. Contact 93201718 Email: alqariyaprintingpress@gmail.com

Wanted Sales man with Oman driving license in advertising company visa ready. Contact: 96440587 / 94055643

Need crane operator having two years experience & need salesman for mobile shop having two years experience. Contact: 92891888

Urgently required Sales and Marketing Executive for Graphic designing company. Contact: 96727631 mail: smartgraphic518@gmail.com

A leading trading company is looking for Sales Executives & outdoor sales coordinators with driving license & release /NOC. Email CV: alhajoil@omantel.net.om or fax: 24701683 Urgently required outdoor Sales Executive for furnishing company with valid Oman D/L and minimum 3 years experience. Contact 93231403 / rainbowfurnishing156@gmail.com

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

Marketing Executive for digital printing company. Contact: 94356769 / 96936564

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 Accounts part time, up to finalization of monthly accounts. Handled by a CA. contact 96293120 Looking for accounting and Administration job have two and half years experience in United Arab Emirates in a trading company and I have bachelor degree in Administration nationality Indian.

Contact: 93016252 Indian male, well experienced in accounts and Admin looking for a suitable vacancy Noc available.

Contact: 98717938 Senior accountant Indian male 35 years, MBA (finance) 8 years experience in a multinational FMCG company with valid Oman D/L NOC available can join immediately, looking for suitable position finance.

Contact: 95645945 Young, energetic 24, ACCA finalist, Advanced diploma in Accounting and business, seeking suitable placement in accounts, finance or audit.

Contact: 92430152 Email: rau_dey@yahoo.com 13 years exp (7.5 years gulf exp) B.Com Graduate, looking for Accountant job, GSM No:-92957064 with NOC. Indian male, 30 years, CMA (Inter), M.com.4 out of 7 years experience in Oman in Auditing/Accounts/Finance.

Having NOC and valid Oman D/L. Contact: 96746420 Email: sijuthampi@ymail.com Sudanese female MBA experience 5 years in Banking sectors, 1 years exp. as Accountant in Oman seeking for a suitable job.

Contact : 92962621 Email: hindkameir@gmail.com Indian male, with B.Com 1 year experience in Accounts or Sales, on visit visa, Cont... 98295101

MBA Indian male looking for suitable position having 2 years working experience as an accountant now in Oman a visiting visa.

Contact 99424803 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 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 Finance Manager, CPA, with more than 15 yrs. of experience in GCC. Fully knowledgeable in Finance, General & Management Accounting . NOC available. Contact 96209331 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 Motivated and energetic male 25 having 4 years of experience in finance with Master’s degree in Economics and CAT Certified seeking opportunity in Accounts/finance/ audit in a reputable organization.

Cell no: 00968-94626209 E-Mail: omerjawedshah@gmail.com 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 Contact 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

ADMIN HOSPITALITY Chef for Yacht. International cuisine.

Minimum 15 years chef experience. alibadawy@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Well established company in selling chocolate, Arabian sweets and fresh flowers, opening ITS first branch in Muscat seeking: 1- sweets and chocolates Sales man 2- flower arranger (Asian/ Filipino Nationality) Contact: 94490011 Email: labelleoman@gmail.com JCB operator -2 JCB operator with GCC valid license expect Saudi Arabia & Egypt, min.3 yrs exp. Required & L/D driver-1 min, 5 yrs exp with valid GCC driving license & site Engineer civil -1 diploma with 5 to 8 years experience & foreman civil-1- 5 years experience of multistory building.

Contact: Fax: 24501448 Email: rajesh@almatllc.com or accounts@almatllc.com A company from UAE require 2 merchandisers in retail food supply, store keeper with English and invoicing experience. Email: yesterdaysun@hotmail.com

Indian Female: B.Com & MBA-HR. looking for full or part time job immediately. Prior recruitment experience in Muscat and India.98460262.

System administrator with 3 years experience hold a degree, MCITP, CCNA , CCTV biometric , seeking job in a company.

Contact: 99630084/98129845 Indian male 2+yrs oman exp in HR. joing immediatly. release available.

Contact :93671437 MBA (international business) from London, 4 years of UK experience in operations with D/L, looking for suitable position. Contact 91710075 Male admin/ HR office 6 years exp with NOC. Contact: 93275467 Buyer / Purchases / Administration / Stores with 7+ years local experience seeking suitable placement.

NOC available. Contact – 94045405

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 with 10 yrs of experience in HR/Banking/Operations seeks a suitable placement.

Can be contacted on 98919015 or sherianne.coelho@gmail.com Indian female 29 MBA (HR) BSc, 4 yrs exp in HR& Admin looking suitable placement.

Contact : 95619537

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 Sudanese Accountant seeking job in Nizwa state experience 10 years 3 years in Saudi Arabia, 7 yrs in Sudan.

Contact : 97796394 / 94003247

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Tanzanian male, 25 yrs Accountant successful experience in Tanzania looking for suitable placement in any field. Contact : 96710154

Indian Male 27Yrs, Having 6+ yrs (3 India + 3 Oman) experience in HR/ Admin looking for suitable position Contact 91507099.

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

Indian Female 25 MBA in HR looking for a suitable opening in Admin/ Hr. Contact 97013375

Senior Accountant 13 years experience FMCG & retail Noc available.

Contact: 93473942

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 Accounts part time works up to finalization on monthly basis. Profit & loss A/C and financial statements, MS Reports Etc. Contact: 96247295 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, B.Com, 1 year Exp in Accounts/ Sales, on Visit Visa,..

Contact – 98295101

AUTO CAD/DRAUGHTS20 Years exp Auto Cad 3DS Max available for teaching part time.

Contact - 94412557 Electrical draftsman AutoCAD switch gear & MEP control panel 7 years experience Qatar. Contact: 92546203/96228100

DESIGNER Interior Designer: Indian male 31, 8 years exp. in GCC, NOC available.

95217586 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

DRIVER Light driver for job.

Contact 95779594 Pakistani driving available.

Contact : 96913836

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D5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED SALES / MARKETING

DRIVER Looking for driving job.

Contact: 98219182

Indian female (MTECH) having Gulf experience in family visa seeking suitable placement in Oman.

Contact : 94306164 / 91001194

Male driver is available 7 years in Oman 3 years experience as a driver 7 month is Muscat driving license holder. Contact: 92046159 Pakistani male light vehicle driver, looking for job. Contact - 94435912

ENGG. / TECHNICAL

Light driver looking for job.

Contact: 99704122/ 97762303

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Light driver looking for job.

Contact: 96435795 Pakistani light duty driver 2 yrs experience seeks placement.

Contact: 96342684 Light driver looking for job.

Contact: 98219599 Light driver. Contact: 99035942 Light driver looking for job, 4 yrs exp in Oman. Contact: 94241385 Driver looking for job. Contact 94195818 Driver looking for job.

Contact: 99507039 Paksitani Driver with 6 yrs experience looking for job.

Contact: 93985087 Driver with car 3 years experience looking for job. Contact: 92041902 Light driver. Contact: 96313100 Driver available with car and without car. Contact 96771598 Pakistani male light vehicle driver with 2 yrs exp looking for job.

Contact : 96342684 Pakistani, male light vehicle driver looking for job. Contact 97943750 Driver with car. Contact: 97705694/98988208 Looking for job driving Bangladeshi.

Contact: 97418036

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Quantity Surveyor with 5 Years experience (one year in Oman) looking for job. Contact 91090036 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 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 Diploma in Electrical Engineer exp 5 years any type of industrial maintenance and installation, building wiring system. Contact: 94544663 Email: motiurrahaman1989@gmail. com Indian male , diploma in electrical Engineering with 10 years of successful experience , presently available on visit visa seeking suitable positions in projects and maintenance electrical fields.

Contact: 91270686 Email: ajithgopa@rediffmail.com Iraqi male B.ch civil Engineering, 17 yrs experience in Oman experience in project management with valid Oman D/L NOC available and can join immediately looking suitable position in Muscat area.

Contact: 93809093 Email: mohanad_kuba@yahoo.com Controls & automation Engineer with 7 years experience in ( RO BOT /PLC/CNC programming , LV panel building , Installation & commissioning service & support of machines) mostly overseas experience for complete execution of Machine projects in China, USA, Thailand ETC. Contact : +97430847848, Email: bensonvar@gmail.com Indian male Mechanical Technician with 22 year experience (6.5 year in Oman)-as mill Wright fitter & maintenance fabrication work seeks suitable placement NOC available.

Contact: 95922696 Chemical Engineer with 04 years experience in petrochemical refinery sector seeking for & suitable position in petrochemical oil & gas, refinery EPC Companies.

Contact : 00968-91748400

A male Civil Engineer is available holding 10 years experience 2.5years in Oman in Building projects, quantity canton, project billing, extension of time, variation and in execution of project interested person can. Contact: 968 91320917 Indian male Electrical Engineer seeking for a job good core technical knowledge as well as fluent communication skill. Contact: 95980857 Electrical Engineer Indian male having valid driving license and NOC, BE 1 yrs experience sealing suitable placement. Contact: 96347995 Email: shyjalpk@gmail.com Indian seeking oilfield HSE fire & safety rigs studied 10SH risk assessment fire safety on visit.

Contact: 98723292 Civil Engineer, Female, 3 years experience on visit visa seeking suitable openings. Contact: 99195433 BSc Civil Engineer, 6 months working experience in UAE as a Site Engineer currently in Oman on visit visa and looking for a job.

Contact : 98157833 Email: waqas.pasha22@gmail.com Egyptian Civil Engineer, total experience 7 years - 2 years experience in Oman. I am looking for Project Engineer, I have good experience in site & office works. Contact :91148708 Mech Eng 10 yrs Oman exp P&M / logistics in oil & gas industry.

Contact : 95774585 Project Coordinator (B.E Civil) 6.5 yrs in Oman having 9+ years relevant experience working in MOD & ROP project need suitable placement. Contact : +986 91129192 Email: azmot.uuet@gmail.com Indian male B.Tech (ECE), MBA (HR) 2 years of experience in CCNA, CCNP and hands on practice in Linux and MCSE, looking for suitable job.

Contact: 93487225 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 Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp.

Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@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 Indian male, 28 yrs, Electronics & Instrumentation Engineer with 4 yrs experience in Industrial Automation (SCADA) seeking suitable job.

Contact 93154156 / 98416190 Electrical Engineer Pakistani male 4 years B. Tech & 3 years’ diploma seeking a suitable placement.

Contact: 96752080 Email: ilyasoader97@gmail.com Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847 Indian male 24 yrs B. Tech (Mech.

Eng) on visit 1 yr experience in production field looking for suitable placement. Contact: 98925685 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

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 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 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.

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

IT Indian male, completed diploma in Computer technology fresher, seeking suitable position, currently on visit visa. Contact : 93596096

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR B.com, diploma in material management having 12 years experience in overseas / local puritans, logistics ware house seeks suitable placement NOC available.

Contact: 96477638 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

MISCELLANEOUS Warehouse in charge with 14 years gulf experience 1.5 years in Oman NOC available looking for suitable placement contact 97440902

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

MCA Indian male 6 month experience India seeking suitable placement. Contact 00918547068891 Email: koneeradh@gmail.com

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 Female with over 9 yrs experience with good communication skills seeks jobs in customer service or sales field. Contact : 96108289, shijipaul84@gmail.com

EDUCATION MBA, B.Com Indian female having two yrs exp as lecturer seeks placement in teaching filed. Presently on family visit visa.

Contact – 96259171/ Email: bhumipandya@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 Indian female MCA, Three years experience in teaching field, seeks placement currently on visit visa.

Contact: 93431567 Email: fivona.mel@gmail.com

IT 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.E IT Eng, 6 yrs exp TCS with oil & Gas Industry (Java /Oracle).

Contact : 97835922 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 CERTIFIED (CCNA) NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR 4 years experienced looking for Suitable placement.

Contact: 99002390 Indian male 26 years B.Tech (IT) M.Tech CCNA certified MCSE certified 3 yrs experience currently a visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 91006851 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 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 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

Indian material controller/ store keeper seeking job in Oman NOC / Release available. Contact: 91946174

MCA, BCA with 2 yrs relevant experience seeking suitable opportunity.

Contact: 96377039 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

MEDICAL

Indian male MBA 7 years experience in Hospitality industry, operation, sales & marketing looking for suitable vacancy. Contact 92115860 Email vibin.py@gmail.com A Graduate degree holder 4 years experience in Marketing (mobiles) in Oman & U.A.E and as well has driving license with car. Interested person can. Contact: +968 94164657 MBA graduate having 6 years exp in sales & marketing, presently working in PepsiCo India seeks suitable placement in Oman.

Contact: + 91 9895388937 Email: samir.pag@gmail.com Indian female B.com Graduate having 8 years experience in Indian & 2 years experience in Oman as sales coordinator, secretary, customer service seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 95433987 Indian male with 5 years experience in building material sales and marketing education qualification BA electronics. Contact: 92228538 Indian male. 27, Post Graduate, 5+ yrs exp in Oman in Sales & Credit Control, with valid Oman driving License, NOC available, looking for suitable placements. Ph: 9199 3376 Indian Female having more than 8 years of experience in oil and gas industry in sales and marketing & as commercial manager, now in family visa looking for a suitable placement No. 94187012, Email mvrajagd_d@yahoo.com Sales /marketing experience 24 years old Indian male having valid Omani license seeking suitable position in FMCG company, presently working as a Supervisor of the leading hypermarket in Oman.

NOC available. Contact: 91993785 / 93089757 Indian Lady 24 yrs with five years experience as cabin crew in National & International airlines seeking suitable job vacancy in good position.

Contact: 97623267 Procurement Manager with 17 years experience looking suitable position. (Electrical Diploma Holder with Oman D/L) Contact: 95979029. pavithranmv@gmail.com Indian worked MNC 15 years Oman experience as Marketing FMCG / TRAD Purchasing with visa license.

Contact: 98796982

Well experienced MOH Licensed Indian GP Doctor looking for locum / permanent position in the Capital area. Contact 98140024 email:drgpoman@yahoo.com

MBA Graduate with D/L looking for sales or marketing jobs.

Contact 94143154 Email: rinojnathen008@gmail.com

Indian female Dentist MOH Oman passed seeking a suitable placement in capital region. Contact– 91377681 hashimsarawat@gmail.com

Male BA with D/L having 6 years exp Oman wanted suitable job in sales, inventory, procure.

Contact : 92191026

Indian male Nurse, 31 years Oman prometric passed 6 yrs ICU experience. Contact : 94195150 / 92758895

Indian female MSc, MPHIL (Chemistry) 3 years Teaching experience currently on visit visa seeking suitable position. Contact : 96916534 / 91969756

Lab Technician, Civil (8yrs Gulf experience) looking for a suitable job (NOC available) Contact-93344378 Indian female looking for suitable position 2nd rank in MSC microbiology, fresher now on visiting visa.

Contact : 91633089 Email: mansytk4@gmail.com

SKILLED/UNSKILLED Experience skilled candidate with driver license seeks position in sales in Salalah.

Contact: 98579382

SALES / MARKETING Content Executive, freshers with good communication skills and willingness to learn may apply on job@socioholics.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

Looking for good job 2 years experience Oman sales marketing valid driving license Indian Kerala.

Contact : 98626682 Pakistani male 34 yrs Intermediate 2 yrs exp in sales & marketing in Oman. Looking for suitable job.

Contact - 92146864 Omani female exp in PRO with Oman D/L. Contact: 91161736 Outdoor salesman with car looking for job. Contact 91615715 Indian male, 39 yrs having 15 yrs Gulf experience (UAE, Qatar, Oman) in sales & marketing looking for a suitable position with NOC. Contact 94054730 8 years store experience Indian male looking for placement. N.O.C available. Contact: 98456535 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 Indian Male, B.Com Graduate, 23, with experience in Sales looking for suitable placements. .

Contact 98371144

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 Young Indian Chartered Accountant, female, Having 6 years experience in Oman and India. Accounts and Finance Manager, Auditor. Urgently seeking suitable positions.

Contact-92530131, jobcareer44@gmail.com Indian female Nurse with 5 yrs of experience, presently working in Oman, seeking for suitable placement. NOC available can join immediately. Contact: 98329941 Email: ancyanish2011@gmail.com Looking for part time jobs in Muscat, Auto cad Draughtsman (Civil). contact:-+968-99070584 email: remluvp@gmail.com Indian female MA. B.Ed. with one year three months teaching experience. Subject: English Seeking for a Better placement. Now working in Oman Contact: -: 93961142, 92184408 Email: anoopkesavan78@gmail.com 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 Filipino Male looking for a job & have experience in sales, waiter, barista, technical support / customer service with good communication skills. # 91789465 PART TIME ACCOUNTANT, Indian male, M. Com, 35 years, 12 Years exp. in Accounts, 8 years in Oman.

Knowledge upto finalization. Having valid D/L, seeks suitable Placement.

GSM: 96249124 Egyptian Civil Engineer, total experience 7 years - 2 years experience in Oman. I am looking for Project Engineer, I have good experience in site & office works.

Contact number:91148708 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.

ACCOUNTING – Indian male seeking accounting job with 2 years experience in accounting.

Contact: 94263445, E mail – contactantonyxavieranand@gmail. com Sudanese male: 27 yrs, 2 years experience in accounting, other experience (purchasing – HR - Coordinating and Office Management), looking for a job Omani Driving License, NOC. Contact: 94174403 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 Sudanese male (B.Sc, computer science) (diploma computer engineering), 6 yrs. experience DBA oracle PL-SQL, MS SQL - Server, MS visual studio vba, network.

Contact 91415886 Syrian male 3yrs. exp in IT support, Networking, Security systems, Server support, IT sales and marketing.

Valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement. Contact 91055584 PRODUCTION OPERATOR – Indian male seeking production operator or related jobs with 4 years of experience in oil & gas field.

Contact: 94263445.

Email: tonyxavier4u@gmail.com Indian Keralite Male 35 looking for Scaffolding supervisor post having 5 years of Supervisor and HSE experience in GCC Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Fluent in English Arabic and Hindi .

Contact 96155921, or mail fysal.nellaya@gmail.com Indian Male 28 yrs, having 7 years Gulf + Indian experience in HR and Admin field, looking for suitable placement. Contact: 97914340, Email: rajkv3086@gmail.com

D6

W E D N E S DAY, J U N E 2 4 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION WANTED Indian Male 28 years MSM, B. Com having 6years experience in Gulf and India as a HR and Admin looking for suitable placement.

Contact :97914340.

Email: rajkv30@gmail.com

Indian male, 34years having 10 years of experience in Sales, Sales Coordination and Administration.

Experienced in SAP and MS Office. NOC available.

Contact # 94686594

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

British Beauty Therapist looking for suitable position. please contact :97175240

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 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. #91076608 / 99322748. Release & noc available

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 Highly Qualified & Experienced Finance Manager Pakistani with USA , UK & Canadian Degrees , CPA ,ACCA-UK . MBA-USA ,IFAFinancial 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 Indian male Executive Secretary having vast experience in admin, logistics & procurement well versed with computer .seek suitable placement. Contact : 99514286 Indian male MBA (U.K), 10 Years of experience in Admin, Sales, HR, stores and logistics seeks suitable placement. Contact 99271903.

Indian Female MCA, 4 plus Years of experience in Web designing, Admin, P.A, seeks suitable placement.

Contact 99486374 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 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 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 Sudanese male, 31 year old, have 3 year Diploma in electrical engineer, 5 years experience in different activities . Mobile No ; +96894549609 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 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 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

SITUATION WANTED 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.# 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 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 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 60 years old have 30 years Muscat experience in all office works with Omani driving license.

Contact: 99024055 Mechanical Engineer, Indian, (B.E.) on visit visa, seeking suitable post.

Contact :99534733 Email: rajesh92prince@gmail.com

Indian Male 34 years Mechanical Engineer 3 years of Experience seeking suitable placement immediately Contact: 91991435, 93310821

Indian male, post graduate, currently in Oman on visit visa.

Seeks suitable placement.

Contact 92388346

Electronics and instrumentation Engineer 28 year Indian male, electrical, electronic, industrial, building & automation exp of 4+ yrs in India.

Contact - 93154156

Sudanese male, 31 year old, have 3 year Diploma in electrical engineer, 5 year experience in different activities. Contact; +96894549609

CCNP Network Professional with 6 years experience having Bachelors degree on visit visa looking for suitable job. #96760618 email: varghese.manthara@gmail.com 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 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 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 Indian male, 28 years, 7 years experience in transporting & heavy equipment renting company. Having Omani driving license seeks suitable positions. Contact 94410485

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 25 Indian female, B.Sc fashion technologist, 5 years exp in merchandising, familiar with fashion marketing & designing. Currently available on visit visa, seeking for a visual merchandising job. Contact : 96990368, email jumshi@gmail.com Indian male, MBA marketing & finance with B com & diploma in IFRS seeks job. Contact 99469726 / 99469729 Sudanese male BSC Telecommunications Engineer , 4 years experience in telecom field Contact 97783092, Email: Alrsheed88@hotmail.com Working as Senior Accountant, 4 yrs.exp.in oman, relevant computer skills, Audit, Accounting upto finalization, valid oman driving license, languages known Arabic, Hindi. NOC available can join immediately. Tel: (+968) 96339599, E-mail-(ahmedmohdkhan@gmail. com)

W E D N E S DAY, J U N E 2 4 , 2 0 1 5

D7

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

D8

W E D N E S DAY, J U N E 2 4 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

ACCOUNTANTS AND CONSULTANTS

WE ARE PROVIDING ACCOUNTING/ AUDITING TAX/ CONSULTING CONTACT: 24 567 251 / 95 498 033

WEBSITE

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

COMPUTER

SITUATION LOSTWANTED

CLASSES

Subhasini Madyan lost Indian Passport No. H 3360588. Finder please handover to ROP Mukles Miha has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AE 4821434. Finder please handover to ROP

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

Hussain Muzammil has lost Pakistani Passport No. TB 6892841.

Finder please handover to ROP

SITUATION CHANGE OFWANTNAME ED I Jasmin Revi (holder of Indian passport No. M 2106217) Daughter of C. Selvaraj having permanent residence in No: 15/88B, Ooralivilai Veedo , Pacodo Post , K.K.Dist Pin: 929168, T. Nadu, India ,( complete postal address in India ) and presently residing, P. Box No. 796 , P.C ode : 121, Al Hail, Sultanate of Oman (complete postal in Oman) intend to change my name from Jasmin Revi (old name) to Jasmin Sajitha Revi (new name) for all practical purpose.

Any objection towards my name change may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, diplomatic Quarters, AL Khuwair, P. Box No, 1727 postal code 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman.

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

Admission Open: CAMBRIDGE / BILINGUAL CURRICULUM admission started in Al Burj Private School, Azaiba for KG and Grade I to IV. Please register soonest.

Contact: 93211417 / 92887809.

Learn Cup cakes, exotic cakes, Icing decorations, handicrafts.

Contact 95941515

RC girl (28 yrs) hailing from kanjirappally dioces working in Royal Hospital looks for suitable alliances.#92801093 / 97498373

MATRIMONIAL

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. . #: 00919495924302 email: raveendrandr@yahoo.com

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

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

Split & window A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517

House shifting. Contact 99708138

House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422

Window & split unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact 99557080

Carpet & sofa cleaning, house cleaning. Contact 99542979 / 98855815

Split & window A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089/95323517

Split & window A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact: 96236476

MATRIMONIAL

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

Carpet, curtain, sofa, floor, cleaning, shampooing, marble & mosaic tiles grinding, polishing and painting. Contact : 93630133 / 95821193 House shifting packing.

99657644 / 98518013 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. # 24810137, 99450130

Air condition maintenance split and window services AC specialist ducted and package type unites.

Contact: 98667326 Ramadhan Gifts with company name printable advertisement on t-shirt, clock.

Contact: 98796982 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance.

Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722

Pest control Treatments, termites, cockroaches, bedbugs Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723 Carpet, Sofa Shampooing. Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99884591 AC servicing maintenance fixing.

Contact: 99540621

SITUATION WANTMANPOWER