Times of Oman - January 30, 2015

SATURDAY January 30, 2016 20 Rabi Al Thani 1437 AH

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FROM THE WORDS OF HIS MAJESTY THE SULTAN

On the occasion of the 29th National Day, 1999

‘His Majesty’s Wisdom’

TERRIBLE TANTRUMS

The tourism industry is well qualified to offer career opportunities to Omanis. It is well capable of serving the aims of regional development, since its benefits will cover all regions. On this basis we should prepare a new strategy to develop this sector so it can stand on its own feet in a severely competitive, flexible and diversified international market.

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Founded 1975 . Volume 40 No. 289 | 28 Pages . Baisas 200 . Subscription OMR63 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company | Chairman/Editor-in-Chief: Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali | Printed & Published by Muscat Media Group

S TAT E C O U N C I L

SAMI AL SAIDI, AHMED AL SALTI STEAL THE MUSCAT MARATHON SHOW

HM issues two Royal Decrees

Omani runners Sami Al Saidi (overall winner) and Ahmed Al Salti (Half-Marathon winner) hogged the limelight at the fifth edition of Muscat Road Runners (MRR) on Friday. Like Muscat Festival and its accompanying events, Muscat Marathon was aimed at showcasing the beauty of the capital city. — ONA See also > A11

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MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said on Thursday issued two Royal Decrees as follows: Royal Decree No. 4/2016 amends Royal Decree No. 47/2015 on the appointment of members of the State Council.

Article (1) states that the two members mentioned in Clauses 25 and 52 of the State Council members list attached to the Royal Decree No. 47/2015 shall be replaced by the two following members: Dr Raya bint Salim bin Said Al Mantheriyah (Clause 25); Eng. Nashi’ah bint Saud bin Mohammed Al Kharousiyah (Clause 52).

Article (2) says that this decree (4/2016) shall be published in the Official Gazette and enforced with effect from the date of implementation of Royal Decree No. 47/2015. >A2 JORDAN

HM sends greetings MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of greetings to King Abdullah II of Jordan on his birthday.

In his cable, His Majesty the Sultan has wished him good health, happiness and a long life, praying to the Almighty Allah to return this and similar occasions on him with further achievement to his country’s people. —ONA

E X PAT S O P I N E

Fuel price revision sees prices lower Times News Service MUSCAT: People in Oman are in two minds regarding the revised petrol and diesel prices.

Many feel that the move might not lead to many changes in the market.

Oman’s government on Thursday announced revised fuel prices, which will be effective from February 1.

Super grade petrol will now cost 153 baisas per litre, regular grade petrol 137 baisas and 146 baisas for diesel per litre, an official Twitter post by the Ministry of Oil and Gas revealed.

“This is not a big drop so nothing will change,” Abdullah, a resident said.

“It’s good, even though it’s a marginal difference, but it helps us save some sort of money, says Prakash Chandran, an Indian expat, who has been living in Oman for the past 13 years.

“It was a huge hike from 120 to 160 baisas some days back;

now it’s getting down by a small margin and I hope the rates will come down more in the coming days, said Sreejith Kannan.

“It is far better than 160 baisas, and hope the government will decrease the price more in the coming days,” Munawar said.

“We can save some baisas when we go for a full tank refuelling, otherwise there is not much difference,” said Kabeer Ahmed, also an expat.

This is the second adjustment in fuel prices since they were deregulated. The first price revision was made on January 15.

At that time, the price for super grade petrol was fixed at 160 baisas, 140 baisas for regular grade petrol and 160 baisas for diesel.

Fuel prices dropped as global oil prices plunged due to oversupply and weak demand. From $115 per barrel in June 2014, oil prices have dropped to less than $30 per barrel in recent times.

TRAGEDY: The damaged bus after the accident in Nizwa. -Supplied photo

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His Majesty praised

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Four killed in suicide attack in Saudi Arabia

No meeting planned with Russia: Opec

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Opec delegates said they have no meeting planned with Russia after the country’s Energy Minister Alexander Novak indicated he was willing to meet with the group next month to coordinate oil-output policy. Four Opec representatives said they had not heard of any plan for the future talks. >B1

A suicide bombing and gun attack on worshippers killed at least four people in eastern Saudi Arabia on Friday, the interior ministry and witnesses said, extending a spate of attacks. The assault on the Imam Rida mosque in the Eastern Province town of Mahasen, also wounded at least 18 people. >A4

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including two Omani drivers, two Indian students and an

TOP THREE INSIDE STORIES

Delegated by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, His Highnness Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said took part in a celebration organised by the Anglo-Omani Society to mark its 40th anniversary.

To mark the occasion, a reception was held in London in the presence of UK’s Prince Charles. >A2

Two children of Nizwa bus crash critical

Indian teacher, lost their lives in the Nizwa bus accident

REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com NIZWA: Two children, who were injured on Thursday when an Indian School Nizwa bus met with an accident, are still fighting for their life, hospital medics said.

Five persons, including two

Omani drivers, two Indian students and an Indian teacher, lost their lives in the accident.

“Jaden Jaison and Siya Babu, both Class II students, are still battling for their life. However, we are seeing a little progress in Nandika’s status. All are in the intensive care unit. We are trying our best to save them,” medics told the Times of Oman.

“Seven children have been currently admitted to the surgical ward. Surgeries are being conducted in turns,” medics added.

Thirty four children were brought to the hospital with injuries following the accident.

The children were onboard the bus, which met with an accident when it was on its way to Nizwa

on Thursday afternoon at around 1pm while returning from a trip to Bahla and nearby areas.

The school bus was hit by another vehicle carrying fish near Jibrin on way to Nizwa. Around 120 children had gone for the trip from the school in four buses.

Two Indian children, Mohammed Shammas and Ruya, one Indian teacher, Deepal Seth, and two Omani drivers lost their lives in the accident.

“My child, Hanna Aleena, was sitting on the teacher’s lap who died in the accident. When the bus was hit by another vehicle, she luckily got hold of a handle in the bus and so was not thrown away. But the teacher was thrown towards the window under the impact. My daughter has injuries on her hand and body. It will heal.

But she has seen her teacher and her friends dying in front of her.

What kind of trauma will it be?”

Mohammed Nawab, father of Hanna, said.>A2

S H O R TA G E O F B L O O D

Times story inspires firm to donate blood TARIQ AL HAREMI HASAN SHABAN AL LAWATI

tariqh@timesofoman.com hassan@timesofoman.com

Spotlight on classic cars

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MUSCAT: After reports of severe shortage of blood at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), the hospital has called for blood donations.

However, the shortage has not resulted in the postponement of appointments or surgeries so far, owing to the major social and radio media campaign launched by the hospital authorities urging the public to come forward and visit the blood bank to donate blood.

The hospital’s blood bank is open from 7:30 am until 9:00 pm from Saturday to Thursday.

One company is taking this initiative seriously. Abu Timam Grant

Thornton (GT) has completed a CSR (corporate social responsibility) initiative, which involves 50 people, who donated blood.

Azhar Ahmad, manager of Audit and Assurance and the CSR Committee’s chairman at GT said, “A few weeks or months back, we saw a Times of Oman story about the shortage of blood, so our committee, which comprises of six members, decided we should start a campaign.”

Doctors and nurses from the Baushar Blood Bank were at the scene to collect the blood and store it in the bank. The blood will then be distributed to the hospital as required.

“If this campaign becomes successful, then we will definitely plan it at least once a year,” said Ahmad. >A2

HUMANITARIAN EFFORT: Blood shortage has not resulted in the postponement of appointments or surgeries so far. – Supplied photo

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2016

OMAN

Oman plans to build its first World Trade Centre, where it will host companies and services under one umbrella.

WTC to showcase strength and stability of Oman

ANGLO-OMANI SOCIETY

His Majesty praised by Prince Charles for establishing Anglo-Omani Society, Sayyid Shihab attends function LONDON: Delegated by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said took part in a celebration organised by the AngloOmani Society to mark its 40th anniversary.

To mark the occasion, a reception was held at the Lancaster House in London in the presence of Prince Charles of UK, Tobias Ellwood, undersecretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for Middle East and North Africa and Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Hinai, the Sultanate’s ambassador to the United Kingdom.

The reception was also attended by the heads of the Gulf Coopera-

tion Council diplomatic missions in London, members of the AngloOmani Society, academics and journalists, along with Omani and UK businessmen, who are members of the Anglo-Omani Society.

The ceremony started with musical performances, after which Robert Alston, chairman of the Society delivered a speech during he welcomed Sayyid Shihab and Prince Charles.

Prince Charles of Wales delivered a speech expressing his joy for being invited to attend the 40th anniversary of the Anglo-Omani Society, wishing more success for the society.

During his speech, Prince

Charles affirmed that His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, patron and founder of this Society had been far-sighted in establishing the Society to become a living example of the strong relations between the two friendly countries.

Student exchange He added that the student exchange programme is the most notable example of developing relations between Prince of Wales Charity Fund and Anglo-Omani Society in diverse fields.

He also used this opportunity to announce that the Omani-UK expedition to cross the Empty Quarter had been completed and that

the three explorers have reached the final destination. He reiterated that the expedition was another example of the good cooperation between the two countries in diverse fields.

On his part, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, delivered a speech thanking His Majesty the Sultan for delegating him to attend the celebration of the AngloOmani Society.

He appreciated the efforts and activities initiated by the new generation of the Society’s members, which serves as an example of the sustainability of the strong relations between the two countries since the 1798 Convention. -ONA

Shura’s efforts for autistic applauded Shura Council’s Social Development Committee recently discussed proposals for the establishment of autism centres and the integration of pupils suffering from autism in schools SPECIAL CARE: The Association for the Welfare of Children with Disabilities and Al Habib and Co. agreed on setting up a rehabilitation centre in Al Mesana’ah for disabled children.

ERIK PRINS

erik@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Autism campaigners in Oman have welcomed the fact that autism is now on the agenda of the Shura Council, signalling greater efforts by Omani society to understand and deal with autism.

Recently, the Social Development Committee of the Shura Council discussed proposals presented by the Oman Autism Society, including the establishment of autism centres and the integration of pupils suffering from autism in schools, their press release stated.

Khalid Al Malki, board member of the Oman Autism Society (OAS), welcomed the Committee’s invitation for a panel discussion with all relevant authorities and societies to look into their proposals.

“Thankfully, the Shura Council has understood the issue and is ready to discuss our proposals,” he

stated. Al Malki also recognised the progress the Sultanate has made when it comes to autism.

“There has been notable progress in terms of awareness about autism and the services provided to autism sufferers. If we look at the situation three or four years ago, it is better now,” he noted.

However, Al Malki added that awareness, both at the level of families and society in general, will have to be further developed. “(Greater) Awareness about autism will help solve the difficulties,” he added.

Hilal Al Sarmi, member of the Health Committee at the Shura Council, said there has been “progress” in improving the situation, but financial resources are lacking.

“The Ministry of Social Development plays a good role in this, providing some children with fi-

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nancial help, but not all. There are not enough financial resources to support everyone and worldwide, there are few specialists, who can work with people suffering from autism,” he said.

Al Sarmi further said that from a health perspective, there are “big challenges” that people with autism face in Oman.

He told the Times of Oman (TOO) that there are no clinics for diagnosing autism in Oman, no doctors have specialised in the treatment of autism and there is a shortage of medicines needed to treat autism.

“We need to have a national centre for autism and specialists who can work with people suffering from autism,” he pointed out.

Such a centre seems to be on its way. Last month, TOO had reported that Oman LNG would fund the

construction of the first National Centre for Autism in Muscat in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development.

Last Wednesday, the Association for the Welfare of Children with Disabilities and Al Habib and Co. agreed on setting up a rehabilitation centre in Al Mesana’ah for disabled children, including those suffering from autism, the Oman News Agency reported.

Al Sarmi said there are only a few specialised schools for people suffering from autism in Muscat, the fees for which is not affordable for low-income families.

Instead of separate, specialised schools, Al Malki of OAS said that as part of a strategy developed

by UNICEF, he expects children suffering from autism to be integrated into government schools, where they will be provided with the necessary tools to deal with their condition.

He added that pupils currently face learning difficulties in public schools, as they lack the necessary facilities. He said that the normal curriculum will have to be modified as pupils suffering from autism cannot cope with the pace of other students. He further stressed the need for specialised teachers, who can work with these pupils. Al Malki further noted that facilities for people with autism are still concentrated in Muscat, forcing those outside the capital to travel large distances.

“My son has to travel 150 km to receive just one and half hours of rehabilitation. I know families who travel 300 km a day,” he said.

The discussion with relevant authorities and societies will take place in the beginning of February, Al Malki said.

BUS ACCIDENT

with patients. who require immediate and critical surgeries,” Dr. Arwa Al Riyami, senior consultant hematopathologist and chairperson of the Blood Donation Committee at SQUH, said.

Al Riyami added that blood disorders, cancer, accidents and cardio surgery patients get a priority as recipients for the blood donated.

Although Oman suffers from a lack of donors throughout the year, Al Riyami said the summer and holiday seasons are the driest ones as many people travel outside the country.

“During the month of Ramadan, the shortage increases as people fast, and avoid donating blood,” said Al Riyami, adding that the SQUH blood bank had expanded its working hours to 24 hours during Ramadan.

Asked if the hospital plans to reward donors with cash, the doctor said that such acts are not recommended by the World Health Organisation and that advocate volunteers should donate for pure humane reasons.

However, Al Riyami said the hospital’s administration plans to send an SMS to donors to thank them and remind them to donate every three months.

FA L L I N G R AT E

Expats await salary to remit money home Times News Service MUSCAT: Indian and Philippine expatriates are awaiting their salaries so that they can send more money back home to take advantage of the ongoing positive exchange rates.

The rupee exchange rates stood at Rs176.9 and the Philippine peso (Php) at 124.03 vs OMR1 on Thursday. “I am waiting for my salary to remit money,” said Sudhakar Rao, an Indian expat.

Some Indians are even planning to take loans from banks here to close liabilities back home. “I bought an apartment in 2005 in Kerala with a housing loan of Rs2 million from a nationalised bank. As we are getting the best value for the rupee these days, I am thinking of clearing the loan,” says Pradeep Kumar, a sales executive working in Muscat.

The US dollar has been going upward, pushing the value of the

Omani Rial against a number of currencies even higher.

A higher Rial can mean bigger remittance volumes for Omanbased expatriates. “This is a good time for people to remit money home because the rates are at their best,” confirmed an official of money exchange in Ruwi.

He also revealed more whitecollar workers were also remitting cash, a practice most common among blue-collar Asian workers to meet their family expenditures back home. “We expect this to go up in the first week of February when everybody gets their salary,” the official said.

“I am waiting for my salary, which will come either on Sunday or on Monday,” said Ritu Bhattacharjee, who wanted to remit a large sum last month, but decided to wait for another month.

“Thank God I waited and now I will be able to get more money,” she said.

R O YA L D E C R E E

A1 Economic zone < FROM

Royal Decree No. 5/2016 declares the Ras Markaz area’s development project as a public utility project and attaches it to the Special Economic Zone at Duqm.

Article (1) declares as a public utility project “the Ras Markaz area in the Wilayat of Duqm in the Wusta Governorate”, as specified in the memo and diagram attached to this decree.

Article (2) attaches to the above-mentioned Ras Markaz area to the Special Economic Zone at Duqm and states that this economic zone’s site and bound-

aries shall be modified in accordance with the diagram attached to this Decree.

Article (3) states that the authorities concerned shall expropriate, through direct implementation, the properties, relevant land needed for the aforesaid project, as well as installations therein, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Utility Expropriation Law. Article (4) says that this decree shall be published in the Official Gazette and enforced on its date of issue. Issued on January 28, 2016. -ONA

S T R E N G T H A N D S TA B I L I T Y

Oman to build its World Trade Centre

Donate blood voluntarily

Nasser Al Mughairy, managing partner at GT said, “This was a new idea; initially we felt it was not going to happen because of the conditions set by the blood bank.”

Many of GT’s employees travel abroad to countries, such as Pakistan and India, as well as African nations, which would make them ineligible for the blood donation due to the health risks that could be contained in the blood.

“But I’m happy with the efforts made by everybody to make it happen,” Al Mughairy said, adding, “We are making the effort because of the shortage and the message is to save a life through such contributions.”

Some felt that it is important to donate blood in order to save lives, for Muhannad Barwani, it is of great importance to save lives.

“Saving lives is really important and it’s a shame that a lot of people here don’t want to donate blood,” Barwani said.

“I feel great (on the other hand) and hopeful I can do something like this at least once a month. It’s a pleasure really,” he further added.

“We were lucky on the clinical level as the wards are not full

BOOST TO TIES: HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, delivered a speech thanking His Majesty the Sultan for delegating him to attend the celebration of the Anglo-Omani Society. –ONA

< FROM

A1 Omanis came to rescue “I don’t know what to say. My child is safe. But we lost two children and a teacher. Two more are still fighting for their life,” Nawab added.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Shammas was buried in Bisiyah, some 40 kilometres from Nizwa, near his home. Ruya and Deepal’s body was scheduled to be taken to the Royal Oman Police hospital in Qurum for embalming by Friday evening. Shammas and Ruya are from the South Indian state of Kerala. Deepal is from Pune in Maharashtra.

“I was told that my child had got injured in a bus accident. When I rushed to the hospital, I found that he had succumbed to his injuries.

His mother is still in the shock.

She is saying that if they bring back her child, she will take care of him,” Mohammed Shammas’s father Ahmed Kabir said. Many parents recounted that following the incident, Omanis had rushed the injured children to the hospital in their vehicles.

“It was an awful situation in the

hospital. I saw parents running here and there to know whether their child was injured in the accident or not. As we were not clear at that moment how many children were there in the bus or their names, we couldn’t give any details to the parents. It was an awful situation. Even the children didn’t have any ID cards,” Akilesh Kumar, a parent and also a senior staff member of the Nizwa hospital, who coordinated the rescue efforts, said. On Friday evening, parents and teachers were allowed to have a final look at the bodies of Ruya and Deepal at the hospital.

Many of them had been waiting in the hospital since the accident happened.

“How can we go when our children are fighting for life? We can’t leave the hospital. We will wait here and pray for them,” a group of parents said. Indian embassy officials and other social workers also reached Nizwa and were seen consoling the grieving parents and coordinating the repatriation process for the deceased.

MUSCAT: Oman plans to build its first World Trade Centre, where it will host companies and services under one umbrella.

The Al Jarwani Group, along with Tamani Global will develop and invest in the property. They have successfully acquired the exclusive World Trade Centre (WTC) Licence to execute the first WTC building in the Sultanate of Oman, to be called WTC Muscat.

The official signing ceremony will be held in February in the presence of representatives from the WTC Association (WTCA).

WTC Muscat will be the first of its kind in Oman.“We are quite confident that the WTC concept is an extremely unique one and is an absolute necessity, which will cater to the specific needs of investors, local government authorities, private holding companies and the general public at large.

“Since Oman doesn’t have a World Trade Centre, we will be the first to offer the integrated services, which will reshape the whole scenario of Muscat.

We intend to provide services under eight broad categories and incorporate them into the proposed WTC Muscat,” a statement from the company said.

As an economic development platform, WTCs raise the inter-

national profile of a city or region.

They represent a global network of active and planned locations in 330 plus cities in 100 countries that work to create competitive advantage for businesses conducting international trade.

The WTC brand is known around the world, and after 42 years, the WTCA is committed to building the value and effectiveness of the brand for hundreds of communities and thousands of internationally active businesses that have benefitted from the power of this unique and growing icon of international trade.

The initial concept of the building will be designed to reflect a sign of originality inspired by the heritage and nature of Oman, with the adoption of the shape of the Omani khanjar (dagger) as the main shape for the building; along with stepped flooring that is inspired by the agricultural steps seen in Jabal Al Akdhar. The design of the building will represent the strength and stability of the business sector in the Sultanate.

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Gearheads and classic car lovers in Oman experienced time travelling to the golden age of motors at Oman Automobile Association in Al Seeb where more than 100 rare vintage motors owned by Omanis shined on Friday afternoon.

Owners were there to compete for three grand prizes, most beautiful, oldest and most well-kept classic car. The event was organised by Oman Automobile Association as a part of itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s participation in Muscat Festival 2016. Here are some images from the event taken

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REGION

Four killed in attack on mosque in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province The assault on the Imam Rida mosque in the Eastern Province town of Mahasen, also wounded at least 18 people

DUBAI: A suicide bombing and gun attack on worshippers killed at least four people in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia on Friday, the interior ministry and witnesses said, extending a spate of attacks in the kingdom.

The assault on the Imam Rida mosque in the Eastern Province town of Mahasen, in which there is an extension of a compound where state oil company Aramco employees live, also wounded at least 18 people.

There was no early claim of responsibility but it resembled previous attacks by militants from IS. The Saudi interior ministry said security forces prevented two

GATHERING: A gunman opened fire at a gathering in eastern Saudi Arabia, wounding four people before being killed himself, state TV said on October 16, 2015. On Friday, The Saudi interior ministry said security forces prevented two suicide bombers from entering the mosque, where one blew himself up, killing four people. Security forces exchanged fire with the second man and arrested him– AFP File photo

suicide bombers from entering the mosque, where one blew himself up, killing four people. Security forces exchanged fire with the second man and arrested him.

Witnesses said one suicide bomber blew himself up outside the mosque, causing a power blackout inside. They said worshippers overpowered a second

attacker after he opened fire in the mosque where 200 people were performing Friday prayers.

“The explosion happened outside the mosque, at the courtyard

of the mosque, while another one entered with a machinegun. There are martyrs and wounded,” one witness said in an audio message circulated on social media.

P R O X I M I T Y TA L K S

DISCLOSURES

UN launches Syria peace talks despite boycott GENEVA/BEIRUT: The first Syria peace talks in two years were a “complete failure” before they started on Friday, a Western diplomat said, after the United Nations announced it would press ahead with them despite an opposition boycott.

Opponents of President Bashar Al Assad said they were far more concerned with fending off a Russian-backed military onslaught, with civilians reported to be fleeing as the Syrian army and allied militia tried to capture a suburb of Damascus and finish off rebels defending it.

UN envoy Staffan de Mistura has invited the Syrian government and an opposition umbrella group to Geneva for “proximity talks”, in which they would meet in separate rooms.

But so far the main opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC) has refused to attend, insisting it wanted an end to air strikes and sieges of towns before talks can start. The boycott defies Washington, which has urged the opposition to take up the “historic opportunity” for the talks, without preconditions.

Government delegation A UN statement said de Mistura would open the talks as scheduled on Friday by meeting the government delegation headed by Syria’s ambassador to the United Nations. Meetings with “other participants” would take place “subsequently” it said, without giving details.

“It is a complete failure,” said a Western diplomat, on condition of anonymity, describing the event as a boon for Assad’s government.

“They are completely off the hook. With whom are they going to talk? If you want to engage in negotiations, you have to have a partner. It’s a wonderful occasion for the regime to show they are willing.”

If opposition members do attend “they will be telling you they are coming in their personal ca-

“The young men grabbed his machine gun and beat him up, but he did not die. The police then came and took him away and the wounded were taken in private cars because ambulance cars did not arrive quickly.”

Another witness, speaking to Reuters by telephone, said a third attacker was believed to be involved in the attack and that he may have fled or disappeared.

A video recording provided by activists showed a crowd surrounding a man prone on the floor, turning him over and unfastening what they said was a suicide belt around his waist. Witnesses had earlier said three people died in the attack.

Saudi Arabia has suffered a string of deadly shooting and bomb attacks in recent months, many of them claimed by the ultra-radical IS. In October 2015, a gunman shot dead five people at a gathering at Al Haidaria hussainiya in the Saihat area of Qatif city in eastern Saudi Arabia before police shot him dead. A Saudi interior ministry spokesman said in a statement.

IS claimed the responsibility for the attack. He said a suspect with an automatic weapon “started to shoot randomly” . Police intervened and opened fire, killing the suspect. — Reuters

THE VENUE: A television crew in front of the United Nations European headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday. UN envoy Staffan de Mistura has invited the Syrian government and an opposition umbrella group to Geneva for “proximity talks”, in which they would meet in separate rooms. – Reuters

pacity,” the diplomat said.

On Thursday the opposition HNC, which groups both armed and political opponents of Assad and has been meeting in Riyadh this week, said it would not attend the start of talks on Friday because it had not received convincing answers over its demand for goodwill steps such as a ceasefire.

Major force Another major force, the Kurds who control much of northeast Syria and have proven one of the few groups capable of winning territory from IS militants, were excluded from the talks after Turkey demanded they be kept away. The Kurds say their absence means the talks are doomed to fail.

International diplomacy has so far seen only failures in a 5-year-

old multi-sided ethno-sectarian civil war that has killed more than 250,000 people and driven more than 10 million from their homes while drawing in regional states and global powers.

De Mistura’s two predecessors both quit in apparent frustration after staging failed peace conferences. Since the last talks collapsed in 2014, IS militants surged across Syria and Iraq declaring a “caliphate”, the United States and its European and Arab allies launched air strikes against them, and Russia joined in last year with a separate air campaign to support Assad.

Moscow’s intervention in particular has altered the balance of power on the ground, giving strong momentum to government forces and reversing months of

rebel gains. The Syrian military and allied militia are seeking to build on gains in western Syria, and have turned their focus to opposition-held suburbs southwest of Damascus.

The aim is to crush rebels in the district of Daraya to secure the nearby military airport at Mezzeh, said Rami Abdulrahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the conflict with sources on the ground.

Civilians were leaving the nearby opposition-held district of Mouadamiya Al Sham in large numbers, fearing a bigger attack, he said.

“The regime is trying to separate Mouadamiya Al Sham from Daraya so it can finish off the fighters there, because Daraya is

a threat to Mezzeh military airport,” he said. “There is now an almost complete separation between Mouadamiya al-Sham and Daraya,” he said.

Rebels say the fighting on the ground is of more concern to them than the fate of the negotiations.

Asked about the future of the talks, Abu Ghiath Al Sham, spokesman for the rebel Alwiyat Seif Al Sham group, which is part of the HNC, told Reuters: “It seems very complicated. But frankly, I am a bit busy with the situation in Mouadamiya Al Sham, and the field situation in Deraa.”

Haitham Al Maleh, a prominent Syrian opposition politician, to Al Jazeera: “We cannot hold negotiations while the United Nations and the international community is incapable of (implementing) confidence building steps.”

“I personally believe that the negotiations in this situation are futile and will not produce anything,” he said. “We cannot hold negotiations with murderers and criminals as they cling to power.”

Meanwhile, the Netherlands government said that the country will broaden its role in the US-led coalition against IS to include the bombing of IS targets in Syria. A Dutch squadron of six F-16 fighter jets is already stationed in the region, but was hitherto limited to striking IS positions in Iraq.

The aircraft will now be active over Syria until July 1, targeting IS insurgent operations and training camps, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told journalists in The Hague.

“We have decided to heed the call of our allies for expansion of the operational area of our F16s to the east of Syria to further weaken IS’s supply lines and ability to advance,” Rutte said.

“Only by taking away IS’s safe havens in Iraq and Syria can we prevent more attacks.” The Netherlands is also considering providing more military equipment and training to Iraqi soldiers battling the militants. — Reuters

Israeli air force targeted by US, UK spies OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: The United States and Britain have monitored secret sorties and communications by Israel’s air force in a hacking operation dating back to 1998, according to documents attributed to leaks by former US spy agency contractor Edward Snowden.

Israel voiced disappointment at the disclosures, which were published on Friday in three media outlets and might further strain relations with Washington after years of feuding over strategies on Iran and the Palestinians.

Israel’s Yedioth Ahronoth daily said the US National Security Agency, which specialises in electronic surveillance, and its British counterpart GCHQ spied on Israeli air force missions against the Palestinian enclave Gaza, Syria and Iran.

Operation The spy operation, codenamed “Anarchist”, was run out of a Cyprus base and targeted other Middle East states too, it said. Its findings were mirrored by stories in Germany’s Der Spiegel newsmagazine and the online publication The Intercept, which lists Snowden confidant Glenn Greenwald among its associates. “This access is indispensable for maintaining an understanding of Israeli military training and operations and thus an insight to possible future developments in the region,” The Intercept quoted a classified GCHQ report as saying in 2008.

That year, Israel went to war against Hamas fighters in Gaza and began issuing increasingly vocal threats to attack Iranian nuclear facilities if it deemed international diplomacy insufficient to deny it the means of making a bomb. Asked for comment, the United States and Britain said through spokespeople for their embassies in Israel that they do not publicly discuss intelligence matters. — Reuters

SINAI PENINISULA CRASH

‘EgyptAir mechanic suspect in Russian plane bomb planting case’ LONDON: An EgyptAir mechanic whose cousin joined IS in Syria is suspected of planting a bomb on a Russian passenger plane that was blown out of Egypt’s skies in late October, according to sources familiar with the matter.

So far Egypt has publicly said it has found no evidence that the MetroJet flight, which crashed in the Sinai Peninsula after takeoff from Sharm El Sheikh airport, killing all 224 people on board, was brought down by terrorism.

A senior security official at the airline denied that any of its employees had been arrested or were

under suspicion, and an Interior Ministry official also said there had been no arrests.

But the sources, who declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the ongoing investigation, said the mechanic had been detained, along with two airport policemen and a baggage handler suspected of helping him put the bomb on board.

“After learning that one of its members had a relative that worked at the airport, IS delivered a bomb in a handbag to that person,” said one of the sources, adding the suspect’s cousin joined IS

in Syria a year and a half ago.

“He was told to not ask any questions and get the bomb on the plane.”

Role suspected Another source said of the other suspects: “Two policemen are suspected of playing a role by turning a blind eye to the operation at a security checkpoint. But there is a possibility that they were just not doing their jobs properly.”

None of the four have been prosecuted so far, the sources told Reuters. The crash has called into question Egypt’s drive to eradicate

militancy and hurt its tourism industry, a cornerstone of the economy. IS’s Egypt affiliate is waging an insurgency in parts of the Sinai, although mostly far from the tourist resorts along its Red Sea coast.

Russia and Western countries have long said that they believe the flight was brought down by a bomb smuggled on board. Egypt however has so far publicly said it has not found any evidence of foul play.

Any formal charges or official Egyptian confirmation that a bomb brought down the Airbus A321 could potentially expose Egypt to compensation payments

to the families of the victims.

The EgyptAir senior security official said state security police had investigated all workers at Sharm El Sheikh airport without finding any evidence implicating any of them. The official said state security traced the family connections of all the employees and they were cleared.

Sympathy “Any employee who shows sympathy to militants is prevented from going to work in any airport,” he told Reuters.

An Interior Ministry source also

said no one had been arrested in connection with the crash.

“We are awaiting results of the investigation.”

IS’s online magazine carried a photo of a Schweppes soft drink can it said was used to make an improvised bomb that brought down the Russian airliner.

The photo showed a can of Schweppes Gold soft drink and what appeared to be a detonator and switch on a blue background, three simple components that if genuine are likely to cause concern for airline safety officials worldwide. — Reuters

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INDIA

AUTOBIOGRAPHY

‘No wrong in political executive-industry captain meetings’ NEW DELHI: Should Indian prime minister or finance minister meet industrialists individually?

President Pranab Mukherjee has posed this question in his just released autobiography.

He has answered the question himself by stating that his meetings with industrialists, individually or collectively, were very important.

This, the president said, is what he had followed during his tenure as finance minister and commerce minister unlike V. P. Singh who was “adamant” about not having any one-on-one meetings with industrialists.

Mentioning about the period between 1998 and 1991, which was marked by social and political turmoil in the country, Mukherjee cited differences in approach between him and V. P. Singh, who was appointed as finance minister under the Rajiv Gandhi government.

“For instance, as finance minister, he was adamant about not having any one-on-one meetings with industrialists. My view — which

I followed during my tenures as the finance and commerce ministers —was that meetings with industrialists, individually or collectively, were very important to get an overall understanding of specific contexts.

“In other words, how can a finance minister or prime minister not meet industrialists?,” the president asked in the memoir — The Turbulent Years — 1980-1996.

On much talked about differences between Manmohan Singh and him, Mukherjee said he had no role in Singh’s exit as RBI Governor.

He, however, said the differences between him and central bank head were nothing more than legitimate exchanges of opinion over professional matters.

“I never saw my differences with Dr Singh, on the rare occasions they occurred, as anything other than legitimate exchanges of opinion over professional matters.

“Let me add that, contrary to conjecture in some quarters, I had absolutely no role in Dr Manmohan Singh’s departure from the

BOOK LAUNCH: President Pranab Mukherjee with Vice President Hamid Ansari and senior Congress leader Karan Singh during the release of his memoir ‘The Turbulent Years: 1980-96’ at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Thursday. - PTI

RBI,” the president said.

Mukherjee said the relationship between the finance minister and the governor of RBI is complex and it is impossible that they be of one mind on all issues.

Singh was RBI governor between September 16, 1982 and January 14, 1985.

Mukherjee was finance minister from January 1982 to December 1984.

Mukherjee held the post of Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, from June 1991 to May 1996, the entire period of P. V. Narasimha Rao’s tenure as prime minister.

“It was a period when several radical measures were being put in place to liberalise the economy. However, P. V. (Narasimha Rao) and I were both clear that the Planning Commission had to continue playing a pivotal role in policymaking and the allocation of resources between the Centre and the states,” he said.

PV’s biggest achievement was spearheading the economic reforms of 1991. These reforms put our country on a high growth trajectory and helped towards achieving our true economic potential.

The economic reforms programme unlocked India’s entrepreneurial potential across various sectors of the economy, Mukherjee said.

In the financial sector, measures were implemented to bring capital adequacy and prudent norms for asset classification in banks, the

Protests across Kerala to seek CM’s resignation in solar scam they lacked moral authority to act against him since they too were facing graft charges in National Herald case.

Party spokesperson M. J. Akbar referred to reports that Chandy allegedly sent emissaries to Saritha S. Nair, an accused in the case, to persuade her from speaking against him, and asserted that the chief minister to had no moral and political right to continue in his office for even a minute.

Her statement that she paid bribe to Chandy “proved” his corruption, Akbar told the media.

Protests erupted across the state soon after prime accused Saritha, while deposing before the Justice Sivarajan Commission, alleged that she had paid bribes to the tune of Rs19 million to a close aide of the chief minister and Rs4 million to the power minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Students and youth activists on Friday staged protests in front of the Secretariat here and in other parts of the state demanding resignation of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who is facing allegations in the solar scam, even as police used tear gas shells and water cannons to disperse the agitators.

Protests were witnessed in other parts of the state, including Kozhikode and Alappuzha.

The protest march by DYFI, the youth wing of CPI(M), turned vio-

UP IN ARMS: Democratic Youth Federation of India members hurling stones at the police during a protest in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday. - PTI

lent here following which police used tear gas shells and batons to chase away the agitators, who gathered in large numbers and pelted stones at the forces, police said.

The main road in front of the state Secretariat in the heart of the city virtually turned into a battlefield.

Media personnel injured Many media personnel covering the incident also suffered injuries in the melee. Shops remained shut in the area and vehicles parked on the road were damaged.

The protesters, who raised slogans demanding resignation of

Chandy, engaged in a scuffle in front of the district collectorate at Kozhikode.

Police used water cannons against the protesters there also.

Protests erupted across the state soon after prime accused Saritha, while deposing before the Justice Sivarajan Commission, alleged that she had paid bribes to the tune of Rs19 million to a close aide of the Chief Minister and Rs 4 million to Power Minister Arayadan Mohammed.

Both Chandy and Arayadan Mohammed have denied the allegations. In a major embarrass-

ment to the Congress-led UDF government, a Vigilance court had on Thursday ordered registration of an FIR against Chandy and Arayadan Mohammed in the solar scam.

The scam pertains to cheating of several persons worth crores of rupees by Saritha and her coaccused Biju Radhakrishnan by offering solar panel solutions.

Meanwhile, BJP on Friday attacked Congress’ top brass over solar scam in poll-bound Kerala, alleging Sonia and Rahul Gandhi were protecting “corrupt” Chief Minister Oommen Chandy as

‘Shocked by response’ “We are shocked by the Congress high command decision to protect a proven corrupt chief minister despite the evidence. Perhaps, the reason for this is that high command is also facing charges of severe corruption of thousands of crores in the National Herald case.

“When the high command is standing in the court facing corruption charges, perhaps they have no longer any moral authority to ask one of their chief ministers to resign for the same reason. Otherwise they would have to probably resign themselves,” he said.

Referring to the coming polls, he said the ongoing year will be a “year of justice” in Kerala as people will “erase the corrupt government”. Akbar said the Congress government is Kerala is cracking up as he spoke about the resignation of an RSP MLA over these charges. Demanding Chandy’s resignation, he said, “If chief minister does not listen to the voice of people, then the voice of people already growing louder will become an uproar.” - PTI

licensing of new private banks, the gradual decontrol of foreign exchange, currency convertibility, privatisation and disinvestment.

Foreign investment norms and external trade were liberalised.

The president said Rao had a unique style of functioning.

“The occupation of Hazratbal shrine in Jammu and Kashmir by terrorists was put to an end in 1993 without any damage to the holy structure,” he wrote.

The president mentioned how he worked out a new “GadgilMukherjee formula”, by working with Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission D. R.Gadgil, for non-special category states.

“The uniqueness of the GadgilMukherjee formula was the inclusion, for the first time, of a performance criterion for the allocation of central resources in plans.

“This formula prevailed from 1991 till the establishment of the Niti Aayog — with Arvind Panagriya as Vice Chairman — which replaced the Planning Commission,” he said. - PTI W I T H D R AWA L O F C A S E S

Lalu ‘super chief minister’ in Bihar, Nitish a puppet: BJP NEW DELHI: Citing the Bihar government’s decision to withdraw cases against Lalu Prasad, BJP on Friday said it has vindicated its charge that the RJD chief was the “super chief minister” and claimed that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar could go to any extent to save his chair.

“Kumar has become a puppet Chief Minister. His silence when the state is seeing a rise in criminal cases and many MLAs of the ruling alliance are accused of crime, is shameful,” BJP national secretary Shrikant Sharma said.

The RJD-JD(U)-Congress alliance’s poll slogan ‘Bihar me bahar ho’, in reality, had become ‘Apradhi ki bahar ho’ (criminals are having a field day), he said, citing a number of recent cases.

A Congress MLA has been accused of kidnapping a minor girl, a JD(U) MLA has threatened a DSP and an RJD legislator has been accused of threatening cops, Sharma alleged. Sharma hit out at the Bihar government over its decision to withdraw a vandalism case against Prasad and his two minister sons.

“BJP has been saying that Prasad is the super chief minister in Bihar. It (withdrawal of cases) only vindicates our stand,” he said.

A district court in Patna had on Wednesday closed a case against Prasad relating to an FIR registered against him during the last Lok Sabha elections, on a plea of the state government. It came days after the government sought closure of another case against Lalu and his two sons in connection with a party-sponsored bandh on July 27, last year. - PTI

H E A LT H C O N C E R N

Centre forms technical group to monitor Zika virus situation NEW DELHI: Centre on Friday decided to constitute a technical group to monitor the situation arising out of spread of Zika virus and strengthen its surveillance system, a day after WHO warned that the virus was spreading “explosively” and can affect countries like India.

Health Minister J. P.Nadda, who held a high-level meeting to take stock of the situation in view of

the recent cases of Zika virus being reported from some countries, said that India is “well prepared” in case of any eventuality.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and all necessary steps have been initiated to ensure that India is well prepared in case of any eventuality,” Nadda said after the meeting in which doctors from AIIMS also took part.

The Zika virus is “spreading ex-

plosively” in the Americas and can infect upto four million people, the WHO warned on Thursday as it issued a warning to all countries, including India.

Aedes Aegypti mosquito carries Zika virus which is thought to cause brain damage in babies.

This mosquito also carries the viruses that cause Dengue and Chikungunya which are of great public health concern in tropical

countries like India.

The outbreak began in Brazil last year and has now spread to 24 countries in the Americas.

Neurological problems Zika virus is believed to cause neurological problems like microcephaly, a condition of abnormally small head in babies.

“Nadda directed constitution of a technical group with immediate

effect which would monitor the situation arising out of spread of Zika virus in other countries and will advise further on all the necessary steps that need to be taken,” an official statement said.

“We are focusing on especially strengthening the surveillance system,” it said.

The Health Minister emphasised that there should be an increased focus on prevention to control the

spread of the Aedes mosquito that breeds in clean water.

“Community awareness plays an instrumental role in this regard.

There is a need for greater awareness amongst community,” he said.

Such is the level of alarm that many American countries like El Salvador, Colombia and Ecuador have urged women to postpone pregnancy till 2018. - PTI

A6

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2016 For us, the ‘Agenda of Alliance’ is the sacred document that we should be going by. But there have to be some assurances on it Senior PDP leader

INDIA

MUMBAI

WHALE WASHED ASHORE IN MUMBAI A 37-feet-long whale washed ashore at Mumbai’s Juhu beach, attracting hordes of onlookers who came to see the giant mammal. The 11.3-metre long whale, weighing nearly 20 tonne, was washed on the shore on Thursday night. It was buried on Friday near the beach beyond the high tide line, N. Vasudevan, Chief Conservator of Forests (mangrove cell) said. This type of whale is an endangered species found in the Arabian Sea. - PTI

Allotment of land to Hema kicks up storm MUMBAI: Allotment of a prime piece of land here to actress and BJP MP Hema Malini by the Maharashtra government for her dance academy at a throwaway price of Rs70,000 kicked up a political storm on Friday with the Congress accusing it of double standards and flouting procedures.

The BJP-led Government, however, defended its decision with Housing Minister Prakash Mehta saying this was not for the first time that land was allotted to a cultural institution at a cheaper rate, recalling that cultural and academic bodies set up in memory of Congress leaders including Y. B.Chavan had benefited from such a gesture.

The state government has allotted land measuring 2,000 square metres to Hema’s Natyvihar Kala Kendra. According to the documents obtained under an RTI query, the veteran actress has been allotted the land located in suburban Oshiwara, at the rate of Rs 35 per square metre (total cost Rs 70,000) by the Mumbai Suburban District Collectorate.

The market value of the land is estimated to be running into crores of rupees. The plot in question is said to be originally reserved for a garden and was given to the BJP MP from Mathura for a pittance. -PTI

PROMISED EFFICIENCY

‘Subsidies will not be eliminated but better targeted’ NEW DELHI: Promising reforms that will transform lives, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on Friday said the government will not eliminate all subsidies but will rationalise and target them to the needy.

He said unnecessary controls and distortions will be eliminated and promised efficiency in allocation of resources as well as creation of opportunities for citizens to progress.

“I am not arguing that all subsidies are good. My point is that there cannot be any ideological position on such matters. We have to be pragmatic. We have to eliminate bad subsidies, whether or not they are called subsidies. But some subsidies may be necessary to protect the poor and the needy and give them a fair chance to succeed.

“Hence my aim is not to eliminate subsidies but to rationalise and target them,” he said addressing the Economic Times Global Business Summit here.

He also took a dig at economists and corporates saying any dole for industries is called incentive or subvention while for farmer it is derogatorily called subsidy. - PTI

We need to improve quality of politics, avoid populism: FM on two important factors — one is improving the quality of politics.

World’s largest democracy can’t function unless it has a high level of politics”.

Jaitley asserted India had the potential to

faster growth in

Those who play games in Parliament, must eventually realise that they are not only stalling the growth process of the country, but actually hurting India’s credibility

manufacturing

Arun Jaitley

achieve a growth rate in excess of the current 7-7.5 per cent and called for improving rural demand and

Finance minister KOLKATA: Laying stress on improving quality of politics and avoiding policy diversion in the form of populism, union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday hit out against those opposing the government’s reform measures in parliament, saying they were “hurting India’s credibility”.

“Those who play games in parliament, must eventually realise that they are not only stalling the growth process of the country,

but actually hurting India’s credibility,” said Jaitley, delivering the inaugural Suresh Neotia memorial lecture here.

He said India needed to speak largely in one voice on maintaining the growth momentum so as to give out the right signals that the country is capable of achieving the goals it has set out to achieve.

“So whenever in the next session (of parliament) important legisla-

tions — be it direct tax reforms or indirect tax reforms — they come up, of whatever importance they are to growth of the economy, it’s important to establish the country’s credibility we have to maintain that momentum of growth.

“Therefore it is extremely important that on this issue India needs to speak largely in one voice,” he said.

Jaitley asserted India had the

potential to achieve a growth rate in excess of the current 7-7.5 per cent and called for improving rural demand and faster growth in manufacturing.

“Therefore we have to move in a direction in which these demands expand and economic activity expands,” he said, also adding that to achieve these objectives, the quality of politics has to go up.

“We need to really concentrate

Economic growth Meanwhile, Government of India has marginally revised downward the economic growth for 2014-15 to 7.2 per cent from the earlier estimate of 7.3 per cent after factoring in latest data on agriculture and industrial production.

“The real GDP or GDP at constant (2011-12) prices for the years 2014-15 and 2013-14 stands at Rs105.52 lakh crore and Rs98.39 lakh crore, respectively, showing growth of 7.2 per cent during 201415, and 6.6 per cent during 201314,” said Central Statistics Office’s (CSO) revised estimates of national accounts released on Friday.

GDP growth rate for 2013-14 has also revised downwards to 6.6 per cent from earlier estimate of 6.9 per cent. According to the statement, estimates of GDP and other aggregates for the years 2011-12 to 2013-14 have also undergone revision due to use of latest available data on agricultural production and industrial production.

Last year, the CSO had estimated the GDP growth rate for 201415 and 2013-14 at 7.3 per cent and 6.9 per cent, respectively. - Agencies

JAMMU AND KASHMIR

PDP toughens stand, wants assurance over common agenda SRINAGAR: PDP, which is keeping everyone guessing over the government formation, on Friday toughened its position, saying the ally BJP should hand out concrete assurances for implementation of the coalition’s common agenda since it is in power at the Centre.

Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) particularly flagged issues like relations with Pakistan, revocation

of the controversial AFSPA and return of power projects to Indianadministered-Kashmir from the Centre which are part of the ‘Agenda of Alliance’.

‘Agenda of Alliance’ “For us, the ‘Agenda of Alliance’ is the sacred document that we should be going by. But there have to be some assurances on it,”

a senior PDP leader said.

“It does not serve any purpose if we cannot implement this document that was reached between two parties — one headed by the Prime Minister who has a massive mandate at national level and the other by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed as leader of the single largest party of the state,” the PDP leader added.

Referring to the relations with

Pakistan which is a part of the Agenda of Alliance, he said while efforts are underway to improve the ties, it is not clear how this goal can be achieved without involving Jammu and Kashmir in the process.

“The dialogue with Pakistan is part of the Agenda of Alliance in whatever words it might be,” he said.

“Then there are other issues

like revocation of AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) and return of power projects in the agenda. This all is for the benefit of the people of the state,” the PDP leader said.

With the BJP maintaining a studied silence on the issue, the hardening of stance by PDP indicates that the state could be heading for a longer period of Gover-

nor’s Rule which was imposed on January 8 following the demise of then Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

Meanwhile, Governor N. N. Vohra has started assuming full powers of governance. On Thursday, he decided to set the ball rolling for holding elections to local bodies by discussing the matter with political parties. - PTI

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2016

A7

PAKISTAN DANGER TO HISTORIC SITES

ANTI-TERROR TRAINING A Pakistani Elite Police Force member takes part in an anti-militant drill at a school in Peshawar on Thursday. A Pakistan university attacked by the Taliban last week has demanded the government arm its staff as it seeks to boost security after the deadly assault in which 21 people were killed, officials said. — AFP

Court stops work on Lahore metro line LAHORE: A Pakistani court has ordered construction of the country’s first metro train line to stop after campaigners in the city of Lahore argued that the project endangered historical buildings.

Lahore High Court issued a stay order late on Thursday suspending all work within 200 feet of 11 buildings of historical value, said Azhar Siddique, a lawyer and petitioner in the case. Buildings deemed at risk include the Mughal Fort and Shalamar Gardens complex — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a nineteenth century British-built church and the Victorian-era General Post Office.

“I, on behalf of civil society, filed the petition to save 26 heritage sites from construction of the Orange Line Train Project,” Siddique told Reuters on Friday.

The United Nations last week called on Pakistan’s government to halt work on the line.

It said construction, which started last year, had led to forced evictions and threatened a large number of Lahore’s protected heritage sites, historic buildings and minority places of worship.

Independent experts were puzzled as to why alternative, less damaging routes were not considered, the UN said.

THIRD TIME IN MONTH

Major power breakdown hits Karachi KARACHI: A major power breakdown on Friday left 90 per cent of Pakistan’s largest and richest city, Karachi, without electricity and brought much of normal life to a standstill.

The sweltering and violenceplagued metropolis of 23 million people accounts for half of Pakistan’s national revenues and is home to the stock exchange, the central bank and a giant port.

The third major outage of the country’s dilapidated electricity grid within a month forced shops, hospitals and businesses to turn to back-up generators as the lights went out, including those in the provincial assembly.

However, stock market trading was not interrupted. The private utility company running the electricity supply said high levels of humidity tripped a transmission line to cause the blackout on Friday morning.

“The tripping should not be attributed to any lack in the infrastructure, rather it was caused by high levels of humidity,” K-Electric tweeted, adding that power had returned to most of the city by early afternoon. An official at the ministry of water and power said at least 90 per cent of the city was affected after a transmission line tripped because of dense fog. — Reuters

Buildings deemed at risk include the Mughal Fort and Shalamar Gardens complex — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a nineteenth century Britishbuilt church and the Victorian-era General Post Office

Part-funded by China, the Lahore Metro is a rapid mass transit system that the government hopes will ease travel in the fast-growing city, Pakistan’s second largest.

Public transport remains woefully inadequate across most Pakistani cities and a rapidly urbanising population has left roads choked with traffic, slowing travel times. — Reuters

Centre delays release of $300m for Gwadar pipeline Earlier, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources had approached the finance ministry to seek the release of gas infrastructure development cess collection for gas import projects

ROADBLOCK: Under the plan, the LNG pipeline will be laid from Gwadar to Nawabshah and a terminal will also be built at Gwadar port. The pipeline will be connected to the Iranian border at a cost of $200 million. — Express Tribune

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Finance appears to have spent the entire cess collection from gas consumers to bridge the budget deficit and is reluctant to provide $300 million to the petroleum ministry for executing the $2 billion Gwadar liquefied natural gas (LNG) pipeline project, an official says.

This came despite the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Re-

sources having approached the finance ministry to seek the release of gas infrastructure development cess (GIDC) collection for spending on planned gas import projects.

The finance ministry instead suggested to borrow around Rs100 billion from commercial banks.

Earlier, gas utilities were working on enhancing the capacity of their pipeline networks to create room for LNG transportation.

So far, Rs183.86 billion has

spending on planned

been received from consumers in shape of GIDC, which was imposed in January 2012 to finance gas import projects. However, nothing has been left as the finance ministry has consumed the entire amount.

For the Gwadar LNG pipeline, the government is negotiating a commercial deal with a Chinese company for kicking off work by the end of March.

The company, China Petroleum

Pipeline Bureau selected by the Chinese government, will provide 85 per cent of financing whereas Pakistan will inject 15 per cent equity into the project.

The company is already working on pipeline projects stretching over 8,000km in different countries including Myanmar, Bangladesh, Russia and other nations. It has also laid pipelines from Turkmenistan to China.

However, the petroleum ministry is encountering trouble due to delay in release of $300 million as the project should be completed by the end of 2017.

“Owing to delay in financial assistance, we may not be able to finish work on the project by the stipulated time,” an official remarked.

The finance ministry, according to the official, was of the view that the government was required to frame cess rules and before that it could not release the funds.

Now, the petroleum ministry has planned to send a summary to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) for the availability of necessary funds to finance the pipeline project.

According to officials, it is unfortunate that funds are available for metro bus projects but there is no money for pushing ahead with plans for gas import, which will contribute immensely to accelerating the pace of economic growth,

which suffers a three-percentage-point loss every year due to energy shortages.

The Gwadar LNG pipeline is an alternative to the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, which was stalled due to US sanctions on Tehran. The curbs have now been lifted and hopes arise that the project will be executed in the next two years.

Under the plan, the LNG pipeline will be laid from Gwadar to Nawabshah and a terminal will also be built at Gwadar port.

The pipeline will be connected to the Iranian border at a cost of $200 million.

Engineering consultant ILF has put the total cost of the pipeline and terminal at around $2.5 billion because of a fall in steel and compressor prices.

“However, the Chinese company has offered to develop the project at a cost standing below $2 billion in the financial bid opened by Inter-State Gas Systems (ISGS),” a senior government official said, adding a price negotiation committee had been set up to push the cost further down.

However, the official cautioned that delay in the project would lead to an increase in the cost. This is the first project under the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor for which technical and financial bids have been opened. — Express Tribune

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READERS’ FORUM Need to eradicate corruption in India A report published recently indicates that India has marginally improved in anti-graft ranking. Even though there is an improvement in the ranking, corruption remains a major cause for delaying progress for a country like India that has enormous potential to become powerful in every aspect. Political leaders should not be blamed for this alarming trend, but the system. It is an accepted fact that wherever money is involved malpractices will occur, which apparently influence people to become egotistic mostly for personal interests. It is high time India had strong Scan this QR code anti-bribery and corruption policies and to send letters to the guidelines backed by independent invesReaders’ Forum, tigating agencies to ensure corruption is containing not more than 200 words with eradicated in a phased manner. Meanwhile, full name, address the leaders and entrepreneurs must visit and telephone Denmark and other least corrupt countries number, may be sent and seek their advice. — Ramachandran by e-mail (akhtar@ timesofoman.com).

Nair, Ruwi

JOSEPH E. STIGLITZ

This is not just an academic debate between Western Keynesian and supply-side economists, now being played out on the other side of the world. The policy approach that the Chinese administration adopts will strongly influence economic performance and prospects worldwide bit.ly/chinapolicies

Cloud use has privacy concerns This refers to the story‚ Microsoft’s secret weapon for growth is in the cloud, January 29. The company has been lucky as world over people do not read the fine print. Even though the cloud technology is very helpful, but using it means the company has access to lot of information, which inadvertently is passed onto their system due to privacy settings. — Mehreen Mahsha, Qurum

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“Insure with New India and be secure”

Tel: 24838800 | Fax: 24838899 | Email: niamct@omantel.net.om | Website: www.newindiaoman.com No matter how cynical you get, it is impossible to keep up.

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f you get most of your ideas about government from speeches by America’s Republican presidential candidates, it’s easy to believe that the US federal government is incapable of doing anything right. But not even the Republicans actually believe it. The proof is just beneath the surface, where a remarkable bipartisan consensus is emerging around an approach to America’s most serious social problems – including homelessness, criminal recidivism, preschool education, and chronic illness – that combines the best principles of conservatism and progressivism. It is a strategy that is playing out in Republican states such as Utah and Kentucky and Democratic ones like Massachusetts and California.

This nationwide trend is being catalysed in part by the federal government. But it is being implemented mainly at the community level through partnerships among local governments, community groups, philanthropic organisations, and for-profit investors. These are, in a sense, pay-forsuccess projects, sometimes structured as social impact bonds –formal contracts that tie payments to actual results.

Private investors and philanthropic organisations finance the upfront costs of the pilot projects, and local or state governments (sometimes supplemented with federal money) pay the investors only if the project produces the promised results.

Though the pay-for-success model is still in its infancy, dozens of projects are now underway. Indeed, the United States is already the largest payfor-success market in the world, with over $100 million invested in such transactions.

Utah was an early pioneer, launching a novel pilot project in preschool education that is funded by $7 million from Goldman Sachs and the Pritzker Foundation. The city of Chicago has launched a similar but larger project for $17 million, with upfront funding from some of the same investors as in Utah. Massachusetts has a $27 million project to test a programme for reducing recidivism among young men on probation.

Pay-for-success projects mark a radical departure from traditional approaches to funding solutions to complex social challenges. The most obvious difference is that taxpayers avoid the upfront financial cost of trying an unproven strategy. Santa Clara County, California is introducing a pilot project aimed at reducing the cost of supporting people with acute mental illness.

At least 250 people will receive temporary hous-

ing along with “wrap-around” support and psychiatric services. The goal is to lower public costs by reducing reliance on expensive acute-care hospitals, minimising the number of emergency-room visits, and avoiding jail sentences.

The programme’s effectiveness will be evaluated by a randomised control trial comparing the data of patients who participated with those who did not. The key to success is that the incentives are based on outcomes, not the outflow of money. A traditional social programme is usually judged by the volume of services provided, such as the number of people trained or homeless people sheltered.

By contrast, in a pay-for-success model, the returns are based on the social benefits achieved or savings reaped by government. How many additional children were brought up to their proper reading level?

How many additional former inmates obtained jobs? How much money did government save as a result of reduced prison time or lower safety-net payments? That is a big change from traditional privatisation of public services, in which government contractors reap profits simply by billing for services. It also provides relief from the beancounting rigidity that comes from policing every dollar that a contractor spends.

President Barack Obama’s administration has been extremely active in this area, and it is now doubling down. The White House Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation (SICP) has been working with agencies across the federal government to spur pay-for-success efforts around the country.

The Social Innovation Fund has provided matching grants to dozens of communities, which are working closely with organisations such as Harvard’s Social Impact Bond Lab and Third Sector Capital, to identify and structure promising pay-for-success ventures. The SICP just launched a competition for a new $10.6 million round of matching grants. If the broad social goals sound “Democratic,” the method and strategy are in many ways “Republican.” They rely heavily on the private sector, require tough quantitative evaluation, and devolve most of the actual work to states and localities. Call this “progressive federalism.”

The “progressive” component is in taking on major social problems. - Project Syndicate.

CLIPPINGS FROM OUR ARCHIVES JANUARY 2001 Sultanate to attend AGCC meet on planning MUSCAT: The Sultanate is to attend the 13th meeting of undersecretaries of planning and development ministries and authorities of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (AGCC) states, which is due to be held in Bahrain next Tuesday. The Omani delegation will be headed by Rajiha bint Abdul Amir bin Ali, undersecretary for planning affairs at the Ministry of National Economy, and will include several ministry officials. Topics due for discussion include the recommendations of the workshop on bringing the AGCC states’ economies into line with the latest economic and social trends in the regional and international arenas.

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PICTOGRAPH

GROSS ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION IN 2015 (Gigawatt per hour)

Aug

3,408

Sep

Oct

3,192

Nov

2,944 2,449

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

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

1844: Richard Theodore Greener becomes the first African American to graduate from Harvard University.

1943: Field Marshal Friedrich von Paulus surrenders himself and his staff to Red Army troops in Stalingrad.

1972: British troops shoot dead 14 Irish civilians in Derry, Ireland. The day is forever remembered in Ireland as ‘Bloody Sunday.’

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WORLD

Tropical Southeast Asian countries brace for Zika ‘spread quickly’ if introduced, says Malaysia as Thailand appears to steer clear

CENTRAL AFRICA

Peacekeepers accused of abusing children: UN GENEVA: United Nations said on Friday it had allegations that peacekeepers from Georgia, France and an other unnamed European country physically abused children while deployed in the Central African Republic.

The alleged crimes, including rapes, mostly committed in 2014, came to light only in recent weeks and the national authorities concerned, as well as the European Union, have been informed and are investigating, it said.

UN staff interviewed a girl and a boy who were aged 7 and 9 respectively when they were allegedly abused in 2014 by French “Sangari” troops, the statement said. “These are extremely serious accusations and it is crucial that these cases are thoroughly and urgently investigated,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said in a statement. “Far too many of these crimes continue to go unpunished, with the perpetrators enjoying full impunity.”

Last month, an independent review panel accused the United Nations and its agencies of grossly mishandling allegations of child abuse in 2013 and 2014 by international peacekeepers in the Central African Republic. — Reuters

AIR CRASH REPORT

Safety risks highlighted at TransAsia Airways TAIPEI/SINGAPORE: TransAsia Airways should review its safety protocols, pilot training programme and hiring practices to reduce “imminent risks”, Taiwan’s aviation safety agency said on Friday.

These were among the 10 recommendations made by the Aviation Safety Council (ASC), which published the final report into its investigation of the June 2014 crash of Flight GE222.

The incident took place while the pilots of the ATR 72-500 turboprop aircraft were attempting to land during a thunderstorm on Magong island after a flight from Kaohsiung.

The virus could

BANGKOK/KUALA LUMPUR: Tropical Southeast Asian countries said on Friday they were bracing for the mosquito-borne Zika virus, with Malaysia saying it could “spread quickly” if introduced, but Thailand appeared to be bucking the trend with just a handful of cases a year.

Zika, linked to severe birth defects including babies born with abnormally small heads, is wreaking havoc in Brazil where the government has deployed more than 200,000 troops to eradicate mosquitoes.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday that the virus was “spreading explosively” and could infect as many as four million people in the Americas.

No treatment or vaccine is available.

In Thailand, where just one case of Zika has been reported so far this year, the likelihood of Zika spreading was low, officials said, partly because of better access to health care and because Thailand was dealing with a smaller area.

“Thailand is a medium-sized country with a good public health system and easy-to-access medical facilities,” Amnuay Gajeena, director-general of the Disease Control Department, told Reuters.

Thailand detected its first Zika case in 2012 and has recorded an average of five cases a year, according to the Ministry of Public Health.

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DEADLY DISEASE: Larvae of Aedes aegypti mosquito seen in a research area at the entomology department of the Minister of Public Health, in Guatemala City, Guatemala on Thursday. The Zika virus is spread through the Aedes aegypti mosquito - responsible for dengue, yellow fever and other tropical diseases – Reuters

Kriengsak Limkittikul, assistant professor at the Department of Tropical Medicine at Mahidol University in Bangkok, said there was inadequate information about Zika but that it was “only a matter of time” before more cases were reported.

Thailand has confirmed one case of the virus so far this year.

Earlier this month, Taiwan reported one case of Zika infection in a man from northern Thailand.

The WHO said on Sunday the rapid spread of Zika in the Americas was due to a lack of immunity among a population that had not been previously exposed to the

virus. Amnuay said there was “no technical evidence” of widespread immunity in Thailand but individuals exposed to the virus would “of course develop” antibodies as with other viruses.

The Zika virus is spread through the Aedes aegypti mosquito - responsible for dengue, yellow fever and other tropical diseases.

The WHO’s Western Pacific Region Office in Manila said as long as Aedes mosquitoes circulated in the region “it can be anticipated that the virus will emerge”.

Malaysia’s Health Ministry said Zika had not yet been detected. “If

it is introduced by an infected Malaysian or by a visitor to Malaysia, it could spread quickly,” said Lokman Hakim Sulaiman, Malaysia’s Health Ministry deputy director-general.

Neighbouring Singapore has not detected any Zika infections but the government said there was a high risk of transmission if cases were imported to Singapore, a regional travel hub.

In the Western Pacific, Zika was first reported in Micronesia in 2007. It was reported in French Polynesia in October 2013, and since then, a number of Pacific Island countries have reported

SUBVERSION CHARGES

China court jails 3 rights activists in Guangzhou GUANGZHOU (CHINA): A Chinese court jailed three rights activists for up to five years on Friday, lawyers said, on charges including inciting subversion, amid what critics see as an intensifying crackdown on dissent under President Xi Jinping.

The Guangzhou Intermediate People’s Court sentenced human rights lawyer Tang Jingling and two other activists, Yuan Xinting, 44, and Wang Qingying, to five years, three-and-a-half years and two-and-a-half years imprisonment, respectively, according to their lawyers.

Tang, 44, a prominent rights activist in the southern city of Guangzhou, was charged with “inciting subversion of state power” as well as publishing books on democracy. The trio were known as the “three gentlemen of Guangzhou”, part of a once vibrant network of activists in the city. Human rights groups and some Western countries have expressed repeated concern about a widening campaign to quash dissent among academics, journalists and social activists.

China rejects any criticism of its human rights record, saying it is a country ruled by law and that it opposes external interference in its domestic affairs.

Scores of police fenced off the

STRICT ENFORCEMENT: Policemen stand guard outside a court in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Friday. – Reuters

court’s perimeter, preventing two foreign diplomats, from the United States and Germany, attending the trial.

Police bundled several supporters into vehicles and took them away, while journalists were blocked from filming by officers wielding black umbrellas.

“This verdict is unacceptable,” said Tang’s wife, Wang Yanfang, outside the court. “They violated no laws, and the charges are politically motivated... They were only trying to help society.”

The Guangzhou intermediate court could not be reached for a response to accusations the men were not granted a fair trial.

It had not released any in-

formation about the trial on its website or Weibo feed by late afternoon.

One of the lawyers defending the men, Ge Yongxi, said Tang would not appeal because it would be “meaningless in the face of a court that is acting illegally”.

He said Tang told the court he would only appeal to the citizens of China and to God for justice.

“Their peaceful and legitimate work never threatened state security, this is solely about the authorities arbitrarily silencing government critics,” Patrick Poon, a researcher at Amnesty International, said in a statement. — Reuters

cases, including New Caledonia, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa.

In Australia, the foreign ministry’s travel advice website said there had been no reported cases of Zika.

The New Zealand Herald reported on Friday that one local man had been admitted to hospital with symptoms linked to the Zika virus. The Ministry of Health said it had received nine Zika notifications this year, the newspaper reported.

All of the travellers had been in the Pacific Islands and eight of them had recovered. — Reuters

Pilot error Pilot error was the main factor behind the crash, which led to the deaths of 48 of the 58 passengers and crew. Among other things, they misjudged the aircraft’s altitude and failed to follow the proper protocols, said the ASC. “Flight crew coordination, communication, and threat and error management were less than effective. That compromised the safety of the flight,” it added.

The report casts a spotlight once again on pilot training and decision-making at TransAsia, which also lost an ATR 72-600 in another fatal crash on February 2015.

In the second incident, the aircraft crashed soon after taking off from Taipei after one engine failed and the captain mistakenly switched off the only working engine. That resulted in the deaths of 43 passengers and crew.

The final report into this incident has not been released.

The ASC recommended on Friday that the airline should ensure that flight crew comply with standard operating procedures.

Rules should be implemented to prevent pilots from violating procedures or engaging “in unsafe behavior”, it added. — Reuters

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2016

WORLD

Myanmar’s democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi’s camp will start the formation of a government after decades-long struggle against the junta that had ruled Myanmar for 49 years. In 2011, it gave way to the semi-civilian government of President Thein Sein.

40% Germans want Merkel to quit over refugee policy Poll highlights popular angst over German chancellor’s refugee policy as ruling parties agree to tighten asylum rules

BERLIN: Forty per cent of Germans want Chancellor Angela Merkel to resign over her refugee policy, a poll showed on Friday, in a sign of rising dissatisfaction with her welcoming stance towards people fleeing conflict and economic hardship in the Middle East and Africa.

Merkel, who enjoyed record high popularity ratings early last year, has grown increasingly isolated in recent months as members of her conservative bloc have pressed her to take a tougher line on asylum seekers and European allies have dragged their feet on the issue.

Pressure Responding to popular pressure, Merkel’s conservatives and their left-leaning Social Democrat (SPD) coalition partners agreed on Thursday to tighten asylum rules, reaching a compromise on how to stem the influx of migrants.

RISING NUMBERS: A German policeman takes fingerprints of a an asylum seeker on Thursday in Ellwangen. German Chancellor Angela Merkel who enjoyed record high popularity ratings early last year, has grown increasingly isolated in recent months as members of her conservative bloc have pressed her to take a tougher line on asylum seekers. – AFP

The Insa poll for Focus magazine surveyed 2,047 Germans between January 22 to January 25.

It showed 45.2 per cent believed Merkel’s refugee policy was not a reason for her to resign. It was the first time the pollster had asked voters whether Merkel should quit. Another poll released on Friday, by the Elector Research Group, showed support for Merkel’s conservative bloc steady at 37 per cent. As recently as September, they were on 42 per cent. Support for the SPD was also unchanged, at

24 per cent. The poll put the rightwing Alternative for Germany (AfD), which supports a hard line on immigration, on 11 per cent.

The three ruling parties - Merkel’s Christian Democrats, their Bavarian allies, and the SPD - are eager to show voters that the government is in control of the refugee crisis before three state votes in March and a general election next year. A dispute over tighter immigration rules has nonetheless been straining the ruling coalition. Merkel has also faced criti-

cism from other European Union countries for her stance on migration, including from Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.

Meanwhile, Germany’s population likely increased by its largest amount in over two decades last year as an influx of migrants more than compensated for a rise in deaths, the Federal Statistics Office said on Friday. The office estimated that the population climbed to 81.9 million in 2015, up from 81.2 million the year before. It was the biggest year-on-year rise since

1992. In a breakdown of the numbers, the office said that at least 900,000 more people came to Germany last year than left. That more than offset the so-called “birth deficit” -- the difference between the number of births and deaths, which was estimated at between 190,000 and 215,000. This deficit was driven by a strong rise in deaths to between 905,000 and 930,000, compared to 868,000 in 2014. Births were estimated to have totalled between 705,000 and 730,000 last year. — Reuters

M YA N M A R

Suu Kyi bids farewell to outgoing lawmakers NAYPYITAW: After sweeping a historic election in November, Myanmar’s democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi on Friday bid farewell to outgoing lawmakers and prepared to form the country’s first democratically elected government since the 1960s.

The parliament dominated by members of her National League for Democracy - which won about 80 per cent of elected seats last year - will convene for the first time on Monday, in another step of what has surprised experts as a remarkably stable - if drawn out transfer of power. Suu Kyi’s camp will start the formation of a government after decades-long struggle against the junta that had ruled Myanmar for 49 years. In 2011, it gave way to the semi-civilian government of President Thein Sein.

Celebrating the transition and the end of the first term of parliament, the outgoing and incoming lawmakers from all parties, as well as a military bloc, performed traditional dances, shared food and took pictures in an emotional ceremony in the capital, Naypyitaw.

“I am very excited to be here. I will work very hard to promote female rights and to create more opportunities for our women,” said Myint Myint Soe, a newly elected NLD member of parliament. Even though the politicians are generally optimistic, the months ahead are likely to be tense. A juntadrafted constitution bars Suu Kyi from becoming president, gives the military control over three security ministries and a quarter of seats in parliament. — Reuters

STEP CLOSER TO FULL OWNERSHIP

Scandal-hit James Murdoch returns as Sky chairman LONDON: James Murdoch is to return as chairman of Sky four years after a phone-hacking scandal forced him out, potentially taking the Murdoch family a step closer to full ownership of the European pay-TV group.

Murdoch, 43, built Sky into a powerhouse in four years as chief executive and five as chairman, and was on the verge of selling it to US media group 21st Century Fox, owned by his father Rupert, before the scandal engulfed him.

His appointment, seven months after becoming chief executive of Fox, follows Rebekah Brooks’ return to lead Rupert Murdoch’s newspaper business last year after being cleared of charges over the scandal at the News of the World newspaper, where reporters hacked into phones to obtain stories while she was the editor.

Murdoch’s return to a top job at Sky had seemed a remote possibility when he stood down from the chairmanship in 2012, but stayed on the board as a non-executive director. Politicians lined up to denounce the family for its domination of the British media and Prime Minister David Cameron

online services such as Netflix.

Sky’s Chief Executive, Jeremy Darroch, said Murdoch, who was the only candidate put forward, was “without a doubt the right man for the job”, underlining his deep knowledge of the international media industry and experience on the board.

Darroch acknowledged there would be speculation about Fox’s intentions, but said Sky’s management would not be distracted.

“I can’t speak for Fox but what I would read into James’ acceptance of the role is that he and they continue to be passionate supporters for Sky’s ongoing success,” he told reporters.

acknowledged that politicians had got too close to his father Rupert.

“It’s like Murdoch’s getting the band back together, it’s as if nothing ever happened at all,” said a former executive from Murdoch’s British arm.

Admission The admission of phone hacking, including the mobile phone of a murdered schoolgirl, led to a criminal trial, a national inquiry into media standards and a political backlash that forced Fox to abandon its bid for Sky. Rupert Murdoch closed the News of the World in 2011.

In the four years since he stepped down as chairman, Sky bought Fox’s German and Italian businesses, rolling the European pay-TV assets into one company with 21 million customers and a London listing. It is 39 per cent owned by the US group.

James Murdoch said in 2015 that for Fox, having 40 per cent of an unconsolidated asset was not “an end state that is natural for us” but that they had no immediate plans to acquire the rest of the company.

COMEBACK: 21st Century Fox CEO James Murdoch walks with his

wife Kathryn as they arrive for the first day of the annual Allen and Co. media conference in Sun Valley, Idaho on July 8, 2015. – Reuters

Buying all of Sky, which reported a better-than-expected 12 per cent rise in profit and a record number of new customers on Friday, would add Europe’s biggest pay-TV group to a media empire that spans US

network TV, Asia’s Star and one of the most famous production businesses in the world.

Recent results have shown that American TV networks are starting to struggle as viewers shift to

Younger son The younger son of the media tycoon quit as the chairman of the-then BSkyB in 2012, brought down by his link to the newspaper business which he was running at the time. Having returned to New York, he rebuilt his career at Fox. He will replace Nick Ferguson, who has been chairman of Sky since 2012 and on the board for 12 years, at the end of April.

“One of things that’s really

worked well is we’ve had continuity at the top of the business,” said CEO Darroch. “James in particular has always had very very strong support at the board of the company and from shareholders, and a lot of people recognise his contribution to Sky.” Sky has performed strongly in recent years in its main markets of Britain and Ireland, where its product innovation, slate of programming and marketing prowess have countered the threat from new rival BT. Shares in Sky were trading up 2.5 per cent at 1,067 pence at 0933 GMT, valuing the group’s equity at £18.35 billion.

Jeff Li, co-fund manager of the New Capital fund at EFG Asset Management which is a Sky investor, said shareholders were likely to welcome Murdoch’s return.

“We think he’s demonstrated enough skill over the years in management,” he said. “As an investor in 21st Century Fox as well, we always consider it a real possibility for Fox to fully take over Sky at some point.”

Another investor, Royal London Asset Management, however described the appointment as inappropriate. — Reuters

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

North Korean site activity revives talk of US missile defence in South SEOUL: South Korea indicated increased willingness to host an advanced US anti-missile defence on Friday as activity detected at a North Korean missile site revived talk of deploying a system opposed by China and Russia.

US military officials have said the sophisticated system called Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) was needed in South Korea, which faces the threat of an increasingly advanced North Korean missile programme.

“If THAAD is deployed by the US military in Korea, it will be helpful for our security and defence,” South Korean Defence Ministry spokesman Kim Minseok said.

Previously, South Korea was reluctant to openly discuss the possibility of the deployment, as it tried to walk a fine line between its closest ally, the United States, and its biggest trade partner, China.

US officials told Reuters on

Thursday there was increased activity at a North Korean missile site suggesting preparations for a possible rocket launch as UN Security Council members discuss fresh sanctions against North Korea after it conducted its fourth nuclear test on January 6.

The officials cited intelligence suggesting movement of components and propellant at North Korea’s Sohae satellite launch facility. A test could take place within a couple of weeks, they said.

The United States maintains 28,500 military personnel in the country, a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War, which ended in a truce and left the two Koreas in a technical state of war.

China is North Korea’s lone major ally. But in recent years South Korea has forged increasingly strong ties with China.

“We believe that any country, when striving for its own security, should also consider other countries’ security interests and regional peace and stability,” For-

eign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a briefing when asked about the possibility of deploying THAAD in South Korea.

Kim said there was internal discussion in the US government about deploying the system to its military based in South Korea.

The system has radar that can track multiple ballistic missiles up to 2,000km (1,200 miles) away, a range which would reach deep into China and Russia.

The THAAD system is built

by Lockheed Martin Corp, and costs an estimated 1 trillion won ($885.6 million) apiece. Some THAAD opponents in South Korea propose instead developing an indigenous missile defence system.

Both China and Russia, which are among the five international powers that have sought to negotiate with North Korea to persuade it to abandon its nuclear weapons, have spoken against stationing the THAAD system in South Korea. — Reuters

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2016

S P O R S

Al Saidi, Al Salti hog limelight Declaring the event a grand success, Muscat Road Runners chairman Ahmed Al Malki said that this race was bigger in size with a participation of more than 600 athletes

Sports Reporter MUSCAT: Omani runners Sami Al Saidi (overall winner) and Ahmed Al Salti (Half-Marathon winner) hogged the limelight at the fifth edition of Muscat Road Runners (MRR) on Friday.

The event was organised by the Muscat Marathon to commemorate the Muscat Festival 2016.

Declaring the event a grand success, Muscat Road Runners chairman Ahmed Al Malki said that this race was bigger in size with a participation of more than 600 athletes. There were competitions in three categories — 10.3km run, Half Marathon and Marathon.

This year’s event was flagged off at Hotel InterContinental with the participants in the full Marathon starting at 6am. The Half Marathon was flagged off at 7am, while the 10km run began at 8am.

Like Muscat Festival and its accompanying events, Muscat Marathon was aimed at showcasing the beauty of the capital city.

The route of the race was designed in such a way that the participants had to pass through some of the most picturesque locations of Muscat. After the flag off at In-

MARATHON WINNERS: Sami Al Saidi, centre, flanked by second placed Luke Peel, left, and Joern Rohland.

HALF MARATHON TOPPERS: Ahmed Al Salti, centre, flanked by second placed Nick Conlan, left, and third placed Yousuf Al Zabi.

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terContinental, the participants passed through Qurum Corniche, Royal Opera House, the Ministries area and the Grand Hyatt before finishing at InterContinental.

In the marathon event, Oman’s Sami Al Saidi ran with élan to finish the distance in 2 hours, 50 minutes and 20 seconds. He was declared the overall winner and also the winner of the men’s event.

Luke Peel took one minute four seconds more than Sami Al Saidi to finish second and in third place was Joern Rohland who covered the distance in 2 hours, 59 minutes, 21 seconds.

In the women’s section, only three participants completed the

SAILING

marathon with Amanda Gordan of US finishing on top followed by Joanna Charters of Great Britain and Marwa Al Rawahi respectively.

The Half Marathon saw Oman’s Ahmed Al Salti winning with ease and behind him in the second spot was Nick Conlan. Oman’s Yousuf Al Zabi came third. The women’s category of the Half Marathon was won

by Ruth Woodfine of Great Britain, while Germany’s Birgit Schulz came second and Kenya’s Irene Ng’Eno claimed the third spot.

Paul Drury of Great Britain was the 10.3km competition winner, while Kavin Maharaj and Jose Luis Linde took the next two spots in the men’s section.

The women’s 10.3km title was pocketed by Joanna Williams of Great Britain followed by Karol Corrales and Hayley Loomies.

Speaking to Times Sport after the event, MRR chairman Ahmed Al Malki praised the organisational aspects and said the event drew great response and every aspect of the run went on smoothly.

“The conditions were ideal for a successful run and I thank all the participants to make Muscat Marathon a grand success,” he added.

“In the marathon, there were 108 entries, while 193 runners took part in the Half Marathon and 297 participated in the 10.3km run,” said Al Malki, who also thanked Royal Oman Police for their support.

Results: Marathon (Men Top 10): 1. Sami Al Saidi;

2. Luke Peel; 3. Joern Rohland; 4. Olle Ax; 5.

Gary Cummings; 6. Nasser Al Riyami; 7. Andreas Zimmerschied; 8. Christian Jobst; 9.

Adnan Al Hatali; 10. Phillip Brace.

Marathon (Women Top 3): 1. Amanda Gordon; 2. Joanna Charters; 3. Marwa Al Rawahi.

Half Marathon (Men Top 10): 1. Ahmed Al Salti; 2. Nick Conlan; 3. Yousuf Al Zabi; 4.

Rashid Al Muqbali; 5. Suleiman Al Alawi; 6.

Nino Garcia; 7. Karl Street; 8. Mohammed Al Bimani; 9. Brenton Clark; 10. Aaron Heather.

Half Marathon (Women Top 10): 1.

Ruth Woodfine; 2. Birgit Schulz; 3. Irene Ng’Eno; 4. Wendy Ulrich; 5. Sally Ulrich; 6. Marcela Irsagova; 7. Olivia Clarke; 8. Amy O’Donnell; 9. Rachael Leibel; 10. Lorraine Siva 10.3km (Men Top 10): 1. Paul Drury; 2.

Kavin Maharaj; 3. Jose Luis Linde; 4. Stephen Griffiths; 5. Yousuf Mohammed Al Gheliani; 6. Johannes Josephus; 7. Younis Hajji; 8.

Michele Sganga; 9. Ian Burch; 10. Rory Kolster 10.3km (Women Top 10): 1. Joanna Williams; 2. Karol Corrales; 3. Hayley Loomes; 4. Monica Burke; 5. Ruth Wilford; 6.

Lauren Rasmussen; 7. Emma Grossback; 8.

Marion James; 9. Jill Salway; 10. Ann Margaret Pamela Mocke.

F I FA E L E C T I O N S

French Federation backs Infantino

Preparations on for America’s Cup World Series next month MUSCAT: Preparations are already in full swing for this America’s Cup event, which is set to be watched by millions of sporting fans around the world, many of them turned on to sailing through the intense action, close competition, and dynamic sailors that are a hallmark of racing in the America’s Cup. Organised by Oman Sail in conjunction with the America’s Cup Event Authority, the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Oman Event Village is being created at the Al Mouj Golf Course, which each year hosts the Extreme Sailing Series event.

Special vantage points are being established along the fairways and shore for spectators keen to follow the high octane racing just off the beach.

The two days of racing action get underway on February 27 with six America’s Cup teams from France, Sweden, America, Great Britain, Japan and New Zealand all eager to get their 2016 campaigns off to a cracking start.

Peter Burling, the world sailor of the year in 2015, along with skipper Glenn Ashby, have pushed Emirates Team New Zea-

land to the top of the leaderboard following the first three events.

Jimmy Spithill, the skipper of the defending America’s Cup champion, ORACLE TEAM USA, is just a few points back, with the most decorated Olympic sailor in history, Ben Ainslie, holding down third place with Land Rover BAR. Before they head out to the race course each day, the crews, along with their state of the art AC45 catamarans, which can reach speeds near 40 knots, will be introduced to crowds in a special ‘dock out’ ceremony.

Traditional attraction At the Al Mouj Race Village, visitors can expect a range of traditional Omani attractions, associated with Oman’s rich marine and seafaring heritage as well as some slick new sporting experiences, organised by sponsors Red Bull and Oman Air for family entertainment.

On the ground, there will be plenty of activities for children in special kid zones – designed to engage their interest in sport – and in the skies, a daredevil display is planned by the ‘Soul Flyers’ team who perform their sky-

diving stunts in wingsuits.

The racing will be streamed live on giant screens in the village with commentary to ensure that any questions over tactics and outcomes are quickly answered and the action is easy to follow.

Salma Al Hashmi, Oman Sail Events and Marketing Director, said the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Oman is set to be the biggest event ever staged

by Oman Sail and the biggest sporting event ever to be hosted in Oman.

“The Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series is a major international sporting event and we are absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to host the opening stage of 2016 here in Oman,” she said.

“It is a big challenge for everyone involved with its organisation but the rewards will be huge because pictures of our glorious country will be seen in all the major cities and regions around the world. It is impossible to overestimate the value and power that this exposure will have for Oman.

“We very much look forward to welcoming the America’s Cup family to our country.”

PARIS: The French Football Federation announced on Friday its formal backing for Swiss candidate Gianni Infantino’s bid for the FIFA presidency in a snub for French hopeful Jerome Champagne. “Noel Le Graet, in the name of the French Football Federation and his executive committee, declares his support for Gianni Infantino,” the FFF said in a statement.

It quoted Le Graet as saying the executive committee had voted 11-1 in favour of the move. “Gianni has all the qualities needed to succeed,” the federation head said of Infantino, who is currently general

secretary of European soccer’s ruling body UEFA. He added that the Swiss had shown in working with France’s UEFA president Michael Platini, currently subject to an eight-year ban from soccer, that he had the necessary talent, experience and strength of conviction.

Le Graet said Infantino’s manifesto was a step in the right direction for the sport and the federations to restore FIFA’s tarnished image as well as develop the sport and its values worldwide.

The FFA announcement came after a heated exchange between Champagne, one of five candi-

dates seeking soccer’s top job as replacement for disgraced Swiss Sepp Blatter, and the FFF chief on Thursday. Champagne told Reuters that he had met Le Graet to seek his support when 209 national presidents cast their votes.

Informed that the FFF would be supporting Infantino, Champagne said he told Le Graet that he would protest against his decision. Former FIFA deputy general secretary Champagne said Thierry Braillard, the Secretary of State for Sports, and Frederic Thiriez, the president of the French Players’ Union, had given him their backing. — Reuters

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2016

SPORTS Tortured Murray outlasts Raonic to set up showdown with Djokovic SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

The Serbian Djokovic

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will again stand in Murray’s path on Sunday as the Scot seeks to add another grand slam title to his 2012 U.S. Open and 2013 Wimbledon crowns

MELBOURNE: Andy Murray went through paroxysms of frustration but seized another opportunity to break his Australian Open jinx with a four-hour, fiveset semifinal victory over Milos Raonic on Friday.

Four times the British world number two has advanced to the final at Melbourne Park and four times he has been vanquished, three times at the hands of Novak Djokovic.

The Serbian will again stand in his path on Sunday as the Scot seeks to add another grand slam title to his 2012 U.S. Open and 2013 Wimbledon crowns.

“Five finals is a great achievement,” said Murray. “You can’t take that away from me.

“I should be happy about that.

There’s very few players that will have made five Australian Open finals, so I have to be proud of that achievement.”

Raonic, meanwhile, was left heartbroken after suffering a thigh injury that hampered him from the middle of the third set of the 4-6, 7-5, 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-2 defeat.

Winning tennis matches never looks like a walk in the park for Murray but for much of the contest against the Canadian, he at least had some justification for the tortured grimaces and explosions of anger that followed every setback.

The 13th seed has been on fire this year and his big serve and huge forehands had one of the best returners in the game on the ropes, while his new-found net game helped him to a healthy 72 winners.

Murray said earlier this week that he would waste no more energy on the histrionics but the

TOUGH WIN: Britain’s Andy Murray celebrates after winning his semifinal match against Canada’s Milos Raonic. – Reuters

‘SanTina’ do it again for maiden Australian Open crown MELBOURNE: World number one doubles pairing Martina Hingis and Sania Mirza clinched their first Australian Open doubles title together with a 7-6(1), 6-3 victory over Czech pair Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka on Friday.

It was the 12th grand slam women’s doubles title for Hingis while the third for India’s Mirza, all of which have come with the Swiss in the last year.

The pair, who have now won 36 successive doubles matches, are also the reigning Wimbledon and U.S. Open champions.

“Thanks to my partner, we have had an incredible year,” Mirza said in a courtside interview. “We keep going and it’s great to have all these records with you.”

Both pairs were broken four times each in the first set before

match was just minutes old when he returned to his chair muttering curses having been broken to love in his first service game.

That was to be Raonic’s only

CUP OF CHEERS: Switzerland’s Martina Hingis, left, and India’s Sania Mirza pose with the trophy after winning their doubles final match at Melbourne Park. – Reuters

Mirza sealed it in the tiebreak after 62 minutes when Hradecka sent a forehand service return long over the baseline.

Hingis, who was knocked

break of the match but it was enough to win the first set and, after Murray had pounced to even up the contest, he ramped up his 230 kilometre-per-hour serve

out by Mirza and Croatia’s Ivan Dodig in the mixed doubles quarterfinals, took a medical time out at the end of the first set to have treatment to her

to clinch the third on tiebreak.

Most heartbroken “It was tough,” said Murray. “It was frustrating ... he didn’t miss

right shoulder, but did not appear troubled.

Hradecka dropped serve in the first and fifth games of the second set, to give the top seeds a 4-1 lead, and while Sania Mirza lost her next service game they never looked like relinquishing control with Martina Hingis dominant at the net.

The Swiss was then broken while serving for the title, though they sealed it on their fourth championship point when Hradecka’s running forehand sailed over the baseline, the third time she was broken in the set.

“You have won two grand slam doubles so you were very tough,” Hingis said of the Czech pair. “I know everyone will say break, break, break but you guys have the best returns in doubles.” - Reuters

a first serve in the breaker and I had played some good tennis in that set.”

The 25-year-old Raonic, hoping to become the first Canadian

TWENTY20

man to reach a grand slam final, was feeling the injury in the fourth set but Murray had also crucially got a better fix on his serve and broke for 4-3.

Raonic almost claimed it back in the next game but Murray saved two break points, falling to one knee and roaring “Yes! Yes!” as he pumped his fist at the ground.

Murray served out the set to even up the contest again and grabbed two breaks early in the decider as the wincing Raonic’s level dropped, the Canadian’s racket feeling the brunt of his frustration after the first.

“It’s unfortunate, it’s probably the most heartbroken I’ve been on court,” Raonic said of his injury.

“I think maybe that’s why I sort of lashed out at the start of the fifth set. I don’t think that’s like myself to do, but sometimes it’s a little bit too much to keep in.”

Murray finished off his ailing opponent with a sublime crosscourt backhand volley to bring up a match point, which he converted with a handsome forehand winner.

The 28-year-old pointed both index fingers at the roof of Rod Laver Arena before slumping into his courtside chair with a look of relief on his face.

The relief will not be long-lived, however, as he will be back on the same court on Sunday attempting to dethrone five-times champion Djokovic.

“I have a very good shot on Sunday if I play my best tennis,” he said.

“There’s no reason it’s not possible for me to win.”

Murray’s older brother Jamie will be bidding for silverware on Saturday when he teams up with Bruno Soares to take on Daniel Nestor and Radek Stepanek in the men’s doubles final.

It is the first time two brothers have reached separate finals at the same grand slam.

“You’re not going to see it very often,” Murray junior said.

“We should enjoy it and be proud of it because it’s a tough thing to do.”

That final will follow Angelique Kerber’s attempt to knock sixtimes Australian Open champion Serena Williams off her perch in the women’s final. - Reuters CRICKET

Rohit, Kohli power India to series win in Melbourne SCOREBOARD

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MELBOURNE: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli maintained their prolific form with the bat to secure India’s series-clinching 27-run win over Australia in the second Twenty20 match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.

Man-of-the-series in India’s 4-1 defeat in the one-day internationals, Rohit hit a 47-ball 60 at the top of the order to give the touring side a fast start along with partner Shikhar Dhawan (42).

India, who were put in to bat, rode an opening stand of 97 to reach 184-3 in their 20 overs with Kohli providing a late assault in a strong top-order performance with a swashbuckling unbeaten knock of 59. Kohli, who smashed an unbeaten 90 in India’s 37-run

JUBILANT BUNCH: India players leave the field after their victory against Australia during their T20 cricket match. – Reuters

win in Adelaide on Tuesday, hit seven boundaries and a six during his 33-ball knock.

Australia, who made six changes in the side from their last defeat, also made a strong start with captain Aaron Finch providing the fireworks. Finch (74) and Shaun Marsh added 94 for the opening wicket to

keep Australia, who handed T20 debuts to three players, in the hunt but India’s spinners picked up quick wickets to halt their march.

Finch hit eight fours and two sixes in his 48-ball knock before he was run out trying to steal a quick single. India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni missed a regulation stump-

INDIA R. Sharma run out (Maxwell/Wade) 60 S. Dhawan c Lynn b Maxwell 42 V. Kohli not out 59 MS Dhoni c Watson b Tye 14 S. Raina not out 0 Extras (lb-7, w-1, nb-1) 9 Total (3 wickets; 20 overs) 184 Fall of wickets: 1-97, 2-143, 3-181 Bowling: Shane Watson 3-0-17-0; John Hastings 3-0-35-0; Scott Boland 4-0-30-0; James Faulkner 3-0-35-0; Andrew Tye 4-028-1; Nathan Lyon 1-0-15-0; Glenn Maxwell 2-0-17-1 AUSTRALIA A. Finch run out 74 S. Marsh c Pandya b Ashwin 23 C. Lynn c Dhoni b Pandya 2

ing off Marsh but made amends with smart work with the gloves to dismiss dangerman Glenn Maxwell for one off left-arm spinner Yuvraj Singh. Dhoni was also lucky when

G. Maxwell st Dhoni b Yuvraj 1 S. Watson c & b Jadeja 15 M. Wade not out 16 J. Faulkner st Dhoni b Jadeja 10 J. Hastings b Bumrah 4 A. Tye b Bumrah 4 Extras (b-1, lb-2, w-5) 8 Total (8 wickets; 20 overs) 157 Fall of wickets: 1-94, 2-99, 3-101, 4-121, 5-124, 6-137, 7-152, 8-157 Bowling: Asish Nehra 4-0-34-0; Jasprit Bumrah 4-0-37-2; Ravindra Jadeja 4-0-32-2; Ravichandran Ashwin 4-0-27-1; Hardik Pandya 2-0-17-1; Yuvraj Singh 2-0-7-1 Toss: Australia, who chose to field Umpires: Simon Fry and Paul Wilson TV umpire: John Ward Match referee: Jeff Crowe (New Zealand)

the ball ricocheted off his pads to hit the stumps with James Faulkner out of his crease, the dismissal snuffing out Australia’s hopes of levelling the series at 1-1. - Reuters

De Villiers appointed Test captain JOHANNESBURG: AB de Villiers has been appointed as the full-time captain of South Africa’s Test team, ending speculation he could retire from the longest format of the game to ease his workload.

Cricket South Africa made the announcement on Friday after De Villiers was appointed for the final two tests of the recently completed series against England on a temporary basis following the resignation of Hashim Amla.

De Villiers, also captain of the one-day international side who take on England in a five-match series starting on Wednesday, believes his team can regain their number one test status after losing the Test series against England 2-1. — Reuters

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WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM M S ATU RDAY, JANUARY 30,, 2016

MARKE

AMAZON’s CHIEF STEPSS UP SPENDING AGAIN Amazon Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bezos has decided to boost spending again, betting that me speedier shipping, intelligent home gadgets and Web technology and services will deliver robust sales growth down the road. >B3

ECONOMY

Indian firms’ debt problem arguably worse than China’s months, net debt jumped by more than $1 billion to almost $12 billion. Bharti has spent 98 per cent more on capital expenditure over the past four quarters than it did in the 2014 financial year.

This is worrying on two counts.

One, the impending entry of billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s fourthgeneration service is bound to force incumbents like Bharti to keep spending in order to stand any chance of competing against Reliance Jio for a share of the country’s growing data business.

SINGAPORE: China’s borrowing spree grabs headlines, but India’s current corporate earnings season is also proving to be all about debt. More precisely, it’s proving to be about the folly of investors’ ardent hope that somehow companies and banks will outgrow their liabilities even in a slow economy.

As two results on Thursday underscored, rather than getting on top of the problem, India Inc. is sinking deeper under the weight of leverage.

The first of those announcements came from ICICI Bank.

India’s largest non-state-controlled lender reported almost a full percentage point jump in its bad loans from the September quarter to 4.72 per cent.

Loan-loss provisions Aggressive loan-loss provisions saw net profit growth slow to a six-year low. The difference with rival HDFC Bank, whose gross nonperforming loans are much better contained at 0.97 per cent of total advances, couldn’t be starker.

HDFC gets 52 per cent of its revenue from retail customers, comECONOMY

China set to adopt 6.5-7% growth target for this year BEIJING: China’s leaders are expected to target economic growth in a range of 6.5 per cent to seven per cent this year, sources familiar with their thinking said, setting a range for the first time because policymakers are uncertain on the economy’s prospects.

The proposed range, which would follow a 2015 target of “around seven per cent” growth, was endorsed by top leaders at the closed-door Central Economic Work Conference in mid-December, according to the sources with knowledge of the meeting outcome.

The world’s second-largest economy grew 6.9 per cent in 2015, the weakest in 25 years, although some economists believe real growth is even lower.

“They are likely to target economic growth of 6.5-7 per cent this year, with 6.5 per cent as the bottom line,” said one of the sources, a policy adviser.

Policymakers, worried by global uncertainties and the impact on growth of their structural economic reforms, struggled to reach a consensus at the December meeting, the sources said.

The State Council Information Office, the public relations arm of the government, had no comment on the growth forecast when contacted by Reuters.

The floor of 6.5 per cent reflects the minimum average rate of growth needed over the next five years to meet an existing goal of doubling gross domestic product and per capita income by 2020 from 2010.

The 2016 growth target and the country’s 13th Five-Year Plan, a blueprint covering 2016-2020, will be announced at the annual meeting of the National People’s Congress, the country’s parliament, in early March.

Although the target range was endorsed by the leadership in December, it could still be adjusted before parliament convenes.

“The government will not be too nervous about growth this year and will focus more on structural adjustments,” said a government economist.

“Growth may still slow in the first and second quarter and people are divided over the third and fourth quarter.

“The full-year growth could slow to 6.5-6.6 per cent.”

A string of cuts in interest rates and bank reserve requirements since November 2014 have failed to put a floor under the slowing economy. Beijing is expected to put more emphasis on fiscal policy to support growth, including tax cuts and running a bigger budget deficit of about three per cent of GDP. — Reuters

DEBT BURDEN: HDFC gets 52 per cent of its revenue from retail customers, compared with less than 24 per cent for ICICI. - Bloomberg file picture

pared with less than 24 per cent for ICICI. With companies in the infrastructure and metals businesses struggling to mend their tattered balance sheets, the pall of gloom that hangs over major corporate

lenders is unlikely to lift. That’s of particular concern to investors in India’s state-run banks, which control the bulk of the economy’s financial assets. A Goldman Sachs exchange-traded fund that seeks to replicate returns from these

lenders has lost 46 per cent over the past year.

The other shock came from Bharti Airtel, India’s largest wireless service provider. It announced a 22 per cent slump in net profit from a year earlier. In just three

pressure on balance sheets That could put further pressure on corporate balance sheets. At the same time, India’s telecom regulator is planning an expensive sale of spectrum. If the cash-strapped Indian government decides to go ahead with an auction, mobile operators will be caught in a prisoners’ dilemma.

While they’d be doing their investors a favor by sitting out the sale, if even one of them decides to bid, the others will be at a disadvantage. And, of course, whoever does win the spectrum will

be saddled with more debt. India’s corporate leverage problem doesn’t get nearly as much attention as China’s. That’s partly because the debt-to- equity ratio for the top 500 publicly traded Indian stocks is 126 percent, versus 211 percent for companies on the CSI 300 Index: Debt servicing However, when it comes to companies’ ability to service that debt, Indian corporates — in the aggregate — may be worse off: By the time India’s reporting season ends, analysts will probably have marked down their estimate of almost 17 per cent growth in per-share earnings for the benchmark Nifty Index over the next 12 months. It will be more worrisome, though, if they further slash their cash flow forecasts, which are currently signaling a 2.4 per cent decline. ICICI and Bharti Airtel’s results have shown the fault line. With debt troubles intensifying, less cash from operations will make India Inc.’s already stretched balance sheets groan even louder. — Bloomberg News

No meeting planned with Russia: Opec delegates Four Opec delegates said they hadn’t heard of any plan for talks. One Gulf member said Saudi Arabia had no proposal to trim production by five per cent

LONDON: Opec delegates said they have no meeting planned with Russia after the country’s Energy Minister Alexander Novak indicated he was willing to meet with the group next month to coordinate oil-output policy.

Four Opec representatives said they hadn’t heard of any plan for talks. One Gulf member said de facto leader Saudi Arabia had no proposal to trim production by five per cent, after Interfax reported the country had suggested such

a cut at previous Opec meetings, citing Novak. The minister said Russia would be willing to discuss output with Opec, according to the news service.

“It’s possible that Russia could be testing the waters to gauge how Opec members would respond to the idea of cuts,” said Jason Bordoff, director of the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University and a former senior oil official at the White House.

Brent oil on Thursday rose as much 8.3 per cent after Novak’s comments were reported before paring its advance to close at $33.89 a barrel, a three-week high.

Prices on Friday extended gains, rising 1.4 per cent to $34.36 as of 1:23pm Hong Kong time.

Strained finances Until this week, Russia, which relies on energy for more than 40 per cent of its budget revenue, had repeatedly stated its goal of keeping crude production stable even as prices tumble. Still, this month’s price slump to a 12-year low has put the country under increasing financial pressure.

The Finance Ministry says the nation’s budget deficit, already at a five- year high in 2015, may widen this year as the rout deepens.

There are significant obstacles in the way of an agreement with the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec).

Saudi Arabia is keen to defend market share and Russia’s inability to cut production in win-

Brent oil on Thursday rose as much 8.3 per cent after Novak’s comments were reported before paring its advance to close at $33.89 a barrel, a three-week high

ter months makes coordination difficult. Russia’s oil output is set to reach a post-Soviet record of 10.89 million barrels a day in January, according to Bloomberg calculations based on Energy Ministry data.

The two countries’ opposing views on Syria, where Russia is President Bashar Al Assad’s closest ally and Saudi Arabia seeks his removal, present another diplomatic obstacle.

Khalid Al Falih, the chairman of state energy producer Saudi Arabian Oil Co., signaled last week in

Davos, Switzerland, that the kingdom would persist with its policy of maintaining production. Global oil markets are in the process of re- balancing and a price recovery is “inevitable,” he said.

Saudi proposal Russia’s Novak said Thursday in St. Petersburg that Saudi proposals for a cut of as much as five per cent at previous Opec meetings related to crude-producing nations in general, not focusing on Russia, Interfax reported.

When asked if that proposal remains for a proposed meeting with Opec in February, he declined to comment, saying, “that is exactly the subject of discussion.”

Opec’s next scheduled meeting is in June.

With the organisation effectively abandoning its output ceiling in December, Russia pumping at record levels and US shale fields proving more resilient than forecast, the global surplus has continued to swell and prices have continued to fall. — Bloomberg News

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ECONOMY

US economy hits a soft patch in the fourth quarter WASHINGTON: US economic growth braked sharply in the fourth quarter as businesses stepped up efforts to reduce an inventory glut and a strong dollar and tepid global demand weighed on exports.

Gross domestic product increased at a 0.7 per cent annual rate, the Commerce Department said on Friday in a report that showed a further cutback in investment by energy firms grappling with lower oil prices. Growth in consumer spending also slowed as unseasonably mild weather cut into spending on utilities.

The fourth-quarter growth pace was in line with economists’ expectations and followed a two per cent rate in the third quarter. The economy grew 2.4 per cent in 2015 after a similar expansion in 2014.

Excluding inventories and trade, the economy grew at a 1.6 per cent pace in the fourth quarter.

US Treasury debt prices fell slightly after the report, while the dollar held gains versus a basket of currencies. US stock index futures were up marginally.

The Federal Reserve on

worth of inventory. While that was down from $85.5 billion in the third quarter, it was a bit more than economists had expected, suggesting inventories could remain a drag on growth in the first quarter. The small inventory build subtracted 0.45 percentage point from the first estimate of fourthquarter GDP growth.

INFLATION RISES: Income at the disposal of households after accounting for taxes and inflation increased 3.2 per cent in the fourth quarter. - Bloomberg file picture

Wednesday acknowledged that growth “slowed late last year,” but also noted that “labour market conditions improved further.”

“To the extent that much of this slowdown could be attributed to the drag coming from the adverse global headwinds, strong dollar and the prolonged inventory correction, the Fed is likely to take some solace in the encouraging signs of continued strength in the

domestic-facing side of the economy,” said Millan Mulraine, deputy chief economist at TD Securities in New York. The US central bank raised interest rates in December for the first time since June 2006.

Though the Fed has not ruled out another hike in March, financial markets volatility could see that delayed until June.

In the fourth quarter, businesses accumulated $68.6 billion

Consumer spending cools Consumer spending, which accounts for more than two-thirds of US economic activity, increased at a 2.2 per cent rate. Though that was a step-down from the 3.0 per cent pace notched in the third quarter, the gain was above economists’ expectations.

Unusually mild weather hurt sales of winter apparel in December and undermined demand for heating through the quarter.

With gasoline prices around $2 per gallon, a tightening labour market gradually lifting wages and house prices boosting household wealth, economists believe the slowdown in consumer spending will be short-lived.

Income at the disposal of

households after accounting for taxes and inflation increased 3.2 per cent in the fourth quarter after rising 3.8 per cent in the prior period. Savings rose to a lofty $739.3 billion from $700.6 billion in the third quarter.

The dollar, which has gained 11 per cent against the currencies of the United States’ trading partners since last January, remained a drag on exports, leading to a trade deficit that subtracted 0.47 percentage point from GDP growth in the fourth quarter.

The downturn in energy sector investment put more pressure on business spending on nonresidential structures. Spending on mining exploration, wells and shafts dropped at a 38.7 per cent rate after plunging at a 47.0 per cent pace in the third quarter.

Investment in mining exploration, wells and shafts fell 35 per cent in 2015, the largest drop since 1986. Oil prices have dropped more than 60 per cent since mid2014, forcing oil field companies such as Schlumberger and Halliburton to slash their capital spending budgets. — Reuters

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MARKET ECONOMY

Saudi reforms may not avert looming economic slump

HANDS FULL OF MONEY: A Saudi woman counts Saudi riyal banknotes at a money exchange shop, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in this January 20, 2016 photo. - Reuters

FOURTH QUARTER OF 2015

Germany’s growth rises marginally BERLIN: German economic output probably increased only slightly in the fourth quarter of 2015, but leading indicators suggest Europe’s largest economy will soon recover, the Finance Ministry said on Friday. The Statistics Office is due to publish preliminary fourthquarter gross domestic product data on February 12. Earlier this month, it said GDP grew by 1.7 per cent in 2015, adding that the fullyear figure pointed to growth of around 0.25 per cent in the fourth quarter compared with 0.3 per cent in the third.

In its monthly report, the finance ministry said slower growth from October to December was largely caused by weak industrial production, but rising orders suggested industrial output would pick up in the coming months.

Services had continued to contribute to growth at the end of 2015, it said. The ministry said the external environment remained tough, with considerable geopolitical tension and a slowdown in some emerging markets like China, Brazil and Russia.

It said the recent slump on China’s financial markets may mean a slowing Chinese economy was weighing on the global economy more than had been expected until now. That may hold back German companies by reducing their sales prospects, the ministry said.

China’s markets began the year with precipitous falls and a sharp depreciation in the yuan. Selling pressure has persisted as economic data confirmed slowing growth and deteriorating business conditions, weakening confidence in stocks . — Reuters

RIYADH: At a three-day conference in Riyadh this week, hundreds of Saudi Arabian officials and businessmen discussed ways to rescue the economy from low oil prices, by developing new industries and giving opportunities to the private sector.

Outside the luxury hotel where they met, worsening business sentiment and flagging consumer spending suggested the reforms may not come in time to prevent a deep economic slump.

As cheap oil pressures its currency and opens up a record state budget deficit of around $100 billion, Saudi Arabia — assisted by a small army of Western consultants who are believed to number in the hundreds — is plotting its biggest shake-up of economic policy in well over a decade.

Stakes in the operations of big state companies, including national oil giant Saudi Aramco, would be sold off; underused assets owned by the government, such as vast land holdings and mineral deposits, would be made available for development.

VITAL FACTS

Government plans privatisations, move into new industries

But difficult, complex reforms to take years

Business sentiment worsening, consumer spending flagging

Level of reserves suggests reform window of a few years

Social, financial obstacles to new projects

Parts of the government itself, including some areas of the national health care system, would be converted into independent commercial companies to improve efficiency and reduce the financial burden on the state.

The number of privately run

schools would rise to around 25 per cent from 14 per cent.

Massive financial resources Meanwhile, the government would use its massive financial resources to help diversify the economy beyond oil into sectors such as shipbuilding, information technology and tourism, by awarding contracts to new firms and providing finance. Proposals for some of these policies have been kicked around the government for years with no result. But the political momentum behind them is clearly stronger than it has ever been, as they are backed by a powerful new economic policy council chaired by the king’s son, Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

“This is a quantum leap in all aspects,” Abdullatif Al Othman, governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority, told the conference. The problem for Saudi Arabia is that the difficult, complex reforms are expected to take years to implement.

In the meantime, the kingdom will continue to depend heavily on

oil, leaving it at the mercy of fluctuations in the price of crude.

To ease the drain on its reserves, the government has been forced into austerity steps that are slowing the economy from last year’s 3.3 per cent expansion. In December, growth in the non-oil private sector hit its lowest since at least 2009; retailers say consumers’ discretionary spending is falling. The government’s austerity budget for this year assumed a Brent crude oil price of about $40 a barrel, analysts estimate. If oil stays at its current levels of around $30, more austerity could be on the way.

Fadl Al Boainain, a prominent Saudi private-sector economist who attended the conference, said he welcomed officials’ emphasis on developing parts of the economy that had long been neglected because of the focus on oil.

But he added: “There is a real concern in the private sector about spending cuts and the liquidity drain, which will increase borrowing costs. The sector is also worried about job cuts related to the economic changes.” — Reuters

Sony beats profit estimates helped by gaming business year projection by about 6 percent to 85 billion yen.

Sony is sharpening its focus on streaming and online game services by bringing its PlayStation hardware, software and network operations under one roof. Sony Interactive Entertainment will begin operations from April 1, based in San Mateo, California.

Net income was $997 million in the three months the ended on December 31, Sony said on Friday. It was more than the 91.1 billion yen average of four estimates compiled

by Bloomberg

TOKYO: Sony reported thirdquarter profit and sales that beat analyst estimates as earnings from the booming PlayStation game business helped offset slowing demand for chips that power smartphone cameras.

Net income was 120.1 billion yen ($997 million) in the three months ended on December 31, Sony said on Friday. That was more than the 91.1 billion yen average of four estimates compiled

by Bloomberg. The company posted a 90 billion yen profit a year earlier. Sony has relied on image sensor demand to bolster profits while Chief Executive Officer Kazuo Hirai shifts focus from consumer electronics to chips, video games and movies. The company

CLOSE WATCH: A man using his mobile phone as he walks under an advertisement board of Sony’s PlayStation Vita outside an electronics retail store in Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday. - Reuters

has kept its forecast for the highest annual profit in eight years as sales of PlayStation 4 consoles help shield earnings from a slump in smartphone demand that led Apple to forecast its first sales decline in more than a decade.

“The year-end shopping season was a tremendous boon for the game business. We are starting to see major blockbuster titles come out,” Hideki Yasuda, an analyst at Ace Research Institute in Tokyo, said prior to the earnings an-

nouncement. “Image sensors are a negative as falling smartphone output damps chip demand. The next impetus will hinge on Apple’s iPhone 7.”

Annual forecasts Sony generated 202.1 billion yen of operating income on 2.58 trillion yen in sales in the third quarter. That compares with a 173.6 billion yen profit and 2.53 trillion yen revenue estimated by the analysts. Shares of Sony rose 6.1 per

cent to 2,523 yen before the earnings were released. The stock has fallen 16 per cent this year.

While Sony kept its full-year forecasts unchanged for the whole company, including operating income of 320 billion yen, it increased projections for games on higher network sales while cutting expectations for the devices unit that produces image sensors.

The game business had a quarterly operating profit of 40.2 billion yen and Sony raised the full-

Virtual reality Sony has said it will launch PlayStation VR, a virtual reality headset, by June 30. The company’s nearly 36 million-strong global base of PS4 consoles may give it an advantage over rivals like Facebook’s Oculus, which require a high-end computer to run. Sony can also leverage two decades of experience working with game studios and already has more than 100 titles in development.

About seven million VR headsets will be sold by the end of 2016, according to market researcher IHS Technology. By 2020, the market is expected to reach $2.6 billion with 37 million headsets sold. The devices unit had a loss of 11.7 billion yen in the quarter after Sony took a 30.6 billion yen impairment on its battery business. The full-year operating income forecast for the business was cut to 39 billion yen from 121 billion yen. The film division was its fastest-growing in the quarter, with revenue climbing 27 per cent to 262.1 billion yen.

Sony had the fourth-biggest hit at the American box office in the quarter with “Spectre,” the latest installment in the James Bond franchise. — Bloomberg News

EUROPEAN UNION

‘No plan to review British VAT rules’ BRUSSELS: European Union (EU) plans to review and simplify value-added tax across the 28-nation bloc but has no immediate plans to propose ending VAT exemptions on various products in Britain, the EU’s top tax official said on Thursday.

Economics Commissioner Pierre Moscovici told a news conference that the executive European Commission’s aim was to

have a “definitive” VAT regime for the bloc, but noted that all decisions in this area were subject to national veto rights.

He had sparked controversy on Wednesday when, asked about potential changes to “zero rate” VAT, which Britain applies to items including food, books and children’s clothes, he said the Commission would have to “have to reassess everything”.

Moscovici said that while no change had been proposed, a “zero rate is not the best idea”. That gave ammunition to Eurosceptics as Prime Minister David Cameron prepares to call a referendum on Britain’s continued membership of the bloc. A British government spokeswoman stressed there was no EU proposal to scrap zero rates and that London would veto it if there were. — Reuters

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2016

B3

MARKET ACQUISITION

Toyota to buy rest of Daihatsu unit for $3.2b TOKYO: Toyota Motor will buy out its Daihatsu Motor unit for about $3.2 billion in stock, making a key unit for small cars sold in Southeast Asia and Japan a wholly-owned subsidiary.

The world’s largest automaker expects to offer 0.26 share for each share of Daihatsu in an exchange of stock scheduled to take effect on August 1, according to a statement.

Daihatsu will stop trading on July 26 and de-list the following day.

Toyota rose 4.6 per cent to 7,200 yen at the close of Tokyo trading.

Toyota is forging closer ties with its Japanese peers as automakers face rising costs of meeting tougher environmental standards and the challenge of navigating slower global sales growth. The carmaker said last year it would deepen collaboration with Mazda Motor Corp., and it’s reportedly considering an alliance with Suzuki Motor.

“This is an opportunity for us both to stop feeling that we need to go it alone, and trust each other to take full advantage of our respective strengths,” Toyota President Akio Toyoda said in the statement.

Although Toyota was the only automaker to sell more than 10 million vehicles worldwide last year, its deliveries slipped 0.8 per cent to 10.15 million. Sales for German rival Volkswagen fell two per cent and General Motors eked out a 0.2 per cent increase, underscoring the slower pace of growth for the global industry that’s expanded every year since 2009.

Daihatsu struggled last year, with sales slumping 13 per cent to 794,000 vehicles. The leader in Japan’s minicar segment saw domestic deliveries decline 14 per cent, after a price war with Suzuki for sales leadership during the last fiscal year pulled ahead demand.

It also has been slumping in Indonesia, with deliveries dropping 10 per cent through the first half of its fiscal year. Daihatsu builds vehicles for Toyota in Indonesia, where its share of industry-wide production was about 39 per cent in the last fiscal year. — Bloomberg News

Microsoft’s secret weapon for growth is in the ‘cloud’ What Microsoft CEO didn’t mention was

It’s just a really natural thing. It’s easier and can be more cost effective to run it on the cloud, and let Microsoft worry about your Exchange servers

the role that one of the company’s much older products played in the success of this new technology: Microsoft Exchange Server, which many

Matt McIllwain

of the world’s largest

Investor at Madrona Venture Group

companies rely on for email services

GOOD SHOW: The company announced on Thursday that it was on track to generate $9.4 billion in annual cloud-based revenue, up from $5.5 billion a year ago. - Reuters file picture

SAN FRANCISCO: In reporting better-than-expected fourth quarter earnings on Thursday, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella touted his company’s success in the cloud.

“Businesses everywhere are using the Microsoft Cloud as their digital platform to drive their ambitious transformation agendas,” he said.

What he didn’t mention was the role that one of the company’s much older products played in the success of this new technology: Microsoft Exchange Server, which many of the world’s largest companies rely on for email services.

other office software tools but sometimes on its own.

For companies already relying on Microsoft Exchange and Outlook for sending and receiving email, information technology managers say, turning to the same company to handle that data in the cloud seems like a logical move.

That’s what happened at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

The school was looking to streamline its technology by moving to the cloud, starting with email, because it is “a pain to operate,” said Bob Plankers, a virtualisation architect at the university.

“Aside from email servers, you need to worry about spam and virus scanning,” he added.

For the transition, Plankers said he chose Microsoft’s cloud-based Office 365 product because the university already used Outlook.

Moving data When companies begin moving data to the cloud, typically a network of servers managed by an outside company, a common first step is to move email, often with

FOR MOBILE DEVICES

“It’s just a really natural thing,” said Matt McIllwain, an investor at Madrona Venture Group, about companies starting their cloud transition with email and other widely used office software from Microsoft. “It’s easier and can be more cost effective to run it on the cloud, and let Microsoft worry about your Exchange servers.”

Cloud infrastructure Such thinking helps explain how Microsoft has become the second largest provider of cloud infrastructure, services and software, well ahead of Salesforce, Oracle and Google, according to a Goldman Sachs analysis.

The company announced on Thursday that it was on track to generate $9.4 billion in annual cloud-based revenue, up from $5.5 billion a year ago.

Microsoft remains far behind market leader Amazon, but it has

become the fastest-growing major cloud provider. Its key Azure business has more than doubled year on year, well above the 65 per cent growth rate of market leader Amazon, according to Goldman.

Microsoft has worked hard to exploit the advantage its mail software provides. “Maybe one of the first steps is you want to move your email. That’s fine,” says Takeshi Numoto, corporate vice president for cloud and enterprise marketing. “That gets us more opportunity to engage with customers.” Investor McIllwain called that strategy smart, because customers who move their Outlook email to Microsoft’s cloud typically use a Microsoft directory service that controls access to that email. It then becomes simple to use that same directory to provide designated employees access to other data and services that are later moved to Microsoft’s cloud.

The strategy isn’t foolproof, however. Over seven months last year, Clif Bar, an Oakland, Calif.based snack provider, moved all its Outlook email, along with other applications like document management and workflow, to Azure.

The company nevertheless moved its enterprise resource management to the cloud services of another longtime partner: Oracle.

As cloud services rapidly expand, Microsoft will have to demonstrate that its products are equal to, or better than, those of its competitors in both quality and price.

Currently, many companies favor Microsoft because it offers more flexibility in terms of moving software around, say from a company’s own data center to the one it has outsourced to Azure, said Frank Gillett, an analyst at Forrester Research. But Amazon’s AWS offers more types of tools, and has a longer track record selling cloud services, he said. — Reuters

PERFORMANCE

Amazon’s chief steps up spending again

NEW OPTIONS: Apple is exploring cutting-edge technologies that would allow iPhones to be powered from further away than charging mats used with current smartphones. - Bloomberg file picture

Apple developing wireless-charged phone by next year TAIPEI: Apple is working with partners in the US and Asia to develop new wireless charging technology that could be deployed on its mobile devices as soon as next year, according to people familiar with the plans.

Apple is exploring cuttingedge technologies that would allow iPhones and iPads to be powered from further away than the charging mats used with current smartphones, the people said, asking not to be identified as the details are private. The iPhone maker is looking to overcome technical barriers including loss of power over distance with a decision on implementing the technology still being assessed, they said.

With iPhones and iPads generating more than three quarters of Apple’s revenue, new technologies can give its devices an edge and help the company sell products at a premium in a slowing market. Samsung Electronics, Sony and Google are among rivals that have released wirelessly-charged smartphones that still require proximity to a charging plate.

Efficiency of power transfer

decreases as the distance between transmitter and receiver grows, which means batteries take longer to recharge.

Trudy Muller, a spokeswoman for Apple, declined to comment when contacted by Bloomberg News.

Developing technology In 2010 Apple made a patent application outlining a concept of using an iMac personal computer as a hub for wirelessly recharging at a distance of about one metre using a technique called nearfield magnetic resonance. Apple currently uses a similar technique, called induction, to charge its Watch within millimeters of the power source.

Another Apple patent outlined a method for making aluminium phone casings that allow radio waves to pass through, a technique that would minimise the problem of metal interfering with transmitted signals.

Apple has previously played down its interest in any charging technology that still needs to be plugged into a wall socket because such methods would add little convenience. — Bloomberg News

SEATTLE: Amazon.com just reminded everyone it’s perennially in investment mode.

While fourth-quarter net income more than doubled to a record $482 million, or $1 a share, it was much less than what analysts’ had projected and Amazon’s shares plummeted as much as 15 per cent after the Web retailer reported results on Thursday for the busy holiday quarter.

After delighting investors with a surprise profit in the middle of 2015, Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bezos has decided to boost spending again, betting that speedier shipping, intelligent home gadgets and Web technology and services will deliver robust sales growth down the road. He isn’t shy about

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

Jeff Bezos. — Bloomberg file picture

spending money: Amazon ramped up same-day deliveries in the latest period, driving up fulfillment costs by 33 per cent; the company will also air its first-ever Super Bowl ad next week. All this is

line with Bezos’s argument that Amazon is still in the early stages of growth: “It feels every bit like Day 1,” he said in the earnings statement.

“I’ve been following Amazon for a very long time and I’ve seen people doubt this stock before,” said Victor Anthony, an analyst at Axiom Capital Management.

“They are investing to get closer to the customer and continue to take meaningful share of retail. Investors who stick with the stock will continue to be rewarded as they have been in the past five years.”

While revenue rose 22 per cent to $35.7 billion in the fourth quarter, the stronger dollar subtracted $1.2 billion, pushing it below analysts’ average projection for $35.9

billion. Net income fell short of analysts’ prediction for $742.9 million, or $1.55.

Amazon’s shares, which more than doubled last year, fell 11 per cent in Europe to the equivalent of $562.50 at 9:10am in Paris. The share slide erased more than $5 billion from Bezos’s net worth, to $50.3 billion. This was the first shopping season following Amazon’s Prime Day promotion in July, an effort to boost the company’s $99-a- year subscriptions that include delivery discounts and convert occasional shoppers into devotees. It was also the first season that Amazon offered same-day deliveries in most big cities around the country to cater to last-minute shoppers. — Bloomberg News

B4

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2016

FEATURE

GENERAL ELECTRIC’S SMART DEALS

GE has been making money not by selling fridges to you and me but by selling big equipment to big customers and servicing it.

A

month after Electrolux’s $3.3 billion bid to buy its appliance business fell through because of antitrust concerns, General Electric has now agreed to sell the unit to China’s Qingdao Haier for $5.4 billion. If the deal goes through this time, it would complete a divestment that has been contemplated since early in GE chief executive officer Jeff Immelt’s tenure. Which makes this as good a time as any to look at how GE has changed since Immelt took over on September 7, 2001.

Here’s how GE made its money that year: As you can see, appliances were an afterthought even in 2001. GE made its money by selling big equipment to big customers and servicing it, not selling fridges to you and me. Well,

that, and it also made its money by lending it. Immelt’s predecessor, Jack Welch, had built GE Capital into the company’s biggest source of profit.

GE had become an industrial corporation with a giant bank — or, more accurately, a so-called shadow bank, since it didn’t have deposits — attached. In the financial crisis, though, it turned out that GE was really a giant shadow bank with an industrial corporation attached.

The company had a near-death experience, and Immelt eventually resolved to get out of finance except when it directly supported GE’s other businesses. Now, excluding the appliance division and the parts of GE Capital that are still slated to go, the company's profit sources look like this:

GE Capital now plays a much smaller role. Apart from that, though, the company’s three biggest sources of profit in 2001 are the three biggest sources of profit now. General Electric’s acquisition of Alstom’s energy businesses, which closed in November, will boost earnings in power, renewable energy and energy management but won’t dramatically change the overall picture.

The big new addition of the Immelt era is oil and gas, which provides products and services for drilling and transport and was built out of many acquisitions.

The big subtractions, other than GE Capital, have been NBC — which Immelt initially expanded by acquiring Universal, then sold 51 per cent of it to Comcast in 2011 and the rest in 2013 — and Materi-

als, which included the GE Plastics division where both Immelt and Welch had worked.

Overall, the core of the company is ever more clearly aircraft engines, power turbines, medical equipment and other big-ticket industrial products. GE remains very good at making, selling and servicing these things. Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Karen Ubelhart calculates that organic growth in GE’s industrial businesses has averaged 5.5 per cent a year since 2011, compared to 4 per cent for its United States peers.

In his final letter to shareholders in February 2001, Welch expansively called GE a ‘Global Learning Company’. Immelt referred to it this week as a ‘high-tech global industrial company’. There are worse things to be. - Bloomberg View

B

SECTION

LIFESTYLE

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2016

Family WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM

Terrible Tantrums One minute your toddler is giggling with delight and in the next, he’s having an uncontrollable meltdown. Overwhelmed with emotion, he won't listen to reason.

As a caregiver, you feel embarrassed, helpless and upset. What do you do?

I

t’s easy to become overwhelmed when dealing with tantrums, says Dr. Tom Reimers, child psychologist and author of Help! There’s a Toddler in the House.

“Fortunately, this common behavioural problem can often be corrected if you avoid common mistakes and take positive action.”

Through his extensive experience, Dr. Reimers notes the top five, most common caregiver mistakes when kids have tantrums: Ignoring Tantrum Precursors Tantrums often feel like they come out of nowhere, and while some are unavoidable, others can be diverted by paying attention to your child's specific cues. You may notice your child acting bored, whining, fidgeting, teasing and ignoring you. These are common clues that a meltdown may be coming soon.

Being a parent can feel overwhelming. Try to be thoughtful when watching your child's unique demeanour. If you see these cues, you can take action to avoid a tantrum such as taking a break from whatever you're doing or diverting your child's attention to a new activity.

Starting to Count Down A common way to handle tantrums is to count down; stating that if the behaviour doesn’t stop by the count of three, the child is going to be in trouble. The problem is that this threat doesn’t correct the behaviour in a manner that a small child can understand and it often leads to a power struggle, making the situation much worse.

The best approach is to walk away or resist reacting to the tantrum. Remember, your child is acting out of frustration, and at their tender age, it is a difficult emotion to master. You must model the behavior you expect of them in public and at home.

Once the tantrum is over and emotions have leveled, you have a better opportunity for talking about expectations.

Rewarding Bad Behaviour Tantrums can happen at the most inconvenient times. In order to get your child to act differently in the shortest time possible, you beg them to stop by offering a treat or a sticker. Unfortunately, this sends a message to your child that bad behaviour is rewarded and can make dealing with future tantrums even more difficult. Rather than rewarding bad behaviour, make sure to focus on good behaviour. Praising the times when the child listens, follows directions, use their manners, etc. reinforces the good in them.

You may opt for an occasional sticker or treat as a reward if you’d like, but a “good job” and high-five from Mom or Dad is often enough to make tots grin from ear to ear.

Being Unprepared With Activities Life is busy. A long trip to the grocery store or another errand is often unavoidable.

Many parents just power through these trips figuring their young children just have to deal with it. By the end, your toddler is throwing tantrum in the checkout lane.

Remember, children have short attention spans. They need things to keep them occupied, so it’s important to plan ahead and bring along activities. They may be captivated by a new library book, a small toy car, a flashlight, stickers or coloring book long enough for you to complete your errand and keep your sanity.

Forgetting the Tantrum After It's Over Tantrums are terrible for both child and caregiver. Once one has passed, it’s tempting to move on and forget it ever happened. However, doing this means you don’t get the opportunity to talk to your child about the situation when they are calm. A better strategy, once things have settled, is to talk with your child directly without distractions and state clearly that tantrum behavior is unacceptable. Remember, the toddler phase is short, says Dr. Reimers. “This too shall pass. In the meantime, these strategies will help tremendously.” —Brandpoint

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2016

B6

PRAYER TIMINGS

FIND-IT-ALL @PANORAMA

@SHATTI

SUR American Hero ( Action) (15+) CP# Cast: Stephen Dorff, Eddie Griffin, Bill Billions.

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Brooklyn (Drama) TBC Cast : Saoirse Úna Ronan, Emory Isaac Cohen 5:15PM

12:30,7:00PM Aranmanai 2 (Tamil) – 2D (15+) Horror Cast: Sidharth, Trisha Krishnan, Hansik 12:15,6:45,9:15PM RUWI Screen 1 Saala Khadoos (Drama / Sports) –12+ Cast :R.Madhavan, Nasser, Radha Ravi 3.30 PM Airlift (Action / Thriller) –12+ Cast :Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 6.30, 9.30 PM Screen 2 Airlift (Action / Thriller) –12+ Cast :Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 4.00PM Saala Khadoos (Drama / Sports) –12+ Cast :R.Madhavan, Nasser, Radha Ravi 6.45,9.45PM Screen 3 Aranmanai 2 (Tamil) (Horror | Comedy) – 15+ Cast: Sidharth, Trisha Krishnan.

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4:30,11:30 PM Airlift - 2D (12+) Drama | History | Thriller Cast:Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 8:45,11:15PM 2 Countries- 2D (M) (PG) Comedy Cast:Dilip, Mamta Mohandas 6:45 PM American Hero - 2D (15+) Action | Sci-Fi Cast:Stephen Dorff, Eddie Griffin, Bill Billions 3:00,7:00 ,11:45 PM Standoff - 2D (12+) Thriller Cast : Thomas Jane, Laurence Fishburne 2:45 ,5:15 ,9:45 ,11:30 PM Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip 2D (PG) Animation | Adventure Voice over: Jason Lee, Jesica Ahlberg 3:00, 5:00PM Sisters - 2D (18+) Comedy Cast : Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph 5:00 PM Saala Khadoos - 2D (12+) Drama/ Sport Cast : R Madhavan, Nasser, Radha Ravi 7:00 PM Concussion - 2D (12+) Biography | Drama Cast : Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks 2:45 ,9:25 PM Ocean 14 - 2D (Arb) (15+) Drama Cast : Amr Mostafa Metwally, Nermine Maher 6:45 PM Aranmanai 2- 2D (T) (15+) Horror | Comedy Cast : Sidharth, Trisha Krishnan 8:45 PM

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3:15, 5:45, 8:45PM American Hero – 2D (Action/Sci-Fi) (15+) Cast: Stephen Dorff, Eddie Griffin, Bill Billions 3:15,7:15,9:30,11:30PM Airlift – 2D (Drama, History, Thriller) (12+) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 5:00, 9:00, 11:15PM Aranmanai 2– 2D (Horror/Comedy) (15+) Cast: Sidharth, Trisha Krishnan.

8:45PM

TO MUSCAT (RUWI) Arrival Operating time days

Dept time

Destination

Arrival Operating time days

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (ROUTE 36)

TEMPERATURE

05:30 05:30 05:30

Maximum

Daily Daily Daily

Sur Quriyat Ruwi

06:45 08:30 10:00

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

TO AL BURAIMI (ROUTE 41)

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

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

Sohar Buraimi Buraimi Sohar Buraimi Sohar Buraimi

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

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 17:30

Sinaw

Nizwa Yanqul

Daily

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

Nizwa Al Araqi

23 18

07:00

Ruwi

10:25

Daily

06:00 06:00

Nizwa Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

ALTHEA FERNANDES January 30, 2007

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

65-85%

Daily Daily

15:40 15:40

Nizwa Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

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

Daily Daily

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

Fahud Yibal

Salalah Marmul Salalah Salalah

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

Daily Daily

Marmul

Dubai

16:50

Daily

Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai Sohar Dubai

Daily Daily

12:30 12:30

Fahud Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

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

Ruwi Marmul Ruwi Ruwi

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

LISTINGS

06:00

Marmul

16:30

Daily

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

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

15:00

Salalah

Daily

07:00

Daily

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

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

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

Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH/SHARJAH (ROUTE 204)

07:00 07:00 07:00

16:00 16.00 16.00

Fujairah Sharjah Dubai

11.45 13.30 14.00

Daily Daily Daily

Sharjah Fujairah Ruwi

16:30 18.15 23.00

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

Daily Daily Daily Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (ROUTE 102)

07:00

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

10:45 19:00

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101)

SALALAH TO DUBAI (ROUTE 102) 15:00

Ruwi Ruwi

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

TO MARMUL (ROUTE 101) 06:00

06:00 14:30

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (ROUTE 62)

10:30 11:15

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

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

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (ROUTE 54)

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (ROUTE 55) Sur Sur

2 Countries( mal) ( drama\comedy) Cast :Dileep & Mamta Mohandas 3:00, 6:30 & 10:00 PM Cinema Main Irudhi Suttru ( tamil) (sports\drama) Cast : R.Madhavan, Ritika Singh & Nassar 3:30, 6:30 &9:30 PM Cinema - 2 Aranmanai 2 (Tamil) (Horror\ Comedy) Cast: Sidarth, Trisha & Hansika Motwani 3:45, 6:45 & 9:45 PM Cinema -3 Airlift ( Hindi) (Act\ Thriller) Cast : Akshay Kumar & Nimrat Kaur 6:45 & 9:45 PM Cinema- 4 Soggade Chinninayana ( Telugu) ( Drama\ Comedy) Cast : Nagarjuna ,Ramya Krishna 3:45PM Cinema -4 NEXT CHANGE : ADI KAPYARE ( Mal) GHAYAL ONCE AGAIN & SANAM TERI KASAM ( HINDI) Programmes are subject to change

0

ROYAL OMAN POLICE 07:30 14:30

Film information 24791641 / 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

Minimum

TO YANQUL (ROUTE 54)

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

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

STAR CINEMA

0

TO SINAW (ROUTE 52) 20:50

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

Sohar Ruwi Ruwi Sohar Ruwi Sohar Ruwi

Daily Daily Daily

Standoff: (Thriller) cast:: Thomas Jane, Laurence Fishburne 4.00, 8.00, 10.00 & 11.55 PM CP No: 138 (12+) Exposed: (Drama) Cast: Ana de Armas, Keanu Reeves 4.00., 10.00. & 11.55 PM CP NO: 139 (12+) Sisters: (Comedy) Cast : Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph 2.00. & 6.00 PM. CP NO: 137 (18+) Ocean 14: (Arabic / Comedy) Cast : Omar Mustafa Metwally, Nirmen Maher 2.00. & 6.00 PM CP NO: 140 (15+) Ride Along 2: (Action / Comedy) Cast: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter 8.00 PM CP NO: 112 (15+)

WEATHER

15:00 15:00 15:00

16:30 18:00 19:30

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

WITH LOVE

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

BAHJA CINEMA

SALALAH Standoff (2D) (12+) (Thriller) Cast: Thomas Jane, Laurence Fishburne 2:00, 7:00, 11:45PM American Hero (2D) (15+) (Action | Sci-Fi) Cast: Stephen Dorff, Eddie Griffin, Bill Billions 11:15AM, 3:45, 7:30, 11:55PM Ride Along 2 (2D) (15+) (Action | Comedy) Cast: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter 5:30PM Exposed (2D) (12+) (Drama) Cast: Ana de Armas, Keanu Reeves 12:45, 4:50PM Sisters (2D) (18+) (Comedy) Cast: Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph 11:45AM, 2:40PM Concussion (2D) (12+) (Biography) Cast: Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks 2:45, 9:15PM Airlift (2D) (12+) (Drama, History, Thriller) Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur 8:45, 11:15PM 2 Countries (2D) (PG12) (Malayalam) Cast: Dileep, Mamta Mohandas 8:40PM Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (2D) (PG) ( Animation | Adventure | Comedy) Voice over:Jason Lee, Jesica Ahlberg.

11:00AM, 1:00, 5:15PM Ocean 14 (2D) (TBC) (Arabic )(Drama) Cast: Cast: Amr Mostafa Metwally, Nermine Maher 6:45PM

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

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI) Destination

12.25pm 3.34pm 5.56pm 7.09pm 5.31am

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

CINEMA SCHEDULE

Dept time

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

Daily Daily Daily

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

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

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

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

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi 24783334

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

24782666 24702542 23291635; 24503585 24787766 24421691 24485740 24537080

23291635

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

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

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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2016

B7

LIFESTYLE STORY TIME

By Swati Dasgupta

Time to say goodbye

T

he school auditorium was abuzz with much activity. Dressed to their best, the children were extremely excited to be part of a great event. It was the annual day at school. The children were looking forward to go to their new class the following month.

“Matt, you look quite smart,” Jia complimented her friend. While Jia sported a bright skirt with a pastel colour top, her best friend Aaliya wore a grey trouser with a blank top.

“Hey Aaliya, you are looking quite nice,” Matt said. Aaliya gave a broad smile. She remembered how a new girl who was apparently very beautiful had made her feel inferior once. Seeing her sad, her mother had then taught her a valuable lesson in life — It was more important to have a beautiful heart than just a beautiful face.

Aaliya since then was never bothered about her looks.

Aaliya had almost got lost in thoughts when she heard the loud voice of Jamila. She and her twin Aasila were dressed in similar clothes and were inseparable. “Hi, Aasila, Jia greeted: “Heard this time also you have got the highest grades? Congrats.”

Jamila smiled hearing this. Gone were the days when she would feel jealous of her sister’s good grades. One incident had changed her entire perspective. She had learnt that self-worth was not based on one’s achievement. Aasila had willingly let Jamila get good grades.

It was then Jamila had learnt that help-

ing others win, even if it meant slowing down a bit, mattered a lot. Since that day she never felt jealous of her sister.

Hearing her friends talk about the result Shyla thought about her results too. She was a little scared this time because her Geography exams were not up to the mark. But nevertheless she knew she would be honest about it this time and not lie like last time. Her mother had left a note on her table that said: ‘Lying is convenient but honesty makes life so much easier. People in life will really look up to you if you tell the truth.’ Since then Shyla never lied.

Soon the entire hall was full. Robby

and his sister Aleeta, Soham, Rehman, Natasha, Falak, Harry, Abhilasha and others thronged the venue. “Hey Aleeta,” Falak greeted. “See my new dress.

My mom bought for me. It’s very exp….”

Before she could complete her sentence she stopped. She did not want to be called Little Ms Snob anymore.

It was Ali’s birthday and everyone greeted him wholeheartedly. Ali treated all with sweets. It reminded them of Abhilasha’s birthday when she had made such a big noise about the missing sweets box in school. It was not just Abhilasha, everyone learnt a valuable lesson that day — birthdays are meant

for sharing happiness and not just sweets. Ali was showered with gifts. He was happy getting all of them and kept in mind what he had recently learnt from Ravi, his friend. “Gifts are more about the love and not the price.’

“Jia, aren’t you feeling hot? I think the AC is not working,” Rehman suddenly asked while wiping his forehead.

“No, it’s ok,” Jia replied.

She too was feeling hot but she recollected her aunt’s words: ‘Never let complains take over your life so much that you forget to enjoy the small pleasures of life.’ And she indeed didn’t want to miss the enjoyment of the annual

day party by complaining about the minor discomforts.

Jia was a kind hearted girl who recently missed her exams, caring for the ailing house help. Everyone had praised her for that.

The music started soon and the children danced with full energy. It was followed by few exciting games. Robby, who was always good at sports, was good at games too but he no more said, “I am the best”. He had made fun of Soham for losing in the race and his dad had told him that wining is not everything in life. Robby was behind Soham when suddenly Soham fell. Rehman was com-

ing from the other direction and unknowingly collided with Soham. Maybe someone else would not have admitted his mistake but Rehman always remmebered his mom’s golden words. ‘If you make a mistake accept it.’ And so he did. He went to Soham and apologised.

Robby, who was watching all this happen perfectly understood this. He had once shouted at Soham on a similar incident as he could never keep his anger under control. But lately he was trying his best to control his temper.

Robby soon saw some mess on the food table and thought of clearing it.

“Oh Robby, what makes you clean the table now?” said Matt. There was a time when Robby would never clear any mess but he had learnt the value of living in a clutter free environment.

Matt was busy finishing his chicken patty. Since the time he had seen the small girl crying for a small piece of cake he had never wasted food again.

As the music got louder, the children danced even more joyously. Jia had prepared a small speech. “Dear friends, as we get ready to go to our new classes we must thank everyone who have been with us throughout this year.

We must thank our parents, elders and teachers for their love and guidance.

Hope we will always remember all that they have taught us in our day to day lives and become good human beings.”

Everyone cheered Jia. The children returned home bidding goodbye to all. No doubt, it was a fruitful year for them.

— swati@timesofoman.com

Questions & Answers

One thing that puts me off...

Scolding from my mom

When I’m in doubt...

I google it

If I win a lottery...

I would give to the poor and needy

I go crazy when...

My phone battery is down

One movie/book I can watch/ read over and over again...

Hardy Boys

CDUR

Crossword Puzzle ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE

It’s better not to argue with...

My sister

The scariest thing that I have done...

Jumped from a four feet wall

If I met an alien I would...

Play football with him

ACROSS

1 4 8 12 13 14 15 16 18 20 21 23 24 27 29 33 34

If I could go back in history, I would like to meet My grandmother

One skill I would like to learn...

Football

If I have to describe myself as a flavour it would be...

Vanilla

RAYYAN AHMED If I had treasures I would hide them...

In a cave One person I would trade places with (real or fictional) Ronaldo

35 36

The best way to my heart is...

Loyalty

Send your contributions to lifestyle@timesofoman.com. A good quality photo is compulsory. Lifestyle reserves the right to publish the contributions.

DOWN

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 17

“Who’s Who” entries Keokuk locale — -ho Like a stale joke Dazzle Provided a meal Sixth sense Elk Hannibal’s route Flow slowly — annum Yale athlete

19 22 23 24 25 26 28 30 31 32 37

Prince Val’s son Scraping by Rash Ginza buy 1960s style Riviera summer “— on a Grecian Urn” Kind of vaccine Stockholm carrier — out (withdraw) Jerking away

39 41 43 44 45 47 48 49 50 51 52 53

Night flyer — Enterprise Threw hen fruit Rock’s Bon — Shepard or Ladd “Waterloo” group Skyrocket Uptight Apple seed Border Wrath Less than one

38 39 40 42 44 46 50 54 55 56 57 58 59 60

— bang theory Tearoom cousin Hornet Debtor’s note Feels obligated Toward shelter — up (confess) Cayenne (2 wds.)

Astronomer Carl — Talk like tots Cereal grain Long-running play Bad or good sign RV haven In that case (2 wds.)

Droid What bartenders check Cozy place to sit Dangerous March date Party fabric Remove from office Bear — Longbow wood Toronto Blue — Thin icing Waxing Physique, slangily Dreaded czar Great Lakes port Soggy ground Metallic sound Blend Schumer or Tan

B8

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2016

LIFESTYLE

Children up to the age of 16 who would like to have their art considered for inclusion in “Art for the Ages” can e-mail their drawings or paintings (in jpeg or tiff format) to lifestyle@timesofoman.com

Art for the Ages

Children’s Poetry

A Legendary Defeat Alex Roy Grade 10 ISWK

Caroline Merin Mathew, Grade 4, ISWK

Faizan Shaikh, Grade 7, ISWK

Dharmik Maniyar, Grade 5, ISWK

One fine day, the master of deceit –Lie, Met his greatest enemy, Truth.

Against whom he always held the grudge, Of Truth’s domination over all.

Truth, calm and patient, With a peaceful demeanour.

Greeted his enemy Lie, With a warm welcome.

Lie, in his angry and ferocious state, Asked Truth in a loud voice“Why are you obstructing my way?

Let me dominate over all.

Truth was unwilling and knew, That Lie’s dominance would be incorrect.

But replied to Lie on his statement, With a heart heavy - “Do as you wish.’’

Within no time, the world was drawn into, A deep pit full of evil and treachery.

As Lie ascended on the throne, Entering into every soul.

Meanwhile Honesty, Peace and Discipline, All staunch supporters of Truth; Watched with dismay as the world, Transformed into a devil’s den.

On seeing this, a fierce battle ensued, Lie, was then removed from his undeserved throne, And there, Truth once again regained power, With happiness and joy filling every soul.

The world then become trustworthy, With no disunity and fights, A better place to live in, Just with the defeat of Lie alone.

Aashika Kiran Nair, Grade 5, ISM

Sudoku How to play Fill empty cells with the numbers 1 to 9, so that each number appears once in each row, column and area.

SOLUTION Answer to previous puzzle

Alfred Jenson, Grade 9, ISM

Noor Fatima, Grade S1, PSM

Send your contributions for Children’s Poetry to lifestyle@timesofoman.com

Teleword All the words below appear in the puzzle - horizontally, vertically, diagonally, even backward. Find them and circle their letters.

The leftover word spells the Teleword.

Y D R K A C T O N L E C MN U E C M O U D L S O H V O R W L

E A D S P E T S S O P E A E E

M H T I M E E G T E G L P W N

O C C E L L N A C A T L Y I N

CLUE: PROGRAMMING YOUR DVR

C L I E F I N I S H A U E N A

U O D T T B C S E Y A L N D H

R S T S A O E E E T G N J I C

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

O L T N E U O S O U S R D E S

R H E N T L R T K T D E E O T

W C O T U N E E U C S E A P R

T E O U P O T S T A I P H E O

G N I D R O C E R N S U S C P

S E R V I C E E C N E U Q E S

SOLUTION: 7 LETTERS

Adjust, Automatic, Buttons, Change, Channel, Clock, Close, Codes, Comedy, Connect, Counter, Cursor, Date, Delete, Documentary, Easy, Enter, Finish, Hour, Listings, Menu, Message, Minutes, Mobile, Operate, Player, Quick, Recording, Rewind, Schedule, Select, Sequence, Service, Show, Slot, Soaps, Sports, Steps, Stop, Tech, Toggle, Tune, User, View, Volume.

Answer: DISPLAY

C

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M S AT U R DAY, JA N UA RY 3 0, 2 0 1 6

SECTION

CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

C2

VACANCY

C4

CARGO

C7

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

C2

S AT U R D AY, JA N UA RY 3 0, 2 0 1 6 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461

DAILY GUIDE FOR RENT

NEW Flats & Showrooms for Rent 1/2/3 BHK Flats & Showrooms at Muttrah, near Oman flour mills, 10 min. from corniche. equipped with split/ cassette unit ACs, internet points, freeto-air dish connection, CCTV monitored, basement parking. Rent RO.250/350/450 (Negotiable) per month.

*Tourist visa arranged

Contact : 99229263; 93221054; 95215289

FOR RENT RUWI : Ware House - 630 M2 SPACIOUS -2 B H K FLATS

NEAR AL FALAJ HOTEL:

Luxury flat for rent in Bareeq Al Shatti building Spacious 2 BHK with sea view, split A/Cs, fixed wardrobes, kitchen appliance.

Near Opera Gallery.

Rent RO.900/- negotiable.

Contact - 94084335 / 96920789

Flat for rent in CBD area - Ruwi Two rooms and a large hall •Office spaces for rent in Al Hail on the main road On the same building of Al Khamis Shoes at Al Hail •2 bed room flats in Qurum 29 for rent next to ABA New building -split AC - Good location

Contact No: 96177505

Brand New 4-Bedroom Ground Floor House for Rent in Al-Ansab (Bousher) . Easy access to main road. House is constructed with high quality finishing and elegant doors design. 4 Bedrooms with in-situ bathrooms. Marble floor.

Specious kitchen. For rent @ 600 OMR/Month (Negotiable).

Please contact Mr. Ali 92755663.

STORE FOR RENT

High quality Warehouses for rent at Mizfa 550 sqm to 3400 sqm.

Contact

500 sqm store with 200 sqft office & 200 sqm covered shed for rent at Mabella Ind No-11 on main road, direct from owner.

96046951 / 99332291

CONTACT - 99278002

Villa 2 room, 1 sitting room, 1 lobby, 2 bathrooms at South Mawalleh behind Discount Supermarket.

Contact: 92757673 / 99388138

Flat for rent in Al Ansab 1, 2 rooms, living room, kitchen & A/C. Contact: 91256340

Flat for rent in Wadi Al Kabir next 5 Al Hassan company, 2 bed room & 3 toilets. Contact: 99210008

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Flat in Hamriya.

Contact 99341112

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Contact: 95965445

FURNISHED DELUXE 1 B/RM WITH 2 bathrooms, SPLIT A/C, BUILT IN ARDROBRE, PRIVARE TERRACE.

FLATS FOR RENT

Contact : 24 70 30 60

1 BHK and 2BHK Flats with Split ACs Opp. to MOD Near Lulu Darsait

Villa in Al Khoud for staff accommodation, like nurses or teachers can accommodate 30 to 35 people.

Rent RO.1200/-. Contact - 91178282

CONTACT :

93202733 Apartments & shops for rent in Al Amerat & brand new apartments & shops for rent in Al Amerat.

Contact: 95965445 1000 sqm industrial land with compound wall & two rooms at Misfah. Contact: 99342733 / 99795241 Newly build luxury residential villas for rent in Al Khoud.

Contact: 98116480 / 99447002 & 99358724

Villa for rent in Al Khuwair.

Contact: 96571151 Sharing accommodation at Ruwi near family shopping center, please call after 6:00 pm .

Contact: 93394653 02 BHK Residential flat opposite to Al Nahdha hospital.

Contact: 99342733 / 99795241 Empty plot at Al Wadi Al Kabir industrial area 550 sqm.

Contact: 95909020 Bosher Rimal 1, building appt for rent 2BR, Maid room, sitting room, full appliance, kitchen, 4 toilets.

Contact: 99349910

02 BHK Commercial / Residential (with split AC) flat at Honda road.

Contact: 99342733 / 99795241

New flat in Wadi Kabeer.

Contact: 98185135

Single room attach bath with kitchen in Muscat 100/- R.O. Contact: 95094028

Flats shops & store for rent in Ruwi MBD Honda road.

Contact: 92433127 / 97293708

S AT U R DAY, JA N UA RY 3 0, 2 0 1 6

C3

DAILY GUIDE

FOR RENT FOR RENT 3 Bedroom flat in Wadi Kabeer.

Contact 95755953 / 95555162 4 BHK with terrace near Raymond Ruwi in market on road.

Contact: 99065900/99354975 Family flats in Wadi AL Kabir, Hamriya, Muttrah, Al Khuwair, Ghubrah, Bowshar, Al Hail North & Al Seeb.

Contact: 95250300 / 92125648 Flats in Muttrah.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Offices in Ghala.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 2BHK flat for rent Darsait near ISM. Contact: 95158570 / 99102255 2 bedrooms, kitchen, toilet, car park R.O 220/- & 1 bedroom, kitchen, toilet R.O 140 in Al Khuwair. Contact: 95154331 One flats for rent 2 bedroom all with bath al Ghobrah north near Indian school (hot burger restaurant) Tel. 9976610 Four bedrooms villa in Al Athaiba 300 m away from Shell Petrol Station in an excellent condition.

Contact: 97755586 Brand new deluxe flats located near Seeb flyover on the right hand side the main road coming from the Seeb palace round about, 2 bedrooms family, hall, kitchen, 3 toilets & split unit. Contact: 97755586 Flats two bed room for rent in Al Khuwair. Contact: 96571151 1& 2 BHK flats for rent at Hamriya Wadi Adai, Al Khoud, Mabela & shop at Al Khoud & land line Contact: 24834644 GSM 93994401/02/03 3 lines 1&2 BHK flat in Walja.

Contact: 98218279 New flats for rent at Darsait near to ministry of sports, Mumtaz area the flats include 1 living room, 2 Bedroom, kitchen, 3 toilets every room with split A/C & high Quality finishing, rent per flat is R.O 340/-.

Interested candidates please Contact: 00968- 92225523 3BHK flat for rent in Ghubra.

Contac: 99328070 Flats shops & store for rent in Ruwi, MBD area & Honda road.

Contact: 92589235/ 94579531

Flats for rent in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99376454 600 SQT commercial flat for rent opposite Oman flourmill Darsait more details. Contact:91214849/ 99364735 Flat for Rent 1/2 BHK Flat at Muttrah, near Oman flour mills, 10 min. from Corniche.Equipped with split unit ACs, internet points, free-to-air dish connection, CCTV monitored, basement parking.

Rent RO.250/350 per month.

Contact:99229263; 93221054; 95215289 2BHK Sitting room, 3 bathrooms, split AC big balcony 300/- R.O in Wadi Kabeer. Contact: 99324402 3 BHK flat near Darsait ID medical.

RO 420/- Contact – 99358589 / 97079146 / 95570288 1BHK Mumtaz R.O 250/-.

Contact: 97799175 / 92144045 2 Room + hall & kitchen ,3 toilets in Bareeq Al Shatti 750 RO. Contact: 99314314 7 Bedrooms villa in Ghobrah North.

Contact - 96420432 1,2 BHK Ghubra R.O 300/-, 325/- & 350/-. Contact: 97799175

Commercial flats of 3 & 2 BHK in Al Ghobra North 18 Nov street RO.650/- & 450/Contact – 91776665 600 M2 showroom or office in Bousher in front of Dolphin complex. RO.3.5 per m2.

Contact – 91776665

FOR SALE

BUILDING

FOR SALE MUMTAZ AREA (NEAR RUWI HOTEL)

CONTACT - 99353931

Brand new 4 BHK villa in Al Fai compound Al Khoud. RO.475/Contact – 91776665

USED VEHICLES FOR SALE 1. Toyota Land Cruiser. Model 2008 in good running condition.

Vehicle regularly serviced by authorized service dealer.

2. Hino 7T Tipper. Model 2010 regularly serviced and in running condition 3. Toyota Yaris. Model 2006 regularly serviced and in running condition Place of inspection: Barka.

Last date of submitting the quotation: 4th February 2016 Interested buyers may please contact on Phone: 26883543, Mobile : 99440306

Luxury villa of 5 BHK in Al Khuwair 33 RO.650/Contact – 91776665 Villa of 3 BHK and sitting area in Al Ghobra North. RO.525/Contact – 91776665 Luxury and brand new semi furnished 2 BHK flat in Remalbowsher. RO.550/- Contact – 91776665 Spacious 1 BHK flat in Al Wattaya with all split A/C’s and parking.

RO.300/-Contact – 91776665 Flats in Darsait.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Flats in WadiKabir.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Fully Furnished apartments in Boucher (35) Contact - 94051789-97201688 Offices in Qurum opposite City Center. Contact - 9405178997201688 Brand new villas in Al Ansab.

Contact - 94051789-97201688 Offices & Showrooms in Muttrah.

Contact - 9405178997201688 Mini Furnished Apartment in Qurum. Contact - 9405178997201688 Duplex villa in Qurum 29. Contact - 94051789-97201688 Offices & Showrooms in Al Khoud. Contact - 9405178997201688 Profs/ Jack. Contact 93219378 1BHK flat near Star Cinema 220/Contact 99358589 / 95570288 Single BHK flat available in Honda road Ruwi.

Contact: 24833972/ 24833974/ 99367448

Excavation contracts worth RO 2 million + Big Volvo Excavators & 2015 Astra 5 tippers for sale.

Contact: 99120532 / 98867530 Household items & furniture in excellent condition for sale. Indian expat leaving for good.

Contact Ravi : 93380408 Beauty Salon for urgent sale in Azaiba prime location behind Al Fardan building. With sponsor and 1 staff and 1 ready visa clearance. Call: 95318629 / 95169411 Supermarket for sale in Amerat (5) for part-time workers does not have required 35/000 retractable negotiate. Contact : 96656972 / 99719973 Kingsize 7x7 double cot, dining table good as new. # 98796982 Restaurant items for sale.

Contact: 96772479 /98428507 Filling material for sale in Muscat. Contact: 93299940 Villas in Al Khoud. Contact 95056808-97201688

ACC. AVAILABLE

ACC. AVAILABLE Furnished bedroom with attached bath and kitchen, separate entrance available for Executive bachelor for R.O 150/- per month all inclusive in a villa OPP star cinema. Contact: 99314807 Hail Independent rooms RO 140/& 160/-. Contact 95529970 A big room available for Muslim couple / small family executive bachelor near Hamriya R/A rent 130/- OMR, including water / Electricity. Contact: 99495131 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sitting room, hall, kitchen with parking space for rent in Mawalah, behind City Centre. Contact 93930352

Furnished room with a/bathroom in Al Khuwair33 for Indian Executive. Call: 95234062 Spacious semi furnished room with separate bathroom for executive bachelor opposite OC centre Ruwi. Call: 92273779 Single room for expat Indian bachelors near Al Aktham restaurant Al khuwair for RO 120.

Water and electricity included.

Contact 98803261 Single bedroom flat behind German Embassy, near Al Nahdha Hospital. Contact 99203954 Room available in Mumtaz area 1 room, 1 Bathroom, Kitchen & 1 room, common bathroom. Interested please Contact: 92680041 Mr. Altaf Room for rent with furniture.

Al Bustan villeage. # 93687466

Fully furnished room with attached bath for Executive bachelor behind Al Meera Hyper market, Azaiba 150/- R.O. Contact: 99455735

Room , B/Room & Kitchen for Executive in Wadi Kabir.

Contact: 99336206

Ghubra. Beautiful Room. Indian Lady/Couple/Bachelor. Non-cooking, Vegetarians. Contact 99283938

Furnished room available with attached bath & balcony near MBD. Contact: 97636432

ACC. AVAILABLE

Accommodation available at Hamriya roundabout for executive bachelors (no kitchen, furniture and A/C) including water and electricity RO 130. Contact 98145825, 98949724.

Semi furnished spacious room with attached washroom separate entrance near Indian school Al Ghobrah for non cooking Executive Indian bachelor.

Contact: 95146361/92657598

Furnished room in new building for working Muslim lady/ Muslim couple only. Location AINT, Darsait. Contact - 99008069

2 rooms, toilet in Al Khuwair preferable for Indian couple or working woman rent R.O 190/- only include Ele & water. Contact: 99546410

Spacious semi furnished room with separate bathroom for executive bachelor opposite OC centre Ruwi. Call: 92273779

3Ton Forklift, Special made for Oman market, Japanese Isuze C240 Engine, Cascade side shifter, High amount exhaust, 3m lifting height, Solid tyres, One year warranty. Contact: 98883445 Luxury Apartments in Bousher (35). Contact - 9505680897201688

C4

S AT U R D AY, JA N UA RY 3 0, 2 0 1 6 Email: dailyguide@timesofoman.com classifieds@timesofoman.com Tel.: 24726666 Ext: 413 / 430 /431 / 456 / 461 Fax: 24812624

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT Wanted female GP, female Gynecologist, female Staff Nurse, female X- Ray Technician With MOH license for Al Saadi Specialized Medical Centre in Musanna.

Contact -91262604 Email: chillapalli76@gmail.com

Well reputed Marble Company looking for

3 SALESMEN Requires minimum 3 years experience and valid Omani driving license.

Interested candidates please Fax your CV to 24601724 or Email on saab2803@gmail.com

SITUATION VACANT (Omani Candidates only) Required Store Keeper to manage an office store in Ghala Minimum 5 years experience handling stores with working knowledge of English

SITUATION WANTED

LIBRARIAN REQUIRED PART-TIME

URGENTLY REQUIRED Qualified & experienced male B.SC holder

For organizing and maintaining a private library in Qurum, Muscat.

CIVIL ENGINEER

Interested persons who are qualified and experienced, please respond to: GEORGE@ALYOUSEFGROUP.COM Or Fax: 24614144 P.O.Box 200, P.C. 100, Muscat

SITUATION VACANT Graduate with 3 to 5 years experience of successful and proven sales in selling ceramic, porcelain tiles, and sanitary ware products (Mixers, Washbasins, Water closet, etc...) self starter, initiative taker, must be backed by evidence and proved track record.

Having a proven network of corporate clients (contractors, architects, consultants, interior designers, etc...) and private clients, and being able to expand the companies business beyond that by acquiring and developing new leads in to profitable outcomes.

Able to achieve sales targets with a proven history of doing so.

Attractive package and commission Only Applicants With Relevant Experience & NOC Will Be Considered.

Please send your CV to Khalid@eliteceramic.com

With 10 -15 years experience for a Muscat based well known construction company.

Email: alfayafy@outlook.com Fax: 24479675 SALES / MARKETING Urgently required Experienced Sales Man for Al-Rawas Marble & Granite.

Located at Al Rusayl Industrial.

Please forward your cv at oure mail : mahmood@rmgoman.com

SALES / MARKETING Urgently required Experienced Sales Man

Auto Electrician cum A/c Mechanic

BEAUTY Beauty expert required to work in Salon in Al Amerat.

Contact : 93336061

CATERING Chinese / Arab/ Grill, Cooks.

Contact: 95529970

DESIGNER FASHION DESIGNER specializing in western attire and traditional wear required for a Boutique in Capital area. Female candidates with 4 to 5 years experience in GCC are advised to revert at 9321 8210 or jiby@mpesllc.com

DOMESTIC HELP Housemaid required for Keralite family. Contact 95405033 Looking for housemaid urgently clearance available good salary yearly ticket. TEL 24446920 / 99238121, mail: ravi.ztc@omzest.com

DRIVER Required a Filipino private/ Family Driver With Omani driving license, Age 27-40.

Contact 94446669 Wanted Driver.

Contact: 91025698

DRIVER Required Full Time Light Driver for an Omani Family. Indian or Philippine national are preferred.

Send SMS only to 97711577 Reputed Construction Company require experienced light Vehicle Driver. Contact 95526871

ENGINEER/TECH/MECH Wanted A/C Technician with local experience. Contact : 95779616 Civil Site Supervisor for telecom tower projects across Oman. Send CV to fyjo@spec-link.com or call +968 9946 7227

SALES / MARKETING

for Workshop Candidate must have a minimum 2 to 3 years’ experience in assembly, installation, maintenance and repairs of automotive refrigeration, air-conditioning systems and chiller units.

We are looking for Chief Financial Officer, Male 40- 45 years old, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy with 5 - 15 yrs. of experience. Contact: +968 24702133 Email: admin-dept@daud.om

Part Time Accounting, Accounts Finalization as per IFRS, Audit Preparation, Cost Control and Management, Training for Accountants, Internal Audit, Accounting System for New Companies, Contact: 96975454, email:ibfc.gcc@gmail.com

Indian female, M.Tech electronics 6.5 IELTS experience as VLSI / Electronics project trainer & institute administration currently in family visa. Contact: 90195131 /24551290 Email: chinj.89@gmail.com

Indian male having good experience in accounts and in accounting and in accounting software’s ready to join immediately.

Contact: +91 9444965126 15 years experienced in finance & treasury management CPA, CMA, ACCA, MBA, qualified Chartered Accountant available for immediate joining as head of finance, financial advisor, financed consultant.

Contact: 94872345 Email: mfta27@gmail.com Indian male B.com accountant with 9 years ( 8 yr Oman) experience seeking suitable placement immediately ( NOC available ).

Contact: 98624850

Accountant MBA (finance) masters (accounting) 2 yrs Exp looking for suitable placement, having NOC & valid D/L .

Contact: 92491009, Email: rasubiswas4@gmail.com

mahmood@rmgoman.com

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

ADMIN

Chief Accountant Indian male 44 years B.Com Graduate PGDVA total 13 years in GCC, 7 years in Oman & knowledge in Tally, ERP9, Peachtree MS Office having NOC seeks placement Contact: 97060826 Email: tomnedum71@yahoo.co.in

Send CV to oman.newvacancy@gmail.com

for Al-Rawas Marble & Granite.

Located at Al Rusayl Industrial.

Please forward your cv at oure mail :

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

He should be well conversant in repair and troubleshooting of electrical faults and experienced in using computerized diagnostic systems.

He should be ITI/DME (Auto) qualified.

Urgently Required Steel Fabricated Products Salesman with an experience in steel fabrication, MUST have Oman driving license, and immediately join. Apply, fax 00968–24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com

Interested candidates email cv on

krauto@kr.om or contact on 99440518 FOR COMPANIES SEEKING OMANI EMPLOYEES We have a batch of skilled Omani candidates in Administration, HR, Account & Reception ready to join different companies in a month We will also provide training for Omani candidates as per your need like Cashier, Teller, HR, Admin, Sales, Stores, Customer service etc., • The Institute will identify the potential candidates, interview them and select the suitable candidates in consultation with your officials.

• The entire cost of training will be borne by the Government. During training the company will not incur any cost like salaries & training.

• The Institute will train them for a period of 6 to 8 months as per the program.

• From the date training starts with us, you are fulfilling the omanization requirement. The candidate will stay at least for a year without leaving the job.

For any queries contact us: 26862210, 93677745 & 93677795 Fax: 26861710 email: ojt@aifas.net, www.aifas.net

Salesman for a printing press Whatsapp Only.

Contact: 95955729 Required Philippine Sales lady for women’s shoes and bags store.

Arabic speaking advantage.

Send CV with current picture.

Email: markato.fashion@gmail.com

SKILLED LABOR Immediate Requirements for experienced Tailors (Designer wears, casual clothing). Please call for interview 99471085

SITUATION WANTSIT. WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

ENGINEER/TECH/MECH

MISCELLANEOUS

Require LAB TECHNICIAN ,The desired candidate must be a graduate/diploma in Civil Engineering with minimum experience of 3 to 5 years as Lab Technician having Experience of testing construction materials on Building/ Road projects. Send your CV to: rakesh@uniqueom.com.

Furniture company urgently required : 2 Outdoor sales people, 1 Interior designer. Previous experience in furniture field will be an added advantage. Interested candidates please send CV : Email : batrading2014@gmail.com

MEDICAL Wanted female Ayurvedic therapist with or without MOH. Contact: 97263637 / 93309131 Required X RAY Technician, Lab Technician, General Practitioner, Gynecology, Staff Nurses.

Contact: 95133572 Email: kunoozghala@gmail.com Orthopedician, Nurses, Physiotherapist, Asst. Pharmacist, Gynecologists to work in a clinic at sur. M/F, any nationality with MOH license or prometric pass 60% and above can apply to rcsphysiotherapy@gmail.com Wanted GP Doctor with MOH license, job location in Muscat with good salary and benefits.

Drop your cv at 0careerhr1972@gmail.com.

Wanted B- Pharmacist (female) for a pharmacy in Sohar.

Contact : 99767605 Wanted urgently lady Doctor GP or DGO for immediate appointment. Contact : 99310590 Email: tjmaluke@gmail.com

Urgently required for a reputed company in Oman (Tyre, Battery & Lubricant division) Sr. Executives/Executive-5 nos (Sohar, Nizwa & Muscat), Techno Commercial Professional-5nos, Driver (Omani)-1no. Required minimum 3-5 yrs experience in the same field with market exposure holding valid Omani driving license or GCC. Kindly fwd your CV’s to ashwin@taasintl.org Contact: (+968)93891700 Sales Ladies wanted for Ladies Boutique. Age: 20-35 yrs. Al Khoudh. Call -91159905 Send CV to sameer916@hotmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Employee marketing company engaged in the design, promotion and advertising is required.

Contact: 96656972 / 99719973 Urgently Required: Aluminum Doors & Windows Salesman with an experience in aluminum products, MUST have Oman driving license, and immediately join. Apply, fax 00968–24605955, emails sbc@steelbuildingsllc.com, sbeoman@yahoo.com Wanted marketing personnel for acquiring Premium customers for MNC. Should have communication/sales skills and must possess Oman DL. Contact 96545020.

Indian male, 28, Post Graduate, 6 years exp. in Oman in Sales and Credit Control , with valid Oman D/L looking for suitable placements.

NOC available. Ph: 9206 6523 Indian male good experienced in Accounts, ERP Tally 9 & Admin in India & Oman, presently on visit visa, looking for suitable placement.

Contact 94834687 Indian male 25 yrs, Graduate in commerce, overall 5 yrs exp in accounts/ finance field. On visit visa. Immediately available.

Contact – 92836216 / muhammad.tausif623@gmail.com 28/male/MBA - finance/B.Com Accountant with 4 years of Dubai/ India experience looking for a suitable placement.

Contact 90187483 shobinkarikkan1987@gmail.com SENIOR ACCOUNTANT, with 13yrs experience, 6 yrs Oman in manufacturing, trading & contracting Cos, capable of handling all accounting, finance, banking, L/C, import, export & finalization seeks placement. NOC Available.

Call+968-98932752, mail:jjohnmuscat@hotmail.com Part-time accounting, tax report, auditing & bank loan assistance.

Contact 91720465 Indian male, MBA (finance), 1 year experience in Oman having Oman D/L and NOC on visit visa looking for a suitable job.

Contact 94103975 Indian Male Accountant 10yrs Exp. in OMAN Retail & Furniture Co. (Release Available) GSM.92564955

Young 24, ACCA affiliate, Advanced diploma in Accounting and Business, seeking suitable placement in Accounts, Finance or audit With valid driving license.

Contact - 92430152, Email - rau_dey@yahoo.com Part time Accountant, up to finalization, looking for job after 5pm (location prefer – MSQ to Al Hail). Contact: 95694737 Finance & Accounts Indian male 35 years B.Com MBA (F) 7 years experience tally ERP9 with valid D/L family visa.

Contact: 93257426 / 95230114 Email: sibigeorgep@gmail.com Indian male B.Com with 1 year experience in Oman as Account having driving license seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 93415880 Email: nithin_thomas1992@hotmail.com Chartered Accountant with 1.5 years of experience looking for job. Currently in Oman on visit visa. Contact - 91520687 Email: murtazanmh@gmail.com Accounting Assistant, BBA, M. Com (pursuing), tally, peach tree, valid visa available.

Contact : 98269281 Indian Accountant well experienced in construction accounts (Financial and Cost) and also administration and HR seek suitable placement (Full/Part time) in Oman or UAE. Contact 98598099 Part time accounts qualified experience accountant.

Contact: 91126314 SENIOR ACCOUNTANT-M. Com Finance-Indian with 7 years experience in Finance & Accounts up to finalization. Currently employed in Oman. Having D/L & NOC. Mob: 94122464, Email: cammk13@gmail.com

ADMIN Filipino male with 13 years HR and Administration managerial experience. MBA & CIPD holder.

Currently looking for job in Oman.

Interested employer pls call 97728418.

Indian Female, MBA-HR having 8+ experience in Administration/ HR, Customer Support, Office Coordinator with good Computer skill, Now on Visit Visa,looking for suitable position.

Contact: 90196235 Indian female 27 yrs with 5 yrs HR /Admin experience seeking suitable placement with valid Oman driving license.

Contact: 98236033 Indian female, Masters in HR, having 4 + years Oman experience in media management and HR, looking for openings in HR, Education, Admin, Corporate communications. Contact 98252030

Indian female Graduate 7 years as Secretary Office Assistant Admin seeks placement.

Contact: 99073789 Indian female PGDHRM MSW having 5+ experience in HR Assistant Administration customer support good computer skill DOA, CIT Tally now on family visit visa looking for suitable position. Contact: 95352527 Indian female 25 years Graduates in BBM (HR) currently on visit visa looking for suitable job.

Contact: 92065248 Email: bibinnj47@gmail.com young Omani male have experience 12 years as P.R.O , Clerk helper supervisor Admin supervisor , H.R Manager have diploma in H.S.E, IT and P.D.O license looking for H.R position or P.R.O license . Looking for H.R position or P.R.O part time or full time. Contact: 95933288 14 years of Gulf experience in HR/ Admin & logistics fluent in Arabic & English with D/L looking for suitable position, NOC available.

Contact: 95824598 Indian male MBA- UK 18 yrs Gulf exp in Administration/ HR & Public relationship. Fluent in Arabic/ English with D/L. Looking for suitable position. Contact - 99897280

CATERING Cooks (Arabic Indian) gulf exp looking job. Contact: 99531802

DOMESTIC HELP Looking full time job. Contact: 99153378

DESIGNER/DRAUGHTSMAN Civil AutoCAD Draughts man 5 years experience on visit visa.

Contact: 99759284 Email: ahmedimran945@gmail.com A lady entrepreneur with BF Tech 1st Class (Fashion Technology) since 2006 in Kerala like to make change for better. Specialized in designing, Production Management, Fashion Art, Grading, Surface ornamentation, Garment Construction.

Email: prettyjinu08@gmail.com Mobile: +919539397097.

25 years male BA. English , Qualified as mast in digital animation having 5 yrs ex in character animation specialized Auto Desk mago and motion building software knowledge, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 97917357

DRIVER Experienced Light Duty Driver, Fluent in English, Arabic Well knowledge of Oman Areas Seeking Suitable placement Contact 97950869 Bangladeshi driver want job.

Contact: 93822195 Looking for driver job with own car, education, B.A, can speak English, Arabic, Urdu & Hindi.

Contact: 96728056 / 98031620 Light driver looking for job experience in Oman 6 years & K.S.A 5 years’ education H.S.C. Contact: 93940319 Omani male need driver job for part time. Contact: 92296607 Light duty driver experience 4 years suitable job. Can speak English, Arabic & Hindi.

Contact: 98393692 Driver with car looking for job or part time. Contact: 96023492 Light driver need job knows English, Hindi & Arabic.

Contact: 92820309 Job for driving. Contact: 98982410 27 years, 1 year experience, with D/L. Contact: 97369716 Light driver Ruwi. Contact: 95779594 Pakistani male light driver 10 yrs in UAE & 1 yr in Oman.

Contact: 93709393

S AT U R DAY, JA N UA RY 3 0, 2 0 1 6

C5

DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED

Senior Management Executive With over 18 years of experience in Retail, Distribution, FMCG & Electronics across GCC markets seeks GM / VP / Vertical Head position for Group Companies Management and P&L deliveries.

EXPERIENCED TEAM TO PROVIDE TECHNO- COMMERCIAL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, FEASIBILITY, ERP WITH BI TOOLS, ADVISE ON FINANCIAL, HR, RISK Ι GENERAL MANAGEMENT, GUIDE STARTUPS Ι RESTRUCTURING, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT. Contact – 96500729 Email: k.profitoman@ gmail.com

Contact +968 9791 2950 cxogcc@gmail.com

DRIVER Driver (light & heavy duty) valid gulf /Indian) looking job.

Contact: 95175192 Driver with new car looking for job.contact: 95873286

EDUCATION Indian female masters in computer science and Engineering B.Tech in information technology , M.B.A ( Systems) 3 years experience teaching in college , having good knowledge in C++ , java oracle now on visit visa looking for openings in Educational institutions.

Contact: 91812419/96935426 Email: anorelindhinesh@gmail.com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Civil Engineer 8 years experience Structural buildings marine. Available NOC release. Contact: 92451323.

Email: zubairali134@yahoo.com B.Tech Mechanical, Diploma in industrial health and safety, NEBOSH (IGC) , working experience 4 years (Construction, oil and Gas) .

Contact: 94750413 Email: shilpaneapen@gmail.com Indian female (B.Tech/ Mechanical Engineering) 4 yrs Oman experience in project coordination in water, sewerage and infrastructure sector , Having valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement.

Local release available.

Contact: 95297449 B.Tech Chartered Electrical Engineer, AMIEI with 5 years of experience in electrical power transmission and distribution in industrial, residential & commercial sectors. Expertise in load designing BOQ, Estimations, transformer and switchgear selections. Leadership skills in project execution & management.

Contact: 94638744 Email: ceng.shaz@gmail.com Computer Network and Hardware Engineer with driving license and 20 years of experience in Oman looking for a suitable position.

Contact: 98388431 Email: nwengineer@outlook.com Networking Engineer having 10 years experience with 3 years in Oman having valid driving license and NOC, presently in Oman needs immediate placement.

Contact - 95783383 Civil Engineer with 8 yrs exp in construction having license and NOC. Contact: 97986606 Telecom Engineer Sudanese on visit visa have 1 year experience in installation and have diploma in Tally ERP & excel and one year experience. Contact: 91991215 Indian female Computer Science Engineer having two years experience in teaching and programming C .CCP Java VB HTML, Sql, Php currently on visit visa seeks suitable placement. Contact: 91168733 Aeronautical Engineer with MBA in Operations Management having 4 yrs experience in reputed Aviation & Oil Companies, now on visit.

Contact 91864047 / 92791625 B.E .Mechanical Engineer Indian over 4 yrs of exp in HVAC design auto cad drafting on visit visa .

Contact 90305596. Email: shaikrizwan330@gmail.com Diploma in Mechanical Eng piping system in AutoCAD work, 21+ years experience with Driving license. Contact: 95267113 Email: rkakkaryil@gmail.com 7 years teaching experience in Political Science at University level, 5 years experience as Intellectual property lawer 20 years experience of Arabic / English visa versa , translation / interpretation / Editing , 20 years of experience in management, Tri lingual (Arabic / English / French) Contact : 92175153

SPECIALIST AVAILABLE FOR EXPLOSIVE GROWTH IN TERM OF RESTRUCTURING ALL MODULES OF BUSINESS WITH 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, MANUFACTURING, TRADING, APPLICATIONS, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT. CONTACT – 93343251 / profitoman@ gmail.com

ENGG. / TECH./MECH. Indian male Electrical Engineer with MBA (Mktg) having 4 and half years experience in technical commercial and marketing fields with valid GCC D/L, NOC available seeking placement.

Contact: + 968 96547828 Email: deva0234@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer (B.Tech) with 2 and half years experience Indian male 24 years in visit visa. Contact: 96620482 / + 91 9605423272 Email: bijumonps@gmail.com Civil Engineer diploma, 4 yrsexp seeks suitable position ina reputed company. NOC available.

Contact – 96789711 Civil Engineer 8 years experience in Oman as a project engineer for governmental & private projects.

Contact – 90164912 Civil Engineer (B.Tech), Indian male 24 years with 1+years Indian experience,(Certified in Staad Pro/ Quantity Survey/ Auto Cad).

Looking for a Suitable position.

Available In Sultanate of Oman (Muscat) on Visit Visa.

Contact: 92835952. E-mail: mohammedamair.bin@gmail.com

Indian male Electrical Engineer, having 6 years gulf experience in designing, assembling, commissioning execution etc having valid GCC license too looking for a suitable. Contact: 00968-98052942 Email: azamjeelani78@gmail.com Civil Engineer 11 years experience in construction having driving license & NOC. Contact: 94194399 Email: shiblyrock@gmail.com B. Sc Civil Engineer, having 27 yrs Oman experience as Project Manager, Structure Engineer looking for suitable placement, consulting, contracting co. NOC & local transfer available. Contact : 99399578 Email: farooqatm@hotmail.com Indian male 26 yrs BE- Mechanical Engineering, CSWIP 3.1 certified welding inspector + ASNT level in UT, RT, MPT, LPT with 3.5 yrs experience in QC InspectorWelding. Looking for a suitable job.

E-mail: rahmanmech2@gmail.com Indian male Diploma Civil Engineer have 1 yr. experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job (certificate attested).

Contact: 92667406 / 99210411, Email : manojgvh@gmail.com

Indian female civil engineer B.Tech having 3 years experience sound knowledge of software, REVIT STAD PRO structural detailing currently on family visa seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 95345591

Indian Male 23 years B.Tech Civil having 2 years experience in quantity survey and site management looking for suitable placement. Contact:- 95042656

B.Tech Civil, 25 yrs female, 3 yrs exp in qty survey have valid GCC license. Contact: 91309475

Sudanese Telecom Engineer, 5 years experience, 3 years in Oman PMP certificate.

Contact: 93391008 Email: momen.awadallam@gmail.com

Indian male 5 years experience in piping (Site Engineer / Supervisor) Indian and Oman (PDO Project) & looking for suitable post currently on visiting visa, NOC available.

Contact: 94258289 Email: nidhishgopinathan@gmail.com Road and Construction Engineer with 5 years exp in Oman.

Contact: 97667113 Sudanese Civil Structure Engineer, 3 years experience with residence and Omani license, good at AutoCAD Etabs Staad. Pro looking for suitable job. Contact: 97906770 Civil Engineer 3 years diploma holder having 7 years experience, building construction & oil & gas field with driving license.

Contact: 93294965 Mechatronics Engineer 26, MSc with 3 years industrial experience, looking for suitable placement.

NOC available. Contact 94887665 Email: mechatron_mt@yahoo.com Electrical Engineer Indian (29) , 7 years exp in Oman, 33KV, 11 KV projects in MZEC & MEDC having CEP 1 & NOC with D/L. Contact: 99822373 Sr.HSE Engineer (B.E Mech+ Diploma Safety + NEBOSH+OSHA) over 10yrs. Exp, (Visa Release/Transfer Letter (NOC) available), seeking suitable placement.

Contact - 97061817, Email: jayanammu1977@gmail.com Diploma in Electronics, 2 years exp in telecommunication.

Contact: 94519571 Email: telecommunicationvishnumadhull @gmail.com Syrian Civil Engineer graduated 2012, 1 year experience in Oman.

Contact: 92967785 10 years experience in Dubai & Bangladeshi as a BSC Engineer on structural designer & construction having Dubai municipality approval & driving license. Contact: 91206763 Future 008801758846027 Email: engr. masud.civil.@gmail.com Electrical Engineer with 18 years exp in UAE. Contact: 98148034 Email: shassalih66@gmail.com HSE & Fire Safety Engineer 4 years experience air port operational safety, power & chemical industry. Contact: 94374241 7 Yrs Exp. PM in Mech. Engg in the field of Building Const. Oil & Gas Seeking Job.94625598

Sudanese Structure Civil Engineer 2 years experience resident Omani license. Contact: 94393880 Civil Engineer / QS engineer, 9 years experience in Oman freelance visa, searching for a suitable job in Oman. Contact: 97299165 Need job for experienced mason, electrician & welder.

Contact: 93015630 M.Tech in Manufacturing Engineering with 2 years of experience, on visiting visa looking for a suitable job. Contact: 91417949 Email: dannyrangde@gmail.com BE Mech specialization welding technology 11 yrs quality cont Engineer by Steel Cons EPL Installation desalination plant (Gulf). Contact: 96603299 Instrument Engineer B.Tech Indian male, 24 yrs, 1 yrs experience in reputed oil & gas companies, currently on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact: 92007218 Email: ahmed0515@gmail.com Civil Engineer (Diploma) having 11 years experience in building construction, looking for a suitable placement , having Oman driving license. Noc available.

Contact: 95075365 Email: azharraaz@gmail.com Indian Electrical Engineer Btech, female 24 seeking job, presently in oman having 2 year experience in design and estimation of Ht &Lt projects. Contact 968 97436557, Mail id : sibinanoop1@gmail.com Civil Engineer (BE) having total 5 years experience in building construction looking for a suitable placement. D/L available Contact# 94450270 Civil Engineer 6 yrs Exp in Oman with license. Contact: 98975518 Mechanical Engineer M.Tech 2 years experience HVAC design & site Engg revit MEP Auto CAD. Contact: 90150913 Email: mahmanmechengg@yahoo.im Bachelor Civil Engineer 6 Years in Oman experience Valid Driving License seeks suitable placement Phone 97619722 Email – golamrob@yahoo.com Mechanical Engineer with 3 Yrs experience in international Oil & Gas company looking for job Contacts: Tel: 90164236 Email: mustafaoshi-62@hotmail.com

Sri Lanka (BSC) quantity surveyor, having 3 years GCC experience is looking for a suitable placement 1 such as QS/ Contract administrator / estimator / project coordinator has knowledge in Fidic and construction standard available in visit visa. Contact: 96301107 /94292198 Email: faisfareed@gmail.com Mechanical Engineer male 26 yrs, with 4 yrs of experience in manufacturing oil & gas retail, brand promoting, marketing, logistics having valid Omani D/L seeking for a suitable placement. Contact: 97098676 Email: ja237le@gmail.com Indian male, Mechanical Engineer having 1year experience, on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact:97416564, Email:jovinmathias@gmail.com Procurement Engineer (27 years single male with Oman Driving License) having 7 years experience (UAE 2, Oman 3) with expertise in MEP, Water, Electromechanical, Instrumentation seeking suitable placements. Contact 95852033, mail: hemal1988@gmail.com Electrical Engineer: Indian male, 30 yrs having 5 yrs of experience in industrial automation & utility maintenance in India (MRF tyres), holding valid Oman D/L. Contact 92789995, email : akhilabrahamlktr@gmail.com Sudanese Architectural Engineer 2 years experience in Oman, Revit, AutoCAD 3Ds max Archicad looking for suitable job.

Contact: 94722356 Email: maya40999@hotmail.com Sri Lankan Engineer (27 Years old) – B.Sc Engineering (Hon) Mining / Geotechnical Presently in Muscat, 1.5 years experience.

Contact 91295802 / acmfaslan123@gmail.com Indian female, 31 yrs, 7 yrs experienced as AutoCAD civil draftsman (2 yrs experience in Oman) currently in Oman seeks suitable.

Contact 96789441 Email: simi5304@gmail.com

HOSPITALITY Indian male B.A Degree & diploma in hotel management with 16 years experience as restaurant & catering manager in Oman & Saudi with V/L Oman D/L seeks suitable placement. Contact: 92100141 Hospitality/Hotel/ Restaurants Dynamic result oriented hospitality professional with 20 years of international exp. MBA in Hotel Management, specializing in Hotel/Restaurant start ups, concepts & Franchise development with proven records. Seeking for Challenging positions in reputed groups as GM/COO/CEO/Business Head. (NOC available) Contact: 96059470

IT Indian male 26 years with BBA, tally and hard ware networking, having 3 years of experience as an accountant, seeking for suitable placement. Contact: 98201244 5yrs experience in software and 1yr in admin, looking for a part-time or work from home jobs Contact: 91711326 Sudanese Network Administrator 1 year experience with (MCSA, CCNA, CCNP) have valid driving license. Contact: 92394485 Network Engineer degree Computer Science CCNA, MCSA experience NOC. Content: 92346191 Indian Male, IT System Engineer having 4 yrs of experience in system administration.CCNA,MCSE, Linux. Looking for suitable job.

Contact :91272867 Dynamics AX 2009 / 2012 R2/ R3 Microsoft certified professional MCA & BCA Having 15 yrs of total exp & 6 yrs of relevant exp seeking for suitable position. NOC is available. Contact: 93469493 Email: axcertprof@gmail.com

D.M.E, Indian, 12 yrs experience in Oman, in Project Estimation, Execution, Quality & marketing working as Estimation Engineer in acid & water tanker, semi trailor company, having driving license & will get NOC, seeks suitable job in Oman.

PAEDIATRICIAN AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE PLACEMENT (MBBS,DCH) INDIAN LADY PAEDIATRICIAN, AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY, NOW IN FAMILY VISA IN OMAN. CAN WORK AS A MEDICAL OFFICER /PEDIATRICIAN AS THE POST DCH EXPERIENCE IS 2 YEARS, AS PER MOH RULES. OMAN PROMETRIC EXAM PASSED(60%) Contact :

Contact 98968495

nadakkavil1984@gmail.com PHONE: 96276347 / 94769455

IT

MISCELLANEOUS

A young CA (ACA & ACCA qualified) with 4 years experience in one of top audit firms in UK & KSA seeks suitable placement in Oman. Contact: Kamran hkamran112@gmail.com, +44 7480 1196 74/ +968 93595050

Filipina lady very urgently looking job only in boutique, release available ready to join immediately.

Contact: 97122152 / 91240759

Hardware & networking, 2 years exp. Contact: 96244031 Indian female (30 yrs) , BCA , MCA,ASP NET certification, SAP ABAP certification 2 yrs experience, seeking placement family visa. Contact: 99109121 Email: ashamaryphilip@gmail.com

MEDICAL Male Indian Dentist BDS with 9 years experience, prometric exam cleared, looking for job.

Contact 97768187/ vermanikhil492@gmail.com.

Indian female BDS with MOH license looking for job.

Contact 95347894 An experienced Sudanese female Dentist with MOH license looking for job. Contact 96436517 /97396088

MANAGER Procurement Manager / Commercial Manager / G.M Indian male having 26 years of experience in Import, procurement, logistics, Commercial activities, Warehousing, TRD & Sales. Contact: 90502724 Email: tk.sasi@gmail.com Indian female having 17 years of Dubai work experience in Business Process Management & Quality Assurance (ISO 9001) is looking for job in Muscat (Full time/Part time/ Consultant). Experienced in developing, training & implementation of business process documentation, leading the organization to ISO 9001 certification, Quality Audits and Business process improvements & controls. Contact: 97903127. Email : ravichandran. mangala@gmail.com The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: construction(Very strong and qualified to bringing business for civil work Or any type of the construction work for many million per year with a good experience in pricing and collect payment and cash management of the company & marketing projects & investments& tenders & real estate. Contact 92385033 The Business Development Manager, Iraqi, Experience 15 Years Inside and outside Oman following activities: tenders& real estate& construction & marketing projects& investments & transportation & Marine services& companies management& develop business.

Contact :- 92385033 MBA (marketing) with 17 years experience in freight forwarding/ logistics industry in GCC & Oman.

Presently working as branch manager in Muscat. Looking for a suitable position. Release and NOC available. Contact: 99856331 Indian male, with experience in operations management, information security, purchase & stores mgmt, hold UAE driving license, on visit visa, seeks suitable job.

Contact 91904541 Email: naushers@yahoo.com

MISCELLANEOUS Indian Female, 24 Years - MSc Biotechnology. Worked in International Crops Research Institute For The Semi Arid Tropics for project work as trainee. Looking for suitable job. Mobile: 92619048, Email: anusreeg1991@gmail.com Graduate, computer literate, experienced in sales, credit control, accounts, Omani D/L , seeks suitable placement.

Gsm 98805474

Looking for job with car education O level exp 6 yrs English, Arabic & Hindi. Contact : 99640986 Female business graduate from UK with four years corporate Experience in procurement purchasing expediting logistics and supply chains in UAE Seeks suitable placement. Contact: 99581399 10 years experience in Oman in logistics / purchase have Oman D/L looking for suitable placement.

Contact- 96410767 Email: harishkts@yahoo.com Purchaser, experience 9.5 years in Oman, Indian male, Driving License available with own car.

Currently working with ARDISEIS Oman Branch (Seismic work for PDO Oman) as a purchaser. Handling all type purchase, logistic, petty cash, stock, dispatch. Working with SAP application. Educational qualification - Post Graduate in MA (Economics) Salary – Negotiable seeks suitable Placement.

Contact 99458569 Email : nitesh.rane2015@gmail.com.

Indian female on visit MBA (International Business- Marketing & Logistics), BE (Computers & Science Engg.) Trained in SAP-BI/ BW with 1 year experience seeking for job Contact: 90228586 Email:fathimasha16@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING Indian male 32, MBA (Marketing & Finance) with 10 years experience in Marketing of Banking Products & Insurance Industry. Seeking for a Job in Oman. Contact: 93576980, 97750460 Email: senthil.cbe83@gmail.com Indian sales marketing professional highly experienced in business development in ME India and Africa seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 97897611 Indian male 28 yrs having 6 years experience in Oman in Sales & Marketing & Office Administration, looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 99142314 Indian male B. Pharm 15 years sales experience MOH Pharmacist license driving license looking for opportunities in Pharmacy or Sales and marketing can get NOC. Contact: 99694865 Indian male, BBM, MBA, having 3 years experience in Sales looking for suitable job. Contact: 92796046 Indian male, Graduate, 9 yrs experience in FMCG – UAE, valid GCC driving license on visit seeks suitable position. Contact 92419491 / 94881950, Email : pranilpp76@gmail.com A dynamic professional, Female, with 8 years of experience in PURCHASE,SALES COORDINATION ,OFFICE ASSISTANT, residing in Oman with valid NOC from current company,looking for a suitable job, Ready to join Immediately”.

Contact:-shiji4123@gmail.com Phone:- 94157662 South Indian hold 12 years Omani residency – B.E, MBA, PGDM, MCIM, result oriented self starter - Techno commercial Executive 15 years core experience in business development/ marketing oil & gas (all streams) & manufacturing. seeking suitable placement. Contact 99277816/ myakram@hotmail.com Indian male 22 BBA Graduate one year experience in Oman with valid Oman driving license looking for a placement. Contact: 96357787 Looking for immediate sales and marketing 3 years GCC experience with valid driving license now on visit visa till Feb 12.

Contact: 99642611 Email: kashif_iam@yahoo.com

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DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION WANTED

SALES / MARKETING B.Sc Graduate with 4.4 years work experience in Sales, Marketing and Business Development looking for a job. Currently in Oman and ready to join immediately.

Contact : 00968-95096284 A dynamic professional, female, with 8 years of experience in PURCHASE, SALES COORDINATION , OFFICE ASSISTANT, residing in Oman with valid NOC from current company, looking for a suitable job, Ready to join Immediately.

Contact:- shiji4123@gmail.com, Phone:- 94157662 27 years old male MBA Graduate having 1.5 years experience in Marketing seeking for good opportunities in sales & marketing.

Contact: 90572132 Email: bibi4bibin@gmail.com MBA Indian male 2.5 yrs exp in marketing & sales presently on visit visa seeking immediate placement. contact :91725539.

Email: suhailahmad1489@gmail.com

SKILLED / UNSKILLED

Indian male 26, with more than 4 years experience in Sales and Marketing having valid GCC license on visit visa seeks suitable position. Contact: 92423161

Mason, SH / carpenter, steel fitter gulf & Indian exp looking job.

Contact: 95175192

Indian male, MBA Marketing having 2.5 years Sales experience immediately looking for a suitable position. Contact: 91415145, Email: shariqs88@gmail.com

Instrumentation & controls Technician with 2-3 years experience preferably in water sector and having valid driving license call Ph:+968 99450811 Send CV to shiju@spec-link.com

MBA graduate having 6 years exp in Sales & Marketing, 4 years with PEPSI, India, having international driving license permit seeks suitable placement.

Contact : 95308167, Email : samir.pag@gmail.com B.Com male 2 yrs experience in sales Computer knowledge, seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 98371144 email: nabilnazar22@gmail.com Indian 15 yrs Marketing exp with visa D/L looking for senior job.

Contact: 90390862

TECHNICIAN /MECH.

TOURS/TRAVELS Indian male 26, on vist visa, 2+ yrs of experience with UAE D/L, IATA-FIATA,BBA looking for any suitable job. Contact 91324567 Purchase Executive Professional, Indian male having 6 Years of Experience in Oman Having Valid Driving Licence working as a Purchase officer, Looking for a suitable Position, NOC/LR Available.

Contact: 95132564/96456071, E-mail: naji1988@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS Indian male B.Eng. in IT, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE, 3yrs exp. in IT/networking/server, valid Omani D/L seeking suitable placement in IT/ Network/Server support. Contact 92607532 22, Indian BBA graduate, 1 year experience, presently on visit visa, looking for suitable placement.

Contact 91881053 Highly experienced mechanical/ steel structural fabrication engineer looking for suitable placement. NOC available. Contact: 99860714, hussain20173@gmail.com.

B.Com 5yrs experience good command on tally, Excel sheet on family visa. Contact: 98002428 Email: lubnakanwal36@gmail.com B.TEC ( IT) . 24 years, 2 Years of experience in technical support, software development, networking, troubleshooting and managing. seek suitable placement.

Contact GSM- 98184170

LEGAL SERVICE

Spoken Arabic class for Non Arabic Speakers & English class for Malayalam Speakers

An Indian lawyer Provides all legal services in company matters.

Labour issues, contracts, agreements, LLC formation, legal help for starting new business in Oman, Civil, criminal cases,.service issues.

Ibrahim Al Massalhi.legal consultancy Sarafudheen, LLB, MBA, Legal Advisor Muscat. GSM: 97351649

in Azaiba and Ruwi

• Learn in two months • Satisfaction guaranteed

Tel: 95244310

Karate and self defense classes at Azaiba 18 Nov Street. RO 10 per month twice a week Monday and Tuesday 6. 30 TO 7. 30. PM. CONTACT 98294551

FURNITURE SHIFTING Maintenance, Dismantling, Packing, Shifting & Fixing furniture with expert technicians.

Contact: 99041337

SERVICES We Provide Cleaners, Office boys, Cleaning Contracts, General cleaning etc.

Al Mudakhir National Est. LLC Contact : 94277020

Split & window A/c servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517 House shifting & transporting.

Contact 92490422 Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722

For wooden Aluminum door, windows. Contact: 98796982

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

Building maintenance.

Contact: 96173326 Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS99320217 /24788722

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

Pest Control Treatments.

Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723 Cleaning & Carpet Shampooing, Ocean Center LLC. Contact: 99344723 Al farzdaq Al Fedi Trad and Cont Maintenance services electric, plumbing and A/C. Contact: 96524904 / 94285064

Searching a land surveyor job fully know latest instrument of Survey GPS and Total station two year OMAN experience.NOC Available. Contact +96894144052, Email- wasifnaz 313@yahoo.com

SITUATION WANTED EDUCATION/CLASSES/TRAINING/COMPUTER/WEBSITE

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

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

Electronics service Technician , 4 Years experience as Electronics service engineer. Knowledge in all type of Electronics items. Looking for suitable placement.

GSM- 99105043

A/C maintenance & servicing, fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing, painting & cleaning services, electrical & plumbing.

Contact: 99447257 / 97014234 / 24504281 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting,Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. Contact: 24810137, 99450130

AVAILABLE Party & Wedding equipment rentals.

Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting.

Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. ww.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

WANTED IELTS Coaching (academic) required nearby wadi Kabir area.

Please call on mobile or msg on Whats up.

Mobile no: 92927880/99012165

IELTS PREPARATION Target Band 8.0

Classes for Spoken English TOEFL / GRE / GMAT / SAT Excellent Guidance and Coaching Satisfaction Guaranteed EAGLES INSTITUTE 92325542 | 93657915 | 93657917 | Email: engominst@gmail.com

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

TOURS

TOURS

SITUATION WANTBUSINESS ED

SITUATION WANTTOURS ED

DRIVING

RENT A CAR

Dolphin Watch, Dhow Cruise with Buffet, & Land Tours Al- Ainain Marine Tours contact 98029602, 92808636 We arrange tours & accommodation at all the beautiful places in Oman. Contact 99839898

An Investing partner needed for a printing press.

Contact: 99498949

NRI Plot for sale Shadnagar Municipality, Mahboob Nagar District, walk able distance to existing colonies, national highway and basic amenities at reasonable price.

Contact – 0091 8686631669 One bedroom flat in Guruvayoor Kerala, 2 minutes walk to Guruvayoor temple direct owner.

Contact: 00968 99466800 Plot, propeties for sale in prime location in pune Contact 95272138, (+918390982975)

MATRIMONIAL Hindu nair age 64, looking for a suitable girl.

Contact: 0091 755900189

GOOD NEWS Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam).

Contact: 24475280 / 95371664 / 92504980 www.siddhayur.com

TRANSPORTATION Transportation. Contact 96173326

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation. Contact 94510847

MV SALE Hiace Toyota van for sale, model 2010. Contact: 94203204 Rav4 ,2015,38000 km No.2 O.R 8200. Contact : 96474787 Hummer H2 model 2006, 178000 km, Full options Number 1 Army edition.OMR 7200.

Contact -99466773 Chaverlet Epica 2004 model RO -700, for sale. Contact 92194205 BMW 318/ 2003 for sale.

Contact 96364990

GOOD NEWS Genuine Ayurvedic treatments & massage, Ayurvedic clinic at AL Khuwair. Contact: 24478618 / 97263637 / 93309131 FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 99250777, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit:www.islamfact.com

We need transport from Mabella to Mawalleh for student & employee. Contact: 92757673 Transportation.Contact: 99099714 Transportation Al Khuwair.

Contact: 92711421 Transportation available Ruwi to Al Khuwair, Ghubra & Azaiba.

Contact: 91103909 Transportation. Contact 92015894

LOST Rashid Mehmood has lost Pakistan Passport No. CB 0151723. Finder please handover to ROP I, Ridhwan Fazlu Rahman (PP No: L6690102), lost my CBSE 10th certificate & migration, roll No: 8107321(S.No: SSE/2014, 0430292). If anyone find please handover to nearest police station or Contact: 968- 99334391 Husna Ally Omary has lost Tanzania Passport No. AB 609157. Finder please handover to ROP. Obayed Mobarok has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AB 6051049.

Finder please handover to ROP.

BUYING Buying cars for cash.

Contact: 90202090

FOR HIRE Bobcat available for rent.

Contact 97623299

Car available with driver on daily rent and Monthly. Contact: 96728065 / 98031620 25 - 50 seater bus with PDO & BP specification for monthly rent & small car with driver.

Contact: 99839898

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DAILY GUIDE

SITUATION WANTED DINING DELIGHTS

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