Times of Oman - March 31, 2015

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TUESDAY, March 31, 2015 /10 Jumada Al Thani 1436 AH timesofoman.com

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CABLES

Minister hints that some Omanisation and expat policies could be revisited Times News Service

FATAL FRIDAYS Road accidents 2013

The first day of

More than 300 firms in BIG show this year

1

Products of more than 300 local and global firms from the construction and interior design industry are on display at BIG show inaugurated in Muscat on Monday. >A5

the weekend saw

10,000

an estimated 152

8,000

Iran, global powers struggle for N-deal

2

Iran and major powers were struggling on Monday to reach a preliminary nuclear accord as “gloom” set in, with both sides sticking to their positions a day before deadline. >A11

MARKET

Oman plans spot market for power

3

Oman plans to introduce a spot market for electricity to enhance efficiency in the sector. John Mather has been made project manager for a new spot market pricing system. >B1

By governorate Injured

7,829

motorists dead

Accidents

6,000

6,717

in a total of 985 accidents

4,000 3,835 2,000 913

Died

816

130 126

North Batinah

120

By gender

FAHAD AL MUSKRASHI

OMR

4,654 9,134,095 Vehicles written off due to accidents in 2014

is the total value of vehicles written off

Source: Royal Oman Police

Police (ROP) said families also move from one wilayat to another during the weekend, increasing the probability of accidents.

Urging road users to practice safety, Al Wahaibi said, “Most motorists travel with families which increases the chance of there being more casualties. It is important to be extra careful while driving.”

Wednesdays saw 135 people being killed and 520 injured in 985 road accidents that occurred on that day, according to the ROP figures.

July topped other months for the number of casualties, when 78 people were killed, followed by 76 deaths in April, and

671 2,964

Injured Female Death Injured

0

MUSCAT: Friday was the deadliest day on Oman’s roads in 2014, with more people dying and being injured than any other day of the week.

The first day of the weekend saw an estimated 152 motorists dead and 627 injured in a total of 985 accidents which occurred on Fridays.

While Thursdays registered the highest number of accidents, at 1,015, Friday proved more dangerous to life and limb.

This is a change from 2013, when Saturday saw the highest number of deaths on roads with 166 fatalities registered.

Hamed Al Wahaibi, founder of Safety First, an organisation engaged in creating awareness and improving road safety, feels that because many roads are empty on the weekend, a lot of drivers are tempted to indulge in speeding and reckless driving.

An official at the Royal Oman

Muscat Dhakliyah

Male Death

and 627 injured

fahad@timesofoman.com

WORLD

Casualties 2014

10,802

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INTERACTION

HM receives greetings from leaders MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received a cable of greetings from the Emir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, on the occasion of his return to the homeland. In his cable, Sheikh Tamim expressed his sincere greetings and best fraternal wishes of good health and wellbeing to His Majesty the Sultan and the Omani people further progress and prosperity. He wished His Majesty on behalf of the people and government of the sisterly State of Qatar.

His Majesty also received a cable of greetings from Akila Saleh Issa, chairman of the Libyan Parliament, on the occasion of the auspicious return of His Majesty to the homeland.

In his cable, Akila Saleh Issa prayed to Allah the Almighty to perpetuate good health and wellbeing on His Majesty the Sultan and protect His Majesty for his homeland and people to achieve aspirations of further progress and prosperity under His Majesty’s wise leadership. >A6

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145 871

MUSCAT: Some policies connected to Omanisation and expat labour may be re-examined, said the Minister of Manpower, if the private sector can suggest an alternative plan to boost the national workforce numbers.

At a meeting with industrialists, Minister of Manpower Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Bakri said, “The ministry is very flexible when it comes to reexamining some of the policies related to Omanisation and the foreign workforce if the companies and factories can commit to identifying a mechanism to increase the number of Omani cadres in these institutions to be agreed upon between the ministry and business owners.”

Urging companies to find a clear plan to ensure a rise in Omanisation rates in local companies, Al Bakri said that additional advantages and facilities will be provided to the companies committed to this policy.

At the same meeting, Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy explained that the meeting was being held to find a mechanism to address challenges such as determining the number of Omani workers and expatriates in a single institution.

The meeting, held at the Knowledge Oasis Muscat, offered a platform for industrialists to interact with ministers and

FLEXIBLE APPROACH: Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Bakri, Minister of Manpower.

their counterparts. Al Sunaidy supported the idea of finding a neutral party to evaluate the performance of the factories and their local and foreign workforce requirements.

He also suggested that a website be established to receive complaints and suggestions by industrialists and entrepreneurs in order to add more transparency to the industrial processes.

The meeting discussed the current mood in the local industry and highlighted obstacles faced by the industrialists. It also touched upon their vision for the future.

Meanwhile, the industrialists stressed on the importance of “reconsidering some personal behaviour” during inspections by the Ministry of Manpower due to the lack of proper training. >A6

By nationality Omanis

535

Others

249

Arabs 16

Graphics

75 deaths in October. Muscat governorate topped other governorates with 130 casualties, followed by Dhakliyah with 126, North Batinah with 120 and Dhofar and South Batinah with 85 deaths in 2014.

Al Wahaibi pointed out that it was natural for the Muscat governorate as it is the capital and is a very populated area, and has a large number of vehicles.

The Musandam governorate registered the lowest number of casualties at four.

The most fatal road accident was a collision that occurred in the Mazyonah area of Dhofar and resulted in the death of nine people. >A6

UAE carriers introduce ‘rule of two’

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WA R

Indian rescue plane waits in Oman for clearance from Yemen Yemenis in Oman worried about families back home FAHAD AL GHADANI

fahadnews@timesofoman.com

DEVASTATION: Soldiers and Houthi fighters inspect the damage caused by air strikes on the airport of Yemen’s northwestern city of Saada, near Saudi border on Monday. Warplanes struck the Yemeni capital of Sana’a overnight and after daybreak on Monday. -Reuters

REJIMON K

reji@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: A rescue plane, which landed in Muscat on its way to evacuate Indians stranded in wartorn Sana’a, is stuck in Oman, having still not got clearance from Yemen, said an official of the India’s national carrier Air India.

BP Kulkarni, country manager of Air India in Muscat, told the Times of Oman that they have not

received permission to fly into the Yemeni capital.

Sources at the Indian consulate in Saudi Arabia said they were working to get the clearance as soon as possible. The 180-passenger plane landed in Muscat on Monday morning and was awaiting clearance to fly to Sana’a.

As per earlier plans, the flight was supposed to fly to Yemen and return to India by tonight. It had plans for a refuelling stopover

in Muscat on its return trip too.

There are around 3,700 Indians working in Yemen and on Sunday, India had airlifted 80 nationals from Sana’a to Djibouti.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has obtained permission to operate flights from Sana’a for up to three hours a day.

Last Thursday, after launching air strikes in Yemen, Saudi Arabia had warned foreign ships from approaching Yemeni ports and

declared Yemen’s airspace as “restricted”. Meanwhile, an Indian Navy patrol vessel involved in antipiracy operations was also headed for the port of Aden, where a smaller Indian community is based.

The patrol vessel has capacity to evacuate 150 to 200 people, said MEA spokesman Syed Akbaruddin. A larger vessel with the capacity for 1,500 people is expected to arrive in around five days.

See also >A8, 10, 14

MUSCAT: Unable to call his parents in the Yemeni port city of Aden, a Yemeni student, who is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Oman, is worried and totally distracted from his studies.

“For the past week, I have been trying to contact my parents but my efforts have been in vain. I do not know what to do,” Abdulkarim, a Yemeni student in Oman, told the Times of Oman, adding that he was unable to focus on studies. “I feel totally lost.

I cannot fly back now also as examinations are coming up.

Even If I make plans to visit, I do not know whether it will be possible,” Abdulkarim further

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said. The Yemeni Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has listed 480 pupils as studying abroad during the academic year 2015-2016. Of them, four students are studying in the Sultanate on scholarship. There could be others enrolled in private colleges.

Television news is the only source of information on the latest developments back home. “I know many other Yemenis in Oman who are in the same condition. Uncertainty is haunting us all,” said Abdulkarim. >A6

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TU ESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

OMAN

Many wilayats organised marches to express their gratitude and loyalty for His Majesty.

National songs and dances marked these rallies Love and loyalty expressed for HM >A4

LEGAL AFFAIRS MINISTER HEADS TO KUWAIT

Assigned by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Sa’eedi, Minister of Legal Affairs and Chairman of Oman Charitable Organisation left on Monday for the State of Kuwait to attend the third International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria, to be hosted by Kuwait on Tuesday.—ONA

RELIGIOUS MEETING

Symposium to focus on jurisprudence MUSCAT: New ‘ijtihad’ (diligence) process in the modern era will be reviewed at a symposium here.

The 14th Symposium on Development of Jurisprudence (‘fiqh’) Sciences, titled ‘Fiqh’ of the Era: ‘Fiqh’ and Religious Renewal (‘tajdid’), will be organised by the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs from April 5 to 8. Dr Salim bin Hilal Al Kharusi, Preaching and Guidance Advisor at the office of the Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, Deputy Chairman of the Organising Committee of the symposium, said that the symposium will also focus on contemporary ‘ijtihad’, “by which we renew the true religion and we put our future ‘fiqh’ vision in harmony with the past and present”.

A total 57 working papers will be presented, in the presence of learned Islamic scholars and dignitaries.–ONA

T U E S DAY, MAR C H 31 , 2 0 1 5

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Dubai crackdown on lane violators Dubai’s public transport agency recently announced that a fine of AED600 will be slapped on motorists found misusing the bus and taxi lanes. Fines on vehicles with Omani plates amounted to AED3.29m

FAHAD AL GHADANI fahadnews@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Starting from April 1, Omanis and expatriates who drive into Dubai will have to pay a fine of AED600 if they are found using lanes meant only for buses and taxis.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai, the public transport agency, recently announced that a fine of AED600 would be levied on motorists found misusing the bus and taxi lanes. The RTA also said that the new rule will come into effect from April 1.

In addition, smart cameras have been installed on some GLOBAL SECURITY

Seminar on chemical arms safety MUSCAT: Management of chemical weapons and materials was the focus of a seminar held by The Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) Command here.

The two-day seminar was held at Al Shafaq Club of SAF under the auspices of Lt. Gen Ahmed bin Harith Al Nabhani, SAF Chief of Staff.

The seminar was organised in collaboration with The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. A number of senior SAF, RGO, ROP and other security services officers attended the seminar.

Keynote speeches were delivered by Brigadier Hamad bin Rashid Al Balushi, Assistant SAF Chief of Staff for Operations and Planning and Kumaresh Misra, Head of International Cooperation Branch, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

A number of experts participated in this seminar. –ONA

roads, while Dubai Police patrols will continue to monitor other roads. In 2010, the RTA developed six kilometres of dedicated bus lanes in the city.

A survey carried out a few years ago revealed that from 2006 to 2008, the revenue accumulated in Dubai from fining traffic violators with vehicles holding Omani plates amounted to AED3.29 million.

Omanis biggest violators Compared to those from other GCC countries, Omani vehicles registered the highest number of traffic violations — as many as 27,722 times — in the United Arab Emirates during the same

period, with the amount reaching AED14.68 million.

Yahya Khalfan, a resident of Muscat, who travels to Dubai often, said that he kept himself updated with the latest rules and regulations introduced in Dubai, especially those related to traffic.

RTA website “I usually check the RTA websites to look for any newly-implemented rules in Dubai, or any that are likely to be brought into effect,” stated Khalfan, adding that he usually travelled two or three times a week to Dubai.

“My advice to motorists travelling to Dubai would be to keep themselves updated with the new rules and regulations implemented to avoid violating any during their stay there.”

Furthermore, Saif Al Wishahi, a Shinas resident, remarked, “As much as we need visitors to respect and to adhere to the traffic rules in Oman, we expect Omani motorists to do the same in other countries, as well.”

He feels that the RTA and the Royal Oman Police (ROP) must come up with an arrangement to disseminate information on any new traffic rules to both Omanis and Emiratis.

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OMAN L AW A N D O R D E R

National held for bootlegging Times News Service MUSCAT: A citizen was arrested for bootlegging while he was trying to smuggle liquor in his vehicle via Buraimi border post.

Personnel at the Customs Department at Buraimi border post found the bottles hidden in his vehicle. Legal action has been initiated against the accused.

Meanwhile, weekly report of the joint inspection team at Ministry of Manpower informs that the number of workers found violating the Labour Law from March 22 to March 28 stood at 315.

These cases included 249 commercial workers, 27 farm workers and 39 housemaids and their equivalents. Inspection teams caught 295 workers, including 172

absconding workers, 114 astray workers and nine workers involved in other violations.

Muscat witnessed the largest number of violations with 105 cases, followed by Al Batinah.

Meanwhile, the ministry has deported 340 expatriate workers for violating provisions of the labour law and ministerial decisions. –ONA

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Rallies express loyalty to HM to express their

Loyalty march at Seeb today

gratitude and loyalty

Times News Service

for His Majesty.

MUSCAT: A “Pledge of Allegiance March” will be organised by the private sector employees at Seeb Corniche Street on Tuesday.

They will be celebrating the return of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

The march, which is being organised by the leading companies of private sector, will begin from Al Abab Club at around 4.30pm and will march towards Wadi Al Bahais Lagoon.

Meanwhile, several wilayats continued to organise marches and celebrations to express their gratitude for His Majesty’s safe return to his homeland. Reports of festivities have come in from the wilayats of Khasab, Hamra, Nakhal, Kamil Wa Alwafi, Saham, Jalan, Sadah and Barka.

Thousands of people, who participated in the marches nationwide, expressed their happiness over His Majesty’s return.

Folklores, national songs and dances were the highlights of these celebrations, which had an abundance of national flags and symbols.

Several wilayats organised marches

Several marches were held in the wilayats of Maqshan, Khabourah, Buraimi and at educational institutions. Citizens expressed their happiness and joy over His Majesty’s good health and prayed for his continued success in leading Oman on the path of prosperity.

National songs and dances marked these rallies, which were covered with the national flag and HM’s portraits

J E B E L S I FA H C H A L L E N G E

GRAND PERFORMANCE

Mega catch at fishing contest Classical concert for music connoisseurs at ROHM show Times News Service

Two days of intense competition saw 59 professional anglers competing for the top honours.

MUSCAT: A record-breaking catch was the highlight of the event as Team Marassi emerged winners at the Jebel Sifah Fishing Challenge organised by Muriya Tourism Development for the third consecutive year.

Two days of intense competition saw 59 professional anglers and fishing enthusiasts go head-tohead to experience the breathtaking marine environment offered

by Sifah.

Altogether 17 boats departed from Jebel Sifah Marina returning with six species of fish. This year’s challenge featured three categories including International Game Fish Association (IGFA) that included Rod & Line and Fly Fishing,

as well as the Open category.

The winning angler, Fahad Al Farsi in the IGFA Rod & Line category, commanded the leader board with 137kg cumulative weight in two days of catching 73kg and 64kg yellow fin tunas to claim the Best Catch title.

The second prize went to Rashid Al Jabri with 108kg and third catch to Salem Al Muqimi with 84kg.

The best catch in the Fly Fishing category went to Adrian Hollis with 11kg and the winner in the open category was Alistair Botha with 16kg, followed by young angler Dylan Jones with 5kg and Hani Macki with 3kg.

In addition to claiming the second best catch in the Open category, Dylan Jones won the under 14-year category as well.

MUSICAL FANTASY: Anne-Sophie Mutter, a Grammy Awarding-winning violinist, joined Muti and

the orchestra on stage. – Photo:

Khalid Al Busaidi, ROHM

SARAH MACDONALD sarah@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: As one regular concert-goer said upon leaving the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) on Sunday night following the Riccardo Muti and AnneSophie Mutter concert, “That’s a concert we won’t forget.”

He was right. The brilliant performance by German violist Anne-Sophie Mutter and the strong playing by the Luigi Cherubini Youth Orchestra under the baton of legendary Italian conductor Riccardo Muti were unforgettable.

The concert began with the familiar William Tell Overture by Gioachino Rossini. From the rich sounds of the cellos and basses that start to the piece, to the thunderous and triumphant sound of galloping horses at the end, the large orchestra, which Muti himself founded in 2004 as a training ground for young Italian musicians, really seemed to amplify each note, from the soft trill of the flute to deep hum of the bassoon

and the light tingle of the triangle.

Maestro Muti’s commanding presence was palpable from the moment he walked on stage. He led the orchestra with authority and intensity, ensuring the music was played to his exacting standards. Watching both the musicians and Muti, who is 73 years old, one couldn’t help but realise the maestro’s genius, since all of the musicians are under 30 years of age, yet they sound as good as many of the leading European orchestras. Muti seems to conduct with precision and expects no less than perfection from each member of the orchestra.

Anne-Sophie Mutter, a Grammy Awarding-winning violinist, joined Muti and the orchestra on stage for the second piece, Ludvig van Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61. Mutter played with elegance, grace and refinement, giving no unnecessary dramatic flair to her performance, rather letting the music speak for itself. In typical Beethoven style, it’s a piece that is emotional and

adventurous, and one which explores the different dimensions of the violin. At times it almost sounded like Mutter were playing two violins at the same time!

Following the intermission the orchestra played Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 in E Minor Op. 64.

Though it wasn’t well-received by critics when it premiered in 1888, it now stands as an example of what an exceptionally beautiful and emotional composer Tchaikovsky was. It is moody and dramatic and in some ways unfolds like an epic saga, telling a bold tale. Under the guidance of Muti, the young orchestra performed it to the max, with a passionate and perfect performance.

After a long, loud and persistent applause Muti and orchestra indulged the audience with an encore, playing Giuseppe Verdi’s Overture from the opera Nabucco.

It was a vibrant and fitting end for the Italian conductor and musicians, its themes still echoing in the ears of the audience long after the musicians had left the stage.

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PDO renews pledge for Omanisation TARIQ AL HAREMI tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Some 362 young Omanis successfully completed their training to take up roles in the oil and gas industry as Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) held the graduation ceremony of another batch of vocational trainees, on Monday.

At the same event, the latest in a series of education and employment initiatives with the Omani government, PDO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Manpower.

The graduation ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr Mohamed bin Hamed al Rumhy, minister of oil and gas.

The graduates who completed an 18-month training programme in specialist institutions are ready to take on roles in the oil and gas industry of which they will be part of PDO’s 7000 employment plan for 2015.

The graduates will work with PDO contractors in a wide range of trades including mechanical, electrical and instrument technicians, welders and pipe fitters.

As per the MoU signed by Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Abdullah Al Bakri, minister of manpower and Raoul Restucci, PDO’s managing director, it will encourage co-operation in areas of training and Omanisation in the oil and gas sector and other industries. This will be achieved through training and the provision of job opportunities for Omanis.

Al Bakri praised the relationship between PDO and the Ministry of Manpower in terms of providing skilled jobs for Omani youth. He described the agreement as a model of co-operation between the two sides and added, “Four years ago we presented to the board the ambition to create 1000 jobs,” said Raoul Restucci.

In 2014, PDO significantly ramped up its In-Country Value (ICV) drive, working with the

Projects will continue, says Rumhy MUSCAT: Projects in the oil and gas sector will continue, said Dr Mohamed bin Hamed Al Rumhy.

When asked on the sidelines of the graduation ceremony whether signing 7,000 graduates for training is a sign that the Ministry of Oil and Gas is going ahead with all the projects, Dr Al Rumhy, minister of oil and gas, said, “Yes, employment is an extremely important part of our business. These people are the ones producing oil. They are responsible for production and are extremely important for daily operations.”

contractor community to create more than 4,300 jobs through structured training.

“This year we are targeting more than 7,000 workers. A few weeks ago we have identified 7,300 and should be able to exceed that,” added Restucci.

PDO’s training programmes proves to be an important aspect of employment in Oman. By signing the MoU with the Ministry of Manpower they are looking to compliment the industry needs with trained Omani manpower.

“We work closely with the undersecretary of the Ministry of Manpower, particularly in terms of the vocational training programmes, to align the many programmes the ministry has with what the industry needs,” said Restucci.

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is being held against a backdrop of increasing investment by the government in major infrastructure projects, estimated at $78 billion ANOTHER MILESTONE: This year’s edition marks another milestone with more representation from each segment and more diverse exhibitor and product profiles. –TIMES OF OMAN

TARIQ AL HAREMI tariqh@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Development projects in Oman are still going strong despite the dropping oil prices. The number of companies participating in the ongoing BIG (Builders International Gathering) Show in Muscat is proof of this fact, said Rasheed bin Al Safi Al Huraibi, chairman of Tender Board.

He was speaking after inaugurating the BIG show at the Oman International Exhibition Centre where over products of 300 local and international companies from the construction and interior design industry were on display on Monday.

The event offers over 1,000 new products and services, including building materials, construction equipment, wood machinery and interior furnishings in addition to other equipment and technology for building and construction operations.

The BIG show is being organised by OMANEXPO. “This exhibition is considered one of the specialised events that have proved its worth over the years since its establishment,” said

Rasheed Al Huraibi.“It encourages investment for the continued development of the Sultanate,” he said.

“New products will increase the efficiency of deployment and construction of products like solar energy,” added Al Huraibi.

Fehmi Ouaja, manager, BIG Show’s exhibition said, “This year’s edition marks another milestone with more representation

from each segment and more diverse exhibitor and product profiles. We have recorded a 30 per cent growth in the number of participating companies and exhibition space.

“Visitors will see clearly segmented product pavilions such as cement and concrete, doors and windows, kitchen and bathroom, ceramic, marble and stone in addition to interior design and con-

struction equipment and tools.”

When asked about how the boom in construction will develop despite the dropping oil prices, Rasheed Al Huraibi said, “The number of companies at this event demonstrates that development is ongoing.”

With increased diversity in this year’s BIG Show the space has been taken by European, Asian, Arabian and Omani companies to display their products and technologies for building and construction.

Focus on China The participation of two of the biggest pavilions in the history of Oman exhibitions to date, namely the China pavilion featuring 25 companies and the India pavilion featuring 40 companies, is the major highlight of the event.

“Other significant highlights are the national pavilions of Italy, Germany, Turkey, Iran, China and Austria,” he added.

The exhibition is being held against a backdrop of increasing investment by the government in major infrastructure projects, estimated at $78 billion, which will boost vital sectors such as tourism, real estate and logistics.

The annual show, which was launched as Interiors and Buildex in 1996 and rebranded as The BIG Show in 2010, provides a platform for local and international companies to take advantage of major opportunities in the industry as well as to learn about the developments in the local and global markets.

In 2009, it was given recognition as a ‘UFI - approved event’. UFI is the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.

The BIG Show will be open from between March 30 and April 2 from 4pm to 10pm.

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TU ESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

OMAN

Oman Air plans to exchange some of the ATR and Embraer aircrafts in its fleet with Boeing 737s in an attempt to reduce the diversity and expenses Paul Gregorowitsch, CEO of Oman Air

Oman Air gears up to expand base in China, South Korea Oman Air’s flights to Dhaka will be launched in July and a direct route to China will be launched in the last quarter of 2015. Also on the anvil is the opening of a station in Korea in 2016

SINGAPORE: Oman Air is on a major expansion drive with plans to open a station in Korea in 2016 while a direct route to China will be launched in the last quarter of 2015, said Paul Gregorowitsch, CEO of the national carrier, in Singapore on Monday.

There are also plans to exchange some of the ATR and Embraer aircraft in the Oman Air fleet with

GLOBAL AVIATION: His Highness Sayyid Taimour bin Asa’ad AlSaid receiving a momento on the sidelines of station launching ceremony in Singapore on Monday.–ONA

Boeing 737s in an attempt to reduce the diversity of aircraft and the cost, indicating that three new Boeing 737 aircraft had been ordered and were expected to join the fleet in 2017.

The two 787 Dreamliners (out of six) will be received in the fourth quarter of this year, and one of them will operate on the China route.

Though the cost of a single Airbus aircraft is $130 million, the company continues to invest in the purchase of aircraft.

Meanwhile, in another major announcement the CEO said, that the total number of aircraft owned

by Oman Air will reach 70 by 2020, Paul Gregorowitsch said.

These acquisitions will be in two categories. The first includes

25 wide-bodied aircraft while the second includes 25 singleaisle aircraft.

Gregorowitsch explained during a press conference along with Abdul Razzaq bin Juma Al Raisi, Oman Air’s chief commercial officer, that this will in turn raise Oman Air destinations to 75, while noting that flights to Dhaka in Bangladesh will be launched in July. By the end of this year more than 60 per cent of connecting flights will be through the Muscat International Airport in as little as two hours.

He pointed to the serious negotiations in the offing related to aviation rights, and also expressed the likelihood of the number of flights to London increasing to two by the end of this year.

Gregorowitsch said that the financial support provided by the Government of the Sultanate to the company has contributed to the new contract deals but this support will decrease gradually up to 2017 when the company will break even and start to earn profits.

Al Raisi said that the Muscat to Singapore route carrying the number 48 confirms the strength of the diplomatic relations between the Sultanate and Singapore that extends for more than 30 years. A celebration is to be held in Muscat

O M A N I S AT I O N

Sayyid Taimour’s meeting Meanwhile, His Highness Sayyid Taimour bin Asa’ad Al-Said, received Lim Heng Kiang, Minister of Trade and Industry in the Republic of Singapore, on the sidelines of launching ceremony.

Sayyid Taimour also discussed investment opportunities and sustainable development. The meeting was attended by Zakaria bin Hamad Al Sa’adi, Sultanate’s Consul General in the Republic of Singapore.–ONA

< FROM

HM

A1 receives more greetings Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Emir of Qatar and Sheikh Abdullah bin Nassir bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Qatar, also greeted His Majesty the Sultan on his return. In their cables, they expressed their sincere greetings and best wishes of good health, wellbeing and a long life to His Majesty, the Sultanate and Omani people further progress, prosperity and welfare under His Majesty’s wise leadership.

In his cable, President Omar Hassan Ahmed Al Bashir of the Republic of Sudan expressed his sincere greetings on this happy occasion, praying to Allah the Almighty to grant His Majesty the Sultan good health, wellbeing, a long life and success to continue his blessed march and comprehensive renaissance in leading his people towards further progress, welfare and prosperity.

In his wishes, President Ismail Omar Guelleh of the Republic of Djibouti prayed to Allah the Almighty to perpetuate good health, happiness and a long life on His Majesty the Sultan.–ONA

ROAD ACCIDENTS

A1 New corporate association < FROM

They also proposed non-interference by external actors in the internal affairs of the companies, holding of performance evaluations, and co-operating with specialised international offices to relieve pressure on the two ministries.

The industrialists expressed their interest in forming their own association as the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry could not solve all the problems at once.

This association will review all the laws and regulations governing the economy in general and find solutions to the challenges facing the economic sectors in the Sultanate.

The industrialists also suggested that special advantages with issues related to acceleration of procedures by ministries be offered to companies and factories that are committed to the Omanisation rates. During the meeting, Al Sunaidy mentioned that through his recent meetings with Omani industrialists and businessmen, a variety of issues and obstacles related to manpower in the Omani companies and factories were raised.

The minister stressed that the meeting confirmed the close and constant co-operation between the ministry and the private sector.

to mark the occasion, he added.

On the feasibility of the Muscat Sohar route, Al Raisi said that this route would turn profitable in the future. He said that the company is also currently waiting for some additional landing rights in India and neighbouring countries and expressed the hope that international routes would be operated from Sohar airport, while pointing out that Oman Air has signed several contracts with companies located in Sohar.

While stating that by the end of 2015 the number of stations would be 51, he confirmed that there are no plans to open new European stations, but there could be an increase in the number of flights to existing stations.

CABLES

“The major challenges currently faced by the industrial sector are related to the Omanisation policy, which was developed by the government based on economic and social considerations,” said Al Bakri, and added that industrialists emphasised that the current stage requires developing and strengthening confidence and trust between business owners and the Ministry of Manpower in relation to the required number of workers per firm.

Al Sunaidy also said there were looking to develop a mechanism to regulate the system of vacations and holidays particularly in factories which produce daily consumer materials.

In line with the efforts undertaken by the government to maintain communication channels with the industrialists in the Sultanate, the meeting was attended by Ahmed bin Hassan Al Dheeb, undersecretary of the Commerce and Industry Ministry, Hamad bin Khamis Al Amri, undersecretary of Ministry of Manpower, and Hilal bin Hamad Al Hasani, CEO of Public Establishment for Industrial Estates.

Officials from the two ministries, the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and director generals of the industrial estates also attended the meeting.

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Fatal Fridays trigger alarm

The reason for this accident that occurred last April was wrong overtaking.

Another nine people were killed in a collision accident that occurred last December in the wilayat of Ibra due to fatigue.

Rustaq road accident that occurred due to collision with a stationary object claimed eight lives in March 2014, thus becoming the third most fatal.

Males accounted for 82 per cent of the total fatalities with 671 deaths, while 2,964 males were injured, accounting for 77 per cent of the total injuries, in road accidents.

At the same time, 145 females were killed in the road accidents while 871 were injured in 2014.

More Omanis were killed than people of other nationalities; 535 Omanis died compared to 249 deaths of people from other nationalities.

Of the dead, 16 were Arabs and there were as many GCC nationals. A total of 78,819 new driving licences were issued in 2014, while the total number of valid driving licenses issued stood at 1,242,721 in 2014.

A total of 4,654 vehicles were written off in 2014 due to the accidents in 2014, their value appraised at OMR9,134,095.

The total length of the road network is 62,987 km.

In total, 816 people died and 3,835 were injured in 6,717 road accidents in 2014, while 913 people died and 10,802 were injured in 7,829 road accidents in 2013.

Males accounted for 82% of the fatalities

Of those, 31,365 km comprises tarmac road, while 31,622 km of road length is paved.

In total, 816 people died and 3,835 were injured in 6,717 road accidents in 2014, while 913 people died and 10,802 were injured in 7,829 road accidents in 2013.

“The traffic awareness bore good results in reducing road accidents in other governorates”, said Al Wahibi.

E X PAT R I AT E ’ S W O E S

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Yemen crisis

Another Yemeni, Ahmed, who is working at a restaurant, shared Abdulkarim’s concern. “I came here to work to meet my family’s daily needs. However, now I do not know what has happened to them,” he said.

“I am not able to get in touch with them,” said Ahmed, who has a wife and two children back home. Missing his family a lot, Ahmed said that he now regretted the decision to leave them behind in Yemen. “I will think a million times in future before leaving my lovely family alone again,” said Ahmed, while praying that nothing bad would have happened to them.

Meanwhile, expatriates who are waiting to be evacuated said that the condition in Yemen is worsening. “We have returned to Sanaa, but the situation is deteriorating, and we are very scared. The bombings which started on Sunday night continued till 6am on Monday. Later on, at around 10am, we heard two bomb blasts near the airport,” Shibin Daniel Mony, an Indian male nurse at a hospital in Yemen, said.

T U E S DAY, MAR C H 31 , 2 0 1 5 I call on the government of Iraq and the international community to enhance support to Iraq’s displaced and to help alleviate the suffering of all the Iraqi people Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary General

A7

REGION

APPEAL

UN warns of ‘catastrophe’ in Syria as NGOs pledge more funds KUWAIT CITY: A UN envoy warned on Monday of a “horrifying” humanitarian situation brewing in Syria as non-governmental organisations pledged more than $500 million for refugees on the eve of a major donor conference.

The United Nations has launched an appeal to raise $8.4 billion for Syria this year and hopes to receive major pledges at the donor meeting on Tuesday in Kuwait.

“Failing to meet the required funds risks resulting in a horrifying and dangerous humanitarian catastrophe,” Abdullah Al Maatuq, UN special envoy for humanitarian affairs, told a meeting of NGOs. Among the aid groups which gathered on Monday, Turkey’s IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation made the largest pledge of $100 million.

Other donors included Qatar’s Red Crescent Society and Kuwait’s International Islamic Charity Organisation (ICO).

UN humanitarian affairs chief Valerie Amos said the donor response at Tuesday’s conference

“We don’t have a specific target (for Tuesday’s conference). We hope donors will pledge generously like they have in the previous two conferences,” OCHA spokesman Jens Laerke said.

“We aim to raise the $8.4 billion throughout the year and the Kuwait pledging conference will be an important step.”

“needs to be comprehensive”.

She said the humanitarian situation had deteriorated in Syria with no reduction in violence and children particularly affected.

The aid is urgently required to provide life-saving assistance to half of Syria’s population as several UN aid agencies have said they remain underfunded and warned they could halt or downsize their operations.

Opening ceremony The Third International Humanitarian Pledging Conference will be chaired by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and opened

by Kuwait’s Emir His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah.

At the first and second conferences, also hosted by Kuwait, pledges of $1.5 billion and $2.4 billion were made. However, the United Nations has complained that not all pledges were honoured.

In a report on the worsening humanitarian crisis in Syria released last week, Ban said devastation from the fighting had left around

DONORS MEET: UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordi-

nator Valerie Amos, right, attends a donor conference alongside Abdullah Matouq, second right, UN Special humanitarian envoy to the Gulf, Chairman of the International Islamic charitable organisation (IICO), Advisor of Diwan Al Amiri, during the Third Conference of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) Donors to Syrian People in Kuwait city on Monday. – AFP

7.6 million people internally displaced. Another 3.9 million have sought refuge in neighbouring countries. “Every day brings more death, displacement and destruc-

tion,” the UN report said.

With the conflict now in its fifth year, almost half of all Syrians have been forced to flee their homes, the UN Office for the Coordination

Ban Ki-moon urges more aid for displaced Iraqis SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT

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The conflict with

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

IS militant group has forced a huge number of Iraqis to flee their homes, and the UN chief pointed out that additional resources were urgently needed

WARM WELCOME: Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi, right,

to save lives

with Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, in the Iraqi capital Baghdad on Monday. – AFP/HO/Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office

BAGHDAD: United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called in Baghdad on Monday for Iraq and the international community to increase assistance for over 2.5 million people displaced by violence in the country.

Ban met Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi as well as President Fuad Masum, Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al Jaafari and parliament speaker Salim Al Juburi during

his visit, and also addressed the Iraqi parliament. Iraqi forces are battling to retake the city of Tikrit, the government’s largest military operation yet against the I militant group, which led an offensive that overran much of the country’s heartland last year. The conflict has forced a huge number of Iraqis to flee their homes, and Ban said that “additional resources are urgently needed to save lives”.

“I call on the government of Iraq and the international community

to enhance support to Iraq’s displaced and to help alleviate the suffering of all the Iraqi people,” Ban said, according to a transcript of his remarks.

He also expressed concerns over “allegations of summary killings, abductions and destruction of property perpetrated by forces and militias fighting alongside Iraqi armed forces”.

“Civilians freed from the brutality of IS group should not have to then fear their liberators,” he

said, using an Arabic acronym for IS. Baghdad turned to militias to shore up its security forces, which were swept aside by the IS-led drive last June.

These forces have played a major role in Iraqi operations that have pushed IS back, but have also been accused of carrying out summary executions and kidnappings of members of Iraq’s minority community.

They have also been accused of confiscating or destroying minority community’s property.

Iraq must “bring volunteer armed groups fighting in support of the government under government control”, said Ban. Abadi said that “strict orders” had been issued against committing human rights abuses, and pointed to “the absence of reports of this type”, his office said.

Abadi also dismissed reports of earlier violations by pro-government forces as actually being the work of IS, despite the existence of strong evidence that militiamen have killed, looted and destroyed property on multiple occasions. — AFP

of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said. Of the $8.4 billion needed, $5.5 billion is for refugees in neighbouring nations and $2.9 billion for people inside Syria, it said.

Criticised International aid agency Oxfam on Monday criticised the international response to the Syria crisis, saying the funds were woefully inadequate.

“Wealthy countries meeting on Tuesday in Kuwait to pledge aid have a chance to turn this around, but they must dig deeper than last year. Failure to do so will have a devastating effect on millions of civilians in Syria and its neighbouring countries,” Oxfam said.

It said less than 10 per cent of European nations have pledged their “fair share” so far in 2015 based on the size of their economies, and overall appeals are only 9.8 per cent funded. — AFP

A8

TU ESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

INDIA

Seven die, 10 missing as J&K in flood’s grip again

N O V E L WAY

App-based membership drive launched

by Congress

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Armed forces, along

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

with four helicopters, floods in the state in September last year.

Incessant rains over the past 36 hours in Kashmir has caused landslides at many places while people from many areas vulnerable to floods have been evacuated to safer places.

More than 320 families have been moved to safer places in Kashmir valley as water level in river Jhelum was still above the flood level. More than 200 structures including 176 houses have developed cracks due to land sinking in Shopian district of south Kashmir, it said.

have been placed in readiness for deployment at short notice after local authorities declared a flood situation in the Valley

SRINAGAR/JAMMU: Seven months after witnessing the unprecedented floods, Jammu and Kashmir was again in the grip of panic on Monday as several areas of the Valley and parts of Jammu were in deluge leading to death of seven people, including a child, and fears over the fate of 10 others.

Process to evacuate affected people was underway as eight teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were rushed to Kashmir.

Immediate relief Armed forces, along with four helicopters, have been placed in readiness for deployment at short notice after local authorities declared a flood situation in the Valley.

NATURE’S FURY: An ailing woman is carried on a wooden plank to a safer place from her partially submerged house after incessant rains in Srinagar on Monday. Due to heavy rains over the past 36 hours, river Jhelum was flowing above the danger mark at several places including Sangam in Anantnag district and Ram Munshi Bagh in the city. - Reuters

Promising all help, the central government granted Rs2 billion as immediate relief as Prime Minister Narendra Modi rushed minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi to Kashmir for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and coordinate with state authorities with regard to the requirements.

While making the announcement about Centre’s grant, Chief Minister Mufti Sayeed said in the Assembly that the state government has sanctioned Rs250 million for Kashmir and Rs100 million for Jammu region which also has been affected by flood.

Police said six people have died while 10 others are believed to be trapped under the debris after a landslide brought down four houses in Indian-administeredKashmir’s Budgam district.

The deceased include four women, a man and a child, a police official said, adding efforts are on to identify them.

Search is going on for 10 others believed to be trapped in the debris of the fallen houses.

Sayeed said there was an “unfortunate” death in Udhampur and there have been some flash floods in Jammu as well.

Due to heavy rains over the past 36 hours, river Jhelum was flowing above the danger mark at several places including Sangam in Anantnag district and Ram Munshi Bagh in the city.

Flood water entered several low-lying areas of Kashmir, including capital Srinagar, leading to panic among the locals for whom memories of the devastating deluge only seven months back are fresh in mind.

Over 280 people had died and tens of thousands left homeless and property worth hundreds of crores damaged in unprecedented

Stranded passengers Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir government is making serious efforts for early airlifting of passengers stranded here following closure of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, state minister Abdul Ghani Kohli said on Monday.

The government is making serious efforts for early airlifting of passengers stranded in Jammu following closure of JammuSrinagar National Highway, the Minister of State for Transport (independent charge), Rural Development and Horticulture told reporters.

It was informed that at present there are about 2,000 stranded passengers at GB Jammu and they are being provided free meals by the district administration. - PTI

NEW DELHI: With an aim of expanding the party’s base, Congress on Monday launched an online and application-based membership drive.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur launched the application at their residence in the presence of AICC spokesperson P C Chacko and DPCC chief Ajay Maken.

“Any person wanting to be a part of Congress can now apply through their smart phones.

“There is also an option in the application to take a selfie from his or her phone and submit it through online.

“It will very useful, especially for youths who are Internet savvy,” Maken told reporters here.

Maken said through this application, which is both android and I phone-based, anybody from any part of the country can become a member of Indian National Congress. This is a new way of becoming a Congress member and the party has added three others ways of joining it, he said.

“There are four ways of becoming members of the Congress. One way is to enter the website -www. inc.in and fill up the form and apply for membership.

“The second way is to download the form, getting it photostated and distributing it among others and then sending it to DCC or PCC. “And, the third way is android and I-phone-based application through which Manmohan Singh and his wife have today become members of the party,” Maken said. - PTI

YEMEN

Modi seeks Saudi help for evacuation of Indians NEW DELHI: Concerned over the safety of 4,000 Indians in strife-torn Yemen, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday sought the help of Saudi Arabia as he held a telephonic conversation with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The Saudi king called up Prime Minister Modi who during the conversation briefed him on India’s evacuation plan.

The prime minister sought Saudi Arabia’s support and cooperation in the evacuation.

Recalling the “strong and close” relations between both the nations, the Saudi King assured Modi of his full attention to the safety of Indians in Yemen and all possible assistance for their early and safe evacuation.

Expressing gratitude “Prime minister shared his deep concern about the safety and welfare of the approximately 4,000 Indian citizens in Yemen,” a PMO statement said.

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the Saudi King

RESCUE EFFORTS: Passenger ship MV Kavaratti leaves from

Cochin Port on Monday for Djibouti Port to evacuate Indians stranded in conflict-hit Yemen. - PTI

and conveyed his best wishes to him for a quick resolution of the challenges in the region and early restoration of peace and stability under his leadership.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening India’s close relations with Saudi Arabia.

In a related development, concerned over the safety of Indians in strife-torn Yemen, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held an inter-ministerial meet-

ing during which it was decided to evacuate at least 400 nationals from Aden by sea routes on Monday night.

With government’s plans to airlift the stranded Indians not materialising in view of attack on the Yemen airport late last night, the sea route option was explored and it was decided that a local ship with the capacity of ferrying 400 passengers will be used to transfer all the Indians in Aden to Djibouti, where they will reach

on Tuesday morning. There are about 300 to 400 Indians in Aden.

In Djibouti, the Indian nationals will be assisted by senior diplomats and their return to India will be on two large military transport C-17 Globemaster aircraft. Announcing government’s decision, the Spokesperson in the External Affairs Ministry, Syed Akbaruddin, said that Minister of State for External Affairs V. K. Singh will leave for Djibouti on Tuesday to supervise the evacuation efforts.

Meanwhile, 80 Indians who had left from Yemen on Saturday for Djibouti, have returned to their respective states.

The meeting, which was attended by the Air Chief and senior officials of the Defence and Shipping ministries as well as aviation, also decided to utilise overseas Indians welfare funds in the region for the evacuation efforts.

Asked if the Indian embassy would be shut as was done by many countries, he said as long as “our nationals need assistance, the mission will be there”. - PTI

B I L AT E R A L T I E S

India, Japan vow to build strong relationship in defence, security NEW DELHI: India and Japan on Monday agreed to build a strong relationship in defence and security as Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo.

Highlighting that Japan is the first country he is visiting since assumption of office, he said this clearly conveys the importance India attaches to strengthening bilateral defence and security cooperation.

He said that he would like to see a strong partnership with Japan in defence equipment and technology. The Japanese prime minister said that he wants to build a strong relationship with India not only in economic field but also in defence and security field.

Partnership He said that a strong India-Japan partnership is not only in the national interest of the two countries but is also important for peace and security in the region, an official statement by the ministry here said.

WARM GREETINGS: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at a meeting in Tokyo on Monday. Parrikar is on a four-day visit to Japan to strengthen the mutual defence cooperation. -PTI

Parrikar, who is on a four-day visit to Japan, also held talks with his Japanese counterpart Gen Nakatani and both chaired the Defence Ministerial Meeting.

The two ministers briefed each other on the security environment surrounding each country and their respective defence policies. They reviewed strategic developments relating to

international security situation with emphasis on the inter-connected Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.

“They were of the view that in the inter-connected Indo-Pacific region, India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership has a key role in maintaining peace and stability in the region,” the statement said. -PTI

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INDIA

IRNSS-1D

Isro successfully completes navigation satellite orbit raising operation CHENNAI: The orbit raising operation of latest navigation satellite IRNSS-1D has been completed and it was placed in the intended orbit “successfully”, Indian Space Research Organisation(Isro) said on Monday.

“First orbit raising operation of IRNSS-1D is successfully completed by firing the Apogee motor at 17.28 hours on March 29, 2015,”

Isro said on its website. Isro successfully launched the IRNSS-1D, the fourth in the series of seven navigation satellites on board its workhorse PSLV-C27 from the spaceport of Sriharikota near here on Saturday.

IRNSS-1D, which will provide navigation, tracking and mapping service and has a mission life of 10 years, is the fourth in the constel-

lation of seven satellites, which would be on par with US-based GPS once the full complement of spacecrafts are launched.

While four satellites would be sufficient to start operations of the IRNSS system, the remaining three would make it more accurate and efficient. Isro has planned to launch the remaining three navigation satellites IRNSS-1E, 1F and

1G before the end of the next financial year. However, while other systems are global, the Indian system is regional in nature.

Nevertheless, Isro officials claim that India can replace the US GPS with the Indian system when full fledged operations begin.

The fully operational system is expected to provide accurate position information service to users

Malviya conferred with Bharat Ratna award The president also bestowed the highest Padma award, the Padma Vibhushan, on BJP stalwart L.K. Advani, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Sanskrit grammar expert, Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya.

The freedom fighter and the founder of the famous Banaras Hindu University was named for the country’s highest civilian honour 68 years after his death

NEW DELHI: Freedom fighter and the founder of Banaras Hindu University, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, was on Monday posthumously conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, by President Pranab Mukherjee in a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan here.

Named for the honour 68 years after his death, it was the members of Malviya’s family, including granddaughters Hem Sharma and Saraswati Sharma and grandsons Premdhar Malviya and Girdhar Malviya, who received the award

HIGHEST HONOUR: Family members of Pandit Madan Mohan

Malaviya receive the Bharat Ratna (posthumous) from President Pranab Mukherjee during Padma Awards 2015 function at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on Monday. - PTI

in the Darbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan at a cermony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President Hamid Ansari, among others.

Felicitation External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Min-

ister Arun Jaitley, too, were in attendance along with other senior Cabinet ministers.

However, no Congress leaders, including former prime minister Manmohan Singh, were spotted at the function even though government sources said that, as per the protocol, all former prime ministers are invited for the function.

LIGHTNING KILLS FIVE IN BIHAR

Vehicles ply at a slow pace during heavy rains in Patna on Monday. At least five people, including two children and a woman, were killed on Monday when they were struck by lightning in two separate incidents in Bihar, officials said. - PTI

2002 HIT-AND-RUN CASE

Salman’s driver tells court he not actor was driving the car MUMBAI: Ashok Singh, the family driver of Bollywood star Salman Khan, on Monday told the sessions court here that it was he and not the actor who was driving at the time of the 2002 hitand-run accident in which one person was killed and four others were injured.

Salman, charged by the police with ramming his Landcruiser into a bakery in suburban Bandra in a drunk state on September 28, 2002, had told the court last week that Singh was driving the car.

It was the first time he made this disclosure.

Ashok Singh (42), who on Monday appeared as a defence witness, corroborated Salman’s version completely.

His version Describing how the accident took place, Singh said: “A tyre burst and the car was dragged to the left....I tried to turn the steering wheel but it was hard, then I tried to apply brakes but by then the car had climbed the stairs of

CONFESSION: Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s driver Ashok

Singh arrives at session court in Mumbai on Monday in the 2002 hit-and-run accident. - PTI

bakery. “I was in a state of shock and Salman was sitting on the left side. He tried to open the door but it got jammed. He got down from my side which was on the right,” said Singh, replying to questions asked by Salman’s lawyer Shrikant Shivade.

Altaf, another driver who worked for Salman, had called him on phone at 1.30am that day, asking him to pick up the actor at

the J. W. Marriot hotel because he (Salman) was not well. Singh said he reached the hotel in auto-rickshaw, and saw the actor sitting on the driver’s side with engine running and air-conditioning on.

As Altaf had left, Singh got into the driver’s seat; Salman sat on his left and his friend Kamal Khan and constable Ravindra Patil, the actor’s police bodyguard, sat behind, he said. - PTI

Educationist Known for his espousal of Hindu nationalism, Malviya, an educationist, was behind the establishment of the Banaras Hindu University and was also the initial founders of right-wing organisation, Hindu Mahasabha.

Prominent Padma Bhushan awardees included noted lawyer Harish Salve, journalists Swapan Dasgupta and Rajat Sharma and 98-year old Saichiro Misumi — a proponent of Indo-Japanese friendship who had supported Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose during his visit to Japan in June, 1943.

Padma Awards Of the 109 Padma Awards announced this year, 43 were conferred on Monday while six awardees did not attend the function.

The remaining 60 Padma awards will be given next month with the tentative date for the ceremony being April 8, the sources said. -PTI

across the country and the region, extending up to an area of 1,500km.

While Isro is silent on the navigation systems strategic application, it is clear that IRNSS will be used for defence purposes as well. Each satellite costs around Rs150 crore and the PSLV-XL version rocket costs around Rs130 crore. The seven rockets would involve an outlay of around Rs910 crore. -Agencies

FOURTH IN SERIES: Isro’s navigation satellite IRNSS-1D was launched on Saturday. -PTI

A10

TU ESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

PAKISTAN P E S H AWA R AT TA C K FA L L O U T

70 schools face action for failing to tighten security PESHAWAR: A northwestern Pakistani province is taking criminal action against 70 schools that have failed to tighten security with measures such as installing barbed wire following a December high school attack that killed 132 children. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa made it compulsory for all schools to hire armed guards, raise the height of boundary walls with barbed wire and install closed-circuit televison.

Pakistan is in mourning after December’s attack on the armyrun high school in the northwestern city of Peshawar.

Six gunmen believed linked to the Pakistani Taliban killed 153 people in all. The 70 schools taken to task are in Kohat, south of Peshawar, which Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Education Minister Mohammad Atif Khan described as “dangerous”. Khan told officials to

hold meetings with school officials before taking action, he said.

Deadline extended “We extended the deadline several times to enable the owners and principals to make security arrangements, but finally we decided to take action in those areas whose security risk level is very high, such as Kohat,” the minister told Reuters.

The province enforced the security measures even though the school targeted on December 16 also had CCTV and security guards, which did not help stop the bloodshed.

When asked if the cost of the measures might be a reason for non-compliance, Khan said anyone who ran a school had the responsibility to protect the children. — Reuters

We extended the deadline several times to enable the owners and principals to make security arrangements, but finally we decided to take action in those areas whose security risk level is very high, such as Kohat Mohammad Atif Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Education Minister

Pakistan is set to join anti-Houthi coalition Pakistan has already pledged full support to Saudi Arabia in its operation against rebels and will join the coalition, a senior government official said on Monday

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will send troops to Saudi Arabia to join the coalition fighting Yemeni Houthi rebels, a senior government official said on Monday, joining several Gulf states, Sudan, Egypt and Morocco.

Pakistan would join a Saudi-led BACK HOME: A Pakistani family evacuated from Yemen, is greeted by relatives on their arrival in Jinmilitary coalition conducting air nah International Airport in Karachi on Monday. — AFP strikes against Houthi forces.

The air strikes are targeting the rebels’ southward advance on the SCAN THIS QR CODE TO INSTANTLY VISIT port city of Aden, the last bastion of Saudi-backed president, AbePHOTO GALLERY drabbu Mansour Hadi.

W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N .C O M “We have already pledged full support to Saudi Arabia in its opwere evacuated from Yemen by a eration against rebels and will jumbo jet and sent a naval frigate join the coalition,” the Pakistani to rescue others stranded in the official said. war-torn country, officials said.

A Pakistani team, to be led by Shujaat Azeem, aviation adviDefence Minister Khawaja Asif sor to the prime minister, said the and foreign policy chief Sartaj PIA flight carrying 503 passenAziz, had been due to arrive in gers from Hodeidah had arrived Saudi Arabia on Monday but delayed the trip at the request of the SUPPORT FOR COALITION: Pakistani activists march in support of in Karachi.

Saudis, the official told Reuters. the Saudi government at a protest in Quetta on Monday. — AFP Jubilant passengers On Monday night, Aziz and Live television footage showed Asif met with Pakistan’s milithe jubilant passengers being oftary chiefs and Prime Minister fered rose garlands and bunting Nawaz Sharif. of the Pakistani white and green “Pakistan remains firmly comflag as they emerged from the armitted to supporting the soverrivals lounge of Jinnah Internaeignty and territorial integrity of tional Airport.

Saudi Arabia in accordance with Many people cried when they the aspirations of the people of hugged each other and relatives Pakistan,” a statement from Shaof some passengers distributed rif’s media office said. sweets to those who had gathered “Pakistan stands committed to to welcome the evacuees. playing a meaningful role in arPassengers said they were resting the deteriorating situation happy to be home and thanked in the Middle East.” the government amid slogans There are already about 750of “Long live Pakistan”, “Long 800 Pakistani servicemen in live prime minister” and “Long Saudi Arabia but none are combat live PIA.” troops. Pakistan has already had Foreign ministry spokeswomsmall demonstrations both for NO TO WAR: Activists protest against the war in Yemen at a rally an Tasnim Aslam said there were and against military intervention. in Islamabad on Monday. — AFP still up to 250 Pakistanis in the port town of Mukalla, which was Demonstrations Right-wing religious groups dem- against intervention, on the view family. After his second term as peaceful, with officials trying to onstrated last week vowing to de- that it could further inflame sec- prime minister was ended by a ascertain how many want to be fend Saudi Arabia. tarian tensions at home. military coup in 1999, he was sent evacuated from nearby Riyan airport. — Agencies Sharif has long enjoyed close into exile in Saudi Arabia.

But some civil society groups Meanwhile, 500 Pakistanis and opposition politicians spoke relations with the Saudi royal See also >A14 T H R E E B OAT S S E I Z E D

18 Indian fishermen arrested KARACHI: Pakistani authorities have arrested 18 Indian fishermen and seized their three boats for allegedly violating the country’s territorial waters.

The fishermen were arrested

by Pakistan’s Maritime Security (PMS) forces on Sunday night in the Arabian Sea off the Karachi coast, Geo News reported.

No official of the PMS was available to confirm the arrests.

Normally Indian fishermen arrested by the PMS are handed over to the Docks police after initial interrogation and then they are produced before a judicial magistrate.

Routine arrests India and Pakistan routinely arrest fishermen on charges of entering each other’s waters as the maritime boundaries between the two countries were poorly defined and many fishing boats lack the technology to be certain of their precise location.

Many fishermen languish in jail for months even after completing their prison terms.

Last month Pakistan released 172 Indian fishermen as a goodwill gesture after Prime Minister Narendra Modi telephoned his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif, informing him about Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar’s visit to Pakistan. — PTI

T U E S DAY, MAR C H 31 , 2 0 1 5 Our negotiating team are trustworthy and compassionate officials that are working hard, but they should be careful with the enemies’ deceptive and skillful tactics Ali Akbar Velayati, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

HISTORIC JOURNEY

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Extreme cold in cockpit “Thank you very much my friend,” Piccard replied before taking off at around 3:35 am local time (2105 GMT Sunday) into the dark predawn skies. Piccard, one of the two Swiss pilots of the solar-powered plane, will have to battle extreme cold of down to -20 degrees Celsius in the cockpit and the general unpredictabilities of flying above the mountainous Chinese provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan.

Flying at high altitude for most of the journey, Piccard will also need to use additional oxygen. — AFP

WORLD

Gloom sets in as Iran, major powers stick to their stands Officials at the talks in the Swiss city of Lausanne said

MANDALAY (MYANMAR): Solar Impulse 2 took off from Myanmar’s second biggest city of Mandalay early Monday and headed for China’s Chongqing, the fifth flight of a landmark journey to circumnavigate the globe powered solely by the sun.

The single-seater aircraft’s team spent more than a week waiting in Mandalay for weather conditions to improve in southwestern China for what will be one of the most challenging legs of the round-theworld attempt so far.

Speaking on a live feed from mission control in Monaco, Prince Albert gave pilot Bertrand Piccard clearance for takeoff.

“Bertrand, from Albert, you are clear to proceed. Have a nice flight,” Prince Albert said.

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attempts to reach a framework accord, which is intended as a prelude to a comprehensive agreement by the

ARDUOUS TASK: EU’s foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, left,

end of June, could

and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif smile ahead of the opening of a plenary session on Iran nuclear talks in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Monday. — AFP

yet fall apart

LAUSANNE (SWITZERLAND): Iran and major powers were struggling on Monday to reach a preliminary nuclear accord as “gloom” set in, with both sides sticking to their positions a day before a self-imposed deadline.

For days Iran, the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China have been trying to break an impasse in negotiations aimed at stopping Tehran having the capacity to develop a nuclear bomb, in exchange for an easing of United Nations sanctions that are crippling its economy.

But officials at the talks in the Swiss city of Lausanne said attempts to reach a framework accord, which is intended as a

prelude to a comprehensive agreement by the end of June, could yet fall apart.

Negotiators from all parties appeared increasingly pessimistic. “If we don’t have some type of framework agreement now, it will be difficult to explain why we would be able to have one by June 30,” said a Western diplomat.

He said three major sticking points must be resolved if Iran and the six powers are to secure the deal before March 31, and it is unclear whether those gaps could be filled.

The diplomat said the most difficult issues related to the duration of any limits on Iranian uranium enrichment and research and development activities after an initial 10 years, the lifting of

the sanctions and the restoring of them in case of non-compliance

by Iran. “It seems that we have an accord for the first 10 years, but with regard to the Iranians the question of what happens after is complicated,” the official said on condition of anonymity, adding: “I can’t say what the final result will be.”

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said there had been “some progress and some setbacks in the last hours”.

Highlighting the general mood, a diplomat quoted by Chinese news agency Xinhua said the atmosphere on Monday had turned from “optimism” to “gloom” among negotiators.

An adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

criticised the powers. “Our negotiating team are trustworthy and compassionate officials that are working hard, but they should be careful with the enemies’ deceptive and skillful tactics,” the adviser, Ali Akbar Velayati, told Fars news agency.

In addition to US Secretary of State John Kerry, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, Steinmeier, British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, China’s Wang Yi and Russia’s Sergei Lavrov gathered at a 19th-century hotel overlooking Lake Geneva.

After the first meeting since November of all the ministers, Lavrov returned to Moscow for an engagement, though officials said he would return if there was something to announce. Western officials said the two sides had previously been closing in on a preliminary deal that could be summarised in a brief document which may or may not be released.

Officials said the talks were now likely to run until the deadline of midnight on Tuesday or beyond.

The six powers want more than a 10-year suspension of Iran’s most sensitive nuclear work.

Tehran, which denies it is trying to develop a nuclear weapons capability, demands a swift end to sanctions in exchange for limits on its atomic activities.

Both Iran and the six have floated compromise proposals but agreement has remained elusive.

One sticking point concerns Iran’s demand to continue with research into newer generations of advanced centrifuges. These

can purify uranium faster and in greater quantities than those it currently operates for use in nuclear power plants or - if very highly enriched - in weapons.

Another question involves the speed of removing the sanctions on Iran.

Progress, setbacks There were several examples of progress and setbacks. Western officials said Iran suggested it would could keep fewer than 6,000 centrifuges in operation, down from its current figure of nearly 10,000, and ship most of its enriched uranium to Russia.

But Iranian negotiator Abbas Araqchi said dispatching stockpiles abroad “was not on Iran’s agenda”.

A senior US State Department official said there had been no decisions on stockpiles, though several officials made clear that the Iranians had given preliminary consent to the idea before reversing their position. Still, negotiators said stockpiles were not a dealbreaker.

It was not clear if the Iranian backtracking on certain proposals was a sign that Tehran might be getting cold feet.

On the issue of UN sanctions, officials expressed concerns that the five permanent veto-wielding members of the UN Security Council could object to plans to strip away some of the UN measures in place since 2006, albeit for different reasons.

Britain, France and the United States want any removal of UN sanctions to be automatically reversible. — Reuters

SECURITY MEASURE

Emirates, Etihad introduce ‘rule of two’ after plane crash DUBAI: Leading carriers Emirates and Etihad Airways said on Monday that their cockpits will have two crew members in at all times under new procedures introduced in response to the Germanwings disaster.

Investigators believe co-pilot Andreas Lubitz locked his captain out of the cockpit of Flight 4U 9525 and deliberately steered the

Airbus A320 into a French mountainside last week, killing all 150 people onboard.

“Although there is no international industry regulation that mandates this as a compulsory practice, Emirates has implemented a new operating policy where there would always be two crew members in the cockpit,” a spokesperson for the Dubai-based

carrier told AFP. “This is effective immediately.”

Tragic news Etihad Airways made a similar announcement, saying: “We have reviewed our operating procedures and will continue to do so in the light of the disturbing and tragic news from France.

“With immediate effect Eti-

had Airways will ensure there are always two crew members in the flight deck at all times on all flights,” the Abu Dhabi carrier said.

The announcements by the two United Arab Emirates carriers follow similar moves by many European airlines to implement the so-called “rule of two”, which is already standard in the United States. — AFP

Investigators believe co-pilot Andreas Lubitz locked his captain out of the cockpit of Flight 4U 9525 and deliberately steered the Airbus A320 into a French mountainside last week, killing all 150 people onboard

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Reducing risks after the Germanwings crash

THE INDEPENDENT

T

here is a lot we still don’t know about the tragic crash of the Germanwings plane in France. But what we do know suggests that airlines can take steps to reduce the risk of pilots deliberately or inadvertently crashing a plane. Based on recordings recovered by investigators, officials have said a co-pilot on the flight from Barcelona, Spain, to Düsseldorf, Germany, initiated the plane’s descent when he was alone in the cockpit and then failed to open the door for the captain, who had stepped outside. The captain could be heard on the recording trying to get back in. French investigators believe the co-pilot, Andreas Lubitz, was conscious, but we may never know for sure. We do know that things might have turned out differently had there been another person in the cockpit. The chief executive of Lufthansa, which owns Germanwings, said on Thursday that European regulators do not require two people to be in the cockpit at all times.

By contrast, two people are required to be in the cockpit on United States airlines, according to the Federal Aviation Administration and an industry association. If one pilot has to go outside for any reason, flight attendants or off-duty pilots flying on the plane can step in. Such a policy makes sense and all airlines should adopt it. In an emergency, a flight attendant could try to open the door or call the other pilot back.

Their presence would be useful not just in cases of deliberate sabotage but also if the pilot at the controls was incapacitated, by a heart attack, for example. After the 9/11 attacks, lawmakers and regulators did the right thing by requiring airlines to increase the security of cockpits with armoured doors. That decision seems to have made it harder for the captain of the Germanwings plane to get back into the cockpit.

On Thursday, several airlines, including Norwegian Air Shuttle, said they would require at least two people to be in the cockpit during their flights. Air travel over all remains incredibly safe, and the incidence of pilots using planes to commit suicide and kill passengers is exceedingly rare. In a study published last year, the FAA identified eight such cases from 2003 to 2012, but all involved small private planes, not commercial jets operated by airlines, and in only one case did the pilot have a passenger on board.

No safety policy will ever anticipate every situation. But requiring two people to be in the cockpit during flight is a sensible step to reduce the risk that comes with leaving the lives of dozens or hundreds of people in the hands of just one pilot. - The New York Times News Service

JOB GROWTH

Cheerful mornings in blue America PAUL KRUGMAN

Tapped conversations

P

olitical drama never seems to cease in our country. The latest episode has come with the leaked telephonic conversation in which PTI Chairman Imran Khan is apparently heard telling another party leader that the 2014 storming of the PTV headquarters by protestors during the party’s sit-in in Islamabad last year was “good” and something that the prime minister “deserved”. There is firstly a need to verify if the audio tape is a doctored or a genuine one.

The PTI has, so far, not refuted the veracity of the audio tape. The tone, content and language used in this conversation is quite obviously unfortunate. No political leader should be condoning acts of hooliganism. But beyond this, other issues arise. The invasion of privacy is unfortunate. No one should have the right to tap into the conversations of citizens, all the more so when they are political leaders, and use these against them. We need to know who recorded the conversation and what their purpose was.

The government needs to play a part in this. After all, it could become a victim of similar tactics itself. In the past, there have been reports of certain quarters being engaged in such activities, which are essentially both illegal and unethical. We need then to get to the bottom of who was involved this time and put in place measures to prevent this in the future. The timing of the leak, many months after the casual dialogue took place, is also significant. Why was this conversation made public now? Is there some plan we are not aware of behind the action? The video confession of Saulat Mirza implicating the MQM could be seen in a similar vein. Certainly, we need to know more why such videos and audios are being released at this point in time and what more could be expected in the future.

Such underhand tactics should not be acceptable. An investigation is required not only into this but into other incidents where the abuse of technology is used to spy on politicians and the information thus gathered used against them. Action in this regard must be taken promptly. - The Express Tribune

The remedy is to fix the maximum speed limit This refers to the news story, Road deaths drop but toll still runs to 15 per week (March 30).

Speeding is the primary reason for accidents in Oman. No car should have a maximum speed limit of more than 210-km per hour. The remedy lies in fixing the maximum speed limit which will help curb the high rate of accidents here. Motorists should not be allowed to over speed.

Alhamask Nkonoki Muscat

Using mobile phones while driving must stop This refers to the news story, Road deaths drop but toll still runs to 15 per week (March 30). I don’t drive but travel extensively in taxis. Every time I get into a

taxi I get a sort of nervous breakdown. The drivers not only drive recklessly but also keep texting messages while driving. The use of phones while driving has to stop. Accidents will drop down dramatically in Oman if motorists stop using their phones while driving.

Ravindran K. Al Khuwair

The roads in Oman are still far from being safe This refers to the news story, Road deaths drop but toll still runs to 15 per week (March 30). The other day I almost got killed near Darsait because of the recklessness of a driver who was driving a brand new four-wheel SUV. From nowhere he came right in front of my car cutting lanes from the wrong

Were President Obama’s policies the cause of national job growth? Did Jerry Brown — the taxraising, Obamacareembracing governor of California — engineer his state’s boom? No, and few liberals would claim otherwise

T

wo impossible things happened to the US economy over the course of the past year — or at least they were supposed to be impossible, according to the ideology that dominates half our political spectrum.

First, remember how Obamacare was supposed to be a gigantic job killer? Well, in the first year of the Affordable Care Act’s full implementation, the US economy as a whole added 3.3 million jobs — the biggest gain since the 1990s. Second, half a million of those jobs were added in California, which has taken the lead in job creation away from Texas.

Were President Obama’s policies the cause of national job growth? Did Jerry Brown — the tax-raising, Obamacare-embracing governor of California — engineer his state’s boom? No, and few liberals would claim otherwise. What we’ve been seeing at both the national and the state level is mainly a natural process of recovery as the economy finally starts to heal from the housing and debt bubbles of the Bush years.

But recent job growth, nonetheless, has big political implications — implications so disturbing to many on the right that they are in frantic denial, claiming that the recovery is somehow bogus. Why can’t they handle the good news? The answer actually comes on three levels: Obama Derangement Syndrome, or ODS; Reaganolatry; and the confidence con.

Not much need be said about ODS. It is, by now, a fixed idea on the right that this president is both evil and incompetent, that everything touched by the atheist Marxist Kenyan Democrat — mostly that last item — must go terribly wrong. When good news arrives about the budget, or the economy, or Obamacare — which is, by the way, rapidly reducing the number of uninsured while costing much less than expected — it must be denied.

At a deeper level, modern conservative ideology utterly depends on the proposition that conservatives, and only they, possess the secret key to prosperity. As a result, you often have politicians on the right making claims like this one, from Senator Rand Paul: “When is the last time in our country we created millions of jobs? It was under Ronald Reagan.”

Actually, if creating “millions of jobs” means adding two million or more jobs in a given year, we’ve done that 13 times since Reagan left office: eight times under Bill Clinton, twice under George W. Bush, and three times, so far, under

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People don’t start wars, governments do RONALD REAGAN

Barack Obama. But who’s counting? Still, don’t liberals have similar delusions? Not really. The economy added 23 million jobs under Clinton, compared with 16 million under Reagan, but there’s nothing on the left comparable to the cult of the Blessed Ronald.

That’s because liberals don’t need to claim that their policies will produce spectacular growth.

All they need to claim is feasibility: that we can do things like, say, guaranteeing health insurance to everyone without killing the economy.

Conservatives, on the other hand, want to block such things and, instead, to cut taxes on the rich and slash aid to the less fortunate. So they must claim both that liberal policies are job killers and that being nice to the rich is a magic elixir. Which brings us to the last point: the confidence issue.

One enduring puzzle of political economy is why business interests so often oppose policies to fight unemployment. After all, boosting the economy with expansionary monetary and fiscal policy is good for profits as well as wages, yet many wealthy individuals and business leaders demand tight money and austerity instead.

As a number of observers have pointed out, however, for big businesses to admit that government policies can create jobs would be to devalue one of their favourite political arguments — the claim that to achieve prosperity politicians must preserve business confidence, among other things, by refraining from any criticism of what businesspeople do.

In the case of the Obama economy, this kind of thinking led to what I like to call the “Ma! He’s looking at me funny!” theory of sluggish recovery. By this I mean the insistence that recovery wasn’t being held back by objective factors like spending cuts and debt overhang, but rather by the corporate elite’s hurt feelings after Obama suggested that some bankers behaved badly and some executives might be overpaid.

Who knew that moguls and tycoons were such sensitive souls? In any case, however, that theory is unsustainable in the face of a recovery that has finally started to deliver big job gains, even if it should have happened sooner.

So, as I said at the beginning, the fact that we’re now seeing mornings in blue America — solid job growth both at the national level and in states that have defied the right’s tax-cutting, deregulatory orthodoxy — is a big problem for conservatives. Although they would never admit it, events have proved their most cherished beliefs wrong. - The New York Times News Service

side and giving no indication. As he overtook me I could see he was talking on phone and was blissfully unaware of the perils he was creating for others. When will such rash driving stop?

Mohammed Ismail Muscat

More needs to be done to make roads safer in Oman This refers to the news story, Road deaths drop but toll still runs to 15 per week (March 30).

I felt happy to learn that the number of accidents has gone down. But the number of people dying still remains distressingly high. Fifteen people dying every week is not normal. This calls for more action to be taken to make roads in Oman safer.

Nandan Seeb

ICC President brought the humiliation on himself The outburst of the International Cricket Council (ICC) President AHM Mustafa Kamal against ICC was funny. ICC did not let Kamal, also a minister of Bangladesh, to hand over the trophy at the post-match presentation ceremony of the World Cup final. To a large extent Kamal should be blaming himself for this. His comments on the Rohit Sharma no-ball controversy was uncalled for. As ICC President, Kamal should have maintained his silence in public. He paid the price for talking too much but hasn’t leant any lesson. He is now threatening to sue ICC for not letting him to give away the cup to the winning captain.

Some people never learn.

Ramesh Naidu Ruwi

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

T I MES OF OMAN

T U E S DAY, MAR C H 31 , 2 0 1 5

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PERSPEC IVE A heartfelt welcome to our father and leader T

MOHAMMED MAHFOODH AL ARDHI

On the economic front, His Majesty has taken steps to safeguard Oman, despite the global financial crisis that negatively impacted major regional and international markets.

Despite declining oil prices globally, we have seen a significant growth

he Sultanate of Oman is hopeful again — we are all overwhelmed with happiness at the return of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to his homeland, after a long absence of eight months when he was away in Germany for medical treatment.

The unanimous joy felt by people across Oman and the wider Gulf, which has been expressed strongly through online and traditional media channels, does not come as a surprise. Throughout his successful reign, His Majesty the Sultan has become a role model for security, justice, infinite generosity, pride and honour for Oman and beyond.

With the return of His Majesty, the Sultanate has been relieved of its distress and grief and is once again experiencing a feeling of contentment.

As the father of modern Oman, the vision of His Majesty in dealing with all internal and external issues has always been widely commended and is a source of pride for the Omani people.

When His Majesty commenced his reign, the number of educational institutions in the country was not adequate and it was extremely difficult to enrol in one to begin with. Furthermore, these institutions only accepted boys. His Majesty took the initiative to expand the educational matrix in the Sultanate, build a proper network of colleges and reinforce international relations with a variety of global academic institutions to provide Omanis with much-needed chances to obtain scholarships.

His accomplishments were not limited to the educational domain. The cultural scene in the Sultanate witnessed a remarkable renaissance, one of the milestones being the publication of the ‘Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names’, the first of its kind in the Arab world that aims to enrich Arabic cultural life and libraries with its rich content.

His Majesty also launched Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Preservation, the first Arab prize awarded internationally in the field of environmental protection.

His prominent role in propagating peace and security in the global arena as well as the policy of neutral dialogue has placed his Majesty high on a list of prominent world leaders, and earned him the prestigious International Peace Award.

The World Rose Society in Netherlands has also named a new species of roses ‘Sultan Qaboos Rose’, in recognition of His Majesty’s honourable track record of achievements to ensure the welfare of his people, his continuous care for the environment and his support for human rights.

Moreover, thanks to his insight, the Sultanate

today enjoys a leading strategic position on the international map, notably for its important role in facilitating peace talks with Iran with respect to its nuclear project.

On the economic front, His Majesty has taken steps to safeguard Oman, despite the global financial crisis that negatively impacted major regional and international markets. Despite declining oil prices globally, we have seen a significant growth in important sectors, notably tourism and transport.

The mega projects launched by His Majesty to develop the sea ports and airports, as well as his efforts in strengthening our infrastructure projects have gone a long way towards securing Oman’s financial sector.

Creditably, the Sultanate also announced a huge historic budget in 2015, affirming His Majesty’s commitment and aspirations for the country.

His Majesty was keen on engaging with Omani citizens as active partners in the national development process and as key elements in the advancement of society.

In order to maintain constant communication with his people, and meet their demands, he established public and legislative institutions, such as the Consultative Assembly and the Council of State of Oman.

Moreover, he always took the initiative to spread peace and security in the Sultanate.

In addition, the Sultanate of Oman ranked fifth among the Arab countries in the Global Peace Index produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace. Today, the Sultanate continues its journey to be one of the most secure countries in the region and around the world. Oman has been blessed with a true statesman, one who has continuously endeavoured to ensure the growth of the country before all else. He has keenly cared for Omanis, easing concerns and solving issues, even during his absence from the country.

Under his wise governance, we have always felt as one family, united by love, harmony and peace.

May Allah continue to bless our land with honour, peace and growth under the glorified leadership of His Majesty, and grant him a long, healthy life surrounded by his people and their unprecedented love and support.

The author is the Chairman of National Bank of Oman and an International Advisor to the Brookings Institution. All the views and opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not reflect those of Times of Oman.

Say what you mean, mean what you say

H

ave you noticed that sometimes what you say is completely different from what others understand?

You think you are being very positive, clear and specific about what you are saying but somehow you manage to upset and enrage the other person.

The problem is that most people don’t ask what you meant and our false ego gets in the way of doing the ‘right’ thing, which is to ask for a clarification or explanation of whatever has been said. Instead, people come up with their own conclusions regarding what someone said to them.

The core reason why most relationships, whether personal or work related, fall apart, is through misunderstandings.

Employer and employee dynamics often suffer because instead of hearing what the employer says, the employee tries to read between the lines. If the employer gets angry one too many times, the employee presumes he is about to be fired.

This leads to panic. Honestly, if your boss wants to fire you, he will and not come up with schemes to fire an employee.

JUGGUN KAZIM

We start projecting our internal complexes on to situations. If a discussion on working women being way too busy comes up, a working mother involved in this discussion gets angry because she feels that she is being attacked for not being an involved parent but that’s not the case.

Actions speak louder than words. But actions are judged by intentions and the problem is who can physically see our intentions?

Parents work hard every day to give their children a bright future.

That means they have less time than a stay-at-home parent. Kids in these situations might think their parents don’t love them and start misbehaving.

Parents interpret their kids’ behaviour as disobedience, teen hormones, problems of the growing stage, etc. The never-ending cycle of parent-child disagreements and sulking continues…

Wouldn’t it be easier to communicate and just apologise?

Miscommunication is common when people interact through writing, such as text messages, emails and more recently, through the social media. It is almost impossible to gauge a person’s tone,

mood and frame of mind by merely reading what has been written.

People either immediately react negatively or they over-analyse what they have read until they drive themselves completely nuts. It’s better to say whatever you have to say in person, especially if it’s important.

The main reason for lack of communication is that we tend to induce fear in our children, domestic staff and even spouses without realising it, either by getting irritated when asked a question or by being vague and irritable. This kind of negative reinforcement leads them to lie, retract and misunderstand our actions.

The only entity that can judge us fairly and on the basis of intentions is God. So why not try to be more clear, precise and kind so that there is no confusion or misunderstanding?

Modifying one’s own behaviour is always easier than trying to modify the world.

If everyone misunderstands you or people keep getting upset with you, then the chances of you giving the wrong message are pretty high. - The Express Tribune

The price of biodiversity The 2010 flooding in Pakistan would have been less devastating if trees from upper slopes had not been felled

BJØRN LOMBORG

W

e humans do not only share the planet with a range of other species, including plants, animals, and even microbes; we also depend on them for our survival. Can we determine the economic value of protecting the natural world?

Some people will balk at the idea of putting a price tag on biodiversity, viewing its protection as an obvious imperative. But they would undoubtedly also agree that preventing human death and suffering, while providing food, water, and an education to all, is vital.

The reality is that there are simply not enough resources to do everything. Hard choices have to be made. Fortunately, economics can help us determine how to do the most good with the resources we have.

This is particularly relevant today, as the world’s 193 national governments work to establish the Sustainable Development Goals to guide global development efforts for the next 15 years. The SDGs will be modelled on the Millennium Development Goals, which were agreed in 2000 and focused on objectives like lowering maternal and infant mortality, eradicating poverty, and improving access to primary education.

So far, a huge number of potential SDG targets have been proposed, some of which relate to biodiversity. But, though trillions of dollars will be spent on the SDGs, there are simply not enough resources to complete every project. That is why world leaders must focus on the targets that will have the greatest impact. My think tank, the Copenhagen Consensus, is working with more than 60 top economists and several Nobel laureates to identify which targets promise the highest return on investment.

Preserving biodiversity, it turns out, is not only desirable; according to three new studies by the economists Anil Markandya, Luke Brander, and Alistair McVittie, it also makes good financial sense, at least for some projects.

Protecting forests is a good place to start, with every dollar spent bringing benefits worth about $10. Some of the resources that forests provide — such as timber, firewood, and tourism — can be valuated relatively easily. But the value of others — such as the wide range of animal species they support and their intrinsic worth to people — is more difficult to quantify.

In attempting to do so, economists have conducted surveys to find out how much people would be prepared to pay to protect forests and the

animal species they support.

Forests also serve as an enormous “carbon sink,” storing atmospheric carbon dioxide for many decades or centuries; thus, protecting forests would help to mitigate climate change. Moreover, forests absorb intense rainfall, thereby reducing the risk of flooding.

The 2010 flooding in Pakistan, for example, would have been far less devastating if so many trees from upper slopes had not been felled.

The conclusion is thus that each dollar spent on conserving forests would yield $5-15 worth of social good, including tangible benefits, such as from logging or carbon capture, and “soft” gains, like preserving forests’ intrinsic beauty. Conserving the world’s wetlands — which also provide valuable services, including protection of coastal areas and river valleys from flooding — is also sensible, providing a tenfold return on each dollar spent.

But protecting coral reefs would bring the highest returns, amounting to an extraordinary $24 worth of benefits for every dollar spent. Like forests, coral reefs provide multiple services — including tourism and fish nurseries, which help to sustain commercial fishing — and have an intrinsic value to people. To reduce the loss of coral reefs by half would cost about $3 billion each year — and yield at least $72 billion in benefits.

Not all projects aimed at protecting biodiversity are a smart use of public resources.

Creating additional nature reserves, for example, might sound like a great way to protect more species’ natural habitats, but the economic benefits would not cover the nearly $1 trillion in costs.

Doubling the area of protected coastal land and bringing substantial areas of open ocean into reserves is a particularly formidable task.

Clearly, protecting coral reefs is a much better use of limited resources.

Though the SDGs will aim largely to improve daily life for the very poor, a coolheaded economic assessment suggests that there are also smart biodiversity targets that should be considered.

If world leaders take advantage of cost-benefit analysis to separate the wheat from the chaff, the next 15 years could be a boon for global development — including the preservation of biodiversity. - Project Syndicate

UK election — voting intentions Latest poll tracker from the UK’s main polling companies – ComRes, ICM, Ipsos MORI, Panelbase, Populus, Survation and YouGov % 40

Mar 14: Labour’s pledge card unveiled

Mar 18: Budget Day

YouGov/ Sunday Times

TODAY IN HISTORY 1282

36 Lab

30 Mar 26: TV debate

32 Con

1779

Russia and Turkey sign a treaty by which they promise to take no military action in the Crimea.

1790

In Paris, France, Maximilien Robespierre is elected president of the Jacobin Club.

1889

The Eiffel Tower in Paris officially opens on the Left Bank as part of the Exhibition of 1889.

20 13 UKIP

8 Lib Dem 10 6 Green

1939

0 02

09

16

23

28 30

The great massacre of the French in Sicily The Sicilian Vespers comes to an end.

Britain and France agree to support Poland if Germany threatens to invade.

M A R C H HISTORYNET.COM Source: UK Polling Report, polling companies

Graphic News /

Graphics

OPINION POLL FROM OUR ARCHIVES BOOK FAIR ATTRACTS ADULTS, CHILDREN

MUSCAT: The Fifth Muscat International Book Fair, being held at the Seeb International Exhibition Centre, is attracting people from all walks, with schoolchildren dominating the morning hours. His Higness Sayyid Faisal bin Ali Al Said, minister of national heritage and culture, yesterday, inaugurated a poetry evening as part of the cultural programmes on the sidelines of the fair. The annual fair, which will end on Friday, has been wooing buyers with a long list of titles aimed at catering to both children and adults alike.

Do you think that motorists in Oman are becoming more aware about safe driving?

Visit timesofoman.com to cast your vote

LAST POLL RESULT Yes

71.4%

No

11.5%

Can't say

17.1%

Should Earth Hour become a monthly event, rather than annual, in Oman?

A 14

TU ESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

YEMEN CRISIS

A Chinese naval flotilla, which had been carrying out antipiracy escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters, was sent to Yemen on Sunday to evacuate Chinese nationals China’s defence ministry

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in Hajja province

targeted. A Republican Guard camp in south Sanaa was also hit, witnesses said. In the area around Marib, 140 kilometres (90 miles) east of Sanaa, radar facilities and surface-to-air missile batteries were targeted, local officials said.

The Houthis are backed as well by army units loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, who stepped down in 2012 after a year of protests in the country, where Al Qaeda is active.

SANAA: An air strike killed dozens of people at a camp for displaced people in northwest Yemen on Monday, aid workers said, as Arab coalition warplanes bombard rebels around the country.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said 45 internally displaced people had been killed and 65 wounded at the Al Mazrak camp in Hajja province.

IOM spokesman Joel Millman said that the organisation had 75 staff on hand assisting the victims.

Earlier Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said 15 dead bodies and 30 wounded were taken to a hospital where it operates near the Al Mazrak camp. “It was an air

Sacked Officials said on Monday that the ex-strongman’s son had been sacked as ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is part of the coalition.

Ahmed Ali Saleh was relieved of his duties at the demand of the UAE, according to a Gulf diplomatic official who did not want to be named.

A Hadi aide confirmed the president had dismissed Saleh, who was appointed to the post after his father’s overthrow but is believed to have remained in Yemen.

The Houthis and allied renegade military units have overrun much of Yemen and prompted Hadi to flee what had been his last remaining refuge in the main southern

said 45 internally displaced people had been killed and 65 wounded at the Al Mazrak camp

UNDER ATTACK: Smoke billows near military barracks in the Jabal Al Jumaima mountain following an air strike near Sanaa on Monday. – Reuters

strike,” said MSF’s Middle East programme manager Pablo Marco.

The Al Mazrak camp has since 2009 been housing Yemenis displaced by the conflict between northern Houthi rebels and the central government. Marco said 500 new families had arrived at the camp over the past two days. A

Saudi-led Arab coalition has been pounding rebel positions in Yemen since early Thursday.

Vow It has vowed to keep up the raids until the Houthi rebels abandon their insurrection against President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi,

who has fled to Riyadh.

Warplanes carried out a fifth night of air strikes around the capital Sanaa, a news correspondent reported. Positions held by the Houthi rebels and soldiers of the renegade Republican Guard overlooking the presidential palace were believed to have been

city Aden. Dozens of people have been killed in several days of clashes in Aden, and Hadi’s aides have said he has no immediate plan to return there. A Chinese naval flotilla, which had been carrying out anti-piracy escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters, was sent to Yemen on Sunday to evacuate Chinese nationals, China’s defence ministry said in a statement.

Evacuated More than 500 Chinese citizens have been evacuated over the past two days, Beijing said.

The fighting in Yemen has stoked sectarian tensions.

Turkey has also expressed support for the Saudi-led coalition that is bombing the Houthis. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that he still planned to visit Iran despite a war of words with Tehran.

In Riyadh, two Saudi police officers were wounded in a drive-by shooting on Sunday, the authorities said, but it was unclear if there was any link to the Yemen tensions. “A security patrol was carrying out its duties in Riyadh when it came under fire from an unknown vehicle,” a statement said. The two were admitted to hospital and “their health situation is stable”.

The attack came just days after Interior Minister Prince Mohammed bin Nayef ordered that security measures be strengthened across the kingdom. — AFP

OVERWHELMED

GRIM SITUATION: Smoke billows from the site of an explosion that hit an arms depot in Yemen’s second city of Aden on Saturday. – AFP

Hospitals in Aden flooded by injured ADEN: As Houthi fighters close in on the Yemen port city of Aden, the wounded from clashes and other incidents are pouring into overwhelmed hospitals.

“We were not ready to face this kind of situation,” said Valerie Pierre, coordinator for aid group Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), which runs a 45-bed hospital in Aden.

“The competency is there, but in terms of the number of staff, it’s not enough.”

Many of the victims are young men wounded by gunshots or bomb shrapnel. Not all injuries were directly sustained in combat. One young man arrived in a van which screeched into the courtyard of the MSF hospital, where medics waited with stretchers.

He was the victim of a quarrel with two armed men near a taxi stand after he refused to give up his own rifle before boarding. The bullet only grazed his forehead.

Struggling with patients Doctors at the hospital have struggled to cope with more than 250 patients from Aden and nearby provinces in the 10 days since Houthi fighters and allied army units pushed to Aden’s gates in a campaign to topple President Abdrabbo Mansour Hadi.

Saudi Arabia, along with several Arab allies launched air strikes to stem the Houthis’ advance but rebel forces are still massed on the outskirts of Aden. Hadi himself is in Saudi Arabia.

Saddam Saleh Jaber, 25, said he had been operated on three times since gunmen claiming to be from Al Qaeda shot him in the leg below the knee while they

tried to break into the traffic department in nearby city of Lahj, where he worked as a guard.

“I am due for a fourth surgery,” said Jaber, a police cadet who had been on leave when the advance on Aden began. “I am lucky not only to be alive but also that I ran into a Medicine Sans Frontiers team after I was shot,” he added.

The latest victims suffered from shrapnel wounds and severe burns caused by the explosion of Aden’s main arms depot as looters tried to break in and grab weapons.

At least 15 people were killed in the series of blasts which scattered debris across town and belched out plumes of smoke.

Two of the victims died at the Medicine Sans Frontiers hospital and staff were preparing the bodies for burial before handing them over to their families for burial. Medics say the main challenges facing the team of nearly 150 mostly local staff is to the security of the hospital and maintaining medical supplies.

“Everything is OK now, but if things get worse we will need supplies. We need an emergency team to reach us, either from Sanaa or from Paris,” Pierre said.

State institutions have been paralysed by the war while seaports and airports remain shuttered since the bombing began.

The exhausted medics admit being confused by the array of armed groups and the political upheaval that has rocked the country. But the hospital remains open to all.

“We never ask who they are or who they belong to,” said Pierre.

“Only, armed men are kindly asked to remain outside.” — Reuters

T U E S DAY, MAR C H 31 , 2 0 1 5

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WORLD

Bangladesh police said they had arrested two suspects at the scene and retrieved three knives, but a third escaped

Another Bangladeshi blogger hacked Three knife-wielding attackers set upon 27-year-old Washiqur near his home on Monday, weeks after the murder of an American blogger in Dhaka

DHAKA: A Bangladeshi blogger was hacked to death in Dhaka on Monday, the second such attack on a critic of extremism in the mainly Muslim country in less than two months. Three knife-wielding CONFLICT

Filipino staff killed in Libya attack ZAWIYAH (LIBYA): A Filipino oil worker has been killed and five others wounded in a rocket attack on a coastal town west of the Libya capital, a Libyan security source said on Monday.

Three other Filipino oil workers were wounded in Sunday’s attack on Zawiya, 40 kilometres west of Tripoli, the source said.

The four Filipinos were riding in a car when the attack took place, the source said, adding that a Sudanese man and a Libyan man who were driving separate cars were also wounded.

The foreign ministry spokesman in Manila confirmed the death of one of its citizens.

“Our embassy in Tripoli confirmed that one Filipino died in (a) bombing in Zawiya,” spokesman Charles Jose said in a text message to AFP. Libya has been wracked by conflict since the 2011 uprising that toppled and killed veteran leader Muammar Gaddafi, with rival militias and governments battling for its oil wealth.

Fajr Libya The security source said Zawiya falls under the control of Fajr Libya, a militia coalition that in August seized Tripoli, where it has set up a rival government and parliament. There was no immediate confirmation by Libya’s internationally recognised administration of the attack.

But an AFP photographer in Zawiya saw the apparent impact of a rocket attack in the middle of a road near a shuttered school in the town. The wife of one of the wounded men told AFP it was the second time her husband was hurt in unrest in Libya. — AFP FIRST STEP

Myanmar, rebels agree on draft of peace deal YANGON: Myanmar peace negotiators agreed the draft text of a historic nationwide ceasefire agreement on Monday, as the country edges closer to ending decades of conflict between ethnic minority groups and the government.

The tentative deal, which comes as heavy fighting between the military and rebel groups continues to ravage a northern border area, sets out the framework for a countrywide ceasefire -- a key target of the government as the nation heads towards crucial elections later this year.

But the draft, which was negotiated by representatives of the government and the 16 ethnic armed groups involved in the talks, will only officially be signed after a conference of the rebel groups.

No date for conference “This is the first step to signing a nationwide ceasefire agreement and to move to political dialogue,” said Naing Han Tha, who led the ethnic group negotiators.

No date has been given for the conference. But negotiators said they had managed to find mutually acceptable ground on most points. — AFP

attackers set upon 27-year-old Washiqur Rahman near his home on Monday morning, weeks after the murder of an American blogger in Dhaka triggered international outrage. Police said they had

arrested two suspects at the scene and retrieved three knives, but a third escaped.

Deputy commissioner Wahidul Islam said Rahman had been “brutally hacked to death”.

“They hacked him in his head and neck with big knives and once he fell on the ground they then hacked his body,” he said.

Fellow writers said he opposed extremism. Police said he used a Facebook page under the name Washiqur Babu to post articles written by other writers that appeared to mock extremist views.

Deputy police commissioner Biplob Kumar Sarker told AFP the motive for the killing appeared to

be “ideological” differences with extremist groups in Bangladesh.

“So far what we’ve gathered after primary interrogation of the two suspects is that they killed him him because he criticised extremists,” he said. Officially secular Bangladesh has seen a rise in extremism in recent years.

Fellow blogger Asif Mohiuddin, who survived a brutal attack by extremists in January 2013, described Rahman as a “fellow warrior”. “He is a friend of mine and a fellow warrior,” said Mohiuddin in a Facebook message to AFP from Berlin. The two suspects in custody are aged about 20 and are both students of seminaries, Islam said.

The killing bears strong similarities to the murder of Avijit Roy, an American blogger of Bangladeshi origin who was hacked to death with machetes in Dhaka last month. His death sparked uproar, with hundreds of secular activists holding protests for days to demand justice.

Witnesses said Roy and wife were returning from a book fair when they were both hauled off their rickshaw on a busy street by at least two attackers who then slashed them with machetes.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s secular government has faced criticism for failing to do enough to protect writers. Police have ar-

rested one suspect over the death of Bangladesh-born Roy, who was also the author of a series of books.

Roy’s murder followed the 2013 killing of blogger Ahmed Rajib Haider.

Fellow bloggers and secular writers reacted angrily to the latest attack, with secular activists calling for protests.

“He was murdered because we have a culture of impunity here. He was a progressive free thinker and was against religious fundamentalism,” said Imran Sarker, head of a Bangladeshi bloggers’ network.

“We condemn this attack and have urged all bloggers to join protests.” — AFP

B

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM TUESDAY, MAR CH 31, 2015

MARKE Muscat 6,214.99 + 26.02 + 0.42%

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CRUDE OIL PRICE

CURRENCY RATES*

DRAFT RATES (OMR1)*

GOLD PRICES*

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

Forex rates vs OMR1* US Dollar ................................. 2.58 Euro ............................................ 2.36 Pound ............................................1.73 Indian Rs .............................162.02 Pak Rs ...................................260.40 Bangla Taka.......................199.64

Indian Rs ................................... 162.10 Pakistan Rs ............................ 264.00 Sri Lanka Rs .......................... 343.65 Bangla Taka............................ 201.25 Phil Peso .....................................115.75

Muscat 24ct per gm (OMR) .......15.30

Oman Crude............. (Spot) ........ $53.43 Dubai Crude ............. (Spot) .........$53.19 Murban Crude ........ (Spot) .........$55.91 Arabian Light ......... (Spot) ........ $55.76 N.Sea Brent............... (Spot) ......... $55.71 West Texas Int ....... (Spot) .........$48.10

* Rates are as of Mar. 30 Source: BankMuscat

Oman plans spot market for electricity As a first step, Oman Power and

12 firms seek pre-qualification for Barka, Sohar water projects

Water Procurement Company has appointed John Mather as project manager for implementing a new spot market pricing mechanism

A E JAMES

Times News Service MUSCAT: As many as twelve companies have submitted application seeking pre-qualification to participate in bidding for two large independent power projects planned in Barka and Sohar.

Two successful bidders will be selected to develop independent water projects in Barka and Sohar. Barka IWP will have a desalination capacity of 281,000 cubic metres per day, while Sohar project will have a desalination capacity of 250,000

cubic metres per day.

These companies/consortiums are Veolia - Marubeni consortium, Itochu - Degremon consortium, International Power, Tecnicas de Desalinizacion de Agus - led consortium, Abengoa Water - National Power & Water consortium, FCC Aqualia - Samsung Engineering consortium, Valoriza Agua, Hyflux Ltd, GS Inima Environment - led consortium, Sijitz Corporation, JGC Corporation and Citic Construction - Al Sulami Group consortium.

businesseditor@timesofoman.com MUSCAT: Oman plans to introduce a spot market for electricity in an apparent move to enhance efficiency within the sector.

The proposed spot market is an alternative route for power producers to sell eletricity to the state-owned procurement company outside a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA).

As a first step, Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) has appointed John Mather as project manager for implementing a new spot market pricing system.

Independent power producers will be able to participate in a the alternative market and receive prices determined on a dayto-day basis in accordance with specified market rules.

C A P I TA L B A S E

BankDhofar board clears OMR45m rights issue Times News Service MUSCAT: BankDhofar board on Sunday approved a rights issue worth OMR45 million, which is subject to regulatory approvals.

The rights issue will be in addition to the planned tier 1 bond issue up to $300 million , which was earlier approved by the shareholders, the bank said in a disclosure statement posted on the MSM website.

CBO guidelines An additional tier 1 type capital instrument, falling under Basel III and Central Bank of Oman guidelines, is a new type of instrument for the Oman market and subject to Central Bank of Oman approval.

Net loans and advances of BankDhofar rose to OMR2,254.70 million, an 18.55 per cent growth, while customer deposits moved up by 22.17 per cent to OMR2,482.18 million in 2014, according to the results posted by the bank on MSM website.

The operating income of the bank also showed a 10.38 per cent growth to OMR98.85 million, while operating expenses were up 1.87 per cent to OMR46.16 million.

Mather has extensive experience of the design and operation of wholesale electricity markets in the United Kingdom and Australia and has advised on the application of power purchase agreements in a number of jurisdictions, including China, Jamaica and the Philippines.

Mather will work with a multidisciplinary team of experts at OPWP and Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC) to develop a high-level market design in to a set of detailed market rules for approval by the industry regulator - Authority for Electricity Regulation, said OPWP in a statement.

“OPWP will soon be issuing a

tender to engage suitably-qualified consultants to codify the market rules,” it added.

These market rules will be similar to those that operate in wholesale electricity markets around the world.

Eng Ahmed Al Jahdhami, chief executive officer of OPWP last week said that his company was looking for spot market for electricity and the recent approach to separate water projects from electricity projects would support the proposed spot market scheme in the future.

A spot market for electricity is also vital in view of the fact that the demand for power is growing at a faster pace. > B3

* Rates as of Mar. 30 Source: Oman UAE Exchange

Muscat 22ct per gm (OMR) ....... 14.70 Dubai 24ct per gm (Dh) ............144.50 Dubai 22ct per gm (Dh) ............. 137.25 * Rates as of Mar. 30 Source: Malabar Gold & Diamonds

B2

TU ESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

MARKET German exchange set to invest in Indian bourses in March, compared to 13 to 14 per cent a year earlier, Chauhan said.

It will account for 30 per cent of equity- derivative trades, up from 15 to 20 per cent, he added. BSE’s currency derivatives now account for half the market, compared to 2 to 3 per cent a year ago.

Deutsche Boerse will invest 5 per cent in a planned commodities exchange and also take a holding in a new stock-trading venue in Gujarat

LONDON: Deutsche Boerse plans to hold stakes in two new Indian securities markets being developed by the Bombay Stock Exchange.

The German exchange operator will invest as much as 5 per cent in a planned commodities exchange, BSE chief executive officer Ashishkumar Chauhan said in an interview in London on March 27.

Deutsche Boerse will also take a holding in a new stock-trading venue based in Gujarat state.

The new investments would

BULL AND BEARS: The German company bought a 5 per cent

stake in Bombay Stocks Exchange in 2007 and announced a wide-ranging technology alliance in 2013. – Bloomberg News

increase Deutsche Boerse’s financial commitment to Asia’s oldest stock exchange.

The German company bought a 5 per cent stake in BSE in 2007 and announced a wide-ranging technology alliance in 2013 that has led the BSE to move its equity and derivatives platforms on to Deutsche Boerse’s N7 trading network. The much faster transaction speeds have enabled BSE to rebuild its market share against its main domestic rival, National Stock Exchange of India.

Market share “By getting Deutsche on board, BSE’s exchanges will benefit from better technology, ideas, innovation and best practices,” Jagannadham Thunuguntla, the head of fundamental research at Karvy Stock Broking in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad, said in a phone interview. “ India is bracing up for competitive action on the exchange front as the markets are projected to grow.” BSE’s share of Indian stock trading will reach 18 to 20 per cent

Special economic zone NSE has also agreed to set up a new stock exchange in Gujarat.

The rival market operators will open their venues inside a new special economic zone that is being developed on the outskirts of Gandhinagar, the state capital.

Deutsche Boerse spokesman Frank Herkenhoff declined to comment in an e-mail. The German exchange operator has picked a new chief executive officer, Carsten Kengeter, who joins the company next month.

“The co-operation will be in data, sales and also financial participation,” Chauhan said. “Depending on their appetite,” he added. - Bloomberg News

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INVESTMENT

Volvo Car to build $500m plant in US to revive sales MUNICH: Volvo Car Group plans to invest about $500 million to build its first auto factory in the United States in a bid to revive sales, which have tumbled over the past decade.

The new plant will start operation in 2018 and produce vehicles built with the same underpinnings as the XC90 sport-utility vehicle, the Gothenburg, Swedenbased company said.

A decision on the location and size of the plant will be announced at a later date. “The US is an absolutely crucial part of our global transformation,” chief executive officer Hakan Samuelsson said. “Today’s announcement makes it perfectly clear that Volvo is in the US to stay.”

The Swedish carmaker, which was bought by Chinese billionaire Li Shufu’s Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, is seeking to revive prospects in the US., where sales ast year totaled about 56,000 vehicles, less than

half the brand’s peak in 2004.

The plant will give Volvo a local presence, putting it on a similar footing as BMW and MercedesBenz. It will also help reduce risks related to currency fluctuations.

Geely Geely is pushing Volvo to become more global and plans to raise output to about 800,000 cars by the end of the decade, up from a record 466,000 deliveries last year. The expansion is part of a five-year, $11 billion investment

program that includes overhauling the brand’s product range.

Underpinned by the revamped XC90 SUV, Volvo targets sales this year of about 500,000 cars.

The XC90 is the first vehicle developed completely under Geely’s ownership and will serve as the basis of future models.

Volvo Cars has drawn up a shortlist of possible locations in the US, where it expects to increase annual sales to 100,000 cars in the medium-term.

- Bloomberg News

T U E S DAY, MAR C H 31 , 2 0 1 5

B3

MARKET BANKING

CBO chief stresses on reducing risks Times News Service MUSCAT: Different ways to reduce systemic risks resulting from the domestic systematically important banks (D-SIBs) were discussed by experts at a regional seminar on regulating and supervising systemic banks here yesterday.

The seminar reviewed modern supervisory rules issued by Basel Committee on Banking Supervision within Basel III resolutions on ways of supervising and regulating such banks.

Hamoud bin Sangour Al Zadjali, executive president of the Central Bank of Oman (CBO), said that the seminar would assess the experiences of Gulf Coopeation Council (GCC) states in implementing various methods used in specifying the domestic systematically important banks (D-SIBs) and their current policies in hedging against risks.

It will also examine how these banks are managed, the efforts exerted in laying down suitable regulatory rules to overcome such risks and the latest developments in applying stress tests on both the micro and macro levels, he added.

Basel regulations “I also hope that you will be able to apply the knowledge you gain here, which will boost your capabilities to dealing with D-SIBs and ultimately enable us to develop performance at central banks and the regulatory authorities of GCC states and develop their current procedures and policies.

Consequently, they will be consistent with the latest develop-

Oil drops on fears Iran deal could expand glut Iranian and Western diplomats worked toward a nuclear deal that may lead to the Islamic Republic

Hamoud bin Sangour Al Zadjali

boosting oil exports

ments and controls issued by Basel,” said Al Zadjali.

Al Zadjali noted that it is no secret that this issue has gained momentum in the wake of the global financial crisis, which resulted in the collapse of many major banks and banking institutions and had a negative impact on the concept of financial stability.

Consequently, he said, the need has arisen to improve risk management systems in the systemically influential financial and banking institutions on one hand, and to improve the efficiency and integrity of the financial sector and enhance its role in bolstering comprehensive growth and macro-economic stability on the other hand.

The Committee for Banking Supervision and the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have organised the seminar in collaboration with the Financial Stability Institute (FSI) of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) under the auspices of the CBO.

MELBOURNE: Oil fell for a second day as Iranian and Western diplomats worked toward a nuclear deal that may lead to the Islamic Republic boosting crude exports, exacerbating a global supply glut.

Futures dropped 2.1 per cent in New York. Diplomats scheduled to meet on Monday morning in Switzerland remained deadlocked over the pace of easing sanctions on Iran and the limits to be imposed on its nuclear programme.

Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (Opec) fifthlargest producer has been stockpiling oil, which Barclays and Societe Generale predict would be the first supplies to be sold abroad if an agreement is reached.

The potential for Iran to increase shipments has bolstered speculation that the global surplus will worsen after the Opec resisted calls to cut supply. Iran could raise exports by 1 million barrels a day if sanctions were lifted, oil minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said on March 16.

OUTLOOK

Road map for spot market B1 for power to be developed < FROM

Oman’s average annual growth in power demand from 2013 to 2020 within the areas of the main inter-connected system (MIS) is projected at 10 per cent, from 2,592 megawatt in 2013 to 5,023 megawatt in 2020, according to a seven-year outlook for power demand released by

side the hotel entrance that “Iran has to take a deep breath and take tough decisions.”

Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP).

However, peak demand growth, under the demand forecast, is expected at about 11 per cent per annum, from 4,455 megawatt in 2013 to 9,133 megawatt in 2020.

The continued high growth in demand for electricity can be attrib-

uted to rising personal income levels, new houses and continued government investment in infrastructure projects. A road map for spot market will be developed by the authorities. The road map will identify key milestones, providing anticipated dates for achieving these milestones.

1m

barrels a day Iran could raise exports if sanctions were lifted, oil minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said on March 16

“Reaching any kind of agreement on Iran sanctions can be a negative factor for oil prices,” Hong Sung Ki, a commodities analyst at Samsung Futures in Seoul, said by phone. “The possibility of a deal being reached can’t be ruled out. We may see a partial deal.”

West Texas Intermediate for May delivery declined as much as $1.04 to $47.83 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange and was at $48.02 in Singapore. The contract lost $2.56 to $48.87 on Friday, the biggest slump since February 26.

The volume of all futures traded was about 5 per cent below the 100-day average. Prices are down 9.9 per cent this year.

Iranian exports Brent for May settlement slid as much as 84 cents, or 1.5 per cent, to $55.57 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. It decreased $2.78 to $56.41 on Friday. The European benchmark crude traded at a premium of $7.81 to WTI. Iran’s oil exports have been constrained to about 1 million barrels a day following sanctions imposed in mid-2012. Daily sales rose to about 1.2 million in February, from 780,000 barrels in January, the International Energy Agency said in its monthly report on March 13.

The “other side must make serious decisions,” Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told reporters on Sunday in the Beau Rivage Palace Hotel in Lausanne.

UK foreign minister Philip Hammond said to another group out-

Global glut Iran may be hoarding 7 million to as much as 35 million barrels of oil, shipbrokers and government officials estimated. Thirteen supertankers operated by National Iranian Tanker were anchored offshore of Bandar Abbas, Assaluyeh or Kharg Island from March 15 to March 18, according to data.

Opec, which pumps about 40 percent of the world’s oil, agreed in November to maintain its output quota at 30 million barrels a day to defend market share. The 12-member group produced 30.6 million a day in February, exceeding that target for a ninth straight month, data shows.

Crude stockpiles in the US, the world’s largest oil consumer, climbed to 466.7 million through March 20, according to data from the Energy Information Administration. That’s the highest level in weekly records from the Energy Department’s statistical arm dating back to August 1982. Production expanded to 9.42 million a day, the fastest pace since at least January 1983.

Crude oil capped a second weekly gain on March 27 after Saudi Arabia and its allies bombed rebel targets in Yemen. - Bloomberg News

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B6

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

ROUND-UP Second alizz bank AGM approves annual report During the meeting, the Board of Directors presented the report for the financial year ended December 31, 2014 of which was reviewed and approved

MUSCAT: alizz Islamic bank held its Second Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2014 recently at Crowne Plaza Hotel here.

The meeting was presided by His Highness Sayyid Taimur bin As’ad Al Said, chairman of alizz Islamic bank, and attended by board

members, senior officials of the Bank, and shareholders. The Annual General Meeting was also attended by the Shari’a Supervisory Board, in the presence of Sheikh Dr Mohammed Abdul Rahim Sultan Al Olama, says a press release.

In his speech addressed to the shareholders, Taimur Al Said pointed out that with the appointment of Salaam Al Shaksy as the Chief Executive Officer, and other senior management, the bank is on course to pursue its strategy by enhancing its market share and de-

livering exceptional and sustainable results for its shareholders.

“The bank continued to expand its distribution network by opening four more branches in Al Khoudh, Sohar, Nizwa and Salalah. Looking ahead, the bank intends to embark on the growth of its balance sheet under a ‘high asset quality’ philosophy to ensure shareholder value is sustainable in the long term,” he added.

During the meeting, the Board of Directors presented the report for the financial year ended December

Azzan bin Qais International School raises funds to help WFP initiative

parents, staff members, students, friends and custodians for their unequivocal support by donating money for this noble cause to break the cycle of hunger and poverty for the world’s most vulnerable children,” said Desmond Moses, dean, primary grades 4, 5, 6 of Azzan bin Qais International School.

As the largest humanitarian provider of school meals worldwide, WFP in collaboration with governments and partners, supports education and reduces malnutrition. The organisation provides food to an average of 90 million people annually, of whom 58 million are children. The objec-

HOUSING SOLUTIONS

MUSCAT: The MB Holding Group joins hands with the nation in celebrating the arrival of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to the Sultanate. His Majesty returned to the Sultanate in good health after a successful treatment abroad.

On this happy occasion, a get together was organised by the employees of the company. A special prayer was recited for his continued good health as well as for the prosperity of the nation under his wise leadership, says a press release.

Addressing the employees, Dr Mohammed Al Barwani, chairman, MB Holding Group, said, “On this happy occasion, I would

like to congratulate and extend my humble greetings and best wishes to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the people of Oman. As a 100% Omani company, we will continue to pledge our allegiance to the nation and help translate his vision into reality.”

Echoing chairman’s sentiments, Sharifa Al Harthy, Vice Chairperson, MB Holding Group, added, “This is an exciting day for the people of Oman. We are happy to know that His Majesty has returned safely to Oman following a successful treatment.

We will continue to pray for His Majesty’s lasting health and long life and continue to support him in leading Oman to prosperity.”

tives of the WFP include saving lives and protecting livelihoods in emergencies, supporting food security and nutrition, reducing risk and enabling people, communities and countries to meet their own food and nutrition needs and breaking the inter-generational cycle of hunger.

According to WFP, a meal at school acts as a magnet to get children into the classroom, school meals support the healthy development of children to help them become productive learners and that a daily school meal provides a strong incentive to promote school attendance.

A’Saffa honours employees MUSCAT: A’Saffa Foods recently felicitated over 190 members of staff as part of its Long Service Awards Programme. The event has been instituted under the auspices of Eng. Saleh bin Mohammed bin Amer Shanfari, Chairman of A’Saffa Foods, to recognise employees who have contributed and served the company for more than 5 and 10 years with awards, says a press release.

The A’Saffa Foods Long Service Awards have been instituted as part of the company’s commitment to appreciate and acknowledge the contributions of its people. It is also an extension of the organisation’s people-centric policy, which accords utmost value to its most important assets - the employees. A’Saffa has always been an employee-focused workplace and the company places the well-being of its employees uppermost on its corporate credo.

The awards also celebrate the milestone of a tenure that has been rewarding, enriching and epitomises an employee’s loyalty to the organisation.

“Some of our employees have spent some of the best years of their lives with us. A 5 and

10-year-long tenure depicts the level of trust and commitment on the part of both the employee and the employer. So it is important that we as a company recognise and appreciate our employees’ loyalty, dedication and hard work towards the organisation. We believe that our people are our biggest asset and we will keep investing in their potential to drive the company forward,” said Saleh Shanfari.

During the ceremony, 144 employees were awarded with 5 years and above service awards

and 48 employees were awarded for 10 years and above service.

A’Saffa Foods HR practices focus on creating, nurturing and supporting people to meet its ambitious growth plans, through a wide variety of initiatives that cover all stages in the lives of employees as they train and hone the skills of their majority Omani staff. Furthermore, the company ensures that they deliver on their promise to provide products which consistently deliver the highest quality standards to consumers.

ANNIVERSARY

Alargan participates in Baituna Souq MUSCAT: Alargan Towell, the Sultanate’s leading affordable housing solutions provider, recently participated in the Baituna Souq conducted by Bank Muscat.

Organised with the theme of ‘A home for every family’, the four-day event was intended to bring together prospective homebuyers, leading property developers and real estate developers. Alargan Towell, since its inception has been at the forefront of affordable housing solutions in the Sultanate and therefore it goes without saying that the event was indeed a perfect fit for the company, says a press release.

Over the years the company has successfully delivered mixed-use projects in the Sultanate, and currently is promoting projects like Al Waha, Telal al Qurm and Beyout Alfaye, which are in various stages of completion. The event attracted hundreds of homebuyers and a significant amount of the visitors took the time to interact with the Alargan Towell team present at

MB Holding celebrates return of His Majesty

L O N G S E RV I C E AWA R D

SOCIAL CAUSE

MUSCAT: As part of its efforts to raise awareness against global poverty, Azzan bin Qais International School in the Sultanate of Oman has extended its support to the World Food Programme’s (WFP) Red Cup Initiative for the school children.

The WFP uses Red Cups to distribute school meals. Each cup contains nutritious food staples like soya, cereal and beans.

A full cup represents health, education, hope and a stronger community. Currently, an estimated 66 million school children are starving around the globe.

The school community of Azzan bin Qais International School has been proactive in its outreach to the poor. They launched a fundraiser in 2014, to support the WFP’s Red Cup Initiative. In their bid to do so, they managed to raise a significant amount of OMR1,700. This was accomplished in a record time of just eight days, says a press release.

“Our sincere and heartfelt gratitude and appreciation are extended to our loyal and dedicated

31, 2014 of which was reviewed and approved. The shareholders approved the corporate governance report, the auditor’s report, the balance sheet and the profit and loss account of the bank for the same financial year.

In addition, the shareholders were informed of the Shari’a Supervisory Board report and of the related parties’ transactions during the financial year ended December 31, 2014. The transactions which the bank will carry out with the related parties during 2015 were considered and approved.

“Despite the competitive market in the banking sector, alizz Islamic bank remains at the forefront of the sector. The bank received a number of prestigious awards in recognition of its noteworthy achievements across the banking industry.

The opening of our most recent branch in Salalah demonstrates our commitment to offering our customers a wide range of Shari’a compliant products and services across the Sultanate,” Al Shaksy added.

SPECIAL OCCASION

the venue. The event gave the company the right opportunity to build on its position as a leading real estate developer in Oman and also as the perfect choice for families which hope to own a world-class home at an affordable price.

Tony Safarian, GM, Alargan said “From the marketing point of view, I think we made the right choice to be present at the event. Due to its focus on homebuyers only, the event helped us identify and interact with the right target audience who readily welcomed our projects and also tried to understand more about the affordable housing concept.”

Range Rover Autobiography: 21 years of rewriting luxury MUSCAT: This year marks the 21st anniversary of Land Rover’s introduction of the Autobiography designation – then and now the pinnacle of the Range Rover model line-up. Across two decades Autobiography has denoted the ultimate combination of Land Rover design and luxury, adapting with changing customer tastes and preferences to remain a benchmark in the premium SUV market, says a press release.

The Autobiography was first announced at the London motor show in late 1993 and introduced to customers the following year.

The responsibility for these models has always been the work of a dedicated team using finely honed skills and attention to detail.

The earliest Autobiography Range Rovers were wholly bespoke, offering customers the opportunity to indulge their tastes in limitless varieties of paintwork colours and interior finishes. De-

mand was so high, Land Rover was prompted to adopt Autobiography as a limited edition version of its Range Rover, featuring the larger engine from the long-wheelbase LSE models and distinctive interior and exterior colour-ways.

Just 25 were built, securing their highly prized status among connoisseurs of the marque.

To maintain exclusivity and customer appeal, Land Rover has ensured its Autobiography models remain at the cutting edge of

technology features. The original publicity made much of the fact the rear console could accommodate a fax machine; since then Range Rover Autobiography has continued to set the pace with adoption of satellite navigation, television and video systems from as early as 1997.

Moving into the third generation Range Rover from 2002, Land Rover addressed increasingly sophisticated customer infotainment tastes with the introduc-

tion of concert hall-quality audio packages and a multi-play DVD system. Customers could specify myriad details, from the colour of the sheepskin rugs to type of wood used for cabin trims. Anyone who wanted something more exclusive only had to ask – and many did.

John Edwards, managing director of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations, said: “For 21 years, Autobiography has given our customers the chance to specify the most luxurious Range Rovers according to their tastes and desires.

Within Special Vehicle Operations we are continuing this tradition. The latest Autobiography Black has greater levels of luxury and sophistication than ever before and even more opportunities for personalisation.”

Current and forthcoming Autobiography models will be built by the Special Vehicle Operations team, which is transferring to a new technical centre.

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Bahwan Pharmacy opens branch in Sur Strategically located in the centre of the town, the state-of the-art pharmacy stocks full range of medical, healthcare, consumer and OTC products

MUSCAT: Bahwan Pharmacy, in its continuous efforts to reach out to people and serve the community, has opened a new pharmacy outlet in Sur. Amal Suhail Bahwan, Managing Director and Board Member of Suhail Bahwan Group,

opened the new pharmacy recently, says a press release.

Congratulating the Bahwan Healthcare Centre team on the opening of the new pharmacy, Amal Bahwan said, “We are glad to be opening a new Bahwan Phar-

macy in Sur, our home town.

“This is also our 8th branch of the growing network of Bahwan Pharmacies in Oman and we hope to continue to serve the people of Oman by providing better health-

care services.”

Strategically located in the centre of the town, the state-of theart pharmacy stocks full range of medical, healthcare, consumer and OTC products.

QUA L I T Y E D UC AT I O N

SRM University eyes students from Oman MUSCAT: The SRM University team conducted a spot admission meeting for NRI and foreign students from the Sultanate of Oman at Haffa House Hotel recently.

The session was attended by a large number of parents and students keen to explore opportunities for higher education in quality institutions.

SRM University is recognised as a leading private university in India, with an impressive countrywide network in six locations across India, and wants to be among the top 100 universities in the world. The global ambition extends to the development of new programmes and courses that are needed to solve some of the challenges confronting humanity in the 21st century in areas like engineering and technology; medicine and health sciences; science and humanities; and management and business studies, all areas where the University has a proven track record, says a press release.

A key focus will be in creating greater multi-discipline options across all programmes and research, and in strengthening research capability so as to emerge as a research driven university. The university has initiated pioneering work in developing cutting edge learning platforms of open courseware, with a pilot in business and management studies, to enable learners to access courses at their convenience of location and time.

The imperatives for higher education in India continue to be access, equity and quality, and SRM University expects to play a dominant role in helping the country to overcome these obstacles. New frontiers will be opened in sec-

tors like law, where the demand for trained and high quality manpower is high. SRM University is also committed to playing an important role in widening access to higher education. One way of doing this is to look at introducing high quality distance learning programmes, and a beginning has been made, with a campus in Sikkim that will specialise in the design and delivery of courses.

Education is all about creating an environment of academic freedom, where bright minds meet, discover and learn. The era of globalization means many things to SRM: Research on issues relating to science and technology, exchanges with foreign universities, overseas opportunities for undergraduates, and collaboration. Several ambitious strategic initiatives have been taken to ensure that SRM University continues to educate future leaders and to find solutions to the most pressing global challenges through its International Advisory Board with eminent scholars from 40 top universities/organisation across the world, Corporate Advisory Board with eminent executives from 215 leading companies, Faculty Abroad Programme, Student

Semester Abroad Programme, Research Institute, Innovation in Teaching and Learning Pedagogy, and diversity of students from 48 countries and from across India.

All these have led the University to be ranked as India’s No.1 (factual ranking) by India Today 2013, earlier by “The Education Times” (The Time of India) and Zee News.

NAAC and MHRD placed SRM in ‘A” category, making President of India Pranab Mukherjee to comment,” I am delighted to know that foreign faculty members, flexible and dynamic curriculum, exciting research and global connections are features that set SRM apart. In the context of meeting the objectives of higher education in today’s competitive world, SRM University has played an outstanding role over the past 27 years.”

Unrivalled reputation SRM University is one of India’s leading institutes, with over 40,000 students and 2500 faculty members. The faculty are encouraged to build global alliances, currently there are over 80 international programmes across 20 countries. The Faculty Abroad Programme (FAP), sponsors SRM faculty to overseas Universities

of repute for research, auditing courses and for gaining greater understanding of global governance and academic processes. Several faculty members have been to institutions like MIT, Harvard, USC, Carnegie Mellon, University of Berkley, Warwick University, Dalhousie University, Lin Yi Normal University, NEC and University Francois-Rabelais.

SRM University’s infrastructure is world class. At the vast Kattankulathur Campus, Chennai, one can find the Faculties of Engineering and Technology, Medicine and Health Sciences, Management, and Science and Humanities. The SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Center, and the SRM Hotel are also situated in this campus. Students have access to round the clock security and free counselling. There are many options for dining like the SRM hotel, restaurants, food courts, numerous canteens and departmental stores.

Key strengths Students today are looking for diversity in courses and how these courses will get them a good job.

On the other hand shifting industry needs and the extent of diversification that is taking place, calls for new employability and skills sets. This is happening at a macro level as well. With India’s almost complete integration with the world economy, the workplace demands new skills, competencies and experience. SRM University is well placed to meet this challenge as the institutional framework and the autonomy it enjoys provides ample scope to come up with innovative programmes.

SHOW OF HAPPINESS

BankDhofar celebrates His Majesty’s return MUSCAT: As the overwhelming joy and happiness pervaded throughout the Sultanate following the return of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said in the country after successful treatment in Germany, BankDhofar has organised various activities and events in all its branches, and participated in several celebratory functions in different parts of Oman.

All BankDhofar branches and departments rejoiced and celebrated this jubilant occasion, expressing their love and loyalty to His Majesty the Sultan, the wise leader of the Sultanate, says a press release.

Abdul Hakeem Omar Al Ojaili, Acting CEO, noted: “Our happiness is indescribable. No words can express how we feel and the overwhelming happiness that prevailed throughout the whole nation in this blessed occasion.

This historical moment will always be carved in Omani people’s memory. We pray to the Almighty Allah for His Majesty the Sultan’s health, long life and happiness, and may Allah bless the people of Oman with further progress and prosperity under His Majesty’s wise leadership.”

One of the national initiatives launched by BankDhofar was the release of a music album in love of His Majesty the Sultan. The album contains a selective collection of Omani musical tracks in a folkloric style representing traditional Omani musical styles of Razha, Rabuba, Bu Zalaf, Bara’a and Madar. Available on BankDhofar YouTube channel, the album was produced and recorded

by Omani artists to express the

high-spiritedness and joy prevailing over the Sultanate these days.

BankDhofar also sponsored the celebration of the Wilayat of Muttrah’s open day where traditional Omani music was played and folklore dances were performed. While buildings and houses were decorated with Omani flags and glamorous white, red and green lights, people marched on the Muttrah corniche, chanting and dancing in celebration.

BankDhofar is also sponsoring the musical performance that is organised by the Directorate General of Education in Dhofar Governorate – Ministry of Education. The event is scheduled on April 4 under the patronage of Sayyid Mohammed bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Governor of Dhofar.

“BankDhofar’s participation in various celebratory events across the Sultanate reaffirms our commitment to join hands with community and contribute to the initiatives that showcase our love and loyalty to this country and to His Majesty the Sultan.

We strongly believe in our role as a key contributor to the development of the nation, diversification of the national economy in line with His Majesty’s vision,” added Al Ojaili.

FREE CALLS

Renna celebrates HM’s homecoming MUSCAT: Renna Mobile celebrated His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s safe return to Oman with their customers by offering unlimited free calls on March 27 to their clients who could make unlimited calls to all renna customers in addition to all customers on Omantel’s network, says a press release.

“We had to join the whole country and convey our sincere contentment of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s safe return to Oman. The Renna family continues to pray for His Majesty’s well-being and guidance in carrying the nation forward,” said Raed Haddadin, CEO, Renna Mobile.

With the aim to become the most cost-efficient mobile service provider in Oman; Renna Mobile provides fantastic prices and brilliant customer service coupled with superb network coverage, offered through Omantel’s superior telecom network all across Oman, that allows one to enjoy the services anytime and anywhere.

It is worth mentioning that Renna Mobile recharge cards and services are easily accessible by means of shopping kiosks and several other locations across Oman. Customers can also buy recharge online, by signing up and logging in to the customerfriendly website.

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TU ESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

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al Mazyona rewards customers as prize draws gain momentum With attractive weekly, monthly, special and year-end grand prizes totalling OMR9 million, the popular scheme offers high-value prizes throughout the year to maximum number of customers

MUSCAT: The Sultanate’s flagship al Mazyona savings scheme from Bank Muscat has gained momentum with the series of 2015 weekly and monthly prize draws fulfilling dreams with a never-be-

fore offer guaranteeing bigger and better winning chances for customers across the Sultanate.

With attractive weekly, monthly, special and year-end grand prizes totalling OMR9 million,

the popular scheme offers highvalue prizes throughout the year to maximum number of customers, says a press release.

Innovation has long been the buzzword for Bank Muscat and al Mazyona reflects a unique positioning way ahead of competition.

The bank attaches great importance to inculcating prudent savings and spending habits and has tailored al Mazyona scheme with this objective in mind.

‘Save more’ Marking Oman’s 45th Renaissance anniversary, Bank Muscat raised the 2015 al Mazyona prize money to OMR9 million from OMR8 million in 2014. Structured on the thematic ‘45’ reflecting the Sultanate’s

I N N O VAT I V E

45 years of Renaissance under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the 2015 al Mazyona savings scheme campaign reaches out with a powerful call to action ‘Save more, Dream big’ guaranteeing more for everyone to

share in the biggest prize money in Oman and the region.

The enhanced 2015 prize money is to be shared by more winners as customers from all regions are guaranteed to win prizes ranging from OMR45,000 a week to OMR450,000 a month and OMR1.5 million at the end of the year. A special prize draw offering OMR450,000 in celebration of the 45th National Day is another highlight.

Bank Muscat understands customer expectations and big prize money is not the only way by which al Mazyona seeks to transform the lives of prudent savers. The scheme is targeted to accommodate all segments, including asalah Priority Banking, ladies, youth,

children and customers in all regions, thereby inculcating prudent savings habit among citizens who are responsible for the future development of Oman. The underlying principle of the scheme is that the greater the deposit balance, the higher the chances of rewards.

Customers can win more by saving more with Bank Muscat. al Mazyona scheme reflects innovative customer segmentation based on two principles — region and demographics — ensuring a higher winning chance to all customers across the Sultanate.

Winning with al Mazyona has never been simpler as customers are not required to block their money or wait for a long time to win big prizes.

FEBRUARY WINNER

BankDhofar launches mobile NBO picks Al Kanz winner banking app via Windows MUSCAT: In a pioneering initiative to add to the convenience of e-banking channels and to further enhance its customers’ experience, BankDhofar recently launched its mobile banking app through Windows mobile.

The instant mobile banking provides access to BankDhofar’s app on all Windows mobile, in addition to iOS, Android and RIM, says a press release.

Marwan Mohammed Al Zadjali, Head of eBanking, noted that BankDhofar is working to diversify its electronic channels option in order to provide best customer experience through new initiatives and creative banking solutions.

“While other banking apps are available on iOS, Android and RIM devices, we are the first bank in the Sultanate to provide Mobile Banking through Windows mobile.

“We promise to offer the best banking experience to our valued customers, and we pledge to continue to lead the market in creativity and innovation.”

The newly launched service allows BankDhofar customers with Windows mobile to enjoy a wide array of fast, simple, direct and super convenient features, including: all accounts and cards details,

balance inquiry and transactions statement, utility bills payment (water, electricity and phones), mobile top-up (Omantel, Ooredoo and FRiENDi), credit card payment, money transfer (personal accounts, third party within the bank and to other local banks in Oman), card-less cash transfer, ATM/CDM/branch locator with interactive maps, updated exchange rates, products and promotions update, etc.

BankDhofar customers can also request for cheque books, credit cards, opening a savings account, demand drafts, pay orders, loans, insurance (vehicles, family and domestic help insurance), and they can also check the status of their request through the app.

Earlier this year, the bank has gone live with FRiENDi to allow users to add credit to their mobile phones through its mobile and internet banking facilities. In addition, BankDhofar has become the first bank in Oman to offer mobile banking services for Research in Motion’s (RIM) Blackberry 10 edition. BankDhofar has been a leader in the local market in terms of customers experience, creativity and innovation.

As a result, it bagged a collection of prestigious awards from locally and globally esteemed organisations in recognition of its successful strategy and robust leadership, including: ‘Best Bank in Oman 2014’ by The Banker magazine, ‘Sultan Qaboos Award for Excellence in eGovernment’ in the Best Public Mobile eService Award for large organisations by Information Technology Authority (ITA), ‘Best Evolved Brand Award 2014’ by Global Financial Market Review, ‘The Customer Delight Award 2014 – MENA’ in association with British Institute of Sales & Marketing Management, in addition to ‘Best Managed Advisory Service 2014’, ‘Best Mobile Banking App 2014, and ‘Best Bank in the Sultanate 2014’ by CPI Financial.

MUSCAT: National Bank of Oman (NBO) announced the February winner of its flagship Al Kanz prize draw, with a customer of its airport branch taking home the OMR100,000 prize.

The draw was held during the celebrations for the opening of the branch’s new premises in Bahla.

The new location of the branch was chosen to offer customers greater convenience, while the design and layout will enable an enhanced level of service.

G O L D C E R T I F I C AT I O N

ISM plans grand celebrations MUSCAT: The Indian School Muscat (ISM) turns 40 this year and as part of the celebrations the ISM alumni will get together at the school on the April 29 in the evening.

“Apart from its over 9,000 students, there are nearly 400 ISM alumni who work and live in this beautiful city. ISM and the time spent within its walls may well be the reason these young people came back to work here,” said a school official.

The ISM family would like to reach out to them and ask them to visit their Alma mater when-

ever they wish to, feel the nostalgia and mentor the seniors in the school. The alumni are a source of great pride for any institution and ISM is no exception.

“Over the four decades ISM has seen many principals and ISM would also like to reach out to them and thank them for making ISM what it is today. ISM would like to invite them all to come and be a part of this special occasion and take the opportunity to mingle with their teachers, themselves and the senior students at the school for a mentoring session,” said the statement.

S P I R I T O F PAT R I O T I S M

This process recognised the hard work and dedication of the Honda team and compliments its consistent customer service, attention to detail and its ability to go the extra mile for its customer.

“We have a huge pool of talent in house at Honda and we encourage them to actively participate in the success of our business. Harish is

an outstanding technical associate and deserves this recognition due to his mastery at his craft and dedication to our business,” said Hussain Al Lawati, Managing Director, Omasco.

“I am delighted to win this 1st Gold Certification for the GCC region. I have been working with Omasco for the past 6 years

and I’m a part of a very solid and talented team.

“The expertise of my team greatly aided me in achieving this award,” stated Harish Prabhakaran. With Harish making it happen, Omasco has felt the sense of motivation and many more technical associates are being planned for upgradation and assessment.

ICT EXHIBITION

Comex promises to be bigger and better MUSCAT: Comex, leading ICT exhibition in Oman, will this year focus on new and emerging trends in the IT, telecommunications and technology space. These will include fibre optics, cloud computing, ICT convergence solutions and integrated communications.

The five-day exhibition will start on April 27 and conclude on May 1 at Oman International Exhibition Centre, says a press release.

“We are delighted that some of the world’s largest brands in the IT, telecom and technology space have given us their support. As

Under NBO’s Al Kanz campaign, customers that have maintained a minimum monthly average balance of OMR100 or above are eligible to participate in the monthly prize draws.

The earlier a customer deposits and the longer they retain their deposits, the higher the chances of winning the monthly and grand prize draws. The Al Kanz savings account is currently one of the most rewarding schemes available in the market.

40TH ANNIVERSARY

Omasco associate tops technical excellence test MUSCAT: Omasco, Honda’s exclusive authorised distributor in the Sultanate, announced yesterday that Harish Prabhakaran, Technical Associate at Omasco, has achieved Gold Certification at the Honda Qualified Service Personnel Assessment (HQSP) held at Honda Africa and Middle East Region office, Dubai.

The HQSP is an initiative hosted

by Honda which enables technical associates across GCC to display their skills and recognises their achievements and commitment to the sector.

Harish was the first Technical Associate out of 240 HQSP Certified Technicians across GCC, who scooped gold. These assessments incorporate a stringent series of tests, both theory and practical to assess the competency of the Honda After Sales technical associates across GCC. The Gold Certification, the highest honour bestowed by Honda is awarded to technical associates who excel in the field based on Honda standards of excellence.

The inauguration ceremony and prize draw were held under the patronage of Sheikh Hilal bin Sultan bin Hamed Al-Shukaili, Deputy Wali of Bahla, says a press release.

National Bank of Oman had taken the lead in designing a savings scheme that encourages customers to adopt good savings habits. February’s draw is cause for double celebration since it coincides with the inauguration of the bank’s new branch in Bahla.

Comex will introduce both participants and attendees to the latest research and development, new products and new opportunities to upgrade existing information and communications technology platforms

industry leaders these companies will showcase innovations and best practices at Comex. Local and regional companies will greatly benefit from the exposure to new ideas and technologies and the networking opportunity that Comex will provide,” said Tarek Ali, General Manager OITE. Growth in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector has exploded over the past two decades which has resulted in the erosion of boundaries between previously separate ICT services, networks, and business practices.

An example of this phenomenon is Internet television. Comex will introduce both participants and attendees to the latest research and development, new products and new opportunities to upgrade existing technology platforms.

Comex has evolved into one of the most recognised ICT exhibitions in the Gulf. Attracting over 95,000 consumers and 10,000 business buyers from Oman’s private and public sectors, Comex is held under the patronage of the Information Technology Authority of Oman.

Al Hashar celebrates HM’s homecoming MUSCAT: The chairman and the staff of Al Hashar Group expressed their deep happiness and thankfulness over the return of His Majesty the Sultan by organising a special event, says a press release.

“We felt that all of us should share our happiness by getting together to thank the Almighty for the safe return of our beloved leader His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said,” stated the COO in his address.

The event was held at the company headquarters in Azaiba and was attended by all the senior officials and employees of the company.

“We are overjoyed at the blessed return of His Majesty and we appeal to Allah Almighty to grant him good health and long life. He is the light of Oman and he guides us towards peace, progress and prosperity with His

wise and able leadership,” remarked the chairman.

Calling it a moment of joy, the employees chorused, “We feel proud to say that Oman under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has earned a unique place of respect in the global arena. It is a blessed nation where not only Omanis but also expatriates are treated with the fair policies of peace, security and justice.”

Following the path of His Majesty, Al Hashar is one of the pioneering business house and one of the most progressive and diversified corporations of beautiful Oman.

The group continues to focus on the needs and wants of its customers. It aspires to serve a large and growing group of loyal patrons who choose to do business with it — generation after generation.

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WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM AN.COM TUESDAY, MAR CH 31, 2015

SECTION

SPOR YOUR GAME

INDIAN EVES BOX, SHOOT, WRESTLE FOR RECOGNITION COGNITION

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Saina Nehwal joins a series of women — from boxing’s Mary Kom to tennis ennis star Sania Mirza — who have succeeded ceeded on the world stage, outperforming ng the men who have long received the lion’s on’s share of attention and resources backk home. >C4

Most powerful World Cup ever Michael Clarke’s side had the best blend of deep batting, strong fielding and, most importantly, wickettaking bowlers which made them fitting winners of a tournament where power was king

MELBOURNE: The ICC hailed the 11th cricket World Cup the “most popular ever” and although most neutrals would have preferred New Zealand to win Sunday’s final, there is no doubt Australia were worthy of their fifth title.

Michael Clarke’s side had the best blend of deep batting, strong fielding and, most importantly, wicket-taking bowlers which made them fitting winners of a tournament where power was king.

The big hitters, extraordinary batsmen like New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum, South Africa’s AB de Villiers and Australia’s Glenn Maxwell, lit up the tournament and showed how much the 50-over game has transformed.

With improvised shots that sometimes defy conventional description, they punctured the boundary at all points as six became the new four while 400 became the new 300.

And popular it was. Fans crammed into grounds all over Australia and New Zealand in their hundreds of thousands — the final tally for all 49 matches was just over a million — and record numbers tuned in around the world on TV. Yet when the last six had been hit, the final batting power play concluded and the majority of the 93,013 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground were celebrating a home win, the Player of the Tournament was left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc.

Taking wickets The Australian was, by consensus, a worthy recipient. The days of containing batting sides in one-day cricket appear to be over and the best way to stop runs being scored is now simply to take wickets.

Starc took 22 at the cost of just over 10 runs apiece, his stingy average putting him ahead of New Zealand’s Trent Boult, who formed the most dangerous new ball attack in the tournament with Tim Southee. New Zealand’s aggressive play was a major highlight in a pool stage that took a month to whittle 14 teams down to eight.

Afghanistan made a welcome World Cup debut and secured their maiden victory over Scotland in a Dunedin thriller, while Ireland beat West Indies and Zimbabwe only to miss out on the knockout stage in the final game of the pool phase. Both advanced the cause of the “associate members” though their battle to prevent the ICC reducing the number of teams in the 2019 tournament to 10, is one they look like losing.

England came and went unloved and unmourned after a calamitous campaign in which they failed to beat any of their Test playing op-

PUBLIC CELEBRATION: Australian captain Michael Clarke holds the 2015 cricket World Cup trophy as he poses with the team during a public event to celebrate their victory

in Melbourne. – AFP

Starc truth a lesson for future one-dayers SYDNEY: Amidst all the blazing hitting witnessed at the 2015 World Cup, the value of one of cricket’s enduring constants was proved again — nothing slows a run-rate quite like taking wickets.

Few matches better demonstrated this point than Australia’s dominant seven-wicket win over New Zealand in Sunday’s final in Melbourne.

Left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc, deservedly named manof-the-tournament for a haul of 22 wickets at a stunningly meagre average of just over 10 apiece, summed up his brilliant six weeks in the final’s opening over.

The dynamic Brendon McCullum, New Zealand’s inspirational captain, couldn’t lay a bat on the first couple of balls he faced and was then yorked for a duck by an express Starc delivery off the third.

“What this World Cup has clearly shown is that a fast, full and straight yorker is a very good delivery,” tweeted former Australian paceman Jason Gillespie.

Starc was one of several left-arm quicks, including New Zealand’s Trent Boult, who also took 22 wickets, to star at this World Cup. Both bowlers were well-supported by aggressive fields set by their respective captains in Australia’s Michael Clarke and McCullum, whose sides also showed the value of a genuine

ponents. Jason Holder’s West Indies scraped into the last eight only to be pounded into the ground

by New Zealand, for whom Martin Guptill scored a record 237 not out, surpassing Chris Gayle’s bludgeoning 215 earlier in the tournament.

Likewise, Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara proved that prolific batting could still be about

Mitchell Starc was one of several left-arm quicks, including Trent Boult to star at this World Cup

five-man attack. Nevertheless, this tournament witnessed the most 300-plus and even 400plus totals at a World Cup. ‘Sensible change’ Crowds loved the big hits but many within cricket weren’t so sure, with the fielding restriction that means just four men are allowed outside the 30-yard circle in the last 10 overs under fire.

“In the old days you had one area you couldn’t defend, now there’s two and if a good batsman is set, as a bowler you’ve got very little price,” said ICC Chief Executive David Richardson.

“One of the things we might look at is allowing an extra fielder out of the ring in the last

stroke play and not just destructive violence with an ODI record four successive centuries in his and Mahela Jayawardene’s last campaign.

Misbah-ul Haq’s Pakistan briefly revived memories of their triumphant 1992 campaign by starting poorly before storming into the knockout stages only to bow out to Australia.

10 overs...That might be a sensible change.”

New Zealand may have lost their maiden World Cup final but on the way they won eight straight matches and in so doing disproved the theory that in order to play good aggressive cricket, it is also necessary to verbally abuse or ‘sledge’ your opponents.

“New Zealand’s semi-final win over South Africa was a brilliant example of how you could play attacking, hard cricket and not worry about the man,” said Richardson.

The Black Caps also showed that with the ICC now being run by the ‘Big Three’ of India, Australia and England -- whose dire

Champions India brushed off a poor run-up to the tournament to romp unbeaten into the semifinals, where they too fell victim to Australia’s pace with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni conceding they had done well to get that far.

South Africa went some way to shedding the “chokers” tag by winning their first World Cup knockout match in the quarter-final

effort in crashing out in the first round was no surprise -- that talent, good organisation and strong leadership can help compensate for a small playing base and a lack of financial clout.

One crumb of comfort for England, who will host the 2019 tournament, was that the past two World Cups have now been won by the host nation in India and Australia.

Plenty of colour, excitement and no little skill was provided in the early stages by the four non-Test or Associate sides, with Afghanistan’s Shapoor Zadran, the UAE’s Shaiman Anwar and Scotland’s Josh Davey all making a name for themselves. Meanwhile Ireland,

against Sri Lanka only to reacquire it after defeat to New Zealand in the semis.

That Eden Park match, decided on the penultimate ball by a Grant Elliott six, was sporting drama at its very best, even if it was the only one of the seven knockout matches that proved a contest.

Australia skipper Clarke bowed out of the 50-over game a world

for the third World Cup in a row, enjoyed success against Test nations with wins over the West Indies and Zimbabwe.

Yet, as things stand —despite Richardson leaving the door open to change — the 2019 World Cup will feature 10 teams (the same number as there are Test nations) rather than this year’s 14. Remarkably, the next World Cup is scheduled to last slightly longer than the 44-day marathon of 2015 as there will be more ‘marquee’ matches demanding prime-time television slots.

Richardson made the point that the game must do more for the Associates between World Cups, but what is the longterm future for cricket in those countries if they do not have a realistic chance of playing in the sport’s showpiece tournament?

In 2017, the top eight-ranked sides in the ICC’s standings will gain direct entry to England 2019. The bottom four, in a list that will now include Afghanistan and Ireland, will play in a 10-team 2018 qualifier to determine the last two teams involved.

“The Associates will still have a meaningful chance,” ICC Chairman Narayanaswami Srinivasan told Fox Sports during the final. A record Melbourne Cricket Ground crowd of more than 93,000 made their feelings known by booing Srinivasan at the presentation ceremony. - AFP

champion for a second time after the final, hoping quitting one dayers might extend his career in test cricket, which he still regards as the pinnacle of the game.

While he is not alone in that thought among the game’s purists, the 2015 World Cup proved, if nothing else, there is still a place in cricket for a format between the test and Twenty20 games. - Reuters

LAURELS

Australia lauds world champions for ‘fairytale’ triumph MELBOURNE: Australia lauded its World Cup winning team on Monday for a “fairytale” victory on home soil over New Zealand, with praise heaped on retiring one-day captain Michael Clarke after a dream farewell.

The win, culminating a gruelling tournament, was front page news across the country with The Australian newspaper saying: “Pitch perfect Australia lives the dream

to claim fifth World Cup.” “Done it without raising a sweat or anybody’s pulse,” the broadsheet’s cricket writer Peter Lalor said. “Michael Clarke’s side made easy work of New Zealand at the MCG, much as they had with India in the semifinal and Pakistan in the quarter.”

Thousands of fans turned out to greet the hungover team in Melbourne’s Federation Square on

Monday with the biggest cheers reserved for Clarke. “A little hungover. I think I speak for everybody in that sense,” he said when asked how he was feeling.

The Sydney Daily Telegraph focused its coverage on the outgoing Clarke, who announced his retirement from the one-day international format on the eve of the final. “Pup’s fairytale farewell as Aussies crowned world champi-

ons,” it said on its front page, referring to Clarke by his nickname.

“Lifting the trophy provided Clarke the fairytale ending that seemed so unlikely in November, when his chronic hamstrings again betrayed him and the ambition of captaining a World Cup winning team appeared far-fetched,” it added.

The captain, wearing a black armband, dedicated the win to Phillip Hughes, the team-mate

who died after being hit on the head by a bouncer last year, which the Telegraph said was a fitting tribute. “Of course no silverware could erase the painful memories of Phillip Hughes’ tragic and traumatising death,” cricket writer Richard Hinds said. “Yet, at the twilight of a confronting, even brutal summer, this was rich reward for Australia’s experience, endurance and composure.”

With Clarke choosing to now focus on Test cricket, The Age in Melbourne said the team was in transition but was in good hands, with Steve Smith expected to be named his successor.

“In Clarke and Smith, two generations of Australian cricket steered their team through the final leg of their long trek to a fifth World Cup,” wrote Malcolm Knox, the Fairfax Media cricket writer. - AFP

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The ‘goat’ may have lost final but not applause

C O M M E N TA RY

First and foremost, Australia were an absolute quality team

M

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum’s World Cup philosophy of “no regrets” struck a chord with an enthralled public

WELLINGTON: The New Zealand team has been dubbed a “goat” but in an endearing way as the country celebrated their appearance in the World Cup final rather than mourned the loss on Monday. “This New Zealand cricket team is our GOAT, the Greatest Of All Time,” wrote the Herald on Sunday’s Andrew Alderson.

“One hell of a ride,” added The Press on the front page of its souvenir edition, while the New Zealand Herald admitted: “We were done by a better team.”

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum’s World Cup philosophy of “no regrets” struck a chord with an enthralled public. Former Black Caps fast bowler Jonathan Millmow said seven weeks “of rollicking entertainment” had been replaced by a below par effort on the day when it counted most.

“There will be post mortems, but they should be short and respectful of a side and a campaign that has been pretty much inch perfect until the entire cricket world’s eyes set upon them,” he wrote in The Dominion-Post.

Despair at ease with which Aus-

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NO REGRET: New Zealand player Daniel Vettori, centre, gives a hug to

team captain Brendon McCullum as Kane Williamson looks on. – AFP

tralia wrapped up the final by seven wickets was quickly replaced on Radio New Zealand with talk of how the New Zealand team exceeded expectations. “Under McCullum and (coach Mike) Hesson, halcyon days lie ahead,” said the national broadcaster.

Ardent fans who had crossed the Tasman Sea to watch the final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground found it hard to sit through New Zealand in their death throes.

‘Hold your heads high’ Regan Tait told Radio New Zealand he left the MCG early when the game became difficult to watch.

“I’m not happy. But very proud to be a Kiwi and the whole campaign has been amazing,” he said.

“They performed a little bit under par, but they should still hold their heads really high.”

Fan Andy Bryant said his

thoughts were mostly with the players. “They’ve done so well over the last four to five weeks. Proud of them, but gutted for them. They proudly deserved a better showing than what they had.”

In two years, New Zealand have risen from rock bottom to being a whisker away from the top of the cricket world. On January 2, 2013 in the first innings of the first Test against South Africa, they were rolled for a disastrous 45 in Cape Town and from that humiliation came urgently needed change.

“Not just from an internal point of view but also externally how we are viewed by the public,” captain McCullum said. “It was essential to all of us that we wanted the public support and the best way to go about that is to make sure you’re out there and trying to represent New Zealand with everything you’ve got.” - AFP

ichael Clarke and Australia would have no complaints, but I did say the other day that part of me feared the final could end up being lop-sided. There are, however, a number of reasons why Australia were so dominant at the MCG on Sunday. First and foremost, they are an absolute quality team. And much as the ODI game appears tailored for batsmen, Australia have shown how formidable a side you can be if you possess a world class bowling attack, with no real weak link to speak of.

Then, there was also the matter of New Zealand, who were contesting their first World Cup final, having to adjust to the occasion as well as the conditions. Having played every match in New Zealand, to suddenly come to Australia and adapt for the most important game of your life was a big ask of the players. And bear in mind that their semifinal win over South Africa went right down to the wire, so that too would have taken some toll on the Kiwis.

Ultimately, as I had mentioned earlier, the key was always going to be which side handled the opposition’s bowling better. In this regard, the Aussies made a damning statement in that brilliant first over by Mitchell Starc which yielded the prized wicket of the New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum.

I did feel sorry for a man who, for everything he had done in this tournament, deserved a

As we bid World Cup 2015 goodbye, it’s safe to say that batsmen well and truly ruled the roost when you look at some of the stats lot better than a duck besides his name in a World Cup final.

You could argue that he could have looked to get his eye in a bit, but then he simply stuck by the way he’s always played his cricket. Unfortunately for him, this was one occasion it didn’t come off.

The second key moment was delivered by James Faulkner when he derailed the Kiwi fightback by Ross Taylor and Grant Elliott by dismissing Taylor and Corey Anderson within three balls.

Situations like that bring out the ruthlessness of this Australian attack as they quickly snuffed out any hopes of a second revival for the Kiwis. Left to chase a modest score, skipper Michael Clarke, wasn’t going to miss out in his final ODI outing and struck a fluent half-century to take his

side to the cusp of glory.

Looking ahead, with Clarke gone and the likely prospect of Johnson, Watson and Haddin also not being around in four years time, there are still a good seven to eight players from this current lot who will form the core of Australia’s ODI team come 2019. So the newly crowned champions do appear to be well poised for continued success in the 50 over game.

As we bid World Cup 2015 goodbye, it’s safe to say that batsmen well and truly ruled the roost when you look at some of the stats. But I hope people will also remember the great bowling spells that lit up the tournament, especially from the left-armers. Indeed it was great to see one of them crowned ‘player of the tournament’. For his sheer quality and consistency, Mitchell Starc deserved it.

I was also impressed with the tremendous support the tournament received from fans both in Australia and New Zealand. Along with those who flew in from various corners of the world, it surely added to the event’s success. I would like to end by complimenting the Cricket World Cup committee for doing a stellar job, though I do hope they may yet reconsider their decision to limit the next tournament to just 10 teams.

We can all agree that teams like Ireland and Afghanistan deserve that opportunity for what they treated us to in this World Cup. - PMG REPLACING MISBAH

Ali is new Pakistan ODI captain ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s cricket chiefs named batsman Azhar Ali as the national side’s new One-day International captain, despite the fact he has not made the 50-over team in more than two years.

The 30-year-old replaces Misbah-ul Haq, who retired from One-dayers following Pakistan’s World Cup quarterfinal exit at the hands of eventual champions Australia.

Ali has played just 14 ODIs, the most recent in January 2013, when he contributed two with the bat as Pakistan beat arch-rivals India by 85 runs at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Shaharyar Khan insisted he had proved himself in the domestic Pentangular Cup. “Azhar Ali has been appointed captain because of his leadership skills, team spirit and character,” PCB boss told reporters. - AFP

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SPORTS ROUTED

Algeria outplay Oman in Doha friendly MUSCAT: Oman were handed a 4-1 defeat by Algeria in an international football friendly match played in Doha on Monday.

According to information received here, Paul Le Guencoached Omanis were completely outplayed by the African outfit.

The Algerians, who have been camping in Doha, were under a lit-

tle bit of pressure after being edged 1-0 by hosts Qatar in an earlier friendly match Oman though they managed to score a goal thanks to a 74th minute effort by Ali Sulaiman Al Busaidi.

But the goal came too late for Oman as the Algerians had already netted four goals with Ishak

Belffdil and Sofiane Feghouli scoring a brace each.

The Algerians opened the account just two minutes after kickoff with Ishak scoring his first goal.

In the 24th minute, Sofiane struck first of his two goals.

After resumption, Algeria scored two goals in two minutes first by Sofaine in the 61st minute

and Ishak his second in the 62 minute. Oman, who routed Malaysia 6-0 at home in another friendly on Thursday, played the match as part of their preparations for the 2019 Asian Cup and 2018 World Cup qualifications.

The draw for the Asian and world event will take in Malaysia on April 14.

Srinivasan hails ‘truly world class’ tourney ICC chairman paid tribute to Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket for the success of the tournament PRAISING ALL: N. Srinivasan

MELBOURNE: International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Narayanaswami Srinivasan has hailed the cricket World Cup 2015 as “the most popular in history”, and said he believes the 50-over game is in good health following Australia’s triumph at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.

Commenting in the aftermath of Sunday’s game Srinivasan said the ICC was delighted with the manner in which the game’s pinnacle 14-national One-Day International (ODI) event was hosted and delivered. He also thanked all of the media, supporters and sponsors for their promotion of the tournament. “On behalf of the ICC, I would like to firstly congratulate

Australia on its fifth ICC Cricket World Cup win. Australia displayed great tenacity, skill levels and consistency throughout the tournament, and are worthy winners,” Srinivasan said in a release.

“It was a wonderful event with many thrilling highs and magic moments, which will live long in the memory. Australia has set a new benchmark for limited overs cricket and our congratulations to them, and indeed all of the competing teams, which produced excellent cricket over the past seven weeks.”

Srinivasan, former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), also praised the 2015 edition’s organisers.

“It is not an easy task hosting an

event of this scale. I would like to extend my special thanks to the ICC staff as well as Local Organising Committee chairman Ralph Waters, CEO John Harnden, head of New Zealand Therese Walsh and the rest of the team who worked extremely hard across both host countries over the last three years to ensure the delivery of a truly world-class tournament,” Srinivasan said.

“I would also like to pay tribute to Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket for their support in the build-up to, and during the event.”

Srinivasan felt that the World Cup has delivered a fan-friendly event. “The ICC had strived to deliver a fan-friendly spectacle, and it has achieved its target. Over one million spectators have passed through the turnstiles over the course of the last seven weeks and our thanks to them and, indeed, to all followers of the game globally for the support they have given the competing sides.”

“The ICC’s proactive digital enhancement has attracted an unprecedented 36 million unique visitors to its website to date and has accumulated over 300 million page views,” he added.

“This represents a 10-fold increase on any previous ICC event.

A further positive development

was the official tournament app, which has been downloaded more than 4.5 million times and has been the number-one sport app in no fewer than 48 countries.”

“I believe that the legacy of this tournament will extend across the world and the quality of cricket, enhanced by a strong sense of sportsmanship and fair play, can resonate for the next generation of cricket followers.”

Srinivasan also hailed the efforts put in by umpires, referees and pitch curators. “Congratulations to our Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires and Match Referees, who have once again displayed a high level of officiating throughout the competition. The curators and ground-staff who produced quality pitches. Finally, a special word of thanks to the unsung heroes of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 — the team of volunteers in each of the cities whose assistance, courtesy and hospitality added enormously to the feelgood factor around the event.”

“As we reflect on the success of the World Cup 2015, it has reinforced 50-over cricket as a hugely exhilarating format of the game, which attracts a large global following. It is with confidence that we look forward to World Cup 2019, which will be staged in the UK.” - IANS

DOUBLE STRIKE: Algeria’s Sofiane Feghouli, centre, celebrates

with his teammates after scoring a goal during their international friendly match against Oman in Doha on Monday. – AFP

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SPORTS Indian women box, shoot, wrestle for recognition Although women say their successes are being increasingly recognised, they still struggle to make a living — in contrast

Sania Mirza

Mary Kom

to the country’s cricketers

NEW DELHI: For India’s female badminton champion Saina Nehwal, newly crowned world No. 1, it’s been a tough climb to the top in a patriarchal country that has long neglected women athletes.

Although badminton is keenly followed in India, cricket has long been the national obsession, overshadowing all other sports and whose male stars command eyepopping sums.

“It’s difficult to play any other sport in a cricket-mad country, especially if you are a woman,” said Nehwal on the sidelines of the Indian Open in New Delhi, a title she clinched on Sunday night after downing Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon.

“But I’m glad mindsets are slowly changing. Girls have started saying that if boys can do it, girls can do it as well,” Nehwal, who becomes the first Indian women to reach the No.

1 spot this week when the latest rankings are released.

With the defeat of India’s cricketers in the World Cup semifinal last week in Australia, Indian media have been quick to hail the 25-year-old, who has battled injuries and a string of defeats by the dominating Chinese, as the country’s new sporting hero.

She joins a series of women -from boxing’s Mary Kom to tennis star Sania Mirza -- who have succeeded on the world stage, outperforming the men who have long received the lion’s share of attention and resources back home.

‘Check out’ my skills A new advert showing on Rupert Murdoch’s Star Sports urges viewers to “check out” the skills and determination of these women, who include shooters, hockey players and five-time world champion Kom. The one-minute video, produced this month for International Women’s Day, also takes a swipe at male chauvinistic attitudes, with the women sweating through

gruelling practice sessions and defiantly asking: “You wanna check me out?”

“Then check out my serve, my bull’s eye, check out my black eye, check out my medals (pause) my Olympic medals”.

Although women say their successes are being increasingly recognised, they still struggle to make a living — in contrast to the country’s cricketers who were showered with gifts including luxury cars and hard cash when they won the last World Cup in 2011.

When the glitzy Indian Premier League kicks off next month, cricket’s flamboyant all-rounder Yuvraj Singh stands to make 160 million rupees ($2.6 million) after being bought at a player auction for the event.

“In India you can’t make a profession out of sport unless you are a cricketer,” said Heena Sidhu, who last year became India’s first world No. 1 pistol shooter, although she has since fallen to 16 in the rankings.

“When I started out seven, eight

years back it was really tough to break through,” added Sidhu, saying Indian society still has traditional expectations of women.

“It’s not as if people come marching to your house (demanding you quit) but what society thinks affects the parents and eventually it trickles down to the children,” she said.

‘No one will marry you’ Sports writer Prem Panicker said slowly changing attitudes have given rise to a generation of successful women on the sporting fields.

“As we moved into the 2000s, disposable incomes increased, parents were more willing to allow their daughters to engage in (sporting) activities. As demand increased, so did coaching facilities,” Panicker said.

“I don’t think it is any one factor as it is an indication of a progressive attitudinal shift, aided by external factors.”

The likes of Nehwal and Mirza, who has racked up 24 doubles titles including the Miami Open this

month, have also inspired girls to take up sport, according to experts.

A Bollywood movie has been made about Kom, who overcame grinding poverty and an initially disapproving father to win her titles including an Olympic bronze medal.

But Geeta Phogat, India’s first woman wrestler to qualify for the Olympics, in 2012, said she and others have had to overcome hurdles men simply do not face.

“When I started wrestling my family had to face a lot of criticism from community elders,” Phogat, 26, said. “People said I would bring only shame to my family, no one would want to marry me,” said Phogat, who as a young athlete trained with men in northern India because there were no women wrestlers.

“I was told wrestling is a man’s sport. But I have proved that women can wrestle and win medals as well,” said Phogat, who won gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

“You can’t ignore women any more.” - AFP

Saina Nehwal

Heena Sidhu

RC CUP CRICKET TOURNAMENT FROM FRIDAY

The fourth edition of RC Cup MRI ball cricket tournament, scheduled to be organised at Al Maha Recreation Club in Bausher from Friday, has attracted 24 teams. The participating teams are Coastal, Asfandyar XI, HCC, Golden Sendan, Al Faisal, CBD Challengers, Havoc, Master XI, Asad XI, Al Dasser Friends, S.S. Friends, Muscat Lions, National Gas, Cheers XI, Friends XI, BHR Boys, Managalore United, Indo-Pak Riders, AACC, FCC, OEF and Darsait XI. The tournament is being sponsored by Al Kaif Trading, CBD Challengers, Siraj Quriyat Trading LLC, New Sur Restaurant, Muscat Parts Centre LLC, Red Rose Furnishing Co. LLC, Strong Light Electronics, Al Majadief International, Desert Storm LLC, Muscat Pharmacy, Al Dasser Trading, Sahara International LLC and Golden Ghubra House LLC. — Supplied photo

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OFA lauds Oman Air for engaging football fans As part of the match day entertainment, Oman Air conducted some new fun activities that fans could take part in and win prizes MUSCAT: The Oman Football Association (OFA) thanked Oman Air, the official partner of the Oman national football team, for their support of the new fan zone during Oman’s international friendly match against visiting Malaysia last week.

As part of the match day entertainment, Oman Air ‘produced some new fun activations that fans could take part in and win prizes’ in the lead up to the game that took place on Thursday night.

These were agreed as part of discussions taking place between

the respective teams at OFA and Oman Air, with both parties looking to increase the enjoyment of fans coming to Oman national team games.

On show at the Malaysia game, which Oman won by a 6-0 margin, was a new “Shoot the Hole” game, where fans had to shoot a football into targets on a picture of one of Oman Air’s panes, and a “Speed Shot” test – where fans could test how powerful their strength of their shots.

“And all fans who took part had a chance to walk away with gifts including wristbands and Omani

national team jerseys.

Sultan Al Zadjali, Acting General Secretary of the OFA, was very happy with these activations.

He said: “We are determined to provide better entertainment for all our fans, and we are working hard to improve the facilities on a match day. I want to thank Oman Air for the great support that they showed for this game (and looking ahead for future games).

“Their activations were very well received, and I thought that the fans really took to them. To have a partner show such much

interest to interacting with the fans is a really good sign for our fans.”

Oman Air were also on show with some of their cabin crew at the game, to welcome VVIP guests and also to be a part of the special team photo shoot that took place in honour of His Majesty’s Sultan Qaboos bin Said return to Oman.

The next key games for the Oman team will be the start of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers taking place in June, and the Oman Air fun zone will be available for all fans once more, with further prizes on show.

PROMOTING SPORTS

Bank Muscat to receive applications for Green Sports scheme till April 23 MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, will receive applications from sports clubs and teams till April 23 for greening and infrastructure development of playgrounds across the Sultanate.

The Green Sports CSR programme was launched by the bank in 2012 to lay the foundation at the grass-root level for a sustainable sports infrastructure.

In a record time, the bank achieved notable success in developing green fields in all parts of the Sultanate, thus contributing to realising the sporting dreams of clubs and teams. In the first three years of the programme, the bank supported 34 sports clubs and teams to green their playing fields.

FOOTBALL

Zidane wants to be coach of Real, France

PARIS: World Cup legend Zinedine Zidane says he wants to be the coach for Real Madrid or France.

The former Juventus and Real star, who has been learning the ropes as coach of Real’s reserve side Castilla, set out his ambitions on French channel Canal Plus.

Would he take over the Real job? “Yes I would go for that,” he said, while adding “there is already a coach (Carlo Ancelotti) in place who is doing a great job.”

“Do I feel ready if I was offered the first team? You are never ready, but if it happened like that I would have to say yes.”

The 42-year-old added France, with whom he won the World Cup in 1998, to his wish list in the programme late Sunday.

“I was a player in this team and it would be good, one day (to be coach), but for the moment there is a coach (Didier Deschamps) who is doing a great job. But yes I have this target, this ambition,” Zidane said.

The former world player of the year retired from club and international football in 2006.

Zidane said he has time to wait until taking on a bigger post. “I am doing fine at Madrid.” - AFP

As part of its commitment to promoting a sporting nation, the bank this year widened the scope of Green Sports initiative beyond greening of playgrounds.

From 2015, sports clubs and teams seeking Green Sports support can choose from four options to green their playgrounds with natural or synthetic turf, or avail support to affix flood lights or water sprinklers.

The move is aimed at providing wider representation to sports clubs and teams in building up sustainable sports infrastructure in all parts of the Sultanate.

Green Sports application forms are available at the CSR department in the bank’s head office or can be downloaded from the Bank

Muscat website www.bankmuscat.com The bank will consider only new applications and completed forms must be submitted before April 23.

The bank’s support to the initiative stems from its commitment to giving a helping hand to all deserving teams and clubs in Oman to green as well as provide infrastructural support for playgrounds in Oman.

The bank recognises that local clubs wield immense influence on neighbourhood communities, especially youth, hence clubs with modern infrastructure facilities can help raise sporting heroes for the country.

The funding criteria of the

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programme, include that sports clubs/teams should have been in existence for three years with a minimum membership of 300 youth from the local community.

The Green Sports initiative reiterates the bank’s support to Oman’s youth who represent the future of Oman.

True to its commitment to supporting varied sporting activities in the country, Bank Muscat remains at the forefront in offering the required encouragement to youth. As the nation’s leading financial institution, Bank Muscat aims to motivate and provide the required impetus for youth to excel in all arenas and thereby contribute to the development and progress of Oman.

FOOTBALL

Hummels leaves door open on United switch BERLIN: Manchester Unitedtarget Mats Hummels admits he is pondering his future at Borussia Dortmund and refuses to rule out a transfer abroad.

“Everyone knows how much I like Dortmund, but I also want us to have a powerful team which has a powerful approach,” Hummels told German magazine Kicker.

“I have had a few conversations recently, which were very relevant for me to get a general overview, but I haven’t made a decision about my future.”

The 26-year-old Germany international has a Dortmund contract until 2017.

But the World Cup-winner has long been courted by United, whose coach Louis van Gaal is seeking a defensive leader with the Premier League giants reported to be willing to meet Dortmund’s 35 million euro (US$37.9m) price tag.

“I often think that I definitely want to move abroad, but then there are other days where I say I don’t need it,” added Hummels.

“Basically, I think a foreign move would be good both for both personal and footballing development, so it could well transpire that I’d someday like to move abroad.

“It’s definitely not the case that I

Mats Hummels

am saying I will definitely go.

“When there is a decision from me in which direction things are heading, I’ll talk about it openly.

“I’m not a fan of those who claim they are staying, but behind the scenes have already secretly settled the matter.”

Dortmund host defending German champions Bayern Munich on Saturday and have moved up to midtable in the Bundesliga after a disastrous set of results left them bottom of the league at the start of February.

They have a 12-point gap to bridge if they are to qualify for the Champions League next season and are 31 points behind current leaders Bayern. - AFP

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SPORTS

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INTERMEDIATE CUP: Atkins celebrate their victory over Times of Oman.

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JUNIOR CUP: Starcare pose for a group photo after defeating Douglas ODI. – Supplied photos

Atkins, NBO B record victories Opting to bat first, Times of Oman scored 167 for of five in 20 overs. In reply, Atkins reached their target scoring 169 for five in 17.3 overs

MUSCAT: Atkins registered a five-wicket win against Times of Oman in a Khimji Ramdas sponsored Intermediate Cup T20 knockout match.

Opting to bat first, Times of Oman scored 167 for the loss of five wickets in 20 overs with opener Syed Kazimi chipping in with a top score of 75 runs.

In reply, Atkins reached their target scoring 169 for the loss of five wickets in 17.3 overs.

Michael Ignatius Winston scored 57 while Sayyed Waseem Raza made 41.

Brief scores: Times of Oman 167 for 5 wickets in 20 overs (Syed Kazimi 75, Mohamed Al Fayd 34 n.o.; Pushparaj Manoharan 2/24, Nasser Haider

JUNIOR CUP: NBO B after their victory over MSE. – Supplied photo

2/34) lost to Atkins 169 for 5 wickets in 17.3 overs (Michael Ignatius Winston 57, Sayyed Waseem Raza 41, Sajeev Thamarath Mohanan 22 n.o.; Sherbaz Safdar 2/38).

NBO B in quarters National Bank of Oman B (NBO B) recorded a 24-run win against Mustafa Sultan Enterprises (MSE) to earn a place in the quar-

ter finals of the Khimji Ramdassponsored T20 Junior Cup knockout tournament.

Opting to bat first, NBO B scored 149 for five wickets in 20 overs with opening batsman Homeshwar Ratre (57) and Samuel Kett (41) making valuable contributions. Skipper Abdulla Alam picked up three wickets.

MSE in their turn were bowled out for 125 in 18.5 overs. Mohammed Shahid top scored with 42 runs.

Vinod Rajan took three wickets.

Starcare down Douglas OHI Starcare defeated Douglas OHI by four wickets in another Junior Cup T20 knock-out match.

Batting first, Douglas OHI were bowled out for 156 in 18.4 overs.

Vinod Vijayakumar batting at No.8 scored 36. Meesam Ali picked up three wickets.

Starcare, playing with 10 men, reached their target scoring 159 for six in 19.1 overs. Arun Manohar opening the batting top scored with 50 runs.

Brief scores: NBO B 149 for 5 in 20 overs (Homeshwar Ratre 57, Samuel Kett 41, Siddharth Oza 23; Abdulla Alam 3/21) bt MSE 125 in 18.5 overs (Mohammed Shahid 42, Rajendra Sawant 28; Vinod Rajan 3/25, Homeshwar Ratre 2/25, Siddharth Oza 2/29).

Brief scores: Douglas OHI 156 in 18.4 overs (Vinod Vijayakumar 36, Santosh Kumar 20, Kaja Mohaideen 20; Meesam Ali 3/25, Jestin Augustin 2/31) lost to Starcare 159 for 6 in 19.1 overs (Arun Manohar 50, Anoop Kumar 29, Sidhi V.S. 29 n.o.; Ramsheela Prasad 2/19).

MARTIAL ARTS

FOOTBALL

Sensei Simson conferred Hall of Honour MUSCAT: Simson VZ, the Chief Instructor and Technical Director of Ko-In-Chi Academy of Martial Arts, has earned the distinction of being the first in GCC and the second person in India to receive the Hall of Honour for 2014. The award instituted by Action Martial Arts Magazine of the US, is conferred once in four years.

The award is considered as one of the most prestigious one in the field.

Close on the heels of receiving the coveted award, Simson, who is the martial arts instructor at Kalabhavan Music & Art Centres located at Ruwi, Al Ghubra and Al Hail, has received the authorisation from the World Kalaripayattu Federation to form the Oman Kalaripayattu Federation.

The sports body to be formed needs to be registered under the

law of registration of Oman so as to be considered for recognition by the world body.

Simson’s 35-year illustrious career in martial arts gets a boost

with his endeavour to establish the Oman Kalaripayattu Federation gaining ground.

Over the three decades, he is into teaching the students in vari-

ous schools in India and abroad for over 27 years now.

Sensei Simson has obtained 5th Dan Black Belt from Ko-In-Chi Academy, 5th Dan Black Belt from

Danny Lane’s World Martial Arts Federation, US, 5th Dan Black Belt from Karate Association of India, 5th Dan Black Belt from World Karate Federation and 2nd Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo.

In 1984, he became the International Champion at the Shotokan Karate International Tournament.

He was also selected as the National Champion (under 55 Kg) category for the years 1991-92 and 1992-93 at the All India All-Style Open Full Contact Karate Tournament.

The Ko-In-Chi Academy of Martial Arts (Shotokan), India, the pioneers in imparting training in Sports Karate and Full Contact Karate, was established and registered in 1986 by Grand Master Sebastian, 7th Dan Black Belt from Danny Lane’s World Martial Arts Federation, U.S.

Russia to have anti-racism inspector MOSCOW: The Russian Football Union (RFS) has created a new position of anti-racism inspector, the organisation’s president Nikolay Tolstykh said on Monday.

“In accordance with a decision with Fifa, the RFS will introduce the position of an antiracism inspector,” Tolstykh told reporters.

“Alexei Tolkachev, the head of the RFS department for safety work with supporters, will take up this new position,” the Russian federation chief added.

Russia is hosting the 2018 World Cup and the RFS has punished several clubs this season following racist behaviour by their fans. - Reuters

OMAN ENGINEERING WIN RIGHTWAY INTERNATIONAL TITLE

Oman Engineering defeated Asad XI by 159 runs to emerge champions at the Rightway International Cricket Tournament organised at Power Plant Ground last Friday. Waseem of Oman Engineering was adjudged man of the match and the best bowler trophy went to Nadeem of Al Faisal. Tariq Al Belushi, Proprietor of Rightway, was chief guest on the occasion. The winners and runners-up were presented with the cash prizes and the trophies

by Sujith Pillai, Chief Organiser of the tournament, Reju Mathew, Representative of Oman UAE Exchange, and Vineeth Bhaskar, Representative of New India Assurance. — Supplied photo

C

LIFE & STYLE

SECTION

WWW.TIMESOFOMAN.COM T U ES DAY, MAR C H 3 1 , 2 0 1 5

toms, and it could exacerbate the disorder in children and adults who suffer from it already... but there’s no evidence that Internet use could actually cause an otherwise healthy person to develop the disorder.

After all, ADHD is believed to have a range of underlying genetic causes, things you couldn’t just “catch” from a computer screen. And as Pietrus himself points out, there isn’t yet enough research to comment on causality. (“Showing something is ‘causal’ in psychiatry is really difficult because people with difficulties are often the ones that select specific types of environment,” said Anita Thapar, a clinical professor of child and adolescent psychia-

T

ell me if this scenario sounds familiar to you: You get into work.

You’re feeling productive. You’ve powered through approximately three e-mails/order forms/whatever qualifies as progress in your particular industry when — BAM — your best friend signs onto Gchat and sends you a video of a dachshund puppy getting pushed around in a tiny shopping cart.

No big deal! — you think. You will return to e-mails in approximately five seconds, right after you check Facebook and answer that e-mail your mom sent you about the date of your cousin’s wedding. But on Facebook, someone has posted a really

INTERNET INDUCED

a former behavioural neuroscience researcher at Arizona State University who has written extensively on ADHD. Killeen points out the classic parental fear of children developing ADHD from video games. There does indeed seem to be some indication that the attention-deficit play games more — but is that because the games are giving them ADHD, because they’re more drawn to their flashiness than the average child, or because excessive gaming can delay social development in any child and it’s just more obvious in the ones with ADHD? The case of Internet use is similar: The Web certainly may cause ADHD-like symp-

try at Cardiff University. In other words, people with ADHD might just go on the Internet more.)

There’s even some research, in fact, that the Internet could actually help people with attention disorders. Last June, a team of Swedish researchers trialled an online therapy programme for adults with the disorder; adults in the programme saw a sharp reduction in their symptoms, even though (or perhaps because?) the therapy was administered online.

Whatever the exact relationship between the Internet and ADHD, Pietrus says it is important to realise that pushing back against these symptoms requires

interesting article about J. Crew, which reminds you (about two sentences in) that you wanted to check J. Crew’s site real quick to see if it was spring sale time yet, which — oh hey!! Push notification from Instagram!

It’s no secret that the Internet presents a bevy of distractions. Many of us have grudgingly accepted perpetual scatterbrain as a hallmark of modern life, as unavoidable as Facebook and the Kardashians. But in a lecture at SXSW last week, University of Chicago psychologist Michael Pietrus floated a provocative hypothesis: Maybe these aren’t just Internet-age annoyances but something

impatient, restless, impulsive and easily bored. For adults who have it — an estimated 4.4 per cent — the disorder can make it difficult to concentrate on one thing for any period of time.

Adults with ADHD, unlike children, usually aren’t “hyperactive” in the conventional sense. But they can be compulsive, easily distracted, easily bored. They lose interest halfway through reading an article or completing a task. They’re “hardwired for novelty seeking,” Pietrus said — much like your average Internet junkie, opening 150 tabs at a time and clutching his smartphone in jittery hands.

After all, when you think about it, the

companying condition, of Internet addiction, which means that people who use the Internet excessively are likely to also have symptoms of ADHD. ADHD rates, much like Internet use, are also inexplicably up over the past 10 years: from 7.8 per cent of children in 2003 to 11 per cent in 2011, the last year the CDC measured. And while we tend to think of attention or discipline as a sort of constant, a matter of individual personality, Pietrus points out that the brain can change — and it can change in response to how we use technology. “But which way the arrow of causality flows is the important question,” explained Peter Killeen,

approaching an actual pathology. Maybe the Internet is giving us all the symptoms of ADHD. “We are not saying that Internet technologies and social media are directly causing ADHD,” Pietrus cautions. But the Internet, he says, “can impair functioning in a variety of ways ... that can mimic and in some cases exacerbate underlying attention problems.”

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is one of the great spectres of 21st-century psychology. For parents of children who have it — and more than 1 in 10 do, per the CDC — ADHD is a behavioural scourge, making their children

Internet essentially promises two things: instant gratification and an endless, varied, hyper-stimulating buffet of entertainment and information options. If you don’t like one thing within the first five seconds, you can (and, science says, do) jump to something else.

The Internet, it turns out, incentivizes the exact types of behaviours and thought processes that characterise ADHD. The question now is whether the symptoms of compulsive Internet use and the symptoms of ADHD share any deeper commonalities. Researchers have, it’s worth noting, linked the two before: ADHD is a common “comorbidity,” or ac-

It’s no secret that the Internet presents a bevy of distractions.

Many of us have grudgingly accepted perpetual scatterbrain as a hallmark of modern life

a careful, intentional strategy. There’s a lot of research that suggests mindfulness and meditation could help people sustain their attention, even online; Pietrus also suggests techniques like expressive writing or “chunking,” which helps short-term information stick in your mind.

“The biggest thing is to increase awareness and understanding of what social media and technology are doing to us,” he said. “Once we acknowledge the potential effects on our brains, we can make betterinformed choices about our actions and behavioural patterns.”

— Caitlin Dewey/The Washington Post

C8

TU ESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

EXTRA THE SECRET OASES OF RIO DE JANEIRO CAPUCHIN monkeys jump from branch to branch in the trees — eucalyptus, mahogany, rosewood — towering above. On the ground, coatis and lizards scuttle through thick mounds of decomposing rainforest biomass. Hiking along, we haven’t actually seen any monkeys or coatis and I get only the briefest glimpse of a lizard — its tail the length of my arm — before it disappears into deadfall and underbrush, but their rustling is non-stop.

Because humans are also scarce, I don’t mind the hidden wildlife. Walking for seven hours smack in the middle of a city with over six million residents, we’ve only seen eight other people.

At 15 square miles, Tijuca National Park might be the smallest of Brazil’s 60some national parks. But it’s smack in the middle of Rio. Any amount of green space in a city as populous as Rio is sweet. Tijuca is one of the largest urban forests in the world.

The city’s famous Christ the Redeemer statue is perched on the summit of one of the dozens of peaks in the park. There’s a tram that takes you there and also a hiking trail to the top. Sometimes the wait for the former is hours long. The latter, despite being terribly steep, can be so busy it feels like a mule train.

Elsewhere in Tijuca, though, it feels like a national park.

Tijuca Forest is secondary Atlantic Rain Forest. By the mid-19th century, the original Atlantic Forest ecosystem — Mata Atlântica in Portuguese — that greeted the Portuguese when they first came to this area in the early 1500s had been cut down to make way for sugar and coffee plantations. In 1861, the Brazilian king, Dom Pedro II, was prescient enough to realise this deforestation would affect the city’s supply of drinking water. He ordered the continent’s first reforestation programme. In less than two decades, employees and slaves planted over 110,000 seedlings.

A century after the reforestation programme was first ordered, Tijuca was named a national park. I hired Anna Atz Asen of Free Tours de Aventura to show me around.

We meet at the Afonso Pena metro station and together hop onto a bus (the 301, 302 or 345 all work) so stuffed with passengers and climbing up a road so steep and twisty I many times wonder whether we’ll actually make it to the top. Nearly an hour after boarding, we get off at Bar da Pracinha, at the Praça Afonso Viseu in Alto da Boa Vista.

And that’s pretty much the last interaction with civilisation we have for seven hours.

Instead of killing yourself though — you’ve got to stay alive long enough to enjoy the beaches, remember — hike just Pico da Tijuca, with a summit knob so rocky and exposed that in 1920, 117 stairs were cut into the side of it and a chain railing was installed.

Also, the views from its summit are the best of the day.

From Tijuca Peak’s 3,353foot summit, I see Guanabara Bay, Bico do Papagaio Peak, Pedra da Gávea, Maracanã Stadium, the Rock of the Topsail, Barra da Tijuca, and the Atlantic Ocean.

A peak almost directly to our south blocks views of Copacabana Beach, but we see neighbouring Ipanema Beach and then Leblon.

It is from Tijuca’s summit that the extent of Rio’s beaches finally hits me. I thought Copacabana and Ipanema were the biggest beaches in the city. They’re nothing. I mean, of course they’re great — Copacabana is directly across the street from my hotel, has the softest sand my feet have felt since visiting Zanzibar’s beaches nearly a decade ago and the water’s warm enough to swim in —

but, to the west, past Leblon, in the city’s West Zone, where much of the construction for the 2016 Olympic Games is happening, stretch miles and miles and miles more of white sand.

My last day in Rio, I explore these beaches. Driving west out of the city with a crew from Rio EcoeSporte Adventures, we pass more beaches than I can count, much less remember the names of.

I do remember Sao Conrado, because that’s the beach where the paragliders and hang gliders who launch off Pedra Bonita land. And also Tijuca Beach, because it’s there where Sergio, a true Carioca (what natives of Rio are called) and Rio EcoeSporte’s founder, alerts me to the presence of caimans, alligator-like creatures, in the brackish lagoons opposite the beach.

“But these are Carioca caimans,” he says. “They’re relaxed, like the people here.

They’re no problem to you.”

Evidently, the sharks sometimes seen off these beaches got the same memo the caimans did. “Sharks here are relaxed, too. No problem,” Sergio says.

I’m told Prainha Beach, about an hour via our scenic back route from my hotel in Copacabana, is one of the best spots in the city to surf.

We drive past Grumarí without stopping. We’re headed to Praias Selvagens, Rio’s wild beaches, accessible only to those willing to hike.

Two hours by car from Copacabana, the neighbourhood of Barra de Guaratiba is still in the city of Rio. Walking up a residential street, past two- and three-storey houses painted every shade of the rainbow but all with red tile roofs, it doesn’t feel it, though.

Cutting across a steep, vegetated hillside, we’re soon out of Guaratiba’s residential area and looking several hundred feet down onto the Atlantic Ocean, which fills the horizon.

My day on Copacabana

was wonderful, and exactly what would be expected at a major beach in a big city: reading a novel for the first time in over a year and, with an attendant from the Copacabana Palace watching my lounger and belongings, getting up every so often to wade into the ocean to a point where it is just deep enough the waves knock me over.

Walking back across the isthmus, we head for the first wild beach, Praia do Perigoso.

Its sand squishing up between my toes, I’m no longer in Rio, but on some exotic, remote island. Or so I think.

On a beach the size of five football fields, there are half a dozen people. This is not what I expect in Rio. In the distance, islets rise out of the ocean. At our feet, emerald green waves — taller than those at Copacabana — crash into clean, white sand.

“Perigoso means ‘danger,’ so this is ‘Danger Beach,’ “ Julián says. “But I think the only danger here is that you won’t want to leave.” Sergio adds: “It’s Carioca danger.”

We swim, then find rocks to rest on. The sun dries us off quickly, and leaves a gritty layer of salt behind on my skin.

The salt won’t last, so I look for a seashell to take home as a memento. There are none.

But, where the beach meets the forest, there are nuts, still in their shells, everywhere. Of course the forests around the wild beaches are full of Brazil nut trees.

Brazil nuts are an entirely different beast than walnuts, but evidently, the trees they grow on are close enough to be reminiscent.

My time in Rio could end now, and I’d be happy. But Sergio has another adventure planned.

Less than an hour later, we’ve dropped off our beach supplies at the car and are standing, feet hip-width apart, on stand-up paddleboards and making our way across the mouth of the Canal do Bacalhau in the protected area of Restinga da Marambaia. Safely across — not that the crossing is at all technical — Sergio points deep into a thicket of mangroves, most of their rainbowed roots exposed because it’s low tide.

He’s indicating the spot where he once saw one of the prettiest birds found in the area.

I can’t bring myself to look for birds, though. In addition to living in the Barrio da Tijuca lagoons, caimans live here, too. I might risk an afternoon on a beach that is dangerous Carioca-style, but I don’t know whether I’m yet ready to meet any caimans, no matter how relaxed they are.

And we don’t. An hour later, we’re returning our paddleboards. We didn’t see any caimans, but neither did we see Sergio’s bird. Maybe it’s hanging out with Tijuca’s coatis and monkeys. - Dina Mishev/ The Washington Post

T U E S DAY, MAR C H 31 , 2 0 1 5

C9

ENTERTAINMENT CINEMA SCHEDULE

BAHJA CINEMA Get Hard (2D) (Comedy) (15+) Cast: Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, Alison 1:45, 5:45, 9:45 pm Home (2D) (Animation) (PG) 3:45 pm Home (3D) (Animation) (PG) 2:00, 5:30 pm Ex-Machina (2D) (Drama/Sci fi) (15+) Cast: Alicia Vikander, Domhnall Gleeson 3:50, 7:45, 9:45 pm Theeb (2D) (Adventure/Drama) (15+) Cast: Jacir Eid Al-Hwietat, Jack Fox 6:00, 7:50 pm Clown (2D) (Drama I Horror) (18+) Cast: Eli Roth, Peter Stormare, Laura 4:00, 11:45 pm A Little Chaos (2D) (Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, 7:15 pm The Lovers (2D) (Action) (12+) Cast: Josh Hartnett, Tamsin Egerton 9:30 pm Insurgent (3D) (Adventure I Sci Fi) (PG12) Cast: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, 11:45 pm Insurgent (2D) (Adventure) (PG12) 1:45 pm The Gunman (2D) (Action) (15+) 11:30 pm

Insurgent (3D) (Sci-Fi) (PG12) Cast: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort 11:45 pm Cinderella (2D) (Adventure) (PG) Cast: Lily James, Hayley Atwell, Richard 3:30 pm Home (2D) (Animation) (PG)

Cast: Dulquer Salmaan, Nithya Menen SCREEN 3 100 Days of Love – Malyalam (Romance) – PG Cast: Dulquer Salmaan, Nithya Menen 3.45, 6.45 pm Valiyavan – Tamil (Action) PG 9.45 pm Cast: Andrea Jeremiah, Jai, Bala

10:30 AM Home (3D) (Animation) (PG) 2:15 & 4:00 pm Gold Class: 1:15 pm Ex Machina (Sci-fi/Drama) (15+) Cast: Alicia Vikander, Domhnall 12:15, 5:50 & 9:45 pm Gold Class: 7:15 & 11:15 pm Crazy Beautiful You (2D) (Action) (PG12) Cast: Daniel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo 5:30 pm Get Hard (2D) (Comedy) (15+) Cast: Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, Alison 7:45 & 9:45 pm Gold Class: 3:15 & 9:15 pm A Little Chaos (2D) (Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman 11:15 AM Clown (2D) (Horror) (18+) Cast: Eli Roth, Peter Stormare, Laura 1:30 & 11:45 pm Theeb (2D) (Adventure) (12+) 5:30 pm Gold Class: 7:45 pm

Insurgent – 3D (PG12) (Adventure) 7:15, 11:30 pm The Gunman – 2D (15+) (Action) 11:45 pm Ex Machina– 2D (15+)(Drama) Cast: Alicia Vikander, Domhnall 3:45, 5:45, 9:45 pm Get Hard – 2D (15+) (Comedy) Cast: Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, Alison 4:30, 7:45, 9:30 pm Home – 2D (PG) (Animation) 2 pm Home – 3D (PG) (Animation) 3:45, 5:30 pm Charlie Countryman – 2D (15+) (Comedy) Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Evan Rachel Wood, 3:00 pm Haz West El Balad – 2D (Drama) Cast: Elham Shahein, Horeya Farghaly, 5:00 pm Theeb – 2D (12+) (Adventure) Cast: Jacir Eid Al-Hwietat, Jack Fox 7:15 pm Valiyavan – 2D (Tamil) (Romance) Cast: Jai, Andrea Jeremiah 9:15 pm The Lovers – 2D (12+) (Action) Cast: Josh Hartnett, Tamsin Egerton, 2:30, 11:45 pm Clown – 2D (18+) (Drama |Horror) Cast: Eli Roth, Peter Stormare, Laura

SCREEN 1 NH 10 – Hindi (Suspense) (12+) Cast: Anushka Sharma , Neil Bhoopalam, Ravi Jhankal, Darshan Kumaar 3.30, 6.30, 9.30 pm SCREEN 2 Valiyavan – Tamil (Action) PG 3.45, 9.45 pm Cast: Andrea Jeremiah, Jai, Bala Saravanan 100 Days of Love – Malyalam (Romance) – PG 9.45 pm

6:30, 11:30 pm 100 Days of Love – 2D (Malayalam) (TBC ) (Comedy | Romance) Cast: Nithya Menon, Sekhar Menon, Dulquer Salmaan 8:30 pm

The Lovers – 2D (12+) (Action) Cast: Josh Hartnett, Tamsin Egerton 5:45, 9:30 pm Theeb – 2D (12+) (Adventure) Cast: Jacir Eid Al-Hwietat, Jack Fox 7:15 pm Ex Machina – 2D (15+) (Drama) Cast: Alicia Vikander, Domhnall 3:30, 8:00, 11:45 pm Get Hard – 2D (15+) (Comedy) Cast: Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, Alison 6:15, 7:45, 10:00 pm Home – 3D (PG) (Animation) 4:00, 5:30 pm 100 Days of Love – 2D (PG) (Romance) Cast: Nithya Menon, Sekhar Menon, Dulquer Salmaan 9:00 pm The Gunman – 2D (15+) (Action) Cast: Javier Bardem, Sean Penn 11:45 pm Insurgent – 3D (PG12) Adventure, 4:00, 11:30 pm

Insurgent – 3D (PG12) Adventure, 6:30pm The Gunman (15+) (Action) Cast: Javier Bardem, Sean Penn 6:05pm Get Hard (Comedy) (15+)

8:40 pm Ex Machina (Drama | Sci-Fi) (15+) 4:15, 9:55 pm 100 Days of Love (Mal) (Romance) Cast: Nithya Menon, Sekhar Menon 10:30 pm (PG) Theeb (Arabic) (Adventure) (12+) Cast: Jacir Eid Al-Hwietat, Jack 8:10pm The Lovers (Action ) (12+) 11:45 pm Home (3D) (Animation) (PG) 4:45pm

Ex Machine (2D)(15+) (Sci-Fi) Cast: Alicia Vikander, Domhnall 4:00, 9:45pm The Lovers (2D) (12+) (Action) Cast: Josh Hartnett, Tamsin Egerton 12:15, 9:30pm Insurgent (3D)(PG12) (Adventure) 1:45, 11:45pm The Gunman (2D)(15+) (Action) 11:30pm A Little Chaos (2D)(PG12) (Comedy) 11:30AM Cinderella (2D)(PG) (Drama/Family) 4:00pm Get Hard (2D)(15+) (Comedy) 12:00, 5:30, 7:30pm Home (2D)(PG)(Animation) 10:15AM Home (3D)(PG)(Animation) 2:00, 3:45, 6:00pm Clown (2D) (18+) (Drama/Horror) 2:15, 11:15pm 100 Days of Love (2D) (PG) (Mal) 8:20pm (Comedy) Valiyavan (2D) (Tamil)( Action) 5:50pm Theeb (2D) (12+)(Arabic) 7:45pm

The Lovers (Action) (12+) Cast: Josh Hartnett, Tamsin Egerton 4.00, 8.00, 10.00 & 11.55 pm CP No: 813 A Little Chaos (2D) (Comedy) (PG12) Cast: Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman 2:00 PM; CP No: 816 (12+) Has West El Balad (Arabic/ Drama) Cast: Elham Shahein, Zeina, Fathy Abdul Wahab 2.00 & 6.00 pm CP No: 817 (15+) Ex- Machina (Thriller/ Sci:Fic) Cast: Oscar Isac, Alicia Vikander, Domhnall Gleeson 6.00, 10.00 & 11.55 pm CP No: 815 (15+) Get Hard (Comedy) Cast: Will Farell, Kevin Hart, Alison Brie 4.00 & 8.00 p.m.

CP No: 814 (15+)

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

STARS CINEMA Film information 24791641 / 24786776 100 Days Of Love (Mal) (Comedy) Cast: Dulquer Salmaan, Nithya Menon 3:30, 6:30 & 9.30pm at Cinema Main Valiyavan (Tamil) (Action) Cast: Jai & Andrea Jeremiah 3:30, 6.30 & 9:30pm at Cinema -2 Fireman (Mal) Cast: Mammootty, Unni Mukandan 3:45, 6.45, 9.45pm at Cinema 3 Temper (Telugu) (Act) Cast: Jr Ntr, Kajal Agarwal 3:45pm Cinema-4 NH 10 (Hindi) (Act) Cast: Anushka Sharma, Deepti Naval 6:45 & 9:45 pm Cinema -4 Next Change: Komban (Tamil) Nannbenda (Tamil) and Detective Byomkesh Baksy (Hindi)

For More Information 24789032, 24786776 Website: www.isurf.co.om

ACES ON BRIDGE

SUDOKU

Dazzling defence and declarer-play

2 7 8 6

9

7 6 2

2 1

4

4 9 2

9

3 2 8

5 6 2 3 5 3 6 1

4 2 8 9 3 1 7 6 5 3 6 7 2 5 8 4 1 9 9 5 1 6 4 7 8 3 2

1 4 6 3 2 9 5 8 7 8 3 2 7 1 5 6 9 4 7 9 5 4 8 6 1 2 3

MARMADUKE

CROSSWORD

B I G NAT E

45 Firecracker part 47 Giving a lift 49 Iowa college town 50 Business abbr.

51 Gear teeth 52 Quartet member 53 Moppet 54 Med. plan DOWN 1 Amazons 2 Paperless exams 3 Solemn promise 4 Not me 5 Thrilled beyond words 6 Strong point 7 Baja snack 8 Passed by, as time 9 Loan abbr.

10 Cut with a sweeping motion 11 Slowly vanish 15 Quilt filler 19 Library warning 22 Wolf down 24 Put out a runner 25 Firmament

26 27 28 29 30 31 32 34 36 37

Charge it Ended up ahead Swing off-course Run up a tab Fixes squeaks Dry, as wine High schoolers Geisha’s attire N.C. neighbour Moon track

38 39 40 42 44 45

Principle A Beatle Frat-party orders More, to some Get poison ivy “When We Was —” 46 Ms. Thurman of filmdom 48 Fall mo.

Answer to previous puzzle

ACROSS 1 Sweet-talk 4 Fan’s shout 7 Greenish-blue duck 11 Knock — — loop 12 Switch positions 13 Kibbles ‘n Bits rival 14 Hobbyists 16 Goldfish 17 Raj headquarters 18 Fable author 20 USN officer 21 Profundity 23 Ave. crossers 26 Utterly exhausted 27 Lacking strength 28 Cultured dairy product 31 Hidebound 33 With a twist to one side 34 Quick-witted 35 Petite, plus 36 Alto or tenor 38 Mo. neighbour 41 It may be false 43 Water sprite

SWARNAJEET GADAG March 31, 2012

VISHAK VAITHIYANAATHAN March 31, 2001

5 8 3 1 9 4 2 7 6 2 7 4 8 6 3 9 5 1 6 1 9 5 7 2 3 4 8

Previous puzzle Solution

FRANCESCO Petrarch, a 14thcentury Italian poet, said, “The aged love what is practical while impetuous youth longs only for what is dazzling.”

This deal features dazzling bidding, defence and declarer-play.

What is the best defence against six spades, and how can South survive?

When this deal arose in a duplicate, there were as many different auctions as tables in play.

The first round was predictable, but should South have passed over five clubs? If not, should he have bid five diamonds or five spades?

Then, after West continued with five hearts despite the unfavourable vulnerability, should North have passed, doubled or bid five spades or six clubs? Who knows?

In this auction, North bid five spades, and South boldly raised himself to six spades.

I think South should have passed over five clubs, but when West rebid five hearts and North passed (assuming he did), it would have been reasonable for him to compete with five spades.

West led his heart ace. Then, judging that South would not have bid six spades with two low hearts in his hand, West did brilliantly to shift to a club.

Now declarer had to decide on the trump split. If it were 2-2, he could draw trumps ending in the dummy and run the clubs.

But South felt that, given West’s bidding, 1-3 was more likely than 2-2.

Declarer, after winning the second trick in the dummy, cashed the spade ace, then played high clubs, discarding diamonds from his hand. When East ruffed the fourth club, South overruffed, led a low spade to dummy’s nine, drawing East’s remaining trump, and claimed.

— By Phillip Alder

WITH LOVE

7

3 5 1 8 1 7 6

8

HOW TO PLAY Fill the empty cells with the numbers 1 to 9, so that each number appears once in each row, column and area.

— Seven Galaxies

BORN LOSER

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

KIDSPOT

H E A LT H C A P S U L E

C10

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

PRAYER TIMINGS

FIND-IT-ALL Y O U R B I R T H D AY

BORN today, you are nothing if not unusual. This simply means that you do not fit easily into the normal mould of one born under your sign — it certainly doesn’t have to imply anything sinister at all! You are quirky, idiosyncratic and, above all, highly independent. You will go to great lengths to set yourself apart from the crowd, and you are not to be denied! Like so many Aries natives, you are quite ambitious and will work tirelessly to achieve your goals. What makes you different are the little things — those personal strategies and tactics that you develop to further your pursuit of happiness.

You are likely to be instantly recognisable and known to many.

But the truth is, only a precious few really know you intimately, for you are anything but an open book. You are quite an expressive individual, yet there is always something rather mysterious about you that keeps most people from getting close to you.

Also born on this date are: Ewan McGregor, actor; Christopher Walken, actor; Al Gore, politician; Shirley Jones, actress and singer; Cesar Chavez, labour leader; Rhea Perlman, actress; Richard Chamberlain, actor; William Daniels, actor; Rene Descartes, mathematician and philosopher; Joseph Haydn, composer; Gabe Kaplan, actor and comedian.

W E AT H E R

M

OMAN

Max

WORLD

Max 10 Min 1

Max 27 Min 18

Max 33 Min 28 Max 3 Min -5

Max 33 Min 27

Max 3 Min 1

Max 38 Min 23

Max 39 Min 23

Max 39 Min 22

Max 37 Min 28

Max 33 Min 23

[March 21-APRIL 19] Max 31 Min 24

Max 26 Min 14

—www.met.gov.om

Max 33 Min 25 Max 23 Min 20

Min

GULF Abu Dhabi Doha Dubai Kuwait Manama Riyadh

34 35 30 28 29 33

22 20 21 19 21 17

WORLD Athens Baghdad Beijing Berlin Boston Cairo Colombo Frankfurt Hong Kong Istanbul Johannesburg Kuala Lumpur Lisbon Paris Perth Singapore Tokyo Toronto

18 26 17 8 8 27 32 13 25 14 21 32 22 13 22 29 20 5

11 11 7 2 -3 14 25 3 21 9 12 25 10 6 14 25 11 -2

L O N G D I S TA N C E B U S T I M I N G S ( O M A N N AT I O N A L T R A N S P O R T C O M PA N Y S A O C ) * S U B J E C T T O C H A N G E

FROM MUSCAT (RUWI)

TO MUSCAT (RUWI)

[APRIL 20-MAY 20] You may think you’ll learn something by watching your competitors, but in fact, you may only be passing time. Get out there and compete!

GEMINI [MAY 21-JUNE 20] You may not get what you think you deserve, but you’re actually in line to receive something even better very soon.

CANCER [JUNE 21-JULY 22] You may think that you’re seeing a certain someone everywhere, but in fact, he or she may only live in your imagination right now.

LEO [JULY 23-AUG. 22] An underling begins a slow and steady rise, and you’ll be the one he or she has to displace in order to make it to the top. Be ready.

VIRGO [AUG. 23-SEPT. 22] It’s not what you know how to do that will be most important, but rather what you don’t know. It’s time to face this key reality.

LIBRA L [[SEPT. [S S 23-OCT. 22] A loved one may be trying to force your hand. Stand firm, and don’t let anyone tell you that you aren’t doing the right thing.

SCORPIO S [[OCT. 23-NOV. 21] You’ll have a chance to demonstrate just how much you know, even as you study up on those things you don’t know quite as well.

SAGITTARIUS S [[NOV. 22-DEC. 21] A minor error is affecting you quite dramatically. It’s time to take your case to the one who can do something about it.

CAPRICORN [DEC. 22-JAN 19] A cooperative effort pays off handsomely for everyone involved.

You’re eager to see the big picture when all is said and done.

AQUARIUS [JAN. 20-FEB. 18] You may be waiting for someone to come to you with a special request, but now is not the time. This doesn’t mean you can’t get ready!

PISCES [Feb. 19-March 20] A good friend is eager to benefit from your expertise in a certain area.

Be sure you’re not doing yourself a disservice, however!

Sunset Sunrise (Tomorrow)

6.22pm 6.01am

High tide Low tide

7:18am ---

7:19pm 1:36am

HORIZONTAL VISIBILITY: Good over most of the Sultanate becoming poor during fog.

THE NEXT 48 HOURS OUTLOOK: Mainly clear skies over most of the Sultanate with chances of high cloud advection over the north governorates. Chances of early morning low level clouds or fog patches over the Arabian Sea coast. Moderate to fresh southwesterly winds and moderate to rough sea along the southeastern coast.

Max 32 Min 23

TAURUS

12.16pm 3.43pm 6.27pm 7.38pm 4.45am

AIRLINES

ainly clear skies over most of the Sultanate with chances of early morning low level clouds or fog patches over the southeastern coast.

EXPECTED WINDS: The winds will be northeasterly light to moderate becoming variable light at night along Oman sea coast, southerly to southeasterly light to moderate along Arabian Sea coast and northwesterly over rest of the Sultanate.

SEA STATE: Slight along most of Oman coasts with maximum wave height of 1.25 metres.

ARIES Both good luck and bad could combine to put you in a position that you can exploit to your distinct advantage.

Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr (Tomorrow)

QURIYAT - SUR - JAALAN (Route 36) Dept Destination Arrival Time Time 15:00 Quriyat 16:30 15:00 Sur 18:00 15:00 Jaalan 19:30 TO AL BURAIMI (Route 41) 06:30 Sohar 06:30 Buraimi 08:00 Buraimi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Buraimi 16.00 Sohar 16.00 Buraimi TO SINAW (Route 52) 17:30 Sinaw

Operating Days Daily Daily Daily

FROM JAALAN-SUR-QURIYAT (Route 36) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 05:30 Sur 06:45 Daily 05:30 Quriyat 08:30 Daily 05:30 Ruwi 10:00 Daily

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

Daily Daily Daily via Ibri Daily Daily Daily Daily

20:50

Daily

TO AL BURAIMI (Route 41) 07:00 Sohar 07:00 Ruwi 13:30 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 17:00 Ruwi TO SINAW (Route 52) 07:00 Ruwi

To Yanqul (Route 54) 14:30 Nizwa 14:30 Yanqul

16:50 19:30

Daily Daily

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (Route 54) 08:00 Nizwa 08:00 Al Araqi

10:20 12:30

TO SUR (Route 55) 07:30 Sur 14:30 Sur TO FAHUD - YIBAL (Route 62) 06:30 Fahud 06:30 Yibal

08:55 11:40 20:20 14:55 17:40 19:20 22:15

Daily Daily Daily via Ibri Daily Daily Daily Daily

10:25

Daily

To Yanqul (Route 54) 06:00 Nizwa 06:00 Ruwi

08:40 11:00

Daily Daily

Daily Daily

TO IBRI (ARAQI) (Route 54) 15:40 Nizwa 15:40 Ruwi

17:55 20:20

Daily Daily

12:00 18:45

Daily Daily

TO SUR (Route 55) 06:00 Ruwi 14:30 Ruwi

10:45 19:00

Daily Daily

10:30 11:15

Daily Daily

TO YIBAL - FAHUD (Route 62) 12:30 Fahud 12:30 Ruwi

13:15 17:30

Daily Daily

TO MARMUL-SALALAH (Route 100) 07:00 Salalah 20:00 10:00 Marmul 20:30 10:00 Salalah 23:30 19:00 Salalah 07:40

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO SALALAH -MARMUL (Route 100) 07:00 Ruwi 19:50 10:00 Marmul 13:15 10:00 Ruwi 22:30 19:00 Ruwi 07:30

Daily Daily Daily Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101) 06:00 Marmul

Daily

TO MARMUL (Route 101) 06:00 Marmul

16:30

Daily

Daily

DUBAI TO SALALAH (Route 102) 15:00 Salalah 07:00

Daily

16:50

SALALAH TO DUBAI (Route 102) 15:00 Dubai 07:00 TO DUBAI (Route 201) 06:00 Sohar 06:00 Dubai 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Dubai 15:00 Sohar 15:00 Dubai

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

Daily Daily Wed,Thur Wed,Thur Daily Daily

TO DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (Route 204) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 07:00 Fujairah 11.45 Daily 07:00 Sharjah 13.30 Daily 07:00 Dubai 14.00 Daily

TO DUBAI (Route 201) 07:30 Sohar 07:30 Ruwi 13:00 Sohar 13:00 Ruwi 15:30 Sohar 15:30 Ruwi

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

Daily Daily Thur-Fri Thur-Fri Daily Daily

FROM DUBAI VIA FUJIRAH & SHARJAH (Route 204) Dept Destination Arrival Operating Time Time Days 16:00 Sharjah 16:30 Daily 16.00 Fujairah 18.15 Daily 16.00 Ruwi 23.00 Daily

LISTINGS

PHARMACIES Round the clock Al Hashar Pharmacy, Ruwi: 24783334; Appolo Medical Centre, Hamriya: 24782666; Muscat Pharmacy, Ruwi: 24702542, Salalah: 23291635; Atlas Pharmacy, Ghubra: 24503585; Ruwi 24811715 Muscat Region Apollo, Al Hamriya. Tel: 24787766 Muscat, A Seeb Market. Tel: 24421691 Muscat, Al Khuwair. Tel: 24485740 Muscat, Al Hail South. Tel: 24537080 Dhofar Region Muscat, Al Nahdha Road, Salalah.

Tel: 23291635 HOSPITALS Al Amal Medical & Health Care Centre: 24485052 Atlas Hospital: Ruwi: 24811743/ Ghubra: 24504000 Al Musafir Specialised Medical Clinic: 24706453 Hatat Polyclinic LLC, Ruwi: 24563641, Azaiba: 24499269, Sohar: 2683006 Al Raffah Hospital: 24618900/1/2 Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory: 24566435 Al Makook Medical Coordinance Centre: 24499434 Apollo Medical Centre, Hamriya: 24787766, 24787780 Capital Polyclinic: 24707549 Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic, Ruwi: 24799760/1/2 Capital Clinic, Seeb: 24420740 Ceregem National Raak: 24485633 Dr Harub’s Clinic: 24563217 Elixir Health Centre: 24565802 Emirates Medical Centre: 24604540 1st Chiropractic Centre: 24472274 Hamdan Hospital: 23212340 International Medical Centre LLC: 24794501/2/3/4/5 Kims Oman Hospital: 24760100

24 Hrs Emergency: 24760123 Lama Polyclinic, Sohar: 26751128, MBD: 24799077, Al Khuwair: 24478818 Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital: 24568870 Muscat Private Hospital: 24583600 Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Al Khuwair: 24477666 Al-Hayat Polyclinc LLC: 22004000 ROYAL OMAN POLICE Emergencies and inquiries: 9999 General Directorate of Passport and Residence: 24569603 Directorate General of Customs: 24521109 Traffic violations inquiries: 24510228 Public Relations Admin: 24560099 ACCOMMODATION Al Bahjah Hotel: 24424400 Al Bustan Palace: 24764000 Al Khuwair Hotel Apartments: 24478171 Al Madina Holiday Inn: 24596400 Al Maha International Hotel: 24494949 Al Fanar Hotel: 24712385 Al Falaj Hotel: 24702311 Al Qurum Resort: 24605945 Azaiba Hotel Apartments: 24490979 Beach Hotel: 24696601 Bowshar Hotel: 24491105 Coral Hotel Muscat: 24692121 Crowne Plaza Muscat: 24660660 Crystal Suites: 24826100 Golden Tulip Seeb: 24510300 Grand Hyatt Muscat: 24641234 Haffa House Hotel: 24707207 Hotel Muscat Holiday: 24487123 InterContinental Muscat: 24680000 Majan Continental Hotel: 24592900 Marina Hotel: 24711711 Midan Hotel Suites: 24499565 Mina Hotel: 24711828 Muttrah Hotel: 24798401

Nuzha Hotel Apartments: 24789199 Oman Dive Centre: 24824240 Park Inn: 24507888 Qurum Beach House Hotel: 24564070 Radisson Blu Hotel: 24487777 Ramee Dream Resort Seeb: 24453399 Ramee Guestline Hotel: 24564443 Ruwi Hotel: 24704244 Safeer Hotel Suites: 24691200 Sheraton Oman Hotel: 24772772 Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa: 24776666 The Chedi Muscat: 24524400 The Treasurebox Muscat Hotel: 24502570 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, Turkish Airlines: 24703033 MUSEUMS Bait Al Baranda: Corniche (seafront opp fish market), Open from Saturday to Thursday 9am to 1pm and 4 to 6pm Natural History Museum: Al Khuwair, Tel: 24604957, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm; Thursday: 9am to 1pm Museum of Omani Heritage: (former Omani Museum), Madinat Al Alam, Sat-Wed 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday 9am to 1pm, Tel: 24600946 Armed Forces Museum: Bait Al Falaj, Tel: 24312651, Open from Sat to Wed: 8am to 1:30pm; Thurs 9-12pm and 3-6pm; Fri 9-11am and 3-6pm. Al Hoota Caves 24498258; Turtle Beach 96550606/96550707 Children’s Science Museum: Shatti Al Qurum, Tel: 24605368, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pm Oman-French Museum: near Muscat Police Station, Tel: 24736613, Open from Sat to Wed: 8am to 1:30pm, Thurs: 9am to 1pm Bait Al Zubair, Muscat: Tel: 24736688, Al Saidiya St., Muscat museum@baitalzubairmuseum.com Open from Sat to Thurs: 9:30am to 6pm.

National Museum Ruwi: Tel: 24701289, Open from Saturday to Wednesday: 8am to 1:30pm, Thursday: 9am to 1pm Sohar Fort Museum: Tel: 26844758, Open from Saturday to Wed: 8 to 1:30pm Thurs: 9am to 1pm Muscat Gate Museum: at Al Bahri Road, Muscat open from Sat to Wed 8am to 2pm

TUESDAY FLT NO

ARRIVALS FROM

WY636 WY406 WY682 WY676 WY648 WY816 WY910 WY916 NL768 PK281 PK225 TK774 QR1132 ET624 EK866 EY384 GF560 FZ041 WY658 4H562 WY638 WY902 WY678 WY686 WY412 WY114 WY144 WY154 WY692 WY674 WY668 WY132 WY602 WY202 WY432 WY102 FZ043 WY272 G9114 WY236 WY242 WY346 WY252 EK862 QR1128 EY382 WY3302 QR8550 WY604 WY918 G9841 GF562 WY424 WY372 FZ037 IX337 WY904 WY818 PK191 WY606 BG023 WY324 IX817 WY920 WY906 WY3304 KU677 WY632 FZ045 G9119 WY328 WY204 WY292 WY246 WY610 WY264 WY232 WY216 QR1126 WY664 EK864 GF564 WY3306 SV534 WY822 G9116 WY646 TG507 FZ047 WY338 WY614 WY224 WY124 WY386 4H561 AI973 WY624 6.00E+81 WY374 WY312 WY914 FZ049 WY254 AI907 QR1134 WY928 UL205 GF566 BA073 EY388 WY672 WY908 AI985 WY662 LX242 9W540 LH618 WY612 WY654 WY696 WY717

WEDNESDAY ETA

FLT NO

ARRIVALS FROM

ABU DHABI 0005 CAIRO 0005 RIYADH 0005 JEDDAH 0005 KUWAIT 0010 BANGKOK 0015 SALALAH 0030 SALALAH 0125 LAHORE 0130 ISLAM ABBAD-SIALKOT 0200 KARACHI 0215 ISTANBUL 0215 DOHA 0345 ADDIS ABABA 0350 DUBAI 0355 ABU DHABI 0405 BAHRAIN 0405 DUBAI 0415 BAHRAIN 0640 JEDDAH 0645 ABU DHABI 0650 SALALAH 0655 MEDINA 0700 RIYADH 0700 AMMAN 0705 FRANKFURT 0715 MALPENSA 0720 ZURICH 0720 DAMMAM 0725 JEDDAH 0730 DOHA 0735 PARIS 0800 DUBAI 0805 BOMBAY 0815 TEHRAN 0815 LONDON HEATHROW 0820 DUBAI 0850 JAIPUR 0855 SHARJAH 0915 HYDERABAD 0920 DELHI 0920 ISLAM ABBAD 0930 MADRAS 0940 DUBAI 0940 DOHA 1010 ABU DHABI 1015 MUKHAIZNA 1045 DOHA 1050 DUBAI 1110 KHASAB 1115 RAS AL KHAIMA 1120 BAHRAIN 1130 BEIRUT 1130 COLOMBO 1140 DUBAI 1200 CALICUT 1210 SALALAH 1215 BANGKOK 1305 GWADUR 1320 DUBAI 1330 CHITTAGONG 1345 KARACHI 1355 MANGALORE-ABU DHABI 1440 KHASAB 1445 SALALAH 1445 MUKHAIZNA 1445 KUWAIT 1525 ABU DHABI 1530 DUBAI 1555 SHARJAH 1555 LAHORE 1600 BOMBAY 1710 CALICUT 1720 DELHI 1730 DUBAI 1730 LUCKNOW 1735 HYDERABAD 1740 TRIVANDRUM 1740 DOHA 1745 DOHA 1745 DUBAI 1750 BAHRAIN 1810 MUKHAIZNA 1845 RIYADH 1900 KUALA LUMPUR 1910 SHARJAH 1915 KUWAIT 1925 BANGKOK-KARACHI 1935 DUBAI 1945 KATHMANDU 2010 DUBAI 2030 COCHIN 2045 MUNICH 2105 MALE 2110 DACCA 2115 DELHI 2125 DUBAI 2125 BOMBAY 2130 COLOMBO 2140 CHITTAGONG 2140 SALALAH 2140 DUBAI 2145 MADRAS 2155 MADRAS 2200 DOHA 2210 SALALAH 2220 COLOMBO 2225 BAHRAIN 2240 LONDON HEATHROW-ABU DHABI 2240 ABU DHABI 2250 MEDINA 2250 SALALAH 2305 AHMEDABAD-BOMBAY 2310 DOHA 2315 ZURICH-DUBAI 2320 BOMBAY 2325 FRANKFURT-ABU DHABI 2330 DUBAI 2335 BAHRAIN 2340 DAMMAM 2350 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 2355

WY636 WY406 WY682 WY676 WY648 WY816 WY910 WY916 PK229 TK776 QR1132 EK866 GF560 EY384 FZ041 WY114 WY658 4H562 WY638 WY902 WY686 WY144 WY674 WY668 WY644 WY132 WY602 WY202 WY432 WY102 NL768 FZ043 G9114 WY342 WY242 WY236 WY226 EK862 WY252 WY282 IX443 QR1128 EY382 IX549 9W530 WY3922 WY604 WY918 G9841 GF562 WY372 FZ037 WY384 IX337 WY904 PA450 WY3302 WY818 WY606 WY324 WY906 WY920 WY632 FZ045 WY348 WY3304 WY656 WY216 WY204 WY292 WY246 WY610 WY264 WY274 WY232 QR1126 WY664 EK864 GF564 WY822 G9116 WY254 WY646 FZ047 WY338 WY614 WY848 WY124 AI977 WY386 KL441 AI973 WY624 6.00E+81 9W534 WY312 FZ049 AI907 WY914 QR1134 GF566 BA073 EY388 WY414 WY908 AI985 WY662 LX242 9W540 LH618 WY612 WY654 WY928 WY696

ABU DHABI 0005 CAIRO 0005 RIYADH 0005 JEDDAH 0005 KUWAIT 0010 BANGKOK 0015 SALALAH 0030 SALALAH 0125 LAHORE 0215 ISTANBUL-BAHRAIN 0255 DOHA 0345 DUBAI 0355 BAHRAIN 0405 ABU DHABI 0405 DUBAI 0415 FRANKFURT 0610 BAHRAIN 0640 JEDDAH 0645 ABU DHABI 0650 SALALAH 0655 RIYADH 0700 MALPENSA 0720 JEDDAH 0730 DOHA 0735 KUWAIT 0735 PARIS 0800 DUBAI 0805 BOMBAY 0815 TEHRAN 0815 LONDON HEATHROW 0820 LAHORE 0830 DUBAI 0850 SHARJAH 0915 LAHORE 0920 DELHI 0920 HYDERABAD 0920 COCHIN 0930 DUBAI 0940 MADRAS 0940 BANGALORE 1000 COCHIN 1010 DOHA 1010 ABU DHABI 1015 TRIVANDRUM 1020 TRIVANDRUM 1035 DUQUM OMAN 1035 DUBAI 1110 KHASAB 1115 RAS AL KHAIMA 1120 BAHRAIN 1130 COLOMBO 1140 DUBAI 1200 MALE 1205 CALICUT 1210 SALALAH 1215 LAHORE 1215 MUKHAIZNA 1230 BANGKOK 1305 DUBAI 1330 KARACHI 1355 SALALAH 1445 KHASAB 1445 ABU DHABI 1530 DUBAI 1555 ISLAM ABBAD 1625 MUKHAIZNA 1630 BAHRAIN 1630 TRIVANDRUM 1705 BOMBAY 1710 CALICUT 1720 DELHI 1730 DUBAI 1730 LUCKNOW 1735 JAIPUR 1740 HYDERABAD 1740 DOHA 1745 DOHA 1745 DUBAI 1750 BAHRAIN 1810 KUALA LUMPUR 1910 SHARJAH 1915 MADRAS 1920 KUWAIT 1925 DUBAI 1945 KATHMANDU 2010 DUBAI 2030 JAKARTA 2055 MUNICH 2105 BANGALORE-HYDERABAD 2105 MALE 2110 AMSTERDAM-DOHA 2120 DELHI 2125 DUBAI 2125 BOMBAY 2130 COCHIN 2140 CHITTAGONG 2140 DUBAI 2145 MADRAS 2200 SALALAH 2205 DOHA 2210 BAHRAIN 2240 LONDON HEATHROW-ABU DHABI 2240 ABU DHABI 2250 AMMAN 2255 SALALAH 2305 AHMEDABAD-BOMBAY 2310 DOHA 2315 ZURICH-DUBAI 2320 BOMBAY 2325 FRANKFURT-ABU DHABI 2330 DUBAI 2335 BAHRAIN 2340 SALALAH 2345 DAMMAM 2350

FLT NO

DEPARTURES TO

FLT NO

DEPARTURES TO

AI986 LX243 9W539 BA072 SG062 LH619 WY685 WY251 WY423 WY201 WY235 WY601 WY345 WY241 WY431 WY271 WY657 WY821 WY637 WY123 WY371 WY667 NL769 WY691 WY901 PK282 TK775 PK226 ET625 EK867 FZ042 QR1133 EY385 WY3301 4H562 GF561 WY903 WY603 WY917 WY323 WY263 WY215 WY291 WY327 FZ044 WY385 WY245 WY231 G9115 WY815 WY203 WY905 WY605 WY373 WY337 WY717 EK863 WY311 EY383 WY3303 QR1129 WY919 G9842 GF563 QR8551 WY927 WY631 WY223 IX350 WY253 FZ038 WY663 WY101 WY113 WY645 PK192 WY143 WY131 WY609 WY405 BG024 WY3305 IX818 WY671 KU678 WY675 G9110 WY613 FZ046 WY913 WY623 QR1127 WY681 WY907 GF565 WY661 WY647 EK865 WY695 WY653 SV535 G9117 WY909 WY611 WY635 TG508 FZ048 WY915 4H561 FZ050 WY817 6.00E+82 AI908 AI974 QR1135 GF567 UL206 WY673 EY381

BOMBAY 0005 DUBAI-ZURICH 0020 BOMBAY 0025 ABU DHABI-LONDON HEATHROW 0025 AHMEDABAD 0030 ABU DHABI-FRANKFURT 0050 RIYADH 0105 MADRAS 0110 BEIRUT 0115 BOMBAY 0120 HYDERABAD 0135 DUBAI 0150 ISLAM ABBAD 0150 DELHI 0155 TEHRAN 0155 JAIPUR 0200 BAHRAIN 0205 KUALA LUMPUR 0205 ABU DHABI 0205 MUNICH 0210 COLOMBO 0210 DOHA 0225 LAHORE 0230 DAMMAM 0235 SALALAH 0240 SIALKOT 0300 ISTANBUL 0315 KARACHI 0315 ADDIS ABABA 0450 DUBAI 0455 DUBAI 0510 DOHA 0520 ABU DHABI 0525 MUKHAIZNA 0715 DACCA 0745 BAHRAIN 0745 SALALAH 0800 DUBAI 0800 KHASAB 0815 KARACHI 0920 LUCKNOW 0920 TRIVANDRUM 0920 CALICUT 0920 LAHORE 0930 DUBAI 0935 MALE 0940 DELHI 0955 HYDERABAD 0955 SHARJAH 1005 BANGKOK 1010 BOMBAY 1030 SALALAH 1030 DUBAI 1030 COLOMBO 1040 KATHMANDU 1040 ZANZIBAR-DARESSLAM 1045 DUBAI 1055 CHITTAGONG 1100 ABU DHABI 1105 MUKHAIZNA 1115 DOHA 1115 KHASAB 1145 RAS AL KHAIMA 1210 BAHRAIN 1215 DUBAI WORLD CENTRE-DOHA 1220 SALALAH 1220 ABU DHABI 1220 COCHIN 1235 CALICUT 1310 MADRAS 1315 DUBAI 1315 DOHA 1330 LONDON HEATHROW 1400 FRANKFURT 1400 KUWAIT 1405 GWADUR-TURBAT 1405 MALPENSA 1415 PARIS 1420 DUBAI 1420 CAIRO 1430 CHITTAGONG 1500 MUKHAIZNA 1515 MANGALORE 1530 MEDINA 1535 ABU DHABI-KUWAIT 1625 JEDDAH 1630 SHARJAH 1645 DUBAI 1700 DUBAI 1700 SALALAH 1735 DUBAI 1820 DOHA 1845 RIYADH 1845 SALALAH 1850 BAHRAIN 1855 DOHA 1900 KUWAIT 1900 DUBAI 1905 DAMMAM 1910 BAHRAIN 1920 RIYADH 2000 SHARJAH 2005 SALALAH 2015 DUBAI 2025 ABU DHABI 2040 KARACHI-BANGKOK 2040 DUBAI 2040 SALALAH 2110 JEDDAH 2215 DUBAI 2225 BANGKOK 2235 BOMBAY 2245 MADRAS 2300 DELHI 2310 DOHA 2320 BAHRAIN 2325 COLOMBO 2335 JEDDAH 2350 ABU DHABI 2350

AI986 LX243 BA072 9W539 LH619 WY685 WY251 WY201 WY225 WY235 WY601 WY341 WY281 WY431 WY241 WY643 WY821 WY657 WY637 WY123 WY371 WY667 WY383 WY901 WY847 PK230 TK777 EK867 FZ042 QR1133 EY385 WY3921 GF561 4H562 WY903 WY603 WY3301 WY917 WY215 WY263 WY323 WY291 WY347 NL769 FZ044 WY385 WY245 WY231 WY843 G9115 WY815 WY273 WY905 WY605 WY203 WY253 WY337 EK863 WY311 EY383 IX554 QR1129 IX442 9W533 WY919 WY655 G9842 GF563 WY631 WY3303 IX350 PA451 FZ038 WY663 WY113 WY101 WY153 WY645 WY927 WY143 WY609 WY405 WY413 WY675 FZ046 WY613 WY913 WY623 QR1127 WY681 WY907 GF565 WY647 WY661 EK865 WY695 WY653 G9117 WY909 WY611 FZ048 WY635 WY915 AI978 FZ050 KL442 WY817 WY411 9W529 6.00E+82 AI908 AI974 WY677 QR1135 GF567 WY673 EY381

BOMBAY 0005 DUBAI-ZURICH 0020 ABU DHABI-LONDON HEATHROW 0025 BOMBAY 0025 ABU DHABI-FRANKFURT 0050 RIYADH 0105 MADRAS 0110 BOMBAY 0120 COCHIN 0125 HYDERABAD 0135 DUBAI 0150 LAHORE 0150 BANGALORE 0150 TEHRAN 0155 DELHI 0155 KUWAIT 0200 KUALA LUMPUR 0205 BAHRAIN 0205 ABU DHABI 0205 MUNICH 0210 COLOMBO 0210 DOHA 0225 MALE 0235 SALALAH 0240 JAKARTA 0245 LAHORE 0315 BAHRAIN-ISTANBUL 0350 DUBAI 0455 DUBAI 0510 DOHA 0520 ABU DHABI 0525 DUQUM OMAN 0740 BAHRAIN 0745 DACCA 0745 SALALAH 0800 DUBAI 0800 MUKHAIZNA 0800 KHASAB 0815 TRIVANDRUM 0845 LUCKNOW 0920 KARACHI 0920 CALICUT 0920 ISLAM ABBAD 0920 LAHORE 0930 DUBAI 0935 MALE 0940 DELHI 0955 HYDERABAD 0955 MANILA 1000 SHARJAH 1005 BANGKOK 1010 JAIPUR 1030 SALALAH 1030 DUBAI 1030 BOMBAY 1030 MADRAS 1040 KATHMANDU 1040 DUBAI 1055 CHITTAGONG 1100 ABU DHABI 1105 TRIVANDRUM 1110 DOHA 1115 COCHIN 1115 COCHIN 1135 KHASAB 1145 BAHRAIN 1210 RAS AL KHAIMA 1210 BAHRAIN 1215 ABU DHABI 1220 MUKHAIZNA 1300 CALICUT 1310 LAHORE 1315 DUBAI 1315 DOHA 1330 FRANKFURT 1400 LONDON HEATHROW 1400 ZURICH 1405 KUWAIT 1405 SALALAH 1415 MALPENSA 1415 DUBAI 1420 CAIRO 1430 AMMAN 1455 JEDDAH 1630 DUBAI 1700 DUBAI 1700 SALALAH 1800 DUBAI 1820 DOHA 1845 RIYADH 1845 SALALAH 1850 BAHRAIN 1855 KUWAIT 1900 DOHA 1900 DUBAI 1905 DAMMAM 1910 BAHRAIN 1920 SHARJAH 2005 SALALAH 2015 DUBAI 2025 DUBAI 2040 ABU DHABI 2040 SALALAH 2110 HYDERABAD-BANGALORE 2200 DUBAI 2225 DOHA-AMSTERDAM 2230 BANGKOK 2235 AMMAN 2240 TRIVANDRUM 2240 BOMBAY 2245 MADRAS 2300 DELHI 2310 MEDINA 2310 DOHA 2320 BAHRAIN 2325 JEDDAH 2350 ABU DHABI 2350

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EXTRA

WITH NEW NONSTICK COATING, THE WAIT, AND WASTE, IS OVER

I

f a glue did not stick to the inside of the tube or bottle, you might think it must not be a very good glue.

On the other hand, clinging glue has annoyed parents and children attempting to scoop out the remaining bits with their fingers.

This is one of life’s little problems. LiquiGlide, a company started by a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and one of his graduate students, has come up with a solution for it: a coating that makes the inside of the bottle permanently wet and slippery. The glue quickly slides to the nozzle or back down to the bottom.

The company announced recently that Elmer’s Products Inc. had signed an exclusive licensing agreement for the use of such coatings in glue containers. “We certainly see a chance for a competitive advantage,” said Anthony Spath, associate manager for innovation and business development at Elmer’s.

LiquiGlide, in Cambridge, has also licensed its technology to a packaging company in Australia. The idea there is to make the inside surface of paint can lids slippery so paint slides back into the can instead of sticking to the lid and drying. The dried bits fall into the paint, leading to bumpy walls and clogged painting equipment.

The technology could also have major environmental payoffs by reducing waste.

In a few years, “we expect it to be ubiquitous,” said J. David Smith, the graduate student turned chief executive of LiquiGlide.

Tests by Consumer Reports in 2009 found that much of what we buy never makes it out of the container - up to a quarter of skin lotion, 16 per cent of laundry detergent and 15 per cent of condiments like mustard and ketchup.

“It’s pretty crazy, getting mayonnaise out,” said Kripa K. Varanasi, a professor of mechanical engineering at MIT, who is Smith’s thesis adviser and co-founder of LiquiGlide.

Mayonnaise and toothpaste are what scientists call Bingham plastics. A Bingham plastic, named after Eugene Bingham, a chemist who described the mathematical properties, is not made of plastic; the term describes a highly viscous material that does not flow without a strong push.

How to make a slippery surface has been an interest for many scientists and engineers with many potential uses.

When water or other liquids flow through a pipe, the layer of liquid next to the pipe wall typically sticks. Farther from the pipe wall, the liquid flows, fastest at the centre. “Different layers of water are sliding past one another, and therefore

A coating developed by a start-up company makes the inside of a bottle permanently wet, allowing viscous fluids like ketchup to pour out easily there is friction, which is viscosity, and that is why you need to pump it,” said Neelesh A. Patankar, a professor of mechanical engineering at Northwestern University, who is not involved with LiquiGlide.

The trick is to find a way around the so-called no-slip boundary condition.

“What people have tried to do is, can we have something between the solid surface and the liquid which will help the liquid slide?” Patankar said.

One example a droplet of water skittering across a hot pan. The droplet is riding on a layer of steam like a hovercraft, not touching the pan.

Patankar and other scientists have been investigating superhydrophobic surfaces.

A hydrophobic surface repels water; a superhydrophobic surface, as one might imagine, really repels water. Inspired in part by lotus leaves, the surface of a superhydrophobic material looks rough, at least under a microscope. Water rolls up into balls, sitting on the tips of the rough surface, but mostly on air trapped between the droplet and the rough surface. The droplets roll off easily.

That technology has had some success. Rust-Oleum, for example, sells a superhydrophobic treatment developed by a company called NeverWet in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. But the microscopic roughness can be damaged, and then water flows in, displacing the pockets of air, and sticks to the no longer slippery surface.

Because air dissolves into water, superhydrophobic surfaces can also lose slipperiness when submerged for long periods. That makes it impractical for ship hulls, for instance. But Patankar and his colleagues have shown that with a clever choice of texture, trapped water vapour could serve as the persistent layer separating the water from the surface.

LiquiGlide’s approach is similar, but it uses a liquid lubricant, not a gas.

H E A LT H

‘Exploding head syndrome’ not a supernatural event

AN UNEXPECTEDLY high percentage of young people experience ‘exploding head syndrome’, a new study reveals.

Exploding head syndrome is a psychological phenomenon in which people are awakened by abrupt loud noises, even the sensation of an explosion in their head. The researchers found that nearly one in five of college students interviewed said they had experienced it at least once. It was so bad for some that it significantly impacted their lives, he said. “Unfortunately for this minority of individuals, no wellarticulated or empirically supported treatments are available, and very few clinicians or researchers assess for it,” said lead researcher Brian Sharpless from Washington State University.

The study also found that more than one-third of those who had exploding head syndrome also experienced isolated sleep paralysis, a frightening experience in which one cannot move or speak when waking up. People

with this condition will literally dream with their eyes wide open.

In fact, both exploding head syndrome and isolated sleep paralysis have been misinterpreted as unnatural events.

The waking dreams of sleep paralysis can make for convincing hallucinations, which might account for why some people in the Middle Ages would be convinced they saw demons or witches. The results appeared online in the Journal of Sleep Research. The disorder tends to come as one is falling asleep. Researchers suspect it stems from problems with the brain shutting down.

“When the brain goes to sleep, it’s like a computer shutting down, with motor, auditory and visual neurons turning off in stages. But instead of shutting down properly, the auditory neurons are thought to fire all at once,” Sharpless said. “That’s why you get these crazy-loud noises that you can’t explain, and they’re not actual noises in your environment,” he said. -IANS

DRIVE SLOWER LIVE LONGER

“What could be a solution that provides sort of universal slipperiness?” Varanasi said. The idea we had was, ‘Why not think about trapping a liquid in these features’?

Varanasi and Smith worked out a theory to predict interactions among the surface, the lubricant and air. Essentially, the lubricant binds more strongly to the textured surface than to the liquid, and that allows the liquid to slide on a layer of lubricant instead of being pinned against the surface, and the textured surface keeps the lubricant from slipping out.

“We’re not defying physics, but effectively, we are,” Smith said.

A mayonnaise bottle could be coming by early next year, the founders say. Easier-tosqueeze toothpaste could arrive in 2017.

LiquiGlide, with 20 employees, just moved to a larger office, and this month announced a $7 million venture capital investment. The company is also exploring the industrial applications originally envisioned, including coatings for petroleum storage tanks and pipelines.

That could not only reduce the energy needed to push materials through the pipes, but also speed cleaning of tanks, with fewer chemicals.

“There are significant savings from a sustainability perspective,” Varanasi said.

-Kenneth Chang/The New York Times News Service

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TU ESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

EXTRA

Furious urio The ‘Fast and Furious’ franchise is not just a guilty pleasure for boy racers

I

fundamentally object to the phrase “guilty pleasure”. What is the point of it – that we can only like certain things in a certain way because they’re considered a bit embarrassing?

Please. I’ve tried to do away with the whole “let’s like that but only ironically because otherwise other people might sneer at us” attitude because I’d rather be sincere about my cultural tastes than feel obliged to have endless chin-stroking conversations about Wes Anderson’s colour palettes.

So, it follows that I take offence when people ask me if my love of the Fast and Furious franchise is a “guilty pleasure”.

Nope. This, for the pretend-ignorant, is the gas-guzzling, carcentric action film series, starring Vin Diesel and the late Paul Walker, whose seventh instalment hits cinemas this week.

Given that critics usually consign the films to the realm of boy-racer fantasies, many find this 32-year-old woman’s intense love for their majesty difficult to understand. But while I might not be their target audience, I am an audience member nonetheless, and one whose deep-rooted love for action movies makes me evangelical in my defence of them – for, make no mistake, FaF is too good to be left to the teenagers.

Don’t believe me? Fine. As Dom Toretto, Diesel’s reluctant hero might say, let me give you a reason to stay…

The series first sped into our lives almost 15 years ago with 2001’s The Fast and the Furious; based on a magazine article about New York street racing, it was pitched by its studio as a tale of “rival Los Angeles street teams who use street racing as a means of establishing power”. However, that description, befitting a more sombre film, directed by Michael Mann, say, didn’t do justice to the result: a pile-up of revving cars, gyrating women and rap music, topped off by the best “shooting the air in frustration and anger” moment since Point Break. It was shallow – retrograde, even – but so uniquely ridiculous, it touched brilliance.

A key part of its appeal was the chemistry between its two leads, Diesel’s street race gang leader Toretto and his clean-cut adversary, Walker’s undercover FBI agent Brian O’Conner. We saw O’Conner switch sides, notionally as a result of falling in love with Toretto’s sister, Mia, but it was clear from the first rev that bromance was the real driver. An unexpected hit, it prompted inevitable sequels: 2Fast2Furious, which erroneously lost Diesel, and the third, Tokyo

It’s a tragedy that hangs over ‘Furious 7’; Walker died halfway through shooting, and a seamless mix of body doubles and CGI trickery were employed to finish his scenes Drift, which moved to the Far East with a completely new set of leads. The latter was a gamble that didn’t pay off – like any sequel that effectively starts all over again, it lost fans who didn’t want to invest in a new “family”.

It was the worst box-office performer of the series so far, and it felt, even to die-hard fans like me, like the series might be running out of NOS gas.

GAME-CHANGER But then came the game-changer: the nononsense(ly) monikered fourth instalment Fast and Furious. In a move that should be studied in film classes across the world about how to rescue a dying franchise, FaF4 brought the original lead cast back together and, crucially, broadened the scope of the series beyond car-racing with a story that sent Toretto and O’Conner on a revenge mission for the death of a loved one. Here was a can’t-fail plot, to satisfy even non-petrolheads.

And lo, a decade into existence, the series accelerated into top gear. Fast Five took us to Rio, and introduced the one actor that could elevate the franchise even further – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. His inclusion in this movie as a DEA agent pitted against Toretto’s crew not only raised the stakes for our gang

of anti-heroes but also meant we got to see Riddick fight The Scorpion King, in a showdown that was action movie fans’ very own Rumble in the Jungle.

Fast Five also featured one of the greatest car chase scenes ever committed to film – a sequence involving a bank vault that was only topped by the finale of Furious 6, in which the gang tried to stop a plane taking off what seems to be an infinite runway by, essentially, using cars as weights. The sixth Furious also provided an extra adrenaline rush for British fans by travelling to London for a late-night race across Piccadilly Circus – as if it has ever been that empty – and paved the way for Furious 7, in an ingenious post-credits scene that had the cinema I was in on its feet, whooping in delight. You didn’t get that with The Grand Budapest Hotel.

Yes, the scripts might be, shall we say, repetitive: the number of car chases is probably on a par with the number of variations of the phrase “we don’t give up on family”. But, for unmitigated thrill value, FaF is untouchable.

FaF has also succeeded where so many other Hollywood blockbuster franchises fail – in the art of reinventing itself, whilst remaining true to its roots.

Most excitingly, and unlike most other franchises out there, however, FaF isn’t working to a blueprint: unfettered by source material, it can career wherever it wants. And now, seven films in, the series has even acquired some emotional gravitas, following the untimely death of Walker last year. It’s a tragedy that hangs over Furious 7; Walker died halfway through shooting, and a seamless mix of body doubles and CGI trickery were employed to finish his scenes.

In terms of set-pieces, Furious 7 has stepped it up yet again – and that’s not to mention the addition of Jason Statham, as the resident evil. But it’s the manner in which it sends off Walker that makes it linger in the memory. No spoilers, but let’s just say Furious 7 is this year’s first great weepie.

- Manisha Ferdinand/The Independent

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W W W.T I M E S O F O M A N . C O M T U E S DAY, M A R C H 3 1 , 2 0 1 5

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CONNEC T H E D A I LY G U I D E

RENT

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T U E S D AY, M A R C H 3 1 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

FOR RENT

OFFICES FOR RENT Premium offices to let a very good location on the main road very close to Zakher Mall, Al Khawiar. Business Center has offices with sizes of 50m2, 110m2, 180m2, 207m2, 230m2, 437m2.

Showroom also available at Business Center, Area 500m2 with central A/c.

Offices with Central Air-conditions, Security System with CCTV cameras, and Security presence in the building.

Contact: 97377355 / 97307476, Email id: aaleem@ggcoman.com

1bedroom, 2 bedroom + showroom, 18 November road Al Azaiba.

Contact 99565364 / 99617786

Flat at Darsait. Contact 99326879

2 Bedroom Townhouse with Swimming pool, free Wi-Fi for Rent near British School in Madinat Sultan Qaboos. Contact: 92197959 / 92502497 Flat for rent 1 & 2 bedroom available behind Zaker Mall Al Khuwair.

Contact - 99530405 5 BHK villas with A.C Qurum, 29 near A. B. School. Contact 92144045 1,2,3 BHK flats & villas.

Contact 97799175 2BHK commercial Al Khuwair R.O 400/-. Contact 92144045 Office furniture R.O 1500/-.

Contact 97799175 3 BHK Qurum R.O 425/-.

Contact 92144045 3BHK near Star Cinema R.O 400/-.

Contact 92144045 2BHK with A.C Ghubra R.O 350/-.

Contact 92144045 Deluxe two, three, bedroom flats in Mumtaz /Wadi Kabir /Al Falaij Wattayah. Contact 24707340 / 99472457 Shops and workshop for rent at attractive prices in the area Bowshar, Al Misfah. Contact 99414377 Flat with A/C for rent in South Al Mabalh close to the mosque Tawab in the first Tabut consists of two rooms, living room, kitchen and three toilets. Contact 99388995 Store with Mezzanine floor for rent in Wadi Kabir near Majestic hotel.

Contact 99887907 5BHK villa Al Khuwair 33 garden parking 800/-R.O. Contact 95178930 Printing press for lease.

Contact 97842797

Villa for rent with 4 bedroom at Al Khodh, Rent 750/-RO.#92888115 3BR top class fitting flat , ideal for top Executives Mumtaz area, Ruwi.

Contact 91287824 One BHK flat for rent in Ghobra with attach and common bathroom. For Indian family.

Contact - 92322096

Flat for rent in Wadi Al Kabir, 2 rooms & 3 toilets next to Platinum Gym. Contact 99210008

Show room cum godown for rent in Barka, Sohar, Muscat road.

Contact 99886530 / 92880411

2BHK with split /AC in W.K behind Sanaa furnishing.

Contact 96708000

1 / 3 BHK Flat Ghobrah, close to ISG Way 4041, building 4390.

Contact 99319880

2BHK in Al Ghubra, near Indian School. Contact 96708000

IBHK Flat at Hamriya - for families. R.O. 200/- Contact – 99424470 – 9 Am to 7 PM

We have 2BHK flats in Ghubra, Ghala, Boushar Azaiba & Qurum, Mabela very good price & locations.

Contact 93782735 / 99208033

Near Indian School Ghubra 2 bedroom flat for rent.

Contact 99427574

Flat Al Ghubra South first floor, 3BHK hall, living room split a/c for family only 500/-. Contact 92479515

2 Bedroom Centrally Air-conditioned flat at CBD. Contact : 94460790/ 24714625

Flat Al Azaiba ground floor 4BHK living room split a/c for family only parking 550/-R.O. Contact 92479515

2BHK at Honda Road Ruwi.

Contact 99224748 / 99332297

Flats shops and store for rent in MBD area and Honda road. Contact 92433127/ 97293708/ 95150632

Looking for a cold room for rental.

Contact 99100146 Ghubra furnished room with attached bath, dish, internet, available for Executive person.

Contact 96117178 Villa in Bosher behind Dolphin, 5 BHK hall living room with split A/C RO 650/- family only.

Contact 92479515 Spacious villa, 2 floors with swimming pool garden, garage, servant room, 3 bedrooms with seaside view, three lounges, dining room, 5 bath rooms in Qurum area rent R.O 1500/per month, 1 yr advance. Contact 99335594 / 95501858

Flat for rent in Wadi Kabir near Lulu 4BHK. Contact 97007934 / 92629232 300 Sq mts available in Wadi Kabir suitable for warehouse or workshop.

Contact 96001855 Al Ghubra small house for rent 160/. Contact 95032152 Single room for rent at Al Khuwair area with attach bathroom for Executive bachelor / single family. Contact 93941622 / 93835869 2 BHK flats Muttrah near Oman House. Contact 97007934 / 92629232

We have 2BHK flats in Ghala with large sitting hall & 3 toilets new building main road. Contact 93782735/ 99208033 We have 150 sqm office in Ghubra main road prime location Already Glass partition done, 2 toilets and pantry available. Contact 93782735 / 99208033 Warehouse for rent in Al Misfah Indl. area near Oman cement 1200 sq mtr to 3000 sq mtr.

Contact 99441688 Flat 4 rent south Al Mabelah.

Contact 95331177 / 95230355 2Bed room flat at Madinat Sultan Qaboos, office space - 2/3 bedroom type at Qurum. Contact 24566217/ 24564686

1,000 sq mtrs industrial land in Misfah Industrial area near to Khanco. OMR 1,500 Monthly. Electricity and boundary wall will be provided.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Flats/villas owned by ROP pension fund available for rent in Muscat.

Contact 99349526

Dental clinic for sale in Seeb area.

Contact 96903341 Scrap for sale Contact Mr. Ravi 99329514 For sale 2Nos. Forklift to inspection Contact Mr. Mohammed Al Harthy 99427071 Used window A/C. Contact 97752395.

Spacious 2 BR flat in MBD. Contact 99713489

Land in Mawaleh for sale.

Contact 91155779

2 & 3 BHK Darsait School new building. Contact 99024730

Industrial lands in (Mabella & Misfa) for (sale & rent).

Contact 91155779

2 bedroom flat in Al Ghubra near Oman oil 18 November Street. OMR 330. Monthly. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

1 Bedroom attached toilet Al Khuwair area only for ladies or husband and wife without children. Contact 9:00 pm to 7:00 am 95765719 Spacious 2 BHK flats in Ruwi MBD area only on 350/- OMR. Contact – 95122188 / 96441499 If require flats for rent in Wadi Kabir please send messages through Whatsapp or call – 99376454 Furnished room available on Seeb share with small family for couple working ladies.

Contact 96996938

FOR SALE

Good quality apartment with 3 bedrooms in Al Khoudh, located between University road and Al Khoudh Commercial Street. #99319829

2 BHK & studio flat at Darsait 1SM. Contact 99024730

1,000 sq mtrs industrial land in Misfah Industrial area near to Khanco. OMR 1,500 Monthly. It has Electricity and boundary wall.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

Used furniture of readymade garments shop. Contact 96441670

Farms in Barka main road for sale.

Contact 91155779

Urgent sale man tipper, Tata Novus prime mover with trailer, Tata Daewoo tipper, Tata water tanker, Tata Hyup, Roller, Bitili, roller double drum bitili, PTR Roller Bitili, Titan paver, Volvo, back hoeloader, SDLG wheel loader. Contact 92964673 Commercial lands for sale in Al Ghubra /Mabella. Contact 91155779 New dental chair & instruments for sale. Contact 92816015 3 floor building in Muttrah behind Police. Generating income of OMR 18 Thousand annually. Neat and well maintained. Built on 197 sq mtrs land. 2 tailor shops on ground floor and 6 flats. OMR 207 Thousand.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Shop for sale at Ruwi. Contact 99103077 1BHK C.B.D. Contact 99024730

For sale work shop carpenter with 4 clearances in Wadi Kabir.

Contact 99345137

Building material shop for sale in Al Hail. Contact 98003111

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DAILY GUIDE

FOR RENT

M.V. FOR SALE

ACC. AVAILABLE

Construction building material / equipment for sale on urgent basis.

Contact 95526871 Building material shop with material for sale in Al Musannah.

Contact 98053324 2 residential Lands together, one 610 and the other 600 sq mtrs, in Al Haram on way to Barka. OMR 49 Thousand both. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 558 Sq mtrs residential land in Barka behind Lulu and near to school. OMR 32 Thousand.

Tel: 99333479 or 95215360 Brand new UK made wheel balancer for sale with accessories, contact 94052713, 99885638 2 Prime Movers Man 2008 with 40 ton petrol tank each working at the moment in Al Maha. Price OMR 35 Thousand each. Tel: 97000155 or 92688692 Ready mix concrete for sale.

Contact 99054673 Land for sale residential commercial and residential and tourist and industrial, and hotels for sale in Muscat (Al Khuwair and the Qurum, and crushed stone, and Bowshar, and spite and Gala heights, and the heights of the airport) to deal with the buyer. Contact 99070093 Restaurant for sale well running with open area and good parking area. 3 new clearance also in Wadi Kabeer near Mars hyper market.

Contact 99656863 23,886 Sq Mtrs Agriculture land with water well in Al Salwa, Barka.

OMR 260 Thousand. Tel: 99333479 or 95215360

3 Bedrooms, with spacious hall & 3 bathrooms near ISM, Darsait from 1st April 2015. Gsm 94288861

Toyota Fortuner Safari 2011July, 92000KM, Professor driven, OMR9000. Contact 98813910

Independent rooms in Qurum / Al Hail. Contact 95529970

Delivery Van Renault for sale only monthly installment R.O 143 /-, 2014 Model Renault station wagon Duster 2014 only monthly installment R.O 104 /-. Contact 93642648

Bachelor Sharing Accommodation available in villa, rex road, ruwi.

Contact 94442157

WANTED Looking for a contractor to build my house. If you wish to apply for the position, please feel free to contact the following number: 94488999

BUYING/SELLING Used household & office furniture and electronic items. Contact 99834373, 97102699

AVAILABLE Freelance HSE Advisor. Contact 93637030 Party & Wedding equipment rentals. Full line, from Tables, Linen & Skirting, Chairs & Chair covers, Cutlery, Crockery, Glassware, Chafing Dishes, Ice Sculptures, to Large Sound Systems and spectacular lighting. Call Andrea 9606 2222 for Catering and Croyden 9623 5555 for Sound & Light. www.tunesoman.com, E-mail: info@tunesoman.com

ACC. WANTED Wanted a separate room near Lulu Darsait. Contact 92481082 Furnished accommodation wanted for April, May for Keralite family. Contact 99378397

ACC. AVAILABLE Furnished single room with A/C attached bath room is available at Rex road for non cooking Executive Bachelor from 1st April 2015 only for Indian. Contact 93085074

Sharing accommodation at Wadi Kabir attached room & sharing kitchen. Contact 95882866 / 96575016 Furnished room for Executive bachelor at Ruwi. Contact 92435784

Room with separate bath available for non cooking Executive at Al Khuwair. Contact 99224185

Room for rent in flat for bachelor / bachelors near ISWK primary wing, Way 6930 rent 100 OMR per month.

Contact 97687055 / 98001645

2BR, 1BTR for Indian family ladies near Ruwi Church.Contact 99746379

Fully furnished room with equipped kitchen with sharing bathroom sea facing balcony is available from 1st April in Azaiba near Muscat Bakery.

Contact 95450250 Furnished single /sharing room for Executive bachelor at Rex Road.

Contact 91752474 Single room with attached toilet in AL Khuwair. Contact 94617422 Gubrah furnished room, attached bath dish TV, WIFI, kitchen available for Executive single person, couple.

Contact 99658689

Toyota Camry white 2011 km -51000 R.O 4800/-.Contact 99561562

NRI

Furnished room with attached bathroom for non-cooking bachelor in Ruwi RO 150/-. Contact 92478852

Semi- furnished room, separate toilet & balcony for Indian Bachelor 130/-R.O. Contact 98928458

GF near furnished flat with A/C, parking, 3BKH, 3bath, Mumtaz, Ruwi, 550PM, 1year advance contract.

Call 99241044

Pajero – V6 price 8000/-(brown).

Contact 93731296

1B/R available for bachelors in REX ROAD, Ruwi. Contact 99889590 Room in CBD area for non cooking Executive bachelors free WIFI, Advance deposit.

Contact 95934642 1 bedroom attached toilet in Al Khuwair bachelors/ family R.O 140/-. Contact 95154331

MATRIMONIAL Kerala Malankara Catholic girl 28/155 GNM, MOH Oman looking for suitable match from Muscat / Kerala (Pta dist) M4 ID 4002623.

Contact 96708960 / 95338210 We are looking for a Muslim Girl for our son interested parents or daughter May. Contact 97664009

1.5 Toyota Yaris, 2008 Model, 160,000 KM, good condition. Expat driven. Price RO 2450/- negotiable.

Call 91148453 Excellent condition Volks Wagen Caddy 2013, 145000 km, unlimited mileage warranty for 3 years for sale.

Contact 99822843

LOST Sumon Miah Mojaffar Ali has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. E 1901776. Finder please handover to ROP. Mohammed Ibrahim has lost Bangladeshi Passport No. AB 8456062 . Finder please handover to ROP

NOTICE

3 BHK, semi furnished Skyline flat in Kaloor, Ernakulam near Potakhuzhi church for rent. Contact 91 9846777118 or 968 99324337.

MATRIMONIAL Vaniya Nair boy (Bahrain) 38 years Visakam, Kannur. Contact 96146973 Jacobite boy, 28/175 fair, Diploma working in Oman M4 ID - 4003130.

Contact 99097785 / 93977526 Keralite Syrian Christian Parents seeking alliance from any Syrian Christian Denominations Graduated working girls preferably in Oman or UAE for their son MBA 29/175-born brought up in Muscat working in a reputed organization.# 97226324 email: m4proposal@yahoo.com

I, Francesca Frenchell Fernandes (holder of Indian passport No. G 6643200) D /O Mathias Cosmos Fernandes having permanent residence in 304, Jupiter Apts, Yari Road, opp. St. Anthonys High School, Versova, Andheri (W) Mumbai - 400061 (complete postal address in India) and presently residing in Al Khuwair, P.O. Box 793, PC 112 Ruwi , Muscat, Sultanate of Oman (complete postal address in Sultanate of Oman) intend to marry Mr. Ajit Manjit Joginder Gill (holder of Omani Passport bearing No. 02799612) S/o Manjit Singh Gill in Embassy of India, Muscat. I swear that I am marrying him at my own free will and not under any duress and intimidation. Any objection towards this marriage may please be communicated to Embassy of India, Muscat, Diplomatic Quarters, Al Khuwair, P.O. Box No. 1727, PC 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman within 30 (thirty) days of publications of this newspaper advertisement.

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T U E S D AY, M A R C H 3 1 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION SITUATION WANTED VACANT

SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Accountant with NOC or release who can join us with in 15 days.

Send your CV with expected salary.

Email: dirbas.oman@gmail.com Indian Accountant, Female, BBM Graduate (Immediate joining) having 5years experience in India, Currently on Visit Visa Till 20th April’15.

Looking for suitable job. Contact94662416, E-mail: apurwaverma@gmail.com

ADMIN An investment company wants to employ an Executive Secretary, minimum qualification required diploma in office administration, English & Arabic language (writing & speaking), experience not less than 5 years.

Email ID: info@oiidcoman.com last day of receiving CV would be 5th April 2015

CATERING Wanted cook / Tandoor /Shawarma / maker. Contact 97939688

DRIVER Wanted driver. Contact 95112461

DOMESTIC HELPER A full time maid and a part time nanny is required in Qurum. For more information contact at 00 968 98518580.

Part time maid required in Al-Khuwair 25 on Sunday and Wednesday, call 97093525

ENGI./ELECT./TECH..

Urgently required qualified & experienced male Civil Engineer with 10 – 15 years experience for a Muscat based well known construction company.

Email: alfayafy@outlook.com Fax: 24479675 Senior Project Engineer – Civil, Graduate in Civil Engineering with 20 years of relevant experience preferably 5+ years of experience in Oman. Strong command over written / spoken English & Arabic. Interested candidates send resume to hr@aljood-oman.com Fax: 24437007 Architectural & Engineering Consultancy Office looking for : Manager / Civil Engineer 10 years experience of the related job.

Contact 99243100 A reputed Multi franchise Automotive centre in Oman is looking for experienced in G.C.C for the post of service manager / incharge, Accountant, Senior Mechanics and Lube technicians. Send your CVs to mapmct@gmail.com or fax to 24568146 immediately

Urgently required Irrigation Engineers, B.Tech (Agri/Irri) for supervision 5 yrs experience.

Contact- secons.engineers@gmail. com Contact 99244481

Construction Company require Civil Engineer, minimum 2 years experience. Contact 93806556

IT Required qualified and IT teachers note: candidates for teaching should have minimum bachelor degree and having experience not less than 2 years. Please submit your CV through email till 29th of March 2015. For more information please contact with 24498423 Email: info@omrantraining.com

MISCELLANEOUS Required Barber. Contact 96964767

MEDICAL Wanted urgently one Staff Nurse with MOH license / prometric score 60 % and above and presently available in Oman.

Contact 99375016 whatsapp 92960778 Email: shshkumarmedserve@gmail.com

Professional Accountant B.Com, CA CIA 10+ year’s exp.

Contact 94641805

Indian male 22 yrs B. Com Graduate 1 year exp in Accounts, currently on visit visa. Looking for suitable job.

Contact – 94341848 / Email – mohdhaji7272@gmail.com

Accountant Indian male 10 years experience, 6 years in Oman with Oman driving license seeking suitable job. Contact 97123002 Professional Accountant Finance Manager, Chartered Accountant, 15 years experience in ERPs, MS office. Contact 96264969

Urgently required for leading company, Land Surveyor, Electrical technician, MEP foreman, Camp Boss. Fax: 24478522 E-mail: gh1.careers@gmail.com

Looking for Assistant Workshop Manager, Automobile Engineering with minimum 4 years experience in vehicle modification works.

Contact: 97441935

Male, total 17 years experience in India & Oman - India - 9 years & Oman - 8 years In the field of procurement, material controller and accountancy Local release available (Noc) Cont no. 91680124 , 98606546

Qualified Chartered Accountant with big 4 experience including in Oman. No visa restrictions.

Contact: 92625576

ENGI./ELECT./TECH..

Wanted for immediate appointment linemen, Electrician, Duct fabricator, AC technicians, AC foreman HVAC, Procurement Asst. Engineer, minimum 2 years experience in Gulf for all posts. Apply with bio-data to hr_oman1@yahoo.com immediately.

Omani Citizen searching a job in the field of computer Especially in data base professional in operating oracle SQL, PL/ SQL, form6i, Report 6i. Contact 96977368 Email: talalom1@yahoo.com

C.A with 11 years experience (6 years in Oman, with NOC).

Contact 93731296

MEDICAL Immediate placement (with or without MOH) - Pharmacist - 3 nos, Asst. Pharmacist - 2 nos.

Contact- 99338219 , 93240949 Urgently required Pharmacist.

Contact 94200385/ 95206905/ 97433142 Email: anitho@gmail.com

SALES / MARKETING A leading fiberglass products manufacturing company, required experienced Sales Executives.

Interested candidates please mail CV to alhosnif@gmail.com Experienced sales professionals for digital media / advertising / Events.

Fresh Graduates with flair for sales can also apply. Oman D/L essential.

Contact deemaild@gmail.com A leading group is looking for Sales Executives, min 2 years experience in Building materials & Electricals with driving license & release/ NOC. Email CV to alhajoil@omantel.net.om or Fax: 24701683

SALES / MARKETING Sales man for a printing press.

Contact 97842797 Sales Executives needed for marble & granite company with minimum one year experience with driving license. Good looking Indians only.

Email: anas@kenzostone.com / nabil@kenzostone.com Need sales man for furniture showroom at Barka with valued Oman driving license. Contact # 91398380 / 91398378, email id agsan2005@gmail.com Wanted Salesman with driving licence and car. Gsm : 98805474 or email id: jobssales2015@gmail.com

TOUR Urgently required travel agent for travel agency having 1 year experience SABRE software.

Contact 91120003 or Email: line_travels@yahoo.com Wanted experienced candidate for tours and rent a car Email: almoosarentacar@gmail.com Fax: 24796040

SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE

Wanted a young male Bangladeshi MBBS doctor with three years experience, for a private medical clinic in Oman.

Contact 94209634

Indian Accounts / Audit assistant with 2 years of experience currently on a visit visa looking for suitable job openings. Contact 94677338, 97041086 Email: ajeeshkcy1989@gmail.com

Urgently required an Orthodontist with MOH to work at a reputed Dental Center in Muscat.

Contact 968 99694723, Email : dr.bdohc@gmail.com

ACCA finalist and BSc from Oxford Brookes University UK, having 18 months working experience, currently in Muscat on visit, seeking immediate and suitable position.

Contact : 95375282

Indian Male, 27 yrs MBA (Fin), SAP, 4 Yrs Exp in Finance Seeking Suitable Job with a Reputed Firm Currently on Visit Visa #92481230 22 years of experience in Multinational Companies & reputed firms in Financial Management, Project Management, Budgeting and Cost control, seeking a strategic Financial/Management Accounting role in a dynamic organization .

Contact : +971-506178139,

Chartered Accountant & MBA Finance – Indian male, 29 years, Experience of 6 years in Accounts and Audit including two years in Oman.

Seeking challenging job opportunity.

Mobile: 91094013 Email: jibzv@yahoo.co.in A South African male, with working experience in Oman since 2009, seeking a temporary position to long term as a management consultant/ adviser/auditor, with experience in management, customer care, HSE and risk assessment.

Contact -00968 9827 0971.

Indian male 24years, 2+yrs exp. in finance/administration on visit visa seeking suitable position.

Contact: 24475596.

Indian female M.Com Finance, DCA 3 years experience in Accounts / finance, knowledge in ERP & tally seeking suitable position in corporate finance / banking /consulting.

Contact 96953705 Email prapullasuvarna@gmail.com MBA (in HR & Finance) & BBA (in General Management) and 5+ years experience in Administration & Finance in Oman, looking for suitable opportunities.NOC available.

Contact: 93183137 Indian male, 7 yrs in FMCG-Logistics and warehouse seeks placement. NOC available. Contact 99684327 ACCA affiliate having more than 4 years experience looking for suitable job in accounts audit & finance. NOC available. Contact 91185127 Email: usamamateen87@gmail.com Indian male MBA (fin & marketing) 9 years experience in business development, healthcare insuring fin & actng seeking suitable job on visit in Oman. Contact 98653962 Email: mdsaleem.r@gmail.com Finance Professional. Masters in Finance with approximately 3years of experience including GULF. Can join immediately. 97259596. rao.ammar7@gmail.com

Indian CA, male, having 12+ Years’ experience in the field of A/Cs, finance, auditing, consultancy and also knowledgeable in SAP B1,Tally ERP ,etc. Working as Finance Manager for last 2 years in Oman and have valid D/L of Oman. NOC available. PLZ contact: 98234761, Email:caraj700@gmail.com Indian male 24 yrs MBA marketing 21 days visit visa looking for marketing accounts and sales good communication skills.

Contact 91379124 Email: rahmansahil3@gmail.com Indian Chief Accountant M.Com, LLB, exp 7 yrs UAE, 2 yrs Oman with D/L. Have NOC seeks placement Contact 93346789 Indian male with 15 years experience on visit visa seeking suitable job in maintenance of radio equipments or HSE. Contact 96238294 Bachelor degree in business (Accounting) from Majan College searching for job with D/L and 2 years exp . Contact 96132149 Finance Manager, CPA, with more than 15 yrs. of experience in GCC. Fully knowledgeable in Finance, General & Management Accounting .

NOC available. Contact 96209331 Indian female 7 years experience as Accountant with good working knowledge in Sap, Fico, Tally, ERP9 and peachtree also having IELTS score 6.5 looking for immediate placement.

Contact +091 9495002094.

Email: cerowil121718@gmail.com Sr. Accountant, B.Com, 10 years experience in Oman, knowledge in Tally & focus with D/L and NOC. Contact 96742564 Accountant B.Com MBA Indian male having 5 year G.C.C exp in similar field with valid Oman D/L & NOC available. Contact 91719385 Email: shinuyesodharan@gmail.com Indian male currently in Oman looking for a suitable placement experience in Accounts, Computer, AutoCAD , 3D studio Max, DTP software’s, Office works.

Contact 98788518, Email: karunakaranvimal@gmail.com Indian Chartered Accountant 15 years experience in KSA & Dubai.

EPR, Tally, Peachtree, SAP, MS Office.

Contact 0091 8086469422 Oman 99886373 Email: rahmanacc123@gmail.com Indian 34 yrs B.Com CA Inter pass 12 yrs exp in Audit A/C, Finance on visit seeks suitable placement.

Contact 95585069

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED ACCOUNT. & FINANCE Indian male 28 years experience in Accounts & Admin with B.E, MBA finance seeks suitable placement with a reputed from on visit visa.

Contact 97409606 Email: mujtabaalam7@gmail.com India Accountant: Male, M com, 7 Yrs experience in Accounts up to finalization, having knowledge of ERP, Tally, seeks suitable placement. Contact:93950138 Email: lijinrajan123@gmail.com Accountant 25 years experience M.Com Accounts up to finalization 14 years in Oman. NOC release available. Contact 99640490 email: mathutb@gmail.com Accounts part time works up to finalization, monthly report, balance sheet and finalization works.

Contact 96247295 Indian male, 32 years, M. Com. 7 out of 9 years experience in Oman in Accounts/finance. Having NOC and valid Oman D/L. Contact 98277143, Email: anzarks@gmail.com Senior Accountant, 10 years experience in Oman on visit.

Contact 98897581.

ADMIN/HR Indian male 2+yrs oman exp in HR. joing immediatly. release available.

Contact :93671437 Indian male 26 years (MBA) (Operations & Marketing) 2 years experience in administration, operations and sales and marketing looking for suitable placement on visit visa.

Contact 97920125 Indian male 36 yrs having 12 yrs of experience in Oman in the following fields- HR & Admin, Purchase, Logistics, Operation. NOC available.

Ph: 93885680 GCC / Oil field experienced Indian Graduate operations and administration / sales and business development experiences, fluent Arabic & English with Omani D/L looking for immediate placement.

Contact 99086007

DESIGNER Modular kitchen designer with 4 years Bahrain /Dubai experience plus 10 years AutoCAD, 3D, Photoshop& 20-20 Fusion.

Contact -96467673, cristobabu@gmail.com

DRIVER Light driver with car available.

Contact 95520696 Pakistani, light duty driver with 3 yrs exp. Contact 96756014 Looking for driving job with car 4x4. Contact 91331299 / 96157595 Bangladesh and Oman driver looking for job.

Contact 98503237

Light duty driver with 3 years experience in Oman +5 years in Saudi Arabia speaking Hindi Arabic English. Contact 96088707

EDUCATION Environmental Marine Consultant 14 yrs PHD Nebosh EMS Auditor teaching experience working in Environmental consulting firm for 8 yrs in Muscat seeks posts like Environmental expert. NOC available. Contact +968 91099060 Email: ecoenergy242@gmail.com Indian female M.SC, M.PHIL, BIO, Informatics 1 yr experience in college level seeks suitable placement in schools and colleges.

Contact 92237504

ENGG. / TECHNICAL Indian Male 27years, 5yrs exp. as QA/QC Civil Engineer on visit visa seeking suitable placement.

Contact-94372711

Indian male, B.Com, almost 2 yrs exp in Accounts & Admin on visit visa. Contact 98546162

M.Tech Computer Science & Engineering, Indian female, Fresher, looking for suitable vacancy.

Contact 96103071 Email: norajobai@gmail.com

Indian male, 13 yrs Gulf experience in Admin / front office.

Contact 97941050 Over 14 years of Gulf experience in Admin /HR /Logistics, fluent in Arabic & English with D/L, looking for suitable position.

Contact 95824598 Indian female B.Com with excellent communication available for immediate joining full time or part time in HR & Admin coordination.

Contact 98460262

ARCHI./ DRAUGHTSMAN Diploma in Architect 2.5 years experience in Oman having driving.

Contact 92967404

CATERING Indian male 28 holding diploma in hotel management with experience looking for suitable job.

Contact 94388320 Email: rajeshsarseathy.kim@outlook.com

DRIVER Pakistani male light vehicle driver looking for job. Contact 99748264 Driver with car available.

Contact 96524904 Looking for a job as driver experience 9 years in Oman.

Contact 92517532 Diver available with car.

Contact 91553628 Bangladeshi Driver 18 years experience speak Arabic, English & Hindi also. Contact 99191270 Looking for light driver job.

Contact 95141473 Light driver job. Contact 91376612

IT

Indian male 24 years, Mechanical Engineer,pdms.1 yr experience in pipeline,16years in oman seeking immediate placement Contact 95775742

Indian male Graduate IT professional having 3+ years of experience in IT Support Engineer / Hardware & networking CCNA, MCITP, PHCE, looking for job on visit visa.

Contact 94647824 email id: azharpo@gmail.com

Indian female, B.Tech biotechnology with strong computer skills and 2 years experience as associate research analyst (Media Monitoring) in Nasdaq Oman seeking growth oriented jobs. Contact 92044603 /918056169148 or angeline.babithac@gmail.com.

D.A.E Civil 4 years experience D/L Oman. Contact 96719649

3G , 4G Welding lead man Indian male, 33 years, having 15 years experience in American company, UAE and India, seeking for suitable placement. Contact 92122468 Email: shaji11@gmail.com

MEDICAL

Civil Engineer with MBA have 10 years exp in construction and roads projects management.

Contact 97046565

Lab Technician, Civil (8yrs Gulf experience) looking for a suitable job (NOC available) Contact-93344378

Omani Citizen BE Mechanical Engineer with 1 year Experience looking for job urgently. Contact: 95993315 email: eaz-s@hotmail.com

MD with 4 years of experience in Trinidad Government Hospital West Indies. Prometric exam of Oman succeeded with 66% looking for GP anywhere in Oman.

Contact 96226787

MISCELLANEOUS Six years experience in Oman driver seeks suitable placement.

Contact 99437236

Indian female, 29 yrs, HR (MBA) BSC 3+ yrs in HR & Admin India & Oman seeking suitable placement.

Contact 95619537

Indian male, MBA, 8 yrs experience in HR with Oman D/L. NOC available.

Contact 98692434

ENGG. / TECHNICAL

Civil Engineer (Diploma) looking for a placement. Contact 95200650 Indian Engineer 36 yrs BE ECE 14 + years of experience worked with reputed companies in Oman seeking a suitable position in sales, marketing, product management, project execution in an organization of repute in Telecom / IT industry.

Contact 99771815 Email: teledata@rediffmail.com NOC available Female, M. Tech Engineer, specialized in power electronics seeking suitable posts currently on family visa. Contact 96460373 Email: alludixon@gmail.com B.Tech Electric Engineer looking for suitable placement, now on visit visa. Contact 92701339, Email : mjensher@gmail.com Part time structural designer of Civil Engineering, villas, commercial building etc.

Email kashi579@outlook.com D.A.E Civil experience 4 years.

Contact 91197271 Electrical Engineer having 5 years of project experience up to 33KV, having valid driving license. NOC is available. Contact 94107952 /95538337 Mechanical Engineer Indian male (B.Tech, asme.ndt, level 2 piping course) having 1 year experience in Automobile industry is seeking suitable placement. Contact 97800807 / 95844631 Indian male, BE Aeronautical with MBA in production & operations management seeking suitable placement. Contact 97738182 / 95097270 Indian Mechanical Engineer, 25 years with 5 years experience in fabrication (steel & pipe), machinery installation HVAC and Quality control in welding & mechanical working in Muscat and NOC available.

Contact 97270431 Email: akhilcnair1989@gmail.com

Electrical Eng diploma 12 yrs exp HV /LV - UG & OHL having NOC with valid Oman D/L & Mazoon CEP. Contact 96274568 Mechanical Engineer (BE) done process piping, PDMS, Q.C welding N.D.T course fresher on visit visa looking for job. Contact 97359171 Email: sayyedz097@ymail.com Electrical Eng. Degree (MEP) need suitable job of construction 12 yrs exp.

Email: mohd.ateeq.khan@gmail.com Project Engineer, civil engineer BSC, Building Construction 5 Years Exp in Oman fluent Arabic, English and good Hindi .Contact - 97858589 Indian Male, IT Support Engineer, 2 yrs in Oman & 5 yrs Indian experience. Contact 97311847

IT Pakistani male Master of Computer Science 5 years experience as an IT instructor, belong to Pakistan or a tourist visa currently reside in Muscat. Contact 98076420 Indian male 22 years BCA graduate, CISCO certified Network Associate and COMPTIA A+ (Installing, Configuring and troubleshooting). Fresher with good computer proficiency seeking for suitable opportunities.

Ready to do other office routines and work anywhere in Oman.

Valid Indian driving license.

Currently on visit visa.

Contact 99704508 / 91258708 Email chiran280293@gmail.com Indian male 28 yrs, trained in computer hardware and networking and certified CCNA MCSA, looking for suitable job.

Contact 94388320 Email: rajeshsaraswathy.kim@outlook.com BSC Computer Science 4 years Oman EXP, driving license MCSE, CCNA, MCITP. Contact 95874315 Indian male 25 years, bachelor in Computer Science with 3 years experience in basic hardware software and networking seek suitable placement now on visit visa. Contact 92995706 Email: ismabsc@gmail.com IT Project Manager (PMP) available for immediate joining. Total 15+ years exp & 12 years of IT experience in SAP & Project management. Having working experience of UK, France, Germany, China, UAE, India, etc.

Currently on Visit Visa. Call 94300317 Website software developer Oman experience looking for job.

Contact 91781286 Email: hussainkhan201@gmail.com Indian male, 25 years BSC, (Computer Science) 2 years experience in computer, hardware & networking looking for suitable placement presently on visit visa. # 93243372 Network Engineer, BSc Communications, 5 years exp, CCNA, VAS, Data Center, working now at Alcatel Lucent, visit visa. Contact 91268787 Male Omani National, 27 years, holding Master in IT - Computer Sciences Engineering (India) and Master in Robotic Intelligency (Spain), looking for a suitable placement.

Contact: 99211549.

Nazia Shahid Shah, General Dentist from India with 3 plus years of full hands-on experience including clinic management. Prometric exam passed in March 2015 63% Looking for a suitable placement in Muscat region. Contact 97469553.

Email :- nazianbaig@gmail.com

MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR Projects / Contracts Manager 31 yrs (26 yrs Oman) experience in Management & coordination of multi-million R.O projects of Government & private sector, post Graduate Structural Engineer with QS Background looking for senior position in construction / Engineering consultancy / Government.

Contact +00968-91400599 Indian male D/L looking job as Supervisor or safety officer/ camp boss. Contact 94003617

SECRETARIAL/OFFICE Indian male more than 10 years Gulf experience in Office / Sales Coordinator, Admin (employees visa processes), Secretarial and purchase coordination with good computer skills. Having Driving license and NOC available. Looking for suitable placement. Contact 99709336

SALES / MARKETING BBA Graduate with 3 years experience in sales & marketing valid Oman D/L. Contact 97378073 Email: samaanmohammed@gmail.com Indian male 34 yrs having 10 years of experience in Oman in Sales coordination, Sales administration experience in SAP. NOC available.

Contact 94686594 Indian 45 years Sales Manager for European Modular kitchen & furniture. Contact 92284856 Indian male MBA 7 years experience in Hospitality industry, operation, sales & marketing looking for suitable vacancy.

Contact 92115860 Email vibin.py@gmail.com Indian male 23 with 2 years Oman experience looking for suitable placement in sales and marketing.

NOC available with valid D/L. Contact 96392009 MBA in marketing with more than 5yrs of experience in building material sales in Oman seek suitable placement D/L & NOC available.

Contact 96353095 Indian, male, 27 yrs, B.Com 5 yr exp in Sales & sales coordinator Excel, MS Office, word now on visit visa.

Contact 95612321 Email: jkadavil@gmail.com Marketing Executive + warehouse Manager male 24 yrs, 2 yrs exp with NOC available GCC driving license.

Looking for suitable placement opening. Contact - 97307863 Marketing Sales job Oman experience. Contact 91781286

Tunisian women looking for job, knows english, frensh, Italian and arabic. Contact: 91171838

Accounting up to finalization, auditing & contact for tally ERP software Contact– 91720465

Indian male MBA 32 yrs having 10 yrs of exp seeking suitable placement in Admin/ HR/ Operations/ Coordination/ Logistics etc.

Holding valid Oman D/L .Contact 99054786

B.com doing CA Accounts/ office job male now working in Oman Noc, release available. Contact 92715465 Email: alsabathehm@gmail.com

Indian female, well experienced in secretarial, administration, customer care & supervisory jobs.

5 years experience in Muscat.

Immediately available for joining.

Contact: 92139298 Indian female with 10 yrs of experience in HR/Banking/Operations seeks a suitable placement. Can be contacted on 98919015 or sherianne.coelho@gmail.com M.Tech Civil (structure) with 3 yrs experience looking for a suitable job with reputed consultants or contracting companies.

Contact 93137035, Email : mdshahzar.khan@gmail.com Generator maintenance in charge with 4 yrs experience with Cummins, caterpillar, kirloskar and voltas. Contact - email: shibinmundakkal@gmail.com Experienced female Electrical Engineer. Contact 93800906 Civil Engineer with 12 years Experience Looking For Job. Contact 98162295 Aircraft Maintenance Technician with one year experience seeks suitable placement. Contact amaljohn2002@gmail.com B.Tech Mechanical Engineer (Automobile)&Diploma in QC with 2yrs experience in oil & gas company seek suitable placement job currently on Visit Visa. Contact no.96071081, 99214308 , Email: rahulvarikkat@gmail.com Sudanese Mechanical Engineer 11 years exp in oil & gas industry.

Contact - 95928035 Telecom Engineer with 4.5 years Oman experience looking for a suitable opportunity, interested even in Marketing also. Possess valid Oman driving license. Contact 94145460 DAE (Civil) having 3.5 years Experience 2 years from Oman with driving licences, seeking for suitable position in Construction field NOC and release available . Contact 96968554 Email: mehranahmad26@yahoo.com Diploma of Associate Civil Engineering, Diploma of AutoCad, having 3.5 yrs experience, 2 yrs experience of Oman in Building Construction, valid transferrable ID Card.

Contact 94378581

Indian female (Aviation and hospitality management) with excellent communication skill, confident, dedicated to works and enthusiastic and 1 year experience in admin department looking for immediate placement .

Contact 93351256 email : hinakhan.hk88@gamil.com Hardware specialist B.Tech M.Tech electronics with 10 years experience seeks suitable opportunities in reputed organizations.

Contact 91289459 Email: shrn.shrf@gmail.com IT Prof, MCA having 6+ yrs exp, seeks suitable position.

Contact 94543668 B.Tech IT Professional, Indian Male with 3 yrs of Exp. In System Admin, IT Support, Networking, Installing Active Directory, DHCP, DNS,RAS, configuring maintaining and managing servers, configuring cisco routers, Exp in handling SQL database, With Valid Driving Licence. Contact - 968 98863507 Indian male Graduate (BSc. IT) 25 years new on visit visa in Muscat.

1 year experience in Accounts looking for suitable position.

Contact 95752827 Email: mhdfsrn@gmail.com Indian male 25 B.Tech (IT) Engineer 2.5 yrs exp in hardware networking.

Currently on visit visa looking for suitable job. Contact – 94359564 Bangladesh male MBBS Doctor with 3 years experience for a private clinic. Contact 00968-94209634 Medical- Indian female, 27 yrs, masters in hospital administration, fellowship in HTA studied in a super specialty medical sciences and research center in India and done project in an established hospital in sultanate of Oman.

Contact 93200827, 91026506 Female pharmacist with 3 years experience and MOH license currently in Oman, CONTACT 92455124 Qualified Manager: (12+ yrs. Oman Exp.) Vast knowledge in A/c & Admin, Costing, Banking, Credit Control, Insurance, International Purchase/Logistics & Finance, With D/L looking for suitable position.

Contact 93826090 Email: jskanchan01@gmail.com

Mechanical Engineer, Gulf Exp in Design and Manufacturing Ph: 97097688

Indian female with nine years of experience in 5 Star hotels as Assistant Food & Beverage Manager looking for a suitable placement in a reputed Star hotel.

Contact: 91219787

Indian male, 26 yrs B-Tech (ECE) with MBA in Marketing / HR looking for a suitable placement. Currently on visit visa valid up to 30 January 2015. Contact 93754428, email : shijosirius709@gmail.com

1 year experience in teaching all subject to KG classes, currently working as a teacher in Oman, seeking suitable placement, Family visa. Contact 92178304 / 99036256

24 years Indian female diploma in computer science and engineering now on visit visa seek suitable placement.

Contact 96314974/99107369

Welder, 3G, 6G, TIG, Exp in Fabrication , Gulf Exp Ph : 97103168 Care taker, Gulf Exp knows Hindi, Arabic Ph: 94238840

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T U E S D AY, M A R C H 3 1 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION WANTED MISCELLANEOUS Indian Female MA. B.Ed. with One year three months Teaching experience, English seeking for a Better placement. Now working in Oman. Contact: -: 93961142, 92184408 Email:anoopkesavan78@gmail.com 24 year Indian Chartered Accountant male with 3yrs of experience is seeking suitable placement in Muscat, currently on visit visa & ready to join immediately. Contact him on 98201476 or email at lokeshkaluri@gmail.com 23,male,ACCA affiliate,2.5 years of experience in Finance and Audit in an audit firm ,looking for permanent replacement.

Contact +96895140445, a.saran891@gmail.com 2 years experienced B.Com graduate looking for a Job in Accounts/Sales. Now on visit visa.

Contact No. 98546162.

Indian Male 29 yrs, having 7year India + Gulf experience in Procurement Engineer, looking for suitable placements. # 96035370, Email: samyram1986@gmail.com Indian male, 14 yrs experience in maintenance & Supervisor in hotel field (Electrical, Ac Mechanical & Plumber). NOC available.

Contact : 95 25 36 40 Diploma in Fire and Safety Engineering, having 3.5 years of experience as an Safety Advisor.

Having PDO PASSPORT and IOSH. Have valid Omani driving license is looking for job. Contact number 968 96176872, 968 9808527.

Indian male, 22 years, B.com graduate, Knowledge of Tally ERP9, MS Excel & MS word. Currently in Oman on visit visa, looking for suitable placement.

Contact : 99894250, email: fouzishaque@gmail.com 3 years experience B. Pham Pharmacist, Passed Pometric written exam, require suitable post.

Mobile: 9561 3245 E.mail:saaji777@gmail.com Indian, male, Business Management graduate with 10 years UAE experience in supervisory/ administration position in Electronic Card Personalisation projects, seeks jobs in banking/ financial sector. Contact: 00971505250274/ naushers@yahoo.com Indian male, 14 yrs experience in maintenance & Supervisor in hotel ( Electrical, Ac Mechanical & Plumber). Contact 95253640 B.tech Mechanical Engineer, Keralite bachelor with B.tech looking for job in Oman with three year of experience on visiting Visa.

Contact no.-0096891296354, Email-manurpr88@gmail.com Indian Male 25yrs, having 3year Indian experience in Accountant Shipping Company, looking for suitable placement.

Contact: 919632529484, Email: bangerasavan@gmail.com Pakistani Male having 5 years exp. Valid Omani Driving license working as a Logistic Officer looking for a suitable position. Salary is negotiable. Email : naveedmuhammad037@gmail.com, Mob: +96893363316 OPTOMETRIST, 27 years Indian female, 3 years experience looking for suitable placement in Muscat.

Contact: 92066532 Email: aradhanaarun88@gmail.com

Civil Engineer Indian with 12years experience in building construction having valid driving license. sureshudreams@gmail.com, 91305025 /93839731

Indian male, 45+ yrs, 20 yrs exp. in Sales Supervisor looking for sales / stores / cash or any suitable placement, can join immediately on visit visa. Contact 93086105 / 99016546

24 year Indian Chartered Accountant male with 3yrs of experience is seeking suitable placement in Muscat, currently on visit visa & ready to join immediately.

Contact him on 98201476 or email at lokeshkaluri@gmail.com

Indian male 23 years B.Com completed fresher with fluency in English, Hindi and Telugu looking for suitable job . Currently in Oman on visit visa. Contact 96098174 / 98912870

Indian male, 14 yrs Experience in Maintenance & Supervisor in hotel (Electrical, Ac Mechanical & Plumber ) mob : 95253640

AutoCAD draughtsman temporary available at the month of April (AR+ST+PL+HVAC) Contact – 91620107

Indian Male 26 Years, having 2 year experience in accounting field Looking for suitable placement. Currently working in Oman.

NOC available, immediate joining.

Contact No: 94282980, Email: shirasvelliyath@gmail.com

Part- Time Accountant, well versed with all accounting, Finalization, Budgeting available.

Contact : 98803439

Pakistani Male having 5 years experience Valid Omani Driving license working as a Logistic Officer looking for a suitable position. salary is negotiable. naveedmuhammad037@gmail. com Mob: +96893363316 /94202746 Indian female 25 years MBA finance currently on visit visa seeks immediate placement.

Contact: +(968) 93316493 Indian Male, 58 years, Oman experience in Multifunctional Management, Administration, Business Development, Purchase & Operations seeking suitable Manager/ Supervisory Position.Visa transfer/ NOC Available. GSM: 95036410 Part- Time Accountant, well versed with all accounting, Finalization, Budgeting available Contact : 98803439 Looking for Network Engineer Job, NOC Available Immediately, CCNA, CCIE Collaboration Written Current Company: Global Solutions L.L.C, 3.5 Years experience. #97312044 engineerwaleedkhan@hotmail. com Logistics Officer, Experience in Store keeping. Contact : 99505934 Keralite Bachelor professional building designer with AutoCAD, 3D Max & Accounts.

Contact 96535497, email : bhaviwky90@gmail.com Light driver looking for job.

Contact 92791678 Light driver looking for job.

Contact 91376612 LV Driver- 2 yrs Exp-know English- Contact 95292064 Indian cook, Tandoori cook, male, 32 yrs, having 4 yrs of experience in Muscat in India, looking for a cook job in Hotel. Contact 93753523 / 98744307 / 92175119 Young Indian male with 5 years Muscat experience in admin, purchase & Masters from UK seeks placement. Possess driving license.

Contact 94400671 Indian Male, 25 yrs currently in Oman on visit looking for suitable vacancies in accounts, B.Com completed 1 yr experience.

Contact 92024380 Pakistani male, 25 yrs, MBA Finance, 1.6 yrs exp in Accounts seeking placement in Accounts, Administration or Business Management. # 92651927 / 94250149

Indian female, 24yrs, M.Com (Accounts) having 3 yrs experience in Accounts, HR, Administration, Customer Service. Good Computer Proficiency seeks suitable Position. Visa Transfer/NOC Available. Contact: 99654913 Indian male total 17 yrs exp in field of procurement, inventory, controlling & accountancy. Local release available, seeking suitable placement. # 91680124 / 98606546 Indian female, B.Com. knowledge of Ms .Office & Tally, 4yrs experience in A/Cing & admin dept .looking for good placement in any field.

Contact.98928220 ACCA-UK, B.Sc (OBU-UK) having 2.8 years of experience in Accounts, Bookeeping and Audit.

Looking for job in Accounts/Finance department. Also worked on Oracle R12, Tally, Quick Books and Peach Tree. Email: AliRiazMughal@Outlook.com, Gsm: +968-95459936 Indian male, 11 years exp.

In accounting, knowledge in tally also. Looking for a part time job.

Contact . 98983122 Female Executive Assistant/Executive Secretary with 27+ experience, worked with top management/Board in financial services with shorthand skills & Omani driving license, seeks suitable placement. Call 95941515 Senior Accounts Professional, Indian Male, 35 years, M.Com, MBA (Fin) 8 years in Oman, with valid Oman DL and NOC available.

Capable to handle accounts up to finalization. Contact 9602 3965.

Indian female, Graduate, Certified in IATA, with 8 months experience in Travel and 2 and half years experience in Operations and HR looking for job in Field of Travel/ Office Management. Contact -92816803/ 92459686. Emailvijetadevilishangel@gmail.com MBA (international business) with 2.5 years experience in sales and also experience in vehicle spare parts (in-charge) looking for a suitable job presently on visit visa. Contact 93539456, 95765868, E mail: mathewsantony936@gmail.com British Beauty Therapist Looking for suitable position Mob: 97175240 INDIAN FEMALE ,Graduate, Certified in IATA, with 2 and half years experience in Admin/ Accounts and Office coordinator looking for job in Field of Travel/Office Management. Contact -92459686/ 92816803, Emailkrupa_patel1984@yahoo.com

24 year Indian Chartered Accountant male with 3yrs of experience is seeking suitable placement in Muscat, currently on visit visa & ready to join immediately. Kindly contact him on 98201476 or email at lokeshkaluri@gmail.com

Australian Network Engineer, with 4 years exp, BE in Telecom MS in Network Sys worked as a Network/WiMax Eng well versed with Cisco devices, available on contact 92606921 Email: akalu987@gmail.com

Senior Accounts Professional, Indian Male, 35 years, M.Com, MBA (Fin) 8 years in Oman, with valid Oman DL and NOC available. Capable to handle accounts up to finalization.

Contact 9602 3965.

Sri Lankan, female, 25 years, Graduate in Management, possessing 6 years experience in banking, financial, administration and risk management.

Currently on a visit visa seeks suitable immediate placement.

Contact 93462521. wathsala.perera1@yahoo.com

Indian female 25 years MBA finance currently on visit visa seeks immediate placement. Contact: +(968) 9843 0089, +(968) 97851940 Marketing Manager Indian male 11 years local market experience with Oman driving license and NOC looking for suitable placement.

Contact 93564959 Email: drmbuz@gmail.com Indian Male, 58 years, Rich Oman experience in Multifunctional Management, Administration, Business Development, Purchase & Operations, seeking suitable Manager/Supervisory Position.Visa transfer/ NOC Available. GSM: 95036410 Indian, Male 43, CA/ISA, Experience in Retail, NBFC, Logistics, Banking, Automobile, Investment and facility Management, seeking for a change.

Valid D/L. Release available.

Contact: aurosun@gmail.com AutoCAD draughtsman temporary available at the month of April (AR+ST+PL+HVAC).

Contact – 91620107 MCA, MBA, CCNA, MCSE, Indian male with 10 years of experience, holding Oman driving license on visit visa seeks any suitable placement. Contact 92716116 / 91266535 Email: sijuayur@gmail.com South African Teacher – male – Teaching Diploma , B.A. (Hons), B. Admin (Hons ). 18 years experience – seeking a primary teaching post – grades 4 to 7 (8 to 12 years). Can teach all subjects at this level.

On 30 day visitors visa.

Contact 93341047.

E- mail nadgov@gmail.com Indian male, 14 yrs Experience in Maintenance & Supervisor in hotel (Electrical, Ac Mechanical & Plumber). Contact : 95253640 Accountant, Indian male 24 yrs, 2 years successful experience in Oman with Oman Driving License .

NOC Available. Seek a suitable opportunity. GSM : 9340 9315 Computer Teacher, MCA in Al Ghubra. Contact : 94231633 Indian male Executive secretary having vast experience in admin, logistics & procurement well versed with computer seek suitable placement. Contact : 99514286 7 Years successful experience.

ACCOUNTANT, Indian male, 29 years. Presently working in Oman as a Senior Accountant with oman Driving license seek suitable opportunity. GSM: 97705854 Indian Male, 22 years, B.com graduate, Knowledge of Tally ERP9, MS Excel & MS word.Currently in Oman on visit visa, looking for suitable placement. Contact 99894250 email: fouzishaque@gmail.com Indian, Male, 43 years, Chartered Accountant, 18+ years of experience, looking for a change. Valid Driving License. Release available.

Contact: aurosun@gmail.com

Corporate Communication Professional, smart, quality English writing, double Masters, Oman exp in Corporate, Internal &Marketing Communication, CSR Programs, PRs, Ads, Events, Campaigns, Customer Relations. Immediately Available, Release.

Contact 91229392 Manager-Corporate Communications, pleasing personality, excellent English, Masters-Journalism, Mass Communication, Finance, expert in writing & publishing press releases, advertisements, website content, speeches, CSR, promotions, events. Immediate joining, NOC. Contact 91229392 Indian male, 25 years, now on visit visa in Muscat. One year experience in accounts , looking for suitable position.

Contact:95752827, Email id: mhdfsrn@gmail.com Indian Male 28yr age having 6year gulf+ Indian experience in HR field. Looking for suitable placement. Contact:97914340, Email: rajkv3086@gmail.com 30 years Indian male with hotel management degree, 02 years experience in F&B service at five star hotel in Dubai and 05 years in American 6 star cruiseliner as Butler . Currently in Muscat on visit visa. Contact 91075704 Senior Accountant Indian Male with 13 Year of Experience (7 years in Oman) in Accounts & Finance having valid Omani Driving License with NOC Available. Looking for suitable job. # 96001918 Indian Male, 27, Mechanical Engineer. HND, with exp. as Project coordinator in U.A.E, Valid GCC D/L, currently on visit, looking for a suitable position. Contact 97070427 Indian female (B.A. B.ed) seeks suitable placement as fresher primary teacher.(Specialization in social studies, currently pursuing M.A in English).Presently in family visa status. Contact:99713864.

Email:poojaavn@yahoo.com 28 year Indian male Art specialist with 7.5 yrs of experience in Healthcare industries in AR analyst (US Based Project - M.BA., Finance) seeking suitable placement. Contact +91 9841906431, E-mail: aru1986k@gmail.com Indian male, 25 years, now on visit visa in Muscat. One year experience in accounts, looking for suitable position. Contact:95752827, Email id: mhdfsrn@gmail.com CIVIL Autocad Draughtsman Looking for part time job. #95218737 Indian Teacher Female with two years experience seeks suitable placement in Indian or Omani Schools currently on visit visa please contact 99436826. Email id :- ineshdsouza31@gmail.com

Looking for job Tunisian Bachelor with experience 5 years in Network/IT. Cont.:91368102 Diploma in Fire and Safety Engineering. Have 3.5 years of experience as an Safety Advisor. Having a valid Omani driving license is looking for job.

For further information please contact me at 96896176872, 9689808527.

Indian male 28yr age having 6 years Gulf+ Indian experience in HR field, looking for suitable placement. Contact: 97914340, Email: rajkv3086@gmail.com Indian Female, 24 yrs MS. Software Engg. Currently on family visa, 1 year experience in SAP WM & IT seeks suitable placement.

Contact: 95490105 MBA fresher, with fluency in English, Arabic, Hindi, Tamil & Malayalam, looking for suitable job.

Currently in Oman on visit visa.

Mob : +968-93730345 B.tech Mechanical Engineer : Keralite bachelor with B. Tech looking for job in Oman with three year of experience ,on Visiting Visa. Contact no.-0096891296354, Email-manurpr88@gmail.com Indian Male more than 10 years gulf experience in Office / Sales Coordinator, Admin (employees visa processes), Secretarial and purchase with good computer skills. Having Driving license and NOC available.

Looking for suitable placement.

Contact 99709336 Indian male, 14 years Experience in maintenance & Supervisor in hotel ( Electrical, Ac Mechanical & Plumber ) mob : 95 25 36 40 27 years, Indian optometrist , female , 3years experience looking for suitable placement in Muscat. Contact : 92066532 mail: aradhanaarun88@gmail.com Indian Male 22 years, B.Com looking for suitable placement.

Contact no. - 99894520 email- fouzishaque@gmail.com ACCA+2.5 years of experience in Accounts, Bookeeping and Audit.

Looking for job in Accounts/Finance/Internal Audit. Also worked on Oracle R12, Tally, Quick Books and PeachTree. Gsm: 91717234 Email: xhoaib101@hotmail.com, Civil draughtsman expecting part time job.(civil infrastructure) and BBS. Contact :95914642 Planning Engineer 7 years of Experience in project planning and control in oil and gas, PDO & QP Approved Planner,PRIMAVERA-6,B. Tech in Mechanical engineering from CUSAT Contactullasprabhakaran@yahoo.co.in, ph-00974 70230223 Sales manager (be-mech/mba) in oman since-2005; (omn-d/l); seeking immediate replacement in marketing and sales or, bdm profile, contact-96040977, kvmssn@gmail.Com B.tech Mechanical Engineer, Keralite bachelor with B.tech looking for job in oman with a year of experience on Visiting Visa.

Contact no.-0096891296354, Email-manurpr88@gmail.com Sr. Sales Manager (BE/MBA) 9 yrs in Oman; (GCC/omn-d/l); seeking immediate replacement in mktg, sales or, bdm profile, # 96040977, kvmssn@gmail.com

T U E S DAY, M A R C H 3 1 , 2 0 1 5

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DAILY GUIDE SITUATION WANTED CARGO

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

TOURS

TOURS

RENT A CAR

RENT A CAR

TRANSPORTATION Pick & Drop Available @ 99159277 Transportation. Contact 98505294 Transportation. Contact 99664703 Transportation. Contact 98518979 Transport to ISWK. Contact 93172589 Pick & Drop any time.

Contact 97014786

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

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T U E S D AY, M A R C H 3 1 , 2 0 1 5

DAILY GUIDE

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

SITUATION WANTSERVICES

WEBSITE

SITUATION WANTED SERVICES

MANPOWER

WEB, ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) creation and management at rock bottom price.

Contact: http//webviewoman

COMPUTER Canadian Manpower Co. Recruiting Construction, Hotel, Medical, Gas & Oil Staffs - 2 years contract, work visa, tickets, accommodation.

Free recruitment. Please send CV to margholdingoman@yahoo.com, www.margholdingimmigration.com, 93392630

DRIVING

Available construction workers, hospital staff with Oman parametric, housemaids Indian, Uganda. Contact 9629417/98408488 Email: alkubratrading@gmail.com

CLASSES

Tile/marble/granite cutting, skirting & polishing please contact 94052713,99885638.

GUARANTEED CLEANING: Carpet & sofa shampooing, Contact 99314807/24792998

GOOD NEWS SITUATION WANTED Indian Male 28yr age having 6year gulf+ Indian experience in HR field, looking for suitable placement. Contact:97914340, Email: rajkv3086@gmail.com Part Time Accounting Job Complete Data Entry, Reporting and Finalization. Any Time Available.

Location Ruwi to Bharka. Please Contact- +968-92049215 Email:- aiafe.oman@gmail.com Indian female B.Com Graduate, 4yrs experience in accounts, admin dept looking for placement in any field Contact: 98928220 Indian Female, B.tech bio-technology graduate. Knowledgeable in food processing techniques, having 2 yrs experieince as associate research analyst(media monitoring)in Nasdaq Omx, seeking for growth oriented job. Contact 92044603, angeline.babithac@gmail.com.

CAT (UK) , ACCA (UK) , 3 year experience. (including one year experience in EY world 3rd largest audit firm) looking for reputed company for a job of Internal Audit, Finance and Accounting.

Contact no: 00923008833525 Sudanese/Bsc IT/ 2 years experience/ excellent English-Arabic speaking/ Omani driving license/ Contact: 96387227, henrykarrar@gmail.com Female, MSc Chemistry, BEd, with 1.5yrs of experience as research officer in a chemical manufacturing company in India.

Ph: 95243584

Repairing and services of split, cassette, stand A.C, Window A/C. Contact 99540621 / 97145652

Diploma in Fire and Safety Engineering, 3.5 year experience as a Safety Advisor in Carillion Alawi 27 year Indian male also having valid Omani driving license, looking for job Email:govindansreejit@gmail.com, Contact 968 9808527, 96176872 Experienced, male 25, hardworking, looking for permanent job in Accounting, Finance and Auditing field, ACCA UK and B.Sc in applied accounting (OBU-UK). 2-years of practical experience with an audit firm in Pakistan. Email: AliRiazMughal@Outlook.com, Gsm:+968-95459936 Accountant , Indian Male,24 years , 3+ years experience in Finance and Accounts, M.com Finance , Exposure in SAP & Tally ERP 9 , Good communication skill, on visit Visa.

Contact 95366407 B.Tech Mechanical Engineer (Automobile) & Diploma in QC with 2yrs experience in oil & gas company seek suitable placement job currently on Visit Visa. Contact no.96071081, 99214308 Email: rahulvarikkat@gmail.com 37 years Indian Male with 10 years PDO experience Store Keeper seeking suitable placement.

Contact: 95849804 Diploma in Fire and Safety Engineering, Completed IOSH, have PDO Passport.3.5 year experience as a Safety Advisor in Carillion Alawi 27 year Indian male also having valid Omani driving license, looking for job.

Email:govindansreejit@gmail.com

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

A/C service repair RO 10/-.

Contact 95084850 / 92230581

Varkey s Saloon & SPA offers Summer discount on Hamam Spa, pedicure & manicure massages with steam bath, Jacuzzi, facial treatments. Contact 92935679 Ayurvedic treatment for backache, paralysis, arthritis etc & massage, All Season (Vaidyaratnam). Contact 24475280 / 95371554 / 92504980 , www.siddhayur.com Taimour Ayurvedic Clinic, Ruwi offers genuine & effective treatment for back pain, paralysis, cervical and lumbar spondylitis, osteoarthritis, joint pains, sinusitis, migraine, allergic problems, varicose vein and all other health related problems. Kerala massage and rejuvenation package available. For details please contact: 92197920/ 24799689 Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain, backache, paralysis massage, steam bath, obesity, spondylitis IDEAL , CARE Ayurvedic Clinic 18 November street, Azaiba. Contact 99639695 / 99117987 FREE INFORMATION ABOUT ISLAM. If you would like to know more about Islam, please call: 99425598, 96050000, 99353988, 99253818, 99341395, and 99379133. For ladies: 99415818, 99321360, 99730723 Orvisit: www.islamfact.com

Ocean trading is Professional in auto A/C repairing since 35 years serving with high quality & best price.24817426 & 95206751 Pest Control Treatments, Termites, Cockroaches, Bedbugs. Contact Ocean Centre LLC. Contact 99344723 House shifting. Contact 99708138 Cheapest prices all types window, curtains and Blinds. Contact 99539521

A/C maintenance split A/C servicing. RO. 10 only. Contact 94217681/ 99210141

Carpet & sofa shampooing. Ocean Centre LLC. Contact 99884591 / 92682970

AC service repair and maintenance.

Contact 95356877

Marble Restoration, Mosaic tiles polishing, carpet shampooing, maintenance. Contact ABU QABAS- 99320217 /24788722 We offer you the business services maintenance of buildings and villas for paint and carpentry and decoration works and installation of material awater Broof and cleaning services building management and leasing of real estate . Contact 99070093 A/C maintenance & servicing.

Fridge, washing machine & dish washer repairing. Painting & cleaning services & electrical & plumbing. Contact 99447257/97014234/ 24504281

Split & window A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 93769089 / 95323517

Window & split unit A.C servicing & repairing. Contact 99557080 Split & window A.C servicing & maintenance. Contact 96236476

BUSINESS

Water proofing ABUQABASContact 99320217/24788722 Carpet Shampoo, marble & tile polishing, pest control & anti-termite treatment, general cleaning painting, Plumbing, Electrical, shifting. Contact Mundhir Al-Rizaiqi trading. L.L.C. # 24810137, 99450130

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

FOR HIRE 50 seater bus with PDO specification for rent or lease.

Contact 99839898