MUSCAT: The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) has announced that stronger financial discipline among individuals and businesses, combined with wider adoption of digital payment systems, has driven a noticeable decline in dishonoured payments across the Sultanate. This trend highlights the growing maturity of Oman’s banking sector and the success of initiatives promoting responsible financial behavior….
PAKISTAN: An audit into Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has revealed that between 2011 and 2016, the airline issued more than 258,000 free tickets and 116,000 heavily discounted tickets. This practice, aimed at employees, officials, and certain associates, led to losses estimated at Rs 9.43 billion. The revelations came as part of a broader review of…
WORLD: What was once a universal sign of approval—the thumbs-up—has taken on a different meaning among younger generations. For Gen Z, the symbol that traditionally meant “okay” or “good job” now feels cold, sarcastic, or even passive-aggressive in digital conversations. Many younger users say receiving a thumbs-up emoji from someone feels more like a brush-off…
CHINA: A severe typhoon warning was in place across Hong Kong on Tuesday as the weather observatory raised a T8 signal, urging residents to stay indoors. Despite the alert, a family of three went to observe the high waves at Chai Wan when Typhoon Ragasa’s strong winds and tides swept them into the sea. Emergency…
DUTCH: In the Netherlands, a 99-year-old woman with an unusual bucket list wish finally had it fulfilled when local police arranged to “arrest” her. Instead of desiring travel, fame, or fortune, she had always wondered what it would feel like to be handcuffed and taken away in a patrol car. When officers heard of her…
INDIA: Examinations are set to take place from February 17 to July 15, with nearly 45 lakh students expected to participate across India and abroad. This large-scale testing period reflects the magnitude of India’s education system, which administers assessments for multiple boards and competitive entrance exams during the same months. The scheduling ensures that students…
ICELAND: Iceland is the only country in the world without a native mosquito population, a distinction that has intrigued scientists for decades. The island’s unique environmental conditions—particularly its freezing winters, unpredictable temperature shifts, and scarcity of stagnant water—create an inhospitable setting for mosquitoes to breed and survive. These factors work together to interrupt the insect’s…
KUWAITI: Kuwait’s Criminal Court on Tuesday handed down a 14-year prison sentence to a Kuwaiti man found guilty of fatally beating his Filipino domestic helper in a case that has shocked the nation and drawn international condemnation. Court documents revealed that the man not only subjected the woman to severe physical and psychological abuse but…
MUSCAT: This milestone marks a significant step in BankDhofar’s ongoing efforts to expand financial inclusion and make banking more accessible to underserved segments of society. By focusing on bringing services closer to individuals and communities traditionally outside the reach of mainstream banking, the bank is reinforcing its role as a driver of economic participation and…
MUSCAT: The Oman Olympic Committee has announced the signing of grant agreements designed to support ten promising athletes as they prepare for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. These athletes, competing in athletics, taekwondo, and fencing, represent the country’s growing pool of talent and its commitment to achieving greater international success. By providing financial and…
