Central Bank Of Oman Reports Drop In Dishonoured Payments

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….

Read More

PIA Audit Uncovers Massive Free Ticket Losses

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…

Read More

Thumbs-Up Emoji No Longer Cool For Gen Z

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…

Read More

Iceland Stands Alone With No Native Mosquito Population

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…

Read More

Oman Olympic Committee Signs Grants To Support Ten Athletes

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…

Read More