Saudi unveils far-reaching plan to move away from oil

Saudi Arabia today said it would create the world's largest sovereign investment fund and sell shares in state energy giant Aramco under a vast plan unveiled to transform its oil-dependent economy.
          The announcement of the long-term reform programme, dubbed "Vision 2030", marks the beginning of a hugely ambitious attempt to move Saudi Arabia beyond oil, the backbone of its economy for decades.
          "This is not a dream. This is a reality that will be achieved, God willing," the main architect of the  diversification plan, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,  told reporters, many of them invited from around the world.
          Although it comes against a steep fall in oil prices, the  plan "was not created only" to face that challenge, the  sandal-wearing prince said, answering questions for 50 minutes at a royal palace in a rare government press conference.

 
          The plan foresees social change in one of the world's most conservative societies. There will be more entertainment options, and a greater contribution by women to the workforce.
          Saudi Arabia currently employs millions of expatriates who do everything from manual labour to management.
          "We will not rest until our nation is a leader in providing opportunities for all through education and  training, and high quality services such as employment initiatives, health, housing and entertainment," Mohammed  wrote in an 84-page booklet outlining the plan.
          If it works, Saudi Arabia "can live without oil by 2020".Earlier, in an interview with the Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya  news channel, the 30-year-old prince outlined measures aimed  at reshaping the economy of the world's biggest energy exporter.
            "We have all developed an oil addiction in Saudi Arabia and this is dangerous and has hampered development in many sectors during past years," he said.


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Beaches in Goa to be WiFi-enabled SOON

Beaches in Goa will soon be WiFi-enabled and also covered by closed-circuit television, Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar said on Friday.

The state, known for its beach and nightlife, had tapped into a central government scheme to ensure internet service along the coastal hotspots, he told reporters on the sidelines of a media event here.

"All the beaches in Goa will be covered by WiFi, thanks to tourism ministry's Swadesh Darshan scheme under which the Goa government has got Rs 100 crore," Parulekar said.

Goa attracts nearly 40 lakh tourists every year, including half a million from abroad.

Parulekar said under the scheme, CCTVs would be installed along the beaches for strengthening security.

West Indies women's captain

"We are not intimidated at all. They have won the trophy three times. We have nothing to lose. We have to go there and be positive. We definitely want to grasp this opportunity and win the cup for the first time," Taylor said at the pre-match media conference.

The 24-year-old has been instrumental for her side's success in the ongoing tourney. Her all-round abilities as an opener and an off-spinner has helped the West Indies in crucial times.

"We're very much excited. This is a first final for us, there will be a lot of nerves around. We just have to try and remain calm and composed, go out there and fight for it," she stated.

However, Taylor also lauded the Australians who have been on a roll in the tournament with their captain Meg Lanning leading from the front. They have won every World T20 since 2010.

What I really like about the Australians is that they're fearless in everything that they do. They keep fighting. We're trying to instill that. It's about just going out there and playing your natural game."

 Taylor also stated making it to the final is like a dream coming true."It means a lot. It's difficult to explain in words how much it would mean. We never been to any final before. For us, to get this one would be like a dream come true," she said.

She further went on to say that their shocking one-wicket loss to England Women in the group stages where they chased down a modest 109 was the turning point in the competition.

 "There were so many close games. I think England was the turning point for us, from thereon we could turn it around," she said.Taylor played a masterstroke by promoting Britney Cooper at No.3 in the semi-final against New Zealand. Her maiden half-century, a 48-ball 61, propelled them to a winning total of 143/6.

"In T20s, you have to be flexible. You have only 20 overs. You have to act depending on the situation, see which batter is suitable. Last game it really helped us. We needed somebody to go and push the score. She did just that. That was a fantastic knock. Everyone would have been surprised." 

Taylor added if they win the final on Sunday they are going to dance like the way the men's team does.

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