Business
Govt plans foreign investment rule changes that could hit Amazon
India is considering revising its foreign investment rules for e-commerce, three sources and a government spokesman told Reuters, a move that could compel players, including Amazon.com Inc, to restructure their ties with some major sellers.
Petrol crosses Rs 85 mark for first time in Delhi
Petrol price on Tuesday breached the Rs 85 a litre mark in the national capital and diesel neared record high after rates were raised for the second consecutive day. Petrol and diesel prices were hiked by 25 paise per litre each, according to a price notification from oil marketing companies.
Sensex zooms 834 pts; Nifty settles above 14,500
Equity indices jumped higher on Tuesday with the benchmark BSE sensex rising over 800 points led by gains in realty, metal and financial stocks. The 30-share BSE index surged 834 points or 1.72 per cent to close at 49,398; while the broader NSE Nifty settled 240 points or 1.68 per cent higher at 14,521.
Government asks WhatsApp to withdraw controversial privacy update for Indian users: Sources
In major trouble for WhatsApp in India, the government has asked the company to withdraw its controversial privacy update and respect the “informational privacy and data security of Indian users,” as per sources.
Will you block SMS adverts in UAE?
DUBAI: Unsolicited adverts have many ways to crop into your personal space, be it your mobile phones, social networking platforms or websites. But now, UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has stepped in to help customers block unwanted text messages (SMS adverts). Reacting to the announcement, residents said they were eager to use the new service and put an end to unsolicited text messages. UAE social networking sites were abuzz these last few days with suggestions, comments and queries over the new regulation introduced by the TRA, which allowed mobile phone users to block SMS advertisements by simply sending a text message with the word "Ball" to 7726. In cooperation with Etisalat and du, network operators will subsequently block any advertising texts that start with “AD”. What UAE residents say While the general consensus said that blocking SMS spam was a much-needed initiative, some mobile phone users suggested the telecom authority take stricter measures against telemarketers, and maybe in the future, offer a way to block those types of ads as well. Mona Al Ketbi voiced her concern over privacy issues, and pointed out that shops and advertising companies do not have the right to use people’s phone numbers for commercial advertisements without the consent of the number’s owner. “I am really happy about the new ad blocking campaign. It was getting kind of annoying having companies message me their offers. I get around five ads a day, so I am definitely going to block the ads. It’s a good move from the TRA,” said Mohammed Zaki, a Dubai resident. Abu Majed said he appreciated the new service as he will finally stop receiving unwarranted text messages at 3pm that tend to disrupt his naps. UAE resident Abu Salma took to social media to comment: “I am grateful that we can all benefit from blocking unwanted ads. I tried it three years ago but while the ads kept coming, the messages from my bank were blocked. This time around, I will try it again and block all the annoying ads.” Ali Al Yammahi, said: “This is great but will this block text messages for services such as electricity bills, Ministry of Interior, health services, and bank services?” SMS from banks will not blocked, says UAE telecom authority On its social media platforms, the TRA stated that the service is free to use for all Etisalat and du customers, and emphasised that any SMS sent by government departments or banks will not be affected. “The service will not block transaction messages or those that do not contain the code ‘AD’. During this stage [of the service], licensees were obligated to create a code for each entity, and all advertisements must use the symbol that begins with ‘AD’, followed by the company’s name. As for messages of operations or alerts, they will reach their subscribers provided that the message does not contain the code ‘AD’.” Image Credit: Seyyed de la Llata,/ Jay Hilotin / Gulf News How do SMS advertisers get your mobile number? Mobile phone marketing is a science, even before cellular phones became ubiquitous. There are MBA and PhD dissertations written on the subject. Search the web and you’ll see articles such as: “20 Easy Ways to Collect Customer Mobile Numbers”. And about this one? “9 Useful Tips for Collecting Phone Numbers for SMS Marketing”. That’s why SMS ads follow you, even when you sleep. It’s part of the broader “mobile marketing” trend aimed at reaching a target audience— on their smartphones, tablets, and/or other mobile devices”. Mobile phone users can now block unsolicited SMS advertisements. Image Credit: Supplied No free lunch In tackling the issue of SMS spam, there’s no such thing as free lunch. A harvest of phone numbers is being done everyday, perhaps by the millions. How? One is through raffle tickets. That’s where you give your details — just in case you win a TV set, a car or a holiday. So if you’ve written your name/mobile number/email/nationality at a supermarket’s raffle ticket, hoping to be left unknown or unseen by SMS marketers is asking far too much. Of course, you may download “free” apps that arrest SMS spam; and yes, they’re “free”. But most of them also come with ad support, which means there will be advertisers popping up on that free app you just downloaded. Advertising may be intrusive sometimes, but it’s fact of life. In our digital world, an even more intrusive form — “geotargeting” — has become a multi-billion-dollar industry. That’s how Facebook, Google, Youtube and any “free” app/service that collects your data has become very rich. The question is: “What value do I get out of the free use of app, or even a chance to win in a raffle?” What is ‘Geotargeting’ Geotargeting is the method of delivering different content to a user of digital device (mobile phone, laptop, tablet, PC) based on their geolocation — country, region/state, city, street, metro code/zip code, organization, IP address, ISP or other criteria. TRA: Regulator's role in the UAE The TRA was empowered by Federal Law by Decree No. (3) of 2003 to oversee the telecommunication sector in the UAE. As part of the TRA´s role to represent consumer interests, the TRA also established regulations for telecom service providers in the UAE. The telecom authority is responsible in ensuring the protection of consumer rights, which comprises of: The right to have access to basic telecommunications services at reasonable prices. The right to fair treatment without undue discrimination between another consumer of the same service. The right to express dissatisfaction with a telecommunication services directly to the service provider who is providing the telecommunication service provider. The right to have complaints handled in an efficient manner. The right to be provided with services that are safe and secure. The right to privacy of personal information. The right not to receive unsolicited electronic communications messages (also known as spam). An ad-free mobile world will be costly for users The new TRA directive helps us stop the menace of SMS ads, but what about the ads on other apps and browsers. There isn’t much you can do since it’s a significant revenue source. If the app is free, it will have ads, and some of them can be annoying. But that’s the price you pay for a free service. Alright, if you don’t want the ads, subscribe or upgrade to a premium service. It will help use the app without those pesky ads. But then you pay for that ad-free experience. What about mobile web browsers? Most sites will have pop-up ads. Privacy and security concerns are some of the main reasons for installing an ad-blocker. But for many, uninterrupted user experience of browsing is what matters. Most websites make “calls” to ad-tracking and delivering services providing data on your browsing behaviour which will help them target ads based on your interests. All these “calls” take data and time. It also slows your browsing as the pages load slowly. The data collected is a major source of worry. Although it’s generally acceptable to collect information on general location and type of mobile devices, more worrying are the data on credit card numbers, banking information and personal photos. This makes for a compelling reason to install ad-blockers. If you install an ad-blocker, many websites won’t allow you full access. You might get notifications asking you to turn off the ad-blocker. Again, the payment model helps. If you have subscribed to a website, the chances of being hit with ads are significantly less. But not always. Tech majors make billions from digital advertising, while it’s bread and butter for independent web publishers. Many tech giants have realised the importance of user experience and have taken steps to regulate pop-up ads. Yet, a clear solution eludes. Advertising drives free content on the internet, so if you block ads be prepared to pay. 10 tips for safe mobile phone usage Lock your phone: Use the auto-lock option Use passcodes that are not obvious. A fingerprint ID or Face ID would be better. Personal data: Do not share personal information: full name, date of birth, physical address, credit card numbers, banking details and so on, unless it’s safe. Phone sharing: It’s not advisable. If you do, please be around to see what the person is doing with your phone. They can impersonate you, especially on messaging apps Location sharing: Do it only if you have to, especially for maps and delivery apps. Use the option: Only when using the app. Don’t share your location with strangers. Installing apps: Some apps pose security and privacy risks. Always read user comments or reviews before downloading an app. Don’t click on links: Phishing is common, and messages and emails look very authentic. Avoid automatically clicking on the links, unless you are sure. A better option would be to visit the website. Virus alert: Don’t fall for this ruse even if the message or mail says your phone is infected. Or even if it’s from a tech giant or a well-known company. Public Wifi: These are vulnerable. So avoid using them if you have important data on your phone. Encrypt your data: Use the options for Data Protection (iOS) and Encrypt Phone (Android) settings. Privacy settings: Get to know it and use it. It can protect you. Image Credit: Gulf News UAE Internet guidelines: The TRA has designed a specific list known as the Prohibited Content Categories, which explains why certain websites and webpages are blocked in the UAE. According to the TRA, prohibited content is defined as any content that offends against, is objectionable to, or is contrary to public interest, public morality, public order, public and national security, Islam or is otherwise prohibited by any applicable UAE law, regulation or order. Bypassing blocked content. This category includes internet content that allows or helps users to have access to prohibited content including the proxy servers and Virtual Private Networks Services (VPNs) that mainly allow access to the prohibited content on the internet. Pornography, nudity. Impersonation, fraud and phishing. Insult, slander and defamation. Invasion of privacy. Offences against the UAE and public order. Supporting criminal acts and skills. Drugs. The promotion of medicine and medical products that are prohibited or unlicensed including dietary supplements, weight loss products, weight increase and unlicensed cosmetic pills and creams. Infringement of intellectual property rights. Discrimination, racism and contempt of religion. Viruses and malware. Promotion of or trading in prohibited commodities and services, such as counterfeit and fake goods, firearms, ammunitions and explosives. Illegal communication services. Gambling. Terrorism. Prohibited top level domains allocated for purposes that violate UAE laws regardless of its content, such as .xxx, among others. Illegal activities. Upon order from judicial authorities or public prosecution in the UAE. Source: Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
Consumer confidence rose to 3-year high in Dubai in final weeks of 2020
Retail|: Dubai: There was a marked improvement in consumer confidence among Dubai's populace, with 84 per cent of UAE citizens sharing those sentiments about their personal finances. It was at 82 per cent when taken for the emirate's entire resident base. This also translated into a belief that an economic upturn was imminent after the COVID-19 phase. This was the view of 97 per cent of UAE nationals polled in a Dubai Economy survey. Among the wider populace it was at 83 per cent. Rebound in belief This would have been strengthened by the upturn seen in the retail and hospitality sectors, as well as confidence that the travel industry was close to a full-fledged recovery. Dubai saw its Consumer Confidence Index during the last quarter of 2020 rising to the highest level since the third quarter of 2017. The Q4-2020 index of 142 points was way above the 133 points in the same period in 2019 and the 132 points recorded in Q3-2020. Mohammed Ali Rashed Lootah, CEO of Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection Sector in Dubai Economy, said: “During the last quarter of 2020 as many as 82 per cent consumers were positive on the state of their personal finances over the next 12 months.” Economic initiatives and growth in activity that followed the reopening of the markets have strengthened the optimism on jobs. 74% of consumers in feel the time is right to buy the things they need or want to buy Among those who expect to have funds left over after basic expenses, 43% would spend the balance on vacations. And 36% plan to save it for the future 54% were planning to reduce outdoor entertainment to balance expenses and income 53% intend to cut down on buying new clothes 48% would delay tech upgrades 39% would reduce ordering food from outside
European aviation agency says 737 Max to be cleared next week
News/Business: The Boeing 737 Max will be green-lighted to resume flights in Europe next week, following nearly two years of reviews after the aircraft was involved in two deadly crashes that saw the planes grounded worldwide, the head of the European aviation safety agency said Tuesday.
Shell commissions 25MW solar plant in Oman, eyes 25,000t cut in CO2 emissions annually
Energy|: Dubai: The energy giant Shell has gone live with a 25MW solar plant in Sohar, Oman. The project - Shell's first utility scale, photovoltaic (PV) solar project in the Middle East - will help Sohar's port and free zone tap into green energy for its needs. The Sohar Solar Qabas plant is located on a 50-hectare site within Sohar free zone, and consists of over 88,000 solar modules. The electricity output is supplied to a large ferrochrome production facility, in turn displacing the equivalent gas-fired power generation taken from the grid. It will end up reducing 25,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. The project was completed to budget and on time. The project is "in line with our ambition to become a net-zero emission energy business by 2050... or sooner," said Walid Hadi, Oman Shell’s Vice-President and Country Chairman.
Bahrain is latest Gulf state to tap bond markets
Markets|: Manama: Bahrain has started marketing a three-tranche dollar bond to help plug one of the widest deficits in the region. The kingdom is selling 'benchmark-size' seven-year debt, 12-year securities and/or notes maturing in 30 years. Benchmark typically means the equivalent of at least $500 million. Despite a $10 billion bailout package pledged by its wealthier neighbors in 2018, Bahrain's public finances have been under strain from the twin shock of the pandemic and lower oil prices. The International Monetary Fund projects Bahrain's budget deficit to be at about 9.2 per cent of gross domestic product this year. Read More More than 42,000 new business licenses issued by Dubai in 2020 Saudi Ministry of Finance inks $3b export financing pact with South Korean entities Investor appetite is there "They are coming because they need to continue to fund fiscal deficits," said Abdul Kadir Hussain, the Dubai-based head of fixed-income asset management at Arqaam Capital. "There is appetite for non-investment grade credit as people are chasing yield." The smallest economy among the six Gulf Cooperation Council members is taking advantage of relatively low borrowing costs, after Oman sold $3.25 billion of debt last week. Bahrain's bonds returned 6.5 per cent in the fourth quarter, the most among regional peers after Oman, according to Bloomberg Barclays indexes. Both countries are rated junk by the three major credit assessors because of their precarious public finances and strained reserves.
Fly Dubai-Karachi from Dh1,055 as Emirates brings out special rates
Aviation|: Dubai: A ticket to Karachi starts at Dh1,055 and to Istanbul from Dh1,605 as Emirates brings out special rates on these routes to stoke demand. A ticket to Cairo can be had at Dh1,695 as part of the new offer. Other destinations are also included, with Moscow tickets available for Dh1,995 and Los Angeles for Dh4,995. Bookings have to be made between January 19 to February 2 for travel until June 15. There’s something for the airline's loyalty programme members as well - Bookings made from January 3 to February 1 for travel between January 3 and June 15 can enjoy a special conversion offer where 2,000 Skywards miles is equivalent to $20 for economy class flights; and 2,000 Skywards miles is equivalent to $40 for First and Business class flights. Business class fares to these destinations range from Dh4,495 to Dh23,995, with the highest being on the Los Angeles sector.
Aldar picks three F&B concepts for its entrepreneur support initiative
Retail|: Dubai: Two cafes and a bakery business were named in Aldar Properties' first entrepreneur support programme for F&B entities. More than 150 submissions were received for the developer's 'Manassah' initiative, from which seven made the shortlist. The winning three will get a chance to put their concept into practice at Aldar's Mamsha Al Saadiyat community: • Coffee Architecture: a speciality coffee house built by the first female Emirati certified Q grader; • Alkalime: a café concept offering set in an eco-friendly space; and • Wake n' Bake: a home-grown bakery by a woman Emirati chef who specialises in hand-crafted breads, custard doughnuts and other baked goods. They also secured equity-free incentives worth up to Dh1 million and have signed on to establish their businesses with a turnover rent deal for one year. Mamsha Al Saadiyat is adjacent to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Island’s beach front.
Why Kenney is having a rougher ride than Trudeau with his pipeline purchase
News/Business: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Alberta Premier Jason Kenney both decided their governments would take ownership stakes in two different pipeline projects stuck in limbo. But only one of the leaders had significant control over what happened next.
Canadian snowbirds getting the COVID-19 vaccine in Florida face backlash from some residents
News/Business: Canadians who made the journey to Florida this winter are being offered the COVID-19 vaccine. But they also face a backlash from some Floridians who argue non-residents shouldn’t have early access to vaccines that are currently in short supply.