A daily pick of news events that happened on this day in history from the pages of Gulf News dated April 30, 1979.
First of its kind in the Middle East
His Highness Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Vice-President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, formally opened the Canning and Beverages Filling Industry's Dixi plant. The factory, which is the first of its kind in the Middle East, has been put up on land donated Shaikh Rashid. It is believed to be the first factory in the world in which can making and can filling are carried out under one roof.
The Central Statistical Department will begin a general statistical survey of industries operating in 1978 in the United Arab Emirates. The 35-day survey will be confined to 534 Industrial establishments set up in the UAE and having a minimum staff of ten. The Central Statistical Department's survey will gather information on the nature of industries, the type of production, manpower, gross product and other basic information. This is the first in a series of annual industrial surveys.
Death penalty for terrorism
In a move directed against an upsurge of terrorism, Israeli Cabinet instructed prosecutors to seek the death penalty for those convicted of "acts of inhuman cruelty" against civilians. The order, rescinding a 12-year-old government policy against executions, was initiated by Prime Minister Menachem Begin following a terrorist raid on the northern resort town of Nahariya last week which ended in the deaths of four Israelis.
Pakistan retains World Cup
World champions Pakistan beat Australia 4-2 in the final of the 10-Nation Hockey Tournament stretching their unbeaten run to 22 international matches. The crowd of 12,000-the largest crowd ever to watch a hockey match in Australia-had to be content with their team, silver medallists in Mexico and Montreal Olympics and in the Champions' Trophy in Lahore, again taking second place.
India to host 1982 World Cup hockey
Bombay will host the 1982 World Hockey Cup, the International Hockey Federation (IHF) council confirmed. Rene Frank, the president of the IHF, said facilities in Bombay had improved immensely since the Indian city was refused the 1973 World Cup. "I have been convinced that Bombay is now suitable to stage a World Cup tournament," he said.
