Full of opportunities
Perhaps Indianh Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE could not have come at a more opportune time, given the fact that the historical ties between two countries need more emphasis when there is a lot to achieve by working together on various fronts (“Indian prime minister Modi wraps up Oman visit after visiting Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque”, Gulf News, February 13). Modi’s visit is also significant because he was coming to the UAE, following his assurance to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, showing his support for their cause and asserting India’s sovereignty. The geopolitical conditions in the region demands better partners more than any other time in the history, who can work together to regain stability and progress. The partnership between UAE and India can lead to building on peace with bilateral agreements and cooperation.
From Mr Esmail Mohamed
Dubai
Reduce and recycle
The authorities must ensure that there is a minimum amount of resources that are used for any specific services or goods (“Residents must help Dubai cut down its waste generation”, Gulf News, February 11). Take hypermarkets for example. They tend to pack small boxes in big plastic containers. This might be aesthetically pleasing, but why should we waste such resources? Plastic containers should not be used for bakery products except for cakes with icing on them. Additionally, why do restaurants and hotels use disposable cups for every customer who comes in to drink a cup of tea? How many millions of cups are disposed after one use? Why can’t good old ceramic cups be used instead? I can understand if it is for the sale of take-away, but when dining in, using plastic cups are not required at all. The UAE has enough hygienic materials and regulations in place so cups can be washed and reused. I think, the authorities should come hard on the above-mentioned aspects and try to reduce the amount of waste generated to stop plastic cups in restaurants. We can save the environment like this.
From Mr Shabir Zainudeen
UAE
Protect our planet!
Human beings use large amounts of plastic which take years to decompose. At my office, people use plastic cups to have a drink from the water dispenser. On average there are at least 20 to 30 cups thrown into the bin. These cups will accumulate in garbage dumps and this is a vicious cycle. Our environment has become a dumpster and it is all our fault. People can easily use glass bottles or bring their own gasses to avoid this excess wastage. There are so many alternative options that are available in supermarkets and organic stores. They might be a little costly but it will be worth it in the long run. I think people should make an effort to recycle as much as they can. If everyone takes global warming and environmental issues personally, we can help protect the planet. I make it a point to recycle the newspapers I get, switch off lights when I’m not using them, use less plastic and waste less water. We all need to do what we can to save the Earth because we are responsible for its current state. I hope I have been able to inspire some people through this comment. Everyone should make a conscious effort to try and make a difference.
From Ms Radhika Mahesh
Dubai
More female representation in science
From retired Russian cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova, and American astronaut, Sally Ride to the late Indian astronaut Kalpana Chawla, there have been many women who have made their mark in aeronautics and space excavation (“The World Government Summit 2018 in Dubai comes to an end”, Gulf News, February 14). People like chemist Marie Curie, her daughter, Irene Joliot-Curie, scientist Carolyn Porco and more, have mesmerised the world with their various contributions that have impacted the world in one way or the other. In the testosterone-charged Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) world, women have been no less in their efforts and achievements. The International Day for Women and Girls has been instituted for the very reason not just to highlight the importance and the need to have more girls join the fields of science and technology, but to also celebrate the contributions of the female icons who have had to go through a lot of struggle to achieve their dreams and still do, in several parts of the world. The fight for gender equality in STEM is far from being over despite being in the 21st century, where people have begun to recognise the rights and facilities these able, talented, intelligent and hardworking women are entitled to. As an aspiring scientist, I feel that aspiring female scientists, doctors, engineers, and technologists need to fight their way and be an inspiration all around. As a matter of fact, I take this opportunity to salute those great women who have taught the world a lesson that we are no less than our male counterparts, thus helping a lot young girls to pursue their dreams and careers in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
From Ms Maria Vincent
Los Angeles, US
An instant shot to fame
Internet and the public, both are unpredictable (“Kerala ‘eyebrow girl’ turns instant internet sensation”, Gulf News, February 14). They can just make or break anybody or anything at any time. From a tea vendor to this young girl with her perfect eyeliner, almost anyone can become an instant hit amongst people.
From Ms Fatima Suhail
Sharjah
Crackdown on cracker factories
In recent months, I have witnessed many fire accidents in major cities in India. In my opinion, the government should shut down the firecracker factories and find other alternatives to provide jobs for those people who work in such establishments. Many factories are employing children and most of them are from underprivileged sections of society. Hence, they are dependent on employment. The government should abolish such institutions and make sure that such children go to schools and manage to make a future for them. India is a vast country with many languages, religions and different festivals celebrated throughout the year. Diwali is the one main festivals celebrated with crackers. Even though this festival is important for me, I am of the opinion that children should be protected and cracker factory accidents should be averted. On one hand, crackers have been used by millions of Indians on the festival of Diwali, but on the other days, safety should be maintained. Children should not waste their young days working instead of studying. Will the Indian government look into this?
From Mr K Ragavan
Bengaluru
A short-lived victory
Congratulations to Shikhar Dhawan for his century on his 100th One Day International (ODI) match, thus becoming the first Indian to achieve this honour (“South Africa showed a lot of character, says Kohli”, Gulf News, February 11). Unfortunately, his celebrations were short lived as the South African team won the match and managed to stay alive in the series. Though there is no shame in losing this match, the continued failure of two of our players, Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya is worrying. Ironically, our think tank continues to work with them despite having many more promising players on the bench. We sincerely hope that, unlike their follies in the test series, they would mend their ways to win one of the remaining OD matches, to win the elusive one day series victory in South Africa.
From Ms Kavitha Srikanth
India
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