Fluctuating global economies
Many people are under a false notion that “real estate” is solid and that is the worst misconception. Before the 2008 economic crash in the US, in certain cities the value of real estate was skyrocketing. Now, the same real estate loss in some places is up to 75 per cent crash and sale. Lease signs are seen everywhere. The GCC countries, even in the diversified economies of certain countries, and petroleum being the main commodity, its up and down price factor finally will determine the price of real estate.
If the price is showing any sign of plunging, even the foreign investors would be too cautious to invest. I live close to a small city in the US, where one particular product for the housing industry was manufactured, about 80 per cent for the whole nation and export. When the housing industry crashed, the factories in the small city began to layoff employees and close down.
Where once it was hard to find a piece of land in that small city due to the massive expansion of the economy, now the value of the real estate has plummeted more than 60 per cent and even at these lowest price, nobody is daring to buy any property. The economic boom and recession of a city or country have a direct impact on the real estate market price as well as the demand factor. The demand and supply will finally determine the price factor.
From Mr A. Samuel Mathew
Ringgold, US
Kerala can’t expect change
Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy [India] has reversed the declared liquor policy (‘Kerala church holds protest against liquor policy,’ Gulf News, December 27). In the past few months, the people of Kerala have seen the twists and turns regarding the policy. Liquor barons in the state are strong enough to manipulate the government decision, allegedly bribing people in ministry directly and indirectly. The policy has been withdrawn, citing the reasons that it will affect the tourism sector, but this was not true. People come to Kerala not to drink liquor, but to see the natural beauty.
Statics says that liquor consumption in Kerala is very high compared to other Indian states. In 1996, chief minister A. K. Antony banned local brews. Instead, foreign liquor was supplied by government outlets with higher prices, which led to further poverty.
More than 300 people have lost their lives by consuming poisonous liquor in the past three decades and the highest death toll was in Vypin in 1982. The lone person, according to reports, who does not agree with this policy is the president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), V. M. Sudheeran, and now he seems to have been sidelined by the Congress Party. Now all rivalry groups within the party have united against Sudheeran for his stance. The government is not being transparent in its liquor policy and we cannot expect a change in the near future.
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
Unfair and discriminatory
It’s a shame that Saudi Arabia does not allow their women any chance for entertainment by going to a football match (‘Security intensified to keep women out of Jeddah football match,’ Gulf News, December 25). In a conservative country like Saudi Arabia, there should be separate enclosures for women in the stadium, but I don’t think it is fair for women to be confined to their homes while men can go and enjoy the live games. To me this reflects a shallow mentality and that they need to be assured enough to trust that their women will stay loyal to them even after having a few chances to attend social gatherings or events.
From Mr Hassan
Doha, Qatar
Website comment
Part of the game!
Well, I think that it’s nice to see some real stuff going on and I would rather recommend Indians cricketers stop complaining and show courage on the field (‘Australia vs India: Tourists tried to sledge us and it backfired, says Josh Hazlewood,’ Gulf News, December 25). Sledging is part of this gentleman’s game as long as some lines are not crossed. Also, it’s not an Indian Premiere League (IPL) thing, it’s pure Test match cricket, so get ready for some rough rides!
From Mr Zeeshan Mehtab
Dubai
Website comment
Much bloodshed
When Pope Francis said: “...truly there are so many tears this Christmas’, it is the real picture of the world (‘So many tears this Christmas, Pope Francis says,’ Gulf News, December 26). The countries like Nigeria, Libya, South Sudan, the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have seen much blood being shed. One hopes that prayers will bring peace and harmony in the world.
From Mr Sunny Joseph
Abu Dhabi
Last resort
It is really very sad to hear that there are slavery victims of Daesh that have started to fall on their last resort (‘Sex slavery pushes Daesh victims to suicide,’ Gulf News, December 24). Someone should step forward to help these people! Governments and organisations need to take immediate action to save mankind.
From Mr Emtiaz
Abu Dhabi
Website comment
Lasting effects
Crimes like this against these people will mean that governments will need to take serious action to help their citizens through the mental illnesses associated to going through such horrible situations. Mental illness in the form of depression, anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) will be like a ripple effect in the wake of Daesh’s path of destruction. In many ways, but especially in this, Daesh is destroying the fabric of society in their targeted countries.
From Mr Leo O.
Calgary, Canada
Hold their hands
This is very sad. Suicide is wrong and the former captives have a long road to recovery. For the survivors I hope that help will come their way in the soonest time possible. Even if this means that there is someone there to hold their hands when the nightmares revisit them during their sleep.
From Ms Farah
Sharjah
Website comment
Improving myself
One of my unique memories for 2014 is that the year was a transformation for me personally. I really changed my lifestyle and daily routine, which helped me to enjoy my life and use every hour of the day productively. One of the biggest affect of this change was the impact on my stress level, which reduced considerably. Also, I could divert my time properly and balance it in all the areas of my life. I found times for many different aspects of life like home, family, health, work, self improvement, knowledge development, networking and personal time.
From Mr C. S. Neha Shah
UAE
Improving business practices
Though 2014 has been challenging, it has been rewarding for many businesses. We have seen an overall growth in many sectors with new entrepreneurs coming out with ideas resulting in optimistic and sustainable growth pattern. Social media has contributed to efficiency in the business world as they are used to reaching the masses and providing services in many facets.
Humans have evolved and adapted to changes for centuries and will continue to do so in the future. Having said this, business owners need to look at business modules to ensure sustainable economic growth. Businesses need to reassess and implement strategies which would, in one way or another, contribute to support another business unit for a longterm mutual benefit. This would result in a healthy business practice and rejuvenation of the global economy.
From Mr Ramaprasad Macharlu Srinivasamurthy
UAE
Successes and defeats
The year 2014 has been the most successful year for the Indian Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ever since its inception. The absolute majority in the parliamentary elections followed by a string of successive wins in assembly elections was unprecedented. When every political pundit predicted that no single party would get an absolute majority in the general election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi singlehandedly proved them wrong. The man equally to be accredited is Amit Shah who made it possible with his electoral strategy and intense campaigning. Particular mention must be made of totally unexpected results in Uttar Pradesh where BJP got 70 plus members of parliament elected and that catapulted them to power.
In sharp contrast to this success story is the decline of the Congress party. It has been their worst defeat in general elections and decimation in all the assembly elections ensued. Even after such a devastating drubbing, the oldest party of the country seems to be in denial mode.
Despite the fact that it has a galaxy of leaders, the party refuses to revamp and reorganise to take on Modi in a constructive manner. If the Congress does not mend its ways and continues to play second fiddle to these regional parties who have their own regional aspirations and interests in mind, it will also soon become a regional party and lose its national status.
The think tank of Congress must start thinking. It is going to be an uphill battle for the Congress to win back the confidence of people, and it can only be done by conducting themselves responsibly and constructively. As for the BJP, it is nothing but good governance and delivery of results that will ensure longevity in power.
From Mr Ganeshan Srinivasan
UAE
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