Furthering diplomatic connections with Mars probe
The bilateral discussion between the UAE and India on space cooperation between their relative agencies is very encouraging and of interest to both nations’ future space programs (‘UAE, India discuss space exploration’, Gulf News, September 30). The UAE delegation, led by Dr Khalifa Al Rumaithi, the Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, and Dr Mohammad Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, visited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to discuss the future opportunities and cooperation benefits.
It will allow the space agencies to study each other’s different programmes on space exploration. The political, economic and commercial connections over and above the cultural relations, have always led the two countries to work together and this endeavour will further strengthen these connections. Let us hope for better understanding and cooperation in this field.
From Mr M. K. Gunaseelan
Abu Dhabi
The world needs to know
Today, in the global scenario, you hear a lot about cancer and it seems to be more visible among women. Even though I don’t know anyone who is battling cancer, some of my friends have mentioned about their loved ones battling the illness. In my opinion, awareness is the most important and governments should work with organisations to host periodical programs to check for different types of cancer. Many people have beaten the illness, with the help of treatment and advanced drugs. Drug manufacturers who are producing cancer drugs should consider affordability, though. It’s good that October is dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Bengaluru, India
The will to live
I personally think that willpower or mental strength plays a vital role in the battle against life threatening diseases. If a person mentally fails to overcome the situation, things will be worse and chances of survival will be lesser. A few years ago, one of my colleagues, who was a medical professional and leading a normal life, was diagnosed with cancer and within two weeks she lost the battle. On the other hand, I have read about people who have been successful at fighting the battle.
From Mr Ahmad Eftekhar
Sharjah
Fears raised in Afghanistan
The Taliban has seized control of half of a major Afghan city on Monday, and it’s the first time they have done so since being ousted from power by a US-led invasion (‘Taliban militants lay siege to key city in Afghanistan’, Gulf News, September 29). The Taliban’s ability to penetrate the city, even if temporary, will be seen as a major psychological blow to the country’s North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato)-trained police and army. These personnel have been fighting the militants this year without the frontline help of foreign forces since the end of their combat mission in December 2014. The terrorists have been largely absent from cities since being driven from power by the US and its allies, but it has maintained an often brutal rule over swathes of the countryside. Now it seems as though Afghanistan might be overpowered by them.
From Mr Sunny Joseph
Mala, India
Suing is not worth it
Paul Walker’s wife also tried to sue unsuccessfully last year (‘Paul Walker’s daughter sues Porsche over fatal crash’, Gulf News, September 30). Although Walker was not driving, the driver was going 94mph (151km/h) in a 45mph limit on tyres that were bald and unsafe. Let the man rest in peace, give the money to a charity like an air ambulance - not to greedy lawyers. If it was my father, I would leave him to rest in peace rather than drag up all the evidence again. It won’t bring him back.
From Ms Judith Cooke
UAE
Facebook comment
Not company’s fault
Walker was a great actor but, at the end of the day, they were speeding and broke the law. Sadly he paid the ultimate price, but I can’t see how it’s the fault of Porsche.
From Ms Sandra Albinson
UAE
Facebook comment
Ethnic discrimination – not religious
I don’t agree with the Gulf News opinion piece by Tariq A. Al Maeena because the issue he has raised is a human tragedy and a political problem, but he has made it look like a religious problem (‘Let OIC not remain a toothless tiger’, Gulf News, September 27). He has raised points about religious freedoms there, saying how Myanmarese can’t convert to Islam and how Muslims can’t marry Buddhists.
Whatever is happening in Myanmar is surely condemnable. I don’t know how the UN and the rest of the world keep quiet, but people should stop seeing this problem on the basis of religion.
From Mr Nitin
UAE
Getting thin, not so simple
Thanks for the input Mr Nabeel Siddiqui on tackling obesity, but I do not agree (‘Letters to the editor: It takes self control’, Gulf News, September 30). It seems to me if you were a more open minded with your opinions, it might be a relatively objective debate. However, when your facts are based on fat shaming and your willpower to look different, there is a huge margin for error.
From Mr Mustapha Al Sibai
Sharjah
Facebook comment
Stay away from fast food
I find that when you go to the malls, there are very few healthy food restaurants. Most of it is fast food – junk food.
From Mr Paul Kinnock
Al Ain
Facebook comment
A commitment
Losing weight is a 24 hour thing. It’s about what you eat and the little activities you do that add up such as walking to the car and using the stairs. The gym is a tiny fraction of that and one bad snack will negatively impact any calories you burnt that day. Gym and sport is about other rewards for your cardiovascular, digestive, muscular and skeletal systems, as well as your mind. Do what you like and stick to it! Go dancing, ice skating, walking, aerobics or gym. Be active and eat well.
From Mr D. Dani Lapin
UAE
Facebook comment
Anyone can make time!
The common excuse is not having enough time to work out. I’m a bachelor, I cook for my four flatmates twice a day, and I never eat outside. I work in a sales job that makes me work long hours and be on the road throughout the day. I still manage a good 60 to 70 minutes to either workout at home with some videos for yoga or I listen to music and run along the Corniche in Abu Dhabi, which also includes some amazing aids for body weight exercises such as sit-ups and pull up bars. It’s a total lie if anyone says they can’t manage at least 30 to 60 minutes for their health and well being. Time comes with interest!
From Mr Raju T.
UAE
Facebook comment
Narendra Modi: PM or PR?
Once again Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proved that he is a good events manager (‘Modi touts power of social media in Facebook visit’, Gulf News, September 29). By changing the profile picture of Mark Zuckerberg with Modi, the Indian Prime Minister’s fame and name has reached to millions around the globe. This is a win-win situation for both Modi and Zuckerberg as one is interested in publicity and other looks into possible business expansion by increased net connectivity. Modi is a man of innovation and India has great potential of linking government services online. But, the stumbling block is not the net connectivity, but the same old and less productive government employees and their attitude towards the general public. Progress is impossible without change.
From Mr Girish R. Edathitta
Dubai
Tell peers about heart risks
While we observed World Heart Day last week, I found it alarming to know that one in four deaths in the UAE annually occurs due to heart disease (‘Free check-up on World Heart Day’, Gulf News, September 29). Cardiovascular disease occurs due to sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise and bad eating habits.
I had undergone a heart bypass surgery in 2011 at the age of 42 and after that I control my eating habits, I take medication, follow up with doctors on a regular basis and I exercise daily. Regular medical check-ups, good eating habits and regular exercise or yoga can help control this disease, as the doctors told me. Regular check-ups can indicate any problems in the function of the heart and we can take medication or surgery and can prolong our lives. Diabetics and hypertension also leads to heart attack. If it’s not treated in the early stages, we may risk our lives. So it is very important that, at least among our friends and relatives, we should create awareness about this disease in order to save lives.
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
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