Indian politics in turmoil
Political culture and etiquette appears be missing in India (“Indian state’s controversial citizens’ list unites Modi critics”, Gulf News, August 1) The leaders use obscene language to tarnish the image of other political parties and in the process, demean themselves and conveniently forget about the elements of decency and good behaviour. We have had a few such examples recently, including Congress President Rahul Gandhi embracing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fun. These things were un-heard of in the history of India. It is becoming more apparent that there is no one to lead the party in the coming years. Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru went too soon and no one can replace their leadership. The Congress party is going through a leadership crisis. It is, as a matter of fact, a crisis of confidence. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been functioning under the strong leadership of Narendra Modi and other leaders like Amit Shah. But sadly, the oldest party, the Indian National Congress lacks leaders of maturity and integrity. Without a mature leader the Congress cannot achieve much in the impending elections. It is time that the Congress got over the Gandhi name and found capable leaders.
From Mr Thomas Matthew
India
No one is safe
The recent case about a goat being raped by eight men, sent chills down my spine (“Police hunt eight men after sex attack on goat in India”, Gulf News, August 1). News these days has become very depressing. India is seriously going through a crisis and I am amazed that the current people in power cannot see that. If we all stopped blaming religion and each other, we might actually have the time to impose stricter laws, and protect women and animals form such barbaric people. Indian politcs has become a joke because no action is taken on issues that matter. If we look at the cow lynching that took place last month, we can see that if people are determined enough they will get what they want. Why aren’t these issues taken seriously too? Women being raped was one issue, now animals too? We will become the laughing stock if we don’t do something about this soon. India seriously needs to wake up and fight for what matters.
From Mr Yash Batra
India
The Khan of Pakistan
This is in reference to the recent Pakistan election result, which declared former Pakistani Cricketer, Imran Khan, as the winner (“India PM Modi speaks to Imran Khan, calls for neighbourhood peace”, Gulf News, July 31). Unfortunately he needs majority seeking coalition partners who are like-minded and will help him eradicate corruption and clean the current administration. Will Khan succeed in his attempt or will we have to wait and see?
From Mr K. Ragavan
Denver, USA
A stable leader
Congratulations to the former Pakistani cricket captain Imran Khan for wearing his captain’s cap again, and padding up for his second innings, now as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. It is great that he considers the Kashmir problem as the biggest one. If India takes one step towards them, he is ready to take two. As the new Prime Minister, he should take the first step towards stopping the current terrorist activities taking place in Jammu and Kashmir. He needs to show his white flag, so that peace talks can be initiated. It would be great if he plays like the way he played when he lifted the 1992 World Cup.
From Mr N. Hariharan
India
Money matters
Off late, a lot of attention has been put on the trade war between the United States and the European nations (“China tempts Britain with free trade, says door to US talks open”, Gulf News, July 31). The US has raised tariffs on imported goods to protect its farmers. The European nations have retaliated by raising tariffs on the US manufactured goods. Much attention has also been put on the trade war between the US and China. A look at the exchange rate data over the past one year reveals that in July 2017 the dollar was more than the Chinese yuan. However, in April 2018 the Chinese yuan appreciated sharply against the US dollar. Since then, the currency steadily declined against the US dollar. According to the latest available data, the exchange rate currently stands at $1 = 6.78 Chinese yuan. Thus, the Chinese yuan has recently depreciated sharply against the US dollar. Firstly, a weak currency makes Chinese exports more competitive. That is because the Chinese exports become relatively cheaper in the international market. An increase in Chinese exports, due to a weak yuan, may be able to offset the negative effects of high US tariffs on Chinese exports. Secondly, an increase in Chinese exports is expected to lead to a higher economic growth in China. High economic growth, in turn, is expected to attract more foreign investment and also increase employment in the manufacturing and services sectors. Consequently, the real estate prices in China will probably increase. Increase in house prices will call for government housing subsidies. If the trade war between the US and China persists, then a weak yuan may allow China to offset the negative effects of high US tariffs. On the face of a trade war between the two economic superpowers, a weak yuan may be a blessing in disguise for the Chinese economy.
From Mr Rajarshi Mitra
India
Fishy business
In recent times, a lot of news from India discusses the fact that hazardous chemicals have been used to preserve fish. Formalin (FA-formaldehyde) is reportedly added as a preservative either by dipping or spraying, and traders while transporting the good from a domestic marketing chain to prevent the fish from getting spoilt do this. Formalin can cause severe health risks including cancer and more. During the summer season, I feel the difference in taste of the fish I eat and it often causes me stomach problems. As fish can easily be spoiled by the scorching heat.
From Mr Vinu Panicker
UAE
No grace on roads
This is with regards to the new speed limit rules being applied by Abu Dhabi authorities from August onwards (“No grace speed limit from August 12 in Abu Dhabi”, Gulf News, July 26). The extra grace amount will be stopped and this is a good move from the authorities. This new rule will help curb the accidents caused by speeding. We as drivers are very confused about what is the grace allowed so some people drive slowly, while others who are aware drive at higher speeds. This change will be very useful for the internal roads also as I have seen many drivers driving at high speed above the limit set on the inner roads. I am sure that these rules will be implemented in Dubai also. In Dubai in certain areas like Jumeirah it still exists and am very confident with the authorities that it will be implemented across the UAE. It will certainly reduce tailgating, and will also reduce the number of accidents that are currently happening due to speeding. When we all drive at the same speed, we will definitely be safe on the roads. I am waiting eagerly for the rules to be implemented in Dubai soon.
From Mr Ajeet Kumar S Pillai
UAE
Rejecting rejection
Everyone in their life has to face rejection. I take rejection as an improvement and as the next step to success. There is a thin line between being genuinely rejected over something, versus being rejected because of someone else’s jealousy. Genuine rejection is positive and should be taken as the next step to success. The second type of rejection makes one weak, so beware and listen to your sixth sense. Do not deal with the pain of such rejection. Just take a deep breath and let go. It is important to turn the indecent into an experience to learn from. It is something I always do.
From Ms Amtesh K. Kohli
Dubai
A drop in the ocean
Water is a natural source (“Most of us could benefit from more water”, Gulf News, August 1). It is an important part of our body as human beings are made up of water. Therefore, we cannot live without it. We use water for cooking, cleaning, and for maintaining personal hygiene. However, water is becoming dirty because we throw garbage in it. Day by day, we are wasting water and we must stop doing this. While having bath, we should use a bucket instead of taking a long shower. Every drop of water means a lot. It can save our environment. It’s time for all of us to step up and make a difference to save every drop we can.
From Ms Agam kohli
UAE
Morals versus manners
Both morals and manners are an integral parts of an individual’s life (“Morals or manners first?”, Gulf News, July 26). However, in my opinion there is no set definition for this. Each person has a different perception and notion about them. It is not like a ‘one-size-fits-all’ quality. Both manners and morals are, to a large extent, a matter of accepted conventions in society. Many a time, morals become a personal preference from an individual’s perspective, that are typically rooted in the judgement of right or wrong, good or bad, evil or virtuous. Manners can be prevailing customs, ways of living and habits of people. They are rule-based, prescribed behaviour of people that have basis in social and cultural rules and norms. Both manners and morals are vital. Both bring niceties, humility, humaneness, kindness and compassion in our lives. Bereft of these values make life miserable. While being kind, polite, good and helpful are universally recognised moral qualities, manners make a man. Hence both the qualities need to be valued and followed diligently.
From Ms Jayashree Kulkarni
India
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