Neither India nor Pakistan can afford a war

I write in reference to Taniya Dutta's article Panic in Indian border villages as hundreds flee Pakistani shelling in Kashmir (May 7): after the Pahalgam attack and deaths in Kashmir, India and Pakistan are going through a tense relationship. Given developments on Wednesday morning, when India struck parts of Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, it is possible both countries are galvanising for a full-scale war.

A military conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours would be unfortunate. In any war, both sides agonise, they lose soldiers and civilians, and they hurt economically. A war is not a game. It means death and misery. It means widows and orphans. It means ruined lives and homes.

Hence, it would be best for them to resolve their issues through diplomatic channels. Dialogue is always better than conflict. India and Pakistan are both developing countries; neither side can afford a war. There are already conflicts in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. We do not want one in Asia.

As Indian Prime Minister Modi had once counselled Russian President Vladimir Putin: “Now is not an era for war.”

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

Regional maritime dispute

I write in reference to Sinan Mahmoud's article GCC backs Kuwait in its maritime dispute with Iraq (May 7): the GCC is laying down the law – backing Kuwait hard in its maritime standoff with Iraq and telling Iran to back off the Al Durra gas field. This isn’t just about borders, it’s also about sovereignty and energy security.

Stockum George

A tech-driven future

I write in reference to the editorial In a world shaped by technology, schooling children in AI ethics is a must (May 7): it is necessary for youngsters to acquire both the skills and the values needed to effectively use the tools of the future. Most things are going to depend on technology.

Mohammed Adamu, Zaria, Nigeria

Lebanon-UAE relations

I write in reference to Nada Homsi and Jamie Prentis's article First Emiratis arrive in Lebanon after end of travel ban (May 7): this is a blessed restart and move. You are always welcome home.

Rawaa Kalassina, Lebanon

Congratulations! The reunification of family members has clearly brought happy smiles on their faces.

Samsudin Alfasy, Karaikal, India

A doyen passes on

The demise of the Indian space scientist K Kasturirangan late last month is a profound loss to his country and the global scientific community.

A visionary leader, Dr Kasturirangan played a pivotal role in shaping India’s space programme and taking the Indian Space Research Organisation to great heights. Under his leadership, several landmark missions were conceptualised and executed, laying the foundation for future advancements.

He was a brilliant scientist as well as an exemplary administrator, and known for his humility, integrity and unwavering commitment to scientific excellence. Admired and respected by colleagues, students and leaders alike, his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

His passing is an irreparable loss to the world of science, education and space exploration. India has lost one of its finest minds and a true son of the soil.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India

While you're here

National Editorial: Why is a Muslim Brotherhood-linked app still on Apple and Google Play?

Damien McElroy: Europe's response to Islamist extremism is encouraging but not enough

Con Coughlin: How extremists are using Zoom and other tools to exploit this pandemic

Dates for the diary

To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:

September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 48V hybrid

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 325bhp

Torque: 450Nm

Price: Dh289,000

THE LOWDOWN

Photograph

Rating: 4/5

Produced by: Poetic License Motion Pictures; RSVP Movies

Director: Ritesh Batra

Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sanya Malhotra, Farrukh Jaffar, Deepak Chauhan, Vijay Raaz

The biog

Name: Salem Alkarbi

Age: 32

Favourite Al Wasl player: Alexandre Oliveira

First started supporting Al Wasl: 7

Biggest rival: Al Nasr

%20Ramez%20Gab%20Min%20El%20Akher

%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStreaming%20on%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMBC%20Shahid%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

While you're here

The National editorial: Turkey's soft power weighs heavy on Europe's Muslims

Con Coughlin: How extremists use Zoom and other tools to exploit pandemic

Nicky Harley: Peace TV preacher Zakir Naik prompts UK hate laws review

The%20specs%3A%202024%20Mercedes%20E200

%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%20four-cyl%20turbo%20%2B%20mild%20hybrid%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E204hp%20at%205%2C800rpm%20%2B23hp%20hybrid%20boost%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E320Nm%20at%201%2C800rpm%20%2B205Nm%20hybrid%20boost%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E9-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7.3L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENovember%2FDecember%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh205%2C000%20(estimate)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Which products are to be taxed?

To be taxed:

Flavoured water, long-life fruit juice concentrates, pre-packaged sweetened coffee drinks fall under the ‘sweetened drink’ category

Not taxed

Freshly squeezed fruit juices, ground coffee beans, tea leaves and pre-prepared flavoured milkshakes do not come under the ‘sweetened drink’ band.

Products excluded from the ‘sweetened drink’ category would contain at least 75 per cent milk in a ready-to-drink form or as a milk substitute, baby formula, follow-up formula or baby food, beverages consumed for medicinal use and special dietary needs determined as per GCC Standardisation Organisation rules