I write in reference to Taniya Dutta's article Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: Rescuers insert steel pipes to pull out trapped workers (November 14): with about 40 lives on the line at the time of writing, this is obviously a very distressing story. I hope and pray that the rescuers are successful in using the technology that is being made available to them to carry out an incredibly onerous but honourable task.
It is also important to point out that, while the state of Uttarakhand is beautiful and is culturally, religiously and strategically important to India, it is also prone to natural disasters. Environmental degradation, partly an outcome of over-construction, is making matters worse for the local populations. Authorities need to ensure that infrastructure and real estate development in the state is extremely well regulated.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India
Health is wealth
I write in reference to the article UAE study highlights 'public health emergency' of heart disease risk among Emiratis (November 15): the report indicates a concerning trend, particularly given its increased relevance in the post-pandemic context. There is evidence worldwide that heart disease is becoming more common, regardless of age, with young people falling prey to preventable disorders associated with older populations.
Even though the general population is aware of a number of risk factors – including physical inactivity, especially for those who have desk jobs, excessive alcohol use, poor food habits, obesity and shortened sleep cycles – some of these areas receive insufficient attention.
In the modern era, health care demands our utmost attention – right from an early age. Good health is one of the best gifts one may receive in life.
Ramachandran Nair, Muscat, Oman
The world must take dengue seriously
I would like to draw attention to the rapidly increasing dengue cases in Karachi.
Pakistan's storied port city has lately faced a number of challenges: from pollution to inadequate garbage disposal mechanisms to poor drainage and sewerage systems. These problems have turned Karachi's roads, streets and neighbourhoods into breeding grounds for mosquitoes, leading to a surge in dengue cases in recent weeks.
Dengue can be life threatening if people ignore the symptoms – ranging from fever to aches to nausea and vomiting. Anyone who has any of these symptoms needs to seek medical help as quickly as possible. In the meantime, it helps to take rest and stay hydrated.
Just as important is for people stay informed by following the government's awareness campaigns on television.
Eman Tahir, Karachi, Pakistan
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
8 UAE companies helping families reduce their carbon footprint
Greenheart Organic Farms
This Dubai company was one of the country’s first organic farms, set up in 2012, and it now delivers a wide array of fruits and vegetables grown regionally or in the UAE, as well as other grocery items, to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi doorsteps.
www.greenheartuae.com
Modibodi
Founded in Australia, Modibodi is now in the UAE with waste-free, reusable underwear that eliminates the litter created by a woman’s monthly cycle, which adds up to approximately 136kgs of sanitary waste over a lifetime.
www.modibodi.ae
The Good Karma Co
From brushes made of plant fibres to eco-friendly storage solutions, this company has planet-friendly alternatives to almost everything we need, including tin foil and toothbrushes.
www.instagram.com/thegoodkarmaco
Re:told
One Dubai boutique, Re:told, is taking second-hand garments and selling them on at a fraction of the price, helping to cut back on the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of clothes thrown into landfills each year.
www.shopretold.com
Lush
Lush provides products such as shampoo and conditioner as package-free bars with reusable tins to store.
www.mena.lush.com
Bubble Bro
Offering filtered, still and sparkling water on tap, Bubble Bro is attempting to ensure we don’t produce plastic or glass waste. Founded in 2017 by Adel Abu-Aysha, the company is on track to exceeding its target of saving one million bottles by the end of the year.
www.bubble-bro.com
Coethical
This company offers refillable, eco-friendly home cleaning and hygiene products that are all biodegradable, free of chemicals and certifiably not tested on animals.
www.instagram.com/coethical
Eggs & Soldiers
This bricks-and-mortar shop and e-store, founded by a Dubai mum-of-four, is the place to go for all manner of family products – from reusable cloth diapers to organic skincare and sustainable toys.
www.eggsnsoldiers.com
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COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
Schedule:
Pakistan v Sri Lanka:
28 Sep-2 Oct, 1st Test, Abu Dhabi
6-10 Oct, 2nd Test (day-night), Dubai
13 Oct, 1st ODI, Dubai
16 Oct, 2nd ODI, Abu Dhabi
18 Oct, 3rd ODI, Abu Dhabi
20 Oct, 4th ODI, Sharjah
23 Oct, 5th ODI, Sharjah
26 Oct, 1st T20I, Abu Dhabi
27 Oct, 2nd T20I, Abu Dhabi
29 Oct, 3rd T20I, Lahore
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
What is a Ponzi scheme?
A fraudulent investment operation where the scammer provides fake reports and generates returns for old investors through money paid by new investors, rather than through ligitimate business activities.
GREATEST ROYAL RUMBLE CARD
The line-up as it stands for the Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia on April 27
50-man Royal Rumble
Universal Championship
Brock Lesnar (champion) v Roman Reigns
Casket match
The Undertaker v Rusev
Intercontinental Championship
Seth Rollins (champion) v The Miz v Finn Balor v Samoa Joe
SmackDown Tag Team Championship
The Bludgeon Brothers v The Usos
Raw Tag Team Championship
Sheamus and Cesaro v Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy
United States Championship
Jeff Hardy (champion) v Jinder Mahal
Singles match
Triple H v John Cena
To be confirmed
AJ Styles will defend his WWE World Heavyweight title and Cedric Alexander his Cruiserweight Championship, but matches have yet to be announced
A Cat, A Man, and Two Women
Junichiro Tamizaki
Translated by Paul McCarthy
Daunt Books