Indian paramilitary troopers in Srinagar on December 11. AFP
Indian paramilitary troopers in Srinagar on December 11. AFP


Indian court's milestone verdict for Kashmir



December 15, 2023

With reference to Bibhudutta Pradhan's report Article 370 verdict: India's Supreme Court upholds revocation of Kashmir's special status (December 11): Five years ago, in August 2019, the special status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir was abrogated by the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party. This was a significant milestone in Indian political history. Now that it has been upheld by the Supreme Court, it's good that polls are to be held there before next September. After the recent victory of the BJP in three of the four state elections, the party will have an even better standing in next year's Lok Sabha elections.

Despite the unhappiness the Court's verdict has caused the political opposition parties, some analysts believe that overall India‘s 'One Nation, One Election' policy will shine through in the coming months. Most people are also hoping that this finally brings development and unity to Kashmir. And that perhaps, above all, Kashmir will regain its place as one of the best destinations for tourists and trade, as witnessed decades ago.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India

Israel isn't looking at a ceasefire

With regard to the report Benjamin Netanyahu vows to fight on in Gaza: 'Nothing will stop us' (December 13): It definitely looks like Israel will continue the war. The US is supplying it with what it needs to carry out the killing of Palestinians – weapons, money, moral support and diplomatic cover, including constantly voting against a ceasefire at both the Security Council and General Assembly. At the moment, it still seems like Israel can get away with a lot.

Zayd Ismail Ayob, Johannesburg, South Africa

United at the bottom of the Champions League

With reference to Andy Mitten's take on Manchester United crashing out of Europe (December 13): This is very sad. I believe in Erik ten Hag. But he really needs to take action fast to liquidate and sell Harry Maguire as soon as possible. Our recent losses will make our players lose value, Maguire will become too cheap and Man United will not be able to cover its losses for buying such a player for £80 million.

Chen Y, Singapore

RIP to a talented actor

With regard to Farah Andrews's report Andre Braugher, Emmy-winning Brooklyn Nine-Nine actor, dies aged 61 (December 13): What a fine actor Andre Braugher was. He shone through in roles beyond playing a cop. He will be missed.

Demos Kyprianou, Abu Dhabi

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
Rating: 4/5
RESULTS

5pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner: Yas Xmnsor, Sean Kirrane (jockey), Khalifa Al Neyadi (trainer)

5.30pm: Falaj Hazza – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Arim W’Rsan, Dane O’Neill, Jaci Wickham

6pm: Al Basrah – Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner: Kalifano De Ghazal, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi, Helal Al Alawi

6.30pm: Oud Al Touba – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner: Pharitz Oubai, Sean Kirrane, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

7pm: Sieh bin Amaar – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner: Oxord, Richard Mullen, Abdalla Al Hammadi

7.30pm: Jebel Hafeet – Conditions (PA) Dh85,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: AF Ramz, Sean Kirrane, Khalifa Al Neyadi

8pm: Al Saad – Handicap (TB) Dh70,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Sea Skimmer, Gabriele Malune, Kareem Ramadan

Business Insights
  • As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses. 
  • SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income. 
  • Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
ICC T20 Rankings

1. India - 270 ranking points

 

2. England - 265 points

 

3. Pakistan - 261 points

 

4. South Africa - 253 points

 

5. Australia - 251 points 

 

6. New Zealand - 250 points

 

7. West Indies - 240 points

 

8. Bangladesh - 233 points

 

9. Sri Lanka - 230 points

 

10. Afghanistan - 226 points

 
The specs
Engine: 77.4kW all-wheel-drive dual motor
Power: 320bhp
Torque: 605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh219,000
On sale: Now
Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
Rating: 2/5
 
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
  • Riders must be 14-years-old or over
  • Wear a protective helmet
  • Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
  • Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
  • Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
  • Do not drive outside designated lanes
TOUR DE FRANCE INFO

Dates: July 1-23
Distance: 3,540km
Stages: 21
Number of teams: 22
Number of riders: 198

Francesco Totti's bio

Born September 27, 1976

Position Attacking midifelder

Clubs played for (1) - Roma

Total seasons 24

First season 1992/93

Last season 2016/17

Appearances 786

Goals 307

Titles (5) - Serie A 1; Italian Cup 2; Italian Supercup 2

If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.

When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.

How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
From Zero

Artist: Linkin Park

Label: Warner Records

Number of tracks: 11

Rating: 4/5

Updated: December 15, 2023, 3:00 AM