I write to you in reference to your editorial India rape case reflects deep societal fractures (June 11).
I was glad to see that justice has finally been served.
Communal and sexual violence are on the rise in India, especially in Kashmir. This long-awaited verdict has finally brought the victim’s loved ones a sense of relief. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged that his government will be more inclusive. I am confident that India is on the right path and that he will keep his promises.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru
At a time of increased violence against women and minors in India, the final verdict on the brutal rape and killing of a child in Kathua failed to deliver a strong message to the public.
This incident, which involved the abduction and rape of an 8-year-old Muslim girl inside a temple, shocked the whole world. I am sure that many parents, especially mothers, have lost sleep for days after hearing news of such unbearable cruelty against an innocent child.
In order to curb such heinous crimes and bring a semblance of peace to the victims’ families, investigations need to be sped up in the future. This verdict only came after 17 long months. Delaying the verdict can only lead evil-doers to believe they can get away with similar crimes.
Ramachandran Nair, Muscat
Driverless cars are the future of worldwide transportation
I write to you in reference to Sarah Townsend's article New breed of flying cars could transform movement of people and cargo (June 4).
For the past few years, driverless cars have made headlines. Many are rightly excited about this technological feat. Driverless cars will bring about a significant shift in the way we view transportation. Yet, it is still unclear how they will alter our roads and infrastructure. Take white road markings for example. Autonomous cars use these lines to guide them – and experiments in controlled environments have proven this works well. But in the real world, road maintenance is not always optimal.
Road signs are another example. Driverless cars will have to be programmed to read those. To get autonomous cars on the road we need to open a discussion with road authorities, manufacturers, technology companies and other experts.
This is an exciting perspective and countries such as the UAE are paving the way for a future where driverless cars are a reality and precisely why one of the key topics up for discussion at 26th World Road Congress in Abu Dhabi this October is whether transport authorities around the world are ready for the advent of driverless cars.
Patrick Mallejacq, secretary general, PIARC World Road Association
Golden Cards initiative will attract and retain wealth
I write to you in reference to Shireena Al Nowais's article Dr Shamsheer Vayalil granted UAE permanent residency under Golden Card scheme (June 10).
I am really glad to see that the Golden Card process has started. This initiative is excellent news for business people, business incubators and investors. Permanent residency is a great idea to retain talent and generate more wealth in the country.
Arif Khan, India
