Please refer to Rashmee Roshan Lall's article Kamala Harris and Rahul Gandhi are taking politics back to basics (April 3). Congress's Rahul Gandhi is promising a minimum income guarantee of Dh3,840 per year to the poorest 20 per cent of Indians. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also promised an annual dole of Dh320 to low-income farmers a few weeks ago. The question is, how will they finance these initiatives? Taxes account for a mere 16.5 per cent of the GDP of India. They cannot cover the costs of these electoral promises. The government's job is to foster employment and support businesses so that people can make a living out of their labour. Political parties are promising us the moon to secure votes.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
Social media must not hinder Indian elections
I write to you in reference to Charles Capel's article Facebook removes partisan Indian social media operations before elections (April 3). Facebook removed many pages from its platform that have been linked to the spread of fake news ahead of the Indian general election. Many of those pages appear to be affiliated with Indian political parties, but some are actually run from within Pakistan. This discourse is designed to intensify tensions on both sides of the border, especially in the wake of the recent Pulwama terror attacks.
We must not allow tensions to escalate further. I hope that the elections will be smooth and peaceful.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru
Reckless driving is a major concern for UAE residents
I write in reference to Patrick Ryan's article Shocking UAE road survey finds one in four young drivers admit to tailgating (April 3). This survey does not surprise me at all. I even witnessed a scene where a person driving without a valid license argued ferociously with the police who caught them. Road safety issues are primordial and we need to get parents involved to promote it among young drivers.
Name withheld by request
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
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10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
