I write in reference to your article Two of Bollywood's leading men make the Forbes list of highest-paid actors (August 24): Felicity Campbell's article was nice to read.
The recent revelation that the popular Forbes magazine's list of highest-earning actors is topped by two Bollywood actors, Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan – who are followed by Hollywood actor George Clooney – is an illustration of their talent as well their immense popularity among their fans.
Both movie stars are extremely versatile and have shown their mettle in the many films in which they have starred. This is good news for their fans.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru
Congratulations to our pupils for their excellent results
Al Ain English Speaking School is proud to celebrate yet again another set of fantastic results in its recent examination series.
Last week we celebrated a 99 per cent pass rate at A level with 21 per cent of students achieving a grade of A* or A. And now we are celebrating a fantastic set of GCSE results.
Our congratulations specifically go to Ghayth Aldirbashi for achieving seven A* grades and Sameer Shaik for achieving six A* grades and an AS in mathematics, sitting it one year early.
We are also delighted to see 38 per cent of students achieving an A* or A grade in their subjects.
The wonderful results are not surprising considering the dedication of our staff and the hard work and effort that our students have shown this year.
Indeed, I will not be surprised if, like last year, some of our students achieved the very top scores among their peers in particular subjects.
Andrew Thomas, principal, Al Ain English Speaking School
Where will the antics of Tesla’s Elon Musk end?
I write in reference to your online article Musk makes U-turn and decides to keep Tesla public (August 25): it is only a matter of time until Elon Musk builds himself an underwater lair and disappears from public life.
Name withheld by request
Imran Khan is right to lead by example and cut expenses
In reference to your article The austerity prime minister leads by example (August 21), Imran Khan is wise to slash the expenditure of the prime minister's office and residence. This is the way leaders should behave in developing nations, where every cent counts.
Luxurious living in colonial splendour should be a thing of the past in places where people are suffering and the divide between rich and poor is widening. It shatters the economy and forces countries to ask for loans.
Name withheld by request
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
The bio:
Favourite film:
Declan: It was The Commitments but now it’s Bohemian Rhapsody.
Heidi: The Long Kiss Goodnight.
Favourite holiday destination:
Declan: Las Vegas but I also love getting home to Ireland and seeing everyone back home.
Heidi: Australia but my dream destination would be to go to Cuba.
Favourite pastime:
Declan: I love brunching and socializing. Just basically having the craic.
Heidi: Paddleboarding and swimming.
Personal motto:
Declan: Take chances.
Heidi: Live, love, laugh and have no regrets.
The specs: Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Price, base: Dh1 million (estimate)
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 563hp @ 5,000rpm
Torque: 850Nm @ 1,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 15L / 100km
Padmaavat
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Starring: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh
3.5/5
Sustainable Development Goals
1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere
2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation
10. Reduce inequality within and among countries
11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its effects
14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development
