India and China need to work as partners

Your editorial China can help put India back on track (September 18) has touched on a topic that requires serious attention. It is true that the transport sector in India needs a facelift. The north-eastern part of the country is especially lagging behind in this regard.

Prime minister Narendra Modi has a lot of work to do, but he does not have a magic wand to transform the country overnight. Progress almost ground to a halt during Congress’s rule. This is why it’s unfair for Congress to criticise the Modi-led government. Instead of criticising, Congress and other opposition parties should support him in his development initiatives.

Asia has fallen behind the West in terms of development. Those losses can be made up by India and China if they work together as partners, which is why the Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s visit to India is so significant.

The leaders should focus sharply on developing relations and exchanging technological know-how to make the region a better place to live. India and China can play a crucial role in making Asia a peaceful region.

Ramachandran Nair, Oman

Treatment of depression costly

I am commenting on the article 'You need to be practical in dealing with depression' (September 15). I am a married woman and an expatriate, and I have been suffering from depression for a very long time.

Yet I haven’t sought any treatment mainly because depression isn’t covered under medical insurance here.

Without insurance, it’s hard to afford the treatment, because a single therapy session costs between Dh400 and 800.

Name withheld by request

Depression is a big problem in every part of the world. But often we either overlook the symptoms if they are not severe, or ignore them. That is dangerous because depression can deepen with time, especially in those who are prone to the illness. I have seen cases where young children suffering from depression are given extra attention and care by parents. That does not always help. It can create other complications when the child becomes an adult. The only solution is to recognise it as an illness and seek medical help.

Varsha Joh, Abu Dhabi

Photo can make a credit card secure

I enjoyed reading the editorial A 'selfie' credit card is not so silly (September 18). It raised an important question: why don't all credit cards carry a photograph of the user as a means of fighting theft and fraud?

I think photograph can work as an additional security feature, apart from the PIN. However, vigilance is the main concern.

I used my husband’s credit several times, even though it has his photograph on it. I wasn’t asked any question.

Shakankiri Marie Ange, Dubai

It is already used in Switzerland and it is a double security.

Myriam Fakhreddine, Lebanon

Citi Bank in Pakistan introduced credit cards with photographs in the 1990s. It proved useful.

Muhammad F Razi, Pakistan

Schools should raise standards

I agree with Justin Thomas's article You can't 'skort' around it, school uniform is too expensive (September 17). The school where my children study changes the uniform every year. I wish they improved the quality of education instead of changing uniforms.

Niaz Abdul Kader, Dubai

HMT never given a chance to change

The Indian watch maker HMT never got a chance to try and change, because it was shackled by the government (It's late for HMT, September 17). Politicians and bureaucrats called the shots, leaving little opportunity for the company's management to play its part. It's sad that 1,145 workers will suffering the consequences.

Arun Nathan, India

India and China need to work as partners

A reader says Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping should work together for the betterment of the region. Other topics: depression, credit card, uniform, HMT