India's power issue is extensive and needs urgent resolution

Readers discuss austerity, consumerism, obesity and more

This photo taken on December 7, 2017 shows Indian labourers collecting coal at an open mine in Dhanbad in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand.
Hundreds of millions of people in India are forced to live with the fallout of the dirtiest fuels -- with the government blaming a lack of funds to pay for greener power. Money will be the key issue when about 100 countries meet in Paris on December 12 for the One Planet Summit organised by French President Emmanuel Macron. The meeting will focus on marshalling public and private funds to speed the move to a low-carbon economy. Developing countries say barely a tenth of the $100 billion promised by the end of the decade under a 2010 deal has come in so far. / AFP PHOTO / -
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Your article Power needs leave India stuck between a rock and a hot place (December 11) was thought-provoking. India needs to invest huge amounts of money in solar power for it to succeed and should also continue monitoring and cracking down on crop-burning practices in northern states. Whether Indian prime minister Narendra Modi achieve his plans before 2022 remains to be seen. Ultimately, power is essential, after all.

K Ragavan, India

Online retail isn't always the answer to consumer woes

I refer to your online article Amazon Global Store opens to UAE consumers via souq.com with more than a million products (December 11). I found that prices are even higher than what I have found in stores. I bought Ted Baker boots for Dh485 in Mall of the Emirates, but the same boots are going for Dh620 online.

Ashan Khan, Dubai

My experience of another major online retailer is that they often deliver the wrong sizes, things appear in stock online, only to be out of stock upon checkout, and cosmetics are near or past their expiry date. There are better options out there.

Claire Wyness, Abu Dhabi

Minimalism can change your life

I refer to your article Smart furniture that will transform your living space and experience (December 11). I always love such designs and new ideas. My husband sometimes complains that when he goes away for a week on a business trip and comes home, he finds an entirely new interior. I keep on experimenting with designs, especially from Japan and Germany. We lived in a big space and still did not have enough room to put all our stuff, whereas we can now almost fit everything into a garage and live splendidly.

Tenzin Lhamo, United States

Children need proper nutrition to fend off obesity
In reference to your article Big businesses are 'committed to fight against obesity' (December 11), it is much better for children to eat nutritious foods such as fruit, honey, vegetables, beef, chicken, camel milk and fish.

Asyah Meel, Abu Dhabi 

People must be given leeway to get out of financial trouble

I refer to your article Family left starving and destitute after company collapse (December 11). Having his account frozen, banning him from travelling and barring him from accepting a new offer and sponsor won't help matters. He needs to be able to take on a new job to pay off his debt. Thank goodness the authorities are helping him. I also have no doubt that a generous Emirati will pay off his debts anonymously as they always do; Emiratis are amazing that way.

Dave Nabi, Abu Dhabi