This refers to the editorial, Is Modi's 'shining' India merely a mirage? (September 17). While the liberalisation of India's economy has helped several millions to better their lives, it has taken time to see this change, especially in rural areas. Nevertheless, the fear remains that a vast corporate culture is being created in a country where millions still struggle for mere survival. Even though the idea is a good one in theory, switching to a cashless society is unfeasible.
Among many other reasons, fragile political equations are to blame for the instability created while shifting from old to new transactions. The present government wants to make a change, but religious sentiment has won an unwarranted upper hand in the equation.
The reality is that the middle class in India will continue suffering and most will not reap the fruit of reform. India's poorest are in desperate need of a change big enough for them to finally see their homeland in an entirely different light.
Ramachandran Nair, Oman
A little compassion towards new mum is a must
I refer to your article, Helping Hands: New mum racks up Dh340,000 in hospital fees for premature baby (September 16). This is a disgrace. Who would turn away a woman in that situation? Hiding behind insurance policies, making money from people's misfortunes, and then punishing them for those very misfortunes and threatening them with prison or deportation, is beyond contempt. The fees should be waived with immediate effect and the mother should be given a room next to her baby. I hope a national health plan for people in such situations will come into effect one day.
Angela HG, United Kingdom
Pregnancy and childbirth are hard experiences. I can’t imagine being turned down by a hospital as I panicked about losing my baby, never mind three. I wouldn’t be able to hold it together. This is heartbreaking, but I’m glad the baby is doing well. It’s a shame that an article has to be written to get donations. I hope they raise the money they need.
Claire Crew, UK
Don't those in debt deserve help instead of apprehension?
I refer to Salam Al Amir's article, Emirates NBD chief sparks fresh debate over bounced cheques (September 14). It was a very interesting piece about an issue I feel strongly about. After losing my job of six years without warning, I have been receiving intimidating calls and messages from companies for money that I have been unable to pay back. Don't we, as humans, need assistance and compassion at times like this? I think back to the days, not so long ago, when banks would scour offices in search of customers. But now, people like me are classed as criminals. Not only do I face court charges, but I can't cancel my visa. This means I can't receive my end-of-service payment, which I could have used, ironically, to pay my debt. I also can't get a visa for a new job. I have been a resident here for 11 years and have never in my life had any trouble. But I am now faced with issues such as the ones highlighted in this article simply because I was terminated without notice.
Name withheld by request
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Points tally
1. Australia 52; 2. New Zealand 44; 3. South Africa 36; 4. Sri Lanka 35; 5. UAE 27; 6. India 27; 7. England 26; 8. Singapore 8; 9. Malaysia 3
THURSDAY'S ORDER OF PLAY
Centre Court
Starting at 10am:
Lucrezia Stefanini v Elena Rybakina (6)
Aryna Sabalenka (4) v Polona Hercog
Sofia Kenin (1) v Zhaoxuan Yan
Kristina Mladenovic v Garbine Muguruza (5)
Sorana Cirstea v Karolina Pliskova (3)
Jessica Pegula v Elina Svitolina (2)
Court 1
Starting at 10am:
Sara Sorribes Tormo v Nadia Podoroska
Marketa Vondrousova v Su-Wei Hsieh
Elise Mertens (7) v Alize Cornet
Tamara Zidansek v Jennifer Brady (11)
Heather Watson v Jodie Burrage
Vera Zvonareva v Amandine Hesse
Court 2
Starting at 10am:
Arantxa Rus v Xiyu Wang
Maria Kostyuk v Lucie Hradecka
Karolina Muchova v Danka Kovinic
Cori Gauff v Ulrikke Eikeri
Mona Barthel v Anastasia Gasanova
Court 3
Starting at 10am:
Kateryna Bondarenko v Yafan Wang
Aliaksandra Sasnovich v Anna Bondar
Bianca Turati v Yaroslava Shvedova
Hamilton profile
Age 32
Country United Kingdom
Grands Prix entered 198
Pole positions 67
Wins 57
Podiums 110
Points 2,423
World Championships 3
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 2.5-litre, turbocharged 5-cylinder
Transmission: seven-speed auto
Power: 400hp
Torque: 500Nm
Price: Dh300,000 (estimate)
On sale: 2022
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo
Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic
Power: 242bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Price: Dh136,814
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates