Renewable energy implementations

It

is a fact that the Middle East and North Africa ( Mena) – a region that is home to half of the world’s oil and gas reserves – is right at the heart of a global shift to renewable energy today. The need for energy security amid rising populations and growing economies, as well as a desire to ensure long term economic prosperity through resource exports, creates a solid case for the region’s commitment to renewables.

To achieve its stated commitments, Mena will need to invest more than $ 50 billion ( Dh184 billion) into technology, deployment, research and training by the end of the decade. The work has already begun!

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ( KSA) for example, King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy ( K. A. CARE) recently announced its plans to build solar power plants in five regions across the KSA by the end of 2015. This is just the beginning for a nation that has earmarked $ 109 billion ( Dh400 billion) to the development of 54 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2032.

Like much of the region, its needs are clear. The world’s largest oil exporter risks becoming a net energy importer within 20 years without rapid diversification of its domestic energy supply.

Securing growth and prosperity across the region through the widespread adoption of renewables is one of the most significant commercial opportunities of this generation.

In uniting leaders, policymakers, technologists, academics and investors, we move closer to the realisation of an unprecedented economic opportunity. From Mr Manav Jha UAE

A diverse nation

India

is a country that has unity in diversity and after independence it has shown the world how different religions co- exist together (‘ Fears grow in India about Hindu ‘ Modi- fication’ of education,’ Gulf News, November 22). This is a very good example of brotherhood. Today when we see people trying to propagate the historic religious values of Hindus and calling India a Hindu state, they are not respecting the nation, but are shadowing its beauty. India’s strength is in its unity, not in dividing the people on the basis of religion and calling it a Hindu nation. From Mr Ali Sharjah Website comment

Who’s footing the bill?

At

least Gulf News had the guts to reveal this news. I feel that most of the Indian media is completely biased or won’t believe it. The question is who is paying for these huge events at Madison Square Garden and the events in Sydney? From Mr Abdul Dubai Website comment

Moral guidance in epics

This

article shows Hinduism and India in such a poor light. Hinduism preaches tolerance in its great Sanskrit epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. Comparing it to a description of nuclear war is very damaging. The stories in Mahabharata and Ramayana are interesting and easy for a child to understand what to do and what not to do. It is therefore essential to pass it to the next generation. Lack of tolerance is the cause of misery that is happening in this world. Narendra Modi is not a common man, but he who has come out of all troubles to win the elections as our Prime Minister in a fair manner, which gives no right for anyone to comment on him in this way. From Mr Praveen Dubai Website comment

All or none

In

response to Praveen, why should only epics from Hinduism be taught in secular schools? Why not from other religions? Religion should not be part of the curriculum in secular schools. If they want to teach it, they should from all religions. No religion should be promoted at the behest of others. From Mr Charles Dubai Website comment

The language is dying

There

is no ‘ Modi- fication’. This lack of studying Sanskrit has caused this language to die out. This is one of the oldest languages in the world and where we had one of the oldest universities in the world. I somehow feel that with Modi as Prime Minister, we will achieve great things. My India will shine again. Sanskrit is a language that should be taught to all Indians so that we don’t let it die out as what congress wanted. Sanskrit is a medium of language and not tied to any religion. I think Sanskrit has been discouraged in the past and it is such a beautiful language. I think there should be more emphasis on it and it should be taught and made compulsory. We should be teaching students about our rich heritage, I think Modi is doing this right to some extent. From Mr Suresh Dubai Website comment The

release of the hapless Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan government was indeed another feather in the already colourful cap of the Indian Prime Minister. Apart from being a diplomatic victory for Modi, the kind gesture was great on the part of the Sri Lankan Prime Minister, which should go a long way in normalising relations between India and Sri Lanka. From Mr Thomas Matthew Parackel Muvattupuzha, India If

using earphones while driving is risky, what about drinking hot beverages while driving (‘ Using earphones while driving is risky: police,’ Gulf News, November 22)? I drive almost 300km daily and I can see many who drive have a hot cup of tea or coffee with them – even the truck drivers. What if that hot coffee or tea spills onto their lap while driving? It is more dangerous than anything! And after so many awareness campaigns, still we can see people driving with their children on their laps or in the front passenger seat. Nowadays, it’s common to see children leaning out of the front passenger seat window to enjoy the weather. From Mr Unni Varma Dubai Website comment

Another victory for Modi

Hot drinks are also risky!

Cheap safety alternatives

Iuse

a cassette adapter and it works perfectly for driving. You can make sure you do not risk your life or the lives of others on the road by simply using these kinds of accessories cheaply available. Life is so precious, don’t risk it! From Mr Aqeel Ahmad Dubai Website comment

Music is important

I agree with the statement in the story: “I drive with my eyes not my ears.” To drive we need good eyesight and that’s why eye tests are compulsory before apply for a driving licence. We never need to test our hearing and whether we can listen very well or not. Listening to music through earphones while driving is not a risk at all because music helps us to concentrate with our activities on a regular basis. There are many true incidents where we can see music give back a person’s life. Music is a divine thing. It doesn’t matter if it is loud or soft, classical or heavy metal. It only depends on people’s preferences. There are different types of music available in the market for meditation as music relaxes our mind. In my opinion, if listening to music through earphones is a risk, then talking through hands free devices also poses the same dangers. From Ms Archana Sen Abu Dhabi

Music is part of driving

Driving

needs a lot of care and attention. It is a concerted effort and a small fault may cause danger. Drivers must be mentally alert and physically fit when they are behind the wheel. People seem more interested in enjoying their driving. Nowadays, music becomes a part of the driving experience. It is good for the mind because it makes them energetic and pleasant. Jarring sounds may distract their attention though. Drivers should be aware of what is happening outside. I think that music can be played if the person is serious about their driving, but they should preferably not be playing music at all times. From Mr Ashraf Vvn Sharjah Website comment

Be strict with smokers

Iam

of the opinion that the law enforcement authorities need to continue to crack down on smoking laws. Its continuation would be a very positive initiative by the authorities. In spite of several campaigns that discourage people from smoking, smokers continue to smoke especially near the Metro stations and also at the bus stops of my locality, Al Qusais. Smoking in public places, especially enclosed places, not only harms the smokers, but also the people in that area because they inhale their smoke. Hence, an enforcement of a ban will be beneficial for the general health of the public and could also act as a possible deterrent for smokers. From Mr Karthik Satheesh Kumar UAE

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