What lies ahead for India

T his was a good read (“Did Yogi arm-twist Shah, Modi into decision?”, Gulf News, March 19). The announcement of Yogi Adityanath from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as the new Chief Minister of the state of Uttar Pradesh (UP), India, has brought mixed reactions from the opposition on communal card. This appointment was the latest dramatic development in UP politics.

Proving his popularity and leadership to the people of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the recent election victory, his calculated appointment may bring a new turn in UP politics. Perhaps, Modi wanted to spread his Chief Ministers in all sections of the society and demonstrate to the people that his party is purely secular and not communal. This is a sudden change in UP politics. Will his new concept work? Let’s wait and see. In the end, everyone deserves a calm and peaceful life. From Mr K. Ragavan Bengaluru, India

Nothing worked

I t wasn’t for just six hours (“Du apologises for 6-hour network disruption”, Gulf News, March 20)! I was disconnected from 9am till around 7.30pm and remedies like restarting my phone, going on and off aeroplane mode, and removing my Sim card didn’t help. From Mr Royston Francis Dubai Facebook comment

Can’t help it

T echnical glitches happen and sometimes it is beyond anyone’s control. Move on. It happens anywhere in the world regardless of the network operators’ best efforts to stop it. From Mr George Francis Dubai Facebook comment

Phone underwent repairs

I t is really ridiculous because the network disruption cost me Dh200. I thought there was a problem with my iPhone. I had to repair it — I even have a bill to prove this. Anyway, I would tell network operators here to at least inform people when something like this happens. My phone was opened and poked around with, for nothing. I dislike that it had to be opened. From Mr Keita H. M. Dubai Facebook comment

A death-defying trend

T he trend of unauthorised and unprotected stunts, followed by filming

and publishing stunts for fame has increased recently and become a menace (“Daredevil Russian couple climb Dubai high-rise”, Gulf News, March 19). The authorities should come up with strict rules to punish those who do dangerous acts without appropriate protective equipment and approval or supervision of the concerned authority. These photos and videos may encourage the youth to follow them without a second thought towards the impending danger if they fail or falter. Safety should never be compromised and this, indeed, is an unsafe situation, which should never be encouraged. From Mr Ramesh Menon Abu Dhabi

The scale of damage

I t is alarming to know that coral bleaching is occurring at the Great Barrier Reef due to the rising sea surface temperature (“Great Barrier Reef may never recover from bleaching: study”, Gulf News, March 16). Bleaching turns corals white and harms them. It endangers the biodiversity of microorganisms and marine life.

Due to global warming, it is estimated that around 38 per cent of the world’s coral reef will be affected by the end of this year. The coral hosts a rich biodiversity that is full of organisms and microbes, and serves as a habitat for thousands of species, including different varieties of fish and molluscs.

The rise in sea temperature, climate change, global warming and burning fossil fuels are the main reasons for bleaching. Extensive dumping of chemical waste into the sea is another reason for marine pollution. The World Wildlife Fund and the United Nations have declared the Great Barrier Reef as a protected World Heritage Area. Let us all join hands and give our support to protect Nature, whether it is land or water. From Mr Eappen Elias Dubai

Drugs everywhere

M uch of Mexico is controlled by drug cartels who decide how the government is supposed to run (“Mexican journalist killed in front of family, Gulf News, March 20). Activists and reporters who go against the authorities are killed off. I feel sorry for innocent people living there, without a voice to speak out for them! From Ms Cassandra Jr. Sandra UAE Facebook comment

Much worse situation

H ow about the number of innocent children killed in front of their parents, and the number of parents killed in front of their children, in all these years, by Israel’s genocidal occupation of Palestine? From Ms Sarafina Marco Dubai Facebook comment

No more second time

W hat about those who have borrowed a huge sum of money from you and have not seen any returns for years (“Video: Have you been a loan shark victim?”, Gulf News, March 19)? One’s whole life can become a misery. Is there any law that protects lenders who are trapped by fraudulent borrowers? From Mr Innov Ace Dubai Facebook comment

Too much to handle

I am pretty sure there is more to the story (“Family caught in bid to flee UAE on forged passports”, Gulf News, March 19). Dh750,000 is perhaps not just for the delivery, but if there were complications, like a preterm birth, the amount is possible. I work in medical insurance and we get cases way bigger than this for delivery and newborn care. From Mr Abbas Gul UAE Facebook comment

Frustrated by medical bill

W hat action do authorities take against hospitals that hold patients’ passports when the law says that a passport should be kept by its owner? Could the health authorities [place a ceiling] on the rising medical expenses that the hospitals charge? I think many hospitals are running on big profit margins. From Mr Naushal Mohammad Dubai Facebook comment

Riding for fun

Y ou should never break the law (“Teens jailed for dangerous stunt with stolen pickup”, Gulf News, March 19). They should remain behind bars that will teach them a big lesson. From Mr Manfred Anwanda UAE Facebook comment

Why sacrifice citizens?

P hilippines President Rodrigo Duterte is being a realist (“China too powerful to confront, Duterte says”, Gulf News, March 19). Why sacrifice your own people when the outcome is clear? The Philippines’ economy has been improving. Unless he had strong and reliable allies, Duterte would have not shared his views. He is smart - take his advice and listen to him. From Mr Ali Jagoor Fahs Dubai Facebook comment

Putting country on the map

B efore Duterte became prominent, I didn’t know where Philippines was located. He is a very good administrator and cares about his country and his people. From Mr Rameez Omar Dubai Facebook comment

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