There are some people in the world whose deaths are hard to accept. Manna Dey is one of them (Legendary singer's final bow, October 25).
His contribution to Indian music cannot be described in words. He gave us music for all generations. I grew up listening to Manna Dey. He was my parents’ favourite; he is my children’s favourite.
There are very few like him whose music has fascinated three generations.
He was so talented that he didn’t have to rely on any one’s favour, unlike most singers we see today. Many of them may be popular, but it won’t take much time for them to be erased from public memory.
It is interesting that Rafi admired Manna Dey, and that Kishore Kumar and Lata also showered praise on him.
Your editorial (An enduring voice, October 25) noted that Lata and Asha are the last representatives of the golden period. It’s 100 per cent true.
They will also go one day, but their melodies will live forever.
Nina Nagpal, United States
The death of 94-year-old Manna Dey was a great loss to Indian cinema as well as to millions of music lovers.
The winner of both the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards, he was well liked by the film fraternity, and no one who heard himcould forget his melodious voice.
K Ragavan, India
Wi-Fi would make flying even noisier
I refer to Why fly without Wi-Fi? You might well ask (October 23).
I think, for example, there should be no phones on planes.
Some people just do not realise how loudly they talk. We really do not need to know that their Aunty Maree has a knee operation scheduled or that their son Felix has dumped his girlfriend.
There is enough radiation and all sorts of energy beaming through aircraft cabins as it is, so why add even more?
Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi
It makes me cross that some people are so disrespectful in not turning off their electronic devices when asked to do so.
JC Welling, Abu Dhabi
Shisha statistic an eye-opener
I am writing in reference to What's your poison? Too many answer 'shisha' (October 20), which says smoking a water pipe is the equivalent to having 600 cigarettes.
I used to smoke shisha three or four times a year, but I won’t be smoking it again after reading that statistic.
It’s too bad there aren’t enforced smoking bans in restaurants and bars in the UAE.
C Murphy, Dubai
Welcome speech on nuclear power
Nations need nuclear energy: Enec (October 17) was a welcome endorsement from the Middle East.
Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation chief Mohammed Al Hammadi hit the nail on the head in saying that the myths surrounding radiation must be dispelled.
Critically, the benefits of nuclear energy must be recognised by global policymakers, the energy industry, business, investors, environmentalists and the public if we are to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
A documentary, Pandora’s Promise, which is screening in Europe next month aims to do just that. I hope it can be screened in the UAE.
S Henri, UK
We’re picking up good vibrations
Thank you for the article, Singing bowl meditation (October 23).
I believe that sounds and vibrations from singing bowls can be used to promote health and harmony in the body and mind during meditation.
Lawrence Enderle, Dubai
Rihanna’s poses not appropriate
I refer to Khalid Al Ameri's opinion piece, As Rihanna courts controversy, let's talk about tolerance (October 22).
My problem is with the seductive nature of the photographs.
Posing like that in front of a mosque is inappropriate regardless of whether she was covered up or not. This is a place of worship, not a studio or the beach.
Name withheld by request
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A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
Sweet%20Tooth
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The biog
Born: near Sialkot, Pakistan, 1981
Profession: Driver
Family: wife, son (11), daughter (8)
Favourite drink: chai karak
Favourite place in Dubai: The neighbourhood of Khawaneej. “When I see the old houses over there, near the date palms, I can be reminded of my old times. If I don’t go down I cannot recall my old times.”
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg
Roma 4
Milner (15' OG), Dzeko (52'), Nainggolan (86', 90 4')
Liverpool 2
Mane (9'), Wijnaldum (25')
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The specs: 2018 Audi R8 V10 RWS
Price: base / as tested: From Dh632,225
Engine: 5.2-litre V10
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 540hp @ 8,250rpm
Torque: 540Nm @ 6,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.4L / 100km
What is Diwali?
The Hindu festival is at once a celebration of the autumn harvest and the triumph of good over evil, as outlined in the Ramayana.
According to the Sanskrit epic, penned by the sage Valmiki, Diwali marks the time that the exiled king Rama – a mortal with superhuman powers – returned home to the city of Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman, after vanquishing the 10-headed demon Ravana and conquering his kingdom of Lanka. The people of Ayodhya are believed to have lit thousands of earthen lamps to illuminate the city and to guide the royal family home.
In its current iteration, Diwali is celebrated with a puja to welcome the goodness of prosperity Lakshmi (an incarnation of Sita) into the home, which is decorated with diyas (oil lamps) or fairy lights and rangoli designs with coloured powder. Fireworks light up the sky in some parts of the word, and sweetmeats are made (or bought) by most households. It is customary to get new clothes stitched, and visit friends and family to exchange gifts and greetings.
23-man shortlist for next six Hall of Fame inductees
Tony Adams, David Beckham, Dennis Bergkamp, Sol Campbell, Eric Cantona, Andrew Cole, Ashley Cole, Didier Drogba, Les Ferdinand, Rio Ferdinand, Robbie Fowler, Steven Gerrard, Roy Keane, Frank Lampard, Matt Le Tissier, Michael Owen, Peter Schmeichel, Paul Scholes, John Terry, Robin van Persie, Nemanja Vidic, Patrick Viera, Ian Wright.
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
