I write with reference to your article Ayodhya tense as thousands of Hindus gather near disputed religious site (November 26).
This report offered a careful and detailed account of the ongoing tension in the northern Indian city, which lies in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Hindu groups are calling for the construction of a temple on a disputed religious site, where in 1992 a mosque was destroyed by a mob.
Most Hindus believe that the site is the birthplace of the warrior god Lord Ram. As such, they want a temple to him to be erected there.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has been instrumental in the ratcheting up of demands for the building. This matter will also be high on the agenda of political parties during next May’s Lok Sabha elections.
Both Hindu and Muslim groups have petitioned India’s Supreme Court to help resolve the issue.
The state government has deployed police commandos to ensure that clashes between both groups do not occur.
My hope is that all parties will behave in a peaceful manner and that law and order will be maintained.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru
We must remember that stray animals are a human problem
I was sad to read your article UAE campaigners dismayed at surge in owners dumping pets (November 24). Unless people can understand and accept that pets are valuable family members and not show animals or playthings, this phenomenon of discarding unwanted animals will continue.
It is worth remembering that this is a human problem, first and foremost. The protection of animals – especially domestic pets – is the responsibility of communities and wider society. Laws can help only if people realise this.
Name and address withheld by request
We all need to be careful on the UAE’s wet winter roads
I write with reference to your article UAE hit by rain, sandstorms and lightning as extreme weather returns (November 25). The piece stated that visibility was reduced for motorists as winter weather struck. Even though the roads are wet and slippery, you still get drivers tailgating and flashing their lights. People need to be careful when conditions are not what they are used to.
Name and address
withheld by request
What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Cinco in numbers
Dh3.7 million
The estimated cost of Victoria Swarovski’s gem-encrusted Michael Cinco wedding gown
46
The number, in kilograms, that Swarovski’s wedding gown weighed.
1,000
The hours it took to create Cinco’s vermillion petal gown, as seen in his atelier [note, is the one he’s playing with in the corner of a room]
50
How many looks Cinco has created in a new collection to celebrate Ballet Philippines’ 50th birthday
3,000
The hours needed to create the butterfly gown worn by Aishwarya Rai to the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
1.1 million
The number of followers that Michael Cinco’s Instagram account has garnered.
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
