A united response to the climate crisis

With reference to The National's editorial ‘The climate is deteriorating. Why are so many in the Middle East losing interest?’ (October 20): this was a relevant read, pertinent to the current circumstances. Countries in the Middle East have seen an unexpected upheaval in their climate, rarely experienced in the past. Rain and flash floods have recently hit countries in the region. These conditions have affected several thousands of people and, in many cases, led to chaos and loss of lives. With increasing climate-related unrest, global perceptions of what were earlier deemed "safe countries" are also changing.

Climate change has become a lifetime concern and one that is bound to add pressure to future generations. In focusing on the impact of climate change, our choices as a whole need to be reconsidered to safeguard Mother Earth. Collective effort is required for this.

It is time for all countries to act responsibly and shift their focus towards an investment in resources. Unless a systematic approach is designed to tackle the issues, every part of the world could be dealing with even more frequent calamities.

Ramachandran Nair, Muscat, Oman

Young blood over experience in a Swedish ministry

With reference to Paul Carey's report Romina Pourmokhtari, 26, becomes Sweden's youngest minister (October 18): Good luck to her in warding off detractors who will no doubt question her lack of experience. Young people must be given a chance, and in that spirit, well done to this young lady.

Shaz Chalmers, Dubai

A milestone in Indian national politics

With reference to Taniya Dutta's article Mallikarjun Kharge elected leader of India's Congress Party (October 19): India's grand old Congress party elected its first new leader from outside the Gandhi family in more than 20 years. This is a big development in Indian politics. It comes after much criticism of the party from within and outside the Congress, and after the party's repeated drubbings in state and federal elections. Between the two candidates contesting for the post of party president, both Mr Kharge and Shashi Tharoor had sound credentials. It is fitting that a long standing loyalist was elected. Mr Kharge has a tough task, moreso at the age of 80, to reshape the party and help it regain its lost credibility.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India

The clashes in Paris and a necessary apology

With reference to Wajood Alkhamis's video report Clashes erupt in Paris as workers demand higher wages (October 19): I hope Josep Borrell is well aware of the mess in his "beautiful garden", as he called it, by the "gardeners" themselves and has seen this footage. I'm interested in what he might say about such a timely example of civilised Europe. It is a good thing that he apologised for his recent racist remarks.

Najmul Ahmed, Ras Al Khaimah

Predictions

Predicted winners for final round of games before play-offs:

Friday: Delhi v Chennai - Chennai
Saturday: Rajasthan v Bangalore - Bangalore
Saturday: Hyderabad v Kolkata - Hyderabad
Sunday: Delhi v Mumbai - Mumbai
Sunday - Chennai v Punjab - Chennai

Final top-four (who will make play-offs): Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Bangalore

Election pledges on migration

CDU: "Now is the time to control the German borders and enforce strict border rejections"

SPD: "Border closures and blanket rejections at internal borders contradict the spirit of a common area of freedom"

In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe

Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010

Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille

Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm

Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year

Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”

Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners

TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013

Notable cricketers and political careers

India: Kirti Azad, Navjot Sidhu and Gautam Gambhir (rumoured)
Pakistan: Imran Khan and Shahid Afridi (rumoured)
Sri Lanka: Arjuna Ranatunga, Sanath Jayasuriya, Tillakaratne Dilshan (rumoured)
Bangladesh (Mashrafe Mortaza)

Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE

Join parent networks
Look beyond school fees
Keep an open mind

The specs

Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl turbo

Power: 374hp at 5,500-6,500rpm

Torque: 500Nm from 1,900-5,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 8.5L/100km

Price: from Dh285,000

On sale: from January 2022

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?

1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull

2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight

3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge

4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own

5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed

HOSTS

T20 WORLD CUP

2024: US and West Indies; 2026: India and Sri Lanka; 2028: Australia and New Zealand; 2030: England, Ireland and Scotland

ODI WORLD CUP

2027: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia; 2031: India and
Bangladesh

CHAMPIONS TROPHY

2025: Pakistan; 2029: India

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