I write in reference to your article Win for Narendra Modi as India's top court rejects challenge to Dassault jet deal (December 15). The much discussed Indo-French deal, which saw India purchase 36 Rafale fighter jets from France has been ruled as fair by India's Supreme Court. It follows a barrage of criticism and accusations of corruption from the Congress party president, Rahul Gandhi, about the irregular $8.7 billion deal. This is the latest in a string of extraordinary developments in Indian politics ahead of elections due to be held by May.
Naturally, the opposition was not satisfied with the verdict from the top court and is seeking a separate probe. The government wants an apology from Mr Gandhi, which would represent a major climbdown.
Whether the Congress leader offers an apology or continues his demands for another probe could have real implications for India’s tense general election.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru
The Hodeidah breakthrough could pave the way for peace
I refer to your timely editorial Hodeidah agreement is a true breakthrough (December 14). This is a good start that will hopefully pave the way for better understanding between the two sides fighting in this grim conflict. Wars have never solved problems, but rather create many more. Dialogue across the table, like that in Rimbo last week, is the best way to maximise opportunities that may bring an eventual peace in Yemen. Given the immense suffering in the country, it cannot come soon enough.
Name withheld by request
Merry Christmas and season’s greetings to one and all
Watching the spooky clouds as I did the rounds near my Dubai home this week, I heard beautiful Christmas hymns being sung at a church nearby. This really is a fantastic time of year. Christmas and New Year are just around the corner, the weather is superb and a festive spirit pervades. Let’s end the year together by enjoying another enchanted Christmas.
From joyful carols to special liturgies, brightly wrapped gifts and festive foods, I love this time of year. Season’s greetings to one and all.
Mathew Litty, Dubai
When inanimate objects fail you, you’re in real trouble
I write in reference to your online video Door trouble adds to British Prime Minister's Brexit sorrows (December 12). This is amazing. Even the car door is giving Prime Minister Theresa May a hard time. The Brexit door is just as locked, unfortunately for the embattled British leader. Chances are, the door malfunction is a sign of things to come.
Name withheld by request
Asia Cup 2018 final
Who: India v Bangladesh
When: Friday, 3.30pm, Dubai International Stadium
Watch: Live on OSN Cricket HD
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
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
England World Cup squad
Eoin Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (wkt), Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Vince, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Revibe%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hamza%20Iraqui%20and%20Abdessamad%20Ben%20Zakour%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Refurbished%20electronics%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%20so%20far%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2410m%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFlat6Labs%2C%20Resonance%20and%20various%20others%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
'The Batman'
Stars:Robert Pattinson
Director:Matt Reeves
Rating: 5/5
ENGLAND TEAM
England (15-1)
George Furbank; Jonny May, Manu Tuilagi, Owen Farrell (capt), Elliot Daly; George Ford, Ben Youngs; Tom Curry, Sam Underhill, Courtney Lawes; Charlie Ewels, Maro Itoje; Kyle Sinckler, Jamie George, Joe Marler
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, George Kruis, Lewis Ludlam, Willi Heinz, Ollie Devoto, Jonathan Joseph
Dirham Stretcher tips for having a baby in the UAE
Selma Abdelhamid, the group's moderator, offers her guide to guide the cost of having a young family:
• Buy second hand stuff
They grow so fast. Don't get a second hand car seat though, unless you 100 per cent know it's not expired and hasn't been in an accident.
• Get a health card and vaccinate your child for free at government health centres
Ms Ma says she discovered this after spending thousands on vaccinations at private clinics.
• Join mum and baby coffee mornings provided by clinics, babysitting companies or nurseries.
Before joining baby classes ask for a free trial session. This way you will know if it's for you or not. You'll be surprised how great some classes are and how bad others are.
• Once baby is ready for solids, cook at home
Take the food with you in reusable pouches or jars. You'll save a fortune and you'll know exactly what you're feeding your child.
21 Lessons for the 21st Century
Yuval Noah Harari, Jonathan Cape
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, (Leon banned).
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
MATCH INFO
Rajasthan Royals 158-8 (20 ovs)
Kings XI Punjab 143/7 (20 ovs)
Rajasthan Royals won by 15 runs
