Indian security personnel stand guard in Wuyan near Indian-administered Kashmir's capital city of Srinagar. AFP
Indian security personnel stand guard in Wuyan near Indian-administered Kashmir's capital city of Srinagar. AFP
Indian security personnel stand guard in Wuyan near Indian-administered Kashmir's capital city of Srinagar. AFP
Indian security personnel stand guard in Wuyan near Indian-administered Kashmir's capital city of Srinagar. AFP


Neither India nor Pakistan can afford a war


The National
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May 09, 2025

I write in reference to Taniya Dutta's article Panic in Indian border villages as hundreds flee Pakistani shelling in Kashmir (May 7): after the Pahalgam attack and deaths in Kashmir, India and Pakistan are going through a tense relationship. Given developments on Wednesday morning, when India struck parts of Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, it is possible both countries are galvanising for a full-scale war.

A military conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours would be unfortunate. In any war, both sides agonise, they lose soldiers and civilians, and they hurt economically. A war is not a game. It means death and misery. It means widows and orphans. It means ruined lives and homes.

Hence, it would be best for them to resolve their issues through diplomatic channels. Dialogue is always better than conflict. India and Pakistan are both developing countries; neither side can afford a war. There are already conflicts in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. We do not want one in Asia.

As Indian Prime Minister Modi had once counselled Russian President Vladimir Putin: “Now is not an era for war.”

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

Regional maritime dispute

I write in reference to Sinan Mahmoud's article GCC backs Kuwait in its maritime dispute with Iraq (May 7): the GCC is laying down the law – backing Kuwait hard in its maritime standoff with Iraq and telling Iran to back off the Al Durra gas field. This isn’t just about borders, it’s also about sovereignty and energy security.

Stockum George

A tech-driven future

I write in reference to the editorial In a world shaped by technology, schooling children in AI ethics is a must (May 7): it is necessary for youngsters to acquire both the skills and the values needed to effectively use the tools of the future. Most things are going to depend on technology.

Mohammed Adamu, Zaria, Nigeria

Lebanon-UAE relations

I write in reference to Nada Homsi and Jamie Prentis's article First Emiratis arrive in Lebanon after end of travel ban (May 7): this is a blessed restart and move. You are always welcome home.

Rawaa Kalassina, Lebanon

Congratulations! The reunification of family members has clearly brought happy smiles on their faces.

Samsudin Alfasy, Karaikal, India

A doyen passes on

The demise of the Indian space scientist K Kasturirangan late last month is a profound loss to his country and the global scientific community.

A visionary leader, Dr Kasturirangan played a pivotal role in shaping India’s space programme and taking the Indian Space Research Organisation to great heights. Under his leadership, several landmark missions were conceptualised and executed, laying the foundation for future advancements.

He was a brilliant scientist as well as an exemplary administrator, and known for his humility, integrity and unwavering commitment to scientific excellence. Admired and respected by colleagues, students and leaders alike, his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

His passing is an irreparable loss to the world of science, education and space exploration. India has lost one of its finest minds and a true son of the soil.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India

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
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Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Points to remember
  • Debate the issue, don't attack the person
  • Build the relationship and dialogue by seeking to find common ground
  • Express passion for the issue but be aware of when you're losing control or when there's anger. If there is, pause and take some time out.
  • Listen actively without interrupting
  • Avoid assumptions, seek understanding, ask questions
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

MATCH INFO

Fixture: Thailand v UAE, Tuesday, 4pm (UAE)

TV: Abu Dhabi Sports

While you're here
The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

Scores

Wales 74-24 Tonga
England 35-15 Japan
Italy 7-26 Australia

UK-EU trade at a glance

EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years

Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products

Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries

Smoother border management with use of e-gates

Cutting red tape on import and export of food

Gulf Under 19s final

Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B

THE BIO: Martin Van Almsick

Hometown: Cologne, Germany

Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)

Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes

Favourite hobby: Football

Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk

Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

THE LIGHT

Director: Tom Tykwer

Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger

Rating: 3/5

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Sole survivors
  • Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
  • George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
  • Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
  • Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
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Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000

Available: Now

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Updated: May 09, 2025, 3:00 AM`