I write to you in reference to your story Indians demand justice after woman is gang-raped and killed (December 2).
Once again, India is unfortunately in the news for the rape and murder of a young woman, this time a doctor who was brutally gang-raped and killed in the southern city of Hyderabad.
Similar gruesome events have taken place in Delhi, Rajasthan and Kerala during the past few days. This is truly horrendous.
The central government, as well as individual states, have a responsibility to protect their female citizens. They need to tackle this issue seriously and once and for all. Women should be able to feel safe in their own country.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
It is a very bad idea to open an aircraft’s cabin door during flight
I write to you in reference to Jack Dutton's piece Man tries to open cabin door during British Airways flight to Saudi Arabia (December 3).
This piece told the shocking story of an aircraft passenger who attempted to open the cabin door while the plane was still in the air.
Luckily the man was stopped before he managed to open the door and his own life – along with those of the other passengers – were saved.
Such incidents are thankfully rare. But there are so many things that we don’t know about what appears to be an irrational act. I hope the authorities look into the matter.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru
There is so much more we could do to put an end to animal cruelty
I write to you in reference to Gianfranco di Gennaro's letter to the editor We need more stories about stray cats and those who care for them, published in yesterday's paper.
I completely agree with Mr Di Gennaro. I think we also need to raise public awareness to tackle the problem of animal cruelty, both against stray animals and pets.
Elize van Wyk, UAE
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
England's all-time record goalscorers:
Wayne Rooney 53
Bobby Charlton 49
Gary Lineker 48
Jimmy Greaves 44
Michael Owen 40
Tom Finney 30
Nat Lofthouse 30
Alan Shearer 30
Viv Woodward 29
Frank Lampard 29
China and the UAE agree comprehensive strategic partnership
China and the UAE forged even closer links between the two countries during the landmark state visit after finalising a ten-point agreement on a range of issues, from international affairs to the economy and trade and renewable energy.
1. Politics: The two countries agreed to support each other on issues of security and to work together on regional and international challenges. The nations also confirmed that the number of high-level state visits between China and the UAE will increase.
2. Economy: The UAE offers its full support to China's Belt and Road Initiative, which will combine a land 'economic belt" and a "maritime silk road" that will link China with the Arabian Gulf as well as Southeast, South and Central China, North Africa and, eventually, Europe.
3. Business and innovation: The two nations are committed to exploring new partnerships in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, energy, the aviation and transport industries and have vowed to build economic co-operation through the UAE-China Business Committee.
4. Education, science and technology: The Partnership Programme between Arab countries in Science and Technology will encourage young Emirati scientists to conduct research in China, while the nations will work together on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, renewable energy and space projects.
5. Renewable energy and water: The two countries will partner to develop renewable energy schemes and work to reduce climate change. The nations have also reiterated their support for the Abu Dhabi-based International Renewable Energy Agency.
6. Oil and gas: The UAE and China will work in partnership in the crude oil trade and the exploration and development of oil and natural gas resources.
7. Military and law enforcement and security fields: Joint training will take place between the Chinese and UAE armed forces, while the two nations will step up efforts to combat terrorism and organised crime.
8. Culture and humanitarian issues: Joint cultural projects will be developed and partnerships will be cultivated on the preservation of heritage, contemporary art and tourism.
9. Movement between countries: China and the UAE made clear their intent to encourage travel between the countries through a wide-ranging visa waiver agreement.
10. Implementing the strategic partnership: The Intergovernmental Co-operation Committee, established last year, will be used to ensure the objectives of the partnership are implemented.
