Mumbai could learn a great deal from Dubai when it comes to maintaining open spaces in the city. In the Mumbai 2034 Plan released last week, about 3,000 hectares of urban land will be released for development after various non-development zones were unlocked. This is certain to further increase congestion and traffic jams in a crammed city.
Mumbai is becoming increasingly unliveable due to massive industrial and housing development, few and congested roads and poor transport infrastructure. Many of the projects designed to rectify the situation do not come to fruition. The monorail project tracks and rails, for instance, have been ready for more than five years now. And in spite of that, the monorail service still has not commenced.
The government must simply stop building both commercial and residential developments in Mumbai.
Fresh construction should be undertaken in new green field projects, like New Mumbai, beyond the city limits. And within Mumbai, the focus should be on decongestion and efficient maintenance to reverse some of the damage already done.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
For the Rohingya in Myanmar, a cruel paradox endures
I write in reference to your article UN team begins bid to resolve Rohingya refugee crisis (April 28): I hope this UN team is successful in reigning in the rogue army of Myanmar, a nation led by a Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi. What a cruel paradox.
Name withheld by request
Asaram Bapu conviction will serve as a warning to others
I write in reference to your article Indian guru sentenced to life for raping teenage girl (April 26): half a decade after popular Indian guru Asaram Bapu raped a teenage girl, justice has caught up with him, with the Indian judiciary delivering this verdict on April 25.
On the one hand, I pity the millions of followers of the 77-year-old guru for being duped. On the other, the severity of his crimes simply cannot be ignored.
This judgment is a good one and should be an eye-opener for other gurus and high profile people who indulge in this kind of disgusting behaviour.
It is encouraging that justice can ultimately be dispensed, despite a long delay.
K Ragavan, Denver
Healthy food and exercise are best way to reduce obesity
I write in reference to your article Gastric balloons to be offered to children to help tackle obesity (April 30): these children need to eat more healthily and move more.
We need more outdoor areas and affordable activities that inspire children to leave their iPads at home.
Casey Corley, Abu Dhabi
Company%20Profile
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Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Company%20Profile
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Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Company%20profile
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The specs
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: nine-speed
Power: 542bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: Dh848,000
On sale: now
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The specs
Engine: 2-litre or 3-litre 4Motion all-wheel-drive Power: 250Nm (2-litre); 340 (3-litre) Torque: 450Nm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Starting price: From Dh212,000 On sale: Now
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
GREATEST ROYAL RUMBLE CARD
The line-up as it stands for the Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia on April 27
50-man Royal Rumble
Universal Championship
Brock Lesnar (champion) v Roman Reigns
Casket match
The Undertaker v Rusev
Intercontinental Championship
Seth Rollins (champion) v The Miz v Finn Balor v Samoa Joe
SmackDown Tag Team Championship
The Bludgeon Brothers v The Usos
Raw Tag Team Championship
Sheamus and Cesaro v Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy
United States Championship
Jeff Hardy (champion) v Jinder Mahal
Singles match
Triple H v John Cena
To be confirmed
AJ Styles will defend his WWE World Heavyweight title and Cedric Alexander his Cruiserweight Championship, but matches have yet to be announced
Other promotions
- Deliveroo will team up with Pineapple Express to offer customers near JLT a special treat: free banana caramel dessert with all orders on January 26
- Jones the Grocer will have their limited edition Australia Day menu available until the end of the month (January 31)
- Australian Vet in Abu Dhabi (with locations in Khalifa City A and Reem Island) will have a 15 per cent off all store items (excluding medications)
Name: Brendalle Belaza
From: Crossing Rubber, Philippines
Arrived in the UAE: 2007
Favourite place in Abu Dhabi: NYUAD campus
Favourite photography style: Street photography
Favourite book: Harry Potter
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
More from Armen Sarkissian
Company Profile:
Name: The Protein Bakeshop
Date of start: 2013
Founders: Rashi Chowdhary and Saad Umerani
Based: Dubai
Size, number of employees: 12
Funding/investors: $400,000 (2018)
