I write to you in reference to Samanth Subramanian's article India exit polls show Narendra Modi winning another five years as prime minister (May 19).
Exit polls can be misleading. One of the lessons of the present election is that stretching them out over seven weeks is not such a good idea. Granted, 900 million citizens have to vote, and it is difficult to achieve this in one day. The drawn-out process was filled with inflammatory comments between candidates, leading to rancour and acrimony. These elections have been among the most divisive in the last 70 years.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
It seems the outcome of these polls gives relief to the BJP-led NDA alliance, but the increasing vote share for other parties cannot be overlooked.
Also, the BJP has lost a few seats in recent state elections, which will certainly have an impact on the results of the general election. Whichever parties come to power in India, the country’s secular values must not be damaged anymore, at any cost. Unfortunately, this is where the attention is lacking.
Ramachandran Nair, Muscat
Mahatma Gandhi’s killer is no hero, shame on his supporters
I write to you in reference to your article Outrage over BJP candidate's praise for Mahatma Gandhi's assassin (May 17).
The recent comments by BJP candidate Pragya Singh Thakur, condoning Nathuram Godse, the assassin who killed India’s founding father Mahatma Gandhi, is simply appalling. Mrs Thakur referred to Gandhi’s killer as a patriot, a horrific comment which gave the opportunity for opposing parties to criticise the ruling NDA Government.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned her comment. Political leaders should be very careful about what they say in public, as others could be enticed to act upon their comments. Although Mrs Thakur later apologised, her comment has distressed people all over India and only contributed to fuel hate.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru
This Ramadan, take a stand to cut back on food waste
I write to you in reference to Patrick Ryan's article Ramadan food waste: hotels and restaurants urged to cut back on lavish displays and leftovers (May 19).
It would be much better to give this money and food to the poor so that they do not go to bed hungry.
Asad Sye, Vancouver
The Orwell Prize for Political Writing
Twelve books were longlisted for The Orwell Prize for Political Writing. The non-fiction works cover various themes from education, gender bias, and the environment to surveillance and political power. Some of the books that made it to the non-fiction longlist include:
- Appeasing Hitler: Chamberlain, Churchill and the Road to War by Tim Bouverie
- Some Kids I Taught and What They Taught Me by Kate Clanchy
- Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez
- Follow Me, Akhi: The Online World of British Muslims by Hussein Kesvani
- Guest House for Young Widows: Among the Women of ISIS by Azadeh Moaveni
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Results
1. New Zealand Daniel Meech – Fine (name of horse), Richard Gardner – Calisto, Bruce Goodin - Backatorps Danny V, Samantha McIntosh – Check In. Team total First round: 200.22; Second round: 201.75 – Penalties 12 (jump-off 40.16 seconds) Prize €64,000
2. Ireland Cameron Hanley – Aiyetoro, David Simpson – Keoki, Paul Kennedy – Cartown Danger Mouse, Shane Breen – Laith. Team total 200.25/202.84 – P 12 (jump-off 51.79 – P17) Prize €40,000
3. Italy Luca Maria Moneta – Connery, Luca Coata – Crandessa, Simone Coata – Dardonge, Natale Chiaudani – Almero. Team total 130.82/198.-4 – P20. Prize €32,000
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Read more from Mina Al-Oraibi
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.
Mia Man’s tips for fermentation
- Start with a simple recipe such as yogurt or sauerkraut
- Keep your hands and kitchen tools clean. Sanitize knives, cutting boards, tongs and storage jars with boiling water before you start.
- Mold is bad: the colour pink is a sign of mold. If yogurt turns pink as it ferments, you need to discard it and start again. For kraut, if you remove the top leaves and see any sign of mold, you should discard the batch.
- Always use clean, closed, airtight lids and containers such as mason jars when fermenting yogurt and kraut. Keep the lid closed to prevent insects and contaminants from getting in.
Left Bank: Art, Passion and Rebirth of Paris 1940-1950
Agnes Poirer, Bloomsbury
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
