Buckle-up and be safe

The article on buckling-up in the Khaleej Times (April 25) was a meaningful read. It is very important to buckle-up while in the car, especially when driving at high speeds. I have seen several families allowing their children to sit at the back, and sometimes even in the front, without their seat belts. This can be very dangerous.
The write-up shows the efforts the reporter has taken to bring to light the dangers of not buckling-up. According to the reporter, the data from RoadSafetyUAE gives ample reason to believe that parents aren't setting a very good example. More than half of the adults don't buckle themselves up in the backseat. I feel it is time we adults took responsibility for our actions. And I appreciate the Khaleej Times for bringing to light such issues backed by statistics.
Vijayan S Kallunad, Dubai
The CBSE conundrum
The new policies adopted by the CBSE will put its students at a disadvantage. Firstly, it has made Hindi compulsory up to grade 10. This proves detrimental to students who would like to take up a second language. That would mean that the student would have to learn four languages in school - English, Hindi, Arabic and French - in addition to all the other subjects. The second setback is the announcement of ending the present practice of moderation in board exams. The CBSE syllabus standards are very high compared to that of other state boards in India. Now, if moderation is scrapped, students from state board schools will have an edge over CBSE students. My children are in grade 9 and 7, in the CBSE, and I sincerely request that a standardised examination paper is introduced among Indian curriculum schools so that all students are on an equal footing while gaining entry into universities.     
Salem Mohammed, Dubai