Even before the pandemic, if there was one part of a plane most people were usually uncomfortable with, it would probably be the lavatory.
Throw in the fact that one has to twist a doorknob to get in, and it's clear why people might be hesitant about entering the washroom on a plane in the era of Covid-19.
In light of this, Japanese airline All Nippon Airways is currently testing out a bathroom door concept, whereby the doorknob can be opened and closed using an elbow.
How it works
The prototype comprises a handle that can be pushed using an elbow to open or close the door.
There is also a latch that slides to lock and unlock the door.
The novel lavatory door has been jointly developed with Jamco, an aircraft engine parts and interior supplier company. It is currently being trialled in the ANA lounge at Hadeda Airport in Japan.
A spokesperson for ANA told the BBC that some of its planes were already fitted with sensor taps in the lavatories. At first, the airline explored the option of opening the toilet door by foot, but developed the idea further, due to safety reasons amid "turbulence [when] passengers might lose their balance".
However, according to its website, Jamco is also looking into mechanisms such as foot pedals to enable toilet lids and seats to be raised and lowered, hands-free waste flaps and contactless faucets (which use infrared sensors).
As of now, it is not clear if the doorknob will pass regulations and get rolled out in the ANA network.
But they certainly might make heading to the toilet while onboard a much more pleasant experience.
The leading Japanese airline is known for its hygiene and cleanliness. It was named the world’s cleanest airline in the world in 2018 by the Skytrax World Airline Awards, which is based on passenger ratings, and came in third place, in the same category, in 2019.
Recent winners
2002 Giselle Khoury (Colombia)
2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)
2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)
2007 Grace Bijjani (Mexico)
2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)
2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)
2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)
2011 Maria Farah (Canada)
2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)
2013 Layla Yarak (Australia)
2014 Lia Saad (UAE)
2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)
2016 Yosmely Massaad (Venezuela)
2017 Dima Safi (Ivory Coast)
2018 Rachel Younan (Australia)
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
Frankenstein in Baghdad
Ahmed Saadawi
Penguin Press
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
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Tightening the screw on rogue recruiters
The UAE overhauled the procedure to recruit housemaids and domestic workers with a law in 2017 to protect low-income labour from being exploited.
Only recruitment companies authorised by the government are permitted as part of Tadbeer, a network of labour ministry-regulated centres.
A contract must be drawn up for domestic workers, the wages and job offer clearly stating the nature of work.
The contract stating the wages, work entailed and accommodation must be sent to the employee in their home country before they depart for the UAE.
The contract will be signed by the employer and employee when the domestic worker arrives in the UAE.
Only recruitment agencies registered with the ministry can undertake recruitment and employment applications for domestic workers.
Penalties for illegal recruitment in the UAE include fines of up to Dh100,000 and imprisonment
But agents not authorised by the government sidestep the law by illegally getting women into the country on visit visas.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Key facilities
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- Premier League-standard football pitch
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- 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
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The%20Genius%20of%20Their%20Age
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
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MATCH INFO
Manchester City 6 Huddersfield Town 1
Man City: Agüero (25', 35', 75'), Jesus (31'), Silva (48'), Kongolo (84' og)
Huddersfield: Stankovic (43')
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
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Torque: 985Nm
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The specs: 2019 Lincoln MKC
Price, base / as tested: Dh169,995 / Dh192,045
Engine: Turbocharged, 2.0-litre, in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power: 253hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 389Nm @ 2,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 10.7L / 100km
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
