With reference to Kyle Fitzgerald's report Mass shootings in the US surpass 400 this year (July 24): gun violence is a contemporary global human rights issue. Anyone can be affected by firearm violence worldwide, but the rising trend of gun-related injuries in several US states continues to be alarming. The gun purchase rate reached its highest level in 2021 and 2022 and gun-related deaths are rising in the US with people of non-white descent often the targets. This not only has a lasting impact on victims and their families but also deteriorates the overall human rights situation in the country.
On August 6, at least three people were killed and two injured in a mass shooting in Washington. The city has now recorded more than 150 homicides so far this year, putting it on track for the largest number of killings in more than two decades. The killings come amid a stream of shootings that have left at least a dozen people dead in the first five days of August.
As of August 1, at least 25,198 people have died from gun violence in the US this year, according to the gun violence archive – which is an average of roughly 118 deaths each day. Of those who died, 879 were teenagers and 170 were children.
When it comes to promoting democracy and human rights across the globe, the US shows up faster than any other nation. But in not curbing gun violence, the same country displays utter negligence towards its multicultural society.
Erina Haque, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Modi's 90-minute speech covered a lot of ground
With regard to Taniya Dutta's article Modi says in Independence Day speech India has 'diversity and demography' to flourish (August 15): This was an interesting read. The Indian Prime Minister's lengthy speech on the country's 77th Independence Day was about many topics and he even briefly spoke on Manipur. He addressed the development in several fields. The progress in women’s empowerment, space technology and health among others is especially laudable and was good to hear.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India
The nuisance of noisy jet skis
I am writing to highlight the matter of jet skis in our neighbourhood. For years now, we have brought the matter to the attention of the coastguard. Thankfully, every now and then, they send patrols. But the second the patrollers leave, the noise makers return. Even with doors and windows closed, it is unbearably loud.
Bassem Itani, Al Muneera Island, Abu Dhabi
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
The%20specs
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In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
Arrogate's winning run
1. Maiden Special Weight, Santa Anita Park, June 5, 2016
2. Allowance Optional Claiming, Santa Anita Park, June 24, 2016
3. Allowance Optional Claiming, Del Mar, August 4, 2016
4. Travers Stakes, Saratoga, August 27, 2016
5. Breeders' Cup Classic, Santa Anita Park, November 5, 2016
6. Pegasus World Cup, Gulfstream Park, January 28, 2017
7. Dubai World Cup, Meydan Racecourse, March 25, 2017
All you need to know about Formula E in Saudi Arabia
What The Saudia Ad Diriyah E-Prix
When Saturday
Where Diriyah in Saudi Arabia
What time Qualifying takes place from 11.50am UAE time through until the Super Pole session, which is due to end at 12.55pm. The race, which will last for 45 minutes, starts at 4.05pm.
Who is competing There are 22 drivers, from 11 teams, on the grid, with each vehicle run solely on electronic power.
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Civil%20War
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THE%20STRANGERS'%20CASE
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