A picture of US Airman Aaron Bushnell at a vigil in Times Square, New York City, on February 27, along with a picture of a Palestinian family and a list of names of Palestinians, now over 30,000, killed in the war. Getty Images via AFP
A picture of US Airman Aaron Bushnell at a vigil in Times Square, New York City, on February 27, along with a picture of a Palestinian family and a list of names of Palestinians, now over 30,000, killed in the war. Getty Images via AFP
A picture of US Airman Aaron Bushnell at a vigil in Times Square, New York City, on February 27, along with a picture of a Palestinian family and a list of names of Palestinians, now over 30,000, killed in the war. Getty Images via AFP
A picture of US Airman Aaron Bushnell at a vigil in Times Square, New York City, on February 27, along with a picture of a Palestinian family and a list of names of Palestinians, now over 30,000, kill


Aaron Bushnell's final act and the suffering in Gaza


The National
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March 01, 2024

With reference to the editorial Aaron Bushnell's self-immolation reflects the tragedy of inaction over Gaza (February 27): Aaron's act of protest, although extreme, reveals the intense psychological suffering that millions are experiencing around the world as they witness, on a daily basis, Israel, supported by the US, constantly bombard the Palestinian people in Gaza.

Deepest condolences to the family and friends of this young man, who in this final act, showed a depth of compassion for his fellow human beings. May he rest in eternal peace.

Michael Jattan, Blanchisseuse, Trinidad and Tobago

Desperate food shortages in Gaza

With reference to Nagham Mohanna and Mina Aldroubi's report Two-month-old baby dies of malnutrition amid UN warning of 'explosion' in child deaths (February 25): What is the world doing about this? It is not enough to hear that a potential ceasefire might happen with yet more rounds of talks. The atrocities and deaths have to stop. There must be an immediate and permanent peace. It is a horrible reality that babies are dying because there is just no milk and food.

Leila Almaeena, Abu Dhabi

How to countering the counterfeits

With regard to the editorial The Middle East is a Wild West for intellectual property (February 23): this highlighted an alarming scenario that has gotten more complicated with advancements in technology. Counterfeit goods are a threat to several industries and to genuine brands. Since there are many online buying sites, it can be challenging to determine the identity and origin of products.

The use-and-throw mentality of some people has to an extent replaced traditional buying. So some consumers no longer consider the quality of the goods as they once used to, perhaps. As stated in the report, authorities could find it increasingly difficult to recognise authentic products due to savvy use of technology. A regionally co-ordinated effort could assist resolve these problems to a degree. To prevent the import of fake goods, legal frameworks also need to be tightened.

Ramachandran Nair, Muscat, Oman

A milestone in India's space history

With reference to Taniya Dutta's article India introduces four-member crew for its Gaganyaan space mission (February 27): The first trip to space by the four Air Force officers is another milestone in India's post-Independence history. As the Prime Minister rightly said, this crew reflects the optimism, hope and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. The country has dramatically developed in the space arena thanks to the brilliant scientists. Wishing the crew every success in this mission.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India

The specs: 2018 Audi RS5

Price, base: Dh359,200

Engine: 2.9L twin-turbo V6

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Power: 450hp at 5,700rpm

Torque: 600Nm at 1,900rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 8.7L / 100km

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Temple numbers

Expected completion: 2022

Height: 24 meters

Ground floor banquet hall: 370 square metres to accommodate about 750 people

Ground floor multipurpose hall: 92 square metres for up to 200 people

First floor main Prayer Hall: 465 square metres to hold 1,500 people at a time

First floor terrace areas: 2,30 square metres  

Temple will be spread over 6,900 square metres

Structure includes two basements, ground and first floor 

A State of Passion

Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi

Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah

Rating: 4/5

Sinopharm vaccine explained

The Sinopharm vaccine was created using techniques that have been around for decades. 

“This is an inactivated vaccine. Simply what it means is that the virus is taken, cultured and inactivated," said Dr Nawal Al Kaabi, chair of the UAE's National Covid-19 Clinical Management Committee.

"What is left is a skeleton of the virus so it looks like a virus, but it is not live."

This is then injected into the body.

"The body will recognise it and form antibodies but because it is inactive, we will need more than one dose. The body will not develop immunity with one dose," she said.

"You have to be exposed more than one time to what we call the antigen."

The vaccine should offer protection for at least months, but no one knows how long beyond that.

Dr Al Kaabi said early vaccine volunteers in China were given shots last spring and still have antibodies today.

“Since it is inactivated, it will not last forever," she said.

Famous left-handers

- Marie Curie

- Jimi Hendrix

- Leonardo Di Vinci

- David Bowie

- Paul McCartney

- Albert Einstein

- Jack the Ripper

- Barack Obama

- Helen Keller

- Joan of Arc

Updated: March 01, 2024, 3:00 AM`