Awaiting an astronaut's return to Earth
With reference to Sarwat Nasir's piece Will Russia bring home American astronaut from International Space Station? (March 15): political differences should not be construed as hatred or animosity. The scientific exploration of space is for all on Earth. Let's hope the astronaut Mark Vande Hei lands back safely on the Soyuz spacecraft due on March 30.
Nazim Hasan Khan, Uttar Pradesh, India
A long overdue reunion and return home
With reference to the report by Laura O'Callaghan and Paul Peachey Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori reunited with families after return to UK (March 16): I feel so relieved and happy that Ms Zaghari and Mr Ashoori are finally reunited with their spouses and children. Their families have really fought hard and stood by their cause for all these long years. Both the British-Iranian dual citizens being released and on that flight back home was such heartening news.
Pauline Van Lelyveld, Blantyre, Malawi
How much do the UN's orders determine Russia's moves?
With reference to the report UN orders Russia to end Ukraine invasion (March 16): Sadly, the ruling doesn't mean much. Russia doesn't grant the ICJ jurisdiction over citizens of their country, the same as the US. Furthermore, the UN can't do much besides voice criticism. As a permanent member of the Security Council, Russia has full veto authority over any substantive UN action.
Rodney Edens, North Carolina, US
Tough choices for Ukrainians
With reference to Michael Young's op-ed Notes for Kyiv today, from Beirut in '82 (March 16): the Ukrainians should be encouraged to leave as soon as possible through the humanitarian corridors that have been set up. We have seen what is happening to the cities. Kyiv could become another Grozny and Aleppo. Nobody in Ukraine wants that.
Alii Rosanna, Dubai
I have a friend who just escaped from Kryvyi Rih in central Ukraine. She has no family left so she is looking for places that she can emigrate to. But others have sick mothers and fathers and it is their home. She cries everyday for her friends that are stuck or fighting or hiding in bomb shelters. I think the President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is doing what Ukranians want and doing it well. The memories of the west's invasions in the Middle East, the senseless killings by over a million combined, and what led up to that is still so fresh. I truly feel for the civilians in Ukraine. I hope peace prevails.
Bert Monroe, Washington, US
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Types of bank fraud
1) Phishing
Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.
2) Smishing
The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.
3) Vishing
The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.
4) SIM swap
Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.
5) Identity theft
Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.
6) Prize scams
Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.
If you go
The flights
Etihad (etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Luang Prabang via Bangkok, with a return flight from Chiang Rai via Bangkok for about Dh3,000, including taxes. Emirates and Thai Airways cover the same route, also via Bangkok in both directions, from about Dh2,700.
The cruise
The Gypsy by Mekong Kingdoms has two cruising options: a three-night, four-day trip upstream cruise or a two-night, three-day downstream journey, from US$5,940 (Dh21,814), including meals, selected drinks, excursions and transfers.
The hotels
Accommodation is available in Luang Prabang at the Avani, from $290 (Dh1,065) per night, and at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort from $1,080 (Dh3,967) per night, including meals, an activity and transfers.
Cherry
Directed by: Joe and Anthony Russo
Starring: Tom Holland, Ciara Bravo
1/5
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
SUZUME
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