Photo: ISRO Official
Photo: ISRO Official
Photo: ISRO Official
Photo: ISRO Official


India's epic Moon landing and the incredible scientists that made it happen


The National
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August 25, 2023

With regard to Taniya Dutta's report India's Chandrayaan-3 rover takes first steps on the Moon (August 24): Well done and many congratulations to our neighbours.

Ijaz Afridi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

There has been some cynicism regarding the cost of India's Moon mission given that poverty is still an issue in the country. It took Elon Musk to put it in perspective when he commented on a tweet that the Chandrayaan-3 mission cost less than Christopher Nolan's space film Interstellar – $75million versus $165million.

Kunal Rishiraj, Dubai, India

Congratulations to India on this successful mission. Landing a rover on the moon's south pole is a first even as three other nations have been to the moon. Wishing India much success in the space programme in years ahead. And many congratulations to the scientists at the Indian Space Research organisation for all their hard work.

Roy R, Kathmandu, Nepal

It's a momentous occasion for one of our members from Brics.

Wanda WT, Scarborough, Western Cape, South Africa

It was great to watch the landing live and see the scientists rejoice. I'm proud of my nation.

Hussain Udepurwala, Ajman

A remarkable achievement.

Sergey Shevchenko, Mykolayiv, Ukraine

That's one for the ages.

Aasif Jeelani, Bengaluru, India

Useful supplies from the UAE to Ukrainian pupils

With reference to the report UAE sends thousands of school bags and laptops to Ukrainian pupils (August 23): This is wonderful. Great to see the follow up to last year's pledge of $100 million in humanitarian aid that the UAE made to Ukraine. And it's lovely that useful personal supplies are being sent – blankets and lightning equipment will come in handy, like the medical and food supplies that have already been sent.

Gillian Bell, Dubai

India's cricket batting order looking good

With reference to the report KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer return to India squad for Asia Cup 2023 (August 21): This Asia Cup update was good news for the Indian side. Two prominent players who are under treatment are returning to the squad. This will bode well for the matches. Fans of both will be delighted to see them play. I too am an admirer of the two classic batsmen, even though of course other players make the squad powerful. Cricket is a game liked by the young and old, especially in South-Asian countries and a few western countries. Here's wishing the Indian squad all the best for the coming season and the all-important Cricket World Cup.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India

if you go

The flights

Etihad flies direct from Abu Dhabi to San Francisco from Dh5,760 return including taxes. 

The car

Etihad Guest members get a 10 per cent worldwide discount when booking with Hertz, as well as earning miles on their rentals (more at www.hertz.com/etihad). A week's car hire costs from Dh1,500 including taxes.

The hotels

Along the route, Motel 6 (www.motel6.com) offers good value and comfort, with rooms from $55 (Dh202) per night including taxes. In Portland, the Jupiter Hotel (https://jupiterhotel.com/) has rooms from $165 (Dh606) per night including taxes. The Society Hotel https://thesocietyhotel.com/ has rooms from $130 (Dh478) per night including taxes. 

More info

To keep up with constant developments in Portland, visit www.travelportland.com

 

Explainer: Tanween Design Programme

Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.

The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.

It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.

The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.

Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas

Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa

Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong

Rating: 3/5

Updated: August 25, 2023, 3:00 AM