From the Editors: New coronavirus mutation, this time from Brazil

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Another mutation of the virus: The UK has been hammered by the coronavirus and is one of the worst hit countries in Europe. And with news of yet another mutation being found, this time from Brazil, fears understandably were growing. Thankfully, scientists have now said that the new strain is ‘not a variant of concern’ and this comes as a huge sigh of relief. It feels like the only bit of good news we have had here lately what with the number of new COVID-19 infections rising every single day and the number of deaths soaring too. But, it has still led to travellers from South America and Portugal being temporarily banned from entering the country. This has not gone down well with Portugal's government who have described the decision as "absurd" and illogical". It is not. The UK recorded almost 50,000 new cases yesterday along with 1,248 deaths. As difficult as it is, banning people from entering from countries with mutations of the virus is the right thing to do - Imran Malik, Assistant Editor Image Credit: Reuters

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The show must go on in Bollywood: After what seems like a year since cinemas went dark in India, Bollywood is finally ready for a bumper 2021 with big-ticket releases that could finally set the cash registers ringing again. The new normal has seen a spate of releases find their way to the small screen with streaming platforms cashing in on the pandemic. But Bollywood showcasers are striking back with 2021 holding promise that some star-studded adventures will unspool on the big screen, with audience perhaps spoilt for choice in the coming months with films starring Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Ranveer Singh in the pipeline. Traditionally, Bollywood’s heroes are counted on to save the day, but this time, showcasers will be looking at audiences to head back to the cinemas. One can only hope the show will go on once again - Bindu Rai Entertainment Editor Image Credit: Supplied

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Maintain a vigil against fraud: Many of us have been through this — an anonymous caller identifying himself as representing our bank or, even the police or central bank, saying that our account has been frozen and seek to update details. This tactic has been the bane of several unsuspecting people into falling victims of bank fraud. It is important to keep in mind that no bank or the government bodies will ever make such a call. So maintain your vigil, and stay safe - Somshankar Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Editor Image Credit: i stock

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Can Biden’s bazooka turn around US economy?: President elect Joe Biden’s proposed $1.9 trillion economic rescue package is significantly larger than President Barack Obama’s post financial crisis stimulus. Biden team is confident that the big spending will bring a roaring rebound to the economy. Obviously, Biden does not want to repeat the Obama era slow and insufficient response. Although law makers and economists have greater appetite for deficits now than in 2009, there are some real concerns that the new package is an overkill on top of the $900 billion and $2.2 trillion packages passed in December and March that will saddle the economy with unprecedented debt burden and runaway inflation in the near future - Babu Das Augustine, Banking Editor Image Credit: AP

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New direction for Wayne Rooney: England said farewell to one of the brightest careers as Wayne Rooney, the former Manchester United and England star, ended his illustrious playing career to take up the job of managing Derby on a full-time basis. While his Championship side have been struggling of late, the former Manchester United, Everton and England striker will always be remembered for his predatory instinct in front of goal. Rooney hangs up his boots as all-time leading goalscorer for United and his country. He is also the second-highest goalscorer in Premier League history — behind only Alan Shearer — with 208 goals. Now the big question is, can he make the transition into management, where so many other stars have failed? We shall have to wait and see - Matt Smith, Sports Editor Image Credit: Reuters

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From the Editors: New coronavirus mutation, this time from Brazil

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From the Editors: New coronavirus mutation, this time from Brazil

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