From the Editors: Dubai's big step for commuter safety

DUBAI TAKES ANOTHER GIANT STEP TO ENSURE SAFETY OF COMMUTERS: Dubai has taken another giant step for security and safety of commuters and the public transport system in the emirate. Dubai Police have announced plans to introduce a foolproof facial recognition system to ensure more security for residents using the metro. Using artificial intelligence, Dubai government is doing its best to ensure safety of the expanding mass transit system. Establishing a state-of-the art training facility at the newly opened Transport Security Department in Dubai is a timely step, as it will also help train security personnel using advanced technologies. Now, it is the duty of every commuter to cooperate with the authorities concern for hassle free commuting in the city. [COMMENT BY: Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor]

EVERYONE SHOULD GET EQUAL ACCESS TO VACCINE: With COVID-19 cases surging across the world, there are growing fears that access to the vaccine will not be equitable and widespread, despite positive news on development of the medicines. This point came up for discussion as G20 nations gathered for a virtual summit on Saturday hosted by Saudi Arabia. It is the responsibility of nations with the means to ensure that they create the conditions for affordable and equitable access to vaccines for all people. COVID-19 has been a disease that has not discriminated against rich or poor; the treatment for this pandemic should not, either. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

With his team top of the English Premier League, Jose Mourinho showed the old dog still has a few tricks up his sleeve. Tottenham Hotspur somehow defeated Manchester City 2-0 in London on Saturday night, taking everything Pep Guardiola’s side threw at them and emerging victorious, staggering with arms aloft like Sylvester Stallone at the end of a Rocky film. The stats were staggering too: Spurs faced 22 shots, 10 corners and City had 66 per cent possession, yet Mourinho’s defensive stalwarts held firm to take the three points that have now placed them as one of the favourites for the Premier League title. [COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

The news that the Indian Narcotics Control Bureau has arrested comedienne Bharti Singh and her husband Harsh Limbachiya for alleged possession and consumption of banned drugs has come as a major shock for the industry. Singh has been known for the comedic portrayals on popular TV shows and has been seen as wholesome celebrity. She and her husband are innocent until proven guilty, but it’s eye-opening to know that anyone can get caught up in such illicit tangles. The truth will come out eventually. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]