From the Editors: Kudos for new EAD resolution against environmental violations

KUDOS FOR NEW EAD RESOLUTION AGAINST ENVIRONMENTAL VIOLATIONS: Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) has issued a new resolution regarding penalties against violators of environmental regulations in the emirate, with fines ranging from Dh1,000 to Dh1 million. These penal measures shall cover all practices that harm the environment, which are not included in the current regulations. By virtue of this new resolution, EAD inspectors shall have the authority to fine facilities, projects and individuals, which in turn will help reduce the number of judicial referrals for environmental violations. Whether it is maintenance of its wetlands and bird habitats or relocation of sea turtles and safeguarding the coral reef, the UAE has always accorded the highest priority to conservation and protection of nature and keeping the environment safe and hospitable for all creatures. EAD’s move to impose stricter penalties for environmental violations is in keeping with that tradition. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

SOUTH AFRICAN STUDY OFFERS OMICRON HOPE: As Omicron variant of COVID-19 rages across the world, a study in South Africa offers a glimmer of hope. A study by South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases suggests that those infected with Omicron were 80% less likely to be hospitalised if they catch the new variant, compared to other strains, including Delta. Omicron infections are also associated with a 70% lower risk of severe disease than Delta. The data is welcome news ahead of Christmas and New Year. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that Omicron behaves the same way in other countries as it does in South Africa.[COMMENT BY: Stephen N R, Senior Associate Editor]

LEAGUE CUP: IS THERE A TROPHY IN HORIZON FOR TOTTENHAM? After 13 years of a trophy drought, Tottenham Hotspur are again within a striking distance of a trophy after making the League Cup semi-final with a 2-1 win against West Ham United on Wednesday evening. The fans’ hopes rest a lot on manager Antonio Conte, who said he is relishing the opportunity to face former club Chelsea. "For sure it'll be nice to play against Chelsea for me," Conte said. ‘’I spent two amazing seasons with Chelsea and enjoyed everything there, but now I'm the manager of Tottenham and I'm ready to give everything for this club.’’ Arsenal face Liverpool in the other semi-final.[COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

ASIA CUP UNDER-19 CRICKET TOURNAMENT GETS UNDERWAY: The Asia Cup under-19 cricket tournament, which began today in the UAE, will be followed by the Under-19 World Cup in January in the West Indies. It is make or break time for many young minds. The message that goes out to the young Turks: Don’t get nonplussed by the grand stage, enjoy the moment, have the belief that this place rightfully belongs to you. Once you cross this hurdle, many more opportunities are bound to come your way in the future. [COMMENT BY: A.K.S. Satish, Sports Editor]

FUTURE OF BIG AWARD SHOWS IN QUESTION: Hollywood’s Critics Choice Association announced it will postpone the 27th Critics Choice Awards, which was scheduled to be held in person on January 9. With the spread of the COVID-19 variant Omicron, comes questions about whether the big award shows that are coming up soon will still be able to go ahead. Music’s biggest night, the Grammy Awards, are supposed to be held on January 31. While the Academy Awards will be held in March 27. The entertainment world surely wants things to return to normal after the pandemic, which wreaked havoc on the industry, but we can’t let our guards down just yet. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]