From the Editors: The buzz around Gulf News EduFair is unmistakable

THE BUZZ AROUND GULF NEWS EDUFAIR IS UNMISTAKABLE: As academic institutes across the UAE return to in-classroom learning, it is indeed in the fitness of things that the latest edition of Gulf News EduFair is being conducted as a physical event, where exhibitors and visitors can come face-to-face for real interactions. The very first day of the three-day event, that got under way in Dubai on Thursday, saw a lot of enthusiasm among students and parents who wanted to know first-hand what future course of study as well as choice of institutions they can weigh upon. With the UAE emerging as an extremely sought-after destination for higher studies, events such as Gulf News EduFair will go a long way, particularly when they are held face-to-face, in bolstering the confidence of the student community, guardians and parents, as well as educators. [COMMENT by Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

DARKER DAYS AHEAD FOR LEBANESE: Angry Lebanese returned to the streets on Thursday to protest against another round of pain coming their way. Ironically, even the politicians are crying foul and attacked governor Riad Salameh for ending fuel subsidies. The growing anger and discontent came just a week after one of the biggest demonstrations was held to mark the anniversary of horrific Beirut blast. The cost of petrol is expected to at least triple, according to projections. Sadly, protests have become a part of the Lebanese life. The protesters may be smaller in number but they represent the anger and frustration of a majority of the Lebanese. The loss of fuel subsidies would open a new phase in the financial crisis that has sunk the value of Lebanon’s currency by more than 90% since 2019 and thrown more than half the population into poverty. With the government and central bank adopting conflicting positions, there may be a huge shortage of fuel due to inadequate supply. [COMMENT by Stephen N.R., Senior Asociate Editor]

BRILLIANT RAHUL CENTURY PUNISHES ENGLAND AT LORD'S: On the first day of the second Test, KL Rahul’s century for India punished England at Lord’s. It was a demoralizing day for the hosts who put India in to bat only to watch them rack up a huge total. Playing with elegance and style, Rahul hit 127 not out while Rohit Sharma made a superb 83. Their opening stand of 126 gave them a solid start and it took a sublime delivery from James Anderson to remove Sharma. India captain Virat Kohli added 42 in a third-wicket partnership of 117 with Rahul before Ollie Robinson got the wicket of the skipper and then Anderson removed Cheteshwar Pujara. At the close of play India are on 276-3 and are in a great position to take complete control of the match. The rain came to England’s rescue in the drawn first Test at Trent Bridge but the forecast in London is dry and sunny and with a true pitch to bat on, India look likely to build up a head of steam. [COMMENT by Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

REMEMBERING A LEGEND: Bollywood actress Sridevi, who would have turned 58 today, spread joy and wonder through her movies over the years. Her memory lives on in the minds of her family and countless fans, in the time following her accidental death on February 24, 2018. Time has flown by since that tragic day but Sridevi’s legacy burns bright thanks to her daughters Janhvi and Khushi, the oldest of which has been forging a movie career of her own and often posts about her mother. In her most recent tribute Janhvi wrote: “Happy birthday Mumma. I miss you. Everything is for you, always, every day. I love you.” [COMMENT by Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor - Features]