KHDA provides relief to private schools in Dubai, Dialogue the way forward, and more, Gulf News Editors comment on the top stories of Mar 11

KHDA PROVIDES RELIEF TO PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN DUBAI: Private schools in Dubai got some relief from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) as they are now allowed to increase tuition fee by three per cent for the 2023-24 academic years. The approved fee increase takes into account the economic situation as well as the operational costs of running a private school while maintaining the quality of education. This is the first tuition fee increase in the last three years. Parents, however, have the options to choose schools that match their financial and academic requirements. [COMMENT BY: Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor]

DIALOGUE THE WAY FORWARD: Friday witnessed two major breakthroughs. The first one obviously is Saudi Arabia and Iran deciding to restore relations after seven years of tensions. Good neighbourly relations are essential for peace, stability and prosperity of the region. The landmark decision will hopefully have a positive impact on Yemen, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq. Riyadh and Tehran must now work on removing all misunderstandings and building trust in their relationship. The reconciliation agreement struck in Beijing also represents a major diplomatic victory for the Chinese. The second positive development is the summit between French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. It was the first summit of Europe’s two biggest military and nuclear powers in five years. Sunak struck a deal with Macron to curb cross-Channel immigration in small boats, as they sought to turn the page on years of Anglo-French acrimony. Ties between the countries have been strained by Brexit. [COMMENT BY: Stephen N.R., Senior Associate Editor]

BAVUMA SCORES FIRST CENTURY IN SEVEN YEARS: Temba Bavuma, the new Test captain of South Africa, scored his first Test century in seven years during the third day of the second Test against West Indies. His unbeaten 171 helped his team to a strong position at 287-7 in their second innings at the Wanderers Stadium, giving them an overall lead of 356. Bavuma has hit 20 half-centuries in 56 Tests but his last came all the way back in January 2016 against England. It has been a long journey for the batsman during that seven-year period with more downs than ups but with a solid display now under his belt will be confident that he can continue to shine and help his side to victory. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]

SPOTLIGHT ON MARRIAGE BETWEEN NARESH AND PAVIDRA LOKESH: We have been awash with weddings of Indian celebrities aged no more than 30-35 (think Sid-Kiara or Katrina-Vicky) that when an older actor enters into wedlock, it raises eyebrows. The marriage between Telugu actors Naresh and Pavitra Lokesh gained attention — or rather notoriety — in some circles because of their age. Naresh, better known as the step brother of Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu, is nearly six decades old and has married for the fourth time, to Lokesh, 45, a prominent actress in Karnataka and the Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Yes, Naresh is yet to get a divorce from his estranged partner, but the trend of older people choosing to live with the people they desire must be normalised. Romance needn't be the domain of 20-30 somethings. [COMMENT BY: Rajagopalan Venkataraman, Assistant Editor-Features]