Single biometric access at Dubai airport and Rupert Murdoch’s retirement, Gulf News Editors comment on September 22 trending news

A GAMECHANGER IN AIR TRAVEL: The future of air travel is here, and it’s set to revolutionise the way we navigate airports. Dubai International Airport’s plans to implement a single biometric access system — using facial recognition technology — is a gamechanger. It promises to streamline the airport experience, from check-in to boarding, making it smoother and more efficient for passengers. By eliminating the need for traditional check-in and immigration counters, the biometric system will reduce wait times and increase passenger capacity. While technology advances, human roles will evolve rather than disappear. Airport staff will shift towards more analytical and monitoring roles, ensuring the security and efficiency of these systems. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

END OF RUPERT MURDOCH ERA: Rupert Murdoch’s retirement signifies the conclusion of an era in the media sector. His ‘renowned’ seven-decade career marked the establishment of a worldwide media realm, and now, his son Lachlan Murdoch is primed to take the helm. This transition occurs at a time of media turbulence due to deteriorating traditional television audiences and legal battles over alleged misinformation in the digital age. Murdoch’s legacy is complex, shaped by both influence and controversy. Despite maintaining its supremacy, Fox News grapples with legal disputes and critical scrutiny. Will the American business magnate’s exit see a shift in agenda-driven journalism and enter a bright new era of storytelling? Only time will tell. (By Nivetha Dayanand, Web Editor)

A SPACE VENTURE WORTH WATCHING: All eyes are on NASA’s first mission to retrieve an asteroid sample and return it to US soil. If all goes well, scientists hope the material, that is expected to descend into the Utah desert on Sunday, will provide humanity with a better understanding of the solar system and how the Earth became habitable. Once the capsule is on the ground, a team will check its condition and scientists will study it over days. It will be some time before they reveal more about the sample, but the whole venture is interesting and promises to throw up more than space dust. (Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor)

CELEBRITY DIVORCES, A PUBLIC SPECTACLE? A season ago, pop idol Joe Jonas and actress Sophie Turner appeared to be a portrait of domestic bliss. But the relationship has nosedived with the couple announcing their divorce proceedings. While they sought privacy, we have learned that Turner, a Briton, is suing her estranged husband for “wrongful retention” of her two kids in New York. Celebrity splits can get ugly. And the worst part: it will be played out in public. The unravelling of their relationship also serves as a stark reminder that fame and fortune do not shield anyone from the painful and complicated realities of divorce. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)

RIVALRIES AND CAMARADERIE IN SPORT: In tennis, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic have had great rivalries among themselves, winning every Grand Slam in the last decade and a half. But off the court, they have huge respect for each other. Nadal, who lost his crown as the leader of grand slam titles to Djokovic (the Serb now has 24 Grand Slam titles), refuses to use his injuries as an excuse for losing the crown. Saying injuries are a part of the sport, he congratulated Djokovic for achieving the feat. This humility is what makes players great. (By A.K.S. Satish, Sports Editor)