Federer waves goodbye to tennis, and tragedy strikes Lebanon, again, our editors comment on the top stories of September 24

STEPS CHALLENGE IS THE RIGHT MOVE: Just like drops of water add up to eventually make an ocean, taking a few more steps everyday can lead to better health. This is the aim of the new ‘One Billion Steps Challenge’ announced yesterday in Abu Dhabi. The challenge is open to all and when we see others taking the first step, it encourages us to follow in their footsteps. Collectively, a billion total steps in a month – October 26 is the last day of the challenge – is not difficult to achieve. Anyways, the point is to lead a more active lifestyle, and such initiatives motivate and remind us to take care of better care of ourselves. [COMMENT BY: Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor]

TRAGEDY STRIKES LEBANON, AGAIN: More than 70 people have died when a boat carrying migrants sank off Tartus, Syria. The victims were Syrian, Lebanese and Palestinians, all seeking greener pastures in Europe. Some 20 survivors said they had no choice but to take the dangerous trip to escape misery in Lebanon. For years, Lebanon was a country that received refugees from wars and conflicts but the economic crisis has changed the situation dramatically. Now the same people who have taken refuge in Lebanon and other poorer Lebanese are fleeing the severe economic meltdown that has pulled over three-quarters of the population into poverty. The authorities must now clamp down on people smugglers who are charging up to $5,000 from each person for these perilous trips. [COMMENT BY: N.R. Stephen, Senior Associate Editor]

FEDERER WAVES GOODBYE TO TENNIS AFTER LAVER CUP DEFEAT: Roger Federer has now officially said goodbye to tennis after an emotional night at the Laver Cup in London. The 41-year-old teamed up with Rafael Nadal only to be beaten in their doubles match by Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 11-9. The defeat brought the former world number one’s 25-year professional career to a close after his 1,750th competitive match across singles and doubles. At the end a tearful Federer was given a standing ovation by the 17,500 capacity crowd at the O2 Arena who chanted his name. The Swiss, who won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, is considered one of the best players in tennis history. He battled a knee injury for the last two years and although he underwent three operations a recent scan brought about bad news and he was forced to call time on his glittering career. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]

CAN 'SQUID GAME' STRIKE GOLD AGAIN?: Season two of the hit Korean show ‘Squid Game’ has been dangled in front of eager audiences for a while now. Even though an official release date hasn’t been announced, fans are likely going to have to wait until 2023 or 2024 for it. While Netflix couldn’t have predicted the virality of the first instalment, they have the opportunity to make sure season 2 is as exciting and fresh as season 1. They must allow the creator to see his vision through until the end, and take notes from fans — because those are the people who are going to be watching. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor - Features]