From the Editors: Abu Dhabi public spaces to boost quality of life

ABU DHABI PUBLIC SPACES TO BOOST QUALITY OF LIFE: As we steadily progress towards returning to a life of normality in the UAE with the advances in vaccination, it has become imperative that we engage in sufficient physical activity to keep our immunity levels up. In this regard, the move by Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) to redevelop more than 100 outdoor public spaces in the capital comes as a welcome initiative. This will help residents enjoy the outdoors better, thus uplifting the body and mind. [COMMENT BY: Somshankar Bandyopadhyay. Assistant Editor]

IRAQ NEEDS TO BRING MILITIAS UNDER CONTROL: Another day, another rocket attack. On Sunday, five rockets landed on an Iraqi airbase hosting US troops, and two hit a US maintenance firm. In all, five people were wounded. Since President Joe Biden took office, this is the 20th such attack targeting the American presence in Iraq; Washington has routinely blamed pro-Iran Shiite Iraqi militias. Most of these militias are part of the paramilitary apparatus of the Iraqi state. But the government, in reality, seems to have no control over them. The actions of the militias undercut the already tenuous authority of the Iraqi state, and have in the past led to disproportionate American reaction that has led to many Iraqi deaths. Iraq keeps saying it does not want Iraqi soil to be used as a battleground for its American and Iranian allies. But, unless it does something about this, nothing will change. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

NEW DELHI COVID-19 INFECTIONS SURGING: With New Delhi recording more than 25,500 coronavirus cases in a 24 hours and less than 100 critical care beds available in the city for a population of over 20 million, things appear to be spiraling out of control. Yesterday, India reported 261,500 new cases and it has a total of almost 15.1 million which is second only to the United States. The country's deaths from the virus rose by a record 1,501 and now stands at just under 180,000. Religious festivals and election rallies attended by thousands continue which means one thing – infections will continue to rise. Drastic action is desperately needed now if India is to gain any sort of control of this virus. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

THE ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE MUST BE RUBBING THEIR HANDS IN GLEE: Their inspired purchase of Glenn Maxwell has paid off very early in the Indian Premier League 2021. The Australian allrounder has turned in some stellar batting displays in the first three matches that have pulled Bangalore out of trouble and placed them in positions of strength. Maxwell could well be the player that could catapult Bangalore to their maiden IPL title. But then these are early days, and it’s premature to entertain such thoughts. What’s undeniable is the difference that Maxwell has made. Sunday’s encounter with the Kolkata Knight Riders is a good example. Two wickets down in the second over, and that included skipper Virat Kohli. In the past, Bangalore would have huffed and puffed past the hundred mark unless AB de Villiers stages one of his magical feats. But on occasions when De Villiers had failed, Bangalore rolled over. [COMMENT BY Shyam Krishna, Senior Associate Editor]

HOLLYWOOD AND THE CRISIS OF HATE: Hollywood is facing a big problem today, one that is bigger than the pandemic. The crisis of hate that has swept through the US has also dug in its claws in the entertainment industry with the Iranian-American director of ‘The White Tiger’ being the latest to be subjected to racial taunts. Ramin Bahrani, who is nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay for Netflix’s ‘The White Tiger’ at this year’s Oscars, was subjected to racial slurs and told to return home (he’s from North Carolina), all while he was in the midst of a live panel session with Oscar voters. Bahrani’s colleague and global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas raised a valid question when she learned about the incident: “Who belongs here, and who doesn’t? Isn’t America a melting pot of all people from all backgrounds?” As Americans scramble to combat the virus killing thousands around the world, it’s the disease of racism that has taken root in the hearts of many that needs to be beaten as well. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]