From the Editors: Abu Dhabi widening nursery ‘bubbles’ a good sign

ABU DHABI WIDENS NURSERY ‘BUBBLES’: In a major decision, the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has allowed more children in nurseries to attend in-person classes through the expansion of the ‘bubbles’. This signals how strongly the UAE is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, as more than 77 per cent of staff at these institutions have been vaccinated. As a result, it is now much safer for the little ones to get back to school. With detailed procedures in place, the UAE authorities have ensured the safety of its citizens and residents during these most trying times.[COMMENT BY: Somshankar Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Editor]

BATTLE LINES DRAWN: RAISI TAKES HARDLINE VIEW ON MISSILES, MILITIAS: It didn’t take much time to ascertain what would Iran’s approach be on key issues under new president Ebrahim Raisi. On ties with US, Raisi made it clear that he has no intention of meeting President Joe Biden. More importantly, he has said there will be no change in issues like Iran’s ballistic missile programme and support of regional militias, especially Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Popular Mobilisation Units in Iraq. The 60-year-old cleric is a protege of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. And after a long time in Iran, the presidency in line with the militarist establishment in Iran - the Revolutionary Guard, the Guardian Council, the judiciary and, of course, the Supreme Leader himself.[COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

INDIA’S VACCINATION RECORD: India administered 8.62 million vaccine doses in 24 hours, a daily record for the nation, as it opened up free shots to all adults, while its new cases dropped to the lowest since March. This is good news. The country has administered 280 million shots in total, but barely four per cent of people are fully vaccinated. The government aims to inoculate all of India’s almost 1.1 billion adults by the end of the year. But the challenge now is to persuade rural India where many still are hesitant to get the shots with all kinds of rumours doing the rounds. Quashing such rumours and conspiracy theories is a tough order, particularly in India’s tribal-dominated districts. It’s time non-governmental organisations chip in to help India in ensuring all adults are vaccinated. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

DENMARK DELIVER FOR ERIKSEN: After scoring a goal to help Denmark advance to the last 16 of Euro 2020, Joakim Maehle stood in front of the nearby television camera and formed a ‘10’ with his fingers. That was for Christian Eriksen. Maehle’s 82nd-minute goal put some extra gloss on a 4-1 win over Russia on Monday that gave Denmark second place in Group B and an automatic spot in the round of 16. And in a tribute to star player Eriksen — who collapsed with cardiac arrest in their first game against Finland — an entire nation united to toast the team’s triumph and jubilant supporters had an outpouring of emotion at Parken Stadium. “If anyone deserves this, it’s our players,” Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand said. “I can’t imagine how they managed to come back from what they went through. So big credit to the boys.” Eriksen — who wears No. 10 for the national team — had to be resuscitated with a defibrillator. He was released from the hospital on Friday.[COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

MADAME TUSSAUDS DUBAI REOPENS THE DOORS TO MAJOR ATTRACTIONS IN THE UAE: Dubai is ready to roll out the red carpet for some world class attractions with the announcement of Madame Tussauds opening later this year on Bluewaters Island breathing life into a the going out scene that has predominantly stalled in the wake of the pandemic. Madame Tussauds Dubai will represent the cultural melting pot that defines the UAE, with wax statues featuring prominent names from Hollywood, Bollywood and the Arab world. The operators have revealed that 16 wax figures out of the 60 featured will pay tribute to the region, with names such as Nancy Ajram and Maya Diab added to the mix. We are keeping our figures crossed that Egyptian footballer Mohamed Salah and Palestinian singer Mohammed Assaf find their place in history at the attraction. Until then, we aim to get our Bollywood groove on with Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan at the venue. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]