From the editors: COVID-19 recoveries milestone achieved in the UAE

RECORD RECOVERIES: The highest number of daily recoveries among COVID-19 patients (2,443) witnessed by the UAE on Sunday is indeed a milestone. It is yet another indicator of how the country has been on top of things in the combat against the coronavirus, setting high benchmarks and outdoing itself on a consistent basis. But while the authorities are doing all they can to put effective protocols in place, identify and deal with cases early on, the onus of checking the spread of the virus depends on us and how responsible we are with our actions. This cannot be emphasised enough. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

INDIA OVERTAKES BRAZIL IN COVID-19 INFECTIONS: India has overtaken Brazil to become the country with the second highest number of coronavirus infections. The statistics are staggering – 4.2 million cases, 90,000 on a single day, 71,000 deaths, with more than 1,000 casualties reported for each of the last five days. The United States, with more than 6 million cases, remains the worst-affected country, with predictions that deaths will more than double to 400,000 by January 2021. However, in both India and the US, cases and deaths can be reduced if people follow simple rules – observe physical distancing and wear masks. The sooner countries get a hold on the coronavirus, the faster the economy will open, helping people get back to work and earn a living. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

LIBYA CRISIS MUST BE RESOLVED WITHOUT OUTSIDE INTERFERENCE: Weeks after Libya’s rival administrations declared a surprise truce, delegates from both sides - the Government of National Accord based in Tripoli and a parliament headquartered in Tobruk - met in Morocco for talks. While any move towards peace is to be welcomed, it must be acknowledged that a solution to Libya’s crisis can only come from inside - without foreign military intervention. Besides, unless the issue of the lawlessness wrought by extremist militias is addressed, no peace deal will be long-lasting. A country as rich as Libya can only provide a decent life for its people when it resolves its security issues. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

UAE TEAM EMIRATES STAMPED THEIR NAME IN CYCLING HISTORY AS TADEJ POGACAR CLINCHED STAGE 9 OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE: An incredible performance in the Pyrenees saw the 21-year-old Slovenian debutant win his first career Tour stage. The youngster did not look the slightest bit out of place as he held off Tour favourite Primoz Roglic and defending champion Egan Bernal to become the youngest Tour stage winner of the 21st century. It is a well-earned rest for the riders on Monday, before Pogacar gets back in the saddle in his bid for overall Tour glory. [COMMENT BY:Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

TESTING OUT A KEY UAE LAW: Provisions of the UAE’s Bankruptcy Law are being tested… and that’s all to the good. It’s only proper and systemic testing of the law and its many provisions that will ensure they are resilient to the challenges ahead. Drake & Scull International provides an ideal test case – the once mighty UAE engineering firm has been burdened with accumulated losses and gigantic debts. Only a rigorous financial makeover plan will ensure its survival – and this is where the Bankruptcy Law will be put to the test. The company has now given until September 30 for all financial creditors to file their claims, and a solution and payment schedule will be overseen by an expert committee. All this through an out-of-court settlement process – if this clicks, then it will secure a some much needed maneuver room for the company. And, most important, a marker for the Bankruptcy Law. [COMMENT BY: Manoj Nair, Business Editor],

WILL CHANGING AWARDS LEAD TO ACTUAL CHANGE: Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana is the latest star to speak out against film awards being split by gender. This comes after the Berlin Film Festival recently decided to make its performance awards gender-neutral. While the concept is noble amid the drive for equality between men and women, it’s important to acknowledge why women have needed their own platforms in the first place. Even in gender neutral categories such as best director and best screenwriter, men always lead nominations and ultimately make up the most number of winners. Gender neutral awards might lead to the same disparity unless equality is maintained in nominations. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor - Features]