From the Editors: Dubai gets global accolades again

DUBAI GETS GLOBAL ACCOLADES AGAIN: Dubai’s efforts to balance the reopening of the economy and combat the COVID-19 pandemic has once again received accolades from a major global organisation. The World Tourism Organisation has hailed the emirate’s efforts in boosting the sector and the collaboration between government and business. Dubai has successfully reopened its doors to the world again, with growing tourist arrivals from all over the world. At the same time, all the protocols needed to stem the spread of the pandemic ensures that the situation remains under control. These steps ensure that Dubai remains on top of the game in the revival of the economy. [COMMENT BY: Somshankar Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Editor]

SPARE A THOUGHT FOR REFUGEES IN LEBANON: The UN has issued another grim warning on Lebanon: The Palestinian refugees there are three times more likely to die with COVID-19 than the overall population. Given the problems Lebanon faces, refugee welfare is clearly not on top of its list. There are just over 200,000 Palestinians refugees in Lebanon, and about 200 of them have died of COVID-19. That is 1 per cent of the Palestinian population. These refugees have no choice but to work to make ends meet. Besides, they live in cramped conditions. Both these factors render them more exposed to the virus. Lebanon will not be able to deal with this on its own. Like in other things, it needs international help. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

VACCINATIONS AND STRICT MEASURES COMBINE TO FIGHT COVID-19: The beginning of a vaccination drive in Japan and the end of snap lockdowns in Australia and New Zealand bring hope that outbreaks of the coronavirus are being brought under control. Japan is battling a much more limited outbreak compared with the US and Britain, but its response is being closely watched before the Olympics. On the other hand, Australia and New Zealand imposed strong measures to curb the new cases. Inoculations worldwide and strict measures to keep the virus at bay can combine to bring an early end to the pandemic. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

Kylian Mbappe looks like he is determined to be the hottest and most in-demand property in football this summer as the young French superstar once again reminded the world why Real Madrid, Barcelona and he cream of English football are all in the chase to sign the striker. Mbappe scored a stunning hat-trick as his side overcame the absence of Neymar to thrash Barcelona 4-1 away in their Champions League last-16 first leg on Tuesday to move within full view of the quarter-finals. “We wanted to come here and win and we did that in style,” said the 22-year-old France striker. “Tonight was magnificent, but we haven’t won anything yet.” [COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

CELEBRITIES SUICIDES BRINGS MENTAL HEALTH IN FOCUS: Sandeep Nahar’s death shifts focus once again on celebrity suicides after the ‘MS Dhoni’ actor was found dead on February 15 in Mumbai. Nahar’s death has been mourned by several of his peers in the film industry, including his ‘Kesari’ co-star Akshay Kumar, who called it “heartbreaking”, while requesting his fans to “seek help if ever feeling low.” Kumar’s appeal comes at a time when entertainment industries across India have witnessed a series of untimely deaths in the wake of the pandemic. While some have cited financial reasons, others have reportedly taken the step after struggling with personal issues. Nahar’s loss is a grim reminder as well that behind those animated faces on screen are real people with real stories of struggles and hardships who paid too high a price for fame. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]