From the Editors: Dubai marches ahead with brand new projects

Dubai marches ahead with new projects: Undeterred by the global slowdown due to the repercussions of COVID-19, Dubai continues its march into the future with a slew of new projects. A total of 29 development projects worth Dh2 billion have been approved in Dubai to add 8 million square metres of green spaces and parks to the Emirate’s residential and commercial areas. In addition, a Dh4 billion project was launched to convert waste into electricity. Along with this, the Shindagha Corridor project is progressing smoothly. With all these projects, the emirate is striving to be future-ready. [COMMENT BY: Somshankar Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Editor]

JOHNSON MUST NOT BE CRITICISED FOR LISTENING TO SCIENTISTS: A strict 4-week lockdown is back in England. The English have been told to stay at home again starting Thursday, unless there is a genuine reason to leave; they are also allowed to leave home for exercise, medical treatment, and essential shopping. Johnson has made this painful decision with the health and safety of England in mind, as the COVID-19 situation in the country is going out of hand again. But the announcement has sparked anger from some Conservative MPs, and business leaders, who have “accused” Johnson of “giving in to the scientific advisers”. Which begs the question: Who else should the PM take scientific advice from? [COMMENTS BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

INDIA’S $5 TRILLION TARGET AND THE REALITY AHEAD: India’s goal of a $5 trillion economy by 2025 is a well-publicised target. While the ambition is fully within India’s capability, the time-frame is the real challenge. According to a recent estimate by CARE Ratings, if India’s economy grows at an annual average of 11.6 per cent during the next six years, the country’s GDP could reach $5 trillion by 2026-27. That sounds very comforting. But there is a slight problem. The average growth rate of 11.6 per cent in next 7 years looks unrealistic as the country is projected to experience double digit contraction this year and the future looks as uncertain as the present in the context of raging COVID infections. [COMMENTS BY: Babu Das Augustine, Business Editor]

FUTURE TENSE OF DELHI CAPITALS AFTER GREAT START TO IPL: A string for four losses on the trot have now pitched Delhi Capitals, one of the high fliers in the early part of the season, into a must-win situation when they take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in their last league game on Monday. While they are still in third position with 14 points with a match to go, at least four teams can catch up with them during these last few days – and jeopardise their play-off chances. Their last defeat, against leaders Mumbai Indians, was a humiliating nine-wicket one on Saturday. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

Celebrities and fans all over the world are mourning the loss of Sean Connery, the man who brought to life the iconic character James Bond. Over the years, he embodied the suave and sophisticated persona, and many have said he’s the best James Bond to have ever existed. Connery has been praised for being a gentle person who came up in life despite incredible odds. He faced his share of controversies, but his cultural importance is undeniable. His death is another loss for the movie industry in 2020, making an already tough year even more difficult to deal with. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]