From the Editors: Dubai public transport keeps future growth in mind

DUBAI PUBLIC TRANSPORT KEEPS FUTURE GROWTH IN MIND: The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai has announced that by 2040, almost 55 per cent of the city’s residents will be living within 800 metres of the metro stations. This announcements speaks volumes of how the transport regulator is planning the future of the city’s growth, with all areas being connected to the public transport system. As it stands, the city’s public transport has been among the fastest in the world to regain ridership to levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, showing that the common man has confidence in the safety measures being implemented. The RTA remains the backbone of Dubai’s infrastructure development. [COMMENT BY: Somshankar Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Editor]

DECLINE IN INDIA CASES, BUT NO SIGN INFECTIONS HAVE PEAKED: India has reported a decline in coronavirus cases, but it is too early to suggest that things are improving in the country. The death rates remain above 4,000 and the variant has hit hard. Experts say that there are no signs the infections have peaked. It is good that strict measures are being implemented across the country with many states under various forms of lockdown. But with most of the population yet to be vaccinated, it will be a long haul before COVID-19 is brought under control in India. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

ALISSON TO THE RESCUE FOR LIVERPOOL: Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson was signed to provide a formidable barrier to goal for opposition and did just that in his first two impressive seasons at Anfield. On Sunday he went one step further, heading a stoppage time winner in a 2-1 victory at West Bromwich Albion - becoming the first keeper to score a competitive goal for Liverpool. It means Liverpool will qualify for the Champions League if they beat Burnley and Crystal Palace and Alisson would have paid back a sizeable chunk of the 65 million pounds it cost Liverpool to take him from Roma. After a poor season, a top-four finish would offer at least some compensation for Jurgen Klopp and give him a better chance of attracting the signings he needs to close the gap on champions Manchester City next season. [COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

CROWNING GLORY FOR A NEW MISS UNIVERSE: There’s a certain beauty to pageants that goes far beyond the aesthetics of such a competition. As Andrea Meza of Mexico was named Miss Universe 2020, her win brought hope and a bit of cheer to the North American country, which like most of us, has suffered its way through a deadly pandemic. Meza, who is of Chinese-Mexican ancestry, has a software engineering degree with activism in her spirit. During the final round of questions, she was asked about the changing standards of beauty in the world today and it was her reply that perhaps cinched the crown. “…Nowadays, beauty isn’t only the way we look. For me, beauty radiates not only in our spirit, but in our hearts and the way that we conduct ourselves. Never permit anyone to tell you that you’re not valuable.” Congratulations Meza for sharing words we can live by. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]