From the Editors: Easing restrictions in Dubai schools a pragmatic move

DECISION TO RESUME EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND REOPEN SCHOOL CANTEENS A PRAGMATIC MOVE: There is some refreshing news for students in Dubai as Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) announced on Friday that from Monday, January 31, all educational institutions in the emirate will be allowed to resume their physical education (PE) classes, extra-curricular activities and field trips. Also, canteens at all educational institutions across the emirate will reopen on and from January 31. With COVID-19 protocol in place at all educational institutions in the UAE since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, PE and all extra-curricular activities and field trips were put on hold and canteens at schools, colleges and universities were also closed. Even after students were allowed to return to their classrooms, as a precautionary measure against further spread of the virus, extra-curricular activities and PE classes remained suspended and canteens were also kept shut. Now, with this decision to resume PE classes and other group activities and reopen canteens, students will be one step closer to regaining their pre-COVID normality. This should also serve as a major confidence-building measure for all stakeholders to be a part of a more holistic academic experience. Dubai and the UAE have always been a step ahead of the game in countering the pandemic. KHDA’s latest decision is a further vindication of Dubai and the UAE’s stand in dealing with this crisis in the most effective way possible. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

UKRAINE: IS THE WEST STIRRING UP PANIC? As US President Joe Biden seeks to maintain pressure on Russian leader Vladimir Putin over Ukraine, the president of the beleaguered country urged Western leaders to avoid stirring “panic” amid troop buildup. Volodymyr Zelensky said: “I can’t be like other politicians who are grateful to the United States just for being the United States.” He appeared to criticise Biden directly for statements indicating Russian forces could advance on Ukraine as soon as next month. A day earlier, Russian foreign ministry said that even the thought of a war breaking out between Russia and Ukraine was “unacceptable”. Amid conflicting signals, Zelensky even accused the press itself of causing panic. It’s not a foregone conclusion that the standoff ends in an invasion. While the Biden administration said it would not concede to Russia’s security demands, there still seems to be some room for diplomacy. [COMMENT BY Stephen N.R., Senior Asociate Editor]

WILL NADAL SNEAK AHEAD OF FEDERER AND DJOKOVIC TO SET NEW GRAND SLAM RECORD? All the talk had been about Novak Djokovic and his pursuit of a record 21st Grand Slam ahead of the Australian Open. The unvaccinated world number one is tied with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on 20 each and the race is on between the trio to see who will break the record first. But when the Serb had his visa cancelled and was deported from Melbourne before the tournament began it suddenly made Nadal the favourite. The attention has still been on Djokovic during the competition and it appears to have taken the pressure off the Spaniard who has quietly made it all the way to the final. That means 35-year-old is now just one win away from reaching 21 Grand Slams ahead of his rivals and everyone already thinks he’s done it – but there is still the small matter of beating world number two Daniil Medvedev in the final tomorrow. The Russian is no pushover and he has caused several upsets in the past. Just ask Djokovic… [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

SPOTIFY IS FACING THE MUSIC: Streaming service Spotify is set to lose another artist’s music due to its hosting of controversial podcaster Joe Rogan, who has spread misinformation about the coronavirus. Singing icon Joni Mitchell is pulling her music from the service and said she stands in “solidarity with Neil Young and the global scientific and medical communities on this issue.” Earlier, Young too removed his music from the platform. Spotify needs to take accountability for the situation and realise the role they play in giving a massive platform to someone spreading lies. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]