From the Editors: Emirates Festival of Literature 2021 gets underway

A BIG DEAL: It doesn’t matter that the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is different in format this year, with some of its sessions going virtual amid the pandemic. The fact that the festival is being held with its sumptuous offerings despite the circumstances is a big deal. Not surprisingly, COVID-19 has received special focus with a dedicated panel debunking myths and misinformation about the spread of the coronavirus, besides wellness. As always, the event is turning out to be a treat for book lovers as they make the most of their access to the diverse works of authors who come from equally different backgrounds. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

CONFIDENCE IN VACCINE PART OF BEATING PANDEMIC: New COVID-19 vaccines in the market is good news for everyone. When more vaccines are available people will be inoculated faster, helping break the pandemic chain. However, some people in parts of the world are still sceptical about the vaccine, posing a potential danger to future immunisation campaigns. Health experts say across Africa people are warier about COVID-19 vaccines than they would be of other vaccines. Misinformation plays in a big role in this. A campaign to instill confidence in the people must go hand in hand with the vaccination plan. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

BAYERN MUNICH, HUNGRY AS EVER: Bayern Munich, Germany’s most successful football club ever, are known for their clinical approach and apetite for trophies. As they embark on their campaign for the Fifa Club World Cup which begins in Qatar today, the Uefa Champions League winners look overwhelming favourites with Palmeiras of Brazil, the Latin American club champions, looking the only club with a potential to offer some resistance. If Bayern manage to win this, it would be be the team’s sixth trophy in 12 Months - which would equal a record set by Barcelona in 2009.[COMMENT BY: Marwa Hamad, Assistant Editor]

WHEN FAMILY FEUDS GET UGLY: Iconic singer Mariah Carey seems to have it all – money, fame and a golden voice. But according to her recent memoir, there was a time in her life where things were dark and full of pain. Carey’s sister Alison is now suing the singer for the distress caused to her as the book shows her in a bad light. It’s shocking to see the pain of family members laid out for the world to see, and is a reminder that despite the perfect veneer that stars have, nothing is simple when it comes to family issues and past trauma. At least regular people don’t have to have their dirty laundry aired for the public. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor]