From the Editors: Green light for Lewis Hamilton in Abu Dhabi

GREEN LIGHT FOR LEWIS HAMILTON IN ABU DHABI: Formula One fans have been sighing with relief with the news that seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton will race for Mercedes in Sunday’s Abu Dhabi season-ender after he tested negative for COVID-19 in multiple tests. Hamilton had already arrived in Abu Dhabi after completing quarantine in Bahrain, where he began feeling unwell with the illness almost two weeks ago. after matching Michael Schumacher’s record seven world titles — the British 35-year-old will now be able to give his campaign a fitting finish as the curtain comes down on 2020 in Abu Dhabi in Sunday. [COMMENT BY: Matt Smith, Sports Editor]

DUBAI LAUNCHES WORK-FROM-HOME INITIATIVE FOR GOVERNMENT STAFF: In its continuous march towards a smart future, Dubai has launched its work-from-home initiative for government employees. The initiative aims to empower human resources to cope with changes and strengthen Dubai government’s leading position in the world relating to smart government. Due to the challenges brought about due to COVID-19, remote working has become a part of our lives for the past year. It has shown how technology can be harnessed to improve efficiency and agility at work. With this step, Dubai has once again shown the way forward. [COMMENT BY: Somshankar Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Editor]

AN ONGOING BATTLE AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE: In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the battle against climate change is continuing. Five years after the Paris Agreement, annual greenhouse gas emissions hit a new high last year and the impact of climate change is intensifying. Governments are lagging behind in implementing the deal and scientists warn of a wholesale transformation to bring those goals within reach. As delegates prepare for a one-day online UN climate summit on Saturday, we must remember that unless we act fast the earth our children inherit may be a shadow of the one we enjoy today. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

BRITISH ACTRESS BARBARA WINDSOR DIES AGED 83: The death of British actress Barbara Windsor from Alzheimer's disease has shocked many who knew her as landlady Peggy Mitchell in the soap ‘EastEnders’. “I will always be immensely proud of Barbara’s courage, dignity and generosity dealing with her own illness and still trying to help others by raising awareness for as long as she could,” her husband Scott Mitchell said. Tributes from fans poured in on social media, as they remembered her as a TV icon and entertainer that touched many lives. As 2020 comes to a close, many also commented how it’s another tragic celebrity death to add to an already difficult year. Amid the grief, we can only keep trudging and hope for a better 2021. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor - Features]