From the Editors: Having an initiative such as ‘Dubai Way’ makes oodles of sense

HAVING AN INITIATIVE SUCH AS 'DUBAI WAY' MAKES OODLES OF SENSE: Under the ‘Dubai Way’ initiative, conducted by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, 250 taxi and limousine drivers in Dubai have been trained on matters of etiquette and decorum in dealing with their riders – tourists in particular. Such a novel initiative is very much in keeping with Dubai’s global image as a tourist and visitor-friendly destination. Right after one steps out of the airport, taxi drivers are the first interface of the city that a visitor has to deal with and it is very crucial that these city ‘ambassadors’ present a favourable image of the Dubai to a newcomer. That is why, an initiative such as Dubai Way makes oodles of sense. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

DELTA VARIANT IS MORE DANGEROUS THAN WE THOUGHT: A sobering US scientific analysis on Friday showed three-fourths of the people infected in Massachusetts COVID-19 outbreak, fuelled by the Delta variant, were vaccinated. The report, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and another study in Wisconsin found that vaccinated individuals carried as much virus in their noses as unvaccinated individuals, and that vaccinated people could spread the virus to each other. Each person with Delta infects on average eight others, making it as transmissible as chickenpox, it was found. These studies, that explain the surge in COVID-19 cases across the world, are an eye opener. The findings make clear that vaccines offer significant protection, but do not prevent infection entirely. Now, the choice is clear: We can either take a road to end the pandemic or take a path that will prolong it. So let’s not let our guard down and be more cautious by wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing. We are all responsible. [COMMENT by Stephen N.R., Senior Asociate Editor]

US STAR SIMONE BILES WITHDRAWS FROM TWO MORE GYMNASTICS FINALS AT TOKYO OLYMPICS: Four-time Olympic champion Simone Biles has pulled out of tomorrow’s vault and uneven bars gymnastics finals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics saying she needs to focus on her psychological state. The 24-year-old had already withdrawn from Tuesday's women's team final as well as Thursday's individual all-around final for which she was favourite to win gold. The gymnast - arguably the world's greatest - has been praised for her bravery in confronting her challenges with mental health. The US star has not yet decided if she will compete in the floor (Monday) and balance beam (Tuesday) finals. “She will continue to be evaluated daily”, a US Gymnastics statement said. [COMMENT by Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

DOES SHILPA SHETTY'S LAWSUIT INFRINGE ON PRESS FREEDOM?: Reporting on a celebrity scandal is always a slippery slope. News is breaking in real-time and often at warp speed, with the digital revolution forcing every media outlet to report on the news first and fast. But exactly where do you draw the line between reporting and invasion of privacy when the figure at the centre of the media circus is a celebrity? Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra filed a defamation suit against 29 media outlets, asking for Rs200 million in compensation. She has also moved the court to have the press take down stories that have reported on the arrest of her husband Raj Kundra, who is currently at the centre of a pornography scandal and stands accused of filing and distribution such content through social media apps. While the court has asked certain media outlets to comply, the legal entity has also drawn a line at broaching on the freedom of press. Shetty Kundra is doing what a wife and mother should to protect her family, but at the same time, media needs to shift focus as well to report responsibly and factually, without bias. [COMMENT by Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]