From the Editors: Increase intake in Dubai schools to boost confidence

INCREASE IN INTAKE AT DUBAI SCHOOLS WILL BOOST CONFIDENCE: Amidst all the gloomy scenarios prevailing the world over in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is indeed heartening to know that in the last academic year, student intake at new schools in Dubai has seen a 14 per cent increase. In addition, around 53 per cent of students at all schools in Dubai have resumed in-classroom learning since schools opened their doors after months of closure in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. These two facts – rise in student intake and majority of students returning to in-classroom learning – yet again reveal Dubai and the UAE’s firm resolve to tide over challenges and offer a secure environment to students and staff in the academic sector. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

COVID-19 IS OUT OF CONTROL IN SOME MIDEAST STATES: The nightmare shows no sign of ending. Iran, which has suffered more than any other Middle East country from coronavirus, has imposed a nightly curfew on businesses while Lebanon - which has been hit by a series of disasters lately - will implement a two-week lockdown. Jordan has also been hit very hard. In many Middle East countries, the levels of adherence to health regulations leaves much to be desired. Many non-GCC Arab nations also do not have healthcare systems that are up to the challenge of confronting the virus. Given all this, it is imperative that people take extreme precautions and take regulations seriously. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

GLOBAL CHILD ABUSE RING EXPOSED: A major child abuse ring in Australia with links around the world has been busted with the arrest of a childcare worker and a children’s soccer coach. Investigators identified 46 victims in Australia aged 16 months to 15 years. No child should be subjected to abuse and violence, and strong action must be taken against predators. The case also calls for increased vigilance on our part to keep our children safe, and also report instances of abuse. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham Senior Associate Editor]

FALLING PRICES COULD BE MORE DAMAGING THAN INFLATION: The prospect of an entrenched decline in prices stalks the Eurozone. Euro-area inflation has been below zero since August as the coronavirus pandemic crushes demand, and underlying price growth at a record low. Deflation, a downward spiral of prices that spreads to wages, can wreck economies. The most striking example in the 20th century was the Great Depression. While the outlook for policy makers around the world was somewhat brightened on Monday when Pfizer Inc. and Germany's BioNTech SE said their vaccine is showing extraordinary progress, the currency block clearly needs urgent additional monetary and fiscal support to reflate the economy before the positive impact of vaccine takes hold on the economy. [COMMENT BY Babu Das Augustine, Business Editor]

Hope IPL has brought some joy to people back home, Rohit Sharma: Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma established an enviable record for himself as well as his franchise when they won their fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) title on Tuesday, and their first back-to-back ones. Despite him being among the runs in the final, Sharma said it was his bowlers who set up the crushing win over Delhi Capitals. ‘’We got a wicket on the first ball and we got a couple more after that. We just wanted to keep the pressure, the execution was perfect from all the bowlers,’’ he said at the post-match press conference. Set a target of 157, Mumbai sailed home in 18.4 overs and with five wickets in hand. Rohit's classy 68 off 51 balls was the highlight of the chase. ‘’I hope this championship we have won is something that brings joy to people back home,’’ he signed off. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

US singers Stevie Wonder, Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan will be part of benefit concert to honour nurses and fund various programmes including scholarships for nurses and their children. Nurses are some of the most important healthcare workers, and are often overlooked and overworked. More needs to be done to recognise the essential work they do, not just to heal people physically, but to offer emotional support to patients. This benefit concert with surely help highlight their importance in the world today and make nurses feel special and seen – something that can boost their morale. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]