From the Editors: IPL to kickstart the showpiece in UAE; UAE ministry's COVID alert

Don’t lower the guard even on ‘big days’: The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) have announced a new protocol for organising social events to prevent spread of COVID-19. The new rules make it mandatory that maximum 10 people can attend a wedding and the participants must be only first-degree relatives from both the families. There will be no buffet for the guests. We must understand that the government introduces stringent measures only for the safety of the people across the board. All communities must adhere to these instructions and should not lower the guard even while celebrating ‘big days’ like weddings. [COMMENT BY: Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor]

Lower rates could trigger debt crises in emerging markets: The US Federal Reserve said on Thursday that it will keep its benchmark interest rate close to zero through at least 2023.The latest Fed statement rests on its new average inflation targeting of 2 per cent over a period aimed at giving the biggest possible bang for its buck to boost output, jobs and consumption. That works for the US and other developed markets whose debts have better market credibility. Central banks in emerging markets should be warry of aping this policy prescription as it is likely to saddle their balance sheets with excessive government debt. This effectively implies that monetization of debt (printing money) is their only long-term source of government funding, triggering economic instability and capital flight. [COMMENT BY: Babu Das Augustine, Banking Editor]

What Ginsburg’s death means for US presidential election: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died on Friday, was the liberal voice in the US Supreme Court. Her death could change the balance of power on the Court. It also gives President Donald Trump the opportunity to broaden the conservative majority with a third appointment - at a time when elections are just weeks away. Alarmed Democrats have called for the post to be kept vacant until after the elections. Technically, there is nothing to stop Trump from having a go. But a move to rush the nomination at this time could also backfire on Republicans. The already crucial US 2020 battle just got a lot more complicated. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

'El Clasico' of IPL to kickstart the showpiece: Four-time champions Mumbai Indians will clash with Chennai Super Kings, three-time winners, to set the ball rolling in the 13th edition of Indian Premier League at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Two of the talismanic captains, Rohit Sharma and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, will be leading the 'Mumbai Paltan' and 'Whistle Podu’, respectively as the match starts at 6pm. The tournament will be played behind closed doors, as of now, and will be broadcast in the UAE on BeIN Sports HD 13. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

New Reputation: The UAE is known for many things including the tallest building, the glitziest nightlife, great sports shows – such as the IPL that’s kicking off today - and wondrous fests. Now, it’s also proving to be a place of healing. Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, who it is widely rumoured has stage 3 lung cancer, is in Dubai spending time with his family and feeling grateful for all life has to offer. Here’s to the promise of comfort. [COMMENT BY: Karishma Nandkeolyar, Assistant Online Editor]