From the Editors: Is climate change responsible for Europe floods?

DUBAI WATER CONNECTIONS A POSITIVE INDICATOR: Recent data from the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority show that the number of new connections in the emirate have more than doubled between 2016 and 2020. Overall, there has been an increase of 37 per cent in total water connections from 2016 to May this year. These strong numbers are a positive indicator that Dubai continues to thrive despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and remains a favourite for people around the world to come and settle here. The emirate has firmly established itself as a hub of global commerce, and remains on a firm footing to face the future. [COMMENT by Somshankar Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Editor]

IS CLIMATE CHANGE RESPONSIBLE FOR EUROPE FLOODS? Is it climate change? That's the question scientists are asking again as extreme rainfall has resulted in deadly flooding across Germany and Belgium. At least 120 people have been killed after water burst riverbanks and gushed through communities, tearing down homes. The floods follow record-breaking heatwaves in Canada and the United States, again blamed on climate change. Scientists have warned that such catastrophes could occur more frequently if we do not take steps to curb global warming. Too often, these discussions are left on the drawing board and follow-up action is not taken. Devastating floods and heatwaves must be a wake-up call to governments and people around the world to act urgently and take steps to stop global warming. [COMMENT by Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

LIVINGSTONE'S RECORD-BREAKING 100 NOT ENOUGH AS ENGLAND LOSE AGAINST PAKISTAN: In a thrilling first Twenty20 between England and Pakistan, Liam Livingstone broke several English records on his way to a spectacular century at Trent Bridge. The tourists had scored 232-6, which was their highest total ever in T20 at a sun-kissed evening in Nottingham. Captain Babar Azam hit 85 from 49 balls and Mohammad Rizwan 63 from 41. Chasing 233, Livingstone made a blistering start and reached 50 from just 17 balls. He then got to his century from 42 and his incredible innings kept the hosts in the game but they were bowled out for 201 in the last over and lost by 31 runs. The second game of the three-match series takes place tomorrow at Headingley and if it is half as exciting as the first we’ll be in for a treat again. [COMMENT by Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

BOLLYWOOD FACES ANOTHER SETBACK: In a setback to Bollywood, news filtering down more or less confirms that the COVID-19 pandemic is not quite done with wreaking havoc on the release schedule of films. Akshay Kumar’s ‘Bell Bottom’, which was set to be the first feature to hit theatres on July 27, appears to have deferred its release to August 13. While the makers have yet to officially announce the change, showcasers in India are already saying the reopening of cinemas isn’t going quite according to plan with many fearing a third wave sweeping the country. If ‘Bell Bottom’ does get delayed, this could set off a domino effect affecting other films in the pipeline waiting for their splash on the big screen. Until then, looks like Bollywood fans will have to make do with digital offerings and hope for the best in the near future. [COMMENT by Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]