From the Editors: Mohammed Bin Rashid Library is a boon for readers in the UAE

MBR LIBRARY IS BOON FOR READERS IN THE UAE: The official opening of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai on Monday is indeed a proud moment for the UAE. As the region’s largest library built at a cost Dh1 billion, the seven-storey structure is a treasure house of knowledge, a veritable boon for adults and youngsters alike. The library stocks more than a million books on a wide range of subjects, ensuring there is something for everyone. It is now up to us to make the most of the rich offering. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

GLOBAL MARKET DIDN’T PANIC ON TUESDAY: It was a Manic Monday for the world’s stock markets, with the S&P 500 turning bearish. But on Tuesday, investors seemed more intent on holding on to any bit of positive they could find in between all the numbers that were screaming out warnings. And the fact that the US stock futures was in positive, albeit a marginal one, was enough for the markets in Asia and elsewhere to keep losses down in the initial trading hours today. Can this last? The good people at the US Federal Reserve will soon let us know. Will they hold the line with a 0.50 per cent hike or opt for 0.75 per cent in a more aggressive push towards taming inflation? Hold your breaths – the markets are not going to get all smooth any time soon. [COMMENT BY: Manoj Nair, Business Editor]

FRANCE IN DANGER OF RELEGATION FOLLOWING LATEST NATIONS LEAGUE DISASTER: Following a home defeat against Croatia, France’s hopes of retaining the UEFA Nations League title are over. The 1-0 loss last night means they can now not reach the finals next year. It was a penalty from Luka Modric that decided the encounter and even though France had an abundance of attacking quality with Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe and Christopher Nkunku all playing, they failed to find the back of the net. It means Didier Deschamps’ team sit at the bottom of Group A1 with just two points from a possible 12. Top of the table is Denmark with nine points followed by Croatia on seven. There will be a break now with the final two rounds of matches scheduled for September and France will need to win both otherwise they will be relegated to League B. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]

SIDDHARTH KAPOOR’S STORY SHOULDN’T BE THE ONE LIVED BY ARYAN KHAN: Even as the investigation into the Bengaluru drug bust throws up the name of Bollywood actor Siddhanth Kapoor – who happens to be the son of veteran star Shakti Kapoor and brother to actress Shraddha Kapoor – one can only hope that the media circus that is to follow doesn’t go down a similar road of sensationalist headlines that Aryan Khan was subjected to not too long ago. Aryan, who is the son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, found himself at the centre of a media storm last October after a police drug bust saw him emerge as one of the accused in consuming illegal substances. It has taken Aryan close to eight months to be given a clean chit in the case. With Siddhanth now out on bail, it’s time to hit pause and remember that before the headlines, he is also a person who doesn’t deserve a trial by media. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]