From the Editors: Nurture good behavior among children

NURTURE GOOD BEHAVIOR AMONG CHILDREN: The Sharjah Police’s initiative in honouring five children with the ‘Polite Student’ award needs to be commended. Recognising and rewarding good behaviour during the impressionable years of a child goes a long way in reinforcing good conduct. Families must make a constant and conscious effort to nurture good morals in their children early on. By doing so, society can ensure that youngsters do not go astray and stay rooted in their values as they grow up. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

COVID-19 - INDIA ON RIGHT TRACK ON VACCINATION PRIORITIES: India’s decision to first cover every adult with just the primary two doses of COVID-19 vaccine, instead of rushing with administering booster doses, is a step in the right direction. India has not considered authorising booster doses yet as many in the country have been naturally infected and the government believes two vaccine doses offer sufficient protection for now. Also, all of more than 30 cases of the emergent Omicron variant of COVID-19 have shown mild symptoms. Officials in South Africa, which discovered the new variant last month, the US and the European Medicines Agency also said the Omicron variant causes illness that is less severe than previous forms of the disease. Since most contracted the Delta variant in India, the priority should be to administer two vaccine doses to all adults. [COMMENT BY: Stephen N.R, Senior Asociate Editor]

WORLD CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP - MAGNUS CARLSEN STAYS THE MASTER: At the end of it all, it proved too easy for Norwegian grandmaster Magnus Carlsen. The long serving World No.1 retained his world title for fourth time (five in all) on Friday night as he recorded a fourth win over Russian challenger Ian Nepomniachtchi to win the biggest game of chess by a 7.5-3.5 margin. The match began on an even note with the first rounds ending in a draw, before Carlsen broke the ice in the sixth round. It turned out to be surprisingly easy from there onwards with the title sealed with three matches to go. “I didnt expect it go quite like this. I think it was just a very good professional performance overall. No regrets at all, just very satisfied,” said Carlsen. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

ALICIA HITS THE RIGHT KEYS IN DUBAI: Alicia Keys stepping on to a stage in Dubai to unveil her new music album is a testament in how far the UAE has come in attracting global talent. The singer, who performed at Expo 2020 Dubai on Friday, surprised fans as she dropped tracks from her new album ‘Keys’, asking the audience to decide which version of one her new songs should make the cut. The 15-time Grammy winning singer is a familiar face in the UAE, having performed her multiple times over the years. However, it is rare to see a global artist to reveal new music, let alone an album, in a city so far from home. Perhaps, for the American singer, who took to the bright lights on that wintery evening, the Expo 2020 Dubai stage was perhaps more fitting with the world’s eyes riveted on the six-month long main event. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]