From the Editors: Responsible living an imperative, not a choice

RESPONSIBLE LIVING AN IMPERATIVE, NOT A CHOICE: UAE Public Prosecution has issued a timely warning that all those who are not careful enough and spread any infectious disease that they may be carrying will be liable to prosecution, with a penalty ranging between Dh50,000 and Dh100,000 and a maximum imprisonment of up to five years. This is a very crucial legal measure at a point of time when the whole world is battling against a dreaded virus that has taken such a heavy toll on human life and wellbeing all over the globe. With health-care establishments and governments the world over doing everything they can to fight the scourge, the least that we community members can do is to be more responsible towards our own health and safety and that of the community as well and make sure that even in the unfortunate eventuality of any of us being infected with any contagious or communicable disease, we must follow the necessary safety measures to ensure that we do not end up spreading the infection to others. Remember: Responsible living is an imperative, not a choice. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

INDIA'S COVID-19 CASES RISE BY RECORD 414,188: According to health ministry data India today reported a record daily rise in COVID-19 cases of 414,188 while deaths have increased by 3,915. In this week alone, the country has added 1.57 million new cases and over 15,100 deaths. The South Asian nation’s total coronavirus infections now stand at 21.49 million and its total fatalities have hit 234,083 but medical experts are saying that these numbers could be five to 10 times higher. Its vaccination rate is falling sharply because of a lack of supplies and transport problems. The tragic irony in all of this is that India is the world's biggest vaccine maker - but it is struggling to produce enough doses to stem the wave of COVID-19. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

TIME UP FOR ARTETA AT ARSENAL: The writing had been on the wall for some time now, with Arsenal plumbing new depths in the English Premier League, but the Londoners’ exit from the Europa League to Spanish side Villarreal on Thursday night confirmed the end of a terrible season for the once ‘invincible’ team. It will also confirm the end of Mikel Arteta’s time in charge of the side. While times have been tough at Arsenal since Arsene Wenger’s departure and the glory days on the undefeated guys way back in 2003-04, it is clear that the decision to turn to former club captain Arteta as coach was not the right option. Now the dilemma is where the Gunners turn next as they look to get back on track. [COMMENT BY: Matt Smith, Sports Editor]

VALUING WORKERS: The impact of COVID-19 on Bollywood and the larger Indian film industry has led to massive losses in revenue. However, one of the hardest hit sections has been the people who work on the ground level every day, making things run. Now, Yash Raj Films head Aditya Chopra has launched an initiative to financially support daily wage workers and their families to get them through this this crisis. Yash Raj Films will also be attempting to get daily workers of the entire Hindi film industry vaccinated. Companies with the means to do so should be helping staff they’ve depend on for years. They’ll need them when things get back to normal. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor - Features]