From the editors: Rising global COVID-19 cases call for stricter measures

Student surge in UAE universities validate consumer sentiments: According to statistics made available by various Dubai-based universities in recent days, there has been a 50 per cent spike in demand among students to study at certain higher education institutions in the emirate. The overall trend is quite the same in the other emirates as well. This is indeed significant because this shows that in spite of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there are thousands who have reposed their faith in the UAE’s colleges and universities and have preferred higher education institutes in Dubai, and the UAE in general, over options in the UK, US, Canada or Australia. The UAE’s world-class academic institutions, backed by the nation’s cutting-edge infrastructure and its robust fight against COVID-19 have made students and parents feel safe and secure and prompted them to pick the UAE as a preferred destination for higher studies. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

Rising COVID-19 cases call for stricter measures: Maharashtra and Kerala recorded more than half of COVID-9 cases registered in India last week. The reason: People are flooding tourist hotspots without following COVID-19 precautionary measures. Maharashtra accounted for 21% of cases and Kerala 32%. Also, the UK is experiencing a marked increase in new infections. Data suggests one in every 160 people has the virus. That is up from one in every 250 in the previous week. For England, it is the highest level since mid-February. The UK, which witnessed an increase in new cases after EURO 2020 football matches, is planning to ease restrictions. In Bangladesh, more new cases in the third wave have been noted compared to the second wave. It’s the same story in South Korea, Russia and Indonesia. This is a clear sign that the pandemic is far from over and it is a serious cause for concern. The rise in cases must drive back countries to stricter measures. [COMMENT BY: Stephen N.R., Senior Associate Editor]

Berrettini sets up Wimbledon final against Djokovic: The vast majority of tennis fans would have loved to have seen Roger Federer win Wimbledon this year. It would have been an incredible achievement for the Swiss ace who has been battling a troublesome knee injury - but also, he turns 40 next month and there would have been no better way to celebrate. However, he was knocked out in the quarterfinals by Poland's Hubert Hurkacz who then went on to lose to Matteo Berretini. The Italian will face defending champion Novak Djokovic in the final tomorrow after he eventually saw off a stern test by Denis Shapovalov to win 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 7-5. Berrettini will need to be at his best if he is to overcome the challenge of five-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic who will be aiming to equal the all-time men's record of 20 major victories set by Federer and Rafael Nadal. The showpiece will take place just hours before Italy face England in the Euro 2020 final. Will it be a day of double celebrations for the Italians? [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

Can we focus on Britney Spears please?: Madonna’s poor choice of words in defending Britney Spears has caused uproar on social media with the pop legend referring to the ongoing conservatorship battle as “slavery”. “Give this woman her life back,” Madonna posted on her Instagram story, while adding: “Slavery was abolished so long ago!” While Madonna’s stance in the ‘Free Britney’ battle has been appreciated by most, the applause is mixed with outrage for comparing it to America’s painful and bloody past and the freedom struggles of the Black community. While semantics are being debated on social media, let’s also not forget that a young woman is fighting for her right to be free of an “abusive” situation. She also deserves to be heard. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]