From the Editors: Road safety is the top priority

ROAD SAFETY IS THE TOP PRIORITY: Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai has reminded motorists to be extra careful while driving especially during Ramadan. Most road accidents are reported before Iftar time when many motorists tend to drive fast and recklessly to reach home in time. This is the most dangerous practice while fasting. Drivers who feel sleepy or exhausted should avoid driving during Ramadan, as attentiveness of some motorists drops due to change in eating and sleeping habits. Extra caution and attention is required when driving from the workplace back to home to avoid accidents. Motorists must follow safety guidelines to ensure safety for all road users. [COMMENT BY: Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor]

ON TIES WITH SAUDI ARABIA, BALL IS IN IRAN’S COURT: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made it clear in an interview that his country wanted ‘good’ relations with Iran. He said: “Iran is a neighbouring country, and all we aspire for is a good and special relationship with Iran.” A rapprochement between the two major Middle East nations can have great dividends for the region. But for this vision to come to fruition, Tehran needs to take a few steps. Primarily, it needs to give up, once and for all, the pursuit of nuclear weapons. Secondly, it needs to stop its interference in the affairs of its Arab neighbours. The prospect of regional peace is an enticing one, and it is not beyond reach. The ball is in Iran’s court. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

CONTRASTING CASES IN COVID-19 FIGHT: India’s relentless wave of new COVID-19 cases and US President Joe Biden hailing America’s ‘stunning’ progress against the coronavirus have come at the same time. As India recorded 360,000 fresh infections, the US has eased guidelines for wearing masks outdoors. It is the story of how the virus has played havoc in one part of the world while another recovers, only to come back with ferocity when the guard is let down. While India battles the surge and looks for some hope on the horizon, people all over the world will do well to get over vaccine hesitancy and get themselves inoculated. The battle against the coronavirus is a long one and it must be fought together. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

CAN CHELSEA BE THE SURPRISE PACKAGE OF THIS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE? Can Chelsea do an encore of 2012 this year? The Premier League club had been thriving under the magic touch of coach Thomas Tuchel, who felt that his side should have wrapped up their Champions League semi-final first leg with Real Madrid as he rued the missed chances in the first half in their 1-1 away draw. US forward Christian Pulisic fired Chelsea in front in the 14th minute in the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium as Karim Benzema’s fine effort levelled things up before the break. The visitors were clearly the dominant side early on as the Spanish giants struggled to make a breakthrough barring the equalizer. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

ANOTHER MILESTONE FOR KANGANA RANAUT: In recent years, she may have grabbed headlines for her off-screen remarks rather than her films, but it is undeniable that Kangana Ranaut is one of the most talented actors we have in Bollywood today. As she celebrates 15 years in the industry, it comes with a sense of pride for the star who has four Indian National Awards to her name and has even tried her hand at directing by the age of 34. It is no wonder that despite being brazen and outspoken and making several enemies along the way in the film industry, even her detractors admit that Ranaut’s talent is a rare commodity in Bollywood. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]