From the Editors: RTA explores new public transport options in Dubai

RTA EXPLORES NEW PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPTIONS: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai never stops exploring fresh options to introduce new public transport means in the city. The Authority has joined hands with MND, French mobility specialist, to come up with innovative solutions for developing an ‘aerial’ transport network in Dubai. The new mode of transportation called ‘ropeway’ or ‘CABLINE’, is a fully automatic, driverless transport system, with self-propelled cabins moving over ropes at speed up to 45 km per hour. The new system aims at making commuting easier in the city and especially helpful in providing vital links between existing transport infrastructure and new communities. [COMMENT BY: Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor]

IRAQIS GET WHAT THEY WANTED: US President Joe Biden has said what Iraqi prime minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi wanted to hear: The US combat mission in Iraq will conclude by year-end. For Al Kadhimi, who met Biden on Monday, the ability to offer Iraqis a date for the end of the US combat presence could be a feather in his cap before parliamentary elections scheduled for October. For years, US troops have played support roles in Iraq, which was the origin of Daesh terror group in 2014, prompting the US to send troops to Iraq. Biden, however, said US troops will continue to train and help the country deal with Daesh. Biden also assured the US would help Iraq strengthen electric power supplies and fight COVID-19. For both countries, this is a welcome shift. [COMMENT BY: Stephen N R, Senior Associate Editor]

TOKYO OLYMPICS 2020: BRITAIN CONTINUE TO RULE THE POOL: A day after Adam Peaty struck gold, Britain enjoyed a one-two success in the men’s 200m freestyle at the pool in Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday. Tom Dean won gold and teammate Duncan Scott the silver in the 200 freestyle as the two British swimmers left their rivals in their wake, Brazil's Fernando Scheffer taking the bronze. It was Britain’s second swimming gold following Peaty’s victory in the 100m breaststroke on Monday and left Dean reflecting on the adversity he has faced on his journey to becoming Olympic champion. ‘’ It’s a dream come true having a gold around my neck ... I contracted COVID twice in the last 12 month ... sitting in my flat in isolation, an Olympic gold was a million miles away,’’ he said. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

CAN THE MEDIA JUST TAKE STOCK IN THE RAJ KUNDRA CASE: Bollywood actress Flora Saini is the latest celebrity who has been forced to put out a statement distancing herself from the Raj Kundra case after a news channel dragged her into the brouhaha surrounding Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty’s husband. The media entity in question shared a WhatsApp chat they alleged took place between the businessman and his associate Umesh Kamat where they discussed the ‘Stree’ actor as a potential candidate for a film role. “If two people discuss my name in a chat that doesn’t mean I am aware or involved with what was being discussed. But since I am not from a film family, it’s considered okay to drag my name without even checking with me. Do these people understand the gravity of dragging a woman’s name in a porn scandal?” Saini told news media, and rightfully so. The up and coming actress is just one of many celebrity names being dragged into the pornography racket unspooling in Mumbai with Kundra at the centre of the storm. Saini raises a valid point that in the pursuit of a news headline, let’s not forget the need for responsible journalism; lives are at stake here. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]