From the Editors: RTA goes green in Dubai

RTA GOES GREEN: After installing the paperless parking metres in Dubai last year, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has taken another ‘green’ initiative to stop issuing printed fines and has instead introduced e-tickets to be sent via email or text messages to violating motorists. The RTA’s move comes in line with Dubai government’s paperless strategy. It is also part of the precautionary measures against COVID-19 by avoiding touching paper. The move will also contribute to financial sustainability by saving paper and printing-related costs. RTA is leading from the front when it comes to taking ‘green’ initiatives’ as it has already introduced solar powered parking metres and bus shelters, installed LED lights on streets, stop issuing plastic vehicle registration card. Other departments should also follow suit in line with the UAE’s Green Economy initiative. [COMMENT BY: Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor]

LEBANON IS MISSING BASIC COMPONENT OF STATE- A GOVERNMENT: A country mired in economic collapse and security challenges, and gripped by a pandemic that it’s ill-prepared to deal with, is also contending with a surreal situation: It has no government. Seven months of political stalemate in Lebanon are worsening the huge economic crisis it faces. Now, the country’s chief Western patron and the former colonial occupier, France, has increased pressure on Lebanese leaders to form a government and end the ‘deliberate obstruction’ by demands that are unreasonable and out-of-date. Lebanon’s venal political class has been at loggerheads about the shape and size of a new Cabinet, while the country is falling into an abyss. Few expect the politicians to change their behaviour, unfortunately. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

US WARNS OF COVID-19 SURGE: The US has warned of a “fourth surge” and “impending doom” if COVID-19 restrictions are not followed. The warnings from the US President Joe Biden and a top health official show how gains from the fight against the coronavirus can be quickly erased if masks are not worn and precautions not taken. It is too early to declare victory against the pandemic that has ravaged the world for the past year. In the US, cases of coronavirus have increased 10 per cent compared to the previous week to about 60,000 cases per day. Both hospitalisations and deaths are going up. This is not the time to let our guard down. Only a sustained fight against COVID-19 can achieve the desired results. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

UAE PRIMED FOR QATAR 2022 WORLD CUP PUSH: After an up-and-down campaign so far, the UAE have put themselves in prime position for a Qatar 2022 World Cup qualification push. The Men in White rounded off a successful training camp in Dubai with a 6-0 thumping of India on Monday night as they look to get themselves fighting fit for the remainder of the qualifiers on June. Al Jazira goal machine Ali Mabkhout bagged an easy hat-trick at the Zabeel Stadium and new recruit Sebastian Tagliabue grabbed his second goal in three matches for the UAE on a productive night. The friendly was in place of the UAE’s qualifiers in Group G, which have been postponed until June. Also playing into the hands of the UAE, they will host the remainder of all the group matches in Dubai in June, looking to claw back a five-point gap on group leaders Vietnam. On this form, they will fancy their chances. [COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

BTS GET EMOTIONAL OVER ASIAN HATE IN THE US: The recent revelation by BTS about their own experience with racism lends weight to the rallying cry around the globe as violence against Asians spikes in the US. The K-pop superstars, who command a large fan-following in the US, have spoken about their trauma in a Twitter statement. “We recall moments when we faced discrimination as Asians. We have endured expletives without reason and were mocked for the way we look,” the group said in a joint statement, adding such experiences “were enough to make us feel powerless and chip away our self-esteem.” As fans come together in solidarity for the South Korean super group, one can hope every raised voice will go on to make a difference. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]