From the Editors: Smart Police Stations a sign of Dubai’s excellence

SMART POLICE STATIONS A SIGN OF DUBAI’S EXCELLENCE: The number of Smart Police Stations in Dubai has now gone up to 16. When it comes to offering a cutting-edge customer interface for public utilities and services, there are very few cities in the world that can match up to Dubai. In that sense, Smart Police Stations are a new benchmark in excellence and represent Dubai and the UAE’s relentless pursuit of combining essential public services with the latest in technological development. These Smart Police Stations offer as many as 45 services to the public – all digitally, without the need for any human or physical intervention. For a city with many ‘firsts’ to its credit, the Smart Police Stations are a further confirmation of Dubai’s pioneering role in technological innovation and community welfare. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

REFUGEES STILL RISK LIVES TO CROSS MEDITERRANEAN: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, refugees are still trying to cross the Mediterranean in search of a better life. Rescue ships picked up more than 700 people this weekend, mainly off the coasts of Libya and Malta. The youngest survivor rescued recently was just 3 months old. While the world has concentrated on beating the coronavirus over the past 18 months, not much has changed in the case of refugees, who are still making the risky and often deadly voyage to escape poverty and danger. Rights groups have advocated for better migration governance and practices for a clear, safe and humane approach to the issue. It is time we spare a thought for the thousands of people who risk their lives so that their families can have a better life. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

INDIA REACH WOMEN’S HOCKEY SEMIS FOR FIRST TIME: For the first time in their Olympic history, the Indian women’s hockey team have reached the semi-finals after shocking Australia 1-0 in the quarters at Oi Hockey Stadium. The winner came from a 22nd minute penalty corner with Gurjit Kaur firing home and it was a lead they heroically defended against the three-time champions. It was a mighty performance from India - who are competing in the women’s hockey tournament at the Olympics for only the third time - to keep the world number two rank Aussies at bay and they deserved to progress to the semis where they will meet Argentina who beat Germany 3-0 in the other quarter-final. Meanwhile, India’s men’s team also reached the semis after beating Great Britain 3-1 and face world champions Belgium tomorrow. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

THE SIMPLE JOYS OF CELEBRATING A CELEBRITY ENJOYING A MEAL: It doesn’t take much for a picture to go viral over the internet these days. A dog being walked down the street will suddenly find itself a superstar overnight or perhaps two celebrities rekindling their romance on Instagram that will send social media into a meltdown. Paul Rudd and Dan Levy probably had no idea that indulging in an Indian thali over a weekend would land their image into the Twitter Hall of Fame. Two buds, enjoying a meal at London’s Darjeeling Express, became the darlings of the internet because that’s the way the curry spilled. Of course, it helps that one happens to be an age-defying Marvel star, while the other features in one of the biggest shows of television. There is so much in the world that defies logic on most days, so if the internet wants to celebrate a couple of celebrities breaking bread, who are we to lose our lassi over it? [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]