From the Editors: Spreading rumours about vaccines is a disservice to society

SPREADING RUMOURS ABOUT VACCINES IS A GREAT DISSERVICE TO SOCIETY: The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has rightly alerted the public about the dangers of spreading false rumours about the vaccines that are currently available against COVID-19. It is absolutely important that we source all our information from authentic sources only and depend on government-approved agencies to keep ourselves abreast of all that we need to know about these vaccines to protect ourselves against a deadly virus. As responsible residents and members of the society we must avoid falling prey to false information, hearsay and half-baked ideas. Let us always keep this in mind that the fight that the global community as a whole and particularly the frontline workers have put up for more than a year now, will be set at naught if we do not behave responsibly in this battle against an invisible enemy. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

TIME TO PLAN SAFE SWEARING-IN FOR BIDEN: Since the siege of the US Capitol last week politics has taken a frenzied turn. The House of Representatives is working overtime to impeach President Donald Trump and questions are being raised about why this is being done with only days to go before the end of his term. But one question that raises concern is the fact that federal authorities are bracing for a wave of armed protests on Joe Biden’s inauguration day on January 20. The question about security in Washington has been raised since the attack on the Capitol. But given the circumstances, not even a fly should move without permission on inauguration day. That is the responsibility of the security agencies and they need to make adequate arrangements for the swearing in of the next president. There is no point analysing what went wrong, when there is time ahead to plan a secure event. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

INJURIES CONTINUE TO STALK INDIA CAMP DOWN UNDER: While the Indian cricket team delivered spirited performances in the second and third Tests in Melbourne and Sydney, respectively, even the jumbo squad is wearing the look of a hospital ward. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, a vital cog in the wheel, on Tuesday informed that he has undergone surgery after suffering a blow on his thumb during the third Test and will be badly missed in the fourth and final Test. ‘’Out of action for a while, surgery completed. But will soon return with a bang,’’ Jadeja tweeted. Mohammad Shami, KL Rahul, Umesh Yadav, Rishabh Pant are but a few names who got injured during the absorbing series. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

FASHION RUNWAYS GO DARK OVER PANDEMIC FEARS: Even with coronavirus vaccines being rolled out across the world, the Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks remain a yardstick of what 2021 will offer in the world of haute couture. Milan Fashion Week, which kicks off on January 15, will maintain a minimum level of live shows, with top brands showcasing their collections with no guests, journalists or photographers present. Meanwhile Paris Fashion Week will go entirely digital with the French fashion’s regulatory body confirming this month’s Paris men’s and haute couture shows will be strictly audience-free. The current reality may appear grim for many, but the responsibility remains paramount to ensure a safe return to the runways in the near future. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]