From the Editors: Three cheers to UAE’s Higher Colleges of Technology

THREE CHEERS TO UAE’S HIGHER COLLEGES OF TECHNOLOGY: UAE’s Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) has become the first higher education institution in the world to achieve a 5-Star rating in the Quacquarelli Symonds’ (QS) rankings. HCT earned this distinction in two disciplines -- Environment, Sustainability and Governance (ESG), and Online Learning. QS Stars is a rating system that is globally recognised as the most prestigious and authentic rating system for higher education institutions around the world. This rating system accords rankings to educational institutions based on multiple parameters and categories, right from education and research to environmental sustainability and climate action. Therefore, a 5-Star QS rating for HCT is an affirmation of the cutting-edge academic environment and holistic development that this premier institution offers its students. This rating is also an acknowledgement of the UAE’s exemplary role in providing the best possible infrastructure and environment for academics, research and knowledge pursuit – all of which ultimately pave the way for enrichment of human capital.[COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

A BLUEPRINT FOR FUTURE TRADE DEALS: The first 0%-rated imports from India have started arriving in the UAE, the most visible gains from the sweeping CEPA deal the nations struck in February and went live with on May 1. More than 90 per cent of goods come under the zero or lower duty tariffs, easing the path for two-way trade to close in on $100 billion in five years. The smoother flow of goods and services will, however, not be the only gains that will emerge from the alliance – joint investments or access to investments to turbo-charge growth will be the next obvious step. Key sectors in India such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, industrial and even new-fangled spaces such as fintech will likely benefit. Trade is the most visible beneficiary from CEPA, but watch out for those investment flows. The big wins will likely happen there. [COMMENT BY: Manoj Nair, Business Editor]

NADAL BEATS ISNER IN ITALIAN OPEN TO MAINTAIN CLAY-COURT RECORD: By beating John Isner at the Italian Open, Spaniard Rafael Nadal has maintained his incredible record of not losing back-to-back matches on clay. Nadal was beaten by teen sensation Carlos Alcaraz in the Madrid Open quarter-finals last week but was back in action on his preferred surface against American Isner whom he thrashed 6-3 6-1 to reach the third round where he will meet Canadian Denis Shapovalov next. 35-year-old Nadal will be aiming for a record-extending 14th French Open title later this month and his preparations of attaining that are back on track following his latest confidence-boosting win in Rome.[COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]

Hollywood star Selma Blair has chronicled years of her personal trauma in her new memoir, ‘Mean Baby’, where she talks about her battle with alcoholism, getting drunk at the age of 7, and how she was raped multiple times in the throes of her addiction. Blair, whose acting credits includes films such as ‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘Cruel Intentions’, says she’s sharing her story in hopes to give strength and comfort to others who have faced similar turbulence in their lives. Even as celebrity friends and fans come out in support of the actress, it is indeed brave on her part to speak her truth with the world. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]