From the Editors: UAE enters prestigious list of spacefaring nations with NASA agreement

UAE’s plan to be on the list of spacefaring nations: UAE celebrated on Friday the first anniversary of the historic launch of the first Emirati astronaut to the space and the first Arab to the International Space Station (ISS). On September 25, Emirates astronaut Hazzaa AlMansoori embarked on an eight-day space mission aboard the ISS. The successful launch was a major achievement for the Arab world and a new dawn for the region’s space sector. However, the space journey does not stop here as Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre has signed an agreement with NASA to train its astronauts for a long-haul space missions including the spacewalk. This agreement should further cement the UAE’s position on the global list of spacefaring nations. [COMMENT by Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor]

The show must go on … : COVID-19 outbreak has undoubtedly damaged the global economy, disrupted trade, ruptured supply chains with business travel and events of all sorts coming to a standstill. The Beijing auto show, the first major in-person sales event for any industry since the coronavirus pandemic began; opened today in a sign China has a grip over the virus outbreak and or is in defiance of the bug. The global auto industry’s willingness to tackle the show’s logistical challenges amidst pandemic-driven restrictions highlights, their willingness to take risks. Although it is too early to conclude that, the onslaught of the deadly virus is receding; the world is clearly adapting to a new normal and go about its business. [Babu Das Augustine, Banking Editor]

Guard against complacency in fight against COVID-19: The World Health Organisation has warned that COVID-19 deaths could cross two million without collective action by nations. The WHO warning came as America reached seven million cases, the highest in the world, with India and Brazil close behind. As the virus has gone on for more than nine months, life with COVID-19 seems to have become the new norm. But that carries the risk of complacency setting in, something that needs to be avoided at all costs. At both the individual and the government level, we must continue to reinforce best practices to help end this scourge. [COMMENT by Omar Shariff, International Editor]

It was meant to be all about MS Dhoni and the Chennai Super Kings stamping their title credentials on the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League on Friday night. The slip-up against Rajasthan Royals was meant to be forgotten as CSK steamed weaker opposition in the shape of Mumbai Indians. Unfortunately for Dhoni and Chennai’s ‘Yellove’ fans, it was another miserable night as Prithvi Shaw stole the show. His 94-run opening stand with Shikar Dhawan was the cornerstone of the Capitals’ victory. There is a long way t go, but with one win in three matches, Chennai have some issues to sort out. [COMMENT by Matt Smith, Sports Editor]

GRIEVING LESSONS India’s legendary singer S.P. Balasurahmanyam died on Friday after a long battle with COVID-19, sending music lovers and industry members into shock. Tributes have poured in for the awardee of the Padma Sri – India’s fourth-highest civilian award – from all quarters even as the state announced that he would be laid to rest with full police honours. The family has stayed relatively quiet since the announcement of his demise, united in grief. It’s a grim reminder of the price the pandemic can exact and a call to action for everyone. Stay safe. [COMMENT BY: Karishma H. Nandkeolyar, Assistant Editor Online]