From the Editors: UAE food charity drive a massive success

UAE FOOD CHARITY DRIVE A MASSIVE SUCCESS: The UAE’s 100 Million Meals Campaign, the region’s largest food distribution drive that aims to provide food for vulnerable groups in 30 countries during Ramadan, has managed to double its target. On Sunday, the campaign announced it has reached 216 million meals, after drawing donations from 385,000 donors. This massive success speaks volumes of the philanthropic nature of UAE citizens and residents, and their eagerness to help those in need. This is more so as millions across the world have been left without means of livelihood due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The UAE’s trailblazing initiative will be a beacon to millions around the planet. [COMMENT BY: Somshankar Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Editor]

INDIA MAY NEED TO ENFORCE NATIONWIDE LOCKDOWN: Calls for a nationwide lockdown in India are increasing following over 4,000 COVID-19 deaths for a second day in a row. With the health ministry reporting 4,092 fatalities over the past 24 hours, the overall death toll has reached 242,362 while new cases have climbed to 403,738. The total since the start of the pandemic is now at a whopping 22.3 million but experts say the actual numbers could be much higher as the second wave continues to batter the country. With a shortage of oxygen and beds in hospitals not to mention morgues and crematoriums overflowing, India will need more help from countries around the world which have already been sending oxygen cylinders and ventilators. Hopefully, it will come out of this disastrous situation soon. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

SHOULD AGUERO REALLY HAVE APOLOGISED FOR PANENKA? Manchester City just can’t seem to seal the deal. Last week we were expecting the Manchester United v Liverpool clash to determine City an early English Premier League winner, as a loss for second place United would have been the nail in their coffin. But, the match was postponed until May 13 due to rampant protests against United’s owners, which ended with fans storming Old Trafford. Now City’s celebrations are on hold yet again, as Aguero’s failed Panenka penalty (a soft touch straight down the middle designed to deceive the keeper) was easily saved by Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy on Saturday. Mendy’s been on a roll himself — he set a Champions League record this season with eight out of 11 cleans sheets, the most of any English team keeper in history of the competition. He’s not one to be trifled with. But, should Aguero really have had to apologise to ‘teams, staff and supporters’ for his ‘bad decision’? The whole thing leaves a bad taste — as City boss Pep Guardiola said afterwards, it’s the taker’s choice what to do. If it had gone in, Aguero would’ve been deemed a legend. Biggest question now is how this home loss (2-1) impacts City’s mental strength going into the Champions League final against Chelsea on May 29. As Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel put it, they can go into that crucial clash now knowing they have — and can — beat City. Things just got interesting. [COMMENT BY: Marwa Hamad, Assistant Editor]

HOLLYWOOD TAKES A STAND AGAINST HFPA: At a time when the world is embracing inclusivity, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s (HFPA) shortcomings are forcing the hands of powerbrokers and celebrities to call out the organization and its lack of reforms. With Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Netflix and Amazon Studios joining the collective voice of 100 publicists in the industry, the organization that lays out the red carpet for the Golden Globes may soon find no celebrity to walk down the path if change isn’t made. The Los Angeles Times February expose has already put into focus some ethical shortcomings indulged in by the group of 87 international journalists who vote on the awards. This year, not a single Black member voted for the Globes, while luxurious trips and presents have been gifted to affiliates. Johansson didn’t mince words in her statement, saying: “The HFPA is an organisation that was legitimised by the likes of Harvey Weinstein to amass momentum for Academy recognition and the industry followed suit. Unless there is necessary fundamental reform within the organisation, I believe it is time that we take a step back from the HFPA...” [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor[