From the Editors: UAE takes noble initiative during Ramadan

UAE TAKES NOBLE INITIATIVE DURING RAMADAN: As Ramadan begins, the UAE has once again showed exemplary initiative as it launched the region’s largest food campaign to provide more than 100 million meals to the needy during the month. The campaign will provide food parcels for families and people in need across 20 countries. As we know, the COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged the lives of millions across the world, especially in poor countries that faced the stark choice of living or livelihood. This initiative will ensure the needy get a chance. [COMMENT BY: Somshankar Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Editor]

HOPE AND DESPAIR IN THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19: A surge of coronavirus cases in one country, a partial lifting of restrictions in another. This has been the story of the pandemic ever since it broke last year. Scientists are continuing to study the virus which has mutated and caused havoc around the world. Britain is reopening shops, gyms and salons on Monday, while India is grappling a sharp rise in cases and has banned export of antiviral drug Remdesivir. There were glimmers of hope in some corners of Europe but restrictions were imposed in others. While vaccinations are being rolled out in most countries, the onus of taking care and staying protected lies on the people. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

Kolkata Knight Riders hardly put a foot wrong when they started their campaign in IPL with a 10-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai. Chasing an imposing target of 188 for a win, the Sunrisers were off to a disastrous start as they lost both their openers - skipper David Warner and Wriddhiman Saha with only 10 runs on the board. A defiant 92-run partnership between the in-form Jonny Bairstow (55) and Manish Pandey (unbeaten 61) kept them in the chase, while young Abdul Samad struck a few lusty blows in the end to try and make a match of it but it was still not enough. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

BAFTAS ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET FOR ‘NOMADILAND’: ‘Nomadland’ director Chloe Zhao made history once again at the British Academy Film Awards or the BAFTAs on Sunday night when she became on the second woman in the history of the awards to win the best director prize. Her film also won best picture and best cinematography, along with lead star Frances McDormand being named best actress. The somber affair, what with the UK lockdown and the death of Prince Philip setting the mood, still didn’t take away from the fact that a diverse group of talents won big this year, thwarting past criticism of #BAFTAsSoWhite. Positive change is finally coming.[COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]