From the editors: UAE's COVID-19 vaccine search on track; fans mourn Boseman death

UAE'S SEARCH FOR CORONAVIRUS VACCINE ON TRACK: As the world grapples with COVID-19, UAE has taken yet another step towards finding a potent solution to tackling this scourge with the beginning of the analyses of tests conducted on the first 100 volunteers for a trial vaccine. August 26 was the 42nd day since human trials began in the UAE. The tests that are currently on in the country involve the first inactivated vaccine in the world to enter Phase III. While it is still miles to go before one can rest assured that a vaccine for coronavirus is just the next clinic away, the way the UAE has pursued its search for an answer to end the pandemic is truly exemplary. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

DOES A PANDEMIC BREED INEQUALITY?" Last week the net worth of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos topped $200 billion. Entrepreneur Elon Musk added the title of centibillionaire. By Friday, the world's 500 wealthiest were $209 billion richer than a week ago. The COVID-19 pandemic has been seemingly uniform in its devastation. However, a closer look at its impact shows how the most vulnerable sections of society are the most affected. An economy functions only when people are able to act as producers and consumers. The virus-induced recession has disrupted that symbiotic relationship. To avoid current recession transforming into a depression, policymakers need to ensure widening inequality is contained. [COMMENT BY: Babu Das Augustine, Business Editor]

GERMANY REAPS FRUIT OF LIBERAL, HUMANITARIAN POLICIES: German largesse towards refugees fleeing wars in Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq seems to have paid off. Most of the hundreds of thousands of migrants allowed to enter by Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2015 have ‘integrated relatively well’, according to studies. Half of the migrants have secured employment in sectors such as hospitality and security, taking up jobs that German citizens try to avoid. The language skills of the migrants have increased dramatically. At a time when anti-refugee sentiments were at their peak, Germany embraced the less fortunate, giving them a new shot at building decent lives. It is heartening to see the country benefitting due to its generosity. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

Fans are devastated following the death of ‘Black Panther’ star Chadwick Boseman, who died aged 43 after a silent battle with colon cancer. Even with a limited body of work in Hollywood, Boseman became a cultural icon in the industry that has largely drawn flak for lack of representation in popular cinema. Boseman single-handedly spearheaded a visible shift in the powerful corridors of Hollywood production houses, celebrating being Black through his iconic roles in ‘Black Panther’ and ‘42’, while shattering stereotypes that largely saddled African American actors to character roles in mainstream films. However, for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Boseman leaves behind a void that saw chants of ‘Wakanda Forever’ become a battle-cry of sorts in an era when the Black Lives Matter movement has given voice to the common man. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]

IPL PLAYERS BEGIN TRAINING:The smiles plastered across the players faces said it all as stars from the Indian Premier League franchises finally got their hands on bat and ball and were back in action after six long months out of the game. Virat Kohli and his Royal Challengers Bangalore teammates were among the players to get into training mode in the UAE ahead of IPL 13 next month. Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians and King XI Punjab have also been pictured smiling and laughing as they begin their final preparations for the tournament after completing their COVID-19 hotel isolation period. [COMMENT BY: Mathew Smith, Sport Editor]