From the Editors: UAE’s timely efforts to prevent child abuse

RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT CHILD ABUSE MUST BEGIN EARLY: The Ministry of Community Development’s initiative with the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism to help children identify, prevent and report abuse of any form needs to be lauded. It is critical that children are adequately equipped to recognise the signs of abuse, however subtle it may be. And the earlier it is done, the better. It is remarkable how the ministry’s workshops are coming up with innovative methods of communication to drive home vital messages to children in the age group of three-10. The legislation - Wadeema Child Rights Law - to protect children in the UAE is firmly in place, understanding its far-reaching provisions is equally important. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor)

BUSINESS SHOULD SHOW MORE FLEXIBILITY: While rising fuel costs and subsequent all-round inflation are weighing on employees’ budgets, it’s not sparing companies either. According to a new study, UAE’s companies are spending more on fuel reimbursements for their staff after prices rose by nearly 60 per cent this year. The average amount per reimbursement, too, has gone up by 18 per cent. One way to save this cost is to adopt a hybrid model for the near term. Netherlands has already made work-from-home a legal right, and several relatively young companies in the West are adopting remote working on a permanent basis. It may not be possible for all departments to work remotely, but policies should be tweaked to allow some flexibility. It will also make the company a more attractive employer on a potential candidate’s list, and possibly boost employee loyalty. (By Anupam Varma, Assistant Business Editor)

ENGLAND AND SOUTH AFRICA ODI SERIES ENDS IN DRAW: England’s one-day international series against South Africa finished in a 1-1 draw as the third match at Headingley was washed out. Only 27.4 overs were possible as several lengthy rain delays meant the match had to be abandoned. South Africa had won the toss and elected to bat when the first delay came after 20.5 overs. Just 6.5 overs later came another delay, which ultimately led to the abandonment of the series decider with the tourists on 159-2. Opener Quinton de Kock had made a terrific start unbeaten on 92 from 76 balls. Unfortunately, for him he was not to reach what would have been his 18th ODI century as the heavens opened up. Next is a three-match T20 series which will start in Bristol on Wednesday and both sides will hope the weather holds up but it’s the UK summer so don’t hold your breath. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

BOLLYWOOD STARS FACE A SCARY WORLD: Bollywood has become an easy target these days with celebrity couple Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal being the latest stars to receive death threats. While Mumbai Police has launched an investigation into the threat, which was reportedly given on social media, the recently married couple are only the latest in a growing list of threats against Bollywood stars, including Salman Khan, Kangana Ranaut and Swara Bhasker. With the recent murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala still fresh in our minds, after he was gunned down in May outside his village in Punjab, no threat – big or small – should be taken lightly. (By Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor)