From the Editors: Wastewater treatment in Abu Dhabi to help sustain water table

WASTEWATER TREATMENT IN ABU DHABI TO HELP SUSTAIN WATER TABLE: It is often said that the next wars on our planet will be over water. Indeed, the elixir of life is a fast-depleting natural resource, especially in desert climes like the ones we live in the UAE. In this regard, Abu Dhabi has taken a noteworthy step of recycling 400,000 cubic metres of wastewater, which will be used for irrigation across 4,100 farms in the emirate. This step will help conserve the ground water, thus making a concrete move towards a greener future. [COMMENT BY: Somshankar Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Editor]

IS BOKO HARAM LEADER SHEKAU REALLY DEAD? Rival militants have released audio recordings saying that the leader of the ultra-violent Nigerian terror group Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, has killed himself by detonating explosives planted to his body after a battle with the other group. There has been no independent confirmation of Shekau’s death, and he has been declared ‘dead’ in the past only to emerge again. But if it is true, it will be a big blow to Boko Haram. Shekau took over the group after its founder was killed in police custody in 2009. He turned the organisation into a crazed, violent group that has terrorised north-east Nigeria ever since, with senseless killings of thousands of civilians. More than 30,000 people have been killed so far. In a 2012 video, he can be heard saying: “I enjoy killing... the way I enjoy slaughtering chickens and sheep.” Such was the nature of the man. [COMMENT BY : Omar Shariff, International Editor]

EASING COVID-19 CURBS AND FOLLOWING PROTOCOL MUST GO TOGETHER: Delhi has begun the process of easing its COVID-19 restrictions, with more relaxations taking place on Monday. It comes after nearly two months of curbs in an attempt to halt the spread of the coronavirus. The new measures include the opening of shops, malls and the metro. While lockdowns themselves are not a permanent solution to fighting the pandemic, a lot depends on how people behave. Following protocols of wearing the mask and maintaining social distancing, as also getting oneself vaccinated, will go a long way in keeping the city safe. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

ENGLAND SUSPEND ROBINSON PENDING RACISM PROBE: You have to be careful what you post on social media. Ollie Robinson is finding this out just now. In spite of an impressive debut for England against New Zealand during the drawn first Test, the fast bowler has been suspended from all international cricket. He is being investigated for racist and sexist Twitter messages that he posted in 2012 and 2013 when he was a teenager. He had suggested Muslims were linked to terrorism, and had made derogatory remarks about women and people of Asian heritage. England captain Joe Root said the posts are “not acceptable” and although Robinson has apologized it will be interesting to see if he is allowed back into the fold, and if so, what sort of reception he will get from players and fans alike. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON? Actor Joaquin Phoenix is a staunch vegan but says he won’t force his young son to follow in his footsteps, and instead he will educate his child about the world and animal rights. It’s obvious that River, his first child with actress Rooney Mara, will be raised eating the diet of his parents and will likely have similar beliefs as them. But Phoenix saying that he will let his child make up his own mind about this lifestyle is admirable. The best a parent can do is offer them all the information, tools and resources and let kids figure it out for themselves. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]