From the Editors: What are your leave plans this year?

WHAT ARE YOUR LEAVE PLANS THIS YEAR? The new rules governing annual leave provisions for private sector employees, which come into effect from February 2, have made it clear that companies must ensure that their employees maintain a good work-life balance. This is extremely important not only for the well-being of the employees and their families, but also from the point of view of their productivity levels, which in turn reflect on the health of the companies. Taking a break to recharge oneself is absolutely essential, especially in today’s times. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

FOR CONFLICT IN YEMEN TO END , IRAN MUST HALT WEAPONS FLOW TO HOUTHIS: The US ambassador to the UN has said that the Houthi offensive in Marib is being fuelled by “the illegal flow of weapons” to the group from Iran. Everyone in their right mind wants a peaceful settlement to the Yemen conflict. But for the war to end, the Houthis must give up the idea of changing the situation on the ground through the use of force. However, they will continue to up the ante as long as there is a reliable source of funding, weapons, and training available. That's where Iran comes in. If Iran shuts the tap, the Houthis will be forced to make concessions that will be acceptable to the internationally recognised government and its Gulf backers. Yemen cannot be allowed to be under the control of a heavily armed non-state actor. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

UNVACCINATED DJOKOVIC IN DRAW FOR AUSTRALIAN OPEN BUT THINGS COULD CHANGE: In spite of all the controversy surrounding the world number one Novak Djokovic, he remains in the Australian Open draw while a decision is reached if the defending champion is allowed to stay in the country. The Serbian star – who is unvaccinated for Covid-19 – has been drawn to play against his countryman Miomir Kecmanovic but things could yet change as the saga rumbles on. The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam of the 2022 season and it scheduled to begin on Monday at Melbourne Park. 34-year-old Djokovic has been practicing at the venue and is aiming to win the tournament for the 10th time and if he does it would give him his 21st Grand Slam which would move him ahead of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

SUBTLE WORD PLAY SHUTTLES SIDDHARTH INTO A LEGAL MESS: Subtle word play can land you in the court of trouble; just ask South Indian star Siddharth who now has a legal case filed against him over a tweet sent to badminton star Saina Nehwal. The Cyber Crime unit of the Hyderabad police lodged a case against the actor for allegedly making derogatory comments against Nehwal, despite Siddharth issuing a public apology following the public outcry. On January 6, Siddharth had tagged Nehwal’s tweet that expressed concern over Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s security breach in Punjab with a comment that many have called out as sexist and offensive. While some may disagree with the assessment, it doesn’t change the fact that Siddharth has landed himself in a legal alphabet soup. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]