From the Editors: Women firefighters in the UAE

AJMAN FEMALE FIREFIGHTERS BLAZE A TRAIL: The UAE has been at the forefront in the region when it comes to women empowerment. This trait was once again proven with the recent induction of the first 15 women into the Ajman firefighting team. Braving the heavy equipment and difficult training, the women have shown that they are second to none if given the opportunity. They also remain perfect role models for society as their balance their roles at home and work. More such initiatives are likely to boost the status of women in the UAE. [COMMENT BY: Somshankar Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Editor]

SHADOW OF RESURGENT COVID-19 LOOMS OVER US POLLS: We are days away from one of the most eagerly awaited elections in recent times, and COVID-19 has reappeared with a vengeance in America, with the country hitting a new high for number of cases. There is widespread public concern in America. President Donald Trump is on the campaign trail for a series of rallies, and is again making fun of his challenger Joe Biden for following social distancing recommendations. It is a matter of concern that even combating coronavirus has become a political issue in the deeply divided country, with Trump supporters regularly underplaying the threat from the deadly disease. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

MIGHTY DOLLAR AND FUTURE DEBT TRAPS: The COVID-19 crisis is proving that there is no global currency that has the market reach of the US dollar as the favourite of international borrowers. Overseas borrowers have flocked to the dollar this year at a record pace with borrowers racking up debt sales of $1.29 trillion. The ease of borrowing comes from the market confidence in the dollar, the limited status of euro as a reserve currency and the yuan still remaining under capital controls. The dollar debts also comes with some inherent risks of currency appreciation that will drive up debt-servicing costs, debt burden and ultimately debt traps, down the road for emerging economies. [COMMENT BY: Babu Das Augustine, Business Editor]

Lewis Hamilton showed just why he is on the brink of becoming the greatest Formula One driver of all time by claimed a thrilling last-gasp pole position on Saturday to give him the perfect launchpad for his bid to win a record 92nd race in Sunday’s Portuguese Grand Prix. In denying his Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas in the final seconds of qualifying, Hamilton moved to within three of his 100th career pole. The six-time champion, who had trailed the Finn in all three practice sessions and in the two opening parts of qualifying, reeled off a stunning best lap in one minute and 16.652 seconds at the new Algarve International Circuit. It was enough to outpace the Finn by 0.102 seconds and, as so often this year, to deliver heartbreak. [COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

An MP from Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur district has demanded a ban on the web series ‘Mirzapur 2’, saying it was spreading ethnic disharmony and tarnishing the name of the area. The hit show’s second season released recently and people have been raving about its gritty and cinematic portrayals. Yes, it’s a violent show that can be disturbing for some but that doesn’t mean it should be banned. The people watching these types of shows are all adults – hopefully – who can make up their own minds about what content to consume and how to react to it. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]