From the Editors: World on monkeypox alert

TRANSLOCATING ENDANGERED ANIMALS RIGHT MOVE BY ABUDHABI: Scimitar-horned oryx, which are declared ‘extinct in the wild’, as well as addax antelopes and dama gazelles, which are on the extinction danger list, are set to reclaim their right to live on this planet, thanks to Environment Agency Abu Dhabi’s (EAD) mammal reintroduction programme. Groups of these animals were recently moved from the UAE to Ouadi Achim Game Reserve in Chad, known to be the world’s largest mammal reintroduction programme. The move is the latest in a line of initiatives resulting from the wise foresight of UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who had pointed out that the oryx population was on steep decline, and wanted to see them thrive again. These efforts highlight UAE’s deep care for all forms of life. [COMMENT BY: Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor]

WORLD ON MONKEYPOX ALERT: As the world is just recovering from the impact of COVID-19, here comes another one: monkeypox. What’s baffling the scientists is how is that a rare viral disease, less lethal relative of smallpox and seldom detected outside of Africa, has cropped up in so many countries. Over 80 confirmed cases of monkeypox have been reported in 12 non-African countries. Also, what’s alarming the scientists is there isn’t a travel link that’s identified that brings these cases all together. Now comes the important question: Do we need to worry? The answer is no. At this point, the general risk to the public is considered “very, very low,” an epidemiologist said, noting that the disease doesn’t spread easily. Also, monkeypox is highly visible, making contact-tracing and isolation easier. And an existing smallpox vaccine could help protect the public if needed, experts say. [COMMENT BY: Stephen N.R., Senior Associate Editor]

ZALATORIS TAKES LEAD AT US PGA CHAMPIONSHIP, MCILROY DROPS BACK: Will Zalatoris has taken a one-shot lead at the US PGA Championship at Southern Hills, Oklahoma. The American – who already has four top-10 major finishes – gains the advantage going into the weekend following overnight leader Rory McIlroy dropping back on day two. The Northern Irishman had started the day one-shot clear but finished five behind Texan Zalatoris who reached nine under. He carded a bogey-free five-under 65 with McIlroy shooting 71. But as we all know McIlroy tends to make slow starts and finishes strongly, so, he will hoping that is the case here too. Meanwhile, Tiger Woods edged inside the cut at three over after a 71 despite looking to be in pain at the end of his opening round. He is continuing his comeback following a career-threatening car crash which had left him unable to walk for three months. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]

SHARING UNIQUE STORIES: HBO Documentary Films has bought the worldwide television rights for the Cannes Special Screenings title ‘All That Breathes’, which is by Indian director Shaunak Sen and is about two brothers who run a bird hospital in Delhi dedicated to rescuing injured black kites. It’s not a big entertainer like a typical Bollywood movie, but it’s likely to showcase something new to the world about India — about its people and its culture. More of such movies need to get their time to shine and showcase that India is full of such interesting stories. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor - Features]