How Dubai will transform into a ’20 minute’ city, and TATAs turning Air India around, our editors comment on the top stories of December 13

HOW DUBAI PLACES OUR NEEDS WITHIN QUICK REACH: You won’t have to travel far to meet your daily needs in Dubai – it will just take 20 minutes, no matter what the errand. The good news has come during the launch of the second phase of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which, among many other goals, will transform the emirate into a ‘20-minute city’. By revolutionising mass transmit means and strategically placing vital services at key locations, residents can simply walk or cycle to where they need to be. The masterplan is a masterstroke of urban planning because it places people’s comfort at the core of all developmental projects. (By Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor)

TATAS TURNING AIR INDIA AROUND: It’s hard to say the last time a business deal in India was awaited with such bated breath and then cheered by all – lenders, markets, business houses and, most importantly, consumers. Tatas taking control of Jaguar Land Rover or Mittal Steel taking over Arcelor are examples that come to mind. But like Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan told Gulf News on Monday, there’s a lot to be done before all four airlines -- Air India, Vistara, Air Asia India, and Air India Express – can truly become one. That’s only happening by March 2024. Meanwhile, public frustration with Air India has, as expected, mellowed. They no longer complain of malfunctioning entertainment screens, faulty seat mechanisms or poor food quality. The Tatas will turn the airline around, they say with confidence. (By Anupam Varma, Assistant Editor)

NEW ZEALAND’S FIRM MEASURES ON TOBACCO WILL SAVE LIVES: New Zealand is taking firm steps to protect the health of its citizens - by banning future generations from buying tobacco. The new anti-smoking laws are among the most strict in the world. Those caught selling tobacco to anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2009, can be punished by fines up to $95,910. The legislation will also reduce the amount of nicotine allowed in smoked tobacco products and cut the number of retailers able to sell tobacco by 90%. Stringent measures like this will help people live healthier lives and also ensure that the health system saves money, which can in turn be used for welfare measures. (By Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor)

THIS IS MESSI AND MODRIC’S LAST CHANCE: Lionel Messi and Luka Modric both share a lot in common. They are both iconic Ballon d’Or-winners. They both wear the number 10 shirt. And crucially, they have both lost a World Cup final. Tonight, the two captains of Argentina and Croatia will come face-to-face in the semi-final in Qatar knowing this is their last chance to reach the peak of football and lift the most famous trophy in the world before they hang up their boots. Paris St-Germain’s Messi is now 35 and Real Madrid’s Modric is 37. It is highly unlikely they will be playing for their countries when the next tournament comes around in 2026 which means either the final or the third-place play-off this weekend is where their careers in the World Cup will end. They have both played crucial roles for their teams so far but it will be very interesting to see who will have the greater say tonight. (BY Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

‘RRR’ GETS WORLDWIDE ACCLAIM: Filmmaker SS Rajamouli’s South Indian period drama ‘RRR’ has garnered two Golden Globe nominations; for best picture - non-English language and original song - motion picture. The film, which starred Telugu actors Ram Charan and Jr NTR, has also made it onto the end-of-year lists for best movies of 2022. This level of international acclaim and fame for a South Indian movie is very special, and is another example of Bollywood being knocked off its pedestal this year. It’s going to take a few miracles for mainstream Indian movies to catch up. (By Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Entertainment)