International Workers’ Day, Looming debt crunch: Gulf News Editors comment on top stories of April 30

A SALUTE TO WORKFORCES EVERYWHERE: Tomorrow is International Workers’ Day and a big salute to workforces everywhere who work tirelessly to keep economies, communities and families going. Many surveys have already established that the UAE is a topper when it comes to being picked as a place to live and work. The ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, aims at positioning the country among the top 10 in the global Human Development Index. This is a country that does not rest on its laurels. It keeps raising the bar and constantly strives to outdo itself. That is what sets the UAE apart. (Comment by Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor).

LOOMING DEBT CRUNCH: There seem to be all the signs that a credit crunch is underway in the US. However, unlike the 2007-08 financial crisis, the global banking system is in a much better position to withstand the shocks. Therefore, even though tremors in the US financial markets may trigger aftershocks everywhere else, these are likely to be restricted to stock market movements and possibly some outflow of investments to safer havens. This could prove a good opportunity for markets like India and China, which have been able to -- with strong manufacturing and services sector output – withstand economic pressures other markets have been reeling from. (Comment by Anupam Varma, Assistant Editor)

SOCIAL MEDIA IS A HARSH PLACE, BUT CELEBRITIES HAVE MASTERED THE ART OF CLAPPING BACK: Celebrities are asked to cultivate a thick skin if they want to make it in the public sphere where constant and scathing scrutiny is a given. But today, these stars – who are beloved public figures – aren’t keen to take things lying down. For instance, Abhishek Bachchan was recently bombarded with a sarcastic tweet on how he should let his wife and actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan work in movies. All this Bollywood actor did was praise his wife on her latest role in her new period epic and he was met with a troll on how he should allow his wife to work and that he should take care of his daughter at home. Like most faceless trolls, it was uncalled for. But Abhishek quickly responded that his wife doesn’t need his permission to pursue her ambition or career. The actor put that person back in his place with a dignified, but pointed remark. Here’s hoping more actors take on their trolls openly, instead of keeping their heads low. Another case in point: Pop idol Ariana Grande took on all those who shamed her for being too thin and put out a video on body positivity. We are loving stars who are showing some spine on social media. Keep it coming. (Comment by Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)