Protecting kids online, job losses in Big Tech, Leeds looks for new manager, our editors comment on the top stories of Feb 7

PARENTS MUST GUARD AGAINST ONLINE EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN: The revelation at an Abu Dhabi conference that the majority of crimes against children today have an online element does not come as a surprise. What does is the continuing audacity with which they happen. As experts at the meet stressed, parents must stay vigilant and monitor their children’s online activities closely, as they could become unsuspecting victims of sexual exploitation and other kinds of scamming. It is equally important for the community to report any threats to children through the Ministry of Interior’s app and other channels. There is no taking away from the fact that children are digital natives, but ensuring their safety till such time they can do it themselves is our responsibility. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor).

WHERE ARE ALL THESE JOB LOSSES IN BIG TECH HEADED? It’s not in the hundreds, but the thousands. Just when one hopes that the worst of the job losses afflicting US Big Tech is done, more spoilers emerge from some of the most systemically important technology companies. Dell was the latest, and what came with the headline job loss figure is the bit about dizzying drops in PC demand. The question then is, can these losses in employment be confined to the US? Or will it filter through across regions, even in those where IT spending continues to tick along? Earlier, it was said that Big Tech was resizing in the post-Covid phase. But now, it looks something much more dire than just resizing workforces. Will the situation become clear – or less stark – by the next quarter? (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

LEEDS COULD TURN TO BENITEZ OR GERRARD TO STEER THEM TO SAFETY: Strugglers Leeds United are looking for a new manager after sacking Jesse Marsch but who will they appoint that can change their fortunes with just 18 Premier League games remaining? The two main candidates appear to be Rafa Benitez and Steven Gerrard. Benitez is one of the most experienced managers in the game and would relish a return to the big time after being sacked by Everton a year ago. The Spaniard knows the Premier League inside out. He has also coached Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle but another option is former Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard. The former Liverpool captain lasted just 11 months at Villa Park but had a successful spell in Scotland managing Rangers. Will Leeds opt for the experience of Benitez or the star appeal of Gerrard? Whoever it is will have a big job to save the club from the dreaded drop. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

CELEBRITY WEDDINGS AND OUR OBSESSION THAT GOES UNCHECKED: In a few hours, celebrity couple Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra will tie the knot in a palatial palace-turned-hotel in Rajasthan today. But the real circus is happening a few meters away outside as paparazzi from around India camp outside the hotel to catch a glimpse of the bride and groom. May be we have fed into the frenzy too. Our collective obsession with celebrity weddings isn’t anything new, but it is often touching ludicrous heights. Crumbs of information like the food being served at their wedding are trickling in for the last few days and guests are not allowed to have their phones on them during the wedding, in case those images from the ceremony gets leaked. All this brouhaha makes you wonder if there should be so much surround noise around celebrity weddings. Perhaps, instead of obsessing about their picture-perfect wedding photography and who-wore-what at their nuptials, we should just focus on celebrating their work instead of their personal milestones. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)