Republican presidential race unfolds, UAE's successful organ transplants, Huge back-to-school offers, and more, Gulf News Editors comment on August 23 trending news

REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL RACE UNFOLDS: The Republican party's quest to select its next presidential nominee is underway, marked by televised debates aimed at narrowing down a sizable pool of contenders. The initial debate is scheduled for Wednesday, though Donald Trump, the current frontrunner, won't be participating. Candidates needed to fulfill multiple conditions set by the Republican National Committee to qualify, including amassing 40,000 campaign donations and attaining 1% support in polls. Commitment to endorse the eventual party nominee was mandatory – a requirement Trump declined to meet. The debate roster, announced on Monday, includes figures like Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Chris Christie, and others, as well as former President Mike Pence. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

ORGAN DONATION IN THE UAE: The UAE is home to eight health facilities licensed to conduct organ transplants. According to the latest Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) data, there were 111 organ transplants successfully completed in the country since January 2023. This brings to 460 the number of UAE organ transplants performed since 2017. A campaign to reach out to a wider audience to show how an act of compassion, alongside the UAE’s proactive regulations in organ donation and transplantation, will certainly help unite communities across UAE towards this compassionate goal. Such procedures greatly enhance the quality of life of patients in need. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

BACK TO SCHOOL OFFERS BRING RELIEF TO UAE PARENTS' BUDGETS: As schools reopen, UAE parents face the challenge of rising term fees and back-to-school expenses, including uniforms, gadgets, and accessories. Retailers hope parents balance their budgets, leaving room for laptops, tablets, sneakers, and schoolbags. Tuition fees have increased this year in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, supporting school investments. Despite cautious spending, retailers' "Back to School" promotions are successful, offering discounts, value bundles, and up to 70 per cent off on eyewear. Parents should carefully budget as 2023's school needs differ from 2021. UAE retailers aim to assist parents in managing expenses amid inflation and higher fees. (By Nivetha Dayanand, Web Editor)

PRAG ON THE MOVE TO BE FUTURE KING: Indian prodigy Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has been making waves as the 18-year-old Grandmaster shows why he is hailed as the next big thing after legend Viswanathan Anand. Incidentally, they both come from Chennai, but the comparison doesn’t end here. There are many similarities between the two and one of the main reasons for Praggnanandhaa’s success is his calm demeanour under pressure. He stays unruffled by the opposition. When asked how does he feel to play with Magnus Carlsen before the start of the Global Chess League, the teenager played it easy and suggested he doesn’t read too much into it, just like any other player. The gesture shows his confidence in him and now in the Fide Chess World Cup final, he has stunned the world No 1 with his surprise moves during the draw in the first game. His efforts drew praise from the Norwegian who said Prag’s surprise moves made his think more and hence took more time. It’s now in black and white, Praggnanandhaa on the move to be the future king. (By A.K.S. Satish, Sports Editor)

STARS WHO DON’T SHINE BRIGHT: Actor Dulquer Salmaan could give Shah Rukh Khan fierce competition. However, we are not discussing star power or their box-office clout. I am referring to tardiness and how the lead actor and crew of 'King Of Kotha' nearly gave the iconic Khan a stiff competition when they turned up almost three hours late for a press conference yesterday in Dubai. They collectively kept over thirty local press waiting from 11:30 am to 2:20 pm and managed to get away with it by charmingly apologising and lamenting about how their team has been on this whirlwind and crazy promotional tour, promoting their film globally. Nevertheless, their apology doesn't simply cut it. In this era where time is money and is meticulously accounted for, it's nearly unacceptable for any actor – regardless of their position in the industry – to keep journalists or their fans waiting. Not addressing this issue only grants them a free pass. However, you cannot label the entire profession as undisciplined based on this behavior. Hollywood stars like Tom Cruise and Bollywood talents like Amitabh Bachchan have impressed us with their punctuality. But now, our attention is on you, Dulquer Salmaan, and we hope you will learn to value someone else's time as much as you value your own. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)