UAE breast cancer awareness campaign and OPEC move to stabilise energy market, Gulf News Editors comment on October 5 trending news

FIGHTING BREAST CANCER: This is the International Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an event dedicated to making people understand the scourge of breast cancer, promoting early detection, and supporting individuals affected by this disease. Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), a leading civil society organisation in the UAE, are in the forefront with its 'Pink October' campaign. It's Pink Caravan initiative offers free mammograms for women aged 40 and older and clinical breast examinations for those aged 20 and above. Early detection saves lives. A 93 per cent or higher survival rate for early-stage breast cancer underscores the importance of these screenings. Breast cancer is a battle best fought together, and FOCP’s campaign is an example of inclusion, compassion, and empowerment in the face of adversity. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

OPEC STABILISES ENERGY MARKET: The OPEC+ ministerial panel's decision to maintain the current oil output policy and Saudi Arabia and Russia's commitment to voluntary supply cuts reflect a cautious approach to a rapidly changing energy landscape. Oil prices have surged, nearing $100 per barrel, but concerns about persistently high-interest rates and weaker economic growth cast shadows. The Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee's caution in assessing market conditions is prudent amid this uncertainty. Russian and Saudi energy ministers have been saying for months that the joint cuts by the OPEC heavyweights will help balance the global oil market. All these actions reiterate that OPEC+ will continue to play a pivotal role in stabilising the energy sector. (By Nivetha Dayanand, Web Editor)

KISS GOODBYE IN STYLE: It's always heartening to interact with iconic rock stars who speak about aging in a realistic manner. In a recent interview with Gulf News, American rock legend Paul Stanley, the 71-year-old frontman of KISS, spoke about how he's all set to hang up his shiny leather boots and embrace retirement. He discussed how his concerts are a "real workout." He has a point. Their onstage gigs and gimmicks are no staid strolls. Filled with pyrotechnics, fireworks, fake blood, and outlandish theatrics, this elaborately dressed Goth gang in their seventies would put any Bollywood musical or Halloween party to shame. But he promised that he won't let his creaking bones come in the way of a good performance because he thinks his fans are his biggest strength and asset. As the curtain falls on this chapter, KISS will bid farewell to the UAE fan base next week in a blaze of glory, leaving behind a legacy that defies age and showcases the enduring power of rock 'n' roll. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)

SPORT POWERS AWAY: Two World Cups are being played simultaneously in October. The 50-over Cricket World Cup began in Ahmedabad on Thursday, while the Rugby World Cup is moving to the next stages in France. The Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, is drawing to a close. And the football world is gearing up with major announcements. The 2030 World Cup is likely to be held in six countries in three continents while the region could have another football World Cup with Saudi Arabia throwing its hat in the ring for the 2034 World Cup. European governing body UEFA are set to announce the hosts for the 2028 and 2032 European championships. All these point to the tremendous growth of sports. The Cricket World Cup alone is set to add $2.4 billion to the Indian economy. (By A.K.S. Satish, Sports Editor)