UAE Hope Probe team’s award and OPEC move for energy market balance, Gulf News Editors comment on October 3 trending news

PLAUDITS FOR UAE HOPE TEAM: The UAE’s Hope Probe team has received the prestigious '2023 Laurels for Team Achievement Award’ for their contributions to space exploration. The award was presented by the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) in Baku, Azerbaijan. The Hope Probe helps enhance our understanding of Mars, providing a comprehensive map of the Red Planet’s atmosphere and insights into its moon, Deimos. It also marks the UAE’s growing role in space science, with achievements such as the six-month mission of UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi on the ISS and satellite projects like KhalifaSat and the upcoming MBZ-SAT, not to mention MBRSC’s Rashid Rover on the Emirates Lunar Mission and the ambitious Mars 2117 project, to establish human settlement on Mars by 2117. Such bold targets and milestones showcase the UAE’s commitment to innovation and its ability to foster international collaboration to advance science. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

ENERGY MARKET EQUILIBRIUM VITAL: OPEC’s dedication to preserving equilibrium between energy supply and demand in the ever-fluctuating market is paramount for global economic stability. The UAE’s Energy Minister, Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, stressed the dangers of inadequate investment, which may lead to insufficient supply. This situation could, in turn, trigger unwelcome price fluctuations and supply disruptions. The concerns expressed by OPEC regarding a hasty transition away from traditional energy sources align with the warnings of severe consequences for the global economy. In a period marked by an energy crisis, there is a clear call for increased investments in projects related to both oil and gas. (By Nivetha Dayanand, Web Editor)

US HOUSE SPEAKER FACES THREAT TO POSITION: US Speaker Kevin McCarthy is facing a move to oust him from one of his party members. Matt Gaetz has filed a resolution for a snap vote that even he has acknowledged may not have enough support. This is the first time in more than 100 years that a lawmaker has moved to force a vote using a tool that has been threatened against other House speakers. The move also puts on display the warring factions within the Republican party. Much is happening in US politics — the threat of a government shutdown, a former president facing legal woes and now a threat to throw out the House Speaker. It’s part of democracy in motion. (By Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor)

OPRAH WINFREY ON FAT-SHAMING: Television mogul Oprah Winfrey has never shied away from discussing her struggle with fluctuating body weight. In a recent interview, she shared, “So, you all know I’ve been on this journey for most of my life. My highest weight was 237 lbs (107kg). I don’t know if there is another public figure whose weight struggles have been exploited as much as mine over the years.” She talked about how she has been shamed for about 25 years for not having the “willpower” to lose weight and emphasised that the stigma against overweight people is real. She had a point there. Winfrey’s candid confessions should prompt us to judge less. And remember, if someone as accomplished as Winfrey is vilified for her appearance, do other mortals stand a chance? (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)

WORLD CUP CRICKET FEVER IN INDIA: The 50-over World Cup begins in India on Thursday and the final will be on November 19. A World Cup gives aspiring talents a launchpad for a great career and some will walk into the sunset. The tournament with 48 matches over the next 45 days will be the last time the 10-team format will be played as teams will swell to 14 from the next edition. Two-time champions West Indies will miss the World Cup for the first time in 13 editions. Now get ready for the World Cup cricket fever. (A.K.S. Satish, Sports Editor)