UAE water security, business fee reduction, and Ukraine war: our editors comment on the top stories of Jan 25

UAE’S EFFORTS FOR WATER SECURITY COMMENDABLE: The UAE’s research programme for rain enhancement is a fine example of the country’s moves to become a global hub to advance the global water security agenda. As revealed by the International Rain Enhancement Forum in Abu Dhabi, there is a concerted by the scientific community to find innovative solutions that sustainably enhance water resources. This is essential given the scale and spread of urbanisation, which brings its challenges. Going by its breakthrough record in other sectors, there is little doubt that the UAE will also make a mark in this field. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor).

UAE HELPS BUSINESSES ON COSTS: Ease of doing business is about creating a sound legal environment and smoothing out the processes from acquiring a licence to launching operations. But there is always more nations can do these days; it’s about helping businesses manage their costs. This is where the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology has done its part by reducing fees on 14 main and sub-services and full waiver for another service. This is the year that business owners, CEOs and CFOs have their work cut on how they balance the costs across operations. Any incentive that reduces costs would be welcome. If the UAE Ministry’s move helps deliver more investments, that’s a big plus. (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

GRAFT, BATTLE TANKS PUT SPOTLIGHT ON UKRAINE: There’s plenty of news from Ukraine. First, several senior officials have been dismissed as part of an anti-corruption drive. And now, the battle tanks that Ukraine had long sought may just come their way. Reports say Germany has decided to send Leopard 2 tanks, and the US is expected to announce that it will provide M1 Abram tanks to the country. While Ukraine and its allies may rejoice at the news of battle tanks, the world is not ready for an escalation of the war. Back-channel talks must gain momentum to give peace a real chance, and both sides must come to the negotiation table. Also, Zelensky will have to clear up the graft issues at home so that donors can be convinced their money is put to good use. (By Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor)

STOKES MUST PLAY IN 50-OVER WORLD CUP: England must try to tempt Ben Stokes out of his ODI retirement and get him to play in the World Cup later this year. The reason is simple — he is a match-winner. He can single-handedly win tight games, as he has proved in the past: Stokes steered England to victory in the T20 World Cup final. Last July, Stokes said he was standing down from the 50-over game to manage his workload. But coach Matthew Mott knows how vital a player Stokes is, and he must persuade the 31-year-old Test captain to make a U-turn on his decision because players of such high quality do not grow on trees. England will fancy their chances in India if he does come back. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

BOLLYWOOD BLOCKBUSTERS ARE BACK WITH A BANG: Shah Rukh Khan seems to have come to Bollywood’s rescue when the Indian film industry is going through an underwhelming phase with even star-led blockbusters bombing at the box office. Half the seats of a theatre in Dubai were filled on Wednesday — a working day — for the first show of ‘Pathaan’. This is Khan’s comeback vehicle after four years, and he’s still got it. That explains why the cinema hall was adequately filled for the early morning show. Khan is one of the invincible heroes of Bollywood. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)