US House Speaker drama is finally over, and New initiative to check infectious diseases in UAE, our editors comment on the top stories of Jan 7

NEW INITIATIVE TO CHECK INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN UAE: Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) has introduced the UAE’s first mobile BSL-3 (Biosafety level 3) laboratory in Abu Dhabi. Equipped to handle highly infectious disease agents — including Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, Yellow fever, and more — the BSL-3 mobile laboratory will enhance the emirate’s infectious disease preparedness through swift, safe and accurate testing of communicable diseases. The new lab will also help achieve the vision of ADPHC towards enhancing a healthy and safe community. The newly launched state-of-the-art mobile laboratory will offer free testing to identify those exposed to viral infections and pathogens. The initiative will certainly help improve public health safety in the UAE. [COMMENT BY: Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor]

US HOUSE SPEAKER DRAMA IS FINALLY OVER: After the longest series of ballots since 1859, California Republican Kevin McCarthy achieved his ambition of becoming the US House speaker on a historic post-midnight 15th vote early Saturday. The protracted and embarrassing deadlock between establishment Republicans and hardline conservatives took over more than four days to resolve. And the final vote was preceded by dramatic moments on the House floor as the Republican fight escalated to shouting and physical confrontations. However, McCarthy had to surrender considerable authority, promising to back procedural changes empowering dissidents, including the ability to let a single Republican force a House vote on ousting him as speaker. Now it’s back to business for the new Congress but the disorganised start points to difficulties ahead with Republicans now in control of the House. [COMMENT BY: N.R.Stephen, Senior Associate Editor]

BECKHAM NAME RETURNS TO ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: David Beckham’s son Romeo has joined English Premier League club Brentford on loan from Inter Miami II. He will stay with the London club until the end of the season. The 20-year-old, the second-eldest son of the former England captain, will represent the club’s B team. Inter Miami II, which is co-owned by his father, finished sixth in the Eastern Conference last season. Beckham, a right winger like his dad, contributed two goals and 10 assists. He will link up with Neil MacFarlane’s second side as he bids to continue his development in the game, and there are high hopes for his future. David Beckham left Manchester United in 2003 for Real Madrid and now 20 years later the famous name has returned to the English Premier League. It will be interesting to see how Romeo gets on and if he can follow in his father’s footsteps. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]