Blanket ban on single-use plastic in the UAE, and pre-emptive moves by businesses to tackle global downturn, our editors comment on the top stories of Jan 11

UAE MOVES FORWARD TO PROTECT ENVIRONMENT: The UAE has taken another massive step to protect the environment by imposing a blanket ban on single-use plastic shopping bags with effect from January 1, 2024. The UAE will also impose a ban on the import, production, and trade of single-use plastic products. These products include plastic cups, lids, cutlery, forks, knives, and spoons, plates, food containers, and boxes made of foam (styrofoam). The decision aims to protect the environment from pollution caused by the consumption of such products. It is indeed a big and timely decision towards ‘green’ UAE. Consumers should also play their role by saying ‘no’ to plastic bags to ensure success of this campaign. (By Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor)

UAE BUSINESSES MAKE PRE-EMPTIVE MOVES ON TACKLING RECESSION: UAE businesses are in no mood to wait, watch and then react. If a recession is coming for the global economy, then are then preparing for it, pronto. The latest PMI (Purchasing Managers Index) from S&P Global point to this measure of caution on business owners’ part, whether that’s through lowered hiring or through a needle-sharp focus on cutting out costs where possible. And they are doing that with the knowledge that internal the UAE economy’s dynamics provide them with the cushion to absorb turbulence on the outside. It wasn’t the case in 2008, but UAE businesses are preparing for any change in their operating environment. (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

RASHFORD SCORES AGAIN AS MANCHESTER UNITED CRUISE PAST CHARLTON: Marcus Rashford’s hot scoring form continued last night as the striker grabbed two goals in a 3-0 win for Manchester United over Charlton in the EFL Cup quarterfinal at Old Trafford. Coach Erik Ten Hag has completely turned the club’s fortunes around having initially making a poor start to life at United. They lost both of their opening league matches – including a 4-0 thrashing away to Brentford – but ever since then, the former Ajax man has managed to implement his philosophy and playing style over to his players and the club is on the up once again. Rashford in particular has benefited from Ten Hag and looks like a brand new player. He seems more willing to chase down lost causes, run the channels and has been working hard for the team. He now has 15 goals this season while United have now won eight consecutive matches for the first time since 2017 when Jose Mourhinho was in charge. They head into their weekend clash with neighbours Manchester City, who are also in fine form, meaning we could be in for a derby day treat. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

‘RRR’ ROARS AT THE 80TH GOLDEN GLOBES: South Indian cinema enjoyed glorious and robust year at the Indian box-office in 2022, but maverick director SS Rajamouli has taken his fantasy adventure’s popularity to another level. After their momentous win for Best Original Song at the 80th Golden Globe Awards, ‘RRR’ has just become a cultural juggernaut that transcended boundaries, race, and language. And we couldn’t be more proud because here’s a team who believed in their collective vision and were brave enough to see it through. When I interviewed the three rebels from ‘RRR’ at the time of its release, what impressed me was their commitment to their craft and how they all dared to dream. Their success on the Golden Globes stage is a timely reminder that dreaming big can reap rich dividends. Here’s hoping ‘RRR’ has a similar dream run at the upcoming Oscars too. In the meantime, go online and read our interviews with the superheroes of ‘RRR’. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)