Dubai Taxi Company's blockbuster IPO breaks records, Javier Milei set to reshape Argentina's future, and other trending stories, Gulf News Editors comment on November 21 top news

DUBAI TAXI COMPANY'S BLOCKBUSTER IPO BREAKS RECORDS: Dubai's stock market, amid a successful privatization drive, is anticipating to end 2023 on a high note. Dubai Taxi Company's IPO, with a share price range of Dh1.8 to Dh1.85, aims to raise Dh1.12-1.16 billion, valuing the company at Dh4.5-4.62 billion. The offering, opening on November 21, is 24.9 per cent of equity was oversubscribed within the first hour, said analysts. CEO Mansoor Alfalasi cites strong investor interest, emphasizing the company's growth potential and financial strength. DTC is planning a December 7 listing on DFM. The IPO funds will aid fleet expansion, securing market leader status. Now, analysts are foreseeing potential upsizing, given widespread interest. (By Dhanusha Gokulan, Chief Reporter)

JAVIER MILEI SET TO RESHAPE ARGENTINA'S FUTURE: In Argentina's election, Javier Milei has stirred fervour. Advocating radical economic shifts, he has clinched a seismic victory in the Presidential elections, signaling a departure from the norm. With echoes of Trump's fiery endorsement, Milei, known as "the lion," his radical prescriptions, from dollarization to slashing ministries, aim to combat Argentina's economic storm. Milei's rockstar-style rallies in recent months have resonated with discontented voters, propelling him from obscurity. In a theatrical showdown against Peronist Massa, Milei's chainsaw-wielding antics drew parallels to Trump and Bolsonaro. Amid economic turmoil, Milei has emerged as a winner, promising a reshaping of Argentine politics, challenging the status quo. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

DIABETES SCREENING FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE: In the relentless battle against diabetes, awareness emerges as a formidable weapon, with screening at its forefront. As diabetes tightens its grip on nearly 1 million lives in the UAE, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC) and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) join hands to combat this pervasive threat. Their collaboration is a beacon of hope, focusing on early detection, research, and innovative solutions. The statistics are stark - 990,900 million adults in the UAE grapple with diabetes, a number that aligns with global trends. Affluent lifestyles contribute to its surge, underscoring the urgency of prevention. ICLDC's commitment to public health campaigns and ADPHC's ongoing efforts align with World Diabetes Month, amplifying the significance of their joint mission. Together, they aim not only to raise awareness but to pioneer a healthier tomorrow through proactive screening, diagnosis, and targeted interventions. In the face of this health challenge, their partnership stands as a testament to a shared vision of a diabetes-free future. (Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

NOVAK DJOKOVIC KEEPS SETTING THE BAR HIGHER AND HIGHER: At the beginning of the year, Novak Djokovic was not sure if he would be allowed to play in the Australian Open and the US Open again due to his vaccination status. But the Serb returned to the two Grand Slams and managed to equal Rafael Nadal’s record in Australia and surpassed the Spaniard in the French Open to take his tally to a record 24 Grand Slam titles with US Open crown. A remarkable feat, considering that he had to contend with the younger players, who are gunning for his throne. However, he had proclaimed that he was not afraid of them and managed to keep them at bay with Wimbledon being the sole exception, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the final. At aged 36, the world No 1, after winning his seventh ATP Tour finals, Djokovic has no intentions of slowing down and is targeting more records in 2024, that includes an Olympic gold. Djokovic has once again proved that he means business and the contenders to his throne will have to be at their best. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)

IFFI 2023 FUELED BY BOLLYWOOD STARS: There was a time when film festivals were known for independent and parallel cinema, but things have drastically changed. Take the case of the International Film Festival of Goa in India -- a festival that screens movies from around the globe -- where Bollywood's soft power as a cultural juggernaut is on full display. Stars including Sara Ali Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Vijay Sethupathi, Karan Johar, and Madhuri Dixit are here in full force to promote. Having them in the festival circuit adds a layer of glamour and glitz that's essential for cinema - be it commercial or festival-friendly - to survive. IFFI 2023 is a testament to cinema's long-enduring appeal and how you cannot simply escape the lure of Bollywood. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)