Fed pauses rate hikes, tragic boat sinking in Greece, how blood donation saves lives, and more stories, Gulf News Editors comment on the top news on June 15

FED PAUSES RATE HIKES: Federal Reserve officials paused yesterday following 15 months of interest rate hikes but indicated their intention to resume tightening in the future to address inflation. This temporary pause offers UAE consumers and businesses relief from additional loan expenses. As the demand for bank loans increase among businesses and consumers, the Fed's decision to pause means they won't need to allocate extra funds to cover their loan exposures and credit card bills. Jerome Powell also expressed his belief that the various components of inflation are falling into place. The Fed remains focused on 'getting the policy right' as it considers potential final rate increases before a possible decline in inflation permits rate cuts next year. (Nivetha Dayanand, Web Editor)

TRAGIC BOAT SINKING IN GREECE: A fishing boat sinking off Greece's southern coast has resulted in the deaths of at least 79 people. Survivors suggest that up to 750 people, including 100 children, were on board. Greece has declared three days of mourning for what is considered one of its worst migrant tragedies. Migration numbers reveal that the journey through the central Mediterranean and north to Europe is the world's deadliest route, according to the UN’s International Organisation of Migration. There are concerns about the authorities' response and claims of aid refusals. This incident underscores the need for a more humane refugee policies and prompt investigations to prevent such tragedies in future. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

GIVE BLOOD, HELP SAVE LIVES: Certain myths surround blood donations. But unknown to many, it comes with numerous benefits. Shijith “Unni” Vidhayasagar, 44, a UAE resident, is an example of how being a regular blood donor serves humanity. In the UAE alone, the father-of-two has donated blood 54 times. He has appeared in 93 blood donation sessions since 2003, both in the India and the Emirates. A University of San Diego study found that donating one pint of blood “burns” between 600 and 650 calories. Besides helping save lives, donors get insights into their health status during the screening. More importantly, regular blood donation is known to stimulate the body to produce new blood cells, leading to the replenishment of iron stores. This process can help maintain overall good health, say doctors. It also reduces risks of cardiovascular diseases. There’s joy and satisfaction in helping save lives and reaping the benefits of being a regular blood donor. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

INTERESTING ASHES ON THE CARDS: All eyes are on the Ashes series, which begins Friday. It is a big test for England’s new aggressive approach, which has yielded results over a sustained period. Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum have changed the entire culture of English cricket - a game plan that has now been adopted by other teams. Australia present a different challenge to England, as the Ashes is contested between two teams of similar nature and mindset. Moreover, an important series like Ashes will have its own set of pressures, which will test even the best. England skipper Stokes has reiterated that they will not be willing to make any alterations to their successful process, and aims to go hard at Australia. It is going to throw up interesting battles. Fans must eager for the umpires to call play. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)

ALEC BALDWIN’S FATAL SHOOTING INCIDENT THROWS LIGHT ON SET SAFETY: Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin may have formally faced charges in connection to the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of his production 'Rust,' but there's a new twist to the legal proceedings. News has emerged that the weapons supervisor on the film, where Baldwin shot and killed the cinematographer, was hungover and smoking illegal substances. Prosecutors claim that she loaded a live bullet into the revolver used by the actor due to her hangover. In October 2021, Baldwin was pointing a gun at Hutchins during a rehearsal when it went off, killing her and wounding the film's director. While it's still too early to determine who's at fault, this tragic incident emphasises the importance of having safety officers on film sets, particularly in trigger-happy action films. It’s also a stark reminder that no matter how talented or experience the cast and crew maybe, safety protocols must be followed at all times and it’s the responsibility of production companies, directors, and producers to create a culture of safety on set. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)