Food wastage during Ramadan, India-GCC sector is price-sensitive, Gulf News Editors comment on the top stories of March 26

WE MUST DO OUR BIT TO REDUCE FOOD WASTAGE DURING RAMADAN: Regular food inspections by the UAE authorities during Ramadan not only ensures the proper handling of food but also reduces food wastage. The stringent monitoring and identification of wrong practices in food establishments makes food safety something people can take for granted in the UAE. All meat and fish markets, besides vegetable and fruit shops are also checked for compliance with food safety requirements. As residents, we must also do our bit to adopt clean and safe practices in our kitchens and minimise food wastage to the maximum extent possible. [COMMENT By: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

INDIA-GCC SECTOR IS PRICE-SENSITIVE AND CYCLIC IN NATURE: The Indian government may well be within its rights to control seat-sharing quotas for international airlines serving the country. However, it’s a plan that needs to be handled deftly. Gulf airlines are known for better service and greater connectivity, and offer excellent options for long-haul flyers. They are also consistently ranked among the safest airlines globally. So if Indian carriers are to succeed, they need to do better than their Gulf counterparts. It should also be kept in mind that the India-GCC sector is price-sensitive and cyclic in nature, considering the spike in travel demand during summer holidays and New Year. Any juggling in seat-sharing must ensure that airfares remain attractive. [COMMENT BY: Anupam Varma, Assistant Editor]

CUT THESE CELEBRITIES SOME SLACK? Marriage isn’t for everyone and continues to be a sacred bond which requires constant nurturing and care. The pressure to keep it going is intensified if you happen to be a beloved celebrity whose every move is constantly scrutinized. Case in point: America’s eternal sweetheart and darling, Reese Witherspoon, announced her decision to divorce her husband of twelve years Jim Toth. The couple put out a joint statement seeking privacy and how they had this intense need to move forward. “Our biggest priority is our son and our entire family as we navigate this next chapter. These matters are never easy and are extremely personal,” they wrote. We hear them. Closer home, rumours of trouble in Bollywood power couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s marriage are also gaining momentum. Fan clubs of the actors are scrutinizing their body language at a recent public event to arrive at such drastic conclusions. But let’s all take a moment and give them space to breathe instead of making a mockery of their marriage. Like Reese Witherspoon and husband, every couple will choose their own course and direction. Let’s not pre-empt their moves, long before they volunteer information about their private lives. Being a celebrity does not mean they have sacrificed their need for personal space. [COMMENT BY: Manjusha Radhakrishnan Entertainment Editor]

WALES PROVE THERE IS LIFE OVER GARETH BALE: Wales manager Robert Page was full of praise for his team’s performance in their last-gasp 1-1 draw against Croatia. The coach feels his side showed that they can have a bright future without their retired ex-captain Gareth Bale. Bale was the talisman for the national team and his moments of individual brilliance thanks to that awesome left foot will be forever remembered by fans. But it is time for new heroes to step up and last night it was Ipswich Town’s 24-year-old striker Nathan Broadhead who rescued a point on his debut. Wales played as a team rather than looking for a flash of brilliance as they used to do with Bale who seemed to disappear for long spells during matches towards the end of his career. He was unable to press for 90 minutes but Page had several young, energetic players on the pitch and Wales looked very good and they proved there is life after Bale. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]