Frenetic search for Titan Sub continues, New UAE law favours businesses, plus more stories, Gulf News Editors comment on the top news on June 21

RACE AGAINST TIME FOR MISSING SUB: In a frantic race against time, rescuers are tirelessly searching for a missing submarine Titan. Recent developments have led them to detect underwater noise, prompting a redirection of their efforts. US Coast Guard announced that remote-operated vehicles are still diligently scouring the surroundings in hopes of locating the missing submarine. Tragically, contact with the submarine was lost during its descent to the Titanic wreck, resting over two miles below the surface of the North Atlantic. On board the 21-foot craft are five individuals, including British-Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, his son Suleman, and British explorer Hamish Harding. Also accompanying them are Paul-Henry Nargeolet, a former French Navy diver, and Stockton Rush, the CEO of OceanGate, the company behind the dive. The situation grows increasingly dire as the submarine's air supply is expected to be depleted on Thursday at approximately 10:00 GMT. Every moment counts as rescuers desperately strive to find and save the missing crew. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

UAE’S UPDATED COMMERCIAL AGENCY LAW IS A WIN FOR GLOBAL BUSINESSES: The UAE’s updated Commercial Agency Law has allowed new businesses to take advantage of 100 per cent ownership across various sectors. The law is expected to attract international companies to expand their presence in the UAE by allowing them to act as their own agents. This reform eliminates the need for businesses to partner with local sponsors or shareholders, providing greater control over their operations. The process of setting up a mainland entity has become smoother, taking only 1-2 weeks with the right documentation. However, businesses such as manpower outsourcing still require commercial agents. The law also introduces provisions for the termination of existing alliances with local commercial agents and allows for arbitration in dispute resolution. Certain business categories still require the presence of a commercial agent. The law, however, marks a significant shift in how businesses can operate in the UAE, requiring a transition period for existing operations. (By Nivetha Dayanand, Web Editor)

STORIES THAT TRANSFORM: By illuminating children with knowledge, the Kalimat Foundation, a global non-profit based in the UAE, has been assisting young ones in enduring the effects of conflict. The foundation has given 15,700 quality Arabic-language books to underprivileged children and who have been forcibly relocated. This initiative is spearheaded by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, founder and chairperson, are guided by her passionate vision. Through its collaboration with 88 schools, orphanages, and nonprofit organisations since its founding in 2017, the foundation has had an impact on more than 100,000 underprivileged kids. The initiative has drawn not only smiles among the young recipients across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America, but also brings hope and illuminates their minds with knowledge and the transformative stories found in books. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

A GREAT ADVERTISEMENT FOR TEST CRICKET: Australia have won the first Ashes Test in a thrilling late finish. There were plenty of twists and turns until the end. In a way, England needed to be credited for the brave declaration in the first innings, which gave both teams an equal chance for marching towards the winning line. Still, Australia, who have arrived on the back of the World Test Championship triumph against India in the final, showed that they are ready to meet fire with fire to overcome the Bazball effort. However, games like these are a great advertisement for Test cricket. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)

KARAN JOHAR RECEIVES UK HONOUR: Bollywood director Karan Johar was honoured at the British Parliament for his contribution to the entertainment industry, coinciding with his 25th year in showbiz. The director of blockbusters, including ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ and ‘Kabhie Kushi Kabhi Ghum’, received the honour at the British Parliament. On Instagram, the director seemingly allowed himself to be overcome by emotion. “I pinch myself and realise that dreams do come true,” he wrote. Regardless of the criticisms against him — that he chooses to work only with a select band of actors and promotes ‘nepo babies’ — Johar has delivered blockbusters consistently over the years. Now, that’s no mean feat. The critical analysis can wait, but let’s applaud Johar for his feat for now. (By Rajagopalan Venkataraman, Assistant Editor-Features)