From the Editors: Air India Express plane crash survivors' remarkable gesture

AIE PLANE CRASH SURVIVORS’ KINDNESS WILL MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE: That survivors and families of the 2020 Dubai-Kozhikode Air India Express (AIE) have decided to use part of the compensation they have received towards building a family health centre for those who helped save lives near the crash site in Kerala is indeed a rare gesture. True, the accident claimed 19 passengers and two pilots, injuring 160 others - and nothing can ease the pain of the affected families. But it is heartening how these families have risen above their own circumstances for a noble cause. It is acts such as these that restore faith in humanity. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor).

UAE SHOPPERS ARE INDULGING, BUT WITH A GOOD DEAL OF SMARTS: UAE consumers definitely are not holding back on the things they want to buy – and the experiences they want to be in on (in other words, travel). The latest status report on UAE consumer habits from Majid Al Futtaim affirms that mood among consumers. But rather than go all out on their spending, and worry about the credit card payments later, these consumers are doing so with a good deal of planning and foresight. Wait until the bumper promotions are on? Sure, why not? Travel anywhere outside of peak phases? You bet. More UAE consumers are learning how to stretch their dirhams – and at the same time, not cut back on what they feel like doing. Whether collecting a new fashion accessory or soaking in a life experience, UAE shoppers do so – with caution. (Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

GAZA TRUCE MUST BE RESPECTED: The ceasefire between the Islamic Jihad and Israel has come as a huge relief since the most severe flare-up in the standoff on the Gaza frontier in a year threatened to spin out of control. The world can’t afford more strain when the Ukraine war and the Taiwan tension have spooked markets and disrupted global food supplies. The Palestinians and Israelis should abide by the truce, mediated by Egypt, to ensure peace prevails in the region. (By Shyam A. Krishna, Senior Associate Editor)

HAALAND SHOWS ALL HIS QUALITIES IN MAN CITY DEBUT: Erling Haaland made the perfect start to his Manchester City career with two goals to down West Ham in the English Premier League clash. There was a lot of hype surrounding the 22-year-old Norwegian striker ever since his big-money move from Borussia Dortmund but he showed exactly why City paid £51 million for his services. He led the line brilliantly and was a constant menace for the West Ham back four. He demonstrated the huge threat he will pose this season for the champions who began the defence of their title in impressive fashion. It was exactly the start coach Pep Guardiola wanted but he knows there will be sterner tests ahead, which is why it was imperative Haaland hit the ground running. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

INCREDIBLY AFFABLE AND REAL: Their responses aren’t staid or diplomatically correct, unlike the movie icons that they look up to. Here’s hoping that more Malayalam actors are as friendly and easy going as Tovino and Kalyani. They don’t take themselves too seriously, but take their cinema and their craft very seriously. Here’s hoping more stars follow their footsteps. [Comment by Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Assistant Editor Features (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Assistant Editor Features)