From the Editors: Approval for COVID-19 vaccine booster, a timely move

APPROVAL FOR COVID-19 VACCINE BOOSTER, A TIMELY MOVE: The Ministry of Health and Prevention’s approval for a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for people aged 18 and above is welcome. To be given only six months after the second dose, it will apply to those who are fully vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech and Sputnik vaccine. Senior citizens, people of determination and those with chronic diseases would do well to avail the opportunity and go in for the booster without delay, so they can get the necessary protection. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

ADDRESS IRAN’S NUCLEAR PROGRAMME-AND BALLISTIC MISSILES PROGRAMME: Will the US return to the 2015 nuclear accord with Iran that was annulled by former President Donald Trump? This will be clear when talks restart between Washington and Tehran in Vienna after a five-month hiatus. The talks have assumed increased significance due to the fact that Iran has made significant advances in its uranium enrichment programme, which could potentially lead to a nuclear bomb. And the proposition of a nuclear armed Iran is unacceptable to the international community. But, Iran's nuclear programme should not the only issue for negotiators. They must also address Tehran's ballistic missiles programme. Besides, Iran must also realise that its best interests lie is good relations with its Arab neighbours. To this end, it must stop interference in their affairs. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

DAVIS CUP DEFENDING CHAMPIONS SPAIN KNOCKED OUT: Feliciano Lopez and Marcel Granollers lost 4-6 6-2 6-4 to Russian pair Andrey Rublev and Aslan Karatsev meaning defending Davis Cup champions Spain were knocked out of the tournament. The Russian team clinched the dramatic win in Madrid and moved to the top of Group A which also means Serbia qualify for the last eight as one of two best-placed runners-up. Spain were without the injured Rafael Nadal but were still expected to do better being the home team. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan also reached the last eight after beating Canada, while Croatia, and Great Britain also went through along with Sweden, Germany and Italy.[COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

MOURNING A FASHION LEGEND: Virgil Abloh, the iconic US fashion designer and founder of Off-White, has died at the age of 41 leaving behind a legacy that will live on for generations. Anyone who has been interested in fashion or pop culture has been touched by Abloh’s incredible genius and vision. His death has come as a surprise to many, as the designer’s struggle with a rare form of cancer was kept private. Despite his health issues, Abloh was active in the fashion world; many have likened his passing to that of actor Chadwick Boseman, who died in 2020 after a secret battle with cancer. Like Boseman, Abloh made his mark on the world with his talent and passion and that will not be forgotten.[COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]