From the Editors: Beware of fake offers on dating apps

BEWARE OF FAKE OFFERS ON DATING APPS: In recent times, there have been incidents in the UAE where people have fallen victims to criminals who have duped gullible customers with offers of massage on dating apps. There are very stringent legal measures in place in this country to deal with such crimes. However, we must not forget the fact that no amount of legal protection can be enough unless we the community members behave responsibly and not allow ourselves to be trapped into compromising situations that can endanger our safety. It is incumbent upon every individual to check the veracity of offers and claims that are peddled through social media apps and platforms before falling for them – hook, line and sinker. Remember: If something appears too good to be true, in all probability, it is so! [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

CAT-AND-MOUSE GAME IN IRAQ COULD GET VERY DEADLY: There’s been a cat-and-mouse game underway in Iraq for a few years. Iran-backed militias lob rockets and mortars at US targets; 99% of the times, there were no casualties. Once, when there was an American contractor killed, the US used it as a pretext to kill Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and an Iraqi militia boss, among many others. On Saturday, rockets landed at a base where a US defence company services combat aircraft for the Iraqi government. The Biden administration’s response to these attacks has been measured so far. But games like these have the tendency of getting out of control suddenly. The Iraqi government - itself underpinned by militia support - should step in to curtail this adventurism. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

EVERTON LOSS TAKES TOLL ON LIVERPOOL AND KLOPP: Another day and another Premier League manager is touted for the sack. However, Sunday morning’s coach under scrutiny has a twist as, almost unbelievably, it is the previously untouchable Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. Twelve months ago the Reds were ripping up record books on the way to their first title for 30 years, but a 2-0 defeat by Everton on Saturday was their first loss at home to their city rivals since 1999 and was a fourth home league defeat in succession — something they have not experienced since 1924. Klopp’s hopes of retaining the Premier League crown were already effectively over, but Everton’s win means Liverpool are now in a scrap to even finish in the top four, and questions are now being asked of Klopp’s leadership. [COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

IT’S A BABY BOY FOR SAIF, KAREENA: There’s nothing quite like baby news to get Bollywood celebrating as Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan welcome their second child together. The news is exceptionally welcome by the Kapoor family following the death of Rajiv Kapoor on February 9, who was Kareena’s uncle. The Bollywood dynasty has faced a tumultuous 2020 with the losses of veteran actor Rishi Kapoor and his sister, Ritu Nanda. There’s nothing like a bundle of joy to lift spirits and bring the family together in good times as well. And while, the Kapoor and Khan families celebrate, fans of course will work overtime in the guessing game to name the new baby. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai , Entertainment Editor]