From the Editors: Beware of ‘irresponsible’ social media influencers

BEWARE OF ‘IRRESPONSIBLE’ SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS: Dubai Police have once again sent a stern warning to social media influencers who act ‘irresponsibly’. The warning came after a famous social media influencer in Dubai was arrested and deported for smoking a banned substance in a live broadcast on his Instagram account. Cyber security cops in the UAE are closely monitoring any ‘irresponsible’ posts on social media platforms. Culprits can be apprehended regardless of their social status and popularity. Police particularly stands against influencers who encourage youngsters to break laws and act against local cultural norms and traditions. Those who have huge following on social media must be more careful as they have greater responsibility toward the society. [COMMENT BY: Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor]

IRAQ MUST STOP RELYING ON IRAN FOR ELECTRICITY: It’s an annual ritual. The blazing summer months approach, and Iraqis are out on the streets protesting lack of electricity for hours on end. Iran is the main supplier of power to Iraq, which habitually seeks waivers from Washington - that has imposed severe sanctions on Tehran - to buy electricity from Iran. But now, even cash-strapped Iran has cut off power supply, due to mounting unpaid bills from oil-rich Iraq. The reason is for Iraq’s dilemma is simple: limitless corruption and mismanagement. More than $150 billion has disappeared from state coffers since the US invasion in 2003. The fact that Opec’s second largest oil producer finds itself is such a bind every year is an embarrassment. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

BRAZIL TO SUSPEND INDIAN COVID-19 VACCINE DEAL AMID GRAFT CLAIMS: Accusations that Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro turned a blind eye to possible corruption in a deal to purchase coronavirus vaccines have heightened threats to his presidency, including a move to recommend slapping him with a criminal charge. Brazil today announced it will suspend the $324-million contract to buy 20 million doses from India. Bharat Biotech of India has denied any allegation of wrongdoing with respect to vaccine supply. Brazil is now the second country after the US to surpass 500,000 Covid-19 deaths. The total number of coronavirus cases stand at 18,513,305, including 516,119 deaths. It is sad that corruption has reared its ugly head when the country is struggling to grapple with the deadly disease. [COMMENT BY: Stephen N R, Senior Associate Editor]

A 55-YEAR-OLD JINX ENDS FOR ENGLAND, FITTINGLY AT WEMBLEY: It was a cagey, nervy fight but England finally freed a 55-year albatross from their necks as they downed Germany 2-0 at Wembley to book their place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020. The Three Lions had not defeated the Germans in a knockout competition since their triumph in the 1966 World Cup final, but it was a different story on Tuesday when they secured their place in the last eight of the European Championships at Joachim Loew’s side’s expense. Is the Cup coming home then? Let’s wait and watch! [COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

GIVE IT A REST KANGANA: Dear Kangana, there’s no denial that you are an acting powerhouse. A kind of talent that perhaps comes along once in a lifetime. Your ability to breathe life into the most mundane of characters and light it up with a spark was evident in ‘Queen’. What you pulled off in ‘Fashion’ and ‘Tanu Weds Manu’ was second only to the latter’s sequel that won you one of four Indian National Awards that sit on your mantle today. You rose to the occasion when things fell apart on the sets of ‘Manikarnika: Queen of Jhansi’ and directed the film towards its National Awards win. Your upcoming projects are the envy of many a Bollywood star with ‘Thalaivi’, ‘Dhaakad’ and the Indira Gandhi biopic readying to earn you more trophies in this illustrious career. Yet, despite remaining so secure in your position today, you waste your time engaging in petty arguments with your Bollywood peers. You have talent. Respect it. Let it be your voice and give the rest of it a rest. From a fan who is struggling to look beyond the headlines today. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]