From the Editors: Big boost for UAE’s private companies

BIG BOOST FOR UAE’S PRIVATE COMPANIES: The new discounts on fees announced for expat work permits is part of the incentives being accorded to private companies for meeting or exceeding targets with regard to Emiratisation and other criteria. It is just as well that the new system will depend on the extent to employers abide by the Wage Protection System and other mechanisms that are in place to ensure workers’ rights, even while promoting cultural and demographic diversity. When it comes into effect from June 1, it will go a long way in simplifying procedures and boosting entrepreneurship. [By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

STRONG ACTION NEEDED ON GUN CONTROL IN THE US: Nineteen children mowed down before the age of 10 and a call for action to stop such massacres. How many more shootings will it take before there is legislation on gun control? Every time there is a deadly shooting in the US, we hear the same voices – the gun lobby is strong and the people have the right to bear arms. We also see images of mothers and fathers who know that life will never be the same again without their loved ones. The time has come for strong action and for a united nation to stand up as one to fight this menace. Unless this is done, lives will continue to be lost to gun-toting attackers. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

GUJARAT MAKE IT TO THE FINAL OF IPL 2022: Newcomers Gujarat Titans have made it to the final of the Indian Premier League season 2022 thanks to David Miller’s heroics. The South African batter smashed his side to victory against Rajasthan Royals in the final over of the first qualifier with some superb hitting. Gujarat had required 16 runs to win from 6 balls remaining and Miller smacked the first three deliveries over the rope to seal a seven wicket win. He finished on 68 from just 38 balls. Earlier, a brilliant 89 from Jos Buttler for Rajasthan helped the team post 188-6 but they could not defend that total. Tonight Lucknow Super Giants clash with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the eliminator and Gujarat will be watching closely to see who they will meet in the final on Sunday. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]

CELEBRITIES SPEAK OUT ON TEXAS SHOOTING: The deadly elementary school shooting that left 19 students and two teachers dead on Tuesday in Uvalde, Texas, has seen celebrities unite in a collective voice to combat gun violence in the US. Even as tributes and condolences rolled in from around the world, actor Matthew McConaughey, who is from Uvalde originally, shared a note about his hometown that truly resonated with many grieving the senseless tragedy. “Once again, we have tragically proven that we are failing to be responsible for the rights our freedoms grant us,” he wrote, in part. “The true call to action now is for every American to take a longer and deeper look in the mirror and ask ourselves, ‘What is it that we truly value? How do we repair the problem?’” While celebrities such Taylor Swift and Mandy Moore spoke in similar vein, stressing the need to find an end to mass shootings plaguing the US, McConaughey’s parting words struck a chord with many who continue to live in fear: “And to those who dropped off their loved ones today not knowing it was goodbye, no words can comprehend or heal your loss, but if prayers can provide comfort, we’ll keep them coming.” [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]