From the Editors: Birth certificates through WhatsApp in UAE in keeping with digital age

BIRTH CERTIFICATES THROUGH WHATSAPP IN UAE IN KEEPING WITH DIGITAL AGE: As part of the UAE Innovation Month 2022, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has introduced a WhatsApp service for issuing birth certificates. The WhatsApp service uses artificial intelligence to respond to customer queries through a virtual assistant, allowing users to avail of the service seamlessly. Through this service, customers can now receive birth certificates without having to visit any of MoHAP customer service centres. This yet again is a case in point of the UAE’s commitment towards its community members to provide world-class facilities, using latest technologies and innovations in the true spirit of a digital age.[COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

NO EXCUSE FOR ZVEREV’S AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR: Following Alexander Zverev’s attack on the umpire’s chair during the Mexican Open doubles match against Lloyd Glasspool and Harri Heliovaara, the German has been fined $40,000. He has also been made to forfeit $30,000 in prize money after being thrown out of the tournament. It was a shocking moment to see the player, who is no stranger to controversy, totally lose control and lash out the way he did. He is still facing the threat of a ban as the ATP investigates the incident and even though he apologized for the attack and said his behaviour was “unacceptable” other tennis stars such as Rafael Nadal have chimed in to say Zverev’s punishment was “deserved”. There is no excuse for the Olympic champion’s aggressive behavior and it will be interesting to see what further punishment will be meted out.[COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

UNCERTAIN TIMES, EVEN ON THE STAGE: Singer John Mayer has tested positive for COVID-19 while on tour, along with other members of his band. Earlier, the drummer and background vocalist had also tested positive but the rest of the band decided to keep the show going. It seems like it was only a matter of time that it would spread. Mayer expressed frustration at having to cancel shows due to his diagnosis. Amid the pandemic, there is still uncertainty when planning live shows and it’s something that can’t be avoided. However, as annoying as it must be, safety and precautions must always come first. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]