From the Editors: ‘Blue Schools’ in Abu Dhabi initiative a great idea

‘BLUE SCHOOLS’ INITIATIVE A GREAT IDEA: It is quite heartening to know that schools in Abu Dhabi will soon be able to relax COVID-19 protocols. This will be based on their overall vaccination rates, the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee announced on Tuesday. Schools in which less than 50 per cent of the students are vaccinated will be classified as Orange, while those in which 50 to 60 per cent of the students are vaccinated will be classified as Yellow. Green schools will be those in which 65 to 84 per cent of the students are vaccinated, while the Blue category will include schools where more than 85 per cent of the students will have been vaccinated. This ‘Blue Schools’ initiative will come into effect from the next school term and it will indeed be a huge step forward to ensure a phased return to complete normality. While instilling confidence among school authorities, staff, students and parents, this colour-coded system will reveal the exact level of safety at specific schools with regard to vaccination numbers among pupils, thereby making it easier to ascertain whether COVID-compliance is being strictly followed. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Das, Assistant Editor]

FOR LEBANON’S POLITICANS, HIGH LIFE GOES ON: The ‘Pandora Papers’ leak has detailed the financial shenanigans of some Lebanese politicians, pointing at what people have always suspected: Boundless corruption. While a vast majority of Lebanese are reeling from one of the worst economic meltdowns in modern world history, the fat cats have stored their ill-gotten millions abroad via offshore companies listed in tax havens such as the British Virgin Islands. The leaks show that members of the ruling class were sending wealth abroad for years, without any consequences back home. For people in Lebanon, already furious at the politicians for the state of the country’s economy, this revelation amounts to adding salt to wounds. Will anyone be held accountable, though? The answer is an emphatic ‘no’. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

IPL IN UAE: NEVER WRITE OFF MUMBAI INDIANS FROM THE RACE: Can five-time champions Mumbai Indians come back from nowhere again? The signs are ominous as they came back with a vengeance to hammer Rajasthan Royals by eight wickets on Tuesday and join the hot pursuit to be the fourth team in the play-offs of Indian Premier League. The eight-wicket win, scripted by their pace attack and then an attacking 50 from young opener Ishan Kishan helped them to jump from seventh to fifth spot behind Kolkata Knight Riders with both teams having a game left each. Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore have already booked their places in the last four. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

USING STAR POWER FOR GOOD: Bollywood A-lister Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Egyptian powerhouse Mona Zaki, Hollywood talent Aja Naomi King and Saudi Arabian singer-actress Aseel Omran showed up in a massive way for women at the Expo 2020 Dubai. They spoke up against street harassment and shared a message of empowerment at the prestigious event. It’s heartening to see celebrities use their clout and voice to spread awareness about pertinent issues such as women’s rights, especially on such a stage as Expo 2020 Dubai, which people are flocking to. These stars are sharing a message of hope for many who might not be able to speak for themselves. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]