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DUBAI GETTING BACK TO NORMAL RHYTHM: In another sure sign that Dubai is getting back to its normal rhythm of life, it was announced on Thursday that the regular New Year’s Eve fireworks at Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, will be held as usual this year as well. Dubai is far ahead of the rest of the world in terms of reviving the standards of life its residents are used to. Shopping malls and other attractions are once again witnessing near normal footfall, and this development confirms the trend. [COMMENT BY: Somshankar Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Editor]
Image Credit: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News
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CAUTION, NOT FRUSTRATION, WILL HELP FIGHT COVID-19: Eleven months into the year we are still finding it difficult to clamp down on the fast-spreading coronavirus. Governments are imposing curfews, people are being advised not to travel in the US and restrictions are being ordered. But there is a general sense of frustration creeping in among people worldwide because they have been indoors for most of the year. And that can be seen in the spike in number of cases. This is not the time to express frustration by throwing caution to the wind. With vaccines in their final stages of production, a few more months of being careful will help protect not only our lives but also those of others. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]
Image Credit: AP
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FRIENDS REUNITED FOR MESSI AND PEP? It’s had more will-they-won’t-they twists than Ross and Rachel from Friends, but a reunion between Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi took a step closer when the coach pledged his future to Manchester City. Pep was Messi’s coach at Barcelona, and now that the Argentine superstar has requested a transfer from Barca, the stars may be aligning for a reunion next summer, when Messi becomes a free agent. By holding onto a player who wants to leave highlights how poorly Barca are being run as they could still get cash for him in the winter transfer window. Tune in to the next episode to find out what happens next. [COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]
Image Credit: Agencies
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EYE ON THE FAKES: There’s a new wave of celebrities fighting back against false reportage; the latest to join this crew is ‘Laxmii’ actor Akshay Kumar, who is suing a YouTuber for fake reports of him being tied to Sushant Singh Rajput’s death and subsequent industry fallout. Just as it’s the media’s job to keep those in power in check, it is the job of those in power to keep the media in line. It may get messy sometimes, but the truth will eventually win. Let the fighting continue. [COMMENT BY: Karishma Nandkeolyar, Assitant Online Editor]
Image Credit: Supplied