From the Editors: Dedicated bus-taxi lanes on Khalid Bin Al Waleed Street a good idea

DEDICATED BUS-TAXI LANES ON KHALID BIN WALEED STREET A GREAT IDEA: Yet again, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RT) has done something that will definitely bring cheers to a lot of commuters and users of public transport in the emirate. The opening of dedicated bus-taxi lanes on a 4.3km stretch of Khalid Bin Al Waleed Street, right in the heart of the busy business and residential area of Bur Dubai, is a brilliant move and something that is in keeping with the phenomenal work being done by RTA, year on year, to ensure convenience and safety for commuters. According to RTA’s own estimate, as many as 60 buses pass through this particular stretch of the road every hour and given the population density of the area, having dedicated bus-taxi lanes is in the larger interest of all road users and not just those who use public transport. Kudos to RTA! [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

SUPPORT OF PEOPLE CRUCIAL FOR BIDEN’S SUCCESS: Joe Biden has been sworn in as the new US president. Even without the usual crowd at the Capitol it was a momentous occasion. The first step has been taken, the hard work begins now. In his speech, Biden called for American resilience and unity to fight the crises that the nation is facing. This cannot be done without the help of the people. For any leader to be successful, he will need the cooperation and whole-hearted support of those he is working for. All challenges are surmountable if people work together. The world will be looking to the US to play the role on the international stage that it has always done. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

NO MORE OF ‘SLINGA MALINGA’ IN FRANCHISE CRICKET: The Indian Premier League will miss out on one of it’s enduring features as Sri Lankan pace ace Lasith Malinga, the top wicket taker of the league with 170 wickets, has decided to quit franchise cricket from this year. Mumbai Indians, the holders who released Malinga for the 2021 season on Wednesday, cleared the air about him: ‘’...Lasith Malinga has decided to retire from franchise cricket. The Sri Lankan speedster informed his decision to the Mumbai Indians management earlier this month, making himself unavailable for the champion side's retention wish list.’’ The man with his sling shot action and toe-crushers, will surely be missed. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

GETTING THE JAB WITH A SMILE: Actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzengger posted on social media that he got his COVID-19 vaccine and did so with his own signature jokes. The 73-year-old movie icon’s positive outlook can serve as inspiration for others to get the jab as the pandemic rages on. Other stars who’ve taken the vaccine include Steve Martin, Martha Stewart and Ian McKellen. Whether young or old, the vaccine is one step closer to a safer world and everyone should consider taking it if they are medically able to do so. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor ]