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DEWA NANOSATELLITE LAUNCH A FURTHER AFFIRMATION OF DUBAI’S COMMITMENT TO CUTTING-EDGE PUBLIC UTILITIES: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) turned a new leaf on Thursday with the launch of the DEWA-SAT 1 nanosatellite, in collaboration with NanoAvionics, thereby becoming the world’s first utility service provider to use nanosatellites to improve the maintenance and planning of its power and water networks. Along with Thursday’s launch, Dewa also announced its next mission – the launch of a U6 nanosatellite later this year. When it comes to public utility services, Dubai has been an exemplar of sorts with its cutting-edge infrastructure and wealth of knowledge and technology. The launch of a nanosatellite by Dewa is a further affirmation of Dubai and the UAE’s commitment to its residents and visitors to offer best-in-class utility services and facilities.[COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]
Image Credit: WAM
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UK PRIME MINISTER BORIS JOHNSON IS BATTLING ANOTHER CRISIS: His belated apology for attending a party during lockdown has come in for criticism even as a fresh report has emerged of another gathering in his office. The public have been enraged by reports that Downing Street staff breached restrictions at the height of the coronavirus lockdown. Most cabinet members have rallied around Johnson, but the backing from potential successors has been distinctly lukewarm. While the findings of an internal inquiry are awaited, it does not look like Johnson will be able to rest easy in the coming days. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]
Image Credit: AFP
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NOVAK DJOKOVIC’S AUSTRALIA VISA CANCELLED AGAIN: World number one tennis star Novak Djokovic faces deportation after Australia cancelled his visa for a second time. The decision by Immigration Minister Alex Hawke means the 34-year-old also faces a three-year ban on obtaining a new Australian visa. The unvaccinated for COVID-19 Serbian ace may launch another legal challenge to remain in the country for the Australian Open which starts on Monday 17th January. “Today I exercised my power... to cancel the visa held by Mr Novak Djokovic on health and good order grounds, on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so,” the minister said in a statement. The 20-time Grand Slam champion’s first visa was revoked after he landed in Melbourne on 6 January with Australian border Force officials saying he “failed to provide appropriate evidence” to receive a vaccine exemption.[COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]
Image Credit: AFP
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PRESSURE ON WOMEN IN ENTERTAINMENT: Priyanka Chopra Jonas has talked to Vanity Fair about her life and career in a new interview. She also addressed whether she’d have children in the future. The Bollywood star answered in the affirmative. While it seems this was a respectful interaction, often women in the entertainment business are asked intrusive personal questions that their male counterparts would never face in a professional setting. It’s a good thing that times are changing in the entertainment business, with more people standing up for women and their issues.[COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]
Image Credit: Gulf News archives