From the Editors: Do not miss the Sharjah Heritage Days

DO NOT MISS THE SHARJAH HERITAGE DAYS: For those who want to learn about culture and heritage of countries from around the world, Sharjah Heritage Days provide the best opportunity. This year’s event, which runs from March 20 to April 10, is very special as it brings more than 500 events and activities offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant food, clothing, handicrafts, dances and traditions of the UAE and the world. Themed ‘Cultural heritage gathers us’; the event brings together 29 countries showcasing their unique heritage. Do not miss the opportunity and visit the place with your family to meet talented artists, enjoy the centuries old games and have traditional cuisines from around the world. [COMMENT BY: Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor]

POLITICAL DEADLOCK IS ISRAEL’S NEW NORMAL: For an astonishing fourth time in two years, Israel elections have resulted in a deadlock. While the country will now have to deal with more political uncertainty, the future of veteran Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been thrown into great doubt. Both his bloc, and rival blocs, have fallen short of a majority required to form a new government. All his political rivals believe he should not remain in office while standing trial for corruption. Polls show Netanyahu’s Likud party and its allies are seven seats short of the 61 seats needed. If talks with other right-wing parties to form a government fail again, Israel could be headed for a fifth election in two years. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

NORTH KOREA MISSILE TESTS CALL FOR MORE TALKS: North Korea firing missiles is not new, nor is the world reaction to it. But when the country fired two missiles just days after a visit to the region by top US defence and diplomatic officials, White House played down the tests. Two short-range, non-ballistic missiles were fired on Sunday and the US said they were "common" military testing. It also said this would not block Washington's efforts to engage with Pyongyang. This is good news. Peace must be given a chance and only constant efforts at bridging the gap will bear fruit. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

CONCUSSION SALIVA TEST CAN BE A GAME-CHANGER: A new “game-changing” saliva test could provide quicker and more accurate treatment of concussion in rugby and sport at large, according to new study. The paper published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine says that, for the first time, specific salivary molecules known as biomarkers can indicate if a player has been concussed. The saliva test shows both the immediate impact of any trauma and its effect several days later — something which may also benefit amateur rugby, where it is rare to have the same extensive touchline medical support as in the professional game. Concussion has become a major concern within contact sports as fears grow about the impact of its increasing ferocity on elite-level players. While rugby is leading the way, this development could huge huge benefits across all contact sports, with football also raising concerns about head injuries and long-term issues. [COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

COVID-19 COULD SPELL A CRUEL SUMMER AT THE MOVIES: It could be a cruel, cruel summer at the movies this year as well with a spike in COVID-19 cases causing seismic shifts in the release schedule of upcoming projects. Disney just announced that Marvel’s ‘Black Widow’ will now release on July 9, instead of May 7, with ‘Death on the Nile’ now pushed to 2022. Marvel’s ‘Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ has also been delayed to September 3, while ‘The King’s Man’ heads for a December release. The situation is just as grim in India, with the Hindi release of ‘Haathi Mere Saathi’ put on hold for now over rising cases. However, with the decision taken so close to its March 25 release date, viewers have lucked out in the UAE with the project releasing here on schedule. Let’s all hope this is all but a temporary disturbance in the force. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]