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AIR RESCUE MISSIONS COMMENDABLE: Dubai Police’s air transfer of a sand bike accident victim from the Margham desert over the weekend is the latest in a series of remote area rescue operations by the police in the UAE. It is commendable how swiftly they swing into action whenever there is an SOS call. Those venturing out into the deserts, mountains and valleys would do well to follow safety instructions issued by the authorities every now and then. All precautionary measures must be taken to avoid mishaps. It is equally important to keep communication lines open and reach out for help should there be a need. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]
Image Credit: Supplied
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SITUATION ALONG UKRAINE-RUSSIA BORDER IS GETTING OMINOUS: In an alarming new development, the US has ordered the families of all its diplomats in Ukraine to leave the country immediately. It has cited imminent military action from Russia against Ukraine as the reason. This comes as Moscow continues to deny it has plans to invade Ukraine. However, it has amassed 100,000 troops along its border with Ukraine. Globally, the worst fears are of a military showdown between the world's only hyperpower, America, and Russia, which is, militarily at least, still a superpower. However, almost certainly, the US will not engage militarily with Russia, as such a contest will be uncomfortable even for America. But, such situations have a tendency of spinning out of control. The only course of action is to forget for good any use of force, and resolve matters through international diplomacy. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]
Image Credit: AFP
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ENGLAND LEVEL FIVE-MATCH T20 SERIES WITH WEST INDIES AFTER TENSE FINISH: After being thrashed in the first T20, England took revenge over West Indies by winning the second match - but they did so by just one run. It was an incredibly tense finish at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, and although England dominated the majority of the game they almost lost it right at the end due to some astonishing late hitting from the hosts. Romario Shepherd smashed five sixes in his 44 not out while from just 16 balls Akeal Hosein’s unbeaten 44 made the tourist’s margin of victory much tighter. The five-match series is now tied at with the third game due to be played on Wednesday and if it is half as exciting as this one then we should all be in for another treat.[COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]
Image Credit: AFP
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KEEPING THOSE MEDICAL INSURANCE BILLS IN CHECK: Inflation is translating into higher consumer prices across categories, and the concern is that it is only the start of what could be an extended run of play. It should be against this backdrop that one should see the move by UAE based insurers to hold the line on medical insurance premiums for 2022. By and large, insurers have keep the rates down to last year levels, only asking for more in instances where the policyholder has generated significant claims. For most UAE residents, however, a no-change on their premium payment this year should be a relief. With vestiges of the pandemic hovering constantly in the background, health insurance policies that take care of most costs associated with consultancies and treatments is as needed as good health itself. Insurers, though, will need to walk the tightrope. They can afford not to raise premiums as long as they medical insurance portfolio remains profitable, even marginally so. But the moment the claims start to pile up, it’s going to start hurting them. The question then would be: How long can they hold back from passing on the higher costs? [COMMENT BY: Manoj Nair, Business Editor]
Image Credit: Shutterstock
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ANUSHKA, KOHLI’S DAUGHTER VAMIKA’S PIC GOES VIRAL: Sunday’s cricket match between India and South Africa in Cape Town was trumped by a view of the stands that featured Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma cheering on Virat Kohli on the crease. Unfortunately for the couple, who are fierce advocates of protecting their privacy, nestled in Sharma’s arms was their daughter Vamika. As the first images of the toddler, who has been kept out of the media eye by her protective parents, were beamed into thousands of homes, the frenzy that followed has seen fans divided on whether the broadcaster should be blamed for this indiscretion. The relationship between a celebrity and the paparazzi has always been a fraught one, but it can border on mutual respect when the question of young children comes into play. In the past, Sharma herself has thanked paps for refraining from taking pictures of their daughter. But to call someone out over a live telecast, which could have been a genuine oversight, is hardly something an argument for a boycott. Sometimes being a celebrity can only afford you only so much privacy. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]
Image Credit: Source: Facebook - Virat Kohli