From the Editors: Expo 2020 Dubai - Come, join us in Dubai for a never-before experience

COME, JOIN US IN DUBAI FOR A NEVER-BEFORE EXPERIENCE: It’s finally here! All eyes across the globe will be focused on Dubai and the UAE tonight as the curtain goes up, officially, on Expo 2020 Dubai. After the official opening ceremony on Thursday night – to be live-streamed at 430 locations across the UAE and to a global audience as well -- the event will be thrown open to visitors from across the planet from tomorrow, October 1, for one of the most immersive experiences the global community has ever had on such a mega scale. The countdown had effectively started the day Dubai was named as the host in 2013 for the 2020 event. Since then, the emirate and the UAE have come a long way. When the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a pandemic last year in March, there were many doubts, several uncertainties clouding our minds. However, Dubai’s robust handling of the crisis and the determination of an entire nation have helped the UAE emerge stronger from the pandemic. And the result is there for everyone to see today as Expo 2020 Dubai is all set to regale the world. Come to Dubai for a never-before experience! [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

WILL FAMILIES OF BEIRUT BLAST VICTIMS EVER GET JUSTICE? Lebanese have been out on the streets again, protesting the suspension of the probe into the colossal blast in Beirut in August 2020. The suspension was a result of a legal challenge by an ex-Cabinet minister, and the court order is pending. Though people are angered by this, they are hardly surprised. It is in keeping with the Lebanese political tradition of the past few decades, wherein no one is held accountable or convicted for the various political, security and financial crimes impacting ordinary people. For instance, no one has been convicted for the dozens of bomb blasts and political assassinations that have scarred Lebanon since the 1970s. The culture of impunity in the Lebanese political class is very deeply embedded. Almost certainly, there will be no justice for the Lebanese families who lost loved ones and properties in the mega blast. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: RONALDO STRIKES, BUT IS IT ENOUGH FOR UNITED: Ronaldo, playing his 178th Champions League, struck deep into stoppage time to help rally Manchester United to a 2-1 win over Villarreal – but doubts remain if only his presence is enough to help the Red Devils nurse any serious European dreams. That goal moved United off the bottom of Group F though in the words of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, they simply got lucky with goalkeeper David De Gea saving them on a number of occasions. Barcelona, five-time champions, stayed dead last in Group E with another 3-0 loss to Benfica two weeks after being swatted aside at home by Bayern Munich. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

BRITNEY IS FINALLY FREE: Pop singer Britney Spears’ father has finally been removed from his role as his daughter’s guardian by a Los Angeles judge. Spears’ father had controlled her life and finances for the past 13 years and this move has been a long time coming. Her biggest supporters and fans, who have been shouting ‘Free Britney’ for years, gathered outside the courtroom and cheered the ruling. This is a major milestone for Spears, who might finally be able to live her life the way she sees fit. Some observers are saying this ruling might help other people, even differently abled people, who are locked in conservatorships. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]