From the Editors: Focusing on positives important in pandemic

FOCUSING ON THE POSITIVES IN THESE CHALLENGING TIMES IS VITAL: It is indeed heartening to know that a large number of expatriates who call UAE their home, and residents in general, are making a conscious effort to change the narrative over the COVID-19 gloom – quite literally. Many people have taken the current challenging times on their chin and found ways to steer clear of the negativity and make the most of their time in the UAE, discussing the positive aspects of life and focusing on areas and topics that strictly are not centred around the current pandemic and its fallout. These people are indeed right in spreading the message that there is more to life than brooding over a deadly virus. Kudos! [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

NEW STRATEGY TO PROTECT THE KOALA: The Australian government’s new strategy to protect the country’s koalas will go a long way in taking care of an iconic marsupial. A koala census will be undertaken to identify key habitat areas and protect them. Around A$18m is being set aside for habitat restoration and health research. The move shows the determination of the government to protect and conserve wildlife. It is a positive development in a world where depleting resources and the constant push by man into forested areas are taking a toll on its original inhabitants. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

MEDVEDEV ON THE MARCH: We officially have our tennis player to watch in 2021 as Daniil Medvedev fought back to beat US Open champion Dominic Thiem and win the ATP Finals in London. The big Russian clawed out a 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 win over world No. 3 Thiem at the O2 Arena, to back up his earlier wins over world Nos 1 and 2 Novak Dokovic and Rafael Nadal. Medvedev is the only player ever to defeat the top three at the ATP Finals and, after failing to beat a single top 10 player from November 2019 to October, he has now beaten seven in four weeks. Let’s see if he can now shatter the big three of Djoko, Nadal and Roger Federer. [COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

In a new interview, singer Shaggy of ‘It Wasn't Me’ fame says he is contemplating giving up social media in 2021. “You scroll through social media for your news and it’s just bad anyway, which just brings you anxiety and puts you in depression,” he says. His views echo the feelings of many people who’ve watched the eye-opening and scary documentary ‘The Social Dilemma’. These website and apps have us hooked but they bring us minimal joy. Maybe it’s time we all reevaluate the time spent on social media and either try to cut down, or cut ourselves off for good. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto , Assistant Editor – Features]