From the Editors: Gradual return to in-person classes welcome

GRADUAL RETURN TO IN-PERSON CLASSES WELCOME: Abu Dhabi’s go ahead for in-person classes in schools from January 24 is welcome news as it signals normality. The decision has been taken with due safety protocols defined. This includes a negative PCR test conducted within 96 hours of the first day of returning to school, and every two weeks thereafter. The student and parent community must fully cooperate with the authorities and abide by the rules to ensure a smooth return to classes. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

NO LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL IN LEBANON: Lebanon's economic crisis, the world's worst in modern history, has pushed people to the limit now. With streets going fully dark after sundown - due to lack of electricity - reports suggest the only lights seen are those from random cars - and from torches people are using to go through trash bins to find something to eat or something useful. This is a country that was considered middle-income even up until 2019. There are even scuffles breaking out near rubbish bins. But there seems to be no way out of this crisis in this country of talented and educated people. The needed reforms are not forthcoming; non-state actors continue to have a stranglehold on decision-making; and politicians are out to protect their own interest. Until the political situation changes in Lebanon, the economic situation will remain dire.[COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

SABALENKA MAKES THIRD ROUND, BUT HER SERVE IS A CAUSE FOR CONCERN: Aryna Sabalenka had to show plenty of grit and determination to avoid being knocked out of the Australian Open as she got past Wang Xinyu on Rod Laver Arena. The world number two survived a service meltdown to win 1-6 6-4 6-2. Sabalenka, who is one of the most powerful ball hitters in the game, made it to the third round in spite of committing 19 double faults in the match. The Belarusian watched on as third seed Garbine Muguruza and sixth seed Anett Kontaveit crashed out and will know how fortunate she was not to be part of an exodus of top women’s seeds. She will next face 2019 French Open finalist Marketa Vondrousova but the 10-time winner on the WTA tour and a two-time major doubles champion will need to get her serve game going if she is to progress in the tournament. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

FAMILY TROUBLES NEVER END: US pop singer Britney Spears’ life seems to be a roller coaster at the moment. The star’s sister Jamie Lynn Spears has been on a promotions spree for her new book and she has made some claims about her older sister’s mental health and other issues. Britney hasn’t taken this too kindly and has filed a cease-and-desist letter over it. It’s tragic to see Britney continue to face struggles with her family, even after getting out her restrictive conservatorship that was held by her father. She deserves to have the support she’s lacked for so many years.[COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]