From the Editors: 'Herd immunity' against COVID-19 a distant dream

A REMARKABLE MILESTONE FOR INDIAN AND PAKISTANI COMMUNITIES: As Pakistan and India celebrate their 75th Independence Days, on August 14 and August 15, respectively, it is a momentous occasion for both the nations and the members of the two communities residing in the UAE. Both India and Pakistan have come a long way since their independence in 1947, with giant strides made in almost every parameter of human, social, cultural and economic development indices. Despite the obvious political differences between the two nations, expatriates from both the countries have been living in peace and harmony in the UAE for several decades. The camaraderie and bonding that are noticeable between members of the two communities in UAE bear testament to their common cultural and historical roots. As the two nations celebrate a watershed moment in history that marked the beginning of their respective socio-political journeys, seven-and-a-half decades ago, it is time to hope and pray that both these South Asian neighbours scale new heights in their pursuit of excellence in the decades ahead. [COMMENT by Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

'HERD IMMUNITY' AGAINST COVID-19 A DISTANT DREAM: Very early in the fight against COVID-19, humankind began dreaming about 'herd immunity'. Experts told us that the coronavirus would stop spreading one day when we would be adequately protected, either naturally through immunity or through vaccinations. Today, it seems herd immunity will remain a dream. The Delta variant of the virus has been shown to evade most barriers and has been hitting even countries where vaccination rates are high. The moral of the story: We are still learning. COVID-19 is a new disease and new studies are throwing up new revelations at regular intervals. What we know for sure is that it will take some more time to beat the disease. Till then, it is our responsibility to stay safe and keep others safe. [COMMENT by Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

FIRST GAME OF NEW PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON PROVIDES BIG SHOCK: The 2021/22 English Premier League football season kicked off last night and gave us our first shock result too. Newly promoted Brentford celebrated their return to the top flight after a 74-year absence by beating visitors Arsenal 2-0. It was a brilliant performance by the Bees who were spurred on by a full house. It makes such a huge difference to have fans back inside stadiums, the atmosphere was electric inside the Brentford Community Stadium in West London. But, this was exactly the start to the campaign that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta could not afford. He was under pressure throughout the previous campaign and this latest defeat will just add to that. He could well be the first managerial casualty of the season. New £50 million defender Ben White made his debut and looked shaky throughout while Arsenal missed the cutting edge of strikers Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang through illness. As for Brentford they will be hugely boosted by this vibrant, skilful and energetic display and coach Thomas Frank will take a lot of confidence from this fabulous result. [COMMENT by Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

TIME TO EMBRACE SMALL WEDDINGS IN BOLLYWOOD?: Bollywood producer and fashion designer Rhea Kapoor seems to be cut from a different cloth. After reports emerged that the ‘Veere Di Wedding’ producer intends to marry her long-time boyfriend Karan Boolani in an intimate, low-profile ceremony in Mumbai on August 14, you can’t help marvel at their bold decision. Instead of taking the tried-and-tested route of throwing a ‘big, fat Bollywood wedding’ filled with pomp and frills, this loved-up couple who have been dating for more than a decade have chosen to celebrate their bond without the usual destination wedding or crazy rich guests. If there’s one thing that COVID-19 pandemic has taught us is to live in the moment and that less is often more. Here’s to Rhea Kapoor and Karan for marching to their own beats in Bollywood. [COMMENT by Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Assistant Editor Features]