From the editors: Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia, India-China border tensions

AVOIDING FIRES A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY: Every commercial and residential unit in the UAE is fitted with a fire alarm to warn of an imminent danger. But that is talking about a bell that is more microcosmic in nature. Incidents such as the fires at two eateries in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on Monday, that claimed three lives, should serve as alarm bells for the entire society. While enquiries are still on into both the incidents, prima facie, the Abu Dhabi fire points to a misalignment at the time of refilling cooking gas. We must always remember that even in a country like the UAE, with its stringent fire-safety measures and a world-class Civil Defence infrastructure, a danger such as a fire cannot be averted unless we as a society are aware and act in a responsible manner. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

AL HOUTHI ATTACKS MUST BE BROUGHT TO END: While the world and the region’s attention has been diverted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the war is Yemen is chugging along, with the Iran-allied Al Houthi militia continuing to launch explosive-laden drones and boats towards Saudi targets like ports, and airports in border towns. Almost all of these projectiles have been intercepted, but the actions of Al Houthis mean that the international community should shoulder its responsibility to urge the militia to end their frequent attacks that target civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and threaten Arab security and stability. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

TENSION SIMMERS AGAIN ON INDIA-CHINA BORDER: Indian and China have accused each other of violations again in a continuing standoff along the Himalayan border. Both countries have moved thousands of troops, tanks and guns close to the border since their standoff began in May, with the worst dispute in four decades resulting in the death of 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese troops on June 15. Border tension means the need for positioning additional troops, which in turn leads to the spending of more resources. While territorial integrity is of paramount importance to every country, every avenue for peace must be pursued in order to prevent loss of life. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

VIRAT KOHLI'S CAUTION: Virat Kohli, the Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper, sounded another alert about respecting the bio bubble if the IPL has to be conducted without hiccups. ‘’The bio-bubble needs to be respected in order for the tournament to happen,’’ Kohli said in a video. After the 13 reported positive cases, the franchises need to be on their guard. [Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO WRANGLE: The last thing Dubai’s property market needs right now is property owners and property management firms slugging it out over unpaid service charges. Legal notices are being issued for those owners who have fallen behind on 2020 payments, for whatever reason. But property managers have the full backing of RERA on the issue of late payments. The best option for homeowners is to pay up… and start a new chapter when it comes to confronting property management company for high fees or perceived shoddiness in their work. Now is not that time… the legal notices come with enough sting attached to them. Wriggling out of the consequences could be tricky.[COMMENT BY: Manoj Nair, Business Editor]

SUSHANT SINGH DEATH: A case of a trial by media: With the media circus surrounding the investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, it was only a matter of time before celebrities broke their silence over the daily furor that continues to dominate headlines in India. Bollywood stars Taapsee Pannu and Swara Bhasker are the latest celebrities to condemn the media vilification of Rajput’s girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty, who is under scrutiny by India’s Central Bureau of Investigation for her role in the actor’s death on June 14. While the case continues to unravel with new twists and revelations daily, this feverish trial by media only confirms one verdict in the grand scheme of things – a thorough obstruction of justice. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]