From the Editors: Legislative reforms to make UAE even more secure

LEGISLATIVE REFORMS TO MAKE UAE EVEN MORE SECURE: The raft of new laws and amendments announced by the UAE yesterday has been the largest-ever legislative reform undertaken in the country. The UAE, which already has an exemplary law and order system, has ratified a new and updated Federal Crime and Punishment Law, a move aimed at further refining the system. The new legislation will offer enhanced protection for women and domestic servants, strengthens public safety and security provisions when it comes into force on January 2 next year. Criminal penalties for public disorder offences, life imprisonment for rape and stringent fines for indecent assault are among other highlights, all of which will make the UAE even more secure [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

THE WORLD IS ON ALERT AGAIN: Just when things were settling down and we were sure that COVID-19 was not a dreaded disease any more, a new variant has cropped up. The potentially more contagious Omicron variant of the coronavirus has led to countries around the world scrambling to stop the spread. It brings back to memory what the World Health Organisation once said: “No one is safe until everyone is safe.” It also comes at a time when there have been protests in some countries against fresh COVID-19 restrictions. The spotlight has been thrown again on the vaccination drive, which has done very well in some parts of the world, but is still getting off the ground in others. For now, it is important for the world to remain safe, for tough decisions to be made and for people to ensure that they abide by the rules. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

HAALAND BECOMES YOUNGEST PLAYER TO REACH 50 BUNDESLIGA GOALS: Erling Braut Haaland has become the youngest player to get to 50 German Bundesliga goals after he got on the scoresheet in a winning return for Borussia Dortmund against Wolfsburg. The 21-year-old Norwegian scored a volley after coming on for his 50th Bundesliga appearance. It was his 10th goal in just seven games of a season that has been interrupted by a hip injury that had sidelined him since October. Only Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski has scored more so far this season. Haaland had been linked with a big money move to Manchester City last summer which didn’t materialize but there are rumours he could be off in the January transfer window. Dortmund cruised to a 3-1 victory which moved them up to 30 points, one point and one spot behind champions and leaders Bayern.[COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

COVID-19 CONTINUES ITS DEADLY PACE WITH CELEBS NOT SPARED: It’s not the time to be complacent with COVID-19 still very much a reality that continues to bite without mercy. Canadian rocker Bryan Adams tested positive a second time in less than a month, finding himself quarantined at a hospital in Italy even as Europe heads into crisis mode with countries going into lockdown. India, which continues to shake off the cobwebs of the Delta variant, is also seeing a spike in cases with celebrities not spared. Bollywood star Kajol’s sister Tanisha Mukherji is the latest to find herself under quarantine, while news of National Award-winning choreographer Sivasankar Master in critical condition comes days after Kamal Haasan also tested positive for COVID-19. The danger is far from over and we had best remember this. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]