From the Editors: Now, an ice hockey match in Dubai

NOW, AN ICE HOCKEY MATCH IN DUBAI: A city with many firsts to its credit is set to add yet another feather in its cap. Come December, Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai will be transformed into an ice rink for an ice hockey match and a musical show. A high-profile match of the global professional ice hockey league, Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), will be played at Dubai’s prestigious live-entertainment arena, followed by a unique theatrical show performed by world-famous Olympic figure skating champions on December 4 and 5, which will be part of the Dubai Ice Show. These events will yet again affirm Dubai’s status as one of the most sought-after global hot-spots for leisure, sport and entertainment. The emirate has always offered an unparalleled range of lifestyle and leisure options to its residents and visitors. Hosting an ice hockey match and a musical on ice is in keeping with that tradition. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 GETS ANOTHER SHOT IN THE ARM: Britain on Thursday became the first country in the world to approve a potentially game-changing COVID-19 antiviral pill molnupiravir from US pharmaceutical giant Merck, in a boost to the fight against the COVID-19, as it struggles to tame soaring infections — about 40,000 cases a day. Merck expects to produce 10 million courses of the treatment by the end of this year, along with at least 20 million in 2022. The good news comes a day after the World Health Organisation granted emergency authorisation to India’s Covaxin, the eighth vaccine to receive the global health body’s green light. Molnupiravir data showed it could halve the chances of dying or being hospitalised for those most at risk of developing severe COVID-19. The medicine could have huge potential to help fight the pandemic: Pills are easier to take, manufacture and store, making them particularly useful in lower-to-middle-income countries. [COMMENT BY: Stephen N.R., Senior Associate Editor]

‘SQUID GAME’ IS STILL ON A ROLL: Who would have ever thought that a violent and gory South Korean could take over the world the way it has. After releasing on Netflix on September 17 with just nine episodes, ‘Squid Game’ has been viewed for more than three billion total minutes so far, according to Nielsen Streaming Content Ratings. Aside from all the theorising that has been done about the show, no one can deny that it has made a massive impact. It’s also a story of pushing through hardship, as its writer Hwang Dong-hyuk had been trying to get it made for 10 years. Moral of the real and reel story? Never give up. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor]

CONTE MAKES WINNING START AT TOTTENHAM, BUT TEAM HAS WORK TO DO: Antonio Conte started off as the new coach of Tottenham with a win last night against Vitesse in the Europa Conference league. It was a highly eventful match in which Spurs stormed into a 3-0 lead before conceding 2 goals but then held on for the win. It was a sign of the work laying ahead of the Italian boss as Spurs made a bright start but then became sloppy and were fortunate in the end. They scrambled over the line and it was nothing like the solidity Conte’s previous teams Juventus, Chelsea and Inter Milan usually showed in their title-winning seasons. ‘In my opinion and my mind there is a lot of space for improvement for this team, in every single player,” Conte said. The win moves Spurs into second behind Rennes in Group G. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]