From the Editors: Results of CBSE schools in UAE deserve a round of applause

RESULTS OF CBSE SCHOOLS IN UAE DESERVE A ROUND OF APPLAUSE: Class 10 and 12 students of various schools in UAE, affiliated with India’s Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), have come up with magnificent performances in their final examinations, results for which were announced on Friday. Both class 10 and 12 results show a 100 per cent success rate for all CBSE schools in UAE, with some students even securing 99 per cent and above in some subjects. These results, particularly for those students who cleared their class 12 exams, will come in very handy in determining the future academic course and securing admissions in colleges and universities in UAE and across the globe for higher studies. The high percentages secured by the vast majority of CBSE students this year is all the more noteworthy given that these students had to grapple with two years of unprecedented disruptions to their normal studies in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. These results also bear testimony to the high standards of education and academic infrastructure made available in the UAE for all. Along with the nation’s leadership, that has always accorded a very high priority to education, teachers, parents and non-teaching staff, too, deserve a big round of applause for standing by these students and catering to their needs in the best possible ways. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

ENGLAND SHINE WITH THE BALL TO BEAT SOUTH AFRICA: A brilliant bowling performance by England helped them to draw level in the one-day international series against South Africa yesterday. The hosts won by a huge 118 runs in the rain-affected match at Emirates Old Trafford. They were defending a total of 201 in 29 overs and had the tourists at 6-4 after four overs. They were bowled out for 83 following a devastating new-ball burst. Adil Rashid claimed three wickets, while Moeen Ali and Reece Topley both got two but perhaps the highlight of the match was Jos Buttler’s sensational bit of fielding to run out Aiden Markram before he had even faced a ball. The win now sets up a series decider at Headingley tomorrow. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]

A MAGICAL WORLD'S LEGACY: The new trailer for the upcoming ‘Lord of the Rings’ series was debuted at Comic-Con and it promises a return to wonder and magic, which is sure to bring in a new wave of fans to that universe. The last ‘Lord of the Rings’ movie was released in 2003, all of which was based on the epic fantasy novels by JRR Tolkien from the 1950s. That’s an incredible legacy for any piece of writing to have, and is a testament to the power of books to keep inspiring people over and over again. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor - Features]