From the Editors: Stringent screening at the points of origin to check COVID infection

STRINGENT SCREENING AT POINTS OF ORIGIN: As the saga of stranded tourists from India and Pakistan continues in Dubai, it is time to take a hard look at the circumstances under which many of them travel. Often, embarking on the journey in the hope of finding a job, these visitors are vulnerable and lay themselves open to huge risks, giving even basic requirements like return tickets, hotel bookings and referral addresses a miss. A more stringent screening at the points of origin is a must, as is the need to create greater awareness to check the influx. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

REMOVAL OF SUDAN FROM US TERROR LIST WILL OPEN NEW DOORS: President Donald Trump has said Sudan will be removed from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism - if it pays $335 million to American terror victims and their families, as it has pledged to do. The timing of Trump’s announcement is interesting, as it comes just two weeks before the elections. Washington wants Sudan to normalise relations with Israel, and this offer is being seen as a perk for Khartoum to do so. More importantly, Sudan has external debt of $60 billion; being taken off the list would mean that Khartoum could benefit from debt relief and access foreign loans and investments. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

MUTE BUTTON TO REGULATE US PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE: A mute button will allow President Donald Trump and Democratic rival Joe Biden to speak uninterrupted in their final debate, to avoid the disruptions that marred the first matchup. Although the Trump campaign has objected to the changes, the debate is a good chance to reach a large audience and influence them before the November 3 elections. More than 30 million Americans have already cast their ballots, so the chances of reframing a contest are limited. Nevertheless, a debate gives the audience a good opportunity to see where the contestants stand on various topics. The new rules will, hopefully, keep the debate orderly. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

RAJASTHAN ROYALS MOVE TO FIFTH SPOT WITH WIN OVER CSK: Rajasthan Royals moved up to fifth position in the points table to keep their play-off chances alive with a seven-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings in Abu Dhabi today. It was another inept performance from the three-time champions Chennai, with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni admitting later that the play-offs race may be over for them. An unbeaten 98-run partnership off 79 deliveries between senior pros Steve Smith and Jos Buttler helped Royals overhaul a modest target of 126 with more than two overs to spare. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

The Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol film ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ has turned 25 years old and it seems like the love affair between fans and the movie is not over just yet. It’s amazing to see a movie stand the test of time. Films like ‘DDLJ’ transport you to a time and place where things were simple and love is worth crossing oceans for. It’s romance and idealism at its best and simply a fun watch. Even if viewing it in 2020 might make you cringe a little, it’s an escape from the reality of life. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]