From the Editors: This Emirati woman’s zeal to excel is a lesson for us all

THIS EMIRATI WOMAN'S ZEAL TO EXCEL IS A LESSON FOR ALL OF US ALL: It is often said that every crisis brings with it some kind of an opportunity. When one comes to know about the inspiring tale of this Emirati woman, one cannot but agree with that adage. It took Ameera Al Zaabi many, many years and a brush with an unfortunate discovery about her own self that finally made her explore a hitherto uncharted territory of her natural ability. It was in 2019, that Al Zaabi realised her hearing impairment, but she boldly turned on to other facets of her life to finally realise that there was an artistic side to her being that she had never pursued. She tried her hands at baking and photography as well, though it was in painting that she found her solace. From once being a student of Mechatronics to currently curating an art exhibition, Al Zaabi has come a long way, turning every bit of impediment in her path into an opportunity, opening up new vistas. Her hearing impairment is no impairment really, for it has only helped steel her resolve to achieve something higher. And in the process, she has stood out as an inspiration for many other determined people like her. Hats off! [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

A FINAL WAKE-UP CALL FOR LEBANESE POLITICIANS: A UN envoy has sounded the alarm: Lebanon is a failing state that has also failed its people. “They are in a fantasy land,” Olivier De Schutter, the UN special rapporteur on poverty said, after meeting ministers, at the end of a 12-day visit to Lebanon. Politicians are to be blamed for doing nothing as the middle-income country quickly descended into poverty. The prices of essential foodstuffs has almost quadrupled in just one year. The UN envoy described Lebanon as “one of the most unequal countries in the world,” with 10% of the population in control of 70% of the assets. Lebanon’s government, formed to stem the country’s worst-ever financial crash, has yet to take serious action to stop its downward spiral. “The government’s inaction in the face of this unprecedented crisis has inflicted great misery on the population,” the envoy said. Lebanese politicians need to heed this final wake-up call. [COMMENT BY: Stephen N.R., Senior Associate Editor]

T20 WORLD CUP FINAL FEATURES TWO OUTSIDERS: It is the final of the T20 World Cup tomorrow and it will feature two teams that not many had given much of a chance before the tournament began. Australia meet New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium with the Aussies favourites to lift the coveted trophy. But the Black Caps have been playing very sensibly throughout and could yet cause a shock. Australia stunned Group Two winners Pakistan in the semis by successfully chasing down 176 while New Zealand beat England in the other semi as they smashed 57 runs off the final overs to win. It promises to be a fascinating battle between the two sides who have met 14 times in T20Is and with Australia winning nine of them. There’ll be plenty of big-hitters on display from both sides including Wade, Stoinis, Maxwell, Mitchell and Neesham but the loss of Devon Conway could make life easier for the Aussies. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

KANGANA RANAUT AND HER PROBLEM WITH REMEMBERING HISTORY: Kangana Ranaut has been accused of committing “treason” by political leaders for trivializing India’s freedom struggle that she believes was given as a “bheek” or alms in 1947. While the actress is entitled to her opinion, earning the right as a citizen of the world’s largest democracy, her recollection of Indian history is problematic at best and reeks of narcissism at its worst. Whether it was a momentary lapse in judgement, a need to create controversy or simply understanding things differently, let’s be honest here – even as a public figure, Ranaut’s version of history will hardly shake the foundations of the country’s well-documented struggle to gain Independence in the lead up to 1947. Let the tea spill while we sip on our morning chai and move on to other headlines. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]