From the Editors: Time for celebrations in the UAE

TIME TO CELEBRATE: With the long weekend here and many festivities coming up over the next few days, UAE residents would do well to take note of the newly issued guidelines for gatherings. House parties are common in the run up to Diwali, but as the authorities have stipulated, the gatherings should not be more than 80 per cent of the total capacity of the home. The number of guests has been capped at 60, while that of service staff 10. We have come a long way to where we are today, so it’s time to celebrate, while adhering to all protocols and precautions. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

INDIA DESERVES A PAT ON THE BACK FOR ONE BILLION JABS: One billion COVID-19 vaccinations is not a small number. And India has accomplished the task with tough measures and cooperation from all sections of the people. About three-quarters of adults in the country have had at least one jab and around 30 per cent are fully vaccinated. Coronavirus cases have fallen sharply in India and most activity has returned to normal. Mumbai recently reported zero deaths in a day for the first time since the pandemic began. All this would not have been possible without the single-minded perseverance of the government, the hard work of those on the frontlines and the willingness of the people to follow rules. The Indian government and the people deserve a pat on the back for a job well done. The next target is getting all adults vaccinated by the end of the year. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

ICC T20 WORLD CUP: ENTER HASARANGA THE ALLROUNDER FOR SRI LANKA: Wanindu Hasaranga on Wednesday announced himself as a batting allrounder after his maiden Twenty20 international half-century helped Sri Lanka reach the Super 12 stage of the World Cup with a 70-run thrashing of Ireland. Hasaranga, who smashed 71 and Pathum Nissanka, who made 61, put on a critical stand of 123 to guide Sri Lanka to 171 for seven after being in trouble at 8-3 in the first round match in Abu Dhabi. Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, led by spinner Maheesh Theekshana who returned figures of 3-17, dismissed Ireland for 101 in 18.3 overs despite a valiant 41 from skipper Andy Balbirnie. Hasaranga stood out with the 47-ball knock and economical figures of 1-12 with his leg spin as Sri Lanka remained top of Group A with four points after their second successive win. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

THE NCB’S NET WIDENS: Photographers could be seen crowded outside the Arthur Road Jail as Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan visited his son Aryan Khan, who has been detained since his arrest on October 3 in a drug case. Hours later, Shah Rukh’s home was visited by a Narcotics Control Bureau team. The home of actress Ananya Panday was also raided by the NCB at around the same time. While it’s not clear what the visit to Shah Rukh’s home was for yet, it seems the NCB is ramping up its efforts in the drug case that has people around the world enthralled. The hope is that at the end of this, justice will be served and the right people will be penalized. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]