From the Editors: UAE gestures to reduce traffic fines

UAE GESTURES TO REDUCE TRAFFIC FINES: In a noble gesture on the occasion of the 49th UAE National Day, several emirates have announced a substantial reduction in their traffic fines. This gesture will help those with hefty penalties reduce their burden, thus helping them to get their lives back on track. The decision also bears testimony to the magnanimity of the UAE Rulers to alleviate the hardships of its citizens and residents. However, it is also hoped that these gestures will encourage motorists to take a more responsible approach on the country’s roads. [COMMENT BY: Somshankar Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Editor]

NEW TRIAL OF VACCINE TO HELP STEM CONFUSION: The likelihood of an additional global trial to assess the efficacy of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine using a lower dosage has come at a time of critical importance. The race for a vaccine to beat the coronavirus is hotting up and early trials by a few companies have shown its’s efficacy. However, several scientists have raised doubts about AstraZeneca’s trial results which showed that the experimental vaccine was 90% effective in a sub-group of trial participants who, by error initially, received a half dose followed by a full dose. A fresh trial will help set at rest the confusion and also bring in more confidence to a population that is desperately waiting for some hope to beat the pandemic. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

WELCOME RETURN OF CROWD TO CRICKET AS INDIA-AUSTRALIA ODI SERIES STARTS: It was a welcome sight to see the stands at Sydney Cricket Ground being populated by some 20,000 odd spectators, sitting in a socially-distanced norm, as the highly billed India versus Australia series got under way with a One-day International. While international cricket had resumed last July in the middle of a raging COVID-19 pandemic, it had been held behind closed doors so far – with the Indian Premier League played in the UAE being no exception. This will certainly add colour to the lifeless stands so far – as sport is a spectacle meant for the fans rather than just TV at the end of the day. ‘’It's great to have cricket back and in front of some fans as well,’’ said Australia skipper Aaron Finch. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]