From the Editors: UAE ‘golden visa’ made easier for doctors

UAE ‘GOLDEN VISA’ MADE EASIER FOR DOCTORS: Getting golden visa for doctors has been made easier in the UAE. The government has invited all UAE based doctors to apply for the golden visa in recognition of their efforts and sacrifices, and being the frontline heroes. This golden visa will grant doctors and their families a 10-year residency, enhancing their job and living stability, and driving the development and innovation of various sectors, especially healthcare. All doctors licensed in the UAE can now apply through online channels to qualify for the golden visas. This initiative will definitely promote a motivational work environment and high-quality living standards by attracting and retaining the top talents in the medical field. [COMMENT BY: Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor]

STRICT LAWS ON GUNS NEEDED IN US: Some of the families of victims in the US Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting have been offered $33 million to settle a lawsuit over how the company marketed the firearm to the public. A Bushmaster AR-15-style rifle made by Remington was used to kill 20 first graders and six educators in Connecticut on Dec. 14, 2012. While the compensation looks huge, the point is that innocent lives were lost. Every time there is a case of mass shooting, there is a debate over the possession of guns. In this case, a 20-year-old gunman killed his mother and then massacred the children. This should never be allowed to happen. Guns cannot be allowed to float around in civil society. Strict rules are needed to avoid such killings in future. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

AUSTRALIAN ATHLETICS TEAM IN ISOLATION DAY BEFORE TRACK AND FIELD EVENTS BEGIN AT TOKYO OYLMPICS: The timing could not possibly be worse. With the track and field events beginning tomorrow at the Tokyo Olympics, the Australian athletics team are currently in isolation after being in contact with USA pole vaulter and reigning world champion Sam Kendricks who tested positive for COVID-19. He has been ruled out of the Games and now as a precaution the Aussies are stuck in their rooms and will be tested for coronavirus. This will no doubt disrupt their preparations and possibly hamper their medals target. Meanwhile, Argentinian pole vaulter German Chiaraviglio has also tested positive and is out of the Olympics and in total, there have been 193 cases of COVID-19 among Olympic personnel and that includes 20 athletes. With over a week of the Games to go, there are bound to be more cases and more disruption. [COMMENT BY : Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

ENCOURAGING DIALOGUE: A large number of entertainment celebrities have come out in support of gymnast Simone Biles after she withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics. Priyanka Chopra, Justin Bieber, Alia Bhatt and more have praised Biles’ courage to put her mental health first. People who are in the public eye, such as entertainers and sportspeople, might relate to each other’s struggles. The lives they lead are constantly under scrutiny and performance is everything for them – whether on the screen or on the playing field. These stars’ words of support and positivity have the power to inspire change in how mental health matters are dealt with. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]