From the Editors: UAE summer in full swing

SUMMER IN FULL SWING: With temperatures soaring by the day, the summer heat is clearly upon us. Having spent most of last summer indoors in the wake of the pandemic, many of us may need a reminder of sorts to do what it takes to stay safe as we venture out and go about our daily grind this year. Let us not forget to keep adequately hydrated, eat right and avoid direct exposure to the scorching sun. Let’s ensure that our vehicles are duly serviced too. And yes, we would do well to stay alert around our kids, the elderly and even our pets to keep them protected at all times. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

GOOD NEWS FROM UK ON COVID-19: COVID-19-related news coming out of the UK has been good. On Tuesday, the country reported zero deaths due to the coronavirus – the first time since the pandemic ravaged the country. Then on Wednesday it was reported that three-quarters of Britain's adult population has received at least one dose of the vaccine. The UK has recorded almost 128,000 coronavirus deaths, but the mass vaccination campaign has brought new infections and deaths down sharply. Considering the havoc that is being wreaked around the world by the coronavirus, it is too early to start celebrating. The country must continue to build on its gains and take small steps towards lifting restrictions. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

DEBUTANT DEVON CONWAY DOES ONE BETTER THAN GANGULY: A Test century on debut is always special, more so if it comes at the Lord’s – the home of cricket. New Zealand opener Devon Conway made his first Test innings memorable when crafted an unbeaten 136 on the opening day of the first Test against England on Wednesday, in the process overtaking former India captain Sourav Ganguly’s record (131 in 1996) for the highest score on Test debut at the ground. What’s more, Conway has now staked a strong claim to be in the playing XI for the World Test Championship against India. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

A STAR IS BORN: Filipino 10-year-old Peter Rosalita sang his heart out on the reality series ‘America’s Got Talent’, leaving judges Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel in awe. It turns out the young singer was born in Abu Dhabi, as he mentioned before his dramatic rendition of ‘All By Myself’. Not only has he brought pride to the many music-loving Filipinos around the world, but he has surely impressed those in the UAE as well. It will be exciting for people in his native country to watch Peter’s progress in the competition, and he’ll also have the best wishes of those watching from his second home. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]