From the Editors: UAE’s Hope Probe set to create history

UAE’S HOPE PROBE SET TO CREATE HISTORY: The UAE is set to create history once again as its Hope Probe, the country’s planet orbiter, is set to enter the Red Planet’s orbit later today. The Mars orbit insertion is the most critical and challenging part of Hope Probe’s journey. If successful, the UAE will become only the fifth country or entity in the world to reach the Red Planet. This mission speaks volumes not only of the country’s technological prowess, but also of the country’s visionary leadership that has made the country a beacon of progress in our age. [COMMENT BY: Somshankar Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Editor]

IRAN’S MISSILE DEVELOPMENT AS IMPORTANT AS NUCLEAR PROGRAMME: The UN has said that in 2020, North Korea and Iran resumed cooperation on the development of long-range missiles. This is an alarming development for the world and the region but comes as no real surprise, as both states have a history of secret collaboration that includes the transfer of critical parts, given the sanctions both Tehran and Pyongyang have been subjected to. A lot of emphasis has been placed internationally on Iran’s nuclear programme. But, for long, regional states have taken a dim view of Tehran’s development of ballistic missiles, too. It is time the international community accords the same importance to this issue. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

US SENATE IMPEACHMENT TRIAL: NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW: The impeachment trial of former US President Donald Trump begins in the Senate today. He is charged with inciting the deadly January 6 riot at the US Capitol. Trump has refused to appear before the Senate, and members have hammered out a deal to wrap up the trial within a week. In all probability, Trump will be acquitted because the Democrats do not have the numbers to convict him. So what is all this drama about? The trial itself proves one important point – no one is above the law, not even the president of the United States of America. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

BAYERN MUNICH ON TRACK TO EMULATE BARCELONA: When Barcelona’s Invincibles won all six conceivable domestic and international titles in one season in 2009, it was considered as a feat beyond reach. Now Bayern Munich are on the threshold of it as they advanced to the Club World Cup final after goal-machine Robert Lewandowski’s brace sealed a 2-0 victory over African champions Al Ahly in Monday’s semi-final. The European champions face Tigres in the final on Thursday after the Mexican club saw off Brazilian giants Palmeiras in Sunday’s other semi-final.[COMMENT BY:Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

PRIYANKA CHOPRA SPEAKS OUT IN NEW MEMOIR: Priyanka Chopra Jonas has spoken out against an image conscious film industry in her new book, ‘Unfinished: A Memoir’, which releases today. The actress, who prides herself on breaking into Bollywood with no ‘Godfather’ to guide her, spoke of meeting a director-producer shortly after winning the Miss World beauty pageant. The industry veteran suggested that she meet with a doctor in Los Angeles to fix her bust, bottom and her jaw. “If I wanted to be an actress, he said, I’d need to have my proportions ‘fixed’,” she stated. Chopra Jonas’ revelation comes as no surprise to many from the film industry who have often spoken out against such practices. The actress says she ultimately chose not to pay heed to the recommendations and forged her own path to success. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]