From the Editors: US President’s Twitter account to be wiped

US PRESIDENT'S TWITTER ACCOUNT TO BE WIPED: Outgoing US President Donald Trump’s millions of Twitter followers will not be transferred to President-elect Joe Biden. When he formally makes himself at home at the White House, his huge social media team will have to start the social media account from scratch. It sounds a bit unfair because when Trump was elected, Barack Obama’s followers were allowed to be retained by the new man but that goodwill gesture has been reversed. But, it won’t take much time at all for Biden – soon to be the most powerful man in the world - to gain millions of followers. It’ll be a matter of days. So spare a thought for yours truly who has been stuck on 11 for the last 3 years… [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

COMBATING THE PANDEMIC OF MISINFORMATION: In this hyperconnected world of today, one of the biggest challenges that societies across the globe are facing is the flood of misinformation and fake news. The Arab Media Forum in Dubai deliberated on this major issue. The ease at which information can be distributed today without checks and balances is a principal headache for policymakers. Mona Al Marri, President of the Dubai Press Club, highlighted how trust deficit among youth is a big challenge for the media today. The entire media landscape is changing, and we need to find a way to weed out fake news. [COMMENT BY: Somshankar Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Editor]

TIME TO BRACE UP FOR BOXING DAY TEST IN MELBOURNE: The memories of India’s 36 all out in Adelaide a week back looks to have receded somewhat into to the background as both hosts Australia and India look to take a fresh guard for the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne from Saturday morning. Tim Paine, the Australian skipper, wants his men to be ‘bang on the mark’ against a possible Indian backlash. The latter, who will be lead by the cool and composed Ajinkya Rahane, have made four changes to rise to the occasion and it could be an absorbing battle on the cards. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

CELEBRITIES: ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS....: With Christmas celebrations muted this year, celebrities have banded together across the world with just one wish for the season, an end to the pandemic and a step into the New Year with some joy and good tidings. Bollywood actress Kajol (pictured) didn’t mince words as she posted on Instagram: “Someone pointed out to me that the way we run the world is changing and only for the better, but in the meanwhile we will have to go through the really [expletive] adjustment period. To a better world and a better tomorrow! That’s my wish for this Christmas.” Prince Harry and Meghan also used their Christmas card to serve the community during the pandemic by making donations to several charities, including helps families transition out of homelessness, while they wished for everyone to be safe this season. Meanwhile, singer Justin Bieber called this year a rollercoaster. His advice: “What if this holiday and year we decide to look for the wonder that is all around us. Gratitude and hopefulness are two things i’m going to get myself for Christmas.” A great thought to lead us through the pandemic and into a New Year. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor, Gulf News]