From the Editors: Welcome change for workers in UAE

Where do we go from here in Ukraine?: Fighting in Ukraine is intensifying with Russian troops entering the second city Kharkiv. On the fourth day of the Russian attack, perhaps more than a 1,000 people have been killed on both sides, and the damage has been intense. The attack is also creating a refugee problem in Europe, with more than 150,000 Ukrainians fleeing for Poland, Moldova and other neighbouring countries. The UN has warned that this number could grow to 4 million in coming days and weeks. So where do we go from here? It is unclear what Russia’s ultimate plans are for Ukraine but Western powers are alleging that Moscow is planning regime change in Kyiv. The future looks very bleak for Ukraine, and for the security balance in Europe. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

Alia Bhat stands tall in the face of patriarchy: Alia Bhatt continues to smash the patriarchy that has held Bollywood in a chokehold with her ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ estimated to a net a cool Rs400 million in box office collections in India alone by end of Sunday. The numbers are reflective of the changing audience tastes, where content is fast taking precedence over sheer star power that has historically determined the fate of a film in India. The Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial has been be critically lauded as well, with Bhatt’s portrayal as a scarlet lady turned social activist being called a brilliant new phase in her decade-long career in Bollywood. While the actress has shown talent right from her early years with films such as ‘Highway’ and ‘Udta Punjab’, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ will certainly prove to be a turning point for Bhatt and Bollywood. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]

Welcome change for workers: The recent initiative of the UAE’s Permanent Committee of Labour Affairs to treat around 150 workers to an outing turned out to be a fun-cum-educative affair. The workers, who thoroughly enjoyed themselves, learnt a lot about Emirati culture, cuisine and sports at the Heritage Village in Al Habab area. Such outings are a welcome break for workers who sweat it out all week to earn their livelihoods. They are not only a refreshing change, but in the long run, help them bond better and become more productive. [COMMENY BY Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

Eriksen completes incredible comeback: It is one of sport’s most amazing comebacks and the emotion was palpable at the Brentford Community Stadium as Christian Eriksen – who suffered a cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark at Euro 2020 – made his return to football. It had been 259 days since that distressing moment and many thought the stylish midfielder would never play again. But, after several operations and also being fitted with a pacemaker, the former Inter Milan and Tottenham star fought his way back to fitness and was given a second chance by Brentford boss Thomas Frank. And yesterday came the moment that the world had waited for – Eriksen playing competitive football once again. He was given a standing ovation by everyone inside the stadium when he was brought into the action in the second half and it truly is a remarkable story. Brentford lost the match against Newcastle 2-0 but the Dane’s return rose way above the result. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]