UAE a humanitarian role model, Face masks coming back in India? Gulf News Editors comment on the top stories of April 1

UAE IS GLOBAL ROLE MODEL IN HUMANITARIAN MISSIONS: The UAE on Friday sent another plane carrying urgent medical and food supplies to Afghanistan to meet the needs of thousands of Afghan families affected by earthquakes that recently struck northeastern Afghanistan. The provision of these supplies is part of the UAE's enduring efforts to provide urgent relief to countries affected by natural disasters and enhance humanitarian support for vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly. No doubt, the UAE is a global role model in providing humanitarian aid and is usually amongst the first respondents in case of any natural disasters, crisis or calamities in any part of the world. Above: People searching for their belongings after the deadly quake. (COMMENT BY: ASHFAQ AHMED, SENIOR ASSISTANT EDITOR)

FACE MASKS RETURNING TO INDIA?: COVID-19 cases in India are rising. For two consecutive days the country logged more than 3,000 cases and recorded the highest one-day new infections in the last nearly six months. The Tamil Nadu government has made wearing of face masks mandatory at all government hospitals. Do travellers to India need to worry? Experts say there is no need to panic but get a COVID test done in case of symptoms. They are also strongly advising people to wear masks. According to them, the new variant is not affecting lungs much. Although cough is prevalent in patients for a long time, they are not in need of oxygen, one doctor says. That’s good news. But here’s is the bad news. Those who are suffering from serious illnesses, especially lung diseases, need to be extra careful by avoiding crowded places. Sounds familiar? Above: Indian doctors wearing masks walk outside a hospital in Jammu, India, Tuesday, June 23, 2020. (COMMENT BY: STEPHEN N.R., SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR)

MESSI MOVE BACK TO BARCELONA INCHES CLOSER: Lionel Messi could be making a sensational return to his former club Barcelona. The Spanish giants have confirmed they are in contact with their former star who now plays for French champions Paris Saint Germain. But the Argentina World Cup winner may soon be making a stunning return to the La Liga club. The 35-year-old forward is Barca’s all-time top scorer with 672 goals in 778 games. He left the Nou Camp for financial reasons in 2021 but with his contract set to expire in June this year he has been linked with several clubs including Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal. But it now appears Messi could be going back to Spain after the club’s vice-president Rafael Yuste said he is in contact with the six-time Ballon d'Or winner. “Leo and his family know the affection I have for them,” Yuste said. “Messi knows how much we appreciate him. I would love for him to come back. We're in contact, of course, with them.” (COMMENT BY: IMRAN MALIK, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR)

GWYNETH PALTROW WINS THE PERCEPTION GAME: Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow has cemented her place in popular culture, after winning the ski collision lawsuit filed against her by a senior citizen. Terry Sanderson, a retired optometrist, alleged that the actress knocked him down at a ski course and caused permanent damage. Paltrow, while denying the allegations, has turned the proceedings to her advantage, knowing that the public spotlight can be much harsher than the arc lights she would have been used to in front of the cameras. Best known for her roles in the ‘Iron Man’ movies and ‘Shakespeare in Love’ — for which she won an Oscar — the actress repeatedly stressed she wasn’t at fault. The clincher came when she countersued Sanderson for $1 (Dh3.67), signifying that she wasn’t after money. The fact that Sanderson’s GoPro camera, an equipment common with skiers, went missing lent her credence. The trial was touted as a ‘David vs Goliath’ battle, it is to her — and her legal team’s —credit that she emerged victorious. (COMMENT BY: RAJAGOPALAN VENKATARAMAN, ASSISTANT EDITOR-FEATURES)