UAE scores big on Global Knowledge Index, and SRK’s Pathaan hits boycott calls, Gulf News Editors comment on the top stories of Dec 16

UAE IS REAPING THE REWARD FOR PROMOTING KNOWLEDGE. The latest recognition of UAE’s relentless efforts towards building a knowledge economy has come from the Global Knowledge Index. It is no surprise that the country has placed first among 11 Arab nations on the index. No less impressive is its globally ranking of 25 among 132 nations. The UAE has carefully selected priority domains to enable its target of achieving a GDP that is not dominated by the energy sector. By focusing on developing communications technology to back its smart initiatives and incentivising scientific research, the UAE ensures it has the right mix of human resources for a sustainable future. (By Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor)

WILLIAMSON, A SHREWD BRAIN IN MODERN DAY CRICKET: Kane Williamson, the New Zealand captain, stepped down from his leadership role from Tests on Thursday, ending his six-year reign after taking over from Brendon McCullum. Williamson is one of the thinking modern day captains, who seldom shows his true emotions on the field or off it. He might not be the most flamboyant batter in all formats, but he is technically superior in skills and has a very strong mind to win the battles mentally by playing around the situation. But his leadership quality is par excellence. He could get the best out the average players and turn them into match-winners, as he showed while leading the Black Caps to winning the inaugural Test Championship, defeating India in the final at Southampton. His departure leaves a void in New Zealand Cricket. (By A. K. S. Satish, Sports Editor)

BOLLYWOOD BOYCOTT TRENDS ARE GETTING OLD: Shah Rukh Khan’s comeback film ‘Pathaan’ is the latest project to be hit with calls for a boycott. Some politicians and people on social media have objected to a new music video from the action flick. However, Khan has commented on it in a classy way. “No matter what the world does, people like us will stay positive,” he said at the Kolkata International Film Festival. The fact of the matter is the loudest and most vicious voices online don’t reflect the vast majority of people, and calling for boycotts without any good reason is petty. (By Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Entertainment)