US and China reopen diplomatic channels as Biden-Xi meet, Virat Kohli - a true team man in every sense, and more, Gulf News Editors comment on November 16 top news

BIDEN-XI MEET IN CALIFORNIA: In a significant diplomatic turn, US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, meeting face-to-face in California, have agreed to reopen direct channels of communication between the US and China after over a year of strained relations. Biden emphasised the importance of clear and open communication, stating that both leaders could now "pick up the phone and be directly heard immediately," highlighting the potential risks of accidents in the absence of dialogue. President Xi Jinping echoed the sentiment, expressing that collaboration and success for one country present opportunities for the other, while cautioning against the unbearable consequences of confrontation. This diplomatic turnaround is crucial for global stability, emphasising the significance of dialogue in fostering transparency and cooperation on an international scale. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

ROBUST LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR UAE SPACE INDUSTRY WELCOME: The announcement that that the UAE will soon have an updated Space law demonstrates how the country is actively keeping pace with the latest developments in the international space industry, even as it achieves its own milestones. As the chief of the UAE Space Agency clarified, the need to have a robust legal framework for the industry to operate is imperative, and the sooner that is done, the better. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor).

Virat Kohli, a true team man in every sense: Surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record of 49 One-Day International centuries, Virat Kohli's achievement stands as a testament to his unwavering perseverance and dedication. Remarkably, he achieved this milestone in almost 174 games fewer, underscoring the Indian talisman's dominance in world cricket over the past decade. Kohli's journey has been marked by both highs and lows, and his return to the pinnacle reflects his resolute determination—a quality every aspiring athlete should emulate. Despite personal milestones, Kohli prioritises the joy derived from Team India's victories and accolades, highlighting his true team-oriented approach. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)

NANA PATEKAR AND HIS SLAPGATE SCANDAL: The questionable conduct of veteran Indian actor Nana Patekar with a fan has ignited outrage and shows no signs of abating. In a viral video, Patekar is seen striking a boy's head who had sought a selfie while he was filming on the streets of Varanasi, India. Following online censure, the seasoned actor has posted a video apology, claiming that he assumed the young boy was part of the film crew and that the slap was a scripted part of the scene. However, not everyone is buying into his explanation. While it's impossible to determine the sincerity of his apology, this incident highlights how stars often treat their devoted followers poorly. While many fans may feel a sense of ownership towards their idols, the importance of respecting their workspace is often overlooked. However, something tells us that Patekar is grasping at straws in an attempt to cover up a bad day and irrational behavior. This episode also underscores that the stars we glorify often have feet of clay. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)