In spotlight: T20 World Cup semi-finals will be thrillers

UAE BUSINESSES WILL TURN A BLIND EYE ON FINANCIAL VIOLATORS: UAE businesses are in no mood to let the past take care of itself. These days, you are seeing empowered Board of Directors intent on taking all legal options to pursue past financial violations and done with malfeasance. In the past, the odd attempt would have been made to book offenders and take out impairment costs. Not so now. Take Invest Bank in Sharjah. They went through an intense investigation, done by a leading law firm, and found that violations had taken place in the write-off debts on the bank’s books. This had happened prior to 2019 – and now Invest Bank is going to launch legal action against offenders. And make sure that shareholder rights are protected. This was the same at the insurer Salama, Aman and the developer Union Properties. Shareholder rights are sacrosanct. No such thing as bygones be bygones in chasing down the offenders…(By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

NOTHING LIKE UAE WINTERS: It is that time of the year when the UAE is bustling with activity amid the finest weather. With attractions aplenty, tourists and residents alike have begun to soak in all that is on offer. A huge line-up of events also beckon, whether they are an annual affair, a first-time or one-off offering. What’s more, there is something for everyone – from families with children to hardcore business visitors. The sheer convenience and hassle-free manner in which they can go about what they need to do also deserves special mention. Indeed, there is a lot to be grateful for being in the UAE. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor).

T20 WORLD CUP SEMI-FINALS WILL BE THRILLERS: Pakistan have endured a rollercoaster ride at the T20 World Cup 2022 which has seen them reach the semi-final stage where they face New Zealand later today. They are within a whisker of lifting the trophy despite an inconsistent run and will hope their star players shine. Much more will be expected from captain Babar Azam with the bat while the Green Shirts will rely on Shaheen Shah Afridi to do the damage with the ball. Tomorrow, England will square up against India in the second semi-final and that too will likely be an explosive affair as both sides go all out to secure a spot in the final. Overall, the T20 World Cup has been brilliant, there have been many huge upsets and exceptional performances with the bat and ball. With three games left, cricket fans can be sure they will be treated to more thrills and spills before the tournament concludes on Sunday. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor).

RASHMIKA MANDANNA TAKES ON HATERS AND TROLLS LIKE A BOSS LADY: There’s no denying that stars are public figures who have signed up for a life of constant scrutiny, but that doesn’t mean that they should make peace with being everybody’s punching bag. South Indian actress Rashmika Mandanna reminded everyone about this as she took to her Instagram to talk about the avalanche of vitriol and hate that she has been receiving on social media. In a stirring note, she wrote about how she finds the daily dose of virtual venom ‘demoralising’ and soul-destroying. She spoke from her heart and we hear her. Just because stars have privilege and give you access to their lives, they are not anybody’s play things. Here’s more power to Rashmika and other stars who have taken on their haters heads on and lived to tell the tale. (Comment Manjusha Radhakrishnan Entertainment Editor).