IT IS a matter of real worry that coronavirus cases have begun showing signs of increase in numbers, no matter the fact that the national recovery rate is still very high. Reports are pouring from all directions that the dirty virus is again showing its enhanced dirty impact on the larger society. However, it must be noted with much concern as well as grief that this new trend is being caused due to the careless attitude masses are reported to be following. It will be a huge national shame if the ugly virus achieves monstrous proportions once again -- after having been pushed back thanks to the massive national effort. If the common people continue to conduct themselves irresponsibly, then the authorities may be compelled to start imposing stricter norms and social discipline, much to everyone’s discomfiture. It will also hurt the process of economic recovery now well on a healthy course. Much of the challenge, thus, is for the common public to handle more zealously the stated norms in larger individual and collective interest. If the ugly virus starts troubling again in bigger proportion, then the common people will be fully responsible for its undesirable spread.

 

 

THE exit of tennis superstar Rafael Nadal of Spain in the Quarterfinals match at the ongoing Australian Open tournament offers a painful feel. Even at this stage and age, Nadal showed the grit to stretch the fight to full five sets before bowing out to Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece. Nadal belongs to that category of players loved by one and all. Some of the other members of that league are Roger Federer, Novak Djocovik, Andy Murray, Venus Williams, and Serena Williams. These persons have endeared themselves to the world and everybody wishes them only success. That is the reason why a little stab of pain was felt when Nadal crashed out of the tournament. Of course, of late, he has fought injury as well as age, but has adapted himself suitably to make himself effective. These are the qualities of a legend -- in any field. His behaviour on the court and off it has always come in for high praise from the fans and even rivals. When he loses, he upsets his followers globally. Of course, this is only a setback from which Rafale Nadal will emerge for the succeeding Grand Slams of the calendar year. This is his fans’ wish as he belongs to that category of all-time great tennis players that have acted as others’ role-models.