Rail travel The Indian Railways have to make concerted efforts to improve passenger safety. But there is another issue: ensuring that passengers do not face situations that cause their discomfiture and endanger the safety of their belongings. Very often, one finds reserved compartments being invaded by ‘passengers’ who do not have reserved tickets. There are…
Online ‘distractions’ At last, the Governor of Tamil Nadu may be right in one area (Tamil Nadu page, “Mobile phones and other screens are distractions, says Governor”, January 23). Perhaps he meant it in a general sense, but it is worth talking about the recent move made by Sweden in a related area. In 2009,…
Hits the ground running It seems to be shock after shock. U.S. President Donald Trump’s flurry of executive orders are bound to have several countries on tenterhooks (“Trump declares end to U.S. citizenship by birth”, January 22). It is indisputable that Mr. Trump has every right to take whatever action he deems fit and necessary…
Poor demand The economist, John Maynard Keynes, wrote that it is the increase in consumption and investment demand that enhances employment, income and output in the economy. That investment by the private sector fell 1.4% in Q3 in India is a case in point. The sole way out is to increase capital expenditure by the…
Disbanded Expectedly, on the eve of Donald Trump assuming the presidentship of the United States, high profile Hindenburg Research has announced its closure (Page 1, January 17). The short seller’s abrupt downing of its shutters is undeniably a blessing in disguise for the Adani conglomerate, which was rocked by its startling revelations. One can make…
Ceasefire in Gaza? That there could be a pause in the war in Gaza is the bare minimum the region needs (Page 1, January 16). It is crucial that the parties involved do all they can to ensure a complete end to the war, else there will be a repeat of the mindless destruction and…
Economic slowdown According to a Goldman Sachs report, India is going through a cyclical growth slowdown. It must be remembered that a slow fall in aggregate demand or recession, which India experiences at present, needs to be handled carefully. Put differently, the government should loosen its purse strings to enhance the disposable income of the…
Rat-hole mining The tragic loss of lives in Assam’s Dima Hasao mine disaster highlights the need for strict safety regulations. The continued reliance on dangerous rat-hole mining practices is unacceptable (Page 1, January 12). The government must prioritise the safety of miners by investing in safer extraction methods, improving the welfare of miners, and holding…
Diaspora, global journeys The journeys of the Indian diaspora, who are scattered across the globe, are a remarkable chapter. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, to document these journeys, achievements, and contributions, is a timely reminder of the unique role Indians play in connecting nations, cultures and economies (Page 1, January…
Role of the Governor The episode of the Governor of Tamil Nadu, R.N. Ravi, walking out of the Legislative Assembly is unheard of. His excellency is bound under Article 176 to address the House. Article 163 makes it clear that he is bound to act on the aid and the advice of the Council of…
