Suspension insufficient, repeal TCP Section 39 (A)
The suspension of TCP Section 39 (A) is welcome, but it is no solution. This clause, designed to bypass regional plans and public objections, has already enabled overnight conversions of paddy fields, orchards, and natural cover into settlement zones. The damage is visible in recurring floods and vanishing fields. Data shows nearly one crore square meters of land targeted, with 95 percent of approvals benefiting non-Goan builders. Village panchayats and the TCP Board issued licences overnight, legalising builder empires while ordinary Goans bore the brunt of ecological collapse. Goa is at breaking point. People demand consultation, transparency, and participation as non-negotiable principles of governance. Anything less is betrayal. Suspension is not enough—Section 39 (A) must be repealed permanently, and accountability fixed on those who enabled this manipulation. Goa’s land is Goa’s soul. Every plot lost is one more flood tomorrow. The way forward must be shaped by Goans themselves, not by profiteers.
Assis Everette Telles, Margao
J&K’s historic triumph
Congratulations to the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Team for an incredible display of resilience in Indian domestic cricket, clinching their maiden Ranji Trophy title. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that they triumphed over Karnataka, a team packed with more than three Test players. From the very beginning of this Ranji season, the J&K boys have been relentless, overcoming one team after another with determination and skill—traits that have now paid off. Their semi-final victory against West Bengal was nothing short of a masterclass in grit and strategy, coming back from a first-innings deficit to secure a memorable win. Hats off to the bowlers, who dismantled Bengal’s lineup, reducing them to a mere 99 runs in their second innings. The chase that followed was swift and efficient, taking J&K to the finals in style. The rest, as they say, is history. They absolutely deserved this title. Well done, J&K. We sincerely hope that our national selectors have closely observed their outstanding performances throughout the season and will consider selecting these promising and talented players for the national teams in both tests and white-ball formats.
N Mahadevan, Chennai
Oil lifeline at risk
Tensions in the Middle East have once again raised concerns about global energy security. Any prolonged instability in the region could significantly disrupt oil supplies, and for a country like India, which depends heavily on imported crude, the consequences could be severe. At the heart of this concern lies the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but crucial maritime corridor that serves as a lifeline for global energy trade. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and is one of the world’s most strategically important shipping lanes. A substantial portion of global crude oil exports, particularly from major producers such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, passes through this narrow passage. If tensions involving regional powers escalate and shipping routes are disrupted or blocked, the immediate impact would be a sharp spike in global oil prices. Even the threat of closure can trigger volatility in international markets. India imports more than 80 percent of its crude oil requirements, with a significant share coming from Gulf nations. A closure of the Strait of Hormuz would disrupt supply chains, delay shipments, and increase freight and insurance costs. Higher crude prices would directly affect India’s fuel prices namely petrol, diesel, LPG, and aviation turbine fuel. Fuel prices in India are closely linked to inflation. New Delhi has called for immediate de-escalation in the Middle East, urging all parties involved to exercise restraint and return to dialogue. And with millions of Indian nationals living and working across the Gulf region, stability in the Middle East remains a critical priority for New Delhi.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Teach love, not hate
The sharp division between children in schools and adults in workplaces has stifled creativity and productivity. Many nations’ tendency to govern through bias and hatred is deeply troubling. Intolerance is merely a close relative of prejudice. No one is born hating; people are taught or conditioned to discriminate against others based on sex, colour, or religion. If hate can be taught, so too can love. Achieving this requires a society where everyone feels safe and secure, as studies show that the more secure a person feels, the less likely they are to discriminate. In this spirit, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) established “Zero Discrimination Day” on March 1 every year. Recognising and respecting diverse races and cultures is a vital step toward uniting people globally and reducing discrimination. The importance of the message “Save lives: Decriminalise” must not be overlooked.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
