Economic collapse
A recent article published in a section of the press highlights the bizarre and tragic reality of the ongoing US-Iran conflict. While American political rhetoric continues to offer unsubstantiated timelines and bluster regarding an imminent resolution, the situation on the ground remains deeply gridlocked with no diplomatic breakthrough in sight. What stands out is not the military grandstanding, but the staggering economic toll exacted on ordinary citizens. With inflation in Iran soaring past 67% and food inflation exceeding 134%, basic essential commodities like eggs have reportedly become more stable stores of value than local currency. Rather than relying on empty bravado, international leadership must recognise that crippling economic strangulation and unending military escalations offer no real victory. It is time for media platforms and local readers to look past political posturing and demand genuine diplomatic engagement before the human cost escalates further.
Everette Assis Telles, Margao
First aid
Prepare and prevent, don’t repair and repent, it is said. Since emergencies happen without warning, knowledge about first aid is important in keeping a person stable before expert help arrives. Generally, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is considered a “must know” for everyone, especially when sudden cardiac arrests are on the rise. Accidents, bleeding, burns, breathlessness, stroke, poisoning, severe allergy and unconsciousness are other common emergencies when correct and systematic first aid can save lives. The basic aims of first aid are preserving life, preventing deterioration and promoting recovery. Restoration of clear airway, normal breathing and adequate circulation should be the foremost goals of every first aid worker. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies observe the second Saturday of September as World First Aid Day. In an emergency, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Coconut prices
For the seventh consecutive year, a social worker from Mapusa has reportedly continued an initiative of making coconuts available to citizens at just Rs 2 apiece during festive season. This has quietly become a welcome source of relief for families. During the festive season, household expenditure invariably rises. Making an essential and culturally significant commodity like coconut available at a nominal price is a gesture that deserves appreciation. The fact that this effort has continued for seven years makes it even more commendable. It demonstrates consistency, commitment and, above all, a genuine concern for the people. The citizen behind this initiative deserves the goodwill and blessings of the people. One can only hope that God continues to give him the strength and resources to carry forward this yeoman service to society. But his initiative also raises a much larger and rather uncomfortable question. If an individual can undertake such an initiative year after year, why can’t the government do it? Coconut is deeply intertwined with the state’s agriculture, cuisine, traditions, festivals and rural economy. Yet consumers often find themselves paying anywhere between Rs 40 and Rs 60 for a coconut. If a private citizen, through his own initiative and resources, can make coconuts available at Rs 2, surely the government, with its institutional machinery, agricultural departments, cooperatives, procurement mechanisms and access to public funds, could explore ways of making coconuts available to consumers at a subsidised price of at least Rs 5 per piece.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Rescued children
Seventy-two children allegedly forced into begging, dangerous street stunts and labour have been rescued from different parts of Ahmedabad, officials said on Wednesday. As many as 24 people were booked for allegedly forcing the minors into illegal activities. The special operation was jointly conducted by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), police and officials from Gujarat’s social welfare department, the civic body said in a statement. During the drive, officials rescued 72 children from various locations across the commercial city. The minors underwent medical examinations before being produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for further action. Of the rescued children, 10 were immediately shifted to a Child Welfare Home. The remaining 62 were handed over to their parents or guardians after officials warned them against forcing the children into begging. In a separate action, 17 rescued men were produced before a court and subsequently shifted to beggar homes. According to the AMC, some of the children were allegedly being forced to beg at busy traffic signals, clean vehicle windows, perform dangerous stunts on roads and undertake labour. Cases under various sections of the Juvenile Justice Act were being filed against those booked.
Bhagwan Thadani, Mumbai
Adhikari’s diktat
With his increasingly firm rhetorical style, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari appears to be taking a harder line on issues such as the situation at Jadavpur University. As for the vegetarian food diktat during Durga Puja, he is going against the established cultural tradition of Bengalis, and importing ideas from outside the state. He probably forgets that there was a saying in the past about West Bengal – ‘What Bengal thinks today, India thinks tomorrow’.
S Kamat, Mysore
