Employment scams
Trafficking through overseas employment scams is indeed a dangerous trend. All efforts must be made to nab the culprits and prevent the unsuspecting jobseekers from falling in the trap. However, this situation also exposes the country’s present unemployment scenario, which is worrisome. The government must direct its efforts towards creating employment opportunities and also conducive environment for encouraging more startups. The desperate unemployed youth would, of course, look for some job opportunities and in the process and fall prey to scams.
Melville X D’Souza, Mumbai
Erdogan’s remarks
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has raised the Kashmir issue again at the United Nations General Assembly, calling for disputes in South Asia to be addressed through dialogue and within the framework of the UN Charter. “In South Asia, it is important that all disputes, including the Kashmir issue, be addressed through dialogue within the framework of the United Nations Charter and of relevant resolutions,” Erdogan said in his address. He delivered the remarks in the presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the UN headquarters. Erdogan has repeatedly used the UNGA platform to raise the Kashmir issue in recent years despite India’s consistent objections. Beyond Kashmir, Erdogan used his address to call for stronger international action on Gaza, renewed recognition of Palestinian statehood and reforms to the UN Security Council. Erdogan has used his UNGA addresses to comment on Kashmir on several occasions. His remarks have varied in tone, but the issue has remained a recurring feature of his speeches.
Bhagwan Thadani, Mumbai
Peaceful celebrations
Festivals are a time of joy, togetherness and celebration. But celebrations should not come at the cost of health, peace and safety of others, including animals and birds, who share our surroundings. The High Court of Bombay has reportedly ordered a complete ban on the bursting of firecrackers on public roads, observing that festivals can be celebrated without causing noise and air pollution. Children, elderly people and those who are particularly sensitive to noise and air pollution may also be affected. Recently DJ music was banned at several places in Goa during processions. Be that as it may, the impact of fireworks and loud music can be particularly distressing for pet animals, stray dogs and cats, and birds. Unlike humans, animals cannot understand why their surroundings suddenly erupt with deafening explosions. Dogs may tremble, hide, bark continuously or attempt to run away. Cats can become extremely anxious and disoriented. Birds, startled by sudden and intense sounds, may abandon their resting places and become confused about where to go. For stray animals, the situation can be even more difficult. They have no safe home to retreat to and no human family to comfort them. There are countless ways of celebrating that do not depend on loud explosions. Our celebrations should reflect compassion. Animals may not have a voice with which to object, but their fear and distress are real. If our festivities can bring joy without causing fear to animals, pollution to the environment or distress to our neighbours, that is a form of celebration that benefits everyone.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Maritime responsibility
International Maritime Organisation (IMO), a United Nations (UN) agency that is seized of the issues facing global shipping for the last eight decades observes the ‘World Maritime Day’ (WMD) on September 24. Shipping remains the most efficient and cost-effective driver of international trade. It is but natural that 80% of the global trade is carried out by maritime transport. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the stakeholders to secure not only vessels, cargo and crew but also other critical maritime assets. At the same time, the UN has encouraged “green shipping” and has an eagle’s eye on carbon emissions from sea vessels. ‘Powering Maritime Excellence: From Policy to Practice’ is the theme for the first biennial WMD. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), that has set the legal framework for use, conservation and management of the world’s oceans and their management has to be respected by global nations.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Tata turmoil
The current turmoil within the Tata Group is deeply undesirable. While other industrial houses have resolved disputes publicly or through courts, the Tata name is now being sullied by N Chandrasekaran, an insider who owes his career to the Group. Though he initially showed principles by rejecting an extension after Noel Tata voted against it, things changed when the board confirmed his five-year extension – again over Noel’s dissent. This reeks of manipulation. While Chandrasekaran may claim innocence in this boardroom battle, he remains the sole beneficiary. Whether driven by weakness or poor advice, he has damaged a reputation built over generations.
S Kamat, Mysuru
