Public discipline key to fire prevention
‘Together for fire prevention’ was the slogan prominently displayed during the Fire Safety Week, which has just concluded. Yet, beyond the banners and awareness drives, the real test lies in how seriously we, as a society, act on this message. If people consciously choose to avoid the use of fireworks—both in public spaces and at home—many fire-related tragedies can be prevented. Fire safety is not only the responsibility of the authorities; it requires collective discipline and a change in public behaviour. What is needed most is ‘willpower and accountability’, as seen in countries such as Singapore and Japan, where strict enforcement and public cooperation have significantly reduced fire hazards. These nations demonstrate that prevention is possible when safety is prioritised over momentary celebration. Closer to home, recent incidents serve as grim reminders. Just a few weeks ago, a tragic fire at a club in Arpora resulted in deaths and injuries, reportedly caused by fireworks. Such incidents are not isolated. Similar accidents continue to occur in firework factories, during religious celebrations, and in crowded markets, especially during festive seasons. Equally concerning are the unsafe and often inhumane working conditions of those involved in manufacturing fireworks. Workers are frequently exposed to hazardous environments, with little regard for their health and safety. This is an area that urgently demands reform. There is also a need to rethink the very nature of such hazardous industries. History offers us examples—like the transformation of ITC Limited—which successfully diversified from tobacco into safer, sustainable products. A similar shift towards safer alternatives in the fireworks sector could protect both lives and livelihoods. Ultimately, fire prevention is not merely about regulations or campaigns, it is about awareness, responsibility, and the courage to change. Let wisdom prevail in the interest of the people, so that safety is not treated as an afterthought, but as a shared priority.
Avadhut Pokle, Mapusa
Rupee slides further
The Indian rupee has come under sharp pressure in recent months, sliding to record lows against the US dollar and hovering close to the 95 mark in early 2026. This depreciation is the result of a mix of global headwinds and domestic vulnerabilities, and its ripple effects are being felt across the economy. A key driver has been the surge in global crude oil prices, with Brent crude climbing to between $110 and $125 per barrel. For a country like India, which imports more than 80 per cent of its oil requirements, this has significantly inflated the import bill. At the same time, a stronger U.S. dollar—fuelled by a hawkish Federal Reserve—has made dollar-denominated assets more attractive, prompting capital outflows from emerging markets such as India. Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have been steadily selling Indian equities, further increasing demand for the dollar and adding pressure on the rupee. Geopolitical tensions, particularly in West Asia, have deepened uncertainty, pushed up commodity prices, and strengthened the dollar’s appeal as a safe-haven currency. Meanwhile, India’s widening trade deficit—where imports continue to outpace exports—has created sustained downward pressure on the currency. The consequences are visible in everyday life. The rising cost of imports—ranging from crude oil and electronics to fertilisers and edible oils—has translated into higher production costs and, ultimately, increased prices for consumers. As fuel and transportation costs climb, the prices of essential goods rise, straining household budgets.
C R Krishnan, Ghaziabad
Fatal food poisoning
I write to express deep concern over a tragic and deeply disturbing incident reported from Mumbai’s Pydhonie area, where four members of a single family—Abdullah Dokadia (40), his wife Nasreen (35), and their daughters Ayesha (16) and Zainab (13)—lost their lives following suspected food poisoning. Reports indicate that the family had hosted relatives for dinner on April 25, serving chicken pulao. While the guests remained unaffected, the family later consumed watermelon brought by a relative. Within hours, all four developed severe symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness, and diarrhoea, and despite medical intervention at JJ Hospital, they could not be saved. Preliminary findings suggest that the watermelon may have been contaminated or improperly stored, raising serious concerns about food safety. Watermelon, a widely consumed and otherwise healthy fruit—especially during the summer months—is generally considered safe. However, such incidents point to the possible use of harmful chemicals, artificial ripening agents, or unhygienic handling and storage practices that can pose a grave threat to public health. This heartbreaking event underscores the urgent need for stricter monitoring and regulation of food quality. It is imperative that the concerned authorities conduct a thorough investigation and take stringent action against those found responsible.
Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai
