Turning used cooking oil into biodiesel
The Goa state cabinet’s approval of a ‘Used Cooking Oil’ policy marks a significant stride toward public health and environmental sustainability. By establishing a structured framework for the collection, monitoring, and recycling of used cooking oil, Goa joins a select group of states. Reusing cooking oil is a common practice, but it carries serious health risks. When oil is heated repeatedly, it undergoes chemical changes that produce harmful compounds such as trans-fats and free radicals. These substances are linked to heart disease, obesity, and even cancer. While eateries and hotels are often scrutinised, households too may unknowingly expose family members to these dangers by reusing oil for frying. Under the new policy, food businesses must hand over their used oil only to authorised aggregators. This ensures that the oil is not resold or reused in cooking but instead diverted toward biodiesel production which is a cleaner, renewable energy source. But then what happens to the used oil generated in homes? Unlike restaurants, households produce smaller quantities, but collectively this adds up to a significant volume. It often ends up in drains, contaminating water systems, or reused in cooking, posing health risks. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has advised against the reuse of cooking oil beyond three times. Households are encouraged to discard cooking oil when it shows signs of deterioration like foaming, dark and murky appearance or change in consistency.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Jantar Mantar unrest
Jantar Mantar in Delhi has become the focal point of unauthorised political activities. Security has been heightened in the area after the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) urged the public to join a night vigil on July 19. The proposed ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on July 20, 2026, alarmed the Union Ministry, and the previously quiet atmosphere turned tense. This was only a teaser, as what began as a sit-in escalated into a night of unrest, barricades and a march towards Parliament. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by Abhijeet Dipke, has been protesting since June 20, 2026. Its major demand was the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET 2026 paper leak. The protest was meant to remain peaceful and confined to Jantar Mantar, with the organisers alleging that goons had been sent elsewhere to create a nuisance. Jantar Mantar has become ground zero for anger over exam leaks and accountability in education. The July 20 march marked the first major unrest, involving barricades, clashes and a direct attempt to reach Parliament. Paper leaks were reportedly most frequent between 2004 and 2014, when the UPA government was in power. As many as 27 leaks occurred during that period, the highest number, but the NEET 2026 leak has now become a target, prompting demands for the removal of the education minister. Pradhan should not be the target. If both Congress and the BJP are unable to stop paper leaks, the younger generation should be allowed to take charge of NEET management. I am confident they can bring the situation under control with proper checks and balances.
Abhishek Ramaswamy, Bengaluru
Generic drugs targeted
The US proposal to impose devastating 100% and 200% tariffs on imported generic medicines by 2028 is reckless healthcare protectionism disguised as national security. With generic drugs accounting for 90% of American prescriptions, punishing vital suppliers could jeopardise millions of patients suffering from diabetes, cancer and hypertension. India, the pharmacy of the world, exported $9.7 billion worth of pharmaceuticals to the US in 2025, accounting for 38% of its global exports. Forcing domestic reshoring through punitive duties will inevitably trigger severe drug shortages and sky-high medical inflation, placing vulnerable patients at greater risk. Prioritising isolationist economics over global health cooperation is an alarming policy blunder that risks weaponising essential medicines, ultimately at the cost of human lives.
Vijaykumar H K, Raichur
Upgrade general coaches
While Indian Railways (IR) is the lifeline of the common man, general and non-AC coaches are particularly patronised by the less-affluent sections of society. Nearly 62,000 coaches, accounting for 70 per cent of the 89,000 coaches operated by IR, are therefore non-AC and general coaches. There are also 60 operational, fully non-AC ‘Amrit Bharat’ trains. However, low- and middle-income commuters remain dissatisfied and disappointed by the heavy rush in non-AC general compartments. Now, IR is planning to augment its core passenger base by rolling out 17,000 new non-AC coaches in a phased manner. At the same time, IR should strive to put in place basic facilities such as modern toilets, secure windows and foldable wooden trays to ensure hassle-free travel. Every general coach requires at least one fully functional CCTV camera, besides an increase in the number and frequency of ‘Amrit Bharat’ trains.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
