Saving Earth
A study has shown that the pressure exerted on our planet Earth has doubled in the last 50 years, while the rich natural resources have declined by more than 30%. Conservation of nature is vital because many scientists have warned of mass extinctions. Water and energy, paper and fuel have to be prudently used. People are paying a heavy price for the increase in urbanisation. The consequence of industrialisation is air pollution and its crippling effects. Wetland conservation is too vital to be ignored. This year’s Nature Conservation Day on July 28 focuses on preservation of biodiversity, sustainable resource management and ecological balance.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Public oversight
The recent developments surrounding the NEET-UG paper leak case, which was marked by a high-level resignation and a high-stakes hunger strike, must not signal the end of public oversight. In particular, the disbandment of outfits like Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which actively spearheaded student advocacy during this crisis, would be premature and counterproductive. The template forged during this movement, uniting civil society, student bodies and grassroots activists, is vital for holding authorities accountable and curbing future malpractices in high-stakes national examinations. Beyond addressing the leak itself, there remains an urgent need for an independent judicial probe into the excessive force allegedly used against the peaceful student protesters. The use of lathi-charge, tear gas and force against youth demanding transparency sets a troubling precedent in a democracy. Furthermore, the selective reporting across major media outlets, focusing disproportionately on student retaliation while downplaying state overreach, highlights a glaring flaw in journalistic neutrality. Moving forward, the focus must shift from political quick-fixes to structural reforms: establishing tamper-proof examination protocols, protecting whistleblowers and holding both, paper-leak syndicates and overzealous law enforcement accountable. Democracy thrives on continuous vigilance. Preserving independent advocacy groups ensures that the rights and future of millions of students are safeguarded against future administrative failures.
Everette Assis Telles, Margao
Beyond resignation
A minister’s resignation demonstrates a strong sense of moral responsibility, sparks public debate and forces political parties to confront a flawed system. By stepping down, a leader accepts responsibility, draws media attention to critical failures and signals a refusal to support bad policies or actions. Public pressure and intense media scrutiny naturally follow, forcing opposition forces and politicians to take notice and demand action. However, when a minister resigns, he simply walk away free. The leader loses his official position, but who is left to fix things from within? When will the ‘system’ itself – the bureaucrats actually responsible – be held accountable? Just because one politician leaves office, the faulty system cannot be allowed to remain unchanged. Bringing in new ministers is a positive step, but it accomplishes nothing if the old rules stay in place. Resignation alone does not equal real change. To make a resignation truly justified and meaningful, the NEET policy itself must be made right.
Rajesh Banaulikar, Arpora
Demographic realities
Lives, Choices and Futures – Demographic Futures Survey 2026, released by the United Nations Population Fund, which studied more than 1,08,000 young adults across 73 countries, including India, suggests that the desire for companionship and parenthood remains remarkably resilient. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has released its State of World Population (SOWP) 2025 report titled ‘The Real Fertility Crisis’. It reaffirms India as the world’s most populous country and highlights critical shifts in fertility, ageing and reproductive autonomy, urging focus on people’s unmet fertility goals instead of the fear of population decline. India has a strong demographic advantage with 68% of its population in the working-age group (15-64). Children aged 0-14 make up 24%, while 26% are in the 10-24 age group. The elderly (65+) account for 7% of the population. Reproductive choices in India are hindered by financial (40%), housing (22%), job (21%) and childcare (18%) constraints, along with health issues like infertility (13%) and poor maternal care (14%). Social pressure (19%) and rising anxiety over climate, politics and economy also impact decisions. The report urges India to prioritise reproductive rights over population control by ensuring universal access to contraceptives, maternal and infertility care, and safe abortion. Today, many young adults perceive it as an undertaking fraught with financial and emotional risk. Long working hours, unstable employment, expensive childcare, shrinking living spaces and unequal domestic responsibilities have altered the calculus. India still enjoys the advantages of a relatively young population. But this demographic window will not remain open indefinitely.
Yash Pal Ralhan, Jalandhar
