Unpredictable glory
‘Real game’ was an insightful editorial on the recent football World Cup. All sceptics were proved wrong at the quarter final stage itself. The favourites were steadily getting demolished. The day belonged to the underdogs. Who expected Egypt or Morocco or Norway to put up such a spirited fight? Some refereeing decisions may have affected teams like Egypt though. Established teams also must display a more mature and fair approach on the field. At the end of the day, it was a great event. And as your editorial says, the World Cup went viral not because everything was perfect, but because it was unpredictable. The Biblical episode of David and Goliath comes to the mind. Who would have expected David to bring down a huge Goliath with just a sling. That was the football World Cup 2026.
Melville X D’Souza, Mumbai
Nutritional reform
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) department of Maharashtra has decided to ban packaged foods and drinks high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) within 50 metres of school compounds. Additionally, it has put the lid on sale, advertisement and distribution of HFSS food items free of cost. Furthermore, kitchen operators and food suppliers cannot function without valid licences. Covering children 22 months of age upto Class 12 in all schools, the move could be a game changer if implemented well. Popular state snacks like vada pav and samosas will now be a big “no” for children atleast during the school hours. In common language, junk is equated to rubbish. So, it is easy to interpret the harm caused by ‘junk food’. Since junk food is pleasant on the palate, youngsters savour it without seriously understanding its nutritional value and health implications. Kobo tool kits to assess the food consumed by students at schools, as done in Bihar, can monitor the kitchens’ hygiene too.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Water crisis
The recent protest by the residents of Curti, Ponda, outside the Public Works Department (PWD) is a stark reminder that abundant rainfall does not automatically guarantee reliable water supply. After enduring a month-long water crisis, frustrated residents have warned of a massive morcha if the problem is not resolved within four days. Access to clean water is a basic necessity, not a privilege. Residents should not be forced to queue for water tankers or alter their daily lives because of systemic failures. Their anger is justified. What makes the situation particularly alarming is that Goa has witnessed heavy rainfall over the past several days. Rivers are flowing, reservoirs are replenished and dams are reportedly close to overflowing. Yet, households continue to struggle for something as basic as drinking water. This contradiction points to a failure not of nature, but of governance and infrastructure. It is easy to blame deficient rainfall during the summer months for water scarcity. However, when taps remain dry in the middle of monsoon, the excuse simply does not hold. The current crisis is clearly man-made. Whether the cause lies in poor planning, faulty distribution networks, pipeline leakages, inadequate storage, pump failures or administrative lapses, the responsibility rests squarely with the authorities entrusted with ensuring an uninterrupted water supply. The government must look into long-term solutions by modernising ageing water infrastructure. Water shortages during the peak of summer may sometimes be understandable. A water crisis during monsoon, when nature has done its part, is simply unacceptable. The people of Goa deserve better.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
E20 policy gap
The Union government’s revelation in the Parliament that it has not conducted any assessment about the proportion of vehicles in India that are compatible with E20 fuel points to a sharp contrast between India’s advancements in green energy and reality. A transition like this calls for comprehensive planning, preparation and evidence-based testing. While the government insists that studies and trials have proved that the fuel is safe, a policy that affects millions of people must be based on data driven with proven track record. The government’s claim about crores of vehicles running on ethanol-blended petrol safely lacks corroborative data. It raises several questions. How many of these vehicles are E20 compatible or designed for that purpose? Without authentic information, the government’s assurance about safety of E20 is not convincing. Public concern is expressed through protests and the formation of E20 Janta Party. The concerns of consumers must be addressed. While the government’s attempts for going green are commendable, the way in which E20 transition was implemented lacks planning and preparation.
Venu G S, Kollam
