Imbalanced board
The newly reconstituted Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has 18 members and is headed by S S Vempati from Andhra Pradesh. The Board term is three years beginning from September 16, 2026. The members are actors, actresses, television personalities, theatre, music, arts, journalists, film critics, etc. They represent Himachal Pradesh (1), Bihar (2), Karnataka (2), Keralam (1), West Bengal (1), Maharashtra (5), Gujarat (2), Punjab (1), Odisha (1) and Uttar Pradesh (1), Andhra Pradesh/Telangana (1). It is surprising that there are no members from Tamil Nadu (one of the largest film industries), Northeast states (produces offbeat films) and Goa (where most film makers love to shoot). The Cinematograph Act permits up to 25 members, including the chairperson. Hence, there is still scope to add a few more members.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Stop wars
Stopping ongoing wars is extremely difficult because international institutions lack enforcement power. Root causes –geopolitical survival, profit and misunderstanding – lead leaders to believe that fighting is their only option. While the global political system prioritises state sovereignty, it inherently limits external intervention. Should this system be reformed? Absolutely. The UN was established to maintain peace, yet its structure makes stopping active wars nearly impossible. In the UN Security Council, the five permanent members hold veto power, easily blocking resolutions if they or their allies are involved. Furthermore, international law relies on treaties rather than absolute enforcement. Sending troops into a sovereign state risks triggering global war. Mutual distrust keeps agreements elusive; leaders fear diplomatic promises are traps. Misinformed by inner circles and haunted by the political suicide of defeat after immense human and financial losses, leaders choose escalation over compromise. Unfortunate economic realities, like a lucrative military-industrial complex, further weaken domestic incentives for peace. Ultimately, conflicts end only when warring parties realise the costs are unsustainable. International diplomacy desperately needs a strong global guide – a true visionary – to reshape understandings and enforce lasting peace.
Rajesh Banaulikar, Arpora
Porvorim flyover
The state government has reportedly decided to reopen entry and exit points for vehicles on the Porvorim elevated corridor within the next eight days’ time. However, as per Minister for Public Works Digambar Kamat, no decision has been taken yet on allowing two-wheelers on the flyover. Like others, the two-wheeler riders also pay their taxes to the government. The people who suffered the most for the last two and half years during construction of the flyover were indeed the two-wheeler riders, who were forced to travel along congested, bad and dangerous road stretches. Moreover, they also faced dust pollution while travelling along the Mapusa-Panaji route. The government should take a serious note of these facts and allow two-wheeler riders also to use the flyover.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Dormant workforce
District-level periodic labour force survey (PLFS) for 2025 paints a grim picture of human resource development in several districts of India. In nearly 250 out of 800 districts in the country, more than 25% of the youth (15-29 age group) are neither engaged in any productive work, nor are they pursuing education or any kind of training for work. The young population, labelled as ‘NEET’ (not in employment, education or training), is a matter of serious concern, especially in north India. The survey lays bare deterioration in human capital development. Economic development and progress of a country is determined by strong human capital. Millions of young people are deprived of their right to live a dignified life. The government must take measures to impart practical and vocational training to youth so that they are well prepared for labour market. The government must prioritise job-oriented courses over traditional ones. Promotion of industrial development is the cornerstone of economic development. Education and training must be aligned with industrial competency standards. The government must invest sufficiently in education, as it is the basis of economic growth and productivity.
Venu G S, Kollam
Misused proceedings
When one of the parties in a civil case employs criminal complaint to browbeat the other, then the courts have to warn the complainant of serious action. In a latest case, the Bombay High Court has ruled that criminal proceedings cannot be used as a “bargaining chip” in civil settlements. When that happens, the courts will be constrained to impose costs on the complainant, the High Court said. Besides, a frivolous and mindless “criminal case” in a simple civil offence is a sheer waste of time and resources. Additionally, when the police come into the picture, the consequences are often disturbing for a common man.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
