Trump’s idiosyncrasies
US President Donald Trump’s ‘America First’ policies have had a significant impact on global trade, immigration and international relations. His trade wars with China and the imposition of tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods have disrupted global supply chains and increased costs for businesses and consumers. Trump’s aggressive stance on immigration, including the deportation of Indians, has raised concerns about human rights and the treatment of immigrants. The increased scrutiny of H-1B visas has also affected many skilled workers and companies that rely on foreign talent. His polarising rhetoric and actions have contributed to tension and unpredictability during his tenure, further amplified by the recent assassination attempt on him. The events surrounding the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, were unprecedented and deeply troubling. Trump’s decision to pardon those involved has sparked controversy and raised questions about accountability and justice. Despite the gravity of the situation, he has managed to secure another term as President. In this changing political landscape, the upcoming meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump on February 13 will be significant. Discussions will likely cover a range of issues, including trade, defence cooperation and strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
Modi, known for being a catalyst for change, will address Trump’s concerns regarding the trade imbalance. Trump has threatened to impose higher tariffs on Indian goods if India does not adjust its tariff policies. The allegations of the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist, by India will likely be a significant topic of discussion. The Canadian Commission report found no definitive link between the killing and the Indian government, contradicting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s earlier claims.
Everette Assis Telles, Margao
Encourage no-motor-zones
The sixth edition of NoMoZo at Porvorim will reportedly be inaugurated on February 9 at the hands of Bollywood star John Abraham. NoMoZo, which means ‘No Motor Zone,’ is a festival that brings together fitness, culture, innovation, heritage and local arts. The idea behind NoMoZo is to reduce motor-vehicle pollution in a place by closing the road to allow children, adults and senior citizens to have activities there. This event is also an opportunity for the community to come together. In this present age when roads are congested with traffic, having fewer cars on the road will certainly benefit our towns and villages. It is time to make the streets user-friendly and inclusive. Children will be able to spend their day at NoMoZo fruitfully by learning something new and socialising with other children in their age group. Senior citizens, who always shun traffic and sometimes fear crossing heavily motorised roads, will get a chance to relax in a non-polluted environment, even if that means for a day. However, the larger aim should be to evoke a lifestyle change which is the need of the hour. This is essential to send the message that we need to engage in non-motorised forms of transport due to the numerous advantages associated with them. People should increasingly use bicycles for travel. This will eliminate car-related negative factors apart from restoring and maintaining the physical and mental wellbeing of the population. Reducing our dependence on cars is also good for the planet, as it will reduce pollution and greenhouse effect. The process may not be simple, but this is a practical and easy strategy that can help people see streets differently.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Digging of roads
With due respect to a few exceptions, indiscipline and carelessness is the basic attitude of our peninsula. In Goa, somewhere before 1960s, there was no other source of water than drawing it from wells. So, before constructing any dwelling, we used to construct a well first. Then, slowly during the Portuguese era itself, we started getting water supplied through pipelines from Khandepar first and then Opa. During that time, the supply of water was through GI pipes, which were laid beneath the roads. From then onwards till now we have four additional departments, namely telephone, sewerage, electricity and the latest being gas, using roads as a convenient means for the passage of their lines and pipelines because of which digging of roads has become a nonstop 24/7 process. Due of this, one will find a few locations in Goa getting an appearance of a mine, leading to dust pollution. The contractors engaged are loyal to their work of digging and leave the public at the mercy of God. When they are asked about restoration, they wash their hands off saying that it is not their job and some other agency will take care of it. This is the present state of affairs in Goa. We have an agency in the state known as Goa State Pollution Control Board, which has been in the news these days due to its action on sound polluting units. It would be kind if the state pollution control board took similar action on this dust pollution caused by the digging of roads. Approaching the High Court is an elaborate process, unless it takes cognisance of the issue by itself.
Samir Karmali, Margao
