Probe Trump
There seems to be some kind of a sinister design in US President Donald Trump’s vacillating on the application of reciprocal tariffs on countries around the world. The 90-day relaxation on the new reciprocal tariff regime excepting China that Trump has announced now had come out as a rumour last Monday called Manic Monday when the US markets went up dramatically upon hearing about the relaxation. Then came the denial from Trump’s office and the markets crashed dramatically burning everybody but mostly the technology companies. This smells strongly of ‘insider trading’ and it is recommended that the US stock market watchdog body, like our SEBI, investigate this matter to check whether Trump and/or his associate companies did some excess purchasing of stocks before the ups and downs of the stock market commenced. Trump, who can pursue his business interests while sitting in the Oval Office by proposing that he would convert Gaza into a Riviera in which one would believe that he would have a large share of the transformation, may not be averse to make some side money on the stock markets when they are on a roller coaster. It is also reported that Trump, for pursuing his golf, keeps flying down to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida with a 150-strong security contingent who are all put up at the resort which bills the US government $1,500 a night for each person.
Srinivas Kamat, Mysuru
Landing on
forbidden island
Recently, a 24-year-old US national was arrested by the Port Blair (Andaman) police for entering the prohibited North Sentinel Island. On this island, the indigenous Sentinelese tribes are highly susceptible to modern diseases because they have no communications with the outside world and no immunity to common infections. A few months back, the US national had asked some local boatsmen to take him to the island. The authorities got wind of this and he was deported. He returned to Andaman and used an inflatable boat to land on the island, braving the rough sea. He claimed to have left bottles of soft drinks on the island, collected sand in a bottle and returned after taking pictures and videos. The Special Investigation Team and officials from the tribal welfare department went by boat and through binoculars scanned for bottles and anything else which may endanger the safety and health of the aborigines. The laxity of the authorities and at the hotel where the American stayed has left much to be desired. Having known that he had come for the second time and with an inflatable boat, he should have been questioned and the police altered. The locals or informers who might have noticed him could have also reported about him and thwarted his trip. Since the North Sentinel Island and a few others are out of bounds for visitors, regular patrolling by coast guards and inspections using drones could help deter people from venturing into the sea or even close to the islands. Hopefully, the man’s claim of having left soft drinks is false and that the Sentinelese people have not tasted them and put themselves at risk.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Ban on Housie
The age-old social magnet, Housie – known by its tambola moniker – has abruptly seen its lights dimmed. For decades, this game of sheer luck was a glittering centrepiece of community celebrations, weaving moments of camaraderie and laughter. From vibrant church gatherings, the shouts of “Eyes down” and “Full house” resonated like music of unity. Never perceived as a gambling enterprise, Housie stood tall as a wholesome pastime where stakes danced from player to player, with no pocket lining for the host. It fostered bonds, filled hearts with delight and added zing to social festivities – until now. The South Goa District Magistrate’s sweeping directive to ban Housie under the Goa Public Gambling Act has sent ripples of shock through communities. Where does this leave religious institutions and their treasured get-togethers that celebrated the spirit of unity over a simple yet joyful game? This blanket ban is more than just a legal decree; it is a call to question the erosion of cherished traditions. Perhaps, in this storm, communities will rally to reignite the spark of their beloved Housie – keeping its essence alive amidst shifting sands.
Everette Assis Telles, Margao
CPI(M) must
reshape ideology
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) that was once a formidable force in Indian politics, with power in three states, is now a pale shadow of itself. It is holding on to Kerala, and has a meagre four Lok Sabha members. It expeditiously has to build at two levels: organisational and political. The former seems to be taking shape as the recent 24th Congress of the CPI(M) saw many fresh faces being included into the central committee and politburo.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
