India’s warning against cross-border terror
A US brokered ceasefire was announced between India and Pakistan after India was hammering that country. However the ceasefire is in jeopardy after Pakistan resumes border firing. Pakistan cannot be trusted. The conditions of the ceasefire are not known. India should make it clear that there will be no terror attacks from across the border. India has maintained that if any act of terror takes place in future it should be considered as an act of war. Pakistan’s terror camps have been destroyed. Ceasefire may not mean that other actions taken like stoppage of Indus water flow will be revoked. India has the upper hand and from now on should be in a position to dictate terms. Pakistan has been shown its place and India can take a firm stand against terrorism. In an order issued on Friday, South Goa has reportedly prohibited the operation, flying or use of drones or any Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) regardless of size or category. Be that as it may, it would be in the fitness of things to extend the ban to the use of firecrackers and fireworks, especially rockets which are a part of any celebration. Firecrackers, while often used for celebratory purposes, can be misused in a wartime environment. This can cause panic among the citizens as it could be mistaken for gunshots. Fireworks, especially rockets, could even be mistaken for missiles. Concerns arise about their potential to exacerbate existing environmental problems and their potential to be misused for malicious purposes, such as triggering false alarms during a conflict. Though there is no specific wartime ban on firecrackers and fireworks in India, it would be in the fitness of things to implement the ban, especially at marriage and other celebrations.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Ceasefire amidst uncertainty
The sudden announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan has raised serious questions about the long-term effectiveness of New Delhi’s counterterrorism strategy. While US President Donald Trump has hailed the agreement as a diplomatic victory, many within India are concerned that the truce may embolden further cross-border aggression rather than curb it. The conflict escalated following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which claimed dozens of lives and reignited tensions between the two nations. India, under “Operation Sindoor” launched retaliatory strikes targeting terrorist bases across the border. Pakistan responded with its own military actions, and the situation quickly spiraled toward full-scale confrontation. Given India’s economic and military superiority, many expected a sustained offensive to dismantle terror networks operating from Pakistani soil. However, the ceasefire—brokered with involvement from Saudi Arabia and Turkey has abruptly halted the momentum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi who vowed to hunt down the perpetrators from the depths of the earth is now facing scrutiny. His government’s tough stance on terrorism has been a cornerstone of his leadership, and this ceasefire may be perceived as a retreat rather than a resolution. Opposition voices argue that such agreements historically fail to deter militant activity and instead allow adversaries to regroup. Strategically, this move raises concerns about India’s deterrence capabilities. While diplomatic channels are opening, will Pakistan honour its commitment to curb terrorism? Or will history repeat itself, with militants exploiting the breathing room offered by the ceasefire? As broader peace talks are set to begin, India must tread carefully. A strong diplomatic posture coupled with stringent security measures will be crucial in preventing another cycle of aggression. The coming weeks will reveal whether this truce is a step toward stabilisation—or just another diplomatic mirage in the volatile Indo-Pak conflict.
Everette Assis Telles, Margao
Soaring gold prices
The old days were truly the “golden” days—quite literally. Today, a 10-gram bar of 22-carat gold is priced at Rs 95,870 in India, a figure far beyond the reach of the average poor citizen. Only government employees or those regularly filing income tax returns may be able to afford such a luxury. While the world appears to be progressing and advancing, the income levels of the common poor are steadily declining in comparison to this so-called development. Isn’t that a miserable reality? Gold price hikes in India have significantly impacted various aspects of human life, influencing investment decisions, consumer spending, and the overall financial landscape. The rising price of gold affects household budgets, investment strategies, and even cultural norms related to gold as a traditional form of wealth preservation. Rising gold prices have made it increasingly difficult for ordinary people to invest in gold, whether as a safe-haven asset or a traditional form of savings. For many poor families, gold ornaments are not just a luxury but a cultural necessity. However, with limited incomes, affording real gold has become nearly impossible. As a result, many are left with no choice but to settle for gold-plated jewelry in place of the real thing. Gold holds deep cultural significance in India, symbolising prosperity and playing a central role in auspicious occasions and celebrations. However, the steadily rising cost of gold is making it increasingly difficult for families to uphold these age-old traditions, affecting not just personal choices but also broader cultural practices and social expectations. Akshaya Tritiya, an auspicious Hindu festival observed on the third day of Vaishakha, is traditionally seen as an ideal time to start new ventures or make investments—especially in gold—believed to bring lasting prosperity and good fortune. But for the common poor, the hope of owning gold on this sacred day remains a distant dream. With soaring prices, what was once accessible is now out of reach. Indeed, the olden days truly were “golden,” when even gold was affordable.
Rajesh Banaulikar, Arpora
