Eradicating poverty
Vande Bharat train is a replica of the Indian economy. Both are growing at a rapid pace. Vande Bharat train is fast, comfortable and clean. It is the pride of Indian Railways. Countries are lining up to purchase Vande Bharat coaches. Currently, there are around 150 Vande Bharat trains and many more are in the pipeline, as demand for them is outstripping supply. ‘Everyone’ wants to travel by Vande Bharat. And that begs the question: Who is ‘everyone’? Only around 10% of Indians can afford to travel by Vande Bharat. But 10% of the Indian population translates to 140 million people, which is equal to the population of several European countries put together and hence it gives the false impression that India is a rich country. The same 10% analogy applies to the fourth largest economy in the world. With 10% or 140 million rich people, we get the false impression that we are a rich country. No way. More than half the population is poor or very poor. The media must stop glamourising the rich and focus on problems of the common man.
Robert Castellino, Calangute
Elusive caracal
The elusive ‘caracal’ was recently spotted in the fenced enclosure developed for cheetahs at the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh. Camera traps captured the adult wild cat, and it only means the ‘Cheetah Project’ is aiding biodiversity revival through sighting of endangered animals. Caracal spotting also implies that the ecosystem at the Gandhi Sagar sanctuary is robust besides reviving research efforts. Caracal is included in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red list. In India, the wild cat is listed in schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. A 2023 report said that about 50 caracals were present in small clusters in Gujarat’s Kutch and in Rajasthan. Tufted ears, black facial markings and sandy brown coating characterise these medium-sized cats, which are also splendid hunters with an astounding leaping ability. A decline in their numbers is a mystery for experts because habitat encroachment does not seem to be a major issue. Diseases could be a major factor, wildlife experts aver.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Stricter norms
Given the number of road accidents occurring in the state, many of which end in fatalities, Goa is dubbed as the ‘accident capital’ of India. Incidentally, the accident rate in the state is among the highest in the country. According to recent data shared by the police department, the state has reportedly witnessed 50% and 40% rise in fatal road accidents in the first and second quarter of the year, respectively. To obtain a driving licence in Goa, one needs to pass both, a learner’s licence test and a driving test. The learner’s licence test assesses one’s knowledge of traffic rules and regulations without any practical test. The driving test for a permanent licence evaluates one’s practical driving skills. However, a person with a learner’s licence can drive/ride on the road. It seems necessary to conduct a practical test for even those seeking a learner’s licence. There is also a need for stricter norms with regard to issuance of a permanent driving licence. Training imparted by driving schools may include driving in various conditions like city traffic, highways and different weather conditions. Emphasis needs to be placed on safe driving practices, including avoiding distractions, maintaining a safe following distance and adhering to traffic rules. Driving schools should aim to build the confidence of learners through structured training and guidance.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Beware of salt
A recent study by researchers from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) states that millions of Indians are at an increased risk for kidney problems, heart disease, stroke and hypertension, as they consume more salt than they should. According to reports, urban Indians use 9.2 grams of salt per day, which is almost twice the amount recommended by World Health Organisation (WHO), which advises less than 5 grams per person daily. The average intake is 5.6 grams in rural areas, which is also above the acceptable limit. Experts call this a dangerous “silent epidemic”, and researchers at the National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) of ICMR have already initiated a three-year salt reduction programme in Telangana and Punjab. This will be initiated in the other states soon. Researchers are also planning a remedy to minimise the danger that is by replacing salt with low-sodium salt replacements in which potassium or magnesium are used in part to replace sodium chloride. The organisation has also begun a social media awareness campaign called #PinchForAChange to inform people about the hidden danger of salt in common meals and promote the use of low-sodium substitutes. Also, salty packaged foods will have to be reduced. Government heads, policymakers, health organisations and health ministries round the globe must act urgently regarding this matter so that severe health issues due to high salt intake can be prevented.
M Pradyu, Kannur
