Budget 2026

The “Modi touch” in the budget is quite evident. Focus on domestic manufacture through massive investments is a pointer. Robust allocation to the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is a big step. Defence, health and railways are three key areas that have rightly received a boost. That some important anti-cancer chemotherapy drugs and life-saving medicines would be cheaper has made huge headlines, but the practicality of the decision is subject to ifs and buts. 

Dr Ganapathi Bhat, Akola

Gujarat model reality

Recently, at a rally in Thiruvananthapuram, the PM urged Kerala to follow Gujarat’s political trajectory and facilitate the implementation of its developmental model. This calls for a comparison of Kerala’s overall progress with Gujarat’s growth story. According to NITI Aayog, 0.55% of Kerala’s population was living in poverty, whereas Gujarat’s multidimensional poverty stood at 11.66%. In 2025, Kerala held the top position in the Human Development Index. In contrast, Gujarat, positioned at 20th, struggles to translate its economic strength into better social and health standards. 

Haridasan Rajan, Kerala

True journalism

Sanjeev Kotnala has come out with a convincing article on true journalism (Feb 2). He has stressed rightly the role of citizens in supporting bold journalism in the country. We, as smart citizens of the country, should come out of our comfort zone and respond sensibly to the follow-up perseverance of journalists, holding them in the right perspective. He is true when he stresses to declare that nothing really changes unless it is initiated from self. Kudos to him for his brilliant write-up.

Suhas Sangam, Chinchwad

AI Dreamliners

The Dreamliner’s ignition switch on AI 132, coming from London to Bengaluru, failed to stay in the ‘run’ mode, auto-dropping to ‘cutoff’ like a faulty MCB tripping from bad wiring or overload. The pilot wisely reported it to Air India authorities. It was a chilling echo of AI 171’s deadly June 2025 Ahmedabad crash, with the same eerie symptom suggesting an identical root cause. No coincidence, it’s a red flag screaming for action. The company needs to replace the entire ignition system across all AI Dreamliners asap. 

R.S. Narula, Patiala

India-US deal

Kudos to India for signing a win-win trade deal with Trump at an 18% tariff on imports to the USA, indicating a big fall of 32% from the earlier mentioned 50% tariff. This can boost up the Indian economy in a great manner by increasing business and, ultimately, employment. It’s a mutually beneficial deal for India and the USA.

Sreelekha PS, Telangana

A Grammy for the Dalai Lama 

‘Meditations: The reflection of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’ has recently won his maiden Grammy Award at the 68th Grammy Award ceremony. For India, it was nothing less than a celebration that a spiritual leader received this great honour in the category of audiobooks, narration, and storytelling. The honour is particularly welcoming, as it will inspire the followers of the Dalai Lama to cherish this global privilege legacy and inspire millions to embrace the art of meditation for gaining peace in their personal lives. 

Kirti Wadhawan, KanpurBudget 2026

The “Modi touch” in the budget is quite evident. Focus on domestic manufacture through massive investments is a pointer. Robust allocation to the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is a big step. Defence, health and railways are three key areas that have rightly received a boost. That some important anti-cancer chemotherapy drugs and life-saving medicines would be cheaper has made huge headlines, but the practicality of the decision is subject to ifs and buts. 

Dr Ganapathi Bhat, Akola

Gujarat model reality

Recently, at a rally in Thiruvananthapuram, the PM urged Kerala to follow Gujarat’s political trajectory and facilitate the implementation of its developmental model. This calls for a comparison of Kerala’s overall progress with Gujarat’s growth story. According to NITI Aayog, 0.55% of Kerala’s population was living in poverty, whereas Gujarat’s multidimensional poverty stood at 11.66%. In 2025, Kerala held the top position in the Human Development Index. In contrast, Gujarat, positioned at 20th, struggles to translate its economic strength into better social and health standards. 

Haridasan Rajan, Kerala

True journalism

Sanjeev Kotnala has come out with a convincing article on true journalism (Feb 2). He has stressed rightly the role of citizens in supporting bold journalism in the country. We, as smart citizens of the country, should come out of our comfort zone and respond sensibly to the follow-up perseverance of journalists, holding them in the right perspective. He is true when he stresses to declare that nothing really changes unless it is initiated from self. Kudos to him for his brilliant write-up.

Suhas Sangam, Chinchwad

AI Dreamliners

The Dreamliner’s ignition switch on AI 132, coming from London to Bengaluru, failed to stay in the ‘run’ mode, auto-dropping to ‘cutoff’ like a faulty MCB tripping from bad wiring or overload. The pilot wisely reported it to Air India authorities. It was a chilling echo of AI 171’s deadly June 2025 Ahmedabad crash, with the same eerie symptom suggesting an identical root cause. No coincidence, it’s a red flag screaming for action. The company needs to replace the entire ignition system across all AI Dreamliners asap. 

R.S. Narula, Patiala

India-US deal

Kudos to India for signing a win-win trade deal with Trump at an 18% tariff on imports to the USA, indicating a big fall of 32% from the earlier mentioned 50% tariff. This can boost up the Indian economy in a great manner by increasing business and, ultimately, employment. It’s a mutually beneficial deal for India and the USA.

Sreelekha PS, Telangana

A Grammy for the Dalai Lama 

‘Meditations: The reflection of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’ has recently won his maiden Grammy Award at the 68th Grammy Award ceremony. For India, it was nothing less than a celebration that a spiritual leader received this great honour in the category of audiobooks, narration, and storytelling. The honour is particularly welcoming, as it will inspire the followers of the Dalai Lama to cherish this global privilege legacy and inspire millions to embrace the art of meditation for gaining peace in their personal lives. 

Kirti Wadhawan, Kanpur