Epstein’s ghost

The Epstein documents released by the US justice department have laid bare the hitherto unknown details of well-known people. One should appreciate the grace with which the Microsoft co-founder has admitted his ‘affairs’. Gates is a human being, susceptible to desires. Epstein gainfully used the honey trap to draw the rich and famous.

V.S. Jayaraman, Chennai

Gap in awareness

Apropos the edit ‘End bias against people of NE’, the vision articulated by PM Modi through the slogan “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” underscores an inclusive developmental philosophy meant to ensure that every citizen participates in and benefits from India’s growth story. However, recurring incidents of discrimination and mistreatment faced by people from the northeastern states reveal a troubling contradiction between this aspiration and ground realities. The persistence of these incidents highlights the gap in awareness and cultural familiarity with the Northeast’s diversity. 

Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai

Stop plastic use

Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than five millimetres, produced when larger plastics degrade or when synthetic fibres and microbeads enter wastewater. Even advanced sewage treatment cannot completely remove them, so they pass into rivers, oceans and soil. Studies associate microplastics with inflammation, hormonal disruption, cellular damage and potential organ stress. Prevention is crucial. Plastics must be stopped at the source through strict waste segregation, reduced single-use plastics and proper disposal of non-biodegradable waste. 

R.S. Narula, Patiala

OPS in Appa’s fold

Recently, TN CM Stalin expressed a desire that his well-wishers address him as “Appa”, reflecting his affectionate political image. In contrast, OPS, the three-time former chief minister representing the AIADMK, was known for his steadfast loyalty to former CM Jayalalithaa, whom he reverentially addressed as “Amma”. With changing political dynamics and shifting loyalties, it now appears that OPS may once again realign himself. He could well move from the legacy of “Amma” into the fold of “Appa”.

A.P. Thiruvadi, Chennai

Justice for justice

The near-dysfunctional state of our judicial system that faces allegations of corruption, a mind-boggling backlog of cases, lack of infrastructure, a nexus between judges and political bigwigs, etc., is an open secret. But perhaps the last nail in the coffin comes from a judge of the Allahabad HC’s Lucknow bench, who has admitted to being “hungry, tired, and incapacitated” after hearing thirty cases in a day. It is high time the government shifted focus from building temples to setting in order a crucial branch of the government. 

Avinash Godboley, MP

War not the option

An open war between Pakistan and Afghanistan will be a war on humanity. At a time when poverty is deepening on both sides of the border, renewed conflict will only multiply human suffering and displacement. For Pak, already grappling with a fragile economy, an escalation would further strain public finances and social stability. Resources urgently needed for health, education, and employment would be diverted to military expenditure. Sustained dialogue and regional cooperation are the only realistic paths to stability and long-term security for both countries.

N. Sadhasiva Reddy, Bengaluru

Kejriwal and Co. proved innocent 

In the bribery case linked to the liquor policy scam, the 12 per cent wholesale profit assumption put forth by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was found to be completely erroneous, economically illiterate, and legally untenable. Consequently, the Rouse Avenue Special Court acquitted 23 accused, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia. This has placed the central government under scrutiny, as it has become evident that agencies like the ED and the CBI are being misused to politically target opposition parties. The credibility of these so-called autonomous investigative agencies has been severely eroded.

Dattaprasd Shirodkar, Mumbai