A salute to ISRO’s dedication

Refer to the editorial ‘Ace in space’; ISRO has reached a significant milestone, making every Indian proud by successfully docking two satellites in space. This is vital for India’s future space missions, including lunar soil sample collection and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station. ISRO’s success, achieved with cutting-edge technology and at a remarkably low cost, is set to position India as a global hub for satellite launches, outpacing competitors like China. This feat also strengthens India’s capabilities in safeguarding its space assets. A salute to ISRO’s relentless dedication and innovation in space exploration.

Vijay Kumar Katial, Panchkula

Setting the tempo in space

Apropos of the editorial ‘Ace in space’; ISRO’s successful space docking experiment should cheer up those who felt sad when Chandrayaan-2 faltered at the last hurdle in 2019, given some factors that were beyond the control of scientists. Astronaut Neil Armstrong’s famous quote, “one small step for man, a giant leap for mankind”, has come true again. ISRO has set the 2025 tempo for other institutions and organisations, despite previous experiences and present constraints.

Jagvinder Singh Brar, Patiala

Peace in Gaza at a price

With reference to ‘Gaza ceasefire’; the announcement of an agreement between Israel and Hamas on a ceasefire in Gaza is a relief in every way. This accord is driven by America, but US President-elect Donald Trump’s personal interest has also proven to be significant. He has already warned that hostages should be released before he takes charge. This peace is being obtained at a high cost. There are still many uncertainties; even if all sides remain committed to the deal and its execution begins, there is no assurance of permanent peace. Negotiations for a permanent ceasefire will commence later. How the Gaza governance system will function after the truce remains to be determined.

Abhijit Roy, Jamshedpur

Qatar deserves credit

Refer to the editorial ‘Gaza ceasefire’; the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has come after a long wait of 15 months. If anyone deserves credit, it is Qatar. However, the Trump administration will have to ensure that peace prevails. But considering the complexity of the process and the lack of trust between these two parties, how sustainable this peace agreement would be is a million-dollar question. The humanitarian situation in the region is in dire straits and to correct it should be the sole priority at this point.

Bal Govind, Noida

Efforts to defame Nehru

With reference to the article ‘Nehru-bashing bodes ill for India’, there is an ongoing and determined effort by right-wing ideologues to defame Nehru. Many write-ups are being written on the ‘perfidious’ role of Nehru, Gandhi and the Congress during the freedom movement. History is flexible enough to be stretched either way. Different approaches and perspectives lead to different interpretations. People tend to accept what favours their bias, and reject all that does not. It is a zero-sum game, and until we discover time travel, the truth will be subject to many revisions.

Anthony Henriques, Mumbai

Misuse of Pay Commission

The Delhi elections are around the corner. If not for this reason, why did the Centre decide to set up the 8th Pay Commission, which has a key role in deciding salary structures, benefits and allowances for government employees? The 7th Pay Commission is valid till December 2025; what was the need to announce the formation of the next one now? Delhi itself has about four lakh employees of the Union Government. The 8th Pay Commission should avoid another hike. What about the EPF of private companies providing minimum pension of Rs 1,000 per month (since 1995) and not eligible for any revision, despite the Supreme Court ruling? Though trade unions have called for hiking the minimum EPF pension to Rs 5,000 per month, the states and the Centre are not doing the needful.

Bidyut Kumar Chatterjee, Faridabad