Balanced approach in BRICS

This refers to ‘Why BRICS makes Trump see red’; India’s reaffirmation that a common currency is not on its economic agenda reflects a prudent and balanced approach in keeping with India’s long-term strategic and economic interests. At a time when some BRICS members advocate reducing dependence on the dollar, India’s caution is justified. In the wake of the country’s growing trade, technology and defence ties with the US, it is inadvisable to align with moves that might weaken the dollar-based global system. India’s position demonstrates strategic autonomy: avoiding bloc politics while safeguarding its economic stability. The pragmatic policy of encouraging limited local-currency trade without undermining the global dollar framework strikes the right balance between realism and national interest.

Harjinder Singh Thandi, Mohali

India can take the lead

Apropos of ‘Why BRICS makes Trump see red’; though replacing the US dollar with an alternate currency is currently in the realm of fantasy, India should use its presidency to speed up groundwork on devising an alternative to the West-dominated SWIFT system of international settlements to reduce dependence on the US dollar for international transactions. The idea of setting up a BRICS Bank has long been proposed and India can initiate groundwork in that direction. The group is not anti-American but it should take steps to protect its interests against potential weaponisation of the dollar. Getting fence-sitters like Saudi Arabia and other non-member Gulf states like Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain to join as strategic partners would help to counter Pakistan’s growing diplomatic influence in West Asia.

Chander Shekhar Dogra, Jalandhar

No output of Lokpals

Apropos of ‘Anti-graft watchdog to ride in style, floats tender for 7 snazzy BMWs’; it seems the watchdog cannot nail corrupt officials and politicians without having the feel of power and luxury. The Lokpals have done nothing till now to control or punish corrupt officials or politicians. The constitutional post has been created and filled to befool citizens. The past incumbents have been loyalists of the appointing authorities. It is better to keep the post vacant instead of spending crores on it.

Wg Cdr JS Minhas (retd), Mohali

Indulgence in govt luxuries

The Lokpal of India’s decision to procure seven luxury BMWs, each worth around Rs 70 lakh for its seven office-bearers, raises troubling questions about the institution’s priorities. Created to embody integrity, transparency and austerity in public life, the Lokpal was envisioned as a moral compass against corruption. Yet, this move projects the opposite image — one of indulgence and misplaced symbolism. The Lokpal’s strength lies in moral authority, not material display.

Vandana, Chandigarh

Dispel myths about organ donation

With reference to ‘A life-saving call’; there are many myths about organ donation due to which people do not come forward for the noble cause. Public awareness in this regard is almost nil because hospitals do not have adequate facilities. It is important to educate the public that organs can be harvested after a patient is declared brain dead and within a particular timespan. However, ignorance, fear, beliefs, sentiments and religious practices often deter donors. The need is to educate the people about how far organ donation can go to save lives. Cumulative efforts of the government, the public, NGOs, health workers, religious organisations and educational institutions are required to spread awareness on organ donation.

Raj Kumar Kapoor, Ropar

Government must help farmers

Following unprecedented heavy rains, the farmers of Punjab suffered huge losses on a ripe paddy crop ready to be harvested. Due to excess moisture in the grains, the quality of the produce was badly affected which reduced the sale price. The grains got discoloured and affected their quality. The farmer deserves a better deal and help from the government. Quality norms should be relaxed. Lifting of grain stock must be accelerated. All the crops must be procured at the MSP or at a higher price to minimise farmers’ losses.

Karnail Singh, Kharar