Diplomatic triumph for Taliban

Apropos of ‘India-Afghan relations beyond Pakistan’s shadow’; India’s latest diplomatic outreach to the Taliban government signals a marked shift in how it sees the geopolitical reality in the region, amid rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Delhi has now given the Taliban leadership de facto legitimacy, which is a diplomatic triumph for the regime. India had suffered a major strategic and diplomatic blow when Kabul fell to the Taliban, paving the way for greater influence of Pakistan and China. The recent meeting between India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and the Taliban’s acting foreign minister is a positive step.

HARBINDER S DHILLON, UNA

Obesity related to carb-rich diet

Refer to ‘Moving beyond BMI’; obesity has emerged as a potential global health hazard. The strange thing is that most of the abdominally obese people belong to low-income or middle-income groups. Obviously, it is due to greater intake of carbohydrate-rich food than a protein-rich diet. Apart from raising living standards, there is an urgent need to create awareness about obesity and related health risks among the masses. The new guidelines, based on research by the National Diabetes Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation, also call for more evidence-based studies. Policymakers need to think through the whole exercise.

KR Bharti, Shimla

Public issues take a back seat

With reference to the article ‘Political lessons of AAP’s Delhi school model’; the writer has raised a valid point for discussion regarding the Delhi school model. It is unfortunate that the real issues pertaining to the welfare of the people are put on the back-burner by political parties while personal attacks against each other take centre stage. The only aim of these parties is to garner votes of all sections of society and form the government. Every party is in the race to give voters the impression that it is ‘holier than thou’.

Ravinder Kumar Jain, Ludhiana

SAD faces major challenge

Refer to ‘Panthic churn’; the arrival of Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) marks a significant shift in Punjab’s Panthic politics, with the SAD’s decline creating a political vacuum that the new outfit is eager to fill. The SAD’s attempt to atone for past mistakes, particularly those that led to the events of 2015, has failed to address the deeper anger within the Sikh community. Two years ahead of the 2027 elections, the SAD faces a major challenge in countering this new rival. Amritpal Singh and Sarabjeet Khalsa are strategically tapping into the disillusionment with the ruling AAP too, potentially offering a viable alternative. This development could reshape the state’s political contours, making it crucial for all parties to navigate these shifts carefully to ensure Punjab’s stability and growth.

Vandana, Chandigarh

Arrest economic slide

With reference to the editorial ‘Weakening rupee’; it is a major matter of concern. The government should discontinue freebies, actively monitor implementation of the MGNREGA scheme and consult top-notch economists, perhaps even from the Opposition, and arrest the downslide in the economy with urgency. It is obvious that governments and political parties are busy harnessing votes to strengthen their vote bank with utter disregard for the country’s fiscal health.

Col Sajjan kundu (retd), Hisar

Congress’ double standards

Former PM and Congress leader late Manmohan Singh laid the foundation stone for the Congress headquarters at 9A Kotla Road, New Delhi, in 2009 when he was the PM. After his death last month, the Congress alleged that the BJP insulted him by designating Nigambodh Ghat for his funeral instead of a memorial site. The Congress should have named the plush HQ building in his name, instead of naming it Indira Bhawan. The Congress can’t look beyond the Nehru-Gandhi family and it’s just an exercise in futility to expect them to think otherwise.

RAMESH GUPTA, NARWANA