Fitness of Army officers vital

The Army’s new fitness norms are a welcome and long-overdue step to ensure soldiers remain physically fit throughout their service. Despite being the fittest among all forces, fitness standards often decline after the rank of a Major, especially during non-unit postings. BPET and PPT tests are frequently sidestepped for senior officers, unless enforced by strict commanders. This leads to deteriorating physical standards, which are conveniently concealed in ACRs. Many resort to private treatment to mask chronic ailments like hypertension and diabetes to safeguard careers. The new policy rightly enforces accountability, promoting both physical wellbeing and professional integrity. It serves the dual purpose of strengthening the organisation and ensuring that every officer upholds the Army’s true spirit of fitness and discipline.

RS Narula, Patiala

Physical test for cops too

With reference to new fitness norms for all Army ranks, the Punjab Police also require a similar criterion. However, before introducing a compulsory fitness test, an eight-hour duty, especially till the rank of SHO, must be considered to ensure that the personnel get time to focus on their fitness. Most of the cops are unfit due to long working hours, and poor lifestyle and eating habits to sustain the extra hours of work. More recruitments should be made to counter staff shortage. With fitness tests incorporated in the ACR, police personnel will be forced to follow a disciplined fitness regime which will not only improve their physical but mental health too, thus enhancing field performance.

Harsimranvir Singh, Patiala

Road safety important

Refer to ‘A tragic loss’; the death of popular Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda in a road accident, despite wearing a quality helmet, underscores India’s urgent need for better road safety. Strict enforcement of traffic laws, improved road engineering, public awareness and a responsible driving culture are essential to prevent such avoidable tragedies. The quality of roads is improving with newly laid highways and expressways, but they need to be equipped with the requisite safety features.

Vandana, Chandigarh

Flogging the wrong horse

Refer to ‘Cough syrup toll 20; Court-monitored CBI probe sought’; health is everybody’s concern and to get relief we immediately rush to hospitals. If the medicines prescribed or administered are spurious, then the patients’ fate can be imagined. After the death of 20 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, a doctor was suspended. Why flog the wrong horse when the mandatory safety norms are not followed. What was the chief controller of drugs doing when the substandard cough syrup was allowed to sell in the markets? Pharma tycoons make the drug-controllers and health authorities dance to their tunes. Then who will act as a watchdog to maintain quality check of medicines?

Karnail Singh, Kharar

Peace must be more than a pause

The recent agreement between Israel and Hamas marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of peace in West Asia. The first phase centred on a ceasefire, release of hostages and troop withdrawal from Gaza offers a glimmer of hope after years of devastating conflict. While the deal is far from comprehensive, it reflects the power of diplomacy and international mediation. The involvement of the US, Qatar, Egypt and Turkiye underscores global involvement to end violence and restore humanity. However, peace must be more than a pause. It must address long-standing grievances, ensure justice and uphold dignity for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

Isha Gogia, Ludhiana

All eyes on Gaza peace plan

Trump’s Gaza peace plan is welcome, but this is the most critical stage of peace talks. In the past, whenever such a deal has been made, Israeli Prime Minister was quick to jeopardise it, whether with the Hamas or Iran. The quick implementation of the Gaza peace plan is a challenge for Trump. However, the next steps of the peace plan, which is a good start, will be watched eagerly by the world.

SK Panesar, by mail