Political coherence needed to push back Pak's misinformation campaign

Apropos of ‘How India is pushing back against terror propaganda’; Kashmir has started taking every obstacle in its stride to march ahead on its journey of growth since the abrogation of Article 370. A footfall of two crore tourists in a terrorism-affected UT is no small feat. The Opposition, especially the Congress, must acknowledge the gravity of the present situation. Even though the ruling party cannot be absolved fully of flaws in Operation Sindoor, the nation’s respect and pride are of paramount importance and must not be put at stake for dirty politics. There is a dire need to exercise restraint; the Opposition will get ample opportunities to grind its political axe.

HMS Nagra, Faridabad

BJP’s golden period

The NDA government led by PM Modi has completed 11 landmark years in power. Over the past decade, India saw drastic infrastructural improvement. From Jan Dhan Yojana to Swachh Bharat to Kashmir’s Vande Bharat; from Chandrayaan to Vizhinjam international seaport, the government has added many golden chapters of infrastructure, technology and good governance. India is moving ahead on the path of development on all fronts — political, economic, social, geopolitical and technological. We hope that in the times to come, good governance and people’s standard of living continue to get better.

Kirti Wadhawan, Kanpur

Govt blowing its own trumpet

The BJP-led NDA government leaves no opportunity to blow its own trumpet. At a time when the unemployment rate is going through the roof and the chasm between the haves and have-nots is widening, the government must hold its horses. Being the fourth-largest economy does not guarantee jobs, equality and internal security. A low per capita GDP is an indication that the government has its task cut out to achieve its much-touted goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Issues like burgeoning population, unemployment, poverty and violence in states like Manipur merit immediate attention of the government.

Aanya Singhal, Noida

Climate clock is ticking

Apropos of ‘Beating the heat’; there is an urgent need to shift from merely coping with climate change to actively confronting it. Each sweltering summer is not just an uncomfortable season; it’s a warning sign. While short-term measures like staying indoors, hydrating and using energy-efficient appliances provide temporary relief, they are not substitutes for sustained climate action. We must cut emissions, enforce strong environmental laws and design sustainable cities. Expanding green corridors will cool urban areas and improve air quality. Water conservation and rainwater harvesting should be standard practices. Addressing climate change and restoring natural ecosystems is no longer a choice, it is the only viable path forward.

K Kumar, Panchkula

Innovation key to overcome heat

Refer to ‘Beating the heat’; India’s effort to standardise AC’s cooling range is a useful step toward addressing immediate energy concerns, but long-term solutions require a broader vision. Extreme temperatures are one of the most important climate-related challenge today. India must mitigate the rising carbon emissions with innovative solutions. Unlike developed nations, developing countries like India are still looking for solutions. Local-level policy planning and energy-efficient cooling technologies are needed urgently in order to start adapting to extreme weather conditions.

Ashish Sharma, Dubai

Rail connectivity needed in hills

The Katra-Srinagar rail link will be a game-changer in passenger and freight traffic. It will connect the Valley to other rail networks criss-crossing the country. Other hill states should expand existing rail networks to connect centres of economic activity, such as fruit-producing belts and industrial corridors. Much of the rail network in Himachal and Uttarakhand was laid down by the British and since then little additions have been done. A railways revolution in the hills is long overdue. It may appear utopian to visualise trains at altitudes of up to 8,000 ft on scenic routes, but it is possible with consistent planning and policy execution.

Chander Shekhar Dogra, Jalandhar