Regulate tech giants

The monopolistic attitude of technology giants has put these companies in a circle of negativity. Complaints have been filed against Facebook and Google all over the world for their way of capturing the market. One example is the way Facebook acquired WhatsApp and Instagram to snuff out competition. The government had to issue a notice to Twitter for tweets of hashtag ‘farmer genocide’. WhatsApp’s new privacy policy is also a matter of concern. The time has come for collaborative action against them. They have become so powerful that all nations will have to come forward to restrain them.

Jaskirat Singh Batra, Muktsar

Vaccine rumours

The moment the whole nation had been eagerly waiting to deal with the deadly Covid-19 virus has arrived. But the whole nation is bound with fear and apprehension regarding the vaccine. Rumours are being spread, mainly on social media, regarding the side-effects of the vaccine. Every vaccine has some side-effects. Taking the vaccine is voluntary but one should not spread rumours to confuse others.

MANVI MALHOTRA, by mail

Live the Army credo

The news item that JCO(s) will also be making a presentation during a conference being attended by the CDS and other senior commanders is a good thing. It augurs well for the Army as the PM will learn about the problems being faced by jawans, first hand from JCOs. However, the CDS is known to create an impression that the welfare of JCOs and ORs is more dear to him. It has the connotations that their welfare is being neglected by officers these days and he is trying to redress the situation. This is not true. Their welfare is at the heart of their immediate Officer Commanding. Besides the pretensions of the CDS, it has dangerous ramifications — creating dangerous divisions between officers and men. Let the credo of the IMA: ‘The safety, honour and welfare of…’ be prominently displayed at the conference venue. Let the PM see it, read it and assimilate it well.

Lt Col GS Bedi (retd), by mail

Pak peace offering

The agreement between Pakistan and India is much needed to avoid future tensions. However, this initiative has raised serious questions in the minds of the public. Pakistan promises to maintain peace along the border, but breaks that trust every time. Even though the agreement is positive, India needs to be cautious and maintain strict vigil.

Ishita Kukreja, Ludhiana

Similipal forest fire

The Bengal elections and the farmers’ protests have made headlines over the past weeks. It is surprising that the forest fire raging in the Similipal Forest Reserve hasn’t been reported by the mainstream media. The second largest biosphere reserve of Asia, which is also home to the Bengal tiger, has been burning for days. The Odisha Government claims that there has been no loss of life. Don’t animals and trees matter? According to reports, human activities were responsible for the wildfire. Other than the terrible loss of biodiversity, carbon dioxide emissions pose a great threat. Immediate action by the state government is needed.

DIVIJA DEWAN, MOHALI

Shayar-philosopher

Reference to ‘The man who knew Sahir inside out’; religious/spiritual scriptures of any faith are loaded with difficult words and phrases that are difficult to understand without a guru. But Sahir conveyed through simple words the most difficult philosophy of life, like in the song, ‘Main zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya, gum aur khushi mein farak na mehsoos ho jahan, main dil ko us makaam pe lata chala gaya’ (I just accompanied life, I took life to a destination where there is no difference between sorrow and happiness). Sahir, the great shayar and philosopher! He is still alive in our hearts in the form of his immortal songs.

Naresh Johar, Amritsar

Cut taxes on fuel

The all-time high prices of petrol and diesel have pushed people into financial stress. People are already facing heat due to Covid-induced disruptions. Millions of people have yet to come out from the severe jolts they have experienced on account of breakdown of economic activities. The steep rise in fuel prices needs to be brought down by slashing taxes. Taxes on diesel require considerable reduction because all commercial sectors of the economy are hugely dependent on it. Reduction in retail prices will help revive the economy speedily. Ultimately, the demand will go up, and so will the revenue.

Ravi Bhushan, Kurukshetra

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