With reference to ‘Credible data must fuel ethanol drive’; India’s ethanol blending policy must be backed by scientific evidence and periodic review by multidisciplinary committees representing agriculturalists, automobile manufacturers, environmental experts and consumer groups. The programme must evaluate factors like carbon emissions, groundwater usage, food security and utilisation of surplus grains. Since ethanol is hygroscopic, prolonged vehicle idling may lead to moisture absorption, affecting fuel systems and elastomer components. Mandatory consumer advisories, periodic fuel-filter replacement and subsidised E20 compatibility retrofit kits would ensure a smoother, fair transition without placing the financial burden solely on vehicle owners.
Vijay Kumar Katial, Panchkula
Environmental concerns
Apropos of ‘Credible data must fuel ethanol drive’; the strategy to implement fuel blending must prioritise sustainability while considering options like electric mobility, compressed biogas, green hydrogen and efficient public transport. Greater emphasis must be placed on second-generation ethanol produced from agricultural residue such as paddy straw and sugarcane bagasse, converting waste into clean fuel while reducing stubble burning. Policies should also promote crop diversification, water-efficient farming, universal engine compatibility and rational fuel taxation to maximise environmental and economic benefits without burdening farmers, consumers or future generations.
K Kumar, Panchkula
Curbing cross-border crime
Refer to ‘Global crackdown’; the US indictment of jailed gangsters exposes the alarming reach of global criminal syndicates that exploit borders, technology and diaspora networks to carry out extortion, drug trafficking and targeted violence. India must consider sharing intelligence with friendly countries, strengthen financial surveillance and ensure strict accountability of law enforcement agencies to tackle transnational crimes.
Vandana, Chandigarh
Private schools have an edge
Apropos of ‘Education data’; the key reason for the gradual shift of students to private schools is the lack of modern infrastructure and well-trained faculty. Nowadays, parents have higher aspirations and a great affinity for English-medium education for better career opportunities. Private institutes offer better science, computer and language labs, periodic student assessment, extracurricular and co-curricular activities than government-run schools, along with staff accountability and greater concern for children’s safety.
Sunil Chopra, Ludhiana
Changing outlook of youth
With reference to ‘False pride in honour killing’; since this crime pertains to social perversities against human dignity, societal change through awareness campaigns is crucial. The right to choose one’s life partner has been recognised as a fundamental right by the Constitution. In the face of the barbaric treatment meted out to victims, the worldwide mobility of youngsters towards urban centres offers a silver lining. Education, skill enhancement and a cosmopolitan outlook are among the effective remedies. The force of constitutional law needs to be supplemented with liberal cultural pluralism.
Abhyam Sharma, Pathankot
Social mindset holds the key
Refer to ‘False pride in honour killing’; such murders are deeply entrenched in the patriarchal, caste-based system, imposing familial dominance over children. Any deviation from deep-rooted societal norms relating to marital relations is generally perceived as a challenge to the parents’ notion of prestige and honour, at times leading to violence against runaway couples. The solution lies in launching a movement against this regressive social practice. Society also needs to rise above caste-entrenched notions and change its attitude towards daughters, who should have the freedom to take their own decisions.
Ravi Sharma, Dhariwal
