Uproot the scourge of farm fires

Apropos of ‘Dousing farm fires’; the annual scourge of stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana is upon us again. Penal measures, as seen in Punjab, seem more punitive than preventive. The menace of stubble burning persists because farmers, pressed for time, see no viable alternative to get rid of crop residue. While awareness is growing among farmers about the need to ditch the practice, it alone cannot extinguish these fires. Instead of relying on coercion, the state must offer practical, incentivised solutions, such as subsidised machinery, easier access to eco-friendly alternatives and robust support systems. Farmers are not the enemy; they are stakeholders in a shared crisis. Policies that address the root cause and offer tangible benefits will yield better results than reactive measures.

Sewa Singh, Amritsar

Sri Lanka has spoken

The people of Sri Lanka have spoken by electing Anura Kumara Dissanayake as their new President. With 42.3 per cent of the votes, Dissanayake’s victory reflects the public's desire for change and economic recovery. His pledge to fight corruption and bolster the economy resonated with voters reeling from austerity measures linked to the IMF bailout. As Dissanayake takes the helm, he faces daunting tasks: reassuring markets, repaying debt and lifting millions out of poverty. His promises of anti-corruption measures and pro-poor policies boosted his popularity, despite concerns over tax slashes and debt rework. With Sri Lanka’s economy expected to grow this year, Dissanayake must balance populist demands with fiscal prudence.

Sargunpreet Kaur, Mohali

Protect children from predators

The Supreme Court’s decision to criminalise the downloading of child pornography is a pivotal step in combating the sexual exploitation of minors. This ruling highlights the growing threat of the misuse of digital platforms. By making the mere possession of such material an offence, the court has taken a bold step that would help bring down the demand for obscene content involving children and check the dissemination of such material. The decision will go a long way towards preventing crimes against children and ensure that those who prey on them face strict consequences. Now, the focus should be on spreading public awareness about ways to protect kids from predators.

Bhakti Arora, Mohali

A blow to child pornography

The Supreme Court has done well to set aside the Madras HC verdict on child pornography. The apex court is right to declare consuming or downloading explicit content featuring children an offence under the POCSO Act and the Information Technology Act. Now more than ever before, there is a need to shield vulnerable minors from sexual exploitation. Besides, there is a need to educate the masses about this sensitive matter. Only a collective effort can yield a positive outcome.

Bhumika, Jalandhar

Laapataa Ladies finds its place

With reference to ‘Laapataa Ladies finds way to Oscars, is official entry for Best Foreign Film’; the heart-rending film directed by Kiran Rao is a perfect representation of women’s resilience and determination. The storyline revolves around two women who navigate their journey as they get lost on their way to their in-laws, shedding light on the harsh realities of rural India. The film showcases India’s vibrant culture, challenging stereotypes and biases. The fact that this movie is in the running for an Oscar is a testament to Indian cinema’s power to bring about a change. The efficacious storytelling, powerful performances and stunning cinematography make it worthy of global recognition.

Saloni Sharma, Jammu

Get the farms in order

The article ‘Punjab’s agri draft policy fails to tick all the boxes’ has rightly thrown light on the challenges being faced by the farm sector. It is unfortunate that the government has failed to fix issues pertaining to the leasing of land by small and marginal farmers. Then there are other difficulties, like the failure of cooperative societies and the high cost of fertilisers and marketing. The authorities concerned must seek help from distinguished agriculture specialists to address problems like soil degradation and pollution.

Saksham, Jind

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