letters

‘A great conversation’ Every speech or conversation by the President of the U.S., Donald Trump, is becoming a cause for embarrassment for India (Front page, “Modi, Trump speak; U.S., India call accounts differ”, October 23). But in the fluid geopolitical scenario, India does not have many diplomatic choices. However, Mr. Trump’s frequent statements about Russian…

Buying oil, U.S. response The buying of Russian oil, or for that matter from anywhere, cannot be questioned by the United States President as it is solely at the discretion of those running the country after considering various factors. But the response from the Indian government spokesperson on Mr. Trump’s assertions on Russian oil purchase…

Buying oil, U.S. response The buying of Russian oil, or for that matter from anywhere, cannot be questioned by the United States President as it is solely at the discretion of those running the country after considering various factors. But the response from the Indian government spokesperson on Mr. Trump’s assertions on Russian oil purchase…

A case against firecrackers In permitting the sale and bursting of green crackers, the Supreme Court appears to have given precedence to public sentiment over public safety. Green crackers can be harmful too. The worsening of air quality on Deepavali will only mean an aggravation of health problems. There is also no guarantee that certified…

A case against firecrackers In permitting the sale and bursting of green crackers, the Supreme Court appears to have given precedence to public sentiment over public safety. Green crackers can be harmful too. The worsening of air quality on Deepavali will only mean an aggravation of health problems. There is also no guarantee that certified…

Beyond the accord The Gaza peace accord marks a hopeful step, but peace without reconstruction is incomplete. The world’s attention must now shift from ceasefire diplomacy to rebuilding lives and livelihoods. Hospitals, schools and civic infrastructure lie in ruins, while thousands of small traders and resellers — once the city’s economic lifeline — have lost…

The Peace Nobel The decision to confer the Nobel Peace Prize for 2025 on María Corina Machado is both vindication and rebuke. Forced into exile for challenging Venezuela’s authoritarian regime, she symbolises the moral courage of dissent that speaks truth to power. Her recognition underscores the global yearning for democracy in regions where elections are…

Disgraceful behaviour The incident, on October 6, 2025 at 11.35 a.m., in which an advocate attempted to throw his footwear towards the Chief Justice of India during proceedings is a disgrace to the very spirit of the judicial system. Despite the Chief Justice’s magnanimity in letting the incident pass, law enforcement authorities should take stringent…

Pharma quality and control The deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh after consuming cough syrup is very unfortunate. Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are industrial solvents contaminating pharmaceutical ingredients such as glycerine. Or, suppliers compromise quality by using cheaper industrial grade materials which are injurious to health. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization and the…