BrahMos Deal Marks New Phase in India-Indonesia Ties
Refer to ‘BrahMos deal boosts strategic ties with Indonesia’; PM Narendra Modi’s Indonesia visit marks a decisive shift from past differences to a forward-looking strategic partnership based on a shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. However, Indonesia’s decision to finally acquire the BrahMos missile is the visit’s defining achievement. Moreover, cooperation in maritime security, port connectivity and the blue economy reflects growing strategic convergence. Indonesia’s geostrategic location and critical mineral wealth further enhance the partnership’s significance. India must now expand defence diplomacy, deepen Indo-Pacific partnerships and accelerate indigenous defence innovation.
Chanchal S Mann, Una
Public Misinformed Regarding E20 Petrol
Refer to ‘Credible data must fuel ethanol drive’; E20 petrol has become a source of confusion at every step. The ruling party, the Opposition and the public have contrasting views. Two leading car manufacturers endorsed the use of E20 petrol at a government-sponsored press conference. When one visits a fuel station for refuelling, the pump attendant starts pitching a bottle of performance-enhancing additive, claiming that its use will reduce the side effects of ethanol-blended petrol. The government needs to clear the air surrounding E20 petrol by providing evidence-based information, otherwise the common man will be exploited at every step of the fuel value chain.
Rajesh Goyal, Chandigarh
Sustainable Planning Needed for Urban Flooding
With reference to ‘Urban deluge’; the monsoon is eagerly awaited in India every year as it brings relief to citizens from the scorching summer. However, over the years, rapid expansion of cities without proper planning has led citizens to live in miserable conditions, with roads inundated in the rainy season. Indian cities fall short of basic infrastructure, and governments or local municipalities ought to have long-term sustainable planning for making cities and towns liveable across India.
Amandeep Bains, Sirsa
Healthcare and Social Compulsions Behind Doctor-Patient Trust Erosion
Refer to 'Protect doctors'; the issue deserves a broader perspective beyond stringent legislation and improved hospital security. The deteriorating doctor-patient relationship is multifactorial and reflects deeper socio-economic changes affecting Indian society. Increasing commercialisation, widening inequalities, unrealistic public expectations, misinformation through social media, declining ethical values and increasing intolerance have collectively eroded the mutual trust that once formed the foundation of medical practice. Without addressing the interconnected social, economic and healthcare issues together, the trust of doctors, which is indispensable to the healing profession, cannot be restored.
Vitull K Gupta, Bathinda
Society Must Come Forward to Prevent Suicides
With reference to ‘4 of family consume poison over financial stress, 2 die’; the incident is deeply heartbreaking. It highlights the immense emotional burden that financial hardship, unemployment and personal crises can place on individuals and families. No matter how difficult circumstances may seem, ending one’s life is never a solution. Many people facing severe stress feel trapped and fail to see that help and support are available. This makes it essential to promote mental health awareness and encourage people to seek timely assistance without fear of stigma. Counselling services and community outreach should be more accessible. Families, friends and neighbours can play a vital role in recognising signs of distress.
Vinny Narula, Ferozepur
Strong Action Needed Against Sexual Harassment in Hockey
Refer to ‘Hockey ex-captain alleges threat from official after sexual harassment plaint’; it is disturbing to know that when women’s hockey is gaining new heights of success, the players are facing sexual harassment at the hands of officials governing the game. Such unfortunate incidents are recurring in the absence of any immediate, strong action in the past under similar circumstances. The government must immediately hold a speedy and fair probe to punish the guilty so that women players feel safe and fully assured of pursuing sports as a profession.
Jagdish Chander, Jalandhar
