The rapid spread of the Omicron version of COVID-19 and the doubling of cases within a very short period, along with the fact that not much is known about it, takes the world almost to square one (p. 1, “Countries in Omicron 89, cases doubling in 1.5 to 3 days: WHO, 19 December). Since the efficacy of existing vaccines is also not known, appropriate practices should be strictly enforced. Given the experience of the first and second wave, the country has to be cautious. Vaccination should be expedited as it is the best defense available.
Hyderabad
The Prime Minister’s Office has been negligent or even gullible in being present to call the Election Commissioners on a common electoral roll. The subsequent clarification (inside pages, “CEC not called for meeting with PMO: Law Ministry”, 19 December) cannot help erase the bad taste of earlier communications. The Supreme Court of India’s 2013 ruling on the position of independent investigative agencies – similar to a “cage parrot” under the earlier political system – is proving valid today. It seems that only Cage has been upgraded into an aviary, inviting new constitutional bodies into its fold. This episode is all the more reason why the constitutional independence of the judiciary is held so sacred that it can stand as the only safeguard against the regime. In fact, slipping in indiscretion.
Navi Mumbai
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is focusing too much on the BJP. All his condemnations of the ruling party, especially the prime minister, are unlikely to make the party and its leaders change their style, let alone heed. The ruling party is bound to use his words to extend its reach to the people. It has become clear by now that any kind of condemnation in Parliament or outside cannot affect the ruling party unless it believes that its position among the people is in danger. Therefore, it would be better for the opposition to overcome their obsession with the government and focus on those issues which have an immediate impact on the lives of the people.
Mumbai
Some amazing headlines involving sentences are downright ticklish (‘Open Page’, December 19). Consider these: “Big rig carrying fruit crashes on 210 freeway, makes jam” (..) Los Angeles Times, “Obama-Lama Ding Dong” (in Scottish tabloids when Barack Obama met the Dalai Lama). I remember a catchy headline Hindu When Pandit Ravi Shankar passed away in December 2012: “The sitar loses its strings”.
Chennai
The article, “Goodness by the Ladle” (‘Open Page’ 19 December), reminded me of my visits with office colleagues in North India years ago. We jokingly called it the “Yogurt Bath Tour.” The chefs accompanying us were culinary experts, but the curd bath outweighed all other recipes. The interesting thing was that the members who were slow to eat, missed it, as many had gone for a curd bath earlier.
Chennai
The heart is deeply saddened to read the news of the death of elephants in train accidents. According to the railways, there are permanent speed restrictions in some parts, which are not working. Why doesn’t Railways review PSRs near Reserved Forests? These should also be set according to the season.
Chennai
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