India must bounce back

Refer to ‘Kiwis fly high’; India’s shocking defeat in the Bengaluru Test to New Zealand should not impact the team’s decision-making in the rest of the current season. It’s important to try and make a comeback under pressure. It’s about keeping calm and not panicking. The team must stay strong and try to win the second Test in Pune. India should also analyse the twin collapses, the mayhem in the first innings and the loss of seven wickets for 54 runs in second innings. The loss didn’t alter India’s top position on the world Test table, but it elevated New Zealand to the fourth spot. With five Tests in hand in the current cycle, the Kiwis can catch up.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

Double delight for Kiwis

Apropos of ‘Kiwis fly high’; Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant wiped out the deficit in the second innings, but Indian batters eventually wilted under pressure when the Kiwis took the second new ball. Although India lost the Test, the players — especially the batters — must be commended on how they confronted the New Zealand team by scoring at a brisk rate in the second innings. It was a double delight for the Kiwis as their women cricketers lifted the T20 World Cup. Now, it is India’s turn to bounce back in the series, as they had done against England earlier this year.

Nagendra Kumar Vempalli, Bengaluru

Educate the masses

With reference to ‘Hooch disaster’; what the government considers a healthy practice (prohibition) becomes a boon for those engaged in the illicit liquor trade. By imposing a ban on alcohol, the government finds itself in troubled waters. When there is no check on the manufacturing and sale of banned liquor, the culprits have a field day. Those who are addicted to liquor leave no stone unturned to procure it through any means, thus benefiting unauthorised traders. If the administration shows strictness and raises public awareness about the ill effects of cheap and tax-free alcohol, the situation can be improved.

Anup Kumar Gakkhar, Hardwar

A call for efficient reforms

Refer to ‘Hooch disaster’; the Bihar Government attempted to woo residents of the state with welfare policies, including a liquor ban imposed in 2016. However, this led to a rise in bootlegging and associated health issues. Additionally, domestic violence has persisted, as many women and children continue to suffer abuse. As the saying goes, “The more we try to confine something, the more it tries to escape.” This holds true here as the government’s well-intentioned efforts have, in some ways, worsened the situation. Rather than implementing a complete ban, the government should focus on reducing access to alcohol and imposing stricter limits to bring about a meaningful change.

Chandrani Das, Jammu

Manage economic growth

Apropos of ‘US voters quest for change’; the US election has highlighted various concerns, including unemployment, immigration and the evident effects of AI. Voters are seeking change as measures to improve reproductive health also remain questionable. They want guidance to navigate through the realms of inflation and social unrest. Working-class Americans also seek responsive governance that could bring them economic security. The contrasting visions of contestants Kamala Harris and Donald Trump need to be considered to balance humanitarian concerns and manage economic growth.

Saloni Sharma, by mail

Sinwar’s nihilistic fanaticism ends

With reference to ‘Hamas leader Sinwar’s death won’t end Gaza war’; the writer indulges in sophistry by likening the deaths of innocent Jews in terror attacks to that of Hamas terrorists by Israeli Defence Forces. Collateral loss of life in Gaza is the result of Hamas mixing with the civilian population, including women and children, and using them as human shields. Sinwar’s death may not end the Gaza war, but it does bring a psychological closure to families of the victims of the October 7 terror attack masterminded by him. With his death, his nihilistic fanaticism comes to an end.

Ajay Tyagi, Mumbai

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