India to be world’s
most populous country
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China is facing demographic crisis in 2022 as its population decline for the first time since 1961 and India is poised to overtake world’s most populous country China. China’s population in 2022 fell by 7.52 from 2021 as accorded by National Bureau of Statistics and India’s population is estimated more than 1.4 billion and continues to grow.
India is projected to surpass China as the world’s most populous country in 2023 with a resource in the working force which is beneficial in economic development.
China as the largest populous country comprising of youth used it wisely for socio economic development and we all know where China stands in world politics; trillion dollar economy no doubt. Years down the line, India has attained it. Now it all depends on how wisely India is going to utilize its youth population with considering the development agenda for next 25 years.
Sarvashi Naik, Curchorem
Public transport
system in Goa
As a public transport enthusiast, I am writing to express my concern about the current state of public transportation in Goa. The state has seen a significant increase in population in recent years, and the existing modes of transportation are struggling to meet the needs of the growing population.
Buses and motorcycles are the most common modes of public transport in Goa, but they are often overcrowded and unreliable. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are also widely available, but they can be expensive for many people. Additionally, there are several bike rental shops in popular tourist areas, but they are not accessible to daily commuters.
In order to meet the future needs of the population, I believe the government should consider implementing a comprehensive public transport system for the entire state of Goa, while focussing on modern modes of public transportation. Traffic is not a unique problem and Goa can definitely learn from other cities in India. Taking a cue from Kochi water metro, ferries can provide a convenient mode of transport for people living along the coast or near rivers. Cable cars, via the Parvatmala scheme of the central government, can be used to provide an efficient and scenic mode of transport for tourists and locals alike, visiting hilly areas. Similar to Odisha, a network of electric buses can also be considered to reduce pollution and promote sustainable transportation. A city bike-sharing program could also be encouraged to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and promote healthy living.
Given the relatively low population of Goa compared to our metro cities, Metro Neo, an electric, trolley bus system, currently being built in Nashik, can be a suitable contender for our main mode of public transport. These buses can run on the upgraded NH-66 for a fraction of the cost and in far less time. In the absence of Ola and Uber, an app-based on-demand bus system can be implemented for intra-city travel resulting in a partial solution to our parking problem.
I urge the government to conduct a thorough study and analysis to determine the specific needs and resources of every area before implementing any new public transportation system. It is essential for the government to invest in new modes of public transportation to ensure that the people of Goa have access to reliable and efficient transportation options.
Nelton D’Souza, Aldona
Significance of
dashboard camera
The footage from the dashboard camera of the car which was involved in an accident at Nuvem the other day went viral on Social Media. The footage clearly shows who was at fault. While driving, one needs to be very careful in order to avoid mishaps.
Other than the accidents, there often are even many incidents of road rage, which is something that’s as dangerous as an accident. In all these instances, the dashboard camera can work as proof that might be needed to safeguard one’s interest. Dashboard camera is basically a compact camera that is mounted on the windscreen and records the road ahead. Some cars even have a camera that records the rear view.
This camera can record at the push of a button. By default it starts recording as soon as one starts driving. A dashboard camera is similar to a CCTV, and there should be no issue in installing it as long as it doesn’t violate anyone’s privacy. However the camera needs to be turned off at places where any type of photography or video recording is prohibited. Such places generally include defence establishments and some government offices. It is understood that the footage from a dashboard camera is admissible as proof in the court of law.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Pakistan admits it has learnt a lesson
Pakistan has learnt its lesson after three wars with India and stressed that now it wants peace with its neighbour. Money spent on war was a sheer waste of time and energy. Instead it could have been utilised for the development of the country and that would not have brought Pakistan making a penniless count at the present moment.
Pakistan PM’s message to the Indian leadership and Prime Minister Modi is that let’s sit down on the table and have serious and sincere talks to resolve our burning points like Kashmir. It is up to us to live peacefully and make progress or quarrel with each other and waste time and resources.
Pakistan, which is battling a severe economic crisis, public discontent due to flour crisis and fuel shortage among others, is also faced with rising instances of terror attacks by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, which had ended a ceasefire with the country’s security forces late last year. After making Indian borders a terror state, Pakistan is forging fire with neighbours by choice. Having taken extreme steps to threaten India on a regular basis they want to utilise these assets for prosperity and to bring peace to the region when they face all sorts of troubles from all angles.
C K Subramaniam, Navi Mumbai
River cruise voyage
River cruises have not come to stay in India for a variety of reasons. Lack of political will and stakeholder disinterest are two crucial aspects that have dithered potential investors. The all new Ganga Vilas Luxury cruise is set to change this considering the reception accorded to it from tourists abroad. From Varanasi to Dibrugarh, the 51–day-cruise is sure to showcase the rich heritage of eastern India to the rest of the world as well as to select unversed Indians in future. Ganga Vilas traverses through five Indian states and Bangladesh, and that’s a huge plus to hold traveller interest together. Art and culture, history and spirituality of both India and Bangladesh should receive a massive boost.
No doubt, the price tag of Rs 50 lakh per passenger is quite astronomical and out of reach of an average Indian but the cruise voyage seems to be targeted mainly at the Europeans and the Americans who have already booked their seats till the end of March, 2024. Cruise voyages like the Ganga Sagar can help in warding off paucity of funds in river infrastructure. Hygiene of the entire travel route along with the en-route halts, and good access to healthcare cannot be stressed more.
With almost an exclusive cruise for foreigners at least for the first few runs, vegetarian-only food and strictly- no-alcohol can be a problem although there are reports that the cruise consists of a bar on its rooftop.
Ganapathi Bhat,
Akola
