Has Trump & co
mediated the ceasefire?
The ceasefire between India and Pakistan, after a fortnight of confrontation has brought a big relief especially for Pakistan as it suffered casualties in terms of men and materials. The ceasefire may be fragile in view of the historical legacy of conflict between the two countries, and Pakistan’s record of provocations, but indications are that it is likely to hold for now.
However, the US President Donald Trump claimed credit for helping stop hostilities between the two warring nations. The development was all the more surprising as Trump had earlier shown his unwillingness to intervene when the two nations went hostile after the Pahalgam terror attack.
The question now arises whether New Delhi has been able to extract a promise that Pakistan will not repeat the Pahalgam episode again? The circumstances point to the prodding of both countries by the US. The ceasefire will no doubt be tested on a daily basis, but the US has driven its point home: It has big stakes in the region and can’t afford to let two nuclear-armed neighbours spark a wider conflict. Nonetheless, the government should break its silence on the claim made by US leaders.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
Electricity tariff
and services
Today electricity is an essential service in corporate and domestic consumption. Generators cannot be used as backup due pollution and expensive fuel. The use of inverters is limited in scope. We in Porvorim were informed of a shut down of power in the whole of Bardez on May 10 from 6 am to 2 pm but power resumed in our area only around 2.30 pm!
These are extremely torrid hot days, there was an emergency escalation of military conflict going on with Pakistan and such long periods of shut down during critical times are unheard of in frontline nations with today's technology.
Just think of the tremendous damage to cold storage items, all equipment dependent on power and the consequences! In forward nations, even shutting down for a minute is frowned upon and unacceptable. Yes there are power outages and breakdowns, but not planned shutdowns for such long periods ! Instead of cutting down on AT&C losses, increasing efficiency and government working towards low cost supply to consumers, they seem to be finding ways and means to raise tariffs and burden the common man further in these days of increasing high prices!
In fact, they have proposed a 5.95% hike! For a government planning space exploration and sending a person on the moon, let us improve our ease of living and basics on earth?
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
Pre-poll promises
must be kept
This refers to "Consumers feel betrayed as free water scheme gets the axe". The withdrawal of the popular free water scheme will hit around 60,000 consumers. In the first place, anything that comes free is misused. Examples are water, electricity and food grains. The withdrawal of the zero water bill immediately brought down wasteful consumption of water by consumers.
However, the Apex Court must take a serious view of pre-poll promises which are a hoax on the voters. Pre-promises got a big boost in 2014 with the Rs 15 lakh joke which saw the BJP coming to power with a thumping majority. The Apex Court must ban pre-poll promises 6 months before an election. Alternatively, the Apex Court must compel the govt to make good on its promises.
Robert Castellino, Calangute
Sigh of relief
for Pondaites
It is learnt that after two-and-a-half years, the Goa government has finally appointed a surgeon at the Ponda Sub-District Hospital. It is unimaginable that a government hospital which caters to thousands of patients has been functioning without a surgeon for two-and-a-half years following suspension of the previous doctor.
Patients had to reportedly seek surgical services at the Goa Medical College (GMC) Hospital in Bambolim, at the South Goa District Hospital or private hospital. Imagine for patients having to travel such a long distance from Ponda for anything from major surgeries to minor ones. Physicians and surgeons are often considered pillars of a hospital. They play a crucial role in providing medical care, making diagnoses, and performing surgeries. They are essential for the functioning of a hospital and are often seen as the core of patient care.
Surgeons are indispensable in hospitals because they perform operations to treat illnesses, injuries, and complications, often requiring complex procedures to save lives. They are responsible for leading surgical teams, ensuring procedures go smoothly, and managing postoperative care.
General surgeons are particularly vital in emergency and trauma situations, handling a wide range of surgical needs. The surgical profession is one of responsibility and leadership. When Goa boasts of a robust healthcare system and of making the state a hub for healthcare and medical tourism, the absence of a surgeon at a government hospital for more than two years tells a different story. The other key demands of the Ponda Sub-District hospital like CT scan facility, a blood bank and other essential emergency services also needs to be looked into.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Hoax bomb threat
email at North Goa
Recent bomb threats at North Goa collector's office via email raises serious concerns about administrative security in the region. Email bombing is a tactic that typically aims to disrupt operations and conceal malicious emails, potentially setting the stage for further social engineering attacks.
Since this threat has caused widespread panic and impacted the lives of people, the rise of cyber crime has become a pressing concern for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and the public. Despite significant efforts to combat this modern menace, numerous challenges persist, making it difficult to curb the growing threat of cyber crime effectively. Hoax threats are not a joke, and they can have devastating consequences—both for the public and for the perpetrators. Such hoax bomb threats are dealt with in accordance with the cyber terrorism provisions to enable harsher punishments for those behind such threats. Goa is a progressive state and some elements are repeatedly trying to tarnish this image.
K G Vilop, Chorao