Secure GI tag for
traditional 'pez'
‘Pez’, also known as ‘Canjee’ is a Goan rice porridge which epitomizes the essence of Goemkarponn. In Goan homes, pez prepared from red parboiled rice is usually served before noon with fried salted fish besides tender raw mango pickled in brine and concentrated previous day’s curry. The warm gruel is satisfying and filling. Pez is also consumed by Goan Catholics on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. It is consumed by Goan labourers working tirelessly out in the fields under the hot sun thus hydrating them and providing the energy and nutrition to do the laborious work. This simple food is also administered to the sick and the convalescing as it is easy to digest, nutritious which aids in regaining back the strength and any loss of appetite. Pez is also served to parishioners in several parishes in Goa after the mass on feast days. It is high time all Goan restaurants include the traditional Goan pez in its menu. Goa is keen on expanding its offerings of Geographical Indication (GI) tagged products so as to strengthen the authenticity of the local products. With the acquisition of GI tags for many Goan products, it provides recognition and protection to unique products, highlighting their distinctiveness and origin. Efforts are being made to acquire Geographical Indication (GI) tags for the local Goan products; and it is thanks to these initiatives that a variety of Goa’s delicacies like Bebinca have been officially recognized. It would be in the fitness of things to also secure GI tag for the traditional Goan Pez.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Tourism going for
a toss in Calangute
It is easier for those in power to shift the blame downward rather than address the root causes and the most marginalised or powerless groups are often made scapegoats. There might be numerous hotels or restaurants which are given to outsiders to run or guest houses on leases to operate but it is criminally illegal for shack holders if they sub let them to outsiders.
There have been murders committed in hotels in the past but life has gone as usual but a murder happened in a shack then all the shack holders are to be punished. The downfall in tourists in the state is because of shack holders for serving idli sambar for breakfast. We have a MLA in the government for the last fifteen years who doesn't know whether he is in ruling or the opposition. Even worse is the one who is bereft of ideas. It's easier to criticise than to formulate a solution. The once famous constituency is dying of infrastructure to sustain the uncontrolled tourism but it's the fault of everyone involved in the tourism sector and not only of the one elected to run it.
Valent Mascarenhas, California/ Goa
World leaders need
to rein in Trump
US President Donald Trump has taken on the role of the world’s self-appointed super cop, using his transactional approach to diplomacy, including quid-pro-quo tariffs, to dictate terms across the globe. His recent clash with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is a glaring example of his combative style. The meeting ended on a sour note after Zelenskyy refused to exchange precious metals for US military aid to combat the Russian invasion. Trump even went so far as to accuse Ukraine of instigating a potential third world war. He also took jabs at previous US administrations, criticising them for providing vast amounts of military aid and financial assistance to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia.
Yet, amidst this turbulent episode, there is a silver lining. European nations have rallied in support of Zelenskyy, rejecting Trump’s stance. What initially seemed like a warm reception at the White House quickly deteriorated into tension, as the Ukrainian president held firm in his position, eventually leaving the meeting in frustration.
Back home, US media has been abuzz over an incident in which Trump showed deference to Indian Prime Minister Modi by pulling out a chair for him during a meeting. In many ways, this moment epitomised the growing influence of the US over India, a country that had previously been a tough negotiator in international relations. Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger once said “It may be dangerous to be America’s enemy, but to be America’s friend is fatal”.
It is now more crucial than ever for world leaders to unite and rein in Trump’s unchecked idiosyncrasies before they spiral out of control, as American hegemony threatens to reshape global dynamics.
Everette Assis Telles, Margao
From ally to asset: The
US-Ukraine fallout
The abrupt failure of US-Ukraine talks underscores a troubling low in American diplomacy. Trump’s insistence on securing indefinite rights to Ukraine’s rare minerals in exchange for past aid—while rejecting Zelenskyy’s request for security guarantees—was a blatant betrayal of trust. Ukraine, once a key ally, found itself treated as a business opportunity rather than a partner in need. The talks’ undiplomatic nature, with raised voices, Trump walking out, and Zelenskyy skipping lunch, further damaged relations. This shift signals that US commitments are now transactional, undermining credibility and emboldening adversaries like Russia. Such treatment of a war-torn ally weakens global trust in the US, proving that administration changes do not necessarily maintain the nation’s moral or strategic responsibilities or commitments. The fallout from this episode will have lasting consequences on international alliances and geopolitical stability.
Gopalaswamy J Chennai