Check on occult
practices needed
In a country which is taking giant strides in Information Technology (IT), digital world, space science, etc, it is shocking to note that there still exist people who believe in black magic or superstitious beliefs.
While many cultures have beliefs and practices surrounding magic, there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of supernatural forces. Black magic “works” only on mentally weak people, not because it actually works but because it affects their psychology. The recent suspected case of human sacrifices in Kerala has brought into focus the severity of crimes related to witchcraft and occult practices and the prevalence of superstitious beliefs, black magic, and sorcery in a progressive state like Kerala.
In India, practicing black magic is punishable with up to seven years in prison and a fine ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000. Goa does not have a specific anti-superstition law, but it does have laws that can be used to deal with superstitious practices. To a large extent there may not be instances of occult practices in the state. Nevertheless police need to keep a watch on such occult practices in the state.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Will Goans be given
first preference for jobs ?
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday said that his government has now approved an amendment to the Employment Exchange Act, making it mandatory for private companies to advertise job vacancies within the state, failing which they will have to pay a penalty of up to Rs 30,000.
Has the government done a big favour for Goans by doing this in Goa? And will the private companies, which are well-known for hiring only outsiders for peanuts and exploiting them for years now start hiring only Goans by giving them first preference?
Well, if the government is really serious in doing something worthwhile for Goans on the employment front in future then it should compulsorily instruct the owners or managing directors of all the private companies to bring out a list of Goans who are currently employed in their companies and impose hefty fines on companies which are still found refusing to recruit Goans under some pretext or the other rather than merely bringing an amendment to the Employment Exchange Act and making it mandatory for these private companies to advertise job vacancies within the state just to fool gullible jobless Goans.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
Unfair pricing by
private hospitals
The impunity with which private hospitals make patients bleed financially is a poor reflection on the Central and state governments, which have been found deficient in providing affordable medical care. In this context, the Supreme Court has rightly called on the Union and State governments to draft policies aimed at preventing the exploitation of patients and their families in private hospitals. This practice is often seen as unethical and anti-competitive as in-house hospital pharmacies charges are excessive compared to outside pharmacies. Patients should have the freedom to buy medicines from any pharmacy of their choice based on price, quality, or convenience. Hospitals might push for specific brands or medicines due to tie-ups with pharma companies.
The onus is on policymakers to frame guidelines to curb rampant exploitation of patients and their families. Government agencies like the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission and Competition Commission of India should strictly monitor and penalise such practices. A comprehensive reform of the drug regulatory system can go a long way in easing the woes of
hapless patients
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
Declare war
against drugs
Smuggling of drugs across the India-Pakistan border is quite rampant. Punjab shares approximately 553 km of the border between the two nations. As is known, narco-terrorism and arms influx have driven the youth of Punjab into a state into despair and something needs to be done to eliminate or control the dual evil.
Evidently, the use of technology is quite crucial in preventing the influx of drugs and arms. The Punjab government is said to be keen on utilising the anti-drone technology to beat the perpetrators of drugs' smuggling at their own game.
Although the Border Security Force is totally engaged in thwarting the nefarious designs of the unscrupulous elements from Pakistan, a coordinated effort is the need of the hour. Anti-drone techniques like radars, cameras and jammers are a few globally used methods.
Radio frequency techniques and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) jammers are highly acclaimed anti-drone technologies that are currently employed by a host of nations. More and more state of the art technologies are imperative to tackle the nefarious drug and arms trade, and thereby securing the health and lives of the people of the state.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
The legacy of
greater good
Mick Jagger, the legendary lead vocalist of the rock band Rolling Stones, has decided to donate his share of the band’s songs catalogue to charity rather than leave it to his children. Valued at an eyewatering US$ 600 million, the catalogue constitutes @40% of his personal wealth. In an interview, Jagger opined that his children don’t need the money to live, expressing his desire to use his fortune for a greater good. He emphasized his intention to make a positive impact in the world.
His approach reflects a deeper personal philosophy about wealth and legacy, focused more on social good than on familial inheritance.
While Mick Jagger’s decision has ignited discussions about inheritance and philanthropy, it is clear that he intends to leave a legacy that extends beyond his musical contributions, aiming to benefit the world in a more meaningful way. Hope our Indian billionaires take a leaf out of Jagger’s book, his is a legacy worth emulating.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim