Are video games bad for children?
Recent research in the British Medical Journal Public Health warns against the harmful effects of excessive video game exposure on children’s hearing, urging parents, educators, and policymakers to promote outdoor activities like field sports instead. Emphasizing the importance of physical education programs in schools and community investment in sports facilities, the focus is on safeguarding children’s mental and physical well-being.
Striking a balance between screen time and outdoor activities is crucial for maintaining both hearing health and overall fitness, empowering children to thrive physically and mentally.
N Ashraf, Mumbai
Pragati Maidan tunnel needs overhaul
The Pragati Maidan tunnel in Delhi is a total infrastructure failure. The project that was inaugurated with much fanfare by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the G20 summit in June 2022, is now grappling with serious issues.
Recent pictures and videos circulating in social media depict water seepage, considerable cracks in the cement, and poor drainage within the tunnel. The lack of proper waterproofing measures during construction must have led to water leakage, causing cracks and compromising the structure’s integrity.
The tunnel, once envisioned as a symbol of improved transit, has now been reduced to an awkward and worthless underside.
Needless to say it is one of the immediate and topmost priorities of the ruling BJP to set things right, ensuring commuter safety and restoring the functionality of this important transit corridor, which reportedly cost Rs. 777 crore, involving public money.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
Radio will be man’s best companion
As we celebrate World radio day on February 13, let us not forget the way in which this magic voice through the sky has offered us everything – information , entertainment, instruction, advice and what not.
Even in today’s era where the latest cyber devices and gadgets rule the roost of media and communication world the radio has not lost its image and popularity.
Whoever can forget those golden days when radio sets and radio programs filled our room space and hearts with sheer pure your enjoyment. There would not be a house without a Bush , a Murphy , a Philip, or a Nelco and hundreds of other brands that ruled Radio Market.
The Indian and the Akashvani are separable and who can forget those golden programs broadcasted by Vividh Bharati and Radio Ceylon. Generations of Indians grew up listening to Jaymala, Bhule bisre geeth, Hawa Mahal, Chhaya Geeth and the famous Binaca Geetmala.
Listening to radio no doubt rejuvenates one mentally. The happiness one derives from listening to music through radio truly is a class apart and that only radio lovers will know it. FM radios, no doubt has brought back people back to radio entertainment.
FM radios besides entertainment caters information too and nowadays radio jockeys play a vital role in alluring listeners to their respective channels. RJ’s were there in the past too and who can forget Ameen Sayani and his immortal ‘ Binaca geeth mala ‘ aired by Sri Lanka broadcasting corporation during 1970s,80s and 90s. Radio, though the mode and form has changed a lot definitely is here to stay and will remain one of man’s best companion forever.
M Pradyu, Kannur
Govt should come clear on filming of monuments
Filming any protected monument or sites in the state without permission could land one in trouble as it can reportedly attract a fine of Rs. 50,000 for protected monuments and sites owned by the government and Rs. 20,000 at other protected monuments in the near future.
There are 51 monuments of archeological importance protected by the state while another 21 sites are under the Archeological Survey of India (ASI). As per the recently issued draft notification, for filming protected monuments or sites owned by the government the fees will reportedly be Rs 25,000 per day with Rs 10,000 as refundable security deposit. However it is not clear whether video filming on the mobile also comes under the purview of the draft notification.
It is pertinent to note that several tourists, both local and foreign tourists carry out video filming on their mobiles of protected monuments and sites. These videos are taken back as memories of their visit to the state and not used for commercial gains. On the flip side, video filming and copying could be carried out on the sly on the mobiles by some to be used elsewhere. It would be in the fitness of things to clarify whether or not only filming of protected monuments and sites for commercial gains, and not otherwise, will attract the fees that are applicable.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Are our women safe in the country?
That was an insightful editorial into the subject of ‘Nari Shakti’.
It is commendable that the government is going all out to cater to the interests of women all over the country. Several schemes are being introduced to cater to women across various sections of society.
In short, the government is seeking to empower women in the country. And that is good. However, there is an important aspect we all, the authorities and the people in general, ought to focus on, direct their energies and that is, protection and safety of women and the girl child. Today’s reality is that, women, both young and old, continue to be sexually molested, harassed, beaten, raped. Even little girls, including infants, are not spared. We need to ask ourselves, where are we heading? The title of the Editorial poses the question, ‘Nari Shakti: Illusion or Reality?’ You decide!
Melville X D’Souza Mumbai
