Need to prevent type-2
diabetes in children
It must be said that Type 2 diabetes in children is a growing concern, often associated with factors like childhood obesity, genetics, and a sedentary lifestyle. In children, it may develop so gradually that there are no noticeable symptoms. Sometimes, the disorder is diagnosed during a routine check-up. The exact cause of type 2 diabetes is unknown. But family history and genetics appear to play an important role. Excessive sugar intake can contribute to increased risk of type 2 diabetes in children, particularly through weight gain and insulin resistance. High sugar consumption can also have other negative impacts on a child’s health, like weight gain, tooth decay, and weakened immune systems.
The CBSE has reportedly directed affiliated schools to establish “sugar boards” in order to monitor and reduce sugar intake of children. These boards will provide essential information, including the recommended daily sugar intake, sugar content in commonly consumed junk food, cold drinks, etc. and healthier dietary alternatives.
Additionally, schools are expected to organise awareness workshops and seminars to educate students on the issue. This is a step in the right direction in order to prevent diabetes related health issues later in life. A child should be encouraged to eat healthy foods, get plenty of physical activity and maintain a healthy weight.
In Goa, it is observed that several roadside vendors sell candies, ice-creams, beverages and various types of sweets outside schools, especially government schools. Children consume these sweets and beverages during the recess. There needs to be a total ban on the sale of candies, ice-creams and sweet beverages outside schools in the state.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Safety measures need
to be put in place
It evokes a lot of sympathy and commiseration that 17 members of a family, including 8 children were killed in a massive fire accident in a building near the Charminar, Hyderabad. In fact, only last month, a major fire broke out at a hotel in central Kolkata, claiming 14 lives, with an official suspecting a short circuit to be the cause of the blaze.
One of the biggest challenges that India has been facing for a long time when it comes to safety and well-being of its people, is the scanty fire safety standards prevalent in workplaces, public buildings and at homes. Buildings must be planned, designed and constructed to ensure that fire safety measures are in place in strict accordance with National Building Code of India’s guidelines which regulate the building construction activities across the country. Even though NBC makes these measures mandatory, the majority of multi-storey buildings continue to ignore and violate the safety norms. In fact, many buildings lack even basic fire safety systems, like fire extinguishers. Also, there is no statutory provision for regular verification of adherence to fire safety norms in multi-story buildings. To reduce fire accidents, First Safety Audit should be made mandatory across the country, and it must be entrusted to third-party agencies, who have the expertise in it.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
Big salute to our
brave hearts
I first salute the Indian Army soldiers who were very successful in demolishing the terrorist camps in Pakistan during the Sindhoor operation. Soldiers laid their lives while many Indian civilians have lost their precious lives during the retaliation by the Pakistan army. For a moment, there were signs of patriotism by the political parties halting festival functions and even the extravaganza IPL, the biggest money minting tournament, was almost facing uncertainty. But the halt in Operation Sindoor immediately all seems to be normal. My only point of suggestion is why did the Goa government not cancel the Cashew festival and all the money gone for the soldiers and civilians who lost their precious lives to show unity?
We chose to celebrate and try to show some gestures of patriotism by waving the National tri color with an event that also showcased the spirit of Cashew feni. Even the rain Gods acted by turning the second day into a water day show.
Gregory E D’Souza, Siolim
Trump wooing
Arab investors
US President Donald Trump recently concluded a high-profile tour of the Gulf region, securing substantial investment commitments from Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar. These agreements, totalling over $2 trillion will be utilised for various sectors, marking a significant shift in US foreign policy towards more transactional relationships with Middle Eastern allies.
How Trump will utilise the $2 trillion Arab investment is anybody’s guess? Perhaps, he may use them to upgrade old American infrastructure – from highways to airports – or he might use it to set up new industries or revive old ones? At current level, his slogan of ‘Make America Great Again’ is not gaining ground. Importantly, Trump feels that America needs investment and that Americans themselves are not in a position to invest and reinvest in their own country, though America has the largest number of billionaires living in the country.
While these deals promise economic benefits, concerns have been raised by US lawmakers about potential national security risks, particularly regarding the transfer of advanced technologies and the possibility of indirect benefits to rival nations like China.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
Meaningless junket
at the cost of taxpayer
After Modi failed to impress the world, 51 MPs forming seven teams are being sent on a junket to 33 countries to educate them about how the mighty India has vanquished Pakistan.
We thought, we were already Vishwaguru and the world was looking at Modi to solve all it’s problems, including but not limited to climate change, the resurgent Covid virus and even world peace, ie. getting Putin and Zelensky to agree to a ceasefire, and by the way also impressing upon Netanyahhu to stop the massacre of Palestinians.
And just who is going to pay for this international jamboree ?
Do remember, everyone pays taxes, some pay income tax as they have income that falls under taxable bracket, 800 million others would like to pay income tax too but they economically backward and subsisting on 5 kg of free ration per month.
But everyone pays GST, enjoy people as Modi burns your hard-earned money on such brainless endeavours.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
