Early birds
Sir — ‘The early bird catches the worm’, or so goes the adage. Despite most people extolling the virtues of early rising, the factors that make someone a morning person have eluded humanity. Hearteningly, a study has found that our genetic predisposition — DNA inherited from the Homo sapiens’ ancient cousins, the Neanderthals — determines whether someone is naturally a morning lark. This DNA helped the early humans who migrated to Eurasia from Africa adapt to the new environment. Unfortunately, a biased scientific approach has long viewed the Neanderthals as primitive dimwits. The latest finding thus not only dispels those misconceptions but also shows that the genes of the proverbial early birds may be the secret to success in some individuals.
Abhratanu Maity, Mumbai
Silent treatment
Sir — The prime minister, Narendra Modi, and the Union home minister, Amit Shah, have both stayed away from parliamentary proceedings since the security breach on December 13 and have shunned persistent demands from the Opposition for statements and a debate on the issue on the floor of the House (“Breach, yes; Debate, no: PM”, Dec 18). This betrays their contempt for parliamentary conventions. Further, the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Rajya Sabha chairman rejected the Opposition’s notices to take up the matter as adjournment motions.
Yet, both Modi and Shah found time to address the issue outside Parliament during their interactions with certain media groups. This is unsurprising given Modi’s aversion to parliamentary discussions. The absence of informed debates is detrimental to the democratic framework.
S.K. Choudhury, Bengaluru
Sir — Even as the prime minister highlighted the seriousness of the Parliament security breach incident during a recent media interaction, steps are yet to be taken against Pratap Simha, the Bharatiya Janata Party member of Parliament whose recommendation helped the two accused secure passes to the Lok Sabha visitors’ gallery. Simha should at least have been suspended from the House until the investigation is completed.
On the contrary, 92 Opposition members have been suspended for protesting on the floor of the House and demanding a statement from the government on the matter. Stalling discussion on burning issues and stifling dissent have become synonymous with the saffron dispensation’s style of governance.
S. Kamat, Alto Santa Cruz, Goa
Sir — The Central government must be held accountable for the breach in Parliament security. It also cannot shirk responsibility for the circumstances that led to the security breakdown — the youths who infiltrated the Parliament building intended to make their voices heard against rising unemployment and inflation (“The elephant in the room: Why?”, Dec 17).
The Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi, has rightly stated that the reasons behind the actions of the accused must not be ignored. The government should take steps to not only ensure the sanctity of Parliament but also address the hopelessness of the country’s youth.
Sujit De, Calcutta
New code
Sir — The Centre has refused to refer the three new criminal law bills to another panel, ruling out undue haste in getting them passed (“Quiet shift”, Dec 18). This is disconcerting as an informed debate about the provisions of the proposed Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita is in the public interest. Moreover, concerns have been raised about the new law providing significant powers to the government in matters of arrest.
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act is also facing scrutiny for governmental misuse and overreach. A comprehensive reading of the key changes of the new bills must thus be undertaken.
S.S. Paul, Nadia
Free the press
Sir — After acquiring stakes in Quintillion Business Media Limited and NDTV, the business tycoon, Gautam Adani, has secured a controlling stake in the news agency, IANS India (“Adani buys 50.5% in IANS” Dec 17). This reinforces the concerns about worsening press freedom in India.
The allegations against the malpractices by the Adani Group, highlighted in the Hindenburg report, and the tycoon’s rumoured proximity to Narendra Modi cannot be brushed off. The media’s function as the country’s watchdog is contingent upon its independence.
Abhinab Paul, Baripada, Odisha
Historic win
Sir — The Indian women’s cricket team scripted history at the D.Y. Patil Stadium by defeating England by 347 runs — the highest margin of victory by runs in women’s Test history (“Skipper lauds coach role”, Dec 17). The stellar 9/39 match figures of the off-spinner, Deepti Sharma, rightly earned her the Player of the Match award.
The win not only provided a glimpse of India’s prowess in the long format — a rare feat these days — but it also signals a turning point in women’s Test cricket. It is hoped that the victory will generate more public interest, investments and opportunities for women cricketers.
Amarjeet Kumar, Hazaribagh
Sir — The manner in which the Indian women cricketers hammered their English counterparts in a one-off Test match was exemplary. Deepti Sharma, hailed as the ‘Ben Stokes of the team’, led the victory with a nine-wicket haul that was supported by Pooja Vastrakar.
It beggars belief that this was the first win by the Indian women’s cricket team on home ground in nine years. Test matches scrutinise the core strength of a cricketer. The Board of Control for Cricket in India should thus consider increasing the number of Test matches.
Bal Govind, Noida
