Lip reading
Sir — A surprising indicator of economic health is the sale of lipsticks. The ‘lipstick index’ theory suggests that the purchase of lipsticks is inversely proportional to economic downturns because while people cut down on unnecessary expenses during a crisis, small — relatively inexpensive — luxuries are bought as mood lifters. Yet, the pandemic led to a massive dip in lipstick sales. There could be a simple explanation for this. People were not only forced to stay at home but also to wear face masks when in public, rendering lipsticks useless. Never before has one event upturned so many established theories.
Dhruv Khanna , Mumbai
Leadership crisis
Sir — The Congress is yet to arrive at a consensus about who should take over the reins of the Grand Old Party. While many leaders and party workers continue to insist that Rahul Gandhi should take up the mantle of the party president,the Gandhi scion is reluctant to do so (“Party insists on Rahul as president”, Aug 25).The chief minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, has now emerged as a frontrunner for the top job. Gehlot is not only an astute politician but also close to both the Gandhi family and the rebel faction of Congress leaders. However, as long as the Gandhi family holds disproportionate sway over the party, it will be difficult for any new president to revive the Congress.
Khokan Das,Calcutta
Sir — The interim Congress chief, Sonia Gandhi, has proposed the name of Ashok Gehlot as the new party president. Her nomination of Gehlot raises concerns about the integrity of the impending presidential election. Do the Gandhis want to retain de facto control of the party? The Congress has tasted scant electoral success in the recent past. Its disconnect with the masses and its failure to project itself as a credible Opposition to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party are the reasons behind such poor performances. A democratically elected party leader is, therefore, necessary to put the Congress’ house back in order.
M. Jeyaram,Sholavandan, Tamil Nadu
Gag order
Sir — The Bengaluru police have cancelled a stand-up show by the comic, Munawar Faruqui (“Bangalore cops cancel Munawar show again”, Aug 21). This is the second time in less than a year that Faruqui’s show has been cancelled at the behest of Hindutva outfits. The latter have accused the comedian of insulting Hindu gods and goddesses. Political dissidents and minority voices are being targeted by the sangh parivar on a regular basis. This will lead to self-censorship.
S.S. Paul,Nadia
Paid with ease
Sir — A unified payments interface allows customers to make instant, real-time transactions from their smartphones. The Reserve Bank of India is reportedly considering the introduction of charges on UPI fund transfers. Charges on UPI, RTGS or NEFT transfers will boost government revenue. However, if the government does levy charges, it should ensure that the amount is feasible for both merchants and users.
Swati Pandey,Ujjain
Powerful image
Sir — The images of Jupiter captured by the James Webb Space Telescope, the most powerful astronomical instrument in the world, reveal new details about the planet. In the photographs, the ‘great red spot’, which scientists say could be a storm big enough to swallow the Earth, appears to be glowing white owing to sunlight bouncing off high-altitude clouds. The telescope also captured images of Jupiter’s rings, its small moons and even distant galaxies. The telescope may reveal more about the solar system.
Ashok Kumar Ghosh,Calcutta
