Romantic getaway

Sir — Book-blogging is among the most successful segments on social media. Not only has it been proven to increase overall readership but it has also given birth to new genres such as ‘romantasy’. This particular category, a portmanteau of ‘romance’ and fantasy’, has gained a massive following worldwide. Romantasy novels are set in fantastical worlds with classic romantic plotlines — enemies-to-lovers, soulmates and love triangles. Could it be that the steady decline in marriage rates — 1.2 million more youths were unmarried in 2021 than in 2011 — and the complexities of modern dating have led to the rise in the popularity of fantastic, romantic escapades? What people are struggling to find in real life — soulmates — they can easily find in romantasy.

Manini Sen, Calcutta

Just defence

Sir — The Supreme Court was right to come down heavily on the returning officer who sullied the Chandigarh mayoral election by defacing ballot papers, invalidating eight votes, producing tampered results and “murdering democracy” in the process (“SC cries ‘murder’ on Chandigarh mayor polls”, Feb 6). One hopes that the apex court’s verdict will nip a dangerous precedent in the bud. A polling officer cannot let his political ideologies influence the proceedings of an election. The court’s scathing criticism of manipulating election results is damaging to the image of the Bharatiya Janata Party, which pompously celebrated its win in the mayoral elections not so long ago.

G. David Milton, Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu

Money troubles

Sir — The Reserve Bank of India has prohibited Paytm Payments Bank Limited from accepting deposits or top-ups in any customer account or wallet after February 29 (“Post Feb 29 lock on Paytm deposit purse”, Feb 1). The RBI had initially directed PPBL to stop the onboarding of new customers in March 2022. But subsequent reports reveal persistent non-compliance with RBI regulations. This raises concerns about the operations of this payment entity.

C.K. Subramaniam, Navi Mumbai

Sir — The goings-on at PPBL are concerning. Users of this app find themselves in a tough spot when it comes to withdrawing their deposits and businesses from Paytm. There are rumours regarding Chinese investments in the app. These must be investigated for the sake of Indians who use Paytm.

Paramananda Pal, Calcutta

Sir — The management of One97 Communications Limited, the parent company of the Paytm app, is to be blamed for the current fiasco. The founder of Paytm, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, might claim that all is hunky-dory, but nothing other than the company’s total disregard for governmental policies can result in such sustained non-compliance with an RBI mandate. Several payment banks have opposed the RBI’s strict rules to increase profitability. However, the banking regulator cannot put the depositors’ money at risk. One hopes that Sharma learns his lesson the hard way.

Bal Govind, Noida

Strike a balance

Sir — The Maldivian president, Mohamed Muizzu, is opposing India in a bid to warm up to China (“Muizzu’s first House speech: India out!”, Feb 6). Being the leader of a predominantly Muslim nation, Muizzu should be aware of how China has been treating Uighur Muslims. There is no space for plurality in China. While Muizzu is eyeing the economic benefits that China has to offer in the way of financial aid, he must remember the debt trap that Sri Lanka finds itself in after taking help from Beijing. India has been a faithful friend to the Maldives. Muizzu needs to choose his allies wisely.

S. Kamat, Mysuru

Sir — President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives has given more than enough indication that he is not looking to India for support. Given the Maldives’ location in the Indian Ocean, Muizzu will have to maintain traditional, strategic interests with India, which is its closest and most powerful neighbour. As both nations navigate choppy waters, it is crucial to address the root causes of this discord and seek a diplomatic resolution.

S.S. Paul, Nadia

Save the young

Sir — The Election Commission of India has asked political parties to not use children in campaigning in any form whatsoever, including for the distribution of posters and pamphlets or sloganeering. District election officers and returning officers will be personally responsible to ensure compliance with all relevant acts and laws about child labour. This is heartening.

Bhagwan Thadani, Mumbai

Good lessons

Sir — The Teachers’ Centre at Frank Anthony Public School recently organised a session to address safety concerns for students on school campuses and suggested some important measures to this end (“Tips to make schools safe for kids”, Feb 5). The education boards must ensure that schools follow standard safety norms on school campuses. It is unfortunate that basic safety protocols, such as having functional surveillance cameras, recruiting staff and employees after proper background checks and police verification, are not followed in almost any school. Children must be taught to speak up. Guardians should not be lax with children’s safety.

Kiran Agarwal, Calcutta

Historic item

Sir — It is exciting that Lionel Messi’s first contract with FC Barcelona which was written on a paper napkin and signed by a 13-year-old Messi in December 2000 is up for auction (“Napkin to be auctioned”, Feb 2). One hopes that the buyer will donate it to a sports museum where football fans can see it.

Sourish Misra, Calcutta