Dangerous disease

Sir — Liberals and left-leaning individuals are an embattled lot all over the world these days. After all, fighting the ascendant right-wing is no mean feat. It now seems that there is yet another enemy for the liberals to fight: toxoplasma. Toxoplasmosis is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases in the world and produces no obvious symptoms in humans. However, a new study published in the journal, Evolutionary Psychology, has found that the disease can spur changes in a person’s political beliefs and values through an inflammatory reaction. The effects of a parasitic infection in shaping political attitudes may be surprising; yet the findings align with past research. This new study shows that the parasite of divisiveness may not be metaphorical at all.

Jharna Sanyal, Calcutta

Keep calm

Sir — There has been a rapid escalation in nuclear tensions recently with the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, threatening to use all means necessary to defend newly-seized territory in Ukraine and his counterpart in the United States of America, Joe Biden, warning him of Armageddon if Russia crosses the nuclear rubicon. Both sides must calm down. Countries across the world must use all tools at their disposal to persuade Putin to give up such a dangerous pursuit. A nuclear war will be the end of the world as we know it.

Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai

Powerful wings

Sir — The induction of Prachand, a light combat helicopter manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, into the Indian air force has come as a shot in the arm for the country. As the lightest fighter helicopter in the world, which can land at and take off from heights of 15,000 feet loaded with weapons and fuel, Prachand can be deployed potentially at all borders. Indigenisation of defence hardware is sine qua non for a country to become a military superpower. The role played by HAL assumes significance in this context.

M. Jeyaram, Sholavandan, Tamil Nadu

Delaying tactic

Sir — It is surprising that even though the Bharatiya Janata Party is opposed to granting scheduled caste status to Dalits who have converted to other religions, the Central government has set up a panel to examine the matter ‘in its entirety’. The Centre is simply buying time to try and keep voters happy. It must, however, be considered whether Dalit converts to other faiths need the benefits accruing from an SC status in order to make up for centuries of disinheritance, discrimination and deprivation. Conversion might render Dalits casteless but it does not improve the social status of people overnight. It is worth noting that there is no caste system in Buddhism and Sikhism but Dalit converts to these religions are accorded the SC status.

G. David Milton, Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu

Sir — The BJP government is merely postponing the question of granting SC status to Dalits who have converted to Islam or Christianity. It is no secret that the saffron party is opposed to this idea. The formation of a panel days before a hearing on the issue at the apex court is suspicious to say the least.

Shreya Basu, Calcutta

Best of both worlds

Sir — The editorial, “Those green books” (Oct 8), beautifully articulated the role of Indian literature in raising environmental awareness. The editorial not only cites interesting examples from Indian literature but also illustrates how Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring helped ban a harmful pesticide like DDT. However, in this age of the internet, not many people read literature. How then is it supposed to have a positive impact? This is where the power of social media comes in — it can be used to spread the word about both literature as well as the environment.

Sukhendu Bhattacharjee, Hooghly

Grave loss

Sir — In August, the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government failed to pay salaries to its employees on time. This led to questions about financial prudence, especially the AAP’s pre-poll promises such as giving 300 units of free electricity to every household from July 1, which is expected to place an additional burden of 1,800 crore rupees on the exchequer. A white paper brought out by the present government after coming to power stated that the debt indicators of the state are probably the worst in the country. The government has also refrained from imposing new taxes. In the budget, it has proposed to raise loans to the tune of Rs 35,000 crore in the ongoing financial year. The government is meeting the current account expenditure by taking loans; it is repaying loans and interests by taking loans; and also paying for freebies by taking loans. It is clear that Punjab is being pushed deeper and deeper into a debt trap.

Taunty Singh, Ludhiana

Risky proposition

Sir — 5G internet facilities are now a reality in some parts of India. Consumers stand to gain higher internet speeds. But fraudsters, too, can now carry out their activities at a higher pace. There is thus an urgent need to strengthen security and raise awareness about internet frauds.

Paramananda Pal, Calcutta

Grand occasion

Sir — The Durga Puja carnival on Red Road last week was one that will be remembered for years to come. The artistry and craftsmanship on display were matchless. Romana Ahmed, Calcutta „Sir — Idols of the top Durga Pujas in Calcutta were showcased at a grand carnival in the heart of the city recently, bringing this year’s most awaited festivities to a close. The wait is already on for 2023.

Ratna Dey, Calcutta