Hidden depth

Sir — Musicians tend to modulate their voices to make melodies catchier. ‘Vocal fry’ is one such technique wherein the artist sings with a deep vocal register, elongating certain syllables to induce a groovy sensation. However, according to research, while several singers are known to use raspy voices — Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, David Bowie, Kurt Cobain come to mind — women who use this technique are perceived to be less intelligent. But a recent study has shown that toothed whales also use vocal fry to navigate their way underwater. It remains to be seen whether this finding can dent such preconceived notions against women.

Gunjan Saini, Mumbai

Safety check

Sir — It is unfortunate that at least 17 people were killed and more than 100 injured in a powerful explosion in a building in Dhaka. It is feared that chemicals illegally stored inside the building may have caused the blast. The frequency of fire accidents in Bangladesh has increased four times over the past two decades. This can be attributed to rapid urbanisation without adequate planning and the failure to provide basic infrastructure such as fire safety systems. In large cities like Dhaka, fire safety regulations are being flouted with impunity. It is also disheartening that the revised national building code, which stipulates rules to ensure the safe construction of buildings and accountability through the formation of the national regulatory authority, is yet to come into force. The government must ensure the enactment of the code without delay.

Jayanta Datta, Hooghly

Worsening feud

Sir — The feud between the Shehbaz Sharif-led ruling coalition and the former prime minister, Imran Khan, has aggravated. Ever since being ousted from power in 2022, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief has found himself embroiled in a string of court cases against him. But Khan has alleged that these cases were framed at the instruction of the ruling regime. He has skipped court hearings four times in order to evade arrest, thereby making a mockery of the law. With the general elections around the corner, it seems that both Pakistan’s political system and economy are heading towards a collapse.

Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai

At odds

Sir — While speaking on Chinese aggression at India’s borders, the external affairs minister, S. Jaishankar, has either chosen to parrot the sentiments of the ruling regime, blaming the Congress and the Nehru-Gandhi family for the conflict, or adopted a defeatist attitude by stating that India cannot pick a war with China as the latter is a bigger economy (“Jaishankar, what a ‘blasphemy’!”, Feb 23). This is in stark contrast to the claim by the Union defence minister, Rajnath Singh, that the Indian army has given a befitting reply to China at the border. Such contradictory approaches have created confusion about the conflict. The people of the country are entitled to the truth. The government should thus come forward with a unified stand on the issue.

S. Kamat, Alto Santa Cruz, Goa

Seasonal woe

Sir — India is witnessing an upsurge in flu cases over the past few weeks caused by an Influenza A subtype, H3N2 (“ICMR: Influenza subtype behind persistent cough”, Mar 5). Even though viral infections are common during seasonal changes, the symptoms of the ongoing spurt are more severe, leading to hospitalisations. Patients displaying such symptoms should be isolated to prevent transmission. Further, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics should be discouraged.

D.V.G. Sankararao, Andhra Pradesh

Sir — According to Randeep Guleria, the former chief of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, the H3N2 virus mutates every year. Hence, the immunity gained against the earlier subtypes will not be effective against the current strain. Anti-Covid-19 measures thus must be reintroduced to contain the spread. The government should also consider vaccinating high-risk groups.

Bhagwan Thadani, Mumbai

Blunt weapon

Sir — Domestic violence is a manifestation of patriarchy (“Unsafe homes”, Mar 7). The lack of women’s independence is a cause of atrocities against them. Although the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act of 2005 provides women with remedial measures, the victims often feel less empowered to approach the authority against their abusers. This should be addressed.

Aranya Sanyal, Siliguri

Free ride

Sir — It was heartening to learn that the BhakraNangal train has been offering free rides to passengers for the past 73 years. Although the route was initially formed to transport workers for the construction of the BhakraNangal dam, the train has remained functional in spite of technological challenges and offers the younger generation lessons on the region’s history. The management should be lauded for this.

Binay Kumar Basu, Hooghly