Fatal fashion
Sir — The average cotton shirt produces 2.1 kilogrammes of carbon dioxide and a polyester shirt produces over twice as much. It might come as no surprise, then, that the fashion industry is responsible for around 5% of global CO₂ emissions. But greener alternatives exist. These include fibres produced from waste — think coffee waste and recycled plastic bottles — as well as seaweed, orange, lotus, corn and mushroom. But even if these trends catch on, there is bound to be overexploitation of land to grow these products. The only way to cut down on fashion waste is to thrift old clothes and avoid fast fashion.
Shubhayan Ghosh, Noida
Serious charges
Sir — A recent report by an American short-selling firm, Hindenburg Research, has accused the Adani Group of indulging in stock price manipulation and cross-border financial irregularities (“US ‘can of worms’ erupts on Adanis”, Jan 26). It has been alleged that seven listed companies of the Adani Group have an 85% downside on a fundamental basis due to artificially inflated valuations. The report has sparked widespread panic in the national market, with the shares of the seven companies falling sharply.
Regardless of the veracity of the report, it is incumbent on the Narendra Modi government to have these charges investigated by regulatory bodies like the Securities and Exchange Board of India. Banks should also double-check the viability of the loans given to companies linked to the Adani Group to ensure that the money invested by common people is in safe hands.
S.K. Choudhury, Bengaluru
Points to ponder
Sir — The editorial, “New charter” (Jan 26), has much for the Indian citizenry to ponder, especially when it comes to the subtle shifts that have taken place in our social contract with the State. The ongoing tussle between the judiciary and the executive is symbolic of the current dispensation’s attempt to alter the basic structure of the Constitution since 2014. Only a strong and united Opposition can ensure the survival of democracy.
K. Nehru Patnaik, Visakhapatnam
Stop meddling
Sir — The intense confrontations between governors and elected governments in several Opposition-ruled states seem to be endless. It is unfortunate to see governors toeing the Centre’s line and interfering with the effective functioning of the State machinery. The conduct of the governor should be beyond reproach. It is time for the president, Droupadi Murmu, to direct all governors to work within the ambit of the Constitution and not indulge in political battles with elected chief ministers.
Bishal Kumar Saha, Murshidabad
Cut short
Sir — The proposal by the home secretary of the United Kingdom, Suella Braverman, to reduce the duration for which foreign students can stay back in the UK after completing their degree to six months from two years is ill-advised. The implementation of the plan will be a body blow to the British economy. Tightening eligibility rules during the selection process for long-term work visas may be a better alternative.
Suparni Haldar, Calcutta
Tireless work
Sir — While it is understandable that a majority of citizens enjoy a holiday on Republic Day, what is perplexing is why print versions of newspapers are not published after such national holidays. Journalists still cover newsworthy events and some media houses even carry special editions commemorating notable events from our nation’s history. But readers have to peruse e-papers available online. Journalists deserve to be applauded for their commitment.
C.K. Subramaniam, Navi Mumbai
