Editorials

PAGE 50

A chess mystery that needs urgent solving

editorials

Published on Sep 20, 2022 07:04 PM IST

Magnus Carlsen resigning from an online match against 19-year-old Hans Niemann reignited a feud between the players, with no one knowing what's really happening.

Mr Carlsen knows he is the biggest name in the game and is trying to force the issue in the worst way. (AFP)

ByHT Editorial

Stamp out farm fires, urgently

If stubble burning rages on, all other steps to clean Delhi-National Capital Region’s air are likely to give suboptimal results

Farm fires form a significant source of pollution that chokes the Capital, especially in the run-up to, and around the festival season. An HT analysis last year found that roughly a quarter of the lung-damaging PM 2.5 particles suspended in the air around Diwali were sourced to farm fires. Given this, the failure to find a viable solution means that other steps to clean Delhi’s air may only give sub-optimal results. (HT PHOTO)

editorials

Updated on Sep 19, 2022 07:14 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

Booster drive needs a shot in the arm

The government has to find ways to counteract the sense of complacency and fatigue that has seeped into the general public, undertake massive public awareness programmes and, if needed, extend the free booster drive

Beneficiaries get inoculated with precautionary booster doses, Mumbai, September 15, 2022 (HT PHOTO)

editorials

Updated on Sep 19, 2022 07:14 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

Improve the quality of legal aid services

Over the years, authorities have sought to remedy this by introducing schemes tailor-made for vulnerable groups. If the CJI’s encouragement can push more lawyers into helping the needy, it’ll only help improve the health of the justice system in the country

Research has shown that a key fix for India’s overstretched legal system is the lack of access to quality lawyers, especially for marginalised communities and poor people — who form the bulk of people behind bars (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

editorials

Updated on Sep 18, 2022 08:11 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

China’s stand on terror is dubious

The blocking of the listing of Lashkar-e-Taiba’s Sajid Mir raises questions about its commitment to fight terror

It is not hard to understand why Indian officials repeatedly refer to China’s “double standards” on terrorism. After all, this is the same country that is using terrorism and extremism as an excuse to launch a widespread campaign of repression against the Uyghur minority of Xinjiang, described in some quarters as genocide (AFP)

editorials

Updated on Sep 18, 2022 08:12 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

Roger Federer transcends sport

What is sport if not a saga of legendary stories that offer life lessons on how to win, how to lose, how to strive for excellence, and how to never give up

As Federer finally walks into the sunset at 41, will he be remembered as the greatest tennis player to walk the planet? Perhaps not. Will he, however, be remembered as one of the greatest sporting icons of all time? Undoubtedly. (AFP)

editorials

Updated on Sep 16, 2022 07:41 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

Bringing the cheetah back is a bold idea

There are several reasons why India is keen to reintroduce cheetahs into the wild.

An India-bound African cheetah undergoes a health examination. (PTI)

editorials

Published on Sep 15, 2022 08:35 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

The world must do better on Covid

A new report on pandemic response shows glaring missteps. Lessons must be learnt fast

On India’s handling, it said that variants such as Delta and massive crowd events proved devastating. (AP)

editorials

Published on Sep 15, 2022 08:34 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

Beyond China, why SCO is key

Prime Mnister Narendra Modi’s presence in the Samarkand meet shows India is engaging with the world on its own terms

People stand in front of the Registan square in downtown Samarkand on September 13, 2022 (AFP)

editorials

Updated on Sep 14, 2022 09:09 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

Another setback for the Congress in Goa

The party has blamed the BJP’s political and financial muscle and accused the ruling party of using federal agencies as tools of intimidation, but its continued vulnerability will lower its stock at a time of intense jostling in the national Opposition space

The defections are an embarrassment for the Congress which finds itself unable to defend its stables in the state for the second time in three years, despite having made each lawmaker take a public oath not to desert the party ahead of the assembly elections earlier this year. (AP)

editorials

Updated on Sep 14, 2022 09:09 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

One step forward on the road to inclusivity

The UP assembly deciding to reserve a day for women lawmakers to speak on a range of issues is welcome, but beyond ad-hoc measures, long-term remedies are needed.

Women make up around 11% of UP’s lower House, which is somewhat lower than the percentage of women members in the Lok Sabha, 14.6%. (ANI)

editorials

Published on Sep 13, 2022 10:36 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

A heartening health update

A dip in Out of Pocket spending is welcome but the data says little about adequacy of health care

As far as the increase in government spending – this is what seems to have led to a drop in OOP spending– is concerned, states deserve as much credit as the Centre. (HT File Photo)

editorials

Published on Sep 13, 2022 10:33 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

A turning point in the Ukraine conflict?

World powers would do well to take this moment and convince both sides, especially Moscow, to come back to the negotiating table

This photograph taken on September 11, 2022, shows a Ukranian soldier standing atop an abandoned Russian tank near a village on the outskirts of Izyum, Kharkiv Region, eastern Ukraine, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine (AFP)

editorials

Updated on Sep 12, 2022 07:40 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

A new Mandir battle begins

The legal fight in the Gyanvapi Masjid case will be long, and the top court may have to decide key issues

Members of Shiv Sena Dogra Front celebrate after the district court's verdict in the Gyanvapi mosque-Shringar Gauri case, Jammu, September 12, 2022 (PTI)

editorials

Updated on Sep 12, 2022 10:00 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

Transparency is key for Congress polls

The credibility of the internal electoral process cannot be compromised, and the party must dispel any impression that the new president of the party is handpicked.

To take on a dominant BJP and even compete with resurgent regional outfits, the Congress has to effect change across several axes: Messaging, leadership and organisation.

editorials

Published on Sep 11, 2022 08:38 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

Twin issues the economy faces

India must balance preserving food security without letting inflation spiral out of control

While the State has banned the export of some varieties of rice to pre-empt domestic shortages, it remains to be seen what the response to its rice procurement drive will be.

editorials

Published on Sep 11, 2022 08:35 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

On China, India must be alert

India and China have agreed on disengagement of their frontline troops in the Hot Springs area along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) after months of protracted negotiations, but it is also obvious that serious differences remain between the two sides

It is also strange that it took nearly two months to implement the consensus evolved by senior military commanders on Hot Springs, because the disengagement involved only a low number of troops from both sides. (REUTERS)

editorials

Updated on Sep 09, 2022 07:45 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

Rethinking notions on merit in India

Delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi, justice DY Chandrachud stressed that merit needed to be redefined, and that merit and upliftment should not be seen in dichotomy.

There’s a third way to approach this debate, one underlined earlier this week by Supreme Court judge, justice DY Chandrachud. (PTI)

editorials

Published on Sep 08, 2022 08:19 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

Public spaces are important

The revamped Central Vista is a key reminder that cities need open and safe spaces for all

The Central Vista holds a special space in the Indian consciousness, not only as an imposing edifice of government but also as the living, breathing heart of the Republic. (Central Government)

editorials

Published on Sep 08, 2022 08:14 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

Expand the focus on foundational learning

It is important to remember that attaining foundational skills was a critical challenge even before the pandemic. Data from the 2019 ASER showed that less than half of Grade 5 students had mastered Grade 2 level literacy. The last two pandemic years have only accentuated the problem

The status of learning among students in under-resourced and localised “English medium” schools mushrooming in rural and peri-urban centres could be worse. Now that school attendance has stabilised, it is essential to see what kinds of remedial studies and reorientation have been done in State-run schools and whether they are showing results. There is absolutely no room to waste time. (Shutterstock)

editorials

Updated on Sep 07, 2022 07:37 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

Banning crackers can help Delhi air

Delhi announced a complete ban on the manufacture, storage, sale and use of firecrackers in the Capital till January 1, 2023. The early announcement is a welcome move, but curb the menace of stubble burning in neighbouring states also

In 2021, for instance, Delhi woke up to one of its most polluted post-Diwali mornings in 2021. This was not because the ban was unsatisfactorily implemented but due to farm fires that had spiked in the run-up to the festival (and had contributed as much as a quarter of the pollution load on Diwali) and sluggish wind speeds that were inadequate to disperse the pollutants. (Keshav Singh/HTPhoto)

editorials

Updated on Sep 07, 2022 07:37 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

Jharkhand governor needs to clear the air

To keep Election Commission's recommendations on whether chief minister Hemant Soren should be disqualified as MLA under wraps hurts the legitimacy of the government

The poll watchdog was asked for its opinion by governor Ramesh Bais after the Bharatiya Janata Party demanded Mr Soren be disqualified for allegedly violating office of profit guidelines by getting a mining licence in his name. (ANI)

editorials

Published on Sep 06, 2022 10:06 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

India needs a new urban deal

Bengaluru’s catastrophe is the future of cities, if climate action is not core to urban planning

For Indian cities to transition to a climate-secure future, they must shed the maze of administrative red tape that has come to define urban governance. (Reuters)

editorials

Published on Sep 06, 2022 10:04 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

Will Truss be good for India?

The UK PM-designate’s stand on Free Trade Agreement finalisation and the Indo-Pacific will shape bilateral relations

New Conservative Party leader and incoming prime minister Liz Truss smiles and waves as she arrives at Conservative Party Headquarters in central London having been announced the winner of the leadership contest September 5, 2022 (AFP)

editorials

Updated on Sep 05, 2022 08:02 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

Collect comprehensive data on the services sector

When read with other indicators, such as the June quarter GDP data, there is reason to check such unqualified euphoria

PMI services were higher than the August numbers in every month of the quarter ending June. Yet, the sub-sector of services with the highest employment intensity -- trade, hotel, transport, communication and broadcasting services have a share of more than 17% in total employment – did not cross pre-pandemic levels in it. (HTPHOTO)

editorials

Updated on Sep 05, 2022 08:01 PM IST

ByHT Correspondent

A good start by CJI Lalit

The Supreme Court has cleared 1,800 cases in four days, showing that pendency can be tackled effectively

In a country where the courts often have to be the final arbiters of matters familial to national, a strong signal of efficiency, productivity and discipline from the top court is certain to percolate down the judicial branch and help citizens access justice better, and faster (ANI)

editorials

Updated on Sep 04, 2022 09:09 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

Taking Delhi-Dhaka ties to the next level

There is also a growing realisation on both sides of the need to take the relationship to the next level, especially ahead of the national elections in Bangladesh in 2023 and in India in 2024

Indian and Bangladeshi leaders can often be heard referring to the current phase of bilateral relations as a shonali odhyay or golden chapter. (Mohd Zakir/HT PHOTO)

editorials

Updated on Sep 04, 2022 09:10 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

Rethinking anonymity

The Centre wants to make identity verification mandatory online. This may not be advisable

In reality, anonymity and pseudonymity have been a crucial tool for inclusivity. (Shutterstock)

editorials

Published on Sep 02, 2022 08:18 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

Why sand mining in Chambal is not right

While the area opened for sand mining is around half a per cent of NCWS’s total size, the decision could, environmentalists fear, effectively legalise illegal sand mining

Sand mining leads to river erosion, shrinking deltas, land-use changes, air pollution, salinisation of groundwater reserves, and threatens freshwater fisheries and biodiversity. (FILE PHOTO)

editorials

Updated on Sep 01, 2022 08:36 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

Follow the law in Karnataka case

It has been eight days since a prominent seer from Karnataka was booked by the police for allegedly sexually exploiting two minor girls who were a part of the mutt that was headed by the man and lived in an adjoining hostel

Legal proceedings have moved at a snail’s pace against Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru, who has been neither officially questioned in the case nor arrested. (HTPhoto)

editorials

Updated on Sep 01, 2022 08:36 PM IST

ByHT Editorial

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Editorials

Magnus Carlsen resigning from an online match against 19-year-old Hans Niemann reignited a feud between the players, with no one knowing what's really happening.

If stubble burning rages on, all other steps to clean Delhi-National Capital Region’s air are likely to give suboptimal results

The government has to find ways to counteract the sense of complacency and fatigue that has seeped into the general public, undertake massive public awareness programmes and, if needed, extend the free booster drive

Over the years, authorities have sought to remedy this by introducing schemes tailor-made for vulnerable groups. If the CJI’s encouragement can push more lawyers into helping the needy, it’ll only help improve the health of the justice system in the country

The blocking of the listing of Lashkar-e-Taiba’s Sajid Mir raises questions about its commitment to fight terror

What is sport if not a saga of legendary stories that offer life lessons on how to win, how to lose, how to strive for excellence, and how to never give up

There are several reasons why India is keen to reintroduce cheetahs into the wild.

A new report on pandemic response shows glaring missteps. Lessons must be learnt fast

Prime Mnister Narendra Modi’s presence in the Samarkand meet shows India is engaging with the world on its own terms

The party has blamed the BJP’s political and financial muscle and accused the ruling party of using federal agencies as tools of intimidation, but its continued vulnerability will lower its stock at a time of intense jostling in the national Opposition space

The UP assembly deciding to reserve a day for women lawmakers to speak on a range of issues is welcome, but beyond ad-hoc measures, long-term remedies are needed.

A dip in Out of Pocket spending is welcome but the data says little about adequacy of health care

World powers would do well to take this moment and convince both sides, especially Moscow, to come back to the negotiating table

The legal fight in the Gyanvapi Masjid case will be long, and the top court may have to decide key issues

The credibility of the internal electoral process cannot be compromised, and the party must dispel any impression that the new president of the party is handpicked.

India must balance preserving food security without letting inflation spiral out of control

India and China have agreed on disengagement of their frontline troops in the Hot Springs area along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) after months of protracted negotiations, but it is also obvious that serious differences remain between the two sides

Delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi, justice DY Chandrachud stressed that merit needed to be redefined, and that merit and upliftment should not be seen in dichotomy.

The revamped Central Vista is a key reminder that cities need open and safe spaces for all

It is important to remember that attaining foundational skills was a critical challenge even before the pandemic. Data from the 2019 ASER showed that less than half of Grade 5 students had mastered Grade 2 level literacy. The last two pandemic years have only accentuated the problem

Delhi announced a complete ban on the manufacture, storage, sale and use of firecrackers in the Capital till January 1, 2023. The early announcement is a welcome move, but curb the menace of stubble burning in neighbouring states also

To keep Election Commission's recommendations on whether chief minister Hemant Soren should be disqualified as MLA under wraps hurts the legitimacy of the government

Bengaluru’s catastrophe is the future of cities, if climate action is not core to urban planning

The UK PM-designate’s stand on Free Trade Agreement finalisation and the Indo-Pacific will shape bilateral relations

When read with other indicators, such as the June quarter GDP data, there is reason to check such unqualified euphoria

The Supreme Court has cleared 1,800 cases in four days, showing that pendency can be tackled effectively

There is also a growing realisation on both sides of the need to take the relationship to the next level, especially ahead of the national elections in Bangladesh in 2023 and in India in 2024

The Centre wants to make identity verification mandatory online. This may not be advisable

While the area opened for sand mining is around half a per cent of NCWS’s total size, the decision could, environmentalists fear, effectively legalise illegal sand mining

It has been eight days since a prominent seer from Karnataka was booked by the police for allegedly sexually exploiting two minor girls who were a part of the mutt that was headed by the man and lived in an adjoining hostel

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