Absence of mind

This refers to “The NDA needs better economists” by Subir Roy (February 10). The positive assessment of the Economic Survey that the worst is over and India will be growing faster seems to be a little more over ambitious. The recent Budget does not seem to concur with the assessment. The assessment seems to have endorsed all the policies so far announced by the Centre, but signalled serious course correction in farm policy and affordable healthcare and more, confirming that these have so far not been addressed well. All these point to the absence of genuine economic advice.

Bheemavaram, AP

This is with reference to “PM’s Fellows scheme is a big boost for research” (February 9). India holds vast potential in terms of intelligence and youth power, still we have not contributed much to the world in the form of inventions and new ideas. Our government/leaders mostly believe in short term gains and hence are not able to tap the potential of youngsters/innovators and scientists and invest in research and technology. The Prime Minister should prove that he is different from his contemporaries and call a meeting of experts from different fields under his personal supervision and prove to the world that that India is not far behind in inventions and innovations.

India has done well to turn down Male’s request to send a special envoy to New Delhi. Maldivian President Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s subversion of governance norms and rules has raised New Delhi’s hackles. Besides, Male’s decision to send a special envoy to Pakistan has also miffed New Delhi. The political crisis in the Maldives has deepened after the embattled President declared a state of emergency and ordered the arrest of top judges and a former president. Male must address the concerns of India and the international community if it is to redeem itself.

Bengaluru

This is with reference to reports on market volatility. Regulators must ensure that this trend does not end up promoting alternative investment avenues of an uncertain nature. Investor interests demand that risk-based P2P lending via online/social marketplaces be regulated. Peer lending has significantly grown and enabled borrowers with a sub-par credit history. P2P lending is highly prone to performance risks on account of a higher probability of a borrower-default, credit risks owing to poor loan-sanctioning decisions & lack of fund-monitoring post disbursal, cash drag risks because of a larger borrower-population than the available lenders, platform Risks driven by borrower insolvency or frauds or technology risks/cybersecurity breaches and market risks owing to interest rate fluctuations and unemployment risks leading to non-payments.

Email

This refers to “Kamal: Should Rajini and I fight polls together? (BL Feb 9). Kamal Hassan has given enough hints about his foray into politics ever since the demise of AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa and has now expressed the desire that along with his compatriot in the tinsel world, Rajinikanth, he could fight elections. If the plan fructifies, fans of both the leading actors will grow large and they may see tremendous success electorally.

Bengaluru

The Delhi government’s decision to incentivise scrapping of aged vehicles (15 years old) is well-timed, as it cuts down pollution and makes way for new vehicles that are either compliant with the cleaner BS-VI grade of fuel or electric in nature. In fact, Renault, at it’s Choisy-Le-Roi plant in Paris, has been recycling locally sourced automobile scrap to produce new parts of the same kind with the same quality. Our automobile companies too should try to meaningfully emulate this method.

Hyderabad

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