Start-up ecosystem

This refers to ‘How policy muddle is leaving start-up founders worried’ (April 17), by N Ramakrishnan. The SEBI alternate investment funds guidelines streamlined the venture capital and hedge fund business in the country. The mandatory disclosures in the fund documents by the asset managers on the return on investment, the tax structure, etc., benefited the investors of the fund by helping them take informed investment decision. Also the start-up entrepreneurs get intellectual property rights protection on their innovations. Either at the time of registration or thereafter, hardly any interference by the regulator is seen in the functioning of the funds. There could be some initial bureaucratic hiccups to be faced by angel investors in start-ups because of the new policy guidelines issued by DIPP. However, in the long run, the start-up invest system would stabilise paving the way for more angel investments to come.

Bengaluru The editorial ‘Currency games’ reflects US apprehension of being upstaged by emerging economies. While high import duties might help boost demand for domestic products and services, they will, at the same time, have a bearing on US’ exports, given South-East Asia has one of the largest purchasing power parities. On the positive side, one could see this as a opportunity for the nation to become self-sufficient and a repository of knowledge workers.

Chennai

This refers to ‘Let not my country awake… to such bigotry’ (April 17, by Rasheeda Bhagat). While there is a political angle in the rape crimes at Unnao and Kathua and need to be condemned emphatically, let us not forget that the heinous and barbaric treatment Nirbhaya had to face was meted out by ordinary persons. What is equally appalling is that along with an upsurge in crimes against women they are now committed with increasing brutality.

The involvement of juveniles as in Nirbhaya’s case and now Asifa’s adds to the anguish. Irrespective of which party ruled the country apathy towards the women’s dignity has been continuing.

When the government is indifferent and justice delivery system too slow, it is up to the society to punish the culprit such as by recurring humiliation, ridicule and termination of social relationship with him.

The tragedy is that it treats him with kid glove and humiliates the victim. This state of affairs has to change and the young generation has to take the lead here going beyond candle march.

Pune

As if shocking news of these rapes were not enough for us to hang our heads in shame, we saw politics being played around it and shockingly religion also brought into this issue.

A rape is a rape, irrespective of age or background of the victim, it should be condemned without an iota of doubt. Union Minister Maneka Gandhi’s appeal to give death sentence to the rapists of any minor is noteworthy and should be made a law soon.

I do not know when will our souls be shaken enough to end this crime from our society. By politicising this crime, all those who did so have shamed their own mother and sisters.

It is an open secret that there is huge inequality in our society and what ever we claim, we have let down our women big time, time and again.

Time has come for our government to take some drastic steps to end this discrimination and send a strong message to all those who see women as inferior or a weaker gender.

Noida

The report ‘Sugar industry renews demand for subsidy support from Centre’ published in BusinessLine on Saturday April 14 must read “... a production subsidy of ₹45 a tonne of cane to support sugarcane payments.” Not ₹450 as published. The error is regretted.

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