Myths about 5G

Apropos India will get 5G this year, many are anxious about its impact on the environment as 4G itself has supposedly led to the disappearance of many bird species, especially sparrows. One cannot be sure till there is hard proof that confirms that 5G network causes death of birds. Until then, people will continue to come up with all sorts of claims. The 5G waves don’t differ much from the WiFi network in your home.

5G is being introduced all over the world and incidents of bird deaths haven’t been reported from anywhere else. The frequency of this electromagnetic radiation is even lower than the frequency of visible light. It may cause no ionisation and is probably undetectable by animals, let alone hazardous for them. 5G will take technology to the next level, further modernising our generation by providing wireless networks greater speed, coverage, and responsiveness. Nevertheless, the long-term effects of these waves will need to be monitored. For now, it is suggested that we do not jump into conclusions without evidence.

Raichur, Karnataka

With reference to ‘Circuit breaker’ (February 26), the manifold increase in sales of electronic goods, the burgeoning telecom and networking market, besides the enormous growth in the usage of portable, wireless products are driving the semi-conductor design industry in India. Lack of semi-conductor manufacturing ecosystem, specialised skills, competition from other Asian countries and dismal R&D budgets in the electronics space are the major challenges facing the country. The capital subsidy sops offered in M-SIPS and the risk capital support made by government through Electronic Development Fund for developing new technologies in the areas of electronics, nano-electronics and IT with a view to promote innovation, R&D and product development within the country, unfortunately did not result in the anticipated growth. As aptly remarked, more focus should be on export orientation rather than import substitution and allocation of more funds towards R&D activity.

Bengaluru

The decisive and successful strike by the Indian Air Force, resulting in the annihilation of scores of terrorists belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and the infrastructure of terror groups operating with impunity in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir for decades deserves praise. It had sent a clear and an unequivocal message that India can no longer remain a mute spectator to the terror strikes sponsored from across the border. As a sovereign and independent nation, India has every right to defend and protect its soil from terror attacks. That the parties across the political spectrum stood united and appreciated the IAF for its pre-dawn strike at terror groups in PoK is indeed heartening. Pakistan may retaliate, but it needs to understand the fact that nuclear weapons at its disposal will hardly deter India from launching pre-emptive strikes and other military responses to secure its borders and protect its citizens.

Sholavandan, TN

Although the markets continue to be in a wait-and-watch mode, it is important to preserve the mildly positive sentiment on account of favourable macroeconomic indicators. Targeted job-growth and implementation of the development-oriented vision, backed by public-welfare schemes, is the need of the hour. Further, investor confidence is relatively subdued and clouded by uncertainty, primarily due to rising tension, turbulent global cues and speculation on the outcome of general elections.

It is, therefore, important to control the fiscal deficit and enhance production, in order to generate a domestic surplus and strategically control inflation. Improved exports and advancement in niche technologies can sustain the healthy growth-rate in the longer-run. Enforcing regulations can enhance transparency, improve disclosures, curb volatility/arbitrage and promote business ethics.

New Delhi

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