Terror sans borders

The act of terrorism in Paris is condemnable. No religion will accept innocents being killed in such an outrageous manner. There are many commonalities between the attacks in Mumbai and Paris.

But there is one major difference that media acted responsibly in Paris in that they did not live telecast the happenings, including the counter strategy of security personnel, as was the case with our TV channels.

M Raghuraman

Mumbai

The terror attack in the heart of Paris that left 127 dead shows that the world is far from a secure place to live. The incident exposes chinks in the armour of France to get a grip on terrorism even after it rocked the US in 2001.

Despite the US’ and other nations’ unbridled efforts to fight terror on their respective soil, the rise of outfits such as Islamic State pose a new challenge to the world peace.

Since all nations are grappling with terrorism, the coming together of G20 leaders and collectively reaffirming their stance to defeat terror elements is a good sign in an otherwise polarised global order.

R Prabhu Raj

Bengaluru

Avoidable cess

The editorial “In praise of cess-ation” (November 13) is an objective and informative discussion on the charging of cess in various items of taxes. Imposing a small percentage of cess within the existing taxation figure would often go unnoticed and would not raise much of opposition.

But as stated in the editorial, it is a regressive and an additional burden on the poorest section of tax-payers. The Government should examine the editorial from the point of view of rationalising the imposition of cesses during budget making.

TR Anandan

Coimbatore

Rise above silly issues

This is with reference to “Abuse of history” by G Naga Sridhar (November 16). It is unfortunate that instead of working for the development of the country, our politicians are raking up controversies for selfish motives.

The celebration of Tipu Sultan’s birthday by the government of Karanataka is one such issue. Instead of using the tax payer’s money for development, it is sad that the government is spending the same on celebrating such polarising events. Why cannot our artistes concentrate in their respective fields instead of meddling in every affair? The country will prosper if our politicians and intellectuals rise above petty issues.

Veena Shenoy

Thane

A welcome move

The recent liberalisation in FDI in 15 sectors is a welcome step by the government as a logical step which is another decision to prove that the present Modi government is pro-business class. It is the business class that get write-offs and one-time settlements from banks.

The assurance given by Finance Minister earlier during last budget that corporate tax would be reduced to 25 per cent is another big incentive for business. But no such assurance was given to the aam tax payer. A reasonable inflation linked tax slabs revision should be made mandatory in the tax laws. The government cannot take for granted the middle-class tax payer who can a create decisive opinion.

D J Babu

Email

Kudos Saina!

Though Saina Nehwal finished second best to Olympic champion Li Xuerui in the China Open Super Series Premier badminton tournament in Fuzhou, China, she deserves praise for going the distance. That none of the other Indian shuttlers could go beyond initial rounds shows the gulf in class between her and the rest. Yes, Saina needs to raise her game several notches if she is to match with the best in the game

NJ Ravi Chander

Bangalore

Writing on the wall

This refers to “Vaastu vandalism?”( Below the Line , November 16). Of late, the political class and bureaucrats have started showing much faith in vaastu. Demolishing a wall is a way to address fear of losing power, but it cannot work.

HP Murali

Bengaluru

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