Many passengers try to make their bags easier to spot by tying bright ribbons or bows to the handles. According to an airport baggage handler, this well-meant trick can actually increase the chances of the suitcase going missing. Airline identification tags are usually fixed to the handle. These extra decorations can obstruct the automated scanners used in the baggage hall. If not scanned properly, the bag is diverted for manual processing, which increases the risk of it being delayed. 

Jayanthy Subramaniam, Mumbai 

Social media use

Apropos the news “MNS-UBT workers assault YouTube over abusive posts” (Jan 31), while posting obscene and derogatory comments against anyone, let alone leaders of political parties, is highly reprehensible, and taking the law into one’s hands should be avoided at all costs. The culprits should be handed over to the police. Social media platforms should be used for diffusing useful messages for the benefit of others.

H.P. Murali, Bengaluru

Veggie prices

Apropos the report “Wholesale prices of vegetables crash at Koyambedu, amid glut, poor demand” (Jan 31). The trend is not reflected in the retail market. No vegetable is available for less than Rs 60 to Rs 80 per kg. The state govts should take an initiative to open vegetable shops at all important places in the city and sell them at a subsidised rate. 

Kavitha Srikanth, Chennai

Menstrual health

The SC’s landmark judgement recognising the right to menstrual health and access to menstrual hygiene measures as an integral part of the right to life and dignity is a heartening move. Even in the 21st century, the subject of menstrual periods is talked about in hushed tones. There is a great need to tell girls that it is a natural part of growing up and one needs to take menstrual hygiene seriously. 

Maya H. Bhatkar, Pune

Good analysis

Shailesh Haribhakti’s analysis of the economic survey urging us to respond with courage in a more mature way rather than seeking convenience towards real growth is most welcome. We need to be more strategic, tech-savvy, and well-prepared to face the challenges. 

S. K. Sangam, Chinchwad

Economic survey

The eco survey has raised serious concerns about the growing reliance on cash transfer schemes by state govts. With govt job opportunities shrinking and the emergence of AI, dependence on freebies and govt jobs is neither sustainable nor empowering. 

Tushar A. Rahatgaonkar, Mumbai

Rules must for dog owners 

Apropos to recent news on SC’s comment, ‘Can’t read a dog’s mind when it will bite,’ the issue arises from difficulty in predicting a dog’s mood. In Bengaluru, a pet dog attacked a woman’s face. Her image with 50 stitches went viral, shocking the nation. Are street dogs blamed unfairly for pet dogs’ attacks?  Yes. Owners should be punished. Make rules: Ban large dogs in small areas. License dog owners like car drivers.  Street dogs already have rules—both of their own as well as those framed by humans.

R.S. Narula, Patiala