The accused, arrested for a sexual assault in 2011 on the same campus and involved in petty crimes, exposes the inefficacy of our laws. The Anna University authorities and police pledge to improve future campus security, but what guarantees can they offer when such incidents resurface due to systemic apathy?---P.G. Menon, Chennai

Gandhi Session

Karnataka’s border town relives history with centenary celebrations of the 1924 Congress session presided over by Mahatma Gandhi. Events include a reprint launch of the session report, Gandhi statue unveiling, and a Khadi mela, all aimed at rejuvenating party spirit amid waning electoral performance.---C.K. Subramaniam,

Navi Mumbai Welcome Reform

The Centre’s withdrawal of the No Detention policy will enhance education quality, instill discipline, and hold teachers accountable. Promoting students despite poor performance has fostered unskilled individuals—a wrong now being righted. --Dr. Navneet Seth, Talwandi Sabo, Punjab

Cinematic Titans

The demise of Shyam Benegal and M.T. Vasudevan Nair marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. Benegal’s artful direction, from Ankur (1974) to Mujib (2023), and Nair’s evocative screenplays and novels immortalize their legacies.--PV Madhu Nivriti, Telangana

Goan Freedom

Goa may lack paan shops, but wine shops are abundant, offering cheap prices every 20 yards. This reflects a thriving distributive economy. Despite fare hikes, travel services prosper, and restaurants excel in competition.

Airports are bustling with traffic, and civic services continue to improve. Ultimately, it’s not the low-priced alcohol, but the liberty and free will that infuse both residents and visitors with a lively spirit.--R. Narayanan,Navi Mumbai.  

Hasina Challenge

Bangladesh’s extradition request for Sheikh Hasina puts India in a bind. Returning her ensures her death sentence; refusing escalates hostility. Whatever the decision, it will reshape bilateral ties in a fragile region.--Bal Govind, Noida

Kohli Role

Virat Kohli’s unseemly shoulder-barging of 19-year-old Australian Sam Konstas during the Melbourne Test reflects poorly on the senior pro. Frustration is no excuse for actions unbecoming of a role model.--S. Sankaranarayanan, Chennai

Kohli Role

SEBI must address manipulative trading inflating penny stocks by up to 65,000%. Greedy small investors often buy at peak prices, losing heavily. Investor education is vital to curb such malpractices.--S.N. Kabra

MT’s Legacy

The passing of M.T. Vasudevan Nair marks the end of a Malayalam literary and cinematic era. His authentic portrayal of Kerala’s cultural ethos, recognized by the Jnanpith Award and Padma Bhushan, remains timeless.--Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai

Budget Reality

Each budget since 2014 promises ease but delivers little. Modi’s tenure sees neighbouring economies outpace India. Central Vista and other initiatives divert focus from pressing economic challenges. A new approach—and leadership—is overdue.--Ramswarth Acharya, Thane