'Special' convicts
It is not understood why some people get VIP treatment in jail after being convicted by a court of law. This is in reference to the jail term for cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu. As far as our knowledge goes, we understand that unless in case of some self-financing VIP cells, equal treatment is given to all inmates in jail. Anyone murdering a man and trying to hide the fact and also enjoying a lavish lifestyle is only a criminal in the eye of law. Why do such criminals get preferential treatment at the cost of taxpayers' money? Simply giving a job inside the jail at Rs 40 per day can never compensate for special treatment.
Dr PC Sarmah,
Jorhat.
Prepare for a heat wave
Despite temperatures reaching well above 40 degrees Celsius in March, April, and May, scientists claim that the hottest part of 2022 is yet to arrive in India. There are a few things you can do to get ready for a heat wave. The first step is to reduce energy consumption. Pets should be kept indoors, and owners should make sure they have plenty of drink and a cool place to stay in. During the hottest part of the day, people should stay inside. Those who must venture outside should bring drink, sunscreen and a hat. Also, during the summer, make sure you drink lots of water. Dehydration is fatal.
Chandan Kumar Nath,
Tezpur University.
Pros & cons of social networking
As every coin has two faces, so is the case with social networking. Every invention of science, while being of great assistance to mankind, also has another face too. Albert Einstein rightly said, "Science never solves a problem without creating ten more." However, one can hardly aver that the negatives of social networking outweigh its advantages. Rather, I would say that the benefits of social networking outweigh its negatives by a long shot. Few can refute the fact that social networking has numerous positive aspects. There are a number of virtual groups which do upgrade the human intellect. Moreover, some such groups can help hobbyists exchange ideas and techniques and offer solutions for more vexing, real-world problems. Also, social media groups can be lifelines for individuals suffering from a rare disease. It is the real-time hub for all updates about politics, sports, entertainment, science, business, and many other fields. However, the need of the hour is to teach the young minds the etiquette of social networking. Social networking may really turn out to be a blessing of science and technology once we learn to control it with moral judgement.
Dipen Gogoi,
Teok, Jorhat.
Night driving risks
Though the Centre and the various State road transport authorities and the police take all necessary measures and often come out with awareness tips and caution drivers to be extra -careful during night driving to avoid and minimize accidents, it is unfortunate that accidents continue to occur due to negligence, carelessness and rashness on the roads. Night accidents have become a common sight on our roads and the main reason for this is carelessness, drowsiness and total ignorance of the norms drivers have to follow during night trips. Most often, fatal nocturnal accidents happen due to drunken driving, sleepiness and tiredness. Drowsy driving is a major problem and heavy disasters occur when those at the wheel, who got to have their eyes wide open, nod off for a second out of drowsiness. Many a tragic incident has occurred because of drowsy driving. Drowsiness occurs when drivers do not have proper rest and sleep. It is unfortunate that though the transport department, the police authority and other stakeholders do come out with stern warning whenever such accidents happen, it is forgotten just after a few days. Night patrolling, checking and lessening the speed of heavy vehicles, shift work scrutiny, anti-sleep devices in drivers' cabins, cautioning and alerting drivers to avoid medication and strict prohibition of consuming alcohol while driving have to be implemented. Resting places or zones for heavy vehicle drivers must be provided.
M Pradyu,
Kannur.