Letters to the Editor: Rising popularity of electric vehicles

Rising popularity of electric vehicles

The development of technology enables more safe and clean energy harvesting. Of late, electric vehicles are getting more and more popular, especially when they are shown as the zero-emission cars being much better for the environment than cars with internal combustion engines. Electric cars have fewer moving parts than traditional vehicles, resulting in lower maintenance costs over time. Governments and local authorities offer discounts and tax incentives to incentivize people to switch to eco-friendly cars. Most electric cars can charge to 80% capacity in under an hour using fast-charging stations.

Moreover, as electric cars continue to become more popular, the cost of these vehicles continues to decrease, making them more accessible to the general public. As per the World Economic Forum, the total cost of ownership for electric cars will equal those of traditional cars by 2032 in most European markets. Electric cars have significant environmental benefits. As the world begins to shift towards renewable energy, electric cars have the potential to make an even more significant impact by reducing the pollution emissions from the transportation industry. As per the International Energy Agency, the use of electric vehicles could improve air quality around the world by reducing carbon dioxide emissions from transportation by up to 1 gigaton per year by 2030. As people become more environmentally conscious, the demand for electric cars is on the rise.

Consumers can now choose from a wider range of vehicles, as manufacturers have introduced a greater variety of EV models into the market, including the much-preferred large-size vehicles. Switching to EVs saves consumers money, especially over the long run.

Big automobile manufacturers like Tesla, Nissan, and BMW are releasing new electric car models year after year, fuelling the growth of the industry. Electric cars offer a significant solution to combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions associated with the transportation industry. The many advantages of electric cars make them an attractive option for both eco-conscious and budget-conscious car buyers. With increased accessibility and awareness, electric cars are well-positioned to become the future of transportation.

Varjina Khakhlari,

Gauhati University

The Bangladesh conundrum

The recent incidents in several parts of India reacting to the internal matters of an independent country, Bangladesh, are a matter of serious concern. These heightened reactions are primarily aimed at addressing the internal electorate but have the potential to damage the interests of India in the medium to long term. It is a fact that Bangladesh is our neighbour, and both countries share mutual trade and human relations. Both countries have multiple diplomatic consulates, besides the embassies in their respective capitals.

There is no denying that there are reports of atrocities and attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. However, these are best addressed through diplomatic endeavours through bilateral and global forums. Increasing tensions by attacking Bangladeshis in India and their diplomatic missions, India, the bigger brother, would only be making its case worse. Already, its relationships with almost all its neighbours are precarious. China is building bridges with all of India’s neighbours, with several inviting incentives.

It would be worthwhile to remember that Bangladesh was, comparatively, a friendly neighbour with India for the last two decades or so. With such a frenzy, our neighbours would only fall into the lap of China, which would not augur well for Bharat.

D Bhutia,

RGB Road, Guwahati

Priceless volunteers

A nation is immensely benefitted by the potential, utility, and strength of volunteers who can make a great difference to people in agony. Volunteers' contributions to non-governmental organisations and non-profit institutions, civil service organisations and charity bodies, and communities are undisputed. It indeed is a soothing sight to see trained and untrained volunteers rushing to help in exigencies. Volunteers, for socioeconomic development, are key cogs who work hard towards building resilient communities. Passion, integrity, and reality are virtues a volunteer aims to imbibe. By and large, volunteers benefit others without themselves being benefited. One of the greatest gifts a person can give is his time.

A voter exercises his franchise once in many years, but a volunteer votes daily for a community that can change the world. That quality of 'inclusion' inextricably binds a volunteer to his work. If one takes into account the whopping 70 percent informal participation of workers for the cause of volunteerism, the esteem with which the service is held can be deciphered. Poverty, hunger, disease, environmental degradation, and gender inequality are areas that can enormously gain from enthusiastic volunteers. Why is volunteerism not considered for salary most of the time? The question itself seems a cliché, but as a thinker said, "Volunteers are not paid not because they are worthless but because they are priceless."

Dr Ganapathi Bhat,

(bhat13@gmail.com)