Climate concerns

The UN General Assembly’s support for the International Court of Justice ruling on climate responsibility is a welcome step in strengthening global climate action. The resolution gives climate-vulnerable nations, especially small island countries, stronger diplomatic and legal grounds to demand accountability from major carbon-emitting nations.

However, the resolution does not fully address the concerns of developing countries like India. Developed nations, which benefited from centuries of industrialisation and colonial exploitation, bear a greater historical responsibility for the present climate crisis. Hence, climate action must follow the principle of equity and differentiated responsibilities.

At the same time, India should remain committed to its green-transition targets.

M Jeyaram

Sholavandan (TN)

Educational challenges

Apropos the Editorial “Reforming schools” (May 22), India’s education system has expanded access impressively, yet the real challenge lies in keeping students engaged and prepared for a fast-changing economy. As the gig sector and artificial intelligence reshape work, schooling must evolve from rote learning to skill-based education.

Adolescents leaving school early for low-wage jobs reflect a system that fails to connect learning with livelihood.

Secondary education should integrate digital fluency, critical thinking, and creativity alongside foundational literacy.

The goal must be to make staying in school economically and intellectually rewarding. When education equips students for higher-value roles rather than repetitive tasks, families will see long-term merit in learning.

K Chidanand Kumar

Bengaluru

Rupee stress

This refers to RBI’s decision to conduct a ₹1 lakh crore VRR auction on May 22 and a separate $5 billion USD-INR buy/sell swap auction with a 3-year tenor to inject long-term liquidity into the banking system. While both measures improve liquidity, the concern is whether such dual infusion could add further pressure on the INR, which is already weakening sharply against the dollar.

The key question is whether abundant liquidity should be prioritised at a time when the rupee is under stress. RBI may be trying to balance two objectives — preventing a liquidity squeeze caused by forex interventions while supporting growth and banking liquidity.

However, critics may argue that excessive liquidity support during persistent rupee weakness could send a dovish signal to currency markets and contribute to further INR depreciation pressure.

Srinivasan Velamur

Chennai

Published on May 22, 2026