Clean fuel

Apropos ‘Nitin Gadkari clears E100 fuel framework’ (June 15). The Union Government’s approval of E100 fuel, enabling vehicles to operate on 100 per cent ethanol, represents a transformative milestone in India’s energy architecture.

The initiative seeks to curtail the nation’s chronic dependence on imported crude oil, thereby enhancing energy security and conserving foreign exchange reserves. By fostering a robust domestic ethanol ecosystem, the policy is expected to invigorate the agricultural sector, particularly sugarcane cultivation and allied industries.

Ethanol’s comparatively lower carbon footprint also aligns with India’s decarbonisation objectives. Nevertheless, the transition necessitates substantial investments in production capacity, distribution infrastructure, and vehicle adaptation to realise its full potential.

N Sadhasiva Reddy

Bengaluru

Jobs and AI

Apropos ‘Will employment rise in age of AI?’ (June 15), The policy silence, not AI itself, is the real threat. Jevons Paradox and Schumpeter’s creative destruction reassure markets, yet they ignore the human ledger. If one algorithm replaces 10 coders, shareholders gain while 10 families face rent and bills.

The IT boom of the 2000s raised output without lasting jobs, and governments now carry debt they cannot spend away. Welfare cannot substitute for work that sustains dignity. We need skill funds tied to apprenticeships, portable benefits for gig roles, and incentives for firms that hire while automating. Growth must widen the circle of earners, not just efficiency.

K Chidanand Kumar

Bengaluru

This refers to the article ‘Will employment rise in age of AI?’ (June 15).

The comparison with the IT boom of the 2000s is apt and sobering. Productivity gains from technology have rarely translated into jobs in India, and AI may follow the same pattern unless policy steps are taken.

Simply hoping that new jobs will emerge to replace displaced ones is not a strategy. Government investment in reskilling programmes, particularly for routine white-collar roles most exposed to automation, are needed now. Equally, sectors with genuine labour absorption capacity, such as care work, construction, and small manufacturing, deserve more attention.

Abbharna Barathi

Chennai

Expand crackdown

Apropos ‘FSSAI cracks down on misleading brands & their claims’ (June 15). Although belated, this is a welcome move. However, the issue is not confined to food items but even to plant nutrients, yield and plant growth enhancers – which influence the farmers to choose a product oblivious of its ill effects on Agri produce.

Likewise, several attractive advertisements also claim on pest and insect control, soil health etc which are becoming more popular than scientifically recommended products. There must be an immediate crackdown on these ads to prevent contamination of food produce since it is resulting in rejection of Indian Agri produce, recent examples being rice and red chilli rejection by China.

Rajiv Magal

Halekere Village (Karnataka)

Published on June 15, 2026