Fragile peace

This refers to the Editorial ‘Cease and desist’ (April 9). The announcement of ceasefire triggered few positive reactions. Brent crude oil going southward and stock market indices going up. Iran’s strong hold on the Hormuz Strait and insisting on payment of $2million for every ship towards its safe passage would aggravate the situation. This needs to be negotiated first and normalcy in ship movement restored.

Pakistan is in limelight now for taking the lead in mediating between the warring sides.

This war, which no one wanted, has wreaked economic havoc and has thrown people’s lives out of gear. Let saner counsel prevail at least hereafter.

RV Baskaran

Pune

Welcome pause

This refers to the Editorial ‘Cease and desist’, (April 9). After weeks of escalation and uncertainty, even a pause in hostilities offers much-needed relief — both for the people affected and the global economy. This ceasefire, though fragile, should at least endure long enough to create a pathway toward a formal end to the conflict. Though this is what the the international community would hope for, the outcome remains uncertain.

Wars of this nature seldom produce clear winners, leaving behind deep economic and geopolitical scars. Supply chains have been disrupted, commodity markets unsettled, and investor confidence shaken. While a full return to pre-war stability is unlikely, the ceasefire presents an opportunity for gradual stabilisation and recovery.

N Sadhasiva Reddy

Bengaluru

An apt cartoon

This refers to the cartoon by Ravikanth (April 9). Ravikanth has captured the essential injustice of the situation with an admirable economy. Both the US and Iran claim to have fought a war. While the US and Israel attacked Iran, the global economy paid its price.

Supply disruptions, elevated crude, tightened liquidity — none of these were on any ballot. The cartoon is funny, but the underlying point is sobering.

K Sakunthala

Coimbatore

PM’s message

This refers to the article ‘Together, Let Us Empower Our Nari Shakti’ (April 9). Prime Minister Modi’s decision to write directly for newspapers on women’s reservation marks a meaningful shift in executive communication.

Mann ki Baat reaches millions, but a signed article in print invites scrutiny and has major significance. When significant Bills are introduced, Parliamentary uproar routinely drowns out substance, leaving ordinary citizens with fragments.

Writing directly bypasses that noise. The announcement that Parliament convenes on April 16 converts intent into commitment. If this becomes regular practice — explaining legislation through print before political theatre takes over — it would be a genuinely welcome addition to democratic communication.

A Myilsami

Coimbatore

Published on April 9, 2026