Strategic recalibration needed

Refer to ‘When Modi met Yunus in Bangkok’ (The Great Game); the article aptly captures the shifting sands in Dhaka — from Yunus’ provocative remarks in Beijing to the quiet re-entry of the ISI and signs of US orchestration. His growing alignment with both China and the West should compel India to shed illusions of loyalty and adopt a clear-eyed, strategic posture. New Delhi must deepen economic and defence ties with Bangladesh, while expanding cultural diplomacy and connectivity through the North-East. Rather than reacting with outrage, India should respond with measured steps. This is not a moment for noise, but for strategic, steady and patient recalibration of power.

Chanchal S Mann, Una

Modi-Yunus meeting

Apropos of ‘When Modi met Yunus in Bangkok’; the meeting, shadowed by incendiary rhetoric and geopolitical tremors, underscores an eternal truth — geography binds, but history reminds. Yunus’ cavalier ‘dismissal’ of India’s North-East has reopened old wounds. Yet, Delhi’s calibrated response mirrors maturity, not muscle. The Bay of Bengal, our shared cradle, demands collaboration, not condescension. As Dhaka flirts with forces seeking to undermine the hard-won liberation of 1971, let wisdom prevail — trust, not truculence, builds bridges.

Gurdev Singh, Mohali

‘Explainer’ engaging, insightful

The recently introduced ‘Explainer’ section in The Tribune is a highly commendable initiative. By breaking down complex current affairs into clear, accessible narratives, it serves as a valuable resource for readers — especially students and those preparing for major competitive exams. The clarity, relevance and structured presentation of topics make it significantly easier to grasp both national and international developments. This section not only fosters informed public discourse, but also enhances general awareness. It is both engaging and insightful. Given its positive reception, the section should have a full page devoted to it.

Pardeep Singh, Bathinda

Litmus test for Punjab’s governance

The Patiala episode involving Col Pushpinder Bath is a litmus test for justice, accountability and governance in Punjab. If the state proceeds with disciplinary action against Col Bath for allegedly bypassing procedural norms, it would reflect not only institutional failure, but also a betrayal of those who serve with honour. His decision to approach the Punjab & Haryana High Court without prior military approval may appear procedurally irregular to his superiors, but it reflects a deeper malaise — a desperate quest for justice when internal systems fail to respond. In stark contrast, an IPS officer entrusted with upholding the law is reported to have subverted it. This misuse of authority not only erodes public trust but also makes a mockery of the rule of law.

Lt Col Gurparkash Singh Virk (retd), by mail

Crucial deterrent to corruption

Refer to ‘Judges’ assets’; making it mandatory for judges to disclose their assets deserves unequivocal support from every citizen of the world’s largest democracy, as transparency is a crucial deterrent to corruption. The judiciary stands as the strongest pillar of democracy because its decisions are guided by objectivity, free from the political compulsions that often influence the executive and legislative branches. If the virus of corruption were to infect the judiciary, it could lead to the dangerous prospect of judicial pronouncements being reduced to commodities.

AP Singh, Ludhiana

Ghibli trend raises red flags

The growing popularity of AI-generated Ghibli art has sparked a quiet storm — raising unsettling questions about privacy, ownership and the role of human creativity in a rapidly automating world. What began as a harmless trend — turning selfies into dreamy portraits — has caught the attention of privacy advocates, cybersecurity experts and artists alike. At the heart of the issue lies the way these AI models are ‘trained’. Many rely on original Ghibli artwork lifted from the Internet without permission. Besides, generating AI images often involves analysing user inputs — typed prompts and uploaded photos — which may be stored, reused or exposed to third parties.

Capt Amar Jeet (retd), Kharar

Letters to the Editor