MyVoice: Views of our readers 9th June 2025

The deadly comeback of Covid

India’s active Covid case tally has crossed the 6,000 mark with 769 new infections being reported in the last 48 hours, according to the Union health ministry data released on Sunday, 8 June.Kerala continues to be the most affected state, followed by Gujarat, West Bengal and Delhi. Due to the rising Covid cases, the Centre has instructed all states to ensure availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines.There are 6,133 active Covid cases in India, and six more deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours, the ministry said..Since January 2025, 65 deaths have been reported in the country. There were a total of 257 active patients in the country on 22 May. With this the killer disease COVID has returned to India which is warning to everybody to take care of themselves rather than depending on the government.

Bhagwan Thadani, Mumbai

New Hamas strategy sparks raw

Hamas have adopted a new strategy to deter Israel’s ongoing ground offensive, Operation Gideon’s Chariots, by directly appealing to Israeli civilians. Their leader has warned them to pressure their government to halt its attacks on Gaza or face dire consequences: the execution of the remaining 55 hostages held by Hamas, who would be returned in coffins. This ultimatum has triggered widespread chaos and unrest in Israel, with citizens staging mass protests. Demonstrators, carrying placards with images of the hostages, are demanding their immediate release. In response, Israel should consider offering Hamas a defined window during a ceasefire to facilitate the safe release of the hostages, providing a crucial opportunity for de-escalation. Should Hamas fail to comply, the United Nations must step in, working alongside Israeli forces to ensure the hostages’ safe extradition. Global intervention may be essential to break the deadlock and save innocent lives.

RS Narula, Patiala

Fight to the finish

Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s friendship is well-known. Both are influential people in the world. One is a powerful politician and the other is the richest person. However, differences have started between the two. It is turning into a war of words. US President Donald Trump has announced a reduction in contracts with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk’s companies. Musk has threatened to stop the service of the “Dragon Capsule”, which is used to transport astronauts and other materials to the International Space Station, on social media. After the failure of the US government’s Boeing Company’s Starliner spacecraft, Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams was safely returned to Earth by the Dragon Capsule. Musk’s Dragon Capsule has become a backbone in NASA’s space missions. Also, NASA has taken help from SpaceX in many military missions.Elon Musk’s Government Efficiency Account (DOSE) was created primarily to reduce government spending. Musk believes that Trump’s policy undermines the original purpose of this account. He described Trump’s bill as “disgusting.” Trump initially took a tough stance on imposing import tariffs on China. Musk’s Tesla company was to directly benefit from it. Because Chinese electric cars have eroded Tesla’s position in other major markets. After all, Elon Musk helped Trump in the election with a business perspective or goal in mind. But Trump’s new bill will be a problem for Musk’s Tesla company. That’s why Elon Musk has left the government.

Dattaprasad Shirodkar, Mumbai

Stampede and our attitude

What followed the stampede that claimed 11 lives at Chinnaswami Stadium, Bangalore when fans celebrated Royal Challengers Bangalore winning the IPL 2025 title on Wednesday was clearly along expected lines; call for a ‘thorough investigation’, words expressing ‘shock and profound grief’ from the responsible, blame game and audacious inaction. These will be followed by the usual forgetfulness, which will help the responsible get away scot-free. The country will continue to be on the back foot at crowd control much to her shame. There have been umpteen incidents of stampedes at various places in the country, that something needs to be done urgently.

Dr George Jacob, Kochi