Global warming

This refers to the editorial ‘Tipping point’ (October 11). Our scientific enquiry into the world and universe did grow exponentially in the past two centuries, yet what we have gleaned remains minuscule. Nature’s cycle of operation is simply too immense to be fit in an algorithm based on mere centuries. We can only attempt to vaguely extrapolate to suit our best-fitment theories. There are many fact-sheets that do not conform to our omnibus approach to global warming. The CO2 is not sufficient to drive the currently observed warming and its level has been up to 10 times higher in the past with meagre consequences. Temperature rise was seen early last century when industrial emissions were small, and a temperature decrease during the postwar economic boom. Ice core records show CO2 rises lagging temperature rises rather than driving them. Surface warming could be related more to atmospheric warming, in contrast to CO2-driven models, and to solar activity. Sunspot activity and the associated magnetic fields are known to skew cosmic radiation that nucleate clouds on the Earth. That said, the universal tenet of temperance, both in the use and misuse of nature, so ingrained in our Vedic texts, must continue to guide human endeavour. To that extent ‘climate change’ is more a quest at earnest and concerted course corrections than winning an inconsequential battle with an immense and mysterious provider.

Navi Mumbai

Analytical/statistical surveillance via breakthrough technologies can curtail insider trading and price volatility to a large extent. The regulator is enforcing contractual agreements to dis-incentivise the misuse of price-sensitive information for improving transparency and disclosures in trading. While these initiatives are welcome, adherence to AML/KYC, data protection/sharing, fund-utilisation, shareholding and capital structure norms cannot be a manual effort — automation has to complement intelligence, understanding and experience in these areas as well.

In order to fulfil the regulatory objectives in totality, enhancement of existing knowledge-based/rule-based AI/robotic capabilities is a pre-requisite. Uncontrolled day-to-day volatility can affect the retail sentiment or even compel some long-term investors to exit, especially when the uncertain market-phase gets prolonged and the negative events are seemingly priced-in beforehand.

New Delhi

The coming together of the government, SBI and RBI to soothe the market is a welcome move and appreciated. State Bank of India stepping up to infuse more capital into the market to boost investor sentiment, the government taking control of IL&FS to stabilise the financial, money and capital markets and address fears of small investors, and the RBI's decision to infuse more liquidity are positive developments. If they work in tandem, we will not be affected much by global market crashes and will be able to control the rupee-dollar value.

Secunderabad

Global outrage over the Harvey Weinstein incident, where the noted Hollywood producer was accused of sexual harassment by over 70 women had ushered in what we call the #MeToo movement. It began as a hashtag on Twitter in March 2017 became a platform for many women who were victims of sexual harassment and violence to articulate their trauma and demanding justice. Now the same movement has been gaining traction in India with women from all walks of life coming out and speaking boldly about the sexual violence they suffered at the hands of higher-ups. The time has come to create institutional mechanisms to respond to the newer generation of women which is not hesitant to call the crime of sexual harassment at the workplace by its name. Calling or dismissing sexual harassment at workplaces as minor workplace misdemeanours will only lend credence to the very patriarchal structures that have enabled sexual violence.

Sholavandan, TN