Letters to The Editor — September 25, 2025

Trumpeting a line

It appears that there is no end to Donald Trump’s repeated boasting that it was only his intervention alone that stopped the India-Pakistan conflict notwithstanding the Narendra Modi regime’s firm response, in no uncertain terms, that it never sought any third party mediation. It is difficult to fathom as to why the U.S President, in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, heaped criticism on the global body.

S. Seshadri,

Chennai

The line by Mr. Trump, that India is funding the Russian war, has shown him in a bad light. He could have come up with unimpeachable proof and data to substantiate his charge. It is not known why he is perturbed about trade between India and Russia when the American economy is robust.

V. Lakshmanan,

Tirupur, Tamil Nadu

Visa fee controversy

The claim by U.S. President Donald Trump that in the future, H-1B visas would be issued only after a one-time payment of $100,000 is intriguing. He has overlooked the fact that it is a visa fee, and not a tax, and should be commensurate with the services rendered. The response by some tech companies that they would shift their activities outside America were the U.S. government to charge such a visa fee is a moment of reflection for the Indian government and Indians in general. It is both strategic and essential that India fosters innovation.

N.G.R. Prasad,

Chennai

This pricing is a bad brew

I was surprised to notice a strange pricing practice in the instant coffee market. A 100 gram bottle costs about ₹350 (₹3.50 per gram). But the same brand’s sachet sells for only ₹2. Usually, packs are more expensive per gram because of the extra packaging. Does this mean that the sachet has a different concoction/blend, thereby compromising on quality? It only shows how little transparency there is in such pricing.

R. Manthramurthy,

Bengaluru

Dickie Bird

The passing of Harold ‘Dickie’ Bird marks the end of an era in cricket. As one of the most respected umpires in the history of the game, he was more than just a man in a white coat. He was a symbol of fairness, humility, and quiet humour that endeared him to players and fans across generations. In a time when cricket has become faster, flashier, and increasingly scrutinised by technology, he represented the soul of traditional cricket — a reminder that the game is, at its heart, a gentleman’s sport.

Nagarajamani M.V.,

Hyderabad