Global Economy Downturn
Editor,
As the excitement of the World Cup fades, we must confront the severe economic challenges directly ahead. This is not doomsday fear mongering; it is an analysis grounded in hard economic reality. What strikes the global economy inevitably hits us domestically.
The government has long painted a rosy picture of “Bharat ke acche din,” bragging about a $5 trillion economy. Yet, in May 2026, citizens were urged to curb foreign exchange spending—to stop buying gold, skip foreign trips, and cut petrol usage. The reality is that our economy is deteriorating under three major consecutive shocks.
First, on August 27, 2025, the US President imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods. US exports collapsed, driving domestic industrial units to the brink of shutdown. Over the past six months, foreign investors have pulled out ₹2.7 trillion from Indian markets, making India the worst performer among developing economies.
Second, the US directed India to halt Russian oil purchases. Compounding this, a third shock struck on February 28, 2026: the Iran war. Joint US-Israel strikes plunged the Gulf into chaos (My column ‘A New World Order?’, March 24, 2026). Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz— vital shipping route for global oil—caused crude oil prices to surge by 58% between February and April. With Russian imports stopped and Middle Eastern supply dropping down 40%, India suffered the heaviest loss.
Under these shocks, the economy is crumbling. The Indian Rupee has become Asia’s worst-performing currency in 2026 (96.90/$). This depreciation reflects a widening fiscal deficit—where spending vastly exceeds tax revenues. We face a potential fiscal cliff capable of triggering a recession far worse than the Great Depression of 1929.
The dream run of Modi Sarkar is over, with his inflated ego becoming a deflated balloon. With the CJP protests gaining momentum, he and his Adanis, Ambanis may have to take a flight.
In May 2026, banker Uday Kotak warned the nation to prepare for the worst, cautioning that unprecedented distress lies ahead. We must wake up from our slumber; mental and emotional preparation is now of utmost importance.
Yours etc.,
A.Laitphlang,
Via email
Frequent Music Parties Affecting Students
Editor,
With due respect, I wish to draw urgent attention to the persistent problem of loud music and bursting of firecrackers at the Hindu Mission premises in Lower Mawprem, Shillong–2. As a concerned father of school and college‑going students, I am deeply worried about the disturbance caused to the academic environment and the peace of the neighbourhood. Since July 20 there has been, by and large, almost non‑stop music from these premises. Sometimes, the residents are frightened and awakened in the middle of the night with high-decibel firecrackers.
It may be mentioned that this Mission frequently rents out its premises for marriage functions and various kinds of parties, often every third or fourth day, where high-volume music deeply disturbs the studies of students.
This regular sound pollution has severely affected students preparing for MBOSE, CBSE, and ICSE examinations, as well as those pursuing higher studies and competitive exams. Two students living near my residence, who are preparing for competitive examinations, have repeatedly complained of being distracted by the constant noise from these events.
In light of the above, I sincerely appeal to the police department and the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills for strict prohibitory orders on such party events at the Hindu Mission premises unless the organisers obtain prior No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from every single resident around this neighbourhood.
This measure would safeguard the interests of students, elderly people, and the wider community.
Furthermore, during Durga Puja, against the values of Hinduism, the organisation conducts unethical dances and music programmes that cause deep disturbance to nearby residents.
I sincerely hope the authorities will take note of this matter and act in the interest of public peace and students’ welfare.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request
Via email
Public Cooperation and Strict Enforcement of Meghalaya Municipal Act 1973
Editor,
Through your esteemed daily, I would like to begin by appreciating the Shillong Municipal Board for its sincere efforts in maintaining cleanliness in our town. The sanitation staff work tirelessly to keep our roads and public places clean, and their work deserves public recognition.
However, despite the provisions of the Meghalaya Municipal Act, 1973, we are seeing continued littering by the public and rampant random parking, often directly over covered drains and footpaths. Garbage dumped into drains is choking drainage, leading to waterlogging, foul smell, and health hazards during monsoon.
As per the Meghalaya Municipal Act, Section 202 provides for penalty for neglect in keeping drains and trash receptacles for offensive matter in proper order. The offender “shall be liable to a penalty during which the offence is continued”. Section 211 mandates the Board to provide for the removal of rubbish from public roads and drains. Obstructing this work also invites action.In addition, dumping of waste in public places is also being booked under Section 102 of Meghalaya Police Act, 2010, with fine. The District Administration has also issued orders banning littering in Shillong with penal action under Section 223 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
I therefore appeal to citizens to dispose garbage only in Municipal arranged vehicle and not in drains or open spaces, Avoid parking over drains, footpaths and in no-parking zone, Cooperate with the Municipal Board to keep our city clean.
If we all work together with sincerity to keep our city clean and green, the message on the roadside banners – “Keep City Clean and Green” – will truly come to life. At the same time, I request the Shillong Municipal Board to undertake regular awareness drives and enforce the penalty clauses of the Act strictly so that the law serves as a deterrent. A clean and orderly Shillong is possible only with joint effort by the Board and the public.
Yours etc.,
Krishnendu Deb,
Shillong-1.
Wanted a Nuanced Demographic Policy
Editor,
The Supreme Court is justified in asking the logic of the laws that disqualify people with more than two children from contesting local body elections. The national fertility rate has dropped to 1.9 which is below the replacement level of 2.1. The statistical report of 2024 gives concrete evidence of India’s demographic shift. The demographic change is uneven in different states. While Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh etc. show fertility rate above the replacement level, Delhi, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal show very low fertility rate. This transition has far-reaching consequences. It is ironic that when the country is facing declining populations, its citizens are punished for having a big family. Low birth rate means in future, the elderly population will grow disproportionately to the working age population. The latter cannot continue for an indefinite time. This will adversely affect economic growth. Some states will have to face an ageing population, labour shortage etc. while some others will have to invest in the well-being of the youth. Instead of strict population control laws what we need now is region based demographic policies.
Yours etc.,
Venu GS,
Kollam
