Words and statecraft
Washington has often adopted a sharply critical diplomatic stance towards New Delhi on several issues, including its purchase of Russian crude. Yet, reality has caught up with the rhetoric. The United States is now actively negotiating over products refined from that very crude, as highlighted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Reliance’s Jamnagar facility. Did the bravado surrounding alternative options fade, or has India’s immense refining capacity proved indispensable? As ancient Tamil wisdom cautions, whatever else one leaves unguarded, one must guard the tongue, for reckless speech invariably leads to regret. A power that criticises today may find itself bargaining at the same table tomorrow.
J. Gopalaswamy,
Chennai
Every raindrop counts
It is heartening that the Tamil Nadu government has begun focusing on rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems in all buildings — a scheme that was made most popular by former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa. In urban centres, where there are concrete jungles, it is essential not only to install rainwater harvesting systems but also to maintain them. Citizens should recognise their importance and ensure regular inspections and timely repairs, rather than waiting for the government to direct local body officials to enforce the requirement.
R. Sampath,
Chennai
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has provided fresh impetus to the RWH movement by unveiling its mascot, ‘Thuli’ (Tamil Nadu, “CM starts rainwater harvesting campaign”, October 22). Encouraging communities to adopt RWH can help strengthen water security. Many voluntary groups are ready to support community efforts to clean and restore local water bodies.
A. Thirugnanasambantham,
Coimbatore
Climate insights
I would like to express my appreciation for the insightful article, “Tamil Nadu may encounter El Niño differently from rest of India,” published in The Hindu.
I particularly appreciate the emphasis on the regional differences in the climatic impacts of El Niño. Its discussion of the interactions between the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and atmospheric circulation highlights the importance of understanding ocean–atmosphere interactions in explaining Tamil Nadu’s rainfall variability, especially during the northeast monsoon season.
The perspective that El Niño’s influence on Tamil Nadu may differ from its effects on other parts of India is particularly valuable. It encourages readers to look beyond the generalised relationship between El Niño and the Indian monsoon and recognise the role of regional oceanic and atmospheric processes.
Such science-based journalism is important for improving public understanding of climate variability and its implications for the State.
Lix John K.,
Kochi
Published - October 23, 2026 12:24 am IST