LETTER TO THE EDITOR FOR ISSUE DATED OCTOBER 31, 2026

LETTER TO THE EDITOR FOR ISSUE DATED OCTOBER 31, 2026

Letters To The Editor, Oct 31- Nov 06, 2026

TRUMP TO GIVE ASYLUM TO MODI?
AMERICAN President Donald Trump has given political asylum to former president of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro was defeated by the popular left-wing working-class leader Lula D’Silva. Bolsonaro was a right-wing senator and a close friend of President Trump during his last tenure as president. Bolsonaro refused to accept that he has lost the election even though Lula defeated him by a huge majority.
The former president first went to Argentina, which refused to accept him. He then flew to Miami in the United States with his family. It is, however, suggested that though the United States has allowed Bolsonaro to come into America legally, asylum has not been given.
A similar situation could arise in India if Narendra Modi and Amit Shah refused to quit if they are defeated in the next election. The Election Commission or Gyanesh Kumar may refuse to accept that the BJP was defeated. In which case, the next prime minister may threaten to arrest Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. The question now is will Donald Trump provide asylum to Narendra Modi and Amit Shah? If Trump loses the election in the US, will Narendra Modi give the US president asylum in India?
— Narayan Iyer, Goa.

BRING GLOBAL BUSINESS LEADERS TO GOA!
 
Goa Aims to Become a Global Hub for Trade, Innovation and Investment by 2037 says CM Dr Pramod Sawant
Goa aims to become a global hub for trade, innovation and investment by 2037, said Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant while flagging off the 3-day Vibrant Goa Global Business Summit 2026 at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium on Thursday, Oct 29. The summit brings together business leaders, policymakers, industry representatives and international delegates to promote Goa as a global destination for business, innovation, entrepreneurship and investment. Amongst summit features are several book launches, reports and initiatives highlighting Goa’s investment potential and emerging opportunities across sectors. A key highlight was the launch of “The Future of Africa” in the presence of High Commissioners, Ambassadors and officials from African countries. Other books launched include “Invest in Goa” booklet, “Made in India”, “Panaji Roadmap to Net Zero”, “Business Goa” and “India’s Mining Sector.” The Viksit Goa Vibrant Goa Report and the Vibrant Goa App were also part of the program deliberations.
An MoU involving the BRICS-ASEAN Chamber of Commerce, the BRICS-ASEAN Independent Commission for Trade and Economy and Vibrant Goa Foundation was another key feature. Chief Minister Dr Sawant further added, “Vibrant Goa is a platform to position Goa as a global destination for business, innovation, entrepreneurship and investment. From the 2019 edition to Vibrant Goa 2024, the summit has created opportunities for business partnerships and international collaboration.” He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is advancing in artificial intelligence, space technology, semiconductors, defence and innovation, creating new opportunities for economic growth. Such projects as Startup India, Make in India and the National Semiconductor Mission are creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and young people. Goa is committed to being part of this growth.
According to the Dr Sawant, Goa’s Gross State Domestic Product crossed Rs1.12 lakh crore in 2024-25, supported by investments in airports, roads, water supply and other infrastructure. Goa’s industrial policies and Goa Startup Policy 2025 aim to attract investment, generate employment and encourage innovation. He also highlighted efforts to strengthen skill development, apprenticeships, coding, robotics and emerging technologies, while helping local businesses and MSMEs expand their reach and access global markets.
In conclusion said Chief Minister Sawant, “Our vision is to achieve a developed Goa by 2037, ahead of the national goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. We aim to make Goa a global hub for trade and investment, semiconductors, electronics, green energy, the blue economy and sustainable tourism. I invite all investors, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to partner with Goa in this journey. Goa is open for business, innovation and global partnerships.” Present at the inaugural session were Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Tanavade, Director of Industries, Trade and Commerce, Ankit Yadav, IAS, also noted industrialist Shrinivas Dempo among others.

EXPRESSION OF LOVE & FAITH?
ACTOR Ratna Pathak Shah has strongly questioned the practice of Karva Chauth, asking why educated women continue to observe the fast in modern India. Recalling an incident from last year, she said, “Someone asked me for the first time last year if I’m keeping “Karva Chauth ka vrat”? I said, “Am I mad?” Isn’t it appalling that modern educated women do Karva Chauth, praying for the lives of husbands so that they can have some validity in life?”
She also questioned the fear of widowhood that she believes drives some women to observe the fast. “Widow in the Indian context is a horrible situation, isn’t it? So anything that keeps me away from widowhood. Really? In the 21st century, we are talking like this? Educated women are doing this,” she said.
Ratna also warns that society is moving towards greater conservatism, arguing that women are often the first to face restrictions.
“We are moving towards an extremely conservative society. The first thing a conservative society does is clamp down on its women. Look at all the conservative societies in this world. Women are the ones who are most affected,” she said.
Referring to Saudi Arabia, she asked whether India wanted to move in the same direction, adding that such a shift could be convenient for those who benefit from women’s unpaid work at home.
“Women provide a lot of unpaid labour within the home. If you have to pay for that labour, who will do it? Women are forced into that situation,” she added.
Do you agree with Ratna Pathak Shah, or do you believe Karva Chauth is a personal expression of love and faith?
— Pooja Singh, Goa.

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