CRITICAL STEPS: The continuous increase in electricity prices is not only putting pressure on household budgets, but also adding to the rising inflation rate in the country. The current public outcry in this regard highlights the urgency of the situation, but the response from the authorities is inadequate. In fact, add- ressing the underlying causes of price hikes, such as inefficiencies in the power sector as well as dependence on expensive imported fuels, is of critical signi- ficance. Besides, renewable energy must be promoted and the consumers must be provided relief through immediate su- bsidies as well as fair price adjustments.

Maryum Javed
Islamabad

SOLAR STORM: Triggered by solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), a recent solar geomagnetic storm caused disruptions in satellite communications, global positioning systems (GPS), and power grids. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) labelled the storm as one of the most powerful in the current solar cycle, with a peak Kp index of 8.0. This led the European Space Agency reporting brief signal losses with spa- cecraft, while GPS systems in North America as well as in Europe also ex- perienced interference. In reality, as reliance on technology increases, so does the potential of disruptions caused by solar storms. Governments and scientists

must improve early warning systems, fortify infrastructure, and educate the public about such imminent threats.

Aamna Khalid
Wah Cantt

RECKLESS PATRIOTISM: Like every year, Karachiites faced mayhem on the roads on the occasion of the recent Independence Day ‘celebrations’. Young bikers caused severe traffic jams, leading to chaos on the roads. As such, this crazy show of patriotism and reckless driving make no sense at all. Instead of this repetitive episode that we observe every year, we should promote responsibility through cleaning our streets, roads as well as beaches on every special occasion including Independence Day.

Mumraiz Khan
Karachi

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2024