Letters to the Editor dated January 2, 2026 - The HinduBusinessLineSENSEX 85,762.01+ 573.41NIFTY 26,328.55+ 182.00CRUDEOIL 5,131.00 -92.00GOLD 136,422.00+ 618.00SILVER 241,226.00+ 5,353.00SENSEX 85,762.01+ 573.41NIFTY 26,328.55+ 182.00NIFTY 26,328.55+ 182.00CRUDEOIL 5,131.00 -92.00CRUDEOIL 5,131.00 -92.00GOLD 136,422.00+ 618.00'; } document.getElementById("lgdv").innerHTML = htmlElements; } function numberformat(i) { return Number(parseFloat(i).toFixed(2)).toLocaleString('en', { minimumFractionDigits: 2 }) } async function gatherResponse(response) { const { headers } = response; const contentType = headers.get('content-type') || ''; if (contentType.includes('application/json')) { return await response.json() } return response.text(); } function getWidth() { if (Math.max(document.body.scrollWidth,document.documentElement.scrollWidth,document.body.offsetWidth,document.documentElement.offsetWidth,document.documentElement.clientWidth) > 991) { document.getElementById("mob").style.display = "none"; document.getElementById("lgdv").style.display = "block"; } else { document.getElementById("mob").style.display = "block"; document.getElementById("lgdv").style.display = "none"; } } getWidth();]]>Updated - January 02, 2026 at 08:54 PM.Protect gig workersApropos, ‘Platforms need to deliver on workers’ needs,’ (January 2). The doorstep-delivery majors strong-armed protesting workers by blocking accounts on their platforms, weakening the nationwide strike by gig workers on December 31. Carrots and sticks ensured there was no major disruption, yet the long-term demands of platform workers remained unaddressed.While online shopping is a necessity for every household, those who ensure delivery are treated as casual labour without regular incomes, employee welfare, or social security. Paradoxically, their earnings are shrinking despite surging delivery volumes. Ten-minute delivery targets push riders to risk life and violate rules, as late arrivals attract penalties.It is time governments cracked the whip. Before another protest snaps fragile lifelines, protection is essential.N Sadhasiva ReddyBengaluruKeep other trains cleanThis refers to ‘First VB Sleeper to link Guwahati and Howrah’ (January 1). It is good to note that the indigenously manufactured India’s first VB Sleeper Train, equipped with world-class amenities is scheduled to run shortly between Howrah and Guwahati. It will be a great milestone in the annals of Railways. Per Railway Minister, more such VB Sleeper trains are expected to roll out between key cities. Railways must also pay attention to cleanliness in other superfast trains, where unclean toilets are an issue.I am a regular traveller in the Sleeper class between Chennai and Pune and back. I have raised many grievances in CPGRAMS portal on the poor hygienic conditions of sleeper coaches on every trip. This is only getting toggled among Zones across the Railways and Departments for the last six months, with no solutions in sight. It is unfortunate that the Railways seldom alleviate the sufferings of the passengers travelling in long distance trains.RV BaskaranPuneUPI, a boonThis refers to the news report ‘UPI volumes rise to a record 22 b in Dec, touch ₹28 lakh crore’ (January 2). United Payments Interface (UPI) platform is indeed a boon to people because they need not carry cash.A smartphone and bank balance will do to carry out any transaction. The evolution of money (from barter system to UPI) is really fascinating. That said, users of the platform should use it cautiously.S RamakrishnasayeeChennaiPublished on January 2, 2026Sign into Unlock benefits!Access 10 free stories per monthAccess to comment on every storySign up/Manage to our newslettersGet notified by email for early preview to new features, discounts & offers${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }