Letters to the Editor dated April 19, 2026 - The HinduBusinessLineSENSEX 78,493.54+ 504.86NIFTY 24,353.55+ 156.80CRUDEOIL 7,715.00 -1,141.00GOLD 154,611.00+ 1,459.00SILVER 258,079.00+ 9,451.00SENSEX 78,493.54+ 504.86NIFTY 24,353.55+ 156.80NIFTY 24,353.55+ 156.80CRUDEOIL 7,715.00 -1,141.00CRUDEOIL 7,715.00 -1,141.00GOLD 154,611.00+ 1,459.00'; } 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 - April 19, 2026 at 09:34 PM.Gold investmentThis refers to ‘The golden trade is not yet crowded’ (April 19). The article makes several sophisticated points that differentiate the “dip” from a “crash”. Comparing them via ratios is effective because it highlights extremes.However, a note of caution may be warranted when comparing gold with equities. The two differ fundamentally in nature — equities are linked to earnings and growth, while gold largely serves as a store of value and a hedge in uncertain times. Their price movements are driven by distinct factors, and the relationship between them is neither stable nor consistently inverse across cycles.Hence, direct comparisons or relative valuation approaches may at times lead to oversimplified conclusions. Gold may be better viewed as a complementary asset within a diversified portfolio rather than an alternative to equities.J KumarSrirangam (TN)A fatal inertiaIndia is currently a furnace. With mercury levels breaching 45°C, we are witnessing a systemic collapse masked as seasonal weather. This isn’t just a heatwave it’s a preview of an uninhabitable future.While the vulnerable perish in 40°C+ zones our urban planning remains archaic favouring concrete over canopy. To survive States must mandate Urban Heat Action Plans and no-work zones for outdoor labourers.Statistically every ₹1 invested in cooling infrastructure saves ₹4 in healthcare costs. We cannot shield ourselves with umbrellas against a climate we’ve set on fire. Unless States pivot to aggressive green infrastructure they aren’t managing weather they are managing a graveyard.Governments must subsidise high albedo cool roofs, enforce strict reforestation quotas and overhaul power grids to support decentralised renewable cooling for all.Vijaykumar H KRaichurBuild consensusThe defeat of the Constitutional amendment on women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha, linked to seat expansion and fresh delimitation after a prolonged freeze, marks a significant moment in Parliamentary democracy.It underscores the ability of a united Opposition to articulate concerns and influence legislative outcomes.For the government, this represents an unusual setback. While it may continue to project its commitment to women’s empowerment, the failure to secure passage of its own Bill points to the limits of pursuing major reforms without adequate consultation and consensus-building.The episode highlights the importance of dialogue and institutional integrity in advancing transformative legislation. It is imperative that future efforts are guided by inclusiveness and respect for democratic processes.M JeyaramSholavandan (TN)Published on April 19, 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 }