Letters to Editor - The HinduBusinessLineSENSEX 77,664.00 -852.49NIFTY 24,173.05 -205.05CRUDEOIL 8,794.00+ 71.00GOLD 152,847.00+ 190.00SILVER 244,764.00 -3,600.00SENSEX 77,664.00 -852.49NIFTY 24,173.05 -205.05NIFTY 24,173.05 -205.05CRUDEOIL 8,794.00+ 71.00CRUDEOIL 8,794.00+ 71.00GOLD 152,847.00+ 190.00'; } 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 23, 2026 at 08:48 PM.Fuel price hike?This refers to the news report ‘No plan yet to raise petrol, diesel prices: Oil Ministry’ (April 23).Notwithstanding the Oil Ministry’s clarification of no proposal for a petrol and diesel price hike after April 29, the concluding day of the ongoing assembly polls, media speculation of a hike may come true.With current stalemate in the Iran war, a fuel price hike cannot be ruled out. .SK GuptaNew DelhiMeaningful internshipsThis refers to ‘Final year students can now apply under PMIS’ (April 23). The PM Internship Scheme now includes final-year students, and it aims to improve job readiness. This move links academic learning with early industry exposure across sectors.However, many internships still focus on routine tasks, so meaningful skill development often remains limited.Therefore, a structured model with clear goals and mentor review can improve outcomes. Internships should build real skills, so students gain meaningful benefit.S BalasubramaniyanVillupuram, TNIMF cautionApropos the Editorial ‘Major undercurrents’ (April 23), the dichotomy of the US economy is glaring. With 126 per cent public debt, 7-8 per cent government deficit and supplier of world’s primary currency and world’s dollar reserves at $13.44 trillion, it does not augur well to depend on US collaboration.The Trump tariffs and West Asian turbulence have changed the world order for the worse. The IMF must suggest the solutions.Vinod JohriDelhiNeed for hybrid modelApropos “Importance of Insurance Agents” (April 26), life insurance has always been a supply-push product, with agents as its foundation. They create demand, build trust, and guide families through complex decisions — roles digital platforms cannot replace.The future, however, is not agents versus digital, but agents with digital.Tomorrow’s agents will be financial coaches and community advisors, equipped with dashboards and mobile tools to combine speed with human connection. Digital platforms will handle lead generation and onboarding; agents will focus on advisory and claims support.The winning strategy is clear: empower agents with digital tools. Insurers that blend technology with human touch will outperform those relying solely on either channel.Roy MarkoseThiruvananthapuramPublished on April 23, 2026Sign into Unlock benefits!Access 10 free stories per monthAccess to comment on every storySign up/Manage to our newslettersGet notified by email for early preview to new features, discounts & offers${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }