Letters to The Editor — July 16, 2026 - The HinduPublished - July 16, 2026 12:24 am ISTA war over a waterwayThe United States and Iran are now engaged in a renewed conflict over the status of the Strait of Hormuz. The fact that it is a limited conflict for now offers little comfort, as it could escalate into a full-scale war. The idea of a “toll” is inconsistent with the U.S.’s stated policy of ensuring the free flow of maritime traffic through this vital waterway. This “protection fee” makes it clear that the U.S. has an economic interest in its involvement in the region. America’s military, territorial, and economic expansionism is a reality. When it comes to the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has a more legitimate claim to manage it, given its geographical proximity. The U.S., however, would almost certainly not accept another country exercising control over the waters near its own territory.G. David Milton,Maruthancode, Tamil NaduFCNR depositsRecently, the RBI permitted currency swap facilities to attract FCNR deposits from NRIs. In the early 1990s, the RBI/Government of India introduced the NRNR (Non-Resident Non-Repatriable) deposit scheme, offering interest rates of 18%-22% per annum to ease the foreign exchange crunch. The scheme was a remarkable success. The NRNR scheme offered several advantages over the present currency swap arrangement. Most NRIs, especially those in the U.S., invest in NRE and FCNR deposits primarily for savings in India rather than repatriation. Current NRE deposit rates are low and restrictive immigration policies push overseas Indians to save in the home country. Since NRNR deposits are rupee-denominated and non-repatriable, the RBI would not have to hedge against currency risk. The RBI should therefore consider reintroducing the NRNR deposit scheme with interest rates of 12%-15% per annum.Cavery Palani,ChennaiS. JanakiS. Janaki’s versatility in Telugu cinema remains a masterclass for aspiring musicians. She could seamlessly transition from the delicate, sweet vulnerability of a young woman in love to raw, bone-chilling social rebellion and high-energy commercial numbers. Her rendition of Tolisari Mimmalni Chusindi in Srivariki Prema Lekha perfectly captures the romantic, innocent longing of a girl daydreaming about her beloved. In stark contrast, her powerful, emotionally charged performance in Ee Duryodhana Dussasan from Prathighatana — a fierce anthem against the atrocities committed against women — justly earned her the State Award. Yet, her playful modulation in the vamp number Nee Illu Bangaram Gaanu from Gaja Donga demonstrated that no genre was beyond her artistic command.Harish Betha,Guntur, Andhra PradeshS. Janaki truly exemplified the words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: “Music is the universal language of mankind.” She poured her heart and soul into every song, captivating millions with her melodious and soulful voice. She belonged to that rare league of singers who, in the words of Alfred, Lord Tennyson, “rowed hard against the stream, saw the distant gates of Eden gleam, but did not dream it was a dream.” Her extraordinary talent has earned her an everlasting place in the hearts of music lovers.Kelath Gopakumar Menon,Mukkattukara, Thrissur, KeralaPublished - July 16, 2026 12:24 am ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }