Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space. They are published in good faith with a view to enlightening all the stakeholders. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.
Overuse of cell-phone
In this modern era, almost each one of us carries a phone with us either in hand or in pocket, even the ones under 12. But have we ever thought of its effects on children? A 2014 article reviewing studies on children and their cell phone use found that the younger the child, the greater the risk of brain cancer and brain tumours.
Research also suggests that cell-phone exposure could affect children’s behaviour and their studies as well as mobiles are being widely used in educational institutions. The French government has banned cell phone and other gadgets like tablets and Smartphones for children under 15. All other countries need to impose the same law to protect the children from the worst effects of cell-phones etc.
AFROZ MJ
Via email
Karachi cries
The city of Karachi, the mother of poor as some say, remains in a shambles. The city holding more than half of Pakistan on its bones seems to fall at any time. It contributes as much as 70% of total Pakistan’s revenue and its GDP accounts for 114 billion which is the highest among others.
The root cause of all its problems is corrupt politicians and incompatible management. Its majority voters come from rural side where they are forced to vote for PPP; otherwise they would be disposed of their lands. Moreover, no one seems to take its responsibility, both federal and central governments can be seen blame gaming. I’d request the higher authorities to join hands to ameliorate problems of the citizens.
MARIA MUKHTAR
Islamabad
Improved
air quality
Air quality levels across the South Asian region are the worst, with Bangladesh, Pakistan and India making it to the top five in the list of most polluted countries as mentioned in 2019 World Air Quality Report by IQAir. Now, in 2020, a global emergency took place. The Covid-19, which started from Wuhan, China, slowly and gradually spread to various countries and many people lost their lives. Due to it people were not allowed to go out and there were numerous rules to follow. Due to lockdown, vehicles, factories and industries all were closed and earth was healing.
According to research, over past weeks the air quality improvements have come as a by-product of the lockdowns. WHO stated, around 4.2 million deaths every year occur as a result of exposure to ambient (outdoor) air pollution. But after the global pandemic, there was less pollution and climate was clean. Likewise, people must take care of environment so it can be pure as it is during Covid-19. Alongside, there were fewer diseases because of clean environment. If we take care of environment and make the pollution less, we will be protected from many diseases. We will also get fresh air and clean weather. Stay safe, stay happy
MAHINA SAGHEER
Turbat
Online education and challenges
Education determines the destiny of the nations and leads towards the development. Modern science and technology is the result of education and because of inventions online education is playing a key role in imparting the knowledge.Covid-19 has greatly influenced the education system but in this menace, lovers of knowledge are busy in converting the darkness of ignorance into light of knowledge.
However, there are a lot of hurdles in the way of online learning such as weak internet signals, lack of resources, adaptability struggle, unawareness of using modern technology, absence of interaction between student and teacher, issue of time management and loopholes in regular evaluation.
There is no denying the fact that poor quality of internet is one of the greatest challenges for online learning. Some remote areas are still suffering from this problem. Additionally, lack of recourses is a grave hindrance in the way of online learning. Availability of personal computer or laptop, smart phone, speedy internet devices, affordable net packages and power backup are essentials. Online education is impossible without solving these issues. Authorities must pay attention!
MUHAMMAD AWAIS
Via email
Educational institutions to take physical exams
Through the column of your prestigious newspaper, I want to convey my words to the higher authorities and general public. It has been six months since the educational institutions were shut down due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Students have been under constant pressure of online classes and exams. It is needless to say that online classes were good for nothing. Students were seen complaining about improper internet access and how they missed most of the lectures due to load-shedding. Well, as the time passed everyone got used to it and made up their minds and started preparing for online exams.
Now all of a sudden, institutions have decided to reopen and take physical exams. Earlier the students were told to prepare themselves for online exams, but the sudden change in decision has put the students under severe stress. I request the authorities to take online exams for the semester that have been taught online.
SHARMEEN FARASAT
Karachi
