India, Aug. 21 -- The news from Geneva about the global treaty on plastics discussion revived the memory of a week when it seemed certain that the humble panni (polythene bag) was on its way out. The municipal authorities of many cities, especially the ones destined to become smart, were swooping down on sabzi mandis and the street-corner fruit and vegetable sellers, who were scared of being found with a sack of pannis. These little bags made of transparent plastic come in handy when customers come without a bag. During the swoop-down week, some customers actually started coming with a cloth bag, but many still needed a panni. The vendors had no choice, so they cautiously took out a panni from a carefully concealed bag. Once it was handed...