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1. Blunt weapon: On Internet shutdowns
The number of Internet shutdowns in India was slightly lower in 2024 than in 2023, according to the Software Freedom Law Center (SLFC), India’s annual report. However, a separate report by the web rights advocacy group Access Now reveals that India continues to lead globally in government-ordered Internet shutdowns. The Union government justifies mobile Internet shutdowns as an essential tool for maintaining law and order, given that most Internet users in India rely on mobile connectivity.
Disturbing Trends in Internet Shutdowns
A closer examination of shutdowns imposed in the past year highlights concerning trends. Of the 84 Internet shutdowns in 2024, 41 were enforced during protests, while 23 were imposed due to communal clashes. Alarmingly, five shutdowns were ordered to prevent cheating during examinations. While restrictions on communication may sometimes be warranted in situations on the brink of violence, the costs of shutdowns cannot be ignored. Delays in accessing crucial information can hamper swift responses to crises. The Supreme Court of India, in Anuradha Bhasin vs Union of India, ruled that any shutdown must pass the tests of necessity and proportionality. Moreover, Internet shutdowns disrupt livelihoods, access to healthcare, and education, making them a blunt instrument that should be used with caution. Despite calls for the government to assess the impact of such shutdowns, no significant progress has been made.
Lack of Due Process and Transparency
Even for those who argue in favor of shutdowns as an emergency policing tool, the lack of due process remains a major concern. Reports from Access Now and SLFC indicate that valid orders detailing the duration and reasons for shutdowns are often missing from government websites, despite requirements under the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024, and its 2017 predecessor. Every shutdown should be followed by a thorough evaluation of its necessity and consequences.
The Need for Restraint and Accountability
The ideal number of Internet shutdowns in any country is zero. The fact that 296 shutdowns were imposed globally in 2024 is deeply concerning, and India’s disproportionate share underscores the urgent need for restraint and accountability. The Internet shutdown index is one global ranking in which India should not aspire to lead.
2. Wild and safe: On growing human-wildlife conflict
Recent human fatalities due to wild animal attacks—deep inside forests, in forest-fringed human habitations, and even within villages—have underscored the escalating human-wildlife conflict in Kerala, where nearly 29% of the land is forested. With a dry spell and an unusually hot summer expected, urgent measures are needed to prevent further escalation of this conflict, which now has political, social, and environmental dimensions. The Kerala government is facing criticism for its perceived inability to manage wildlife. Groups such as the Kerala Independent Farmers’ Association (KIFA) and sections of the church advocate for culling wildlife, citing an alleged population boom. However, Forest Department data suggest otherwise.
Understanding the Wildlife Data
The wild elephant population, linked to 18% of human fatalities, has actually declined by 7%. Snakebites, responsible for 75% of wildlife-related deaths, have fallen from 113 in 2012 to 34 in 2023. Overall, human deaths from wildlife encounters have decreased from 146 in 2018 to 57 last year. Yet, this is no cause for complacency. A worrying trend is that many victims are from tribal communities, traditionally adept at coexisting with wildlife. The government should investigate this as part of its newly announced mission to document and assess the traditional knowledge of Kerala’s 36 tribal communities in tackling wildlife encounters.
Anthropogenic Factors Worsening the Conflict
Habitat fragmentation, particularly in elephant corridors such as Aralam Farm (Kannur) and Chinnakkanal (Idukki), has forced animals into human settlements. Unregulated tourism, cattle grazing near forests, encroachments, and food waste dumping on forest fringes further exacerbate the issue. Additionally, invasive plants such as Senna spectabilis and monoculture industrial plantations have disrupted wildlife feeding patterns.
Government Interventions and Challenges
In response, the Kerala government, in 2022, empowered local bodies to eliminate feral wild boars damaging farmland. Last year, the Cabinet classified human-wildlife conflict as a State-specific disaster, allowing the Disaster Management Authority to intervene. The government’s decision to emphasize participatory forest and wildlife management is a step in the right direction, especially given the extreme views propagated by some sections.
The Forest Department has restored 5,031 hectares of natural forest and built ponds and check dams. However, restoring areas dominated by industrial plantations such as eucalyptus and acacia remains a challenge. While solar fencing has shown some success, the ₹52-crore elephant-proof wall at Aralam, one of 12 conflict landscapes, remains incomplete.
Need for a Multi-Agency Approach
The State’s 10 missions to mitigate human-wildlife conflict must be prioritized. Given the region-specific nature of the problem, a multi-agency approach involving the Disaster Management, Revenue, Local Self-Government, Tribal Welfare, Agriculture, Health, and Forest Departments is crucial to balancing human safety and sustainable wildlife management.
3. The right’s rise, Europe’s state of denial
The rise of right-wing politics in Europe is increasingly evident, with growing public support driven by concerns over migration, security, and identity. However, European Union (EU) leaders appear to be in denial, failing to acknowledge their own role in the erosion of liberal values. This article examines the recent developments at the Munich Security Conference, the trans-Atlantic tensions over Ukraine, and the broader ideological shifts in Europe.
Contradictions in the Western Approach
At the Munich Security Conference and the United Nations General Assembly vote on Ukraine, the contradictions in Western policies became evident. While the U.S. and EU claim to uphold democratic values, their actions often contradict these ideals. For instance, the U.S. and Russia held discussions on the Ukraine war in Saudi Arabia without involving European nations, despite previously excluding Russia from peace talks in Switzerland in 2024.
Furthermore, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance criticized European policies for suppressing right-wing movements, restricting free speech, and failing to curb illegal migration. Yet, before the U.S. elections in 2024, American and European leaders actively sought to prevent right-wing parties from gaining power, highlighting the inconsistency in their stance on democracy.
The U.S. and European Security Policies
The U.S. has been urging Europe to take more responsibility for its security while reducing reliance on NATO. Despite the American demand for increased European defense spending, the U.S. itself has historically controlled Europe’s security policies, preventing independent European defense initiatives since the end of the Cold War.
The Nord Stream pipeline sabotage in 2022, which cut off Russian gas supplies to Germany, further complicated European energy security. Although Germany was hesitant, it eventually succumbed to U.S. pressure and supplied military aid to Ukraine.
Migration, Radicalization, and the Far-Right Surge
One of the key issues fueling the rise of right-wing politics in Europe is migration. The EU’s liberal policies have allowed radical elements, including terrorists and extremists, to exploit open societies. Instances such as the 9/11 attackers originating from Germany, radical Islamic terrorist attacks in major European cities, and the growth of separatist movements like the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and Khalistani groups underscore the security risks posed by unchecked migration.
The failure of European leaders to address these concerns has led to a backlash, with right-wing parties gaining electoral support. The recent elections in Germany, where the far-right was kept at bay by a narrow margin, indicate a critical turning point for European politics.
India’s Critique of Western Hypocrisy
At the Munich Security Conference, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar pointed out the West’s double standards—promoting democracy at home while supporting non-democratic forces in the Global South. Instances such as the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 and the overthrow of the Syrian government in 2024 highlight the contradictions in Western foreign policy.
The Future of the Trans-Atlantic Partnership
Despite the growing rift between the U.S. and Europe over Ukraine, migration, and ideological differences, the trans-Atlantic partnership remains crucial. The U.S.’s apparent retreat from European affairs may be a tactical move rather than a strategic shift. Given the strengthening ties between Russia and China, Europe may need to reassess its policies, strengthen its security framework, and adopt a more independent approach while maintaining its alliance with the U.S.
Conclusion
Europe’s failure to address critical issues such as migration, radicalization, and security has fueled the rise of the far-right. While the EU continues to advocate liberal values, its inability to balance these ideals with real-world security concerns has led to public disillusionment. Moving forward, European leaders must recognize the changing political landscape and implement policies that safeguard both democracy and national security.
4. AI has an environmental problem
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized industries worldwide, contributing significantly to economic growth. With the AI market projected to reach $15.7 trillion by 2030, countries like the U.S. and India are investing heavily in AI infrastructure. However, alongside its benefits, AI poses substantial environmental challenges, including high energy consumption, e-waste generation, and carbon emissions. Addressing these concerns is crucial for sustainable AI development.
Environmental Impact of AI
AI’s environmental footprint spans across its entire value chain:
A. Energy-Intensive Infrastructure
(i) AI data centers account for 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, a figure expected to double by 2026.
(ii) The demand for high-performance computing hardware, such as GPUs, increases power consumption.
(iii) The expansion of data centers contributes to a growing e-waste crisis.
B. AI Model Training and Carbon Emissions
(i) Training advanced AI models like GPT-3 emits up to 552 tonnes of CO₂, equivalent to the annual emissions of multiple cars.
(ii) The energy-intensive nature of training and inferencing exacerbates the environmental impact.
C. Global Policy Landscape
(i) At COP29, global organizations emphasized the need for greener AI.
(ii) Over 190 countries have adopted ethical AI recommendations, but binding regulations remain scarce.
(iii) Governments focus on AI strategies but often neglect sustainability measures in private sector AI development.
The Way Forward
To balance AI’s growth with environmental sustainability, key steps must be taken:
A. Transition to Clean Energy
(i) AI companies should shift to renewable energy sources and purchase carbon credits to offset emissions.
(ii) Locating data centers in renewable energy-rich regions can reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
B. Energy-Efficient AI Models
(i) Developing smaller, domain-specific AI models can reduce computing power requirements.
(ii) Using optimized algorithms and specialized hardware can lower carbon footprints by 100 to 1,000 times.
(iii) Google’s DeepMind has successfully used AI to improve wind energy forecasting, showcasing AI’s role in optimizing clean energy use.
C. Transparent Emission Tracking
(i) Standardized frameworks for measuring and reporting AI’s carbon footprint can improve accountability.
(ii) Encouraging businesses to disclose AI-related emissions will help track progress toward sustainability goals.
Conclusion
Sustainability must be embedded into the AI ecosystem to ensure its long-term viability. By integrating clean energy, energy-efficient models, and transparency, AI can continue to drive innovation while minimizing its environmental impact. A proactive approach will enable AI to contribute to economic progress without compromising the planet’s future.
5. Human smuggling must engage Parliament’s attention
Human smuggling, commonly referred to as “kabootarbazi” in India, has become a grave issue, particularly affecting states such as Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, and Gujarat. The recent deportation of planeloads of Indians from the U.S. has once again highlighted the urgent need for legislative intervention. The absence of a strong legal framework has allowed organized networks of smugglers to exploit vulnerable individuals, promising them better lives abroad while subjecting them to inhumane conditions and life-threatening risks.
Understanding Human Smuggling
Human smuggling involves the illegal transportation of individuals across international borders, often facilitated by criminal networks. It differs from human trafficking in that the migrants voluntarily seek illegal migration, usually paying agents for their services. However, many end up facing severe exploitation, including forced labor, unsafe working conditions, and, in extreme cases, death.
Key Factors Contributing to Human Smuggling in India
(i) Economic Hardship: Many individuals, especially from rural areas, seek better opportunities abroad due to unemployment and poverty.
(ii) Lack of Awareness: Many migrants fall prey to false promises of job placements and legal residency.
(iii) Organized Crime Networks: International smuggling syndicates exploit weak law enforcement mechanisms to run large-scale operations.
(iv) Legal Gaps: The existing Emigration Act, 1983, does not specifically define human smuggling or provide stringent deterrents.
Existing Legal Framework and Its Limitations
A. Emigration Act, 1983: This law regulates overseas employment and emigration procedures but lacks provisions addressing human smuggling.
B. Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Act, 2012: This state law aims to regulate travel agents and curb illegal migration, but its enforcement remains weak.
Comparison of the Two Acts
(i) The Emigration Act, 1983 focuses on regulating recruitment agents for overseas employment but does not tackle human smuggling.
(ii) The Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Act, 2012 specifically targets illegal travel agents involved in smuggling but is confined to state jurisdiction.
Need for a Central Law on Human Smuggling
A comprehensive national law is required to:
(i) Clearly define human smuggling and differentiate it from human trafficking.
(ii) Establish stringent penalties for smugglers and those abetting the crime.
(iii) Strengthen international cooperation to dismantle global smuggling networks.
(iv) Provide protection and rehabilitation for victims of smuggling.
(v) Regulate travel agents and recruitment agencies through strict licensing and monitoring mechanisms.
Conclusion
India must take decisive steps to combat human smuggling by enacting a strong central law that ensures strict penalties, effective enforcement, and international collaboration. Parliament must recognize the urgency of the situation and work towards a robust legal framework that safeguards the lives of Indian citizens seeking opportunities abroad.
Disclaimer:
This analysis is based on the editorial content published in The Hindu and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The views, opinions, and interpretations expressed herein are those of the author of original article. Readers are encouraged to refer to the original article for complete context and to exercise their own judgment while interpreting the analysis. The analysis does not constitute professional advice or endorsement of any political, economic, or social perspective.
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