1. Internet Shutdowns in India: Balancing Security and Freedom

Context: A recent report by the advocacy group ‘Access Now’ highlights that India recorded the second-highest number of internet shutdowns in 2024, accounting for 28% of global disruptions.

Global and National Trends in Internet Shutdowns:

• Global Scenario: A total of 296 internet shutdowns occurred worldwide in 2024.
• India’s Position: With 84 shutdowns, India was second only to Myanmar, which had one more disruption.
• Comparative Decline: India saw fewer shutdowns in 2024 compared to the previous year.
  Affected Regions: 16 States and Union Territories experienced disruptions.
• Most Shutdowns:

• Manipur – 21 shutdowns
• Haryana – 12 shutdowns
• Jammu & Kashmir – 12 shutdowns
• Primary Reasons:

• 41 shutdowns were imposed due to protests.
• 23 shutdowns were linked to communal violence.

Legal Framework Governing Internet Shutdowns:

1. Grounds for Imposing Shutdowns: 

• The Indian Telegraph Act allows the temporary suspension of internet services in cases of “public emergency” or “public safety.”
• However, the law lacks a clear definition of what qualifies as an emergency or safety concern.

2. Earlier Use of Section 144 of CrPC:  

• Before 2017, authorities imposed internet shutdowns under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
• Section 144 grants powers to the police and District Magistrate to prevent unlawful gatherings and restrict specific activities.

3. Introduction of Suspension Rules (2017): 

• In 2017, the government introduced the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules.
• These rules set guidelines for imposing shutdowns and require a review by an advisory board within five days.

4. Landmark Case: Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020): The Supreme Court ruled that indefinite internet shutdowns are unconstitutional.

Key Takeaways from the Verdict:

• Internet access is a fundamental right under Article 19.
• Shutdowns must be temporary, not indefinite.
• The government must publish orders imposing restrictions under Section 144.
• Any shutdown order is subject to judicial review.

Arguments in Favor of Internet Shutdowns:

• National Security: Helps curb misinformation, prevent unlawful activities, and neutralize security threats.
• Temporary and Targeted: Shutdowns are used as a short-term measure, not a permanent restriction.
• Preventing Unrest and Violence: Helps prevent riots, protests, or organized unrest.
• Combating Fake News: Stops the spread of misinformation and rumors during crises.

Arguments Against Internet Shutdowns:

• Violation of Freedom of Expression: Restricts the right to speech and information, guaranteed by the Constitution.
• Negative Impact on Global Reputation: Frequent shutdowns affect India’s image, discouraging foreign investors.
• Human Rights Concerns: Hinders access to information, free speech, and peaceful assembly.
• Economic Disruptions: Affects the digital economy, causing financial losses.
• Educational Setbacks: Interrupts online learning, affecting students across the country.
• Lack of Transparency: Governments must clearly communicate the reasons and duration of internet restrictions.

Conclusion:

In a democracy, restricting internet access should be justified and transparent. Indiscriminate shutdowns not only affect social and economic activities but are often ineffective in addressing security concerns. India needs a more accountable and balanced approach to internet governance, ensuring both public safety and fundamental rights are upheld.

2. India’s Growing LNG Imports: A Key Driver in the Energy Transition

Context: India’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from the United States reached a record 7.14 billion cubic meters (BCM) in the first 11 months of 2024, reflecting a 71% year-over-year surge. This marks a significant shift in India’s energy landscape as it strengthens its reliance on LNG.

Understanding LNG:

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is natural gas cooled to -162°C (-260°F), converting it into a liquid form for easier storage and transportation. Primarily composed of 90% methane, LNG is odorless, colorless, non-toxic, and non-corrosive.

India’s LNG Landscape:

As the third-largest energy consumer globally, India is witnessing an unprecedented rise in energy demand due to rapid economic growth. LNG has emerged as a strategic energy source to meet these expanding needs.
India’s LNG infrastructure includes import terminals, pipelines, and distribution networks, supplying power plants, industries, and city gas networks. However, the sector faces congestion issues and supply chain inefficiencies, limiting its full potential.

US Overtakes UAE as a Key LNG Supplier:

• In 2023, the United States surpassed the UAE to become India’s second-largest LNG supplier, while Qatar remains the top supplier.
• In 2024, India’s LNG imports from the US rose by 53.5%, highlighting a growing preference for American gas.

Why is India Increasing LNG Imports?

1. Energy Diversification: India’s transition from coal-based power to cleaner fuels is driving its LNG imports.
2. Net-Zero Commitment: To achieve its net-zero target by 2070, India is prioritizing low-emission energy sources, with LNG playing a crucial role.
3. Industrial Growth: Industries demand clean and efficient energy, making LNG a viable alternative to traditional fuels.
4. Urbanization & City Gas Networks: Expanding city gas distribution (CGD) networks and increasing reliance on Piped Natural Gas (PNG) are improving urban living standards.

Challenges Hindering LNG Growth:

1. Infrastructure Deficiencies: Although India aims to increase natural gas’s share to 15% of its energy mix by 2030, congested LNG terminals and inadequate infrastructure pose major obstacles.
2. Limited Pipeline Network:  A lack of pipelines restricts LNG access to remote areas, slowing nationwide distribution.
3. Storage Constraints: India has limited LNG storage capacity, making it vulnerable to global price volatility and supply disruptions.

Government Initiatives to Strengthen LNG Infrastructure:

1. Energy Transition Policy: The government is focused on increasing the share of natural gas to 15% by 2030 to reduce dependence on coal.
2. National Gas Grid Expansion: Expanding the LNG pipeline network aims to enhance supply efficiency and improve accessibility.
3. Expansion of City Gas Distribution (CGD): Accelerating access to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for urban households and transport.
4. Development of New LNG Terminals: New import and storage facilities are being planned to meet rising demand.
5. Liberalization of Gas Pricing: Providing market and pricing freedom for deepwater, high-pressure, and coal seam gas sources, with a ceiling price mechanism.
6. Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT): Promoting Bio-CNG as an eco-friendly transportation fuel to reduce reliance on traditional fuels.

The Road Ahead: Building a Robust LNG Ecosystem:

1. Encouraging Investments: The government must introduce investment-friendly policies to attract private and foreign capital into LNG infrastructure.
2. Regulatory Simplification: 
3. Fast-tracking approvals for LNG projects can accelerate infrastructure expansion.
4. Small-Scale LNG Development: Supporting small-scale LNG plants will facilitate decentralized energy supply to underserved regions.
5. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): A collaborative approach between the government, private players, and financial institutions is essential to build a resilient and efficient LNG ecosystem.

With strategic investments, policy reforms, and infrastructure expansion, India is well on its way to becoming a global leader in LNG consumption, ensuring sustainable and secure energy for its growing economy.

3. The Ancient Tea Horse Road: A Historic Trade Link Between India and China

Context: China’s Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, recently highlighted the historical Tea Horse Road, a trade route spanning over 2,000 km, connecting China to India via Tibet. This ancient pathway played a crucial role in fostering commerce and cultural exchanges between the two nations.

Unraveling the Tea Horse Road:

The Tea Horse Road was a significant trade network that linked China, Tibet, and India for centuries. Though less known than the Silk Road, it was essential for the exchange of tea, horses, and other valuable commodities.

On February 25, 2025, China’s ambassador emphasized its historical importance, showcasing how this route strengthened India-China ties through trade and cultural interactions.

Origins of the Tea Horse Road:

The Tea Horse Road dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) when trade between Southwest China, Tibet, and India flourished.

• Buddhist monk Yijing (635-713 CE) documented these early exchanges, mentioning trade in sugar, textiles, and rice noodles from China, while Tibet and India provided horses, gold, saffron, and medicinal herbs.
• By the 10th century (Song Dynasty, 960-1279 CE), official markets were established to regulate the exchange of tea and horses, the two dominant commodities.

A Network of Roads Through Challenging Terrains:

The Tea Horse Road was not a single route but a complex network of trails stretching from Southwest China to India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

Key Features of the Route:

• Total Distance: Over 2,000 km
• Major Trade Centers: Dali, Lijiang (Yunnan Province), and Lhasa (Tibet)
• Extreme Elevations: Peaked at 10,000 feet in the Himalayas
• Difficult Conditions: Traders faced harsh terrains, extreme weather, and high altitudes

Despite these hardships, merchants carried tea from Sichuan to Tibet and India, returning with horses and other essential goods.

Tea and Horses – The Backbone of the Trade:

• Tea: A daily necessity for Tibetan nomads, particularly in cold and harsh climates. Yak butter tea became a staple, offering warmth and energy.
• Horses: Essential for China’s military. The central plains of China lacked horses, making Tibetan and Yunnan steeds highly valuable, especially during conflicts against Mongolian tribes.
• To regulate trade, the Song Dynasty government set up official markets, ensuring a controlled and stable exchange of tea and horses.

The Tea Horse Road in Modern History:

Expansion of Trade in the Early 20th Century:

With the fall of the Qing Dynasty (1912), the Tea Horse Road gained importance as Yunnan’s tea industry expanded, integrating China further into the global market.

World War II: A Strategic Supply Route:

During World War II, when Japan occupied China’s eastern ports, the Tea Horse Road became a critical alternative supply route for transporting goods and military supplies to China’s resistance forces.

Post-1949 Decline:

With the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, the Tea Horse Road lost its significance.

• Mao Zedong’s land reforms altered traditional trade patterns.
• Modern transportation networks gradually replaced the ancient route.
• However, historical sites like Lijiang retained their cultural relevance, with Lijiang becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Reviving the Tea Horse Road: A Cultural Renaissance:

China is actively promoting tourism along the ancient route, showcasing its rich history and cultural significance.

• Lijiang, a former trade hub, has been transformed into a cultural heritage site, attracting global visitors.
• UNESCO recognizes Lijiang as a key trade distribution center where Sichuan, Yunnan, and Tibet intersected with the Southern Silk Road.

Conclusion: A Timeless Legacy:

The Tea Horse Road was more than just a trade route—it was a lifeline connecting China, Tibet, and India for centuries. Though its economic importance has faded, it remains a symbol of historical trade and cultural exchange. Efforts to preserve its legacy through tourism, research, and heritage conservation highlight its role in shaping regional economies and cross-border interactions.
This renewed focus serves as a reminder of the deep historical ties between India and China, emphasizing the enduring legacy of this ancient trade corridor. 

4. India’s Fertilizer Strategy

5. India to Announce Emission Intensity Targets by Month-End

Context: The Union government is gearing up to unveil emission intensity targets for nine key industrial sectors by the end of February 2025. This marks a major milestone in India’s journey towards launching a carbon credit trading scheme, which will help industries transition towards a low-carbon economy.

Implementation Timeline:

• Industries will be given one year to align with the new compliance measures.
• Carbon credit trading is expected to commence by October 2026.

Background: India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Union Ministry of Power, announced India’s carbon credit trading system in June 2023.

• March 2024: Follow-up regulations made compliance mandatory for certain industries.
• Current Status: Emission intensity targets are yet to be defined, delaying the generation and trading of carbon credits.

Objective: Why Is India Introducing Carbon Credit Trading?

The initiative aims to:

• Reduce, remove, or prevent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• Encourage industries to improve efficiency rather than impose absolute emission cuts.
• Create a financial incentive for businesses to adopt cleaner technologies.
• The scheme operates on a carbon credit certificate trading system, ensuring that industries can monetize their sustainability efforts.

How Does India’s Carbon Credit System Compare Globally?

European Model (Absolute Cap-and-Trade System):

• Each carbon credit represents one tonne of CO₂ prevented from being released.
• Industries with emission limits can buy or sell credits based on their compliance levels.

Indian Model (Efficiency-Based Approach):

• Industries are not required to reduce overall emissions but must improve efficiency.
• Emission intensity targets focus on reducing emissions per unit of production.
• Example: A steel plant can burn less coal or reuse heat to manufacture the same amount of steel more efficiently.

Emission Intensity Targets: Key Sectors Affected:

The emission intensity targets will apply to nine major industrial sectors:

• Iron & Steel
• Aluminium
• Chlor-Alkali
• Cement
• Fertilizers
• Pulp & Paper
• Petrochemicals
• Petroleum Refineries
• Textiles

Additionally, India is also exploring voluntary carbon offset markets, such as afforestation projects, which may begin trading later this year.

India’s Climate Commitment: A 2030 Goal

India is on a mission to cut its emissions intensity by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030.
The upcoming emission intensity targets will be a crucial step in achieving this ambitious goal while supporting industries in making a smoother transition to sustainability.

By introducing this market-driven approach, India is positioning itself as a global leader in carbon efficiency, balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.

6. India’s Social Protection Coverage Doubles to 49%: ILO Report

Context: According to the ILO’s World Social Protection Report 2024-26, the proportion of India’s population covered by at least one social protection benefit (excluding healthcare) has risen from 24% in 2021 to 49% in 2024. This marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen social security and economic resilience.

What is Social Protection?

Social protection refers to benefits provided to individuals based on the risks they face throughout their life—such as unemployment, disability, old age, and economic hardships. It also supports those suffering from poverty and social exclusion.

Why is Social Protection Important?

• Building an Inclusive Society – Ensures security for children, women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
• Tackling Climate Change and Social Inequality – Helps combat poverty, inequality, and social exclusion, making societies more resilient to climate and economic shocks.
• Promoting Sustainable Economic Growth – Encourages transition to greener jobs and sustainable economic practices, fostering long-term stability.

Challenges in India’s Social Protection System:

• Limited Coverage for Informal Workers – A vast segment of India’s informal workforce remains outside the scope of comprehensive social security programs.
• Gender Disparity in Benefits – Only 26% of Indian women are covered by at least one social protection scheme, compared to 39% of men.
• Low Public Spending on Social Protection – India allocates just 5% of its GDP to social protection (excluding healthcare), significantly below the global average of 13%.
• Impact of Automation & AI – According to McKinsey, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) could disrupt around 12 million jobs in India by 2030, making social protection even more crucial.

The Road Ahead: Strengthening Social Protection in India:

• Expanding Coverage for Informal Workers – Strengthening unemployment insurance and pension schemes to extend coverage to informal sector workers.
• Bridging the Gender Gap – Enhancing maternity benefits, pension access, and financial security programs for women.
• Better Data & Monitoring – Improving data collection and tracking systems to ensure social benefits reach the right beneficiaries.
• Reskilling for the AI Era – Implementing workforce upskilling initiatives to help workers adapt to automation and emerging job sectors.

With rising social protection coverage, India is taking significant steps towards a more inclusive and resilient economy, but further reforms are essential to achieve universal social security.