Waqf Bill: Politics and Opportunism

The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was expected to be a challenge for the BJP-led government, given the sensitivities surrounding the issue. However, the ease with which it sailed through both houses of Parliament underscored not only the BJP’s numerical advantage but also the opportunistic politics of several regional parties. The debate and voting process laid bare the deep political fault lines and the shifting priorities of parties that have traditionally built their support on minority vote banks.

Far from being a debate on principle, the Waqf Bill exposed how political parties navigate the tricky terrain of minority appeasement or antagonism based on electoral calculations. Some parties opposed the bill as a symbolic stand to retain Muslim support, while others found themselves in awkward positions due to their shifting alliances and internal divisions. The Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] faced significant turmoil, with at least two members resigning in protest. JD(U) spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad, however, dismissed these resignations as theatrics, stating that neither individual was a core member of the party. Yet, the visible dissent within JD(U) reflects deeper discomfort among its minority leaders, particularly Ghulam Rasool Baliyawi, who openly criticized the party’s support for the bill.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) found itself in an equally uncomfortable position. Despite being a party known for its secular stance, its support for the Waqf Bill created internal fractures. BJD has seven members in the Rajya Sabha, three voted in support of the Bill, signalling an erosion of party discipline under Naveen Patnaik’s leadership. The party’s official stance was to oppose the bill. This has led to speculation about a growing rift within the party and the possibility of members switching sides in the near future. Having failed to win a single Lok Sabha seat in the last general elections, the BJD now faces the additional challenge of maintaining its hold over its Rajya Sabha members, some of whom may be re-evaluating their political affiliations.

Meanwhile, the bill sparked protests in West Bengal, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee positioning herself as the strongest critic of the legislation. She pledged that any future government under her influence would amend or repeal the bill, a clear indication of her attempt to consolidate Muslim support in the state. The political ramifications of the Waqf Bill have thus extended beyond Parliament, with street protests and internal party frictions.

In essence, the Waqf Bill’s passage has proven to be less about ideological conviction and more about the calculations of political survival. The strains within JD(U), BJD, and other parties highlight the shifting ground in Indian politics, where minority vote banks remain a crucial yet contested battleground.

 Transparency Test: Evaluating Odisha’s DMF Funds

The District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds in Odisha, meant to uplift mining-affected regions, have long been mired in controversy. While the previous government launched numerous high-profile projects, allegations of mismanagement and incomplete work have cast a shadow over their utilisation. The recent decision by the new administration to involve a third-party auditor, Grant Thornton, to evaluate DMF projects is a step in the right direction, but questions linger about the independence and effectiveness of such an exercise.

Mineral-rich districts like Keonjhar and Anugul have seen massive spending under DMF, with thousands of crores allocated to infrastructure, beautification, and welfare schemes. However, reports suggest that nearly 20% of projects in Anugul alone remain unfinished, raising concerns about accountability. Media investigations and civil society groups have flagged irregularities, including hurried spending without proper outcomes. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has even sought action from the state chief secretary over underutilization, underscoring the gravity of the issue.

The new government’s amendments to DMF rules, imposing stricter controls on fund transfers, are welcome. Earlier, district collectors had considerable discretion in spending, which led to allegations of favouritism and inefficiency. The revised guidelines aim to ensure funds are used purposefully, with greater oversight. However, the real test lies in enforcement. Past experiences show that well-intentioned policies often falter in implementation, especially when political and bureaucratic interests collide.

The appointment of Grant Thornton to audit DMF projects is a positive signal, but scepticism remains. The firm’s findings will only inspire confidence if the process is transparent and free from government interference. Unfortunately, the track record of state-commissioned audits in India is mixed, with many reports either watered down or shelved. If this evaluation is to have any impact, its methodology and findings must be made public, and corrective action must follow. Moreover, past evaluations of government schemes have often been reduced to mere formalities, with critical findings ignored. To break this pattern, the audit report must be made binding, with clear consequences for mismanagement and delays.

Beyond audits, Odisha needs a robust mechanism for community participation in DMF planning and monitoring. Local residents, who are the intended beneficiaries, often have little say in how funds are used. Greater involvement of gram sabhas and civil society would not only improve accountability but also ensure that spending aligns with grassroots needs rather than political vanity projects.

The DMF funds represent a golden opportunity to transform mining-affected areas, but only if used wisely. The new government’s efforts to tighten norms and evaluate past spending are commendable, but they must be followed by tangible action. Without genuine transparency and accountability, even the best policies will fail to deliver justice to the people these funds are meant to serve.

 

 Tariff Turmoil: Global Trade Shifts

Donald Trump’s recent announcement of sweeping tariffs has sent ripples through the global economy. Dubbed "Liberation Day," the policy imposes a baseline 10% tariff on all imports into the U.S., with India facing a specific 26% levy. This move, aimed at addressing trade imbalances, has sparked concerns about its implications for international trade dynamics.

For India, the tariffs pose a dual challenge. On one hand, they threaten to disrupt key export sectors like pharmaceuticals, textiles, and auto parts. On the other hand, they compel India to reassess its trade strategies. Historically, India has responded to such measures with a mix of adaptation and strategic countermeasures. For instance, when the U.S. imposed tariffs on steel and aluminium in 2018, India retaliated by raising duties on select American goods, including agricultural products and motorcycles. However, rather than engaging in a full-scale trade war, India also sought to strengthen trade ties with other nations to mitigate economic fallout.

In the current scenario, India might adopt a similar approach. Retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports could be one option, targeting sectors where American exports are vulnerable. Alternatively, India could focus on strengthening trade ties with other nations, particularly in Asia and Europe, to offset the impact of reduced access to the U.S. market. Additionally, India could leverage this opportunity to push for domestic reforms that enhance its global competitiveness, such as reducing its own tariff barriers and improving the ease of doing business. Expanding trade agreements with emerging economies and deepening engagement with BRICS nations could also serve as a buffer against the adverse effects of U.S. tariffs.

The broader implications of Trump’s tariffs extend beyond India. Countries like China, the European Union, and Japan are also grappling with significant levies, ranging from 20% to 34%. This has the potential to trigger a global trade war, reminiscent of historical instances like the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930. That policy led to retaliatory tariffs from other nations, a collapse in global trade, and a deepening of the Great Depression.

Trump’s tariffs risk inflating consumer prices, disrupting supply chains, and straining diplomatic relations. For developing nations like India, the challenge lies in navigating these turbulent waters without compromising economic growth. By adopting a balanced strategy that combines retaliation with proactive reforms, India can not only mitigate the immediate impact but also position itself as a resilient player in the evolving global trade landscape.

While Trump’s tariffs underscore the fragility of the current trade order, they also present an opportunity for nations like India to recalibrate their strategies and emerge stronger. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but with due care, India can turn this crisis into an opportunity for growth and transformation.

 

 Global Stand: India’s Firm Message on Terror

India’s recent diplomatic offensive across Europe under Operation Sindoor Outreach marks a significant shift in how the country is confronting cross-border terrorism on the global stage. The all-party delegation, led by senior BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, delivered a resolute message—terrorism emanating from Pakistan will be treated as an "act of war." This unambiguous stance, articulated in key European capitals, reflects India’s hardened posture following the dastardly attack in Pahalgam, which drew widespread condemnation. The delegation’s efforts to rally international opinion against state-sponsored terror were met with solidarity, reinforcing the urgency of isolating Pakistan for its role in perpetuating violence.

The success of this outreach lies not just in the diplomatic handshakes but in the clarity of India’s narrative. By presenting evidence and engaging with lawmakers, think tanks, and diaspora communities, the delegation exposed Pakistan’s decades-long strategy of using terror as a tool of coercion. BJP MP Ghulam Ali Khatana’s stark warning that India will no longer tolerate such provocations resonated strongly, signalling a departure from passive diplomacy to assertive deterrence. Equally significant was the cross-party consensus, with MPs like AIADMK’s Thambidurai and BJP’s Daggubati Purandeswari underscoring the mission’s unified purpose.

Parallel delegations, including one to the US and the Americas led by Shashi Tharoor and another to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria featuring AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi, complemented this effort. While their impact is still unfolding, their very composition, spanning political divides, demonstrates India’s rare unity on national security. The expectation was to translate outrage over Pahalgam into tangible global pressure on Pakistan. The relevance of these missions cannot be overstated; they counter Islamabad’s false equivalences and ensure India’s grievances are heard without dilution.

Critics may question whether such tours yield immediate policy shifts, but their true measure lies in the gradual erosion of Pakistan’s credibility. Europe’s vocal condemnation and the US’s growing impatience with Islamabad suggest the message is cutting through. For India, the challenge now is to sustain this momentum, ensuring that the world’s anger translates into concrete action, be it through sanctions, isolation, or heightened scrutiny of Pakistan’s terror infrastructure. The aftermath of Pahalgam has shown that India’s patience is exhausted. The world is listening. The next step must be accountability.

Beyond symbolism, these missions served a strategic purpose, countering Pakistan’s attempts to internationalise Kashmir while deflecting blame for terrorism. By engaging European parliaments and institutions, India preempted Islamabad’s propaganda, ensuring that discussions on regional security centred on cross-border terror rather than political grievances. The delegation’s access to high-level policymakers, including meetings with EU officials in Brussels, amplified India’s case, making it harder for Pakistan to evade responsibility. This proactive diplomacy has turned global forums into platforms for accountability rather than equivocation.

 

 Odia Asmita: Towards a Cultural Renaissance

The celebration of Odisha Divas on April 1 is a reminder of a historic struggle that led to the creation of India's first linguistic state in 1936. This was not merely an administrative victory but a cultural assertion, affirming the identity of Odias who had long been fragmented under British rule. Yet, nearly nine decades later, the Odia language and culture are at a crossroads, struggling to retain relevance in an era dominated by globalisation, English education, and homogenised pop culture. While the state government's recent initiatives, such as the 15-day Odia Pakhya, aim to rekindle pride in Odia heritage, the question remains whether these can reverse the erosion of Odia Asmita or are temporary fixes to a deep-rooted crisis.

The Odia Pakhya celebrations include a series of well-intentioned programs. These activities help raise awareness about Odia culture, but critics highlight a valid concern: can sporadic celebrations truly revive a language and culture that are steadily losing ground in daily life?

One of the most alarming signs of cultural erosion is the diminishing presence of Odia in education. While proficiency in English is important, the neglect of Odia in early education has led to a generation that can barely read or write its own language fluently. Even more concerning is the lack of serious academic engagement with Odia literature and linguistics within Odisha's own universities. Institutions like Utkal University and the newly established Odia University were envisioned as centres of Odia scholarship, yet their contributions pale in comparison to the work being done outside the state, such as at Visva-Bharati in Santiniketan or the Orissa Research Project of Heidelberg University in Germany.

The government's role should extend beyond organising festivals. Policy interventions are needed to ensure Odia remains a living language, not just a ceremonial one. The state must incentivise Odia-medium education, improve curriculum quality, and ensure students do not see their mother tongue as a handicap in professional life. Universities must be pushed to undertake serious research in Odia linguistics, folklore, and classical literature, with grants and fellowships made available for scholars working on Odia heritage. Cultural integration in mass media is equally crucial—Odia cinema, music, and television must move beyond repetitive themes and embrace contemporary storytelling while retaining cultural roots.

While the government must lead the way, the revival of Odia Asmita cannot be a top-down effort alone. Families must take pride in speaking Odia at home and the youth must be encouraged to engage with their heritage rather than viewing it as outdated The time has come to move beyond symbolic gestures and build a concrete roadmap for preserving Odisha's linguistic and cultural legacy for future generations. Only then can we truly honour the spirit of Odisha Divas. 

 Ghibli Craze: Artistry Meets AI

The recent surge in Ghibli-inspired AI art, sparked by OpenAI’s latest ChatGPT update in March 2025, has ignited both fascination and unease. Fans have flooded social media with images—selfies, family portraits, and even memes—transformed into the whimsical, hand-drawn aesthetic of Studio Ghibli’s legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. In seconds, a mundane photo can resemble a frame from My Neighbour Totoro or Spirited Away. Yet beneath the playful trend lies a deeper tension: what does this mean for Miyazaki’s legacy and the broader landscape of human creativity?

Miyazaki’s films are labours of love, crafted over years with meticulous hand-drawn frames and an almost spiritual devotion to detail. This slow artistry stands in stark contrast to AI’s ability to mimic it instantly. The technology’s realism—perhaps the closest yet to capturing Ghibli’s essence—has thrilled users, with even OpenAI CEO Sam Altman joining the craze, swapping his X profile picture for a “Ghiblified” selfie. But the trend isn’t all lighthearted. Some have pushed the tool into darker territory, generating images of historical tragedies like 9/11 or George Floyd’s murder in Miyazaki’s style, raising ethical questions about the boundaries of such technology.

For Miyazaki, who once called AI “an insult to life itself” in a 2016 documentary, this moment might feel like a betrayal. His words resurfaced online as the filter gained traction, echoing a sentiment shared by many artists today. The painstaking process behind his work, rooted in human experience and emotion, seems diminished when a machine can replicate it on demand. Studio Ghibli’s style, once a testament to human imagination, now risks becoming a casual filter, stripped of its soul.

This isn’t just about Miyazaki. The rise of AI tools like ChatGPT has rattled creative industries. In 2024, over 10,000 artists—including Kazuo Ishiguro, Julianne Moore, and Thom Yorke—signed a letter decrying the unlicensed use of their work to train AI models. They argue that such technology exploits human achievement, commodifying art without consent. Recent X posts reflect similar unease, with users lamenting how AI flattens cultural milestones into quick, disposable outputs.

Yet, the Ghibli craze also hints at AI’s potential to democratize creativity, letting fans engage with beloved aesthetics in new ways. The challenge lies in balance—honoring the original creators while navigating this uncharted frontier. For Miyazaki and countless others, the question remains: can AI amplify art without eroding its humanity? As of now, the answer is as elusive as the wind in Nausicaä.

 Grains of Change: Odisha’s Nutritional Revolution

Odisha’s recent high-level review of its Shree Anna Abhiyan marks a decisive shift in its agricultural priorities. By championing grains like millets, bajra, kangu, and suan, grains once relegated to the margins, the state is not just reviving traditional crops but challenging the monoculture mindset entrenched since the Green Revolution. This initiative envisions Odisha as a national hub for nutrient-rich staples, blending heritage preservation with rural empowerment. The timing is apt. As millets gain global recognition as “superfoods,” Odisha’s mission underscores a pressing need to rethink food systems that have prioritised yield over nutrition for decades.

The Green Revolution’s legacy is a double-edged sword. While it averted famine by boosting rice and wheat production, its reliance on chemical fertilisers and pesticides has left toxic trails. Punjab’s “cancer belts,” where water contamination parallels rising cancer rates, exemplify the human cost of this model. The environmental toll, depleted soils, and vanishing biodiversity are equally alarming. Worse, the revolution narrowed dietary diversity, with rice and wheat now dominating 50% of global plant-based calories. This monoculture has bred nutritional deficits: iron-deficiency anaemia in wheat-dependent populations, diabetes spikes linked to refined grains, and a disconnect from indigenous crops like millets that offer natural resilience against climate shocks and hidden hunger.

Beyond policy shifts, changing consumer behaviour is critical. Urban India’s rediscovery of millet-based dishes, from ragi dosas to bajra khichdi, reflects growing health consciousness. However, sustained demand requires awareness campaigns debunking myths about millets being "coarse" or hard to cook. Culinary influencers and nutritionists must collaborate to reposition these grains as versatile staples. When plate-level adoption matches farm-level revival, Odisha’s vision for a Shree Anna revolution will truly take root.

India’s recent millet push, highlighted by the International Year of Millets and the Shree Anna Yojana, signals a course correction. States like Odisha are integrating these crops into PDS systems, while celebrity endorsements and gourmet rediscoveries are rebranding millets from “poor man’s food” to aspirational staples. Yet, challenges persist. Minor millets remain sidelined in research budgets, and market linkages for tribal farmers are nascent. The way forward demands interdisciplinary efforts: scaling up seed banks, investing in millet-based value chains, and embedding these grains in school meals and urban diets.

Odisha’s ambition mirrors a global awakening. From quinoa’s rise in the Andes to fonio’s revival in West Africa, traditional crops are being rediscovered as allies against climate change and malnutrition. As the state sows the seeds of its Shree Anna hub, it offers a template for a food system that honours ecology, health, and equity—one where the past nourishes the future. The lesson is clear: true food security lies not in dominating nature, but in diversifying with it.

 

 Tragedy Strikes: Bangalore Stampede Fallout

The deadly stampede during the RCB victory celebrations in Bangalore has once again exposed the glaring lapses in crowd management and administrative apathy. What should have been a joyous occasion turned into a nightmare, leaving eleven dead and several injured. The tragedy raises uncomfortable questions about who was responsible and what could have been done to prevent it. Initial reports suggest a toxic mix of poor planning, inadequate police presence, and misleading social media updates contributed to the chaos. Yet, in the days that have followed, the outrage has begun to fade, replaced by the familiar cycle of hollow promises, political blame games, and superficial inquiries.

The Karnataka High Court has rightly demanded answers from the state government, questioning why no senior officials were present to oversee the event and why permissions were granted without proper risk assessment. The police claim they were caught off guard by the massive turnout, but this excuse rings hollow when large public gatherings are routine in different Indian cities. The lack of barricades, clear entry-exit points, and crowd control measures points to criminal negligence. Worse still, the confusion was exacerbated by unverified social media posts suggesting free giveaways, drawing thousands more than anticipated. The authorities should have anticipated this, given how quickly misinformation spreads online.

Instead of a thorough investigation, however, the response has been predictable. The suspension of some senior police officers appears more like a token gesture than genuine accountability. Meanwhile, politicians have wasted no time in trading accusations, with the opposition blaming the Congress government and the ruling party deflecting criticism. The focus has even bizarrely shifted to whether cricket stars like Virat Kohli should be held responsible: a distraction from the real issue of administrative failure.

The deeper issue lies in India’s systemic indifference toward public safety protocols. Stampedes, fires, and structural collapses follow a script—negligence, outrage, then amnesia. Authorities treat human lives as expendable statistics, relying on knee-jerk reactions rather than preventive governance. Until accountability is enforced beyond suspensions and headlines, such tragedies will remain inevitable, their lessons unlearned.

What is most disheartening is how quickly such tragedies vanish from public memory. The media moves on, the political circus winds down, and the victims are forgotten, until the next stampede, the next fire, the next bridge collapse. Each time, there are inquiries, arrests, and promises of reform, yet nothing changes. The Bangalore stampede is not an isolated incident but part of a recurring pattern of negligence. Unless there is a systemic overhaul in how public events are regulated and enforced, such disasters will keep repeating. For now, the city mourns, but soon, even that will fade—until the next time.

 Housing Dreams: Shelter Beyond Politics

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi recently unveiled a new housing initiative, Antyodaya Gruha Yojana, aimed at uplifting the state’s rural poor, marking a fresh chapter in the BJP-led government’s welfare agenda. Designed to provide sturdy homes to economically disadvantaged families, the scheme integrates basic amenities like sanitation, cooking fuel, water, and electricity, reflecting a holistic approach to rural development. It positions itself as a complement to existing Central programs, seeking to bridge gaps left by prior efforts and cater to overlooked segments such as vulnerable widows, the differently-abled, and disaster-hit households. Launched with an ambitious rollout, the initiative underscores a commitment to rapid action, though its long-term impact remains tied to effective implementation.

This move contrasts with the previous BJD government’s housing efforts, which aimed to support lower and middle-income rural families but lost traction after the regime change. That earlier scheme, once heralded as a lifeline for those excluded from stringent eligibility criteria, struggled to maintain momentum under the new administration, with reports of stalled progress and administrative hiccups in several districts. The shift from BJD to BJP rule has thus ushered in not just a new policy but a reorientation of priorities, with the current government keen to stamp its identity on welfare delivery. Yet, this pattern of rebranding and rebooting housing initiatives has become a permanent feature in Odisha, where political parties have long vied to claim credit for addressing rural poverty.

The politics of naming and ownership loom large over such schemes. Past criticisms, levelled by BJP leaders against the BJD, accused the former government of co-opting centrally-funded programs like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for local glory with the Biju Pucca Ghar scheme, often at the expense of transparency in beneficiary selection. Allegations of favouritism and partisan distribution plagued earlier efforts, raising questions about whether benefits truly reached the intended poor or were siphoned off to political loyalists. The new scheme, while promising inclusivity and efficiency, must navigate this legacy of scepticism. Its emphasis on urgency and broader coverage suggests an attempt to break from past pitfalls, but success will depend on sidestepping the bureaucratic inertia and political gamesmanship that undermined its predecessor.

Ultimately, Majhi’s housing push reflects a broader contest between continuity and change in Odisha’s welfare landscape. While it builds on the foundation of national housing goals, its execution will test the BJP’s ability to deliver tangible results rather than just rhetorical flourish. For rural Odisha, caught between successive governments’ promises, the real measure lies in homes built, not headlines won.

 Bytes Before Bias: Embracing AI in Justice

The Indian judiciary, burdened with over 50 million pending cases, is at a crossroads where tradition must yield to innovation. While Chief Justice of India B R Gavai cautions against letting technology take the "driver’s seat," the reality demands a co-pilot, Artificial Intelligence, to steer the system out of its crippling backlog. The argument isn’t about replacing judges but augmenting their capabilities. AI, trained on millions of precedents and global jurisprudence, can deliver swift, data-driven verdicts in routine cases, freeing human judges to focus on complex, nuanced matters.

Former CJI D Y Chandrachud’s assertion that "technology should be a means of ensuring justice to everyone" rings truer today than ever. AI is already revolutionising critical fields like healthcare, where algorithms diagnose diseases and even assist in surgeries with precision. If machines can save lives in operating rooms, why not in courtrooms? The justice system’s resistance to AI stems from an outdated bias that equates morality exclusively with human judgment. Yet, isn’t it profoundly immoral to let innocents languish in jail for years, awaiting trial, because the system is clogged? Technology, when supervised by humans, can cut through this backlog, ensuring timely justice, a cornerstone of the rule of law.

AI’s potential lies in its ability to analyse vast datasets, statutes, precedents, and cross-border legal principles, in seconds, eliminating inconsistencies and judicial delays. For instance, petty disputes, traffic violations, or routine contract breaches could be resolved algorithmically, with a provision for human review. This isn’t about "blindly following historical trends," as the CJI fears, but about leveraging history to ensure fairness. The Supreme Court’s own stance on arbitral awards, permitting limited modifications without "de novo merits review", shows pragmatism. Why not extend this logic to AI-assisted verdicts?

Beyond efficiency, AI can also reduce judicial bias, ensuring verdicts are based on data rather than subjective interpretation. Studies show that human judges, despite their best intentions, are influenced by external factors like fatigue or personal beliefs. AI, devoid of such biases, can apply the law uniformly. Critics argue that machines lack empathy, but empathy is irrelevant in routine cases where the law is clear-cut. By integrating AI for such matters, we uphold fairness while accelerating justice.

The fear of eroding public trust in a tech-driven judiciary is misplaced. Trust is eroded by delays, not efficiency. A hybrid model, where AI handles the bulk of routine cases while judges tackle complex ones, would restore faith by delivering justice faster. The "human touch" matters, but so does the human cost of inaction. India’s justice system must shed its technophobia and pilot AI under judicial oversight. The alternative, status quo, is a greater betrayal of the rule of law than any algorithm could ever be.

 

 Mahanadi Pollution: Urgent Action Needed

The Mahanadi River, a vital lifeline for Odisha, faces a severe pollution crisis due to the unchecked discharge of untreated industrial effluents. Along a 300-meter stretch of the Mahanadi embankment, from the bridge to the New Industrial Estate, industries release waste through underground pipes, a practice that has drawn sharp criticism from local residents. Communities in Munda Sahi and Nua Sahi have accused the Industrial Development Corporation of Odisha (IDCO) of negligence, highlighting its failure to establish an effluent treatment plant (ETP) as a major contributor to the deteriorating situation.

This untreated waste, rich in harmful chemicals, has made the river unfit for drinking, bathing, or supporting aquatic ecosystems. The pollution has led to widespread health issues, including skin ailments among those who use the river, while also disrupting its ecological balance. Residents further note a lack of monitoring by authorities to identify waste sources or ensure proper treatment before discharge, exacerbating the problem.

IDCO’s Cuttack division has acknowledged the issue, stating that stormwater channels and effluent lines are under construction. Additionally, a request for two acres in Jagatpur industrial estate to build an ETP has been submitted, with tenders to follow once approval is granted. However, the slow pace of these efforts has left communities frustrated and the river’s health in jeopardy.

The crisis mirrors challenges seen elsewhere, such as India’s Ganga River, where the ambitious Namami Gange project has aimed to curb pollution through sewage treatment plants and industrial regulation. While progress has been made in the Ganga basin, with over 100 treatment plants operational by 2023, enforcement remains uneven, offering lessons for Mahanadi’s restoration. Similarly, successful efforts in South Korea’s Han River cleanup, driven by strict industrial controls and public investment, reduced pollution significantly within two decades, suggesting a potential model for Odisha.

Beyond Cuttack, a 2024 Indian Council of Medical Research study linked heavy metal pollution in rivers like Mahanadi, Kathajodi, Kuakhai, Daya, Brahmani, and Rushikuliya to rising cancer risks in cities like Bhubaneswar, Rourkela, and Bramhapur. The study found lead, iron, and aluminium levels exceeding permissible limits. Supporting data from a Synergy Institute of Technology study revealed massive sewage discharges: 10 lakh litres into Kuakhai and Daya, 7.5 lakh litres into Mahanadi and Kathajodi, 6 lakh litres into Brahmani, and 5 lakh litres into Rushikuliya. The 2024 CAG report also flagged industrial and urban wastewater as key polluters.

With gallstone disease and gallbladder cancer increasing in Odisha, tied to heavy metal exposure, the Mahanadi crisis demands urgent action—effective treatment infrastructure, rigorous monitoring, and lessons from global successes—to protect millions reliant on these waters.

 

Strategic Ties: India-Sri Lanka Partnership

India-Sri Lanka relations are poised for a transformative leap with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Sri Lanka next week, scheduled for April 4-6, 2025. Modi will meet Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya at the President’s invitation, aiming to bolster bilateral ties, review ongoing projects, and launch India-funded development initiatives. This visit underscores India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, emphasising its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery following the 2022 crisis, with talks expected to centre on infrastructure, renewable energy, and trade enhancement. 

Sri Lanka’s economic stabilisation under Dissanayake and Amarasuriya has sparked enthusiasm among Indian investors, who see potential in tourism, manufacturing, and renewable energy. With inflation declining and the rupee strengthening, the foundation for deeper collaboration is firming up. A key example is the $700 million Indian-backed port terminal project in Colombo, designed to improve connectivity and trade while subtly countering rival influences in the region. 

China’s expanding footprint in Sri Lanka, particularly through the Hambantota Port, remains a significant factor. Leased to China for 99 years in 2017 as part of a debt repayment deal, Hambantota has long been a bone of contention for India, which views it as part of Beijing’s “String of Pearls” strategy to encircle India in the Indian Ocean. Recent developments amplify this concern: the Hambantota International Ports Group has announced a major investment, installing four quay cranes and 13 rubber-tyred gantry cranes to boost capacity to 1 million TEUs. This upgrade positions Hambantota as a formidable competitor to India’s interests, notably the newly opened Vizhinjam Port in Kerala. The Kerala Steamer Agents Association has raised alarms over operational challenges at Vizhinjam, urging swift action as China’s rapid development of Hambantota threatens to overshadow it, intensifying regional port rivalry. 

India’s response blends economic pragmatism with strategic intent. While China offered $4.2 billion in aid during Sri Lanka’s crisis, India’s $4 billion package, coupled with humanitarian aid like fuel and food, has built stronger goodwill. Modi’s visit is also likely to address security cooperation, aiming to counterbalance China’s military presence. Sri Lanka, wary of over-dependence, appears to welcome this competition, leveraging it to diversify its partnerships. 

As Sri Lanka rebuilds, Modi’s engagement with Dissanayake and Amarasuriya could mark a new chapter of collaboration. While China’s influence, epitomised by Hambantota, persists, India’s mix of investment, diplomacy, and historical ties positions it as a key ally, fostering a partnership that navigates regional tensions for mutual prosperity. 

 Silent Wars: Agro-Terrorism’s Global Threat

India has long faced the spectre of agro-terrorism, with Pakistan accused of deploying biological weapons against its agriculture. Recent reports suggest cross-border infiltration of pests and pathogens, targeting crops to destabilise food security. Agro-terrorism, the deliberate use of biological agents to harm agriculture, is not new. Historically, during World War II, Britain allegedly dropped potato beetles over German fields. Today, India’s struggle with invasive species like Lantana camara, a toxic shrub introduced during colonial times, mirrors the silent devastation of agro-terrorism. The plant, originally ornamental, now chokes native ecosystems, costing billions in eradication efforts.

The U.S. recently accused China of agro-terrorism after FBI arrests revealed Chinese researchers smuggling harmful fungi into America. The targeted pathogen, Fusarium graminearum, threatens wheat crops, risking food supply chains. This aligns with a pattern: China has been linked to similar activities in Bangladesh and Pakistan, where genetically modified seeds and pests allegedly compromised local agriculture. Such tactics blur the line between ecological sabotage and economic warfare, as agricultural collapse triggers inflation, unemployment, and social unrest.

India remains vulnerable. Beyond Lantana, invasive species like Parthenium (congress grass) and water hyacinth have devastated farmland and water bodies. These “botanical invaders” often arrive covertly, their origins murky but their impact catastrophic. The 2020 locust swarms in Rajasthan, suspected to originate from Pakistan, underscored how agro-terrorism can exploit natural vectors. Deliberate pest introductions—whether insects, fungi, or weeds—can cripple economies without a single bullet fired.

Warfare has long scarred agriculture beyond direct attacks. During the Vietnam War, the U.S. sprayed Agent Orange to strip forest cover, exposing rebels but leaving farmlands toxic for generations. Similarly, if India restricts Indus waters under the 1960 treaty, Pakistan’s agriculture, dependent on the river, could collapse, showcasing how resource warfare mimics agro-terrorism. Active conflict zones paralyse farming altogether. Vietnam’s fields remain mined decades later, and Ukraine, once Europe’s breadbasket, now sees fertile land trenched or abandoned amid Russian strikes. Fear of collateral deaths keeps farmers from tending crops, turning food scarcity into a weapon. Whether through chemicals, water blockades, or bombs, war doesn’t just destroy harvests—it mutilates the very soil they grow in.

The U.S.-China case highlights the need for global biosecurity frameworks. Unlike nuclear threats, agro-terrorism leaves no immediate trace, complicating attribution. India must invest in surveillance, rapid response teams, and genetic sequencing to trace outbreaks. Strengthening the Plant Quarantine Order, 2003 and collaborating with agencies like the FAO could mitigate risks.

Agro-terrorism is war by other means. From Lantana’s stranglehold to China’s alleged fungal smuggling, the battlefield is shifting—from trenches to fields, from soldiers to farmers. For India, the lesson is clear: food security is national security.

 

 

 Heat Rising: South Asia’s Climate Emergency

The World Bank’s latest report, titled “From Risk to Resilience: Helping People and Firms Adapt in South Asia”, paints a grim picture of the climate crisis unfolding across South Asia, with India at the epicentre of its most devastating impacts. By 2030, nearly 90% of the region’s population will face extreme heat, a consequence of rising global temperatures and erratic weather patterns. For India, this projection is particularly alarming, given its dense population, agrarian economy, and already vulnerable communities. The implications are far-reaching, threatening not just public health but also food security, economic stability, and social cohesion.

Extreme heat will exacerbate existing inequalities, hitting the poorest the hardest. Daily wage labourers, farmers, and urban slum dwellers, who lack access to cooling infrastructure, will bear the brunt of soaring temperatures. Heatwaves, already more frequent and intense, could lead to a surge in heat-related illnesses and fatalities, overwhelming India’s healthcare systems. Cities, where concrete landscapes trap heat, will become “urban heat islands,” making life unbearable for millions. The report warns that productivity losses due to heat stress could shave off significant percentages from India’s GDP, crippling growth just as the nation aspires to become an economic powerhouse.

Agriculture, the backbone of India’s rural economy, faces an existential threat. Erratic monsoons and prolonged droughts will disrupt crop cycles, reducing yields of staples like wheat and rice. This could trigger food shortages, price volatility, and heightened farmer distress, fuelling rural-urban migration and social unrest. Meanwhile, water scarcity will intensify, with groundwater depletion and erratic rainfall patterns leaving vast regions parched. States like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, already grappling with water crises, may see conflicts over resources escalate.

The report underscores the urgent need for adaptive measures, but India’s response remains fragmented. While initiatives like the National Action Plan on Climate Change exist, implementation is uneven, and funding is inadequate. Urban planning must prioritise green spaces and heat-resistant infrastructure, while agriculture requires a shift to climate-resilient crops and efficient water management. Renewable energy investments can mitigate emissions, but transitioning from coal, a major energy source, poses economic and political challenges.

Beyond national efforts, global cooperation is critical. Even developed nations like the US struggle with climate disasters, from wildfires to hurricanes, yet political divides hinder cohesive policy action, exposing global vulnerabilities. Wealthier nations, historically the largest carbon emitters, must honour climate finance commitments to help vulnerable regions adapt. For India, the crisis is both a warning and an opportunity to rethink development models, prioritise sustainability, and lead the Global South in climate innovation. Without urgent action, India’s future will be defined by heat, hardship, and unfulfilled potential. The time to act is now, before the rising temperatures leave no room for recourse.

 

 Tensions Ease: India-China Relations Thaw

Nearly five years after the violent confrontation on June 15, 2020, at Galwan along the India-China frontier—where India mourned the loss of 20 troops and China acknowledged its own casualties—Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened on October 23, 2024, during the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. This encounter marked a deliberate effort to mend a strained bilateral relationship. While the summit allowed Russia to demonstrate its global relevance, the Xi-Modi dialogue captured widespread interest due to the icy ties following the Himalayan border clash.

The rendezvous followed exhaustive negotiations that gradually eased tensions. Their previous meeting occurred in Chennai, India, in 2019, before the COVID-19 crisis deepened mistrust. Many blamed China for either sparking the pandemic or withholding critical early data, severing communication channels between New Delhi and Beijing. The 2020 Galwan skirmish intensified hostilities, prompting India to ban Chinese apps like TikTok, block Chinese investments, and exclude China from its 5G trials. Although direct flights resumed after a five-year hiatus, visa restrictions on Chinese businesspeople persist.

India countered China’s border infrastructure build-up by accelerating its own projects—constructing durable roads, bridges, and tunnels—while bolstering defences and deepening ties with the West, especially the United States. New Delhi insisted that peace along the border was essential for improved relations, accusing Beijing of undermining trust through violations. Beijing, however, urged a broader, strategic view of ties, suggesting normalcy despite unresolved border issues—a stance India saw as sidestepping accountability. After 17 diplomatic sessions, 21 military talks, and political efforts before the BRICS summit, an October 20 agreement paved the way for the leaders’ meeting.

India remained tight-lipped about the bilateral until Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced on October 21 a patrolling accord along the Line of Actual Control, resolving post-clash disputes. The subsequent Xi-Modi talks reflected pragmatic necessity: two nuclear-armed neighbours with a 3,488-km contested border cannot afford prolonged silence. Beyond security, their relationship spans trade, cultural ties, and a shared anti-colonial legacy, complicated by global alignments—India balancing BRICS partners Russia and China against Western overtures.

Disengagement at Depsang and Demchok, the final friction points in eastern Ladakh, concluded recently, with both sides dismantling structures erected since April 2020 and initiating verification patrols. A key outcome was the revival of the Special Representative Talks on border resolution, which had been dormant since 2019. China seeks economic access to India’s market, but trust deficits and India’s U.S. alignment hinder progress. As BRICS gains prominence, countering Western influence, the Xi-Modi meeting underscores a delicate dance of rivalry and cooperation amid a shifting geopolitical landscape.

 Lunar Ambitions: NASA's Artemis II Milestone

NASA achieved a significant milestone on March 25, 2025, at its Florida spaceport, where technicians successfully joined the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket’s core stage with its solid rocket boosters for the Artemis II mission. Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, the Exploration Ground Systems Program, alongside contractor Amentum, utilised one of five overhead cranes to hoist the 212-foot core stage into position. This towering component, the rocket’s structural backbone, was lifted from the transfer aisle to High Bay 3 and secured between booster segments atop the launch tower. The core stage will eventually support the launch vehicle stage adapter, interim cryogenic propulsion stage, Orion stage adapter, and Orion spacecraft, with the adapter’s integration slated for the coming weeks. This success marks a tangible step toward launching Artemis II, a 10-day crewed mission to orbit the Moon, targeted for as early as February 2026 and no later than April of that year. 

Artemis II will carry astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen on a historic flight—the first crewed lunar mission since 1972 and the farthest humans will have travelled in over five decades. Notably, Koch was once poised to become the first woman on the Moon under Artemis III, now scheduled for mid-2027. However, plans have shifted. Initially, Artemis III promised a lunar landing with Koch potentially making history as the first woman to step onto the lunar surface. Delays and technical challenges, particularly with SpaceX’s Starship—slated to ferry astronauts to the Moon’s surface—have cast doubt on this timeline. Starship’s recent test flights ended in explosions shortly after launch, raising concerns about its readiness. Consequently, NASA has adjusted its ambitions, prioritising Artemis II’s orbital test over an immediate landing, pushing the goal of landing the first woman, likely Koch, to a later mission.
 

Globally, NASA’s Artemis program operates amid a renewed lunar race. China aims to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030, while Russia and India also pursue ambitious lunar exploration plans. NASA’s strategy emphasises sustainability, aiming to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon as a stepping stone to Mars. Collaborations with private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin underscore this vision, though setbacks have tempered optimism. Artemis II’s upcoming flight will not only validate deep space systems but also signal NASA’s intent to lead in this competitive landscape. For Koch and Glover, the mission represents a breakthrough, marking the first woman and person of colour to reach deep space—yet the dream of a woman’s lunar footprint remains deferred, tethered to the pace of technological progress and international rivalry.

 Truths Untold: Revisiting the Kalinga War

The history of the Kalinga War is largely shaped by Ashoka’s edicts, documents carved in stone by the victor. The popular narrative portrays a remorseful emperor embracing Buddhism after witnessing the bloodshed. Yet, this version overlooks critical gaps: Who ruled Kalinga? Why is their resistance absent from records? The absence of Kalinga’s perspective raises a fundamental question: how much of history is crafted by those who win, and how much is lost in silence?

Historians have long relied on Ashoka’s inscriptions, but recent scholarship challenges this one-sided account. Sanjeev Sanyal, in The Ocean of Churn, disputes the war’s role in Ashoka’s conversion, pointing out that minor rock edicts confirm his Buddhist leanings predated the conflict. If true, Ashoka’s repentance becomes a later embellishment. Moreover, Sanyal suggests Kalinga may not have been an independent kingdom but a rebellious vassal, reframing the war as a suppression rather than a conquest. This shifts the narrative from a righteous emperor’s awakening to a strategic consolidation of power.

Archaeology further complicates the tale. The battle’s primary site may not be Dhauli, as commonly believed, but Yuddha Meruda, with Tosali as the final stand. Radhanagar’s fertile plains, flanked by hills, hint at a protracted struggle, yet Kalinga’s defiance remains nameless. Why? Because history, as the adage goes, is written by the victor. Ashoka’s edicts, while invaluable, are political instruments, designed to legitimise his rule and ideals. The vanquished rarely get to inscribe their version.

The Odisha Sahitya Akademi’s initiative to revisit this history in a workshop on the War is timely. A relook must go beyond the well-known stories and the available edicts and dig deeper into emerging archaeological findings. If Kalinga’s ruler was indeed a formidable adversary, their erasure from history is not just an omission but an injustice. The war’s legacy, whether as a turning point for Ashoka or a suppressed rebellion, demands scrutiny to recover the voices buried beneath his edicts. After all, history is not just the story we inherit; it’s the one we choose to interrogate.

The study of history is a continuous dialogue between evidence and interpretation. Just as the Rosetta Stone deciphered Egypt’s past and Heinrich Schliemann’s excavation of Troy blurred the line between myth and reality, new discoveries can upend long-held beliefs. The Kalinga War’s narrative, frozen in Ashoka’s edicts for centuries, now faces similar scrutiny. Colonial histories were once accepted as gospel until post-independence scholars rewrote them from marginalised perspectives. Even Ashoka’s famed "Dhamma," once celebrated as purely altruistic, is now examined for its strategic role in empire-building. Radhanagar’s excavations may yet reveal Kalinga’s untold defiance. The Akademi’s pursuit mirrors a universal truth: history, when questioned, corrects itself one revelation at a time.

 Smoke & Mirrors: The Elusive Truth in Modern Conflict

In the fog of war and the chaos of geopolitics, truth is often the first casualty. The recent India-Pakistan clashes during Operation Sindoor exemplify this grim reality; both nations have spun conflicting narratives, leaving the common citizen drowning in a sea of claims and counterclaims. India acknowledges losing a jet but insists it struck deep inside Pakistan, while Islamabad glorifies its military response, hinting at dominance. The US claims it mediated to end hostilities, but New Delhi asserts it was Pakistan that sought intervention. Amid this noise, where does the truth lie?

This phenomenon is not unique to the modern world. Modern warfare and international diplomacy thrive on perception management, where controlling the narrative is as crucial as battlefield tactics. Governments, militaries, and even independent observers selectively present facts, exaggerate victories, and downplay losses. The digital age amplifies this, with misinformation spreading faster than verified reports. Social media, partisan news outlets, and state propaganda machines ensure that every event is refracted through multiple lenses, each distorting reality to suit an agenda.

But why has truth become so expendable? Because in today’s conflicts, shaping public opinion is half the battle. A nation’s morale, international standing, and even strategic leverage depend on perceived strength rather than ground realities. Admitting failures erodes credibility, while inflated claims bolster domestic support. This is why armies spend precious time countering "fake narratives" instead of focusing solely on operations. The irony is that in trying to control the story, all sides end up obscuring it.

The problem extends beyond warfare. Political discourse in democracies and authoritarian regimes alike is now a theatre of half-truths and outright lies. The US, once seen as a beacon of free press, now grapples with deep polarisation, where facts are contested based on partisan allegiance. When even superpowers weaponise information, the average citizen stands little chance of discerning reality.

This erosion of objective truth mirrors the post-truth era, where emotions and beliefs override facts. Orwell’s "1984" warned of a world where power lies in controlling reality—"truth" becomes what the state repeats. Today, governments and media alike distort narratives, not through brute censorship but by flooding the zone with competing claims. The result? A populace so overwhelmed by noise that surrender, not scrutiny, becomes the default response.

So, where does this leave the common man? Trapped in an endless loop of scepticism, forced to navigate a landscape where every statement is suspect. In the absence of neutral arbiters and transparent institutions, truth remains buried under layers of spin. Until societies demand accountability over propaganda, the fog will only grow thicker, leaving us all groping in the dark for answers that may never come.

 Odisha’s Crime Surge: A Call for Urgent Reforms

The Odisha government’s recently released white paper on law and order presents a grim picture of rising crime, systemic inefficiencies, and emerging threats that demand immediate attention. While the decline in Maoist violence offers some relief, the alarming spike in general crimes, cyber offences, and financial fraud underscores deep-rooted challenges in policing and judicial accountability.

In 2024, the state crossed a disturbing milestone, registering over 2.14 lakh criminal cases—a sharp increase from the previous year. What is more concerning is the sluggish pace of justice. Despite charge sheets being filed in 1.39 lakh cases, conviction rates remain dismally low, particularly in heinous crimes. Take, for instance, the 1,285 murders reported last year—charge sheets were submitted in only 45% of these cases. Similarly, while 3,054 cases of atrocities (many involving women and marginalised communities) were registered, just 64% saw investigative progress. Such delays erode public trust and embolden criminals.

Cybercrime has emerged as a formidable challenge, with cases rising to 2,501 in 2024. Yet, the system appears ill-equipped to handle this digital deluge—only 11% of cyber cases resulted in charge sheets. Financial frauds have also grown more sophisticated, with scams worth ₹1,070 crore reported, including interstate and international rackets. While police recovered a fraction of the stolen amount and made arrests, the scale of these crimes suggests the need for specialised cyber cells and stronger inter-agency coordination.

On a positive note, Maoist violence has significantly declined, with only four incidents reported in 2024—a testament to improved counter-insurgency strategies. However, this success is overshadowed by newer threats, particularly the exploitation of children on social media. Disturbingly, cases of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) circulating online nearly doubled last year, with over 1,000 complaints filed. Many victims, driven to despair, have resorted to extreme steps, yet enforcement remains lax.

The white paper also highlights the state’s road safety crisis, with 12,375 accidents recorded, half of which saw delayed legal action. Meanwhile, police resorted to firing in 14 instances, indicating heightened law-and-order tensions.

While the document acknowledges achievements, it inadvertently exposes systemic gaps—poor conviction rates, sluggish investigations, and inadequate cyber policing. The government must prioritise modernising law enforcement, accelerating trials, and safeguarding vulnerable groups, especially women and children. Without urgent reforms, Odisha’s crime graph will continue its troubling ascent, leaving justice elusive for its citizens. The white paper should serve as a catalyst for action rather than just another report gathering dust. It's time for concrete measures—better resources for police, faster courts, and stronger victim protection—to turn these alarming statistics into a story of transformation.

 Rising Cases: A Global Health Check

The recent detection of a new COVID-19 case in Odisha, with two Cuttack city residents having tested positive, serves as a reminder that the pandemic has not fully receded. Across India, hospitals in states like Kerala, Delhi, and Karnataka are reporting increased footfall of patients with fever, respiratory distress, and gastrointestinal symptoms—hallmarks of the latest variants.
According to doctors, the symptoms of dominant strain, JN.1, are not limited to the lungs and the respiratory system, but also the gastrointestinal system. While the numbers remain far below previous peaks, the uptick warrants cautious attention rather than alarm. The situation mirrors global trends, where countries from Australia to the United States are observing patterns of low-intensity but persistent transmission, driven by newer sub-lineages like KP.2 and LB.1.

India’s experience with COVID-19 has been marked by resilience, but vulnerabilities linger. According to the latest media reports, outpatient departments are seeing a surge in cases, with symptoms such as hoarseness and diarrhoea, uncommon in earlier waves, now being flagged as indicators of newer variants. According to reports, the variants, while not causing severe illness in most vaccinated individuals, are highly transmissible. States like Kerala and Maharashtra, with robust genomic surveillance systems, have been quick to identify clusters, but weaker healthcare infrastructure in rural areas remains a concern. The WHO has flagged the global spread of these variants, emphasising the need for sustained vigilance in testing and vaccine updates.

Globally, the picture is one of cautious adaptation. In the US, the health agencies are now recommending booster shots for high-risk groups, including pregnant women and children, as immunity wanes. In Australia, the latest strains are reportedly spreading fast but without the catastrophic mortality rates of 2020–21, thanks to widespread prior exposure and vaccination. However, some public health experts warn that immunocompromised populations remain at risk, and healthcare systems must balance COVID-19 management with other seasonal illnesses like influenza.

The way forward lies in measured preparedness. India’s success in managing past waves was built on rapid genomic sequencing, public awareness, and vaccine coverage. These tools remain relevant today. While panic is unnecessary, dismissing the trend entirely would be unwise. Simple steps—masking in crowded places, updating vaccinations, and prioritising ventilation—can curb transmission without disrupting daily life. Globally, the focus should be on equitable access to updated vaccines, particularly in low-income nations where coverage lags.

COVID-19 has transitioned from a pandemic to an endemic challenge, but its lessons endure. The virus evolves, and so must our response. The goal now is not zero cases but sustainable coexistence—where healthcare systems are resilient, publics are informed, and science guides policy. As India and the world navigate this phase, the watchwords should be vigilance, not fear; preparedness, not complacency.

 The Waning Power of Hamas: A Diminishing Force Amid Historical Parallels

Hamas, once the undisputed master of Gaza, is witnessing its power erode. Since seizing the enclave in 2007, the Islamist group has ruled through a blend of militancy, governance, and repression. Yet, its fateful decision to launch the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel—abducting 251 people and triggering a devastating war—has set it on a downward spiral. By March 25, 2025, with leaders assassinated and the group reportedly agreeing to exit Gaza in ceasefire talks, Hamas’s decline mirrors the fate of other militant organisations that overreached, only to crumble under pressure. 

Historically, Hamas emerged in 1987 during the First Intifada as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, blending Palestinian nationalism with Islamist ideology. Unlike Yasser Arafat’s Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), which transitioned from armed struggle to diplomacy, securing the Oslo Accords and limited self-governance, Hamas rejected compromise, prioritising resistance over state-building. While the PLO’s shift brought Arafat international legitimacy, it also diluted its revolutionary edge, a path Hamas scorned. Instead, Hamas entrenched itself in Gaza after ousting Fatah in 2007, ruling with an iron fist and suppressing dissent, as documented in a 2018 Human Rights Watch report. 

This trajectory echoes other militant groups. Lebanon’s Hezbollah, though still potent, has faced setbacks from Israeli campaigns and internal Lebanese discontent. The Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka, after decades of insurgency, were crushed by 2009 when their rigid militancy alienated supporters and invited overwhelming retaliation. Similarly, Hamas’s refusal to cede power or end the war it sparked has fueled a rare backlash in Gaza. Protests in Beit Lahiya this week, verified by The New York Times, reveal a populace weary of war and increasingly blaming Hamas alongside Israel for their plight, demanding its departure. 

Despite retaining thousands of fighters, Hamas’s efforts to reassert dominance during a January ceasefire faltered. Israel’s renewed bombardment in March, aimed at freeing hostages, has only deepened the group’s isolation. Gazans now voice a collective exhaustion, fearing that any truce preserving Hamas’s rule would merely postpone the next conflict. This sentiment marks a sharp departure from the group’s early days as a grassroots resistance movement, underscoring its transformation into a liability for those it claims to represent. 

Hamas’s diminishing fate contrasts starkly with the PLO’s pragmatic evolution, highlighting a recurring lesson: militant groups that cling to absolutism often face extinction, while those that adapt may endure. As its leaders fall and its people turn away, Hamas’s once-mighty roost in Gaza is crumbling, perhaps signalling the end of its reign.

 Easy Money: Hidden Dangers of Fraud

Recent arrests of two persons in Bhubaneswar have brought to light the alarming spread of account rental and money mule frauds, not just in India but across the globe. These schemes, often disguised as easy-money opportunities, lure unsuspecting individuals into facilitating illegal financial transactions, putting them at serious legal and financial risk. Account rental involves handing over bank account details to criminals who use them to launder money or conduct fraudulent activities, while money muling entails individuals, knowingly or unknowingly, allowing their accounts to be used as conduits for illicit funds. Both practices have severe implications, undermining financial systems and entrapping ordinary people in criminal investigations.

The modus operandi is disturbingly simple yet highly effective. Fraudsters target vulnerable individuals, often through social media or messaging platforms, offering commissions in exchange for access to their bank accounts. In some cases, victims are unaware they are participating in illegal activities, believing they are merely helping someone with legitimate transactions. However, these accounts are then used to receive and transfer stolen or laundered money, creating a complex web that obscures the trail of illicit funds. The recent Bhubaneswar case highlights how organised networks exploit such tactics, using multiple accounts to siphon off large sums before law enforcement can intervene.

The dangers for those involved—willingly or otherwise—are profound. Account holders risk becoming embroiled in criminal proceedings, facing charges of money laundering or fraud, even if they were unaware of the scheme. Banks may freeze their accounts, and their financial credibility could be permanently damaged. Moreover, money mules often find themselves trapped in a cycle of exploitation, as criminals threaten or manipulate them into continuing their involvement. Many Indian banks underscore this in their awareness pages, warning that money mules can become targets of police investigations, with severe legal consequences.

Globally, the rise of digital banking has exacerbated the problem, enabling fraudsters to operate across borders with ease. Countries like the U.S., U.K., and Australia have reported surges in money muling, often linked to cybercrimes such as phishing and ransomware. In India, the combination of rapid digital adoption and financial inexperience among many new users makes the situation particularly dire. Authorities are stepping up efforts to combat these crimes, but public awareness remains critical.

The Bhubaneswar arrests serve as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance. Citizens must be wary of offers that seem too good to be true and should never share banking credentials with strangers. Financial institutions and law enforcement must also enhance monitoring and reporting mechanisms to detect suspicious transactions early. As these frauds grow in sophistication, collective action—from individuals, banks, and governments—is essential to curb this dangerous trend before more lives are ruined.