India’s renewable energy surge: Powering growth, security and global leadership

(IANS Analysis) (File Photo/IANS)

New Delhi, (IANS) India’s rapid transition toward renewable energy is no longer just an environmental priority—it has become a cornerstone of economic resilience, strategic autonomy, and long-term energy security.

As global energy markets face repeated disruptions, India’s aggressive push toward clean energy is positioning the country as one of the fastest-growing renewable powerhouses in the world.

The country has already crossed a critical milestone, with 51.93 per cent of its installed power capacity now coming from non-fossil fuel sources, surpassing its initial 50 per cent target ahead of schedule. This marks a decisive shift away from coal and imported oil, reflecting a structural transformation in India’s energy mix.

A decade of accelerated growth

India’s renewable energy capacity has more than tripled over the past decade—from 76.38 GW in 2014 to 253.96 GW by November 2025. The pace of expansion has only accelerated in recent years. During 2025–26 (up to December 2025), the country added 38.61 GW of renewable capacity, led overwhelmingly by solar energy (30.16 GW), followed by wind and hydro.

This surge has been driven by a combination of strong policy backing, private sector participation, and flagship schemes such as PM-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar, CPSU solar programmes, and production-linked incentives (PLI) aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing.

Ambitious targets and strategic vision

India’s long-term goals remain highly ambitious. The country plans to increase solar power generation by 400% and wind energy by 300% by 2035, while targeting 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. Beyond this, India’s broader power sector transformation is expected to attract investments worth $2.2 trillion over the next two decades.

Globally, India now ranks fourth in total installed renewable energy capacity, behind China, the United States, and Brazil, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). This reflects not just scale, but growing influence in shaping global clean energy markets.

Beyond solar and wind: Diversifying the energy mix

India’s clean energy strategy is expanding beyond conventional renewables. The government is actively investing in:

• Green Hydrogen: Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, India aims to produce 5 million tonnes annually by 2030, with hydrogen hubs planned at key ports.

• Nuclear Energy: The Nuclear Energy Mission targets 100 GW capacity by 2047, ensuring stable, low-carbon baseload power.

• Bioenergy and Small Hydro Projects: Decentralised energy systems are gaining traction, especially in remote and energy-deficient regions.

A notable development is the Small Hydro Power Development Scheme, with an outlay of ₹2,584.60 crore. This initiative is particularly significant for regions like Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, where untapped hydropower potential exceeds 20,000 MW. These smaller, decentralised projects offer faster execution, lower costs, and minimal environmental disruption, while boosting local employment and energy access.

Energy security in a volatile world

Global geopolitical tensions—particularly disruptions in critical oil supply routes like the Strait of Hormuz—have exposed the vulnerabilities of fossil fuel dependence. For import-dependent economies, rising oil and LNG prices translate into economic stress and inflation.

In this context, India’s renewable push is not just environmentally sound but strategically vital. By reducing dependence on imported fuels, India is insulating its economy from global shocks while enhancing energy self-sufficiency.

Innovation and grid transformation

To sustain this momentum, India is investing in next-generation energy solutions. The integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSP) is becoming essential to address the intermittent nature of renewable sources. These technologies will ensure grid stability, efficient peak-load management, and reliable large-scale adoption of renewables.

At the same time, falling renewable tariffs and improved grid infrastructure are making clean energy increasingly competitive with fossil fuels.

Strengthening implementation for accelerated growth

India’s renewable energy journey continues to gain momentum, supported by proactive policy measures to address challenges such as capital requirements, land acquisition, and transmission infrastructure. Ongoing efforts to streamline regulations and enhance institutional coordination are paving the way for faster and more efficient project execution, including in the hydropower sector.

Sustaining momentum towards global leadershipWith the transition reaching a critical milestone, the government is now focused on consolidating gains by ensuring reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy at scale. Backed by consistent policy support, innovative financing, and strategic implementation, India is well-positioned to emerge as a global leader in renewable energy and a model for sustainable growth. India’s renewable energy surge: Powering growth, security and global leadership | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

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Drew Barrymore says going to rehab at 14 was ‘best thing that ever happened’ to her

IANS (Photo: Drew Barrymore/Instagram)

Los Angeles, (IANS) Hollywood actress Drew Barrymore has spoken about entering a rehabilitation facility at 14 years old, where she was treated for nearly two years, and tagged it as the “best thing that ever happened” to her.

Barrymore spoke about her experience in rehab during a conversation with Mae Martin on The Drew Barrymore Show, reports people.com.

Martin, created, co-wrote and stars in Wayward, a Netflix mystery series that follows a local police officer's investigation into a local school for troubled teens in an isolated small town.

The show is loosely based on Martin's own experiences, as they recalled on Barrymore's daytime talk show that their childhood friend had entered a similar facility for two years during their teen years.

After Martin, who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, discussed their childhood friend's experience, Barrymore detailed her own time in rehab.

"I also was someone who got taken away and put in a place for two years," Barrymore said.

"I did not know that. I mean, I knew that you were a wayward teen, as was I. I was in rehab and stuff, but I didn't know that you were at one of those places," Martin replied.

Barrymore complimented the nuanced nature of the show's exploration of the troubled teen industry.

"I had a lot of lightness in my experience in the institution. It's a lot of what this show is. I know that sounds wild, but it was like encouragement to say your truth, to be brave, to find humor and heroism in your journey. And it's the best thing that ever happened to me, honestly. And I hold a lot of that sacrosanct. But it wasn't easy. It was hard as hell,” Barrymore said.

Martin said they were 16 when they entered their respective treatment facility.

“And I don’t know about you. but now, as an adult, I feel so protective of young people and having had that experience of being pathologized at a very young age for things that are just kind of… yeah, I think that all went into it,” Martin said.

Wayward is streaming now on Netflix.

Drew Barrymore says going to rehab at 14 was ‘best thing that ever happened’ to her | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com:

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IP3, GEP team up for Surry Green Energy Center

Green Energy Partners' concept for a green energy centre in Virginia (Image: Green Energy Partners)

IP3 Corporation and Green Energy Partners LLC have formed a joint venture to establish the Surry Green Energy Center in Surry County, Virginia. Property and project development company GEP announced plans in April to build the USA's first integrated green energy centre adjacent to Dominion Energy's Surry nuclear power plant.

The SGEC will be a new data centre hub powered by carbon-free green energy and from small modular reactors (SMRs) on-site. GEP has secured 641 acres in Surry County on which to build the centre. The project includes a fleet of 4-6 SMRs powering 20-30 data centres, generating hydrogen fuel, and providing back-up power for Virginia's grid. The SGEC aims to expand Virginia's data centre capacity and offset escalating power demands.

IP3 is a developer and integrator of nuclear energy programmes in coordination with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Allied Nuclear Partners. A second subsidiary, IP3 Security, provides physical and cyber security expertise. IP3 will provide project development, financial structuring, and funding solutions in a phased approach. The joint agreement addresses inception, development, financing and operations that will attract private capital and cutting-edge energy companies to Virginia.

"Virginia's data centres process over 70% of the world's internet data and the need for data storage and handling is growing exponentially," IP3 said. "These data centres also consume about 25% of Virginia's energy, powered today by carbon-based fuels."

The joint IP3-GEP project will supply digital infrastructure and future power supply services to government agencies and military bases across the region from Washington, DC, to Norfolk, Virginia.

"The Commonwealth of Virginia has developed a purposeful plan for their energy future. They are ready to harness the smart energy transition to create jobs for Americans and set an example for developing clean industrial zones," said IP3 co-founder and CEO Michael Hewitt. "Infrastructure investment needs to be radically reoriented. The combined expertise of GEP and IP3 will access private capital markets to help Virginia's energy sector become a model for an era of American energy sovereignty.""For nearly fifty years, we have delivered positive growth for Virginia. Today, we see a clear path to clean power that reinforces America’s national security and supports a carbon-free future," added GEP CEO Mark Andrews. "GEP and IP3 offer a powerful partnership to pioneer an America-first solution for low-carbon energy security." IP3, GEP team up for Surry Green Energy Center

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Operant AI launches ecosystem programme to secure India’s rapidly expanding AI infra

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New Delhi, (IANS) Operant AI on Tuesday announced the launch of its AI infrastructure ecosystem partnership programme, aiming to strengthen security for large-scale AI systems as India pushes to become a global AI hub.

The company said the new initiative focuses on embedding real-time security directly into the infrastructure that powers enterprise AI applications.

The move comes at a time when the use of AI agents, connected systems, and large-scale deployments is growing rapidly, creating new security challenges.

Many organisations are now running advanced AI systems that can access sensitive data and external tools, often without adequate safeguards.

Operant AI’s platform is designed to address this gap by providing a real-time security layer that works while AI systems are actively processing data.

India’s AI infrastructure is expanding quickly across both government and private sectors. Under the IndiaAI Mission, the government has already deployed tens of thousands of GPUs, with more capacity being added recently at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Overall, the country now has over 80,000 GPUs in operation, with major investments shaping the future of AI development.

At the same time, data centre companies such as ST Telemedia Global Data Centres, CtrlS, Sify Technologies, Nxtra by Airtel, and Princeton Digital Group are expanding their infrastructure to support AI workloads.

Cloud and GPU providers like Yotta Data Services, NxtGen Datacenter & Cloud Technologies, and Neysa Networks are also building specialised platforms for AI computing.

Operant AI said its new programme will help infrastructure providers offer not just computing power but also secure environments where AI models and agents can run safely.

Vrajesh Bhavsar, Co-founder and CEO of Operant AI, said the rapid growth of AI has outpaced traditional security measures. He noted that as Indian organisations adopt AI across sectors like finance, healthcare, and public services, securing systems at the point where they operate is becoming critical.He added that the company’s goal is to make AI systems more trustworthy and safe to deploy, ensuring that India’s fast-growing AI ecosystem remains secure as it scales. Operant AI launches ecosystem programme to secure India’s rapidly expanding AI infra | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

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IPL 2026: Sooryavanshi’s blistering 52 helps RR register eight-wicket win over CSK

Guwahati: Rajasthan Royals' Vaibhav Sooryavanshi plays a shot during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Monday, March 30, 2026. (Photo: IANS)

Guwahati, (IANS) Vaibhav Sooryavanshi slammed a blistering 52 off just 17 balls as Rajasthan Royals launched their IPL 2026 campaign with a thumping eight-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings at the ACA Stadium on Monday.

Sooryavanshi’s fifty came in only 15 deliveries, the third fastest in IPL history, to set up the win for RR. His knock, laced with four fours and five sixes, propelled RR to 74 without loss in the power-play, effectively sealing the contest in their favour.

Though he fell soon after, Yashasvi Jaiswal (38 not out) and skipper Riyan Parag (14 not out) calmly completed the formalities to complete the chase with 47 balls to spare and cap off a dominant performance that began with a disciplined bowling effort to bowl CSK out for 127.

RR had a flying start as Matt Henry’s opening over went for 18 runs, with Sooryavanshi pulling and driving for boundaries (including Kartik Sharma dropping him for zero) while Jaiswal glanced him fine for four.

Khaleel Ahmed thought he had Sooryavanshi lbw on the first ball of his spell, but review showed the ball going over leg stump. Jaiswal played watchfully even as Sooryavanshi continued to attack to keep the runs flowing.

Henry’s second over was taken apart by Sooryavanshi - slashing a slower ball over backward point for six, while Jaiswal muscled Khaleel straight over mid-off for four. Anshul Kamboj was greeted with three boundaries as Sooryavanshi ramped and tickled him over third man and fine leg before smashing a six over long-on, as RR crossed the fifty-run mark.

Noor Ahmad’s introduction did little to stem the flow as Sooryavanshi launched consecutive sixes over long-on to bring up a blistering fifty off just 15 balls, as 19 runs came off the sixth over to take RR to 74/0 at the end of the power-play.

But just after that, Sooryavanshi attempted to flay a length ball over cover but Sarfaraz Khan ran in from the deep and completed a diving catch at deep extra cover to dismiss him for 52.

Dhruv Jurel kept the tempo going with four quick boundaries, before dragging one back onto his stumps off Anshul Kamboj while trying to scoop off him. Parag lofted and reverse-swept to get his four and six, while Jaiswal thumped one over long-off for six before getting the winning single to launch RR’s campaign with a thumping win.Brief Scores: Chennai Super Kings 127 in 19.4 overs (Jamie Overton 43, Kartik Sharma 18; Ravindra Jadeja 2-18, Jofra Archer 2-19) lost to Rajasthan Royals 128/2 in 12.1 overs (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 52, Yashasvi Jaiswal 38 not out; Anshul Kamboj 2-27) by eight wickets IPL 2026: Sooryavanshi’s blistering 52 helps RR register eight-wicket win over CSK | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

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19 Cities Including London, San Francisco, Hong Kong Achieve ‘Remarkable Reductions’ in Air Pollution

credit Olha Zaika, Unsplash

In a report that examined the air quality of 100 global cities, 19 were found to have substantially improved since 2010.

9 of the 19 were in China and Hong Kong, while the rest were located in Europe, and include both large and small cities.

In the US, San Francisco managed to reduce both health-harming fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and airway aggravating nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

There is no minimum safe level of PM2.5, which refers to the particulate’s diameter of 2.5 micrometers, and it’s been linked to many different diseases, from asthma to Alzheimer’s, all throughout a human life.

“This report shows that cities can achieve what was once thought impossible: cutting toxic air pollution by 20-45% in a little over a decade,” said Cecilia Vaca Jones, recently-appointed executive director of Breathe Cities, one of the organizations behind the report.

“This isn’t just happening in one corner of the world; from Warsaw to Bangkok, cities are proving that we have the tools to solve this crisis right now.”

For each of the 19 city success stories, different combinations of measures were employed, such as replacing internal combustion engine vehicles with electric ones, adding more bike lanes in crowded European cities, and placing restrictions on woodburning stoves and fossil fuel power plants within city limits.

Beijing and Warsaw reduced PM2.5 the most—by more than 45%, while Amsterdam and Rotterdam saw the greatest improvement in nitrogen dioxide, also above 40%. San Francisco reduced both by 20%.PM2.5 was more often reduced in European cities, which have focused more on switching electricity sources to clean energy, while Chinese/Asian cities had greater reductions in NO2 because of the greater focus on replacing ICE cars with EVs. 19 Cities Including London, San Francisco, Hong Kong Achieve ‘Remarkable Reductions’ in Air Pollution

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3 New Lizard Species Discovered in Australia–Including Stunning Orange-Headed Rock Monitor

Orange-headed rock monitor lizard (Varanus umbra) on savannah in north Queensland -Supplied by Stephen Zozaya

These days, when scientists announce they’ve discovered a new species of animal, it’s usually some miniature frog or deep sea isopod.

But check out this Varanus umbra, a never-before-described species of rock monitor, and he’s a real lookah’

Dr. Stephen Zozaya, a research fellow at the Australian National University, described the shock he and his colleagues experienced when seeing the animal for the first time to ABC News AU.

“I was like, ‘What is that?'” Dr. Zozaya said. “I had no idea these things existed, and it turns out a few photos had showed up online from nature enthusiasts.”

The orange-headed rock monitor is just one of a trio of newly-described monitor lizards that Dr. Zozaya and his colleagues identified on an expedition into the savannahs of north Queensland state.

The discoveries also include the Varanus phosphorus, or the yellow-headed rock monitor, and the rainbow rock monitor Varanus iridis. It’s hugely unlikely that such large and charismatic reptile species could remain unknown to humans, and in fact, they were already known to local wildlife enthusiasts.

“They hadn’t really attracted the attention of researchers who work on monitor lizards,” evolutionary biologist Zozaya, who specializes in reptiles, told ABC.

Varanus iridis, or the rainbow-headed rock monitor – credit, Dr. Stephen Zozaya

“Levels of genetic divergence between these three populations was much greater than many of the other species we already recognize.”

Indeed anyone who had given it some thought assumed the three lizards were simply local colorations of existing species. But genetic samples taken from the animals proved otherwise.

Encouragingly, these three lizards were all documented by Zozaya and his team in areas considered unsuitable for cattle grazing, and overly treacherous for all but the most robust vehicles and determined drivers.

The scientists told ABC that there was already evidence that the yellow-headed rock monitor had been poached for exotic pet trading, an unscrupulous practice putting dozens of reptile species at risk worldwide.

REPTILE REVALATIONS: World’s Smallest Snake Rediscovered in Barbados After 20 YearsNon-involved experts speaking with ABC said that the discovery highlights how understudied Queensland’s dry savannahs are when compared with the state’s rainforests, and that new species, even as large as a monitor lizard, are waiting to be discovered. 3 New Lizard Species Discovered in Australia–Including Stunning Orange-Headed Rock Monitor

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NFR reports significant growth in solar power generation

A solar panel installation under the Northeast Frontier Railway. As per the NFR, the total installed solar capacity across the zone has reached 31.890 MWp as of February 2026. Photo Courtesy: (CPRO NFR)

Maligaon, (MExN): The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has reported significant progress in solar power generation, with a steady expansion of its renewable energy capacity across divisions

The total installed solar capacity across NFR has reached 31.890 MWp as of February 2026, since the launch of its solarisation initiative in 2011, informed a press release issued by the NFR Chief Public Relations Officer.

Of this, 22.734 MWp ((Megawatt-peak)capacity has been added during the current financial year 2025–26 alone, indicating an accelerated push towards green energy adoption, it added.

Among the divisions, Lumding (including the Guwahati portion) recorded the highest cumulative installation at 13.334 MWp, followed by Rangiya division with 8.941 MWp.

Other divisions, including Alipurduar, Katihar and Tinsukia, have also contributed to the overall capacity.

The NFR highlighted that the solar installations have yielded operational benefits.

During 2025–26 (till February 2026), the average monthly solar energy generation stood at around 9.18 lakh units, translating into an estimated monthly saving of approximately Rs 68.80 lakh, it said,

Further, NFR has 19.14 MWp of additional solar capacity under various stages of implementation across its divisions. Major upcoming projects are planned in Lumding, Rangiya, Katihar and Alipurduar divisions.The NFR stated that these initiatives reflect its commitment to sustainable development and align with Indian Railways’ broader goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions, while also contributing to long-term cost efficiency.NFR reports significant growth in solar power generation | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

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25 multinationals named to Fortune World’s Best Workplaces list

Great Place To Work, the global authority on workplace culture, and Fortune Media announced the 25 winners of this year’s Fortune World’s Best Workplace list.

Organisations on this list are remarkable for delivering an exceptional employee experience despite the challenges of global scale and complexity. To be eligible for the list, organisations must have 5,000 or more global employees.

This year, organisations earned a higher rank for their ability to outperform their peers both in their local markets and globally on measures of employee trust, pride, and camaraderie. Rankings were based on over 9 million employee surveys conducted in 2024 and 2025, representing the experiences of more than 25 million employees worldwide.

The list of 25 Best Workplaces in the World was topped by Hilton in first place. DHL Express ranked second, Marriott International fifth and Allianz seventeenth on the list. .

These 4 organisations had representation from Sri Lanka that contributed to their parent MNCs global achievement of being recognised on this prestigious list.

“The powerful impact of these great organisations on our planet is a sacred trust,” says Great Place To Work CEO Michael C. Bush. “Of the more than 9 million employees surveyed, more workers at these remarkable organisations say their workplace trusts them and wants them to grow as people and professionals. These economic powerhouses also strengthen the communities where they operate, and are leaving behind a better world than the one they inherited.”

“The World’s Best Workplaces list casts an important spotlight on what employees believe are today’s exceptional workplaces, organisations where they feel trusted, empowered, and energised to do their best work,” says Fortune editor-in-chief Alyson Shontell.

Great Place To Work in Sri Lanka Director/ CEO Kshanika Ratnayake stated, “We are proud of Hilton, DHL Express, Marriott International and Allianz in Sri Lanka who are selected to this exclusive list. Their dedication to creating great workplace experiences truly exemplifies their commitment to their people, not just locally but around the globe. We are delighted to shine a spotlight on these leaders and to continue supporting organisations that invest in cultures that uplift business and performance” 25 multinationals named to Fortune World’s Best Workplaces list | Daily FT

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Money isn’t free. Here’s what to know before downloading a cashback app

Mirella Atherton, University of Newcastle

“Cashback” apps make an enticing promise. You download an app or click on a web browser extension. You go about your online shopping as usual, spend money, but then get some cash back. It sounds simple, right?

In recent years, cashback programs have made a serious splash with online shoppers.

The Singapore-based company ShopBack, for example, currently has more than 55 million customers worldwide and was last valued at A$1.4 billion.

And it’s competing in a crowded market, alongside companies such as Freecash, Honey, Kickback, Boost your Super and Grow My Money.

Even some of the big banks are getting in on the cashback trend. Westpac has partnered with Shopback, NAB has its own “NAB Goodies Program”, and Commonwealth Bank has “CommBank Yello”.

Of course, nothing is free. When a “middle man” cashback company is involved, either you or the retailer is paying somehow. Here’s how these programs work – and some of the risks you should be aware of.

Money for nothing?

Cashback programs entice shoppers with incentives such as cash, discounts and rewards when they make a purchase.

Some might be a free app, others a browser extension to use while online shopping. But they’re almost always designed to serve consumers with advertisements and collect consumer information.

The typical model is to track purchases using an app or browser, and then deal out “rewards” once certain conditions are met.

This could include:

• meeting a minimum spend
• purchasing particular products
• waiting until your purchase is tracked and approved.

To avoid products being returned after rewards have been granted, wait times for cash back can be long and indefinite.

Where does the money come from?

There are a few different ways these companies make money.

One is by providing a simple advertising service. Cashback companies will often channel online traffic to retailers in return for a commission. They then use this commission to offer consumers rewards for their purchases (and keep some for themselves as profit).

But they also typically collect extensive data about their users’ online behaviour – including searches for products they’re interested in, shopping history and more.

Cashback apps may track your shopping history across different sites. Marques Thomas/Unsplash

Your data is valuable

When you download an app or use a web extension, you may need to enter information or “accept” that the software will collect your information.

However, even when you “consent” to disclose your personal information, you may not realise the extent of what you’re handing over, including your sensitive information.

Most data collection, use, storage and disclosure is difficult to detect and track. Sometimes consumers won’t know what privacy implications their app or web extension usage will have in future.

In the worst case scenario, a consumer’s identifying data may be sold and bought multiple times online without their knowledge. (However, some apps specifically state they don’t sell that data.)

Consumer data is valuable to companies who are trying to understand consumer behaviour, such as purchasing habits. This data also appeals to companies trying to market products, networks involves in identity thefts, and scams and criminals who take advantage of data breaches.

What the law says

Information privacy is protected by the Privacy Act and the 13 Australian Privacy Principles that restrict how an entity can handle a consumer’s personal information.

This includes strict rules about management, notification, use, cross-border disclosure and security of personal information.

Private information can be subject to a data breach if adequate data security systems are not in place. And even large, well known and trusted companies are not immune to this risk.

For example, in 2023, Singapore’s data privacy watchdog fined Shopback S$74,400 (A$83,300) over a 2020 data breach that impacted more than 1.4 million people.

Private, personal and sensitive information can cross borders without detection and this can lead to wider exposure of information that may be used to identify or impersonate an individual.

Buyer beware

So, while getting 5% back on your purchases, there are a few key things to be aware of.

Consumers need to be careful when disclosing information to these companies and this includes information that can identify them as an individual. For example, personal information might include names, a signature, an address, phone number, date of birth or a photograph.

Sensitive information might include ethnicity, gender, health data or beliefs.

Generally, sensitive information has a higher level of privacy protection than other personal information, and should be treated with an extra level of care.

Financial information is a special category of information and consumers should think carefully before disclosing financial details to a third party – even if there is an incentive offered.

Mirella Atherton, Lecturer in Law, University of Newcastle

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Fines alone won’t stop big tech behaving badly. Here’s what might work

 

The Conversation, CC BY-SA 

Lauren C. Hall, University of Tasmania; Christine Padgett, University of Tasmania; James Sauer, University of Tasmania, and María Yanotti, University of Tasmania

As countries around the world look to follow Australia’s lead and implement a social media ban for kids, many are also considering fines as an enforcement mechanism.

This is part of the playbook when it comes to regulating big tech. For example, last month the United Kingdom’s data watchdog fined Reddit £14 million (A$26 million) for unlawfully using children’s data.

In April 2025, the European Commission fined Apple and Meta €500 million (A$820 million) and €200 million (A$329 million) respectively for breaching the Digital Markets Act. And in September, the commission fined Google nearly €3 billion (A$4.9 billion) for abusive practices in online advertising technology.

But fines don’t always work to encourage companies to follow the law. For some companies, “illegal with a fine” is interpreted as “legal for a price”. So what are some other, more effective methods to encourage good corporate behaviour?

Fines can backfire

If fines are not consistent, immediate, and severe, they can backfire. If they do, bad behaviour may increase.

For example, a 2000 study examined the effect of childcare centres in Israel introducing fines for parents who regularly picked their children up late. But instead, these fines actually increased late pick-ups by parents.

Even after fines were stopped, the number of late pick-ups stayed higher than before.

Why? Because when there were fines, they were small (not severe), and parents could wait a month to pay (not immediate). However, parents got the immediate benefit of longer childcare.

Similarly, technology companies may decide a fine is cheaper than the costs to make changes, or any loss in money from fewer users and ad sales. And this could lead to them continuing with business-as-usual.

Corporate fines often fail because it may be unclear who in the company is directly responsible. Fines can also sometimes be too small to stop bad behaviour by large companies.

For these reasons, corporate re-offending is frequent, even if companies have been fined in the past.

A fine equals forgiveness

After introducing fines, behaviours previously considered socially or morally unacceptable may also be seen as “forgiven” by payment. This can increase bad behaviour.

The importance of unwanted behaviours may also be judged by the size of the fine.

If fines are seen as “small”, violations may also be seen as small, and bad behaviours may rise. Corporations may also see “small” fines as just a cost-of-doing-business.

Importantly, fine size is closely linked to a company’s financial size. For a small company, a fine could seem huge. The same sized fine may seem tiny to a large company. If similarly sized fines are given to companies making different revenue amounts, the companies may respond differently.

Changing company practices can also cost more for some companies than others. This too may affect how they respond to fines.

Furthermore, companies outside a legislative jurisdiction, or that have refused regulators’ demands in the past, may ignore fines altogether.

For example, 4Chan refused to pay fines issued under the UK’s Online Safety Act, and X decided to legally challenge instead of pay a €120 million (A$197 million) fine issued by the European Commission.

Given the borderless nature of some digital harms such as child sexual exploitation and abuse, coordinated changes to corporate laws, and international cooperation are needed.

Pulling multiple levers at once

So if fines alone don’t stop big tech and other businesses behaving badly, what will?

Research shows monitoring companies, and better resourcing regulators, are more effective than fines alone. Consistent regulator inspections combined with education also work well.

A 2025 paper suggests making “stand-alone consumer tech safety research centres” focused on reducing digital harms. This may require technology companies making data and algorithms available to these centres for inspection.

Then, regulators can look at if companies are using important and best practice safety features. For example, checking the images on sites to make sure users do not see harmful content online.

Regulators can also share knowledge with companies about laws and digital safety measures to improve consumer protections.

This cooperative model has been shown to be more effective than fines alone.

A 2016 study about what works when it comes to corporate deterrence found using multiple levers at the same time, such as monitoring, accountability, auditing, and punitive action were the most effective at stopping bad corporate behaviour.

Unfortunately, understanding the scope of digital harms, and best responses, have been limited by not enough resources, or access to data.

A 2025 paper highlights that increased data transparency from corporations will also improve evidence-informed decisions, ensuring regulation is fit-for-purpose.

As companies continue to prioritise rapid rollouts, with problems found after launch, fines may continue to be ineffective.

To tackle this problem, online regulators must ensure fines are complemented with other policy levers – and that the punishment for bad corporate behaviour is consistent, immediate and severe.

Lauren C. Hall, PhD Candidate in Psychology, University of Tasmania; Christine Padgett, Senior Lecturer at the School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania; James Sauer, Associate professor in Psychology, University of Tasmania, and María Yanotti, Lecturer of Economics and Finance Tasmanian School of Business & Economics, University of Tasmania

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Dia Mirza lauds Anubhav Sinha’s ‘Assi’, calls it ‘one of the most important films of our times’

(Photo : IANS/diamirza/insta)

Mumbai (IANS) Actress Dia Mirza has strongly praised filmmaker Anubhav Sinha for his recently released film ‘Assi’, and called it a powerful and significant cinematic effort.

Dia shared a video clip from the film on her social media account and expressed admiration for the director and the entire team behind the project.

Sharing the video clip from the movie, the actress wrote, “Thank you Anubhav Sinha. For going where no one else goes. For saying what no one else dare say. But most importantly, for listening to the voice in your heart.”

She added, “ASSI is one of the most important films of our times. Each word, each pause, each beat, creates a compelling feeling. Every single performance is pure TRUTH. So much gratitude to Team ASSI. @anubhavsinhaa Zindabad!”

Talking about the film ‘Assi’, it has been directed by Anubhav Sinha and features an ensemble cast including Taapsee Pannu, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Naseeruddin Shah and Supriya Pathak, among others.

The project also stars actors such as Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub and Revathy. The movie explores complex societal realities through powerful storytelling and performances.

Despite the the string storyline, the movie did not perform well at the box office.

Talking about the poor performance of the movie, trade analyst Girish Wankhede shared his views, stating that the film failed to connect with audiences despite its concept.

Speaking about the film’s underwhelming numbers, Girish Wankhede, in an exclusive conversation with IANS, said, “It’s a simple reason. When a film doesn’t do well, it means the audience didn’t like it. They didn’t understand what kind of film it was. If the marketing had been stronger, more people might have come to the cinemas, but the audience wasn’t fully aware.”

He further pointed to mixed critical reception and limited star pull as contributing factors. “Apart from that, the reviews were very mixed. Some people praised the film, some didn’t."He added, "Taapsee Pannu is the main lead actress of the film, but she is not capable of pulling a film entirely on her shoulders. There are many such reasons why the film didn’t perform well.” Dia Mirza lauds Anubhav Sinha’s ‘Assi’, calls it ‘one of the most important films of our times’ | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

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Largest ever Parkinson’s study shows how symptoms differ between men and women

Lyndsey Collins-Praino, Adelaide University

Parkinson’s disease is the fastest growing neurological disorder, with over 10 million cases worldwide. Up to 150,000 Australians currently live with the disease and 50 new cases are diagnosed each day.

The number of people living with Parkison’s is projected to more than triple between 2020 and 2050.

Yet despite the immense impact on those living with Parkinson’s and their loved ones, and the staggering cost to our economy – at least A$10 billion a year – there is still a lot we don’t know about how this disease presents and progresses.

A recent large-scale study of nearly 11,000 Australians living with Parkinson’s disease provides some critical insights into symptoms, risk factors and how these affect men and women differently. Let’s take a look.

First, what is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s is a progressive disease in which cells that produce the chemical messenger dopamine in a part of the brain called the “substantia nigra” begin to die. This is accompanied by multiple other brain changes.

It is usually considered a movement disorder. Common motor symptoms include a resting tremor, slowed movement (bradykinesia), muscle stiffness and balance issues.

But Parkinson’s also involves a variety of lesser known non-motor symptoms. These may include:

• mood changes
• difficulties with memory and cognition (including slower thinking, challenges with planning or multitasking and difficulty paying attention or concentrating)
• sleep disturbances
• autonomic dysfunction (such as constipation, low blood pressure and urinary problems).

While these are sometimes referred to as the “invisible” symptoms of Parkinson’s, they often have a greater negative impact on quality of life than motor symptoms.

So, what does the new research tell us?

The study used data collected as part of the Australian Parkinson’s Genetics Study led by the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute. After a pilot study in 2020, it was launched as an ongoing, nationwide research project in 2022.

Some 10,929 Australians with Parkinson’s were surveyed and provided saliva samples for genetic analysis. This is the largest Parkinson’s cohort studied in Australia and the largest active cohort worldwide.

There were several key initial findings.

1. Non-motor symptoms are common

The study reinforced how common non-motor symptoms are, with loss of smell (52%), changes in memory (65%), pain (66%) and dizziness (66%) all commonly reported.

Notably, 96% of participants experienced sleep disturbances, such as insomnia and daytime sleepiness.

2. A better picture of risk factors

The study also provided insights into what can influence Parkinson’s risk.

This is important because we don’t completely understand what causes the dopamine producing cells in the substantia nigra to die in the first place.

Age is the primary risk factor for Parkinson’s. The new study found the average age for symptom onset was 64, and for diagnosis, 68.

3. Genes and environment both play a role

In the recent study, one in four people (25%) had a family history of Parkinson’s. But only 10–15% of Parkinson’s cases are caused by – or strongly linked to – mutations in specific genes.

It’s important to remember that families don’t only share genes but often their environment.

Multiple environmental factors, such as pesticide exposure and traumatic brain injury, also increase risk of Parkinson’s.

The majority (85–90%) of cases of Parkinson’s are likely due to complex interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors, and advancing age.

The study showed environmental exposures linked to Parkinson’s risk were common:

• 36% of people reported pesticide exposure
• 16% had a prior history of traumatic brain injury
• 33% had worked in high-risk occupations (such as agriculture, or petrochemicals or metal processing).

These exposures were significantly higher in men than in women.

4. Differences between the sexes

The disease is 1.5 times more common in men. In the new study, 63% of those surveyed were male.

Parkinson’s also presents and progresses differently in males and females.

The study found women were younger than men at time of symptom onset (63.7 versus 64.4 years) and diagnosis (67.6 versus 68.1 years), and more likely than men to experience pain (70% versus 63%) and falls (45% versus 41%).

Men experienced more memory changes than women (67% versus 61%) and impulsive behaviours, particularly sexual behaviour (56% versus 19%) – although most participants exhibited no or only mild impulsivity.

What we still don’t know

The large-scale study and its comprehensive survey shed valuable light on people living with Parkinson’s in Australia.

But it’s still only a sliver of the population. More than 186,000 people with Parkinson’s were invited to participate and just under 11,000 took part – a less than 6% response rate.

Of these participants, 93% had European ancestry. So this sample may not be fully representative of Parkinson’s disease.

The information we have about symptoms also relied on self-reports by the study’s participants, which are subjective and can be biased or less reliable than objective measurements of function. To address this, the researchers are planning to use smartphones and wearable devices to collect more comprehensive data.

Finally, while this provides a snapshot of the current cohort, it’s not clear how participants compare to people of a similar age without Parkinson’s, or how their symptoms may change over time.

These are important areas of future research for this ongoing study.

What all this means

Studies like this provide crucial insights into risk factors linked to Parkinson’s. They also help us better understand the symptoms people experience.

This is important because the way Parkinson’s presents varies from person to person. Not everyone will experience the same symptoms to the same extent.

Similarly, the way the disease progresses over time differs between people.

A better understanding of the factors that influence this can lead to earlier identification of who’s at risk and more personalised ways of managing this disease.

Lyndsey Collins-Praino, Associate Professor, School of Biomedicine, Adelaide University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Should e‑bike riders be required to have a driver’s licence?

 

KBO Bike/Unsplash 

Richard J. Buning, The University of Queensland; Dorina Pojani, The University of Queensland, and Tyler Riordan, The University of Queensland

E-bikes have been increasing in popularity – they make cycling more accessible than ever. However, they’ve also been linked to tragic accidents.

In response, the Queensland government has conducted a parliamentary inquiry on e-mobility devices, including e-scooters and e-bikes.

The inquiry aimed to improve safety and address community concerns. It examined benefits, risks (crashes or battery fires), existing regulations compared to other jurisdictions, enforcement approaches, and importation laws.

The resulting report recommends banning all e-bikes for riders under 16, and requiring at least a learner driver’s licence to operate them.

If implemented, Queensland would become only the second jurisdiction in the world to mandate a driver’s licence for riding a standard e-bike, joining New Jersey, which passed similar legislation in January to much condemnation.

If Queeensland adopts this rule, it will quickly become the worst state for cycling in Australia – and set a dangerous precedent.

How risky are legal e-bikes?

Legal e-bikes (also known as pedelecs, short for “pedal electric cycles”) don’t pose greater risks than conventional bicycles. On average, e-bike crashes are equally as likely and severe as conventional bike crashes. And research from Denmark even shows e-bike riders are more likely to follow traffic laws and are more safety oriented than conventional cyclists.

A pedelec is defined under the European Union EN 15194 standard as a bicycle in which the motor provides assistance only when the rider pedals, power is limited to 250 watts, and the maximum assisted speed is 25km/h. This is the standard recognised in Australia.

To be clear, 250 watts is roughly the power an avid cyclist can generate with their body. Professional cyclists easily produce well over 400 watts.

The injury stats only become troubling when these standard pedelecs get mixed in with more powerful devices that can have a max pedal-assisted speed of 45km/h or more. The problem of increased danger doesn’t lie with EN 15194 compliant e-bikes.

Who would be impacted by licensing requirements?

About 7.5% of Queenslanders aged 16 and over – more than 340,000 people – don’t hold a driver’s licence. Across Australia, an estimated 1.5 million adults are without a licence.

These include:

• people with certain types of disabilities (visual, neurological or cognitive)
  
• children under 16 riding to school
• migrant workers from countries with licences not recognised in Australia, or who are in the process of transferring overseas licences. Many delivery riders fall in this category
• urban youth, who increasingly rely on alternative transport and delay obtaining a learner’s permit
• older people who have given up driving for age-related reasons
• low-income people for whom the costs associated with lessons, testing, and car ownership are prohibitive
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly in regional and remote areas. These communities often face practical barriers to licensing, such as high cost, difficulties obtaining identity documents, and limited access to training
• individuals who are car-free by choice for lifestyle or environmental reasons
• people who have temporarily lost their driver’s licence, such as for speeding.

In short, legal e-bikes provide an important way to get around and maintain independence for many people. They can travel to work, education, or social activities without relying on a car.

For Queensland locals, even requiring a learner’s licence would impose a significant burden. Obtaining one costs about A$77 and requires passing an online test which typically takes four to six hours. Test questions focus on motor vehicle laws, not rules specific to cycling or e-mobility. The test is offered only in English and requires proof of identity and residency in Queensland.

Visitors from countries where driver’s licences are far less common than in Australia would be impacted too. For example, only about half of Chinese adults have a licence.

Queensland hosts more than 2 million international visitors annually, and Brisbane is expected to welcome more than 100,000 international visitors during the 2032 Olympic Games. Unless they hold a licence from their home country, these visitors would be forced to rely on ride-hailing services or risk penalties for using a legal e-bike.

What should be done instead?

A more effective approach would focus on clear vehicle classification, targeted regulation, safe cycling infrastructure, and education. This is the model used in the European Union.

Regulators should maintain a clear distinction between standard e-bikes and higher-powered devices.

EN 15194 compliant e-bikes should be legally treated as ordinary bicycles and integrated into everyday mobility. They shouldn’t require a driver’s licence, registration, or insurance. Riders should simply follow the same rules that apply to cyclists.

Only the more powerful models should require licensing and insurance. E-bikes that reach up to 45km/h should be classified as mopeds. In this way, regulation can reflect the actual risk level of the vehicle.

Enforcement is key. Authorities should focus on ensuring that devices sold in the market actually comply with power and speed limits. Regulators should keep targeting non-compliant imports and illegal modifications.

We all share the road

Beyond product standards, much more emphasis should be placed on infrastructure. Investments in protected bike lanes, traffic calming, and well-designed intersections are crucial to improving safety for all road users.

Finally, Australia should start investing heavily in education and communication campaigns. Cycling education should be provided through schools, local councils, and road safety programs. These should focus on responsible riding, interaction with pedestrians, and visibility in traffic.

Importantly, they should also encourage a mindset that moves away from an “us versus them” stance between drivers and cyclists. Children should learn early that, as adults, they may occupy both roles – sometimes driving, sometimes cycling.

In combination, these policy approaches would allow e-bikes to expand while remaining a safe, accessible and inclusive mobility option.

Richard J. Buning, Research Lead, UQ Micromobility Research Cluster, The University of Queensland; Dorina Pojani, Associate Professor in Urban Planning, The University of Queensland, and Tyler Riordan, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Strategic Management, The University of Queensland

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Oscars 2026: Priyanka Chopra presents Best International Feature Film with Javier Bardem, latter says, ‘Free Palestine

(Photo: Priyanka Chopra/ Instagram)

Los Angeles, (IANS) Actress Priyanka Chopra took to the stage along with actor Javier Bardem to present the International Feature Film Oscar at the 98th edition of the Academy Awards on Monday.

The duo presented the award to Norway's ‘Sentimental Value’, directed by Joachim Trier. The film explores the strained relationship between a father and his two daughters as they confront unresolved family history and artistic legacy. The film is set in Norway, and follows a once-acclaimed filmmaker attempting to reconnect with his family while preparing a new film project.

As Priyanka and the ‘No Country for Old Men’ made an appearance on the stage, Javier Bardem roared on the mic, “Free Palestine”.

For the occasion, Priyanka opted for a custom gown by Dior. The outfit followed a classic Hollywood aesthetic with modern detailing. The gown was strapless and white, designed with a structured corset-style bodice that shaped the upper silhouette and highlighted the waist. From the midsection, the dress flowed into a long skirt featuring a dramatic thigh-high slit, which created movement and added a contemporary edge to the otherwise bridal-style design. Along the slit and lower portion of the gown, black-and-white feathered or tulle detailing added texture and visual contrast to the monochrome look.

She paired the dress with diamond and emerald jewellery including a statement necklace and matching earrings. Her styling leaned toward Old Hollywood glamour, finger-wave style curls, luminous makeup, and subtle smoky eye accents.

The actress attended the ceremony with her husband Nick Jonas, who wore a classic black tuxedo that complemented her monochrome ensemble.

The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is underway at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles.This year, the Oscars is being hosted by late-night host Conan O'Brien, who also emceed the 2025 show. Director Ryan Coogler's ‘Sinners’ is leading the awards race this season with 16 nods, including top honours of best picture, director, and actor. Oscars 2026: Priyanka Chopra presents Best International Feature Film with Javier Bardem, latter says, ‘Free Palestine’ | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

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Formula 1: Bahrain, Saudi Arabian Grands Prix canceled

Photo credit; Formula 1

Shanghai, March 15 (IANS) Formula 1 has canceled next month's Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix because of the escalating conflict in the Middle East, leaving the 2026 season with a reduced 22-race calendar and a lengthy spring break.

The sport confirmed Sunday that the races in Sakhir on April 12 and Jeddah on April 19 will not take place because of security concerns and logistical constraints linked to the ongoing conflict in the region.

The decision comes after weeks of uncertainty following the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched military strikes on Iran, triggering a wider regional conflict that has disrupted travel and raised security risks, reported Xinhua.

Several countries in the region closed their airspace in the aftermath of the strikes.

Formula 1 and the FIA, the sport's governing body, had been monitoring the situation closely but faced mounting pressure to make a final call as freight deadlines approached. Teams would have needed to ship equipment to the Middle East in the coming days for the races to go ahead.

The cancellation leaves a 35-day gap between the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29 and the Miami Grand Prix on May 3, meaning there will be no F1 racing in April.

Formula 1 evaluated several potential replacement venues, including Portimao in Portugal, Imola in Italy and Istanbul Park in Türkiye, all of which staged replacement races during the Covid-disrupted 2020 season.

However, the short timeframe to organize an event and the difficulty of securing hosting fees meant the options were deemed impractical. With the championship already scheduled for 24 rounds, there was also limited incentive to add replacement races at short notice.

The loss of the two Middle Eastern races will also have financial implications. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia pay among the highest hosting fees on the calendar, and the cancellation is expected to cost Formula 1 and its teams well over 130 million U.S. dollars in lost revenue.

Teams receive a share of the sport's commercial income, meaning the financial impact will be spread across the grid.With the Bahrain and Saudi races removed, the championship will resume in Miami after the extended break following Japan, with the remainder of the season expected to proceed as scheduled. Formula 1: Bahrain, Saudi Arabian Grands Prix canceled | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

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'Love, happiness and beautiful memories…': Raina pens heartfelt message as Kuldeep sets for new beginning

Credit: Suresh Raina Instagram

New Delhi, (IANS) Former India cricketer Suresh Raina shared a heartfelt message for spinner Kuldeep Yadav and his bride-to-be Vanshika Chadha as the couple’s wedding celebrations gathered momentum in Mussoorie.

Raina took to Instagram on Saturday to post a picture from the festivities, where he was seen posing alongside Kuldeep, Vanshika and India spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, offering his best wishes to the soon-to-be-married couple.

Along with the photograph, Raina penned a caption celebrating the couple’s new journey. He wrote, “Wishing Kuldeep and Vanshika a lifetime of love, happiness and beautiful memories together. God bless this beautiful journey ahead.”

The post quickly gained attention, giving fans a glimpse into the vibrant pre-wedding celebrations ahead of the ceremony. Kuldeep, who recently played a key role in India’s triumphant campaign at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, is set to marry his childhood friend Vanshika Chadha in the hill town of Mussoorie on Saturday.

The wedding is being hosted at the iconic WelcomHotel The Savoy, which has reportedly been reserved for several days to accommodate the festivities and guests.

Photos and videos circulating on social media have offered glimpses of the colourful sangeet ceremony held on Friday evening. In the images shared by Raina and Chahal, the bride and groom are seen dressed in coordinated traditional outfits that drew considerable attention online.

Vanshika opted for an intricately embellished lehenga set that shimmered under the lights. The ensemble featured a flowing layered skirt paired with a matching blouse and a delicate embroidered dupatta. She completed the look with statement jewellery, including a choker-style necklace that added a regal touch to the attire.

Kuldeep, meanwhile, chose a royal navy-blue velvet sherwani adorned with subtle embroidered motifs. The outfit was paired with classic black trousers, while a richly embroidered multi-coloured shawl draped over one shoulder added a traditional flourish to his appearance.

Earlier, Chahal also shared clips from the Haldi ceremony on social media. The videos showed several members of the Indian cricket fraternity enjoying the festivities, including India’s assistant coach T Dilip, as music and dance became central to the celebrations.

The wedding is expected to see several prominent figures from Indian cricket in attendance. Reports suggest that players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah are among the high-profile guests likely to attend the ceremony.Meanwhile, fellow Indian cricketer Rinku Singh also shared glimpses from the sangeet ceremony on his Instagram story, posing with T Dilip as the celebrations continued late into the evening. 'Love, happiness and beautiful memories…': Raina pens heartfelt message as Kuldeep sets for new beginning | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

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Can the 2026 FIFA World Cup still be a force for global unity?

Paul R. Carr, Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO) and Alexis Legault, Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO)

The FIFA Men’s World Cup will unfold across North America from June 11 to July 19, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. This year’s event will be the largest ever, with some 48 countries represented.

The FIFA 2026 World Cup was awarded in 2018 and preparations have been ongoing ever since. However, the U.S. has significantly altered course since the election of Donald Trump in January 2025.

The international community is facing an onslaught of actions, threats and rhetoric from the U.S. government, which has led to chaos, confusion, instability and massive political, economic and sociocultural vulnerability.

As a result, calls have emerged to boycott the tournament, including from former FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

It’s clearly late in the game to consider adjusting, transferring, suspending or altering this thoroughly planned international event. The implications for changing the status of the FIFA 2026 tournament are numerous and far-reaching.

Why consider a boycott now?

A series of recent American actions raises serious questions about its suitability to host the FIFA World Cup at this time.

These include destabilizing allies, imposing tariffs without clear justification, launching a military attacking on Iran with Israel, attacking Venezuela and capturing its president, threatening to annex Greenland and Canada, eliminating USAID and putting millions of people at risk of disease, illness, famine and death and overseeing the violence inflicted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents that endangers citizens and residents.

In addition, the fair and equitable treatment of people seeking to visit the U.S. cannot be assured. People from many countries would effectively be barred from visiting the U.S. to attend the event because of current American policy.

There is a serious threat of people being detained, surveilled and persecuted. Racial profiling is a particular concern given how ICE has maneuvered in immigrant communities in the U.S.

Many are also concerned about violence within the U.S., which is disproportionately higher than in most western countries.

At the same time, the U.S. has withdrawn from numerous international organizations and agreements, the antithesis of co-operation on global issues, shutting down the potential for meaningful and necessary dialogue.

All these realities fly in the face of the spirit and solidarity of global sporting events like the World Cup that aim to cultivate peace and intercultural understanding.

FIFA’s record

Allegations of corruption and bribery within FIFA have persisted for years. They have been documented in a U.S. Department of Justice indictment and in FIFA’s own Garcia Report.

FIFA is sensitive to these complaints, and some reforms have been implemented to make the organization more transparent and credible, but many groups still argue the corruption is rampant.

Human rights have long been an issue at FIFA events. The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar prompted concerns related to LGBTQ+ rights, with many players wearing the “One Love” armband in protest. It also raised concerns over the rights of workers and migrants, who were exploited and faced discrimination.

There are also environmental concerns related to the carbon footprint of such a large event. However, the counter-claim of the event fostering global solidarity is an equally strong justification for it.

FIFA is lathered in capitalist trappings, and there is a great deal of profit to be made for a small number of people. The 2026 World Cup is expected to bring in more than US$10 billion for the organization.

It is unclear how local taxpayers and citizens benefit economically from holding the World Cup, especially given that they underwrite many of the costs through their taxes.

Similarly, the marketing, television and dissemination rights present a lucrative landscape, yet that funding does little to fight poverty, hunger and unacceptable living conditions for many.

Do boycotts work?

There is some debate about the effectiveness of boycotting. The boycotts of the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, following the invasion of Afghanistan, and of the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, led by the Soviet bloc in retaliation, did not produce substantive political change.

Some questioned the enormity of eliminating the potential for intercultural and diplomatic interaction.

By contrast, the sporting boycott of apartheid-era South Africa from 1964 to 1992 did help contribute to significant change in the country.

The ongoing Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement against Israel — although not supported by the U.S. and many other countries — has had varying success, but the very fact that it exists and is supported by many is politically significant.

The costs of boycotting now

Altering or boycotting the tournament at this stage would inevitably punish national teams and athletes for political considerations beyond their reach. The FIFA event could generate goodwill, promote global understanding and bring people together, especially in relation to nations from the Global South that are often portrayed negatively.

Some argue a boycott would affect players and fans more than FIFA itself. The economic repercussions of a boycott would also be substantial. Yet the very notion of a boycott is that it does, and should, affect and influence attitudes, behaviours and actions.

Others have suggested alternative avenues for change, including through organized protests and social movement mobilization.

Other alternative proposals for enacting change include targeted boycotts against certain sponsors, institutions and sectors. Some activists may wish to target a policy, such as the assault on migrants in the U.S. or corruption within FIFA.

A force for the global public good?

Boycotts are complicated and have been more commonly related to the Olympic Games than the World Cup. However, citizens and activists alike seek opportunities to develop a more just and equitable world.

In 2021, there were also great concerns regarding human rights violations. Interestingly, while a Statista survey of 4,201 respondents across 120 countries found that most respondents believed their country should boycott the 2022 World cup in Qatar, very few soccer fans were willing to boycott it themselves.

But FIFA isn’t a political party; it’s a business and sports organization. Although considered favourable, it does not need the population to approve its decisions, and sponsors are at risk of being targeted and tarnished if public sentiment turns sharply against the event.

Will the FIFA World Cup provide the opportunity for the U.S. to address problems of racism, gender discrimination, the mantra to annex other countries, ICE overreach and denigration against migrants? Or will such issues be simply swept under the carpet?

The tournament could offer a platform to engage with the world through diplomacy grounded in sovereignty, human rights and mutual benefit. A tri-national hosting arrangement with Canada and Mexico may yet foster cross-border co-operation, even amid strained relations.

The current U.S. political climate does not provide an encouraging model to move the FIFA World Cup toward peace and solidarity currently, but the world is in desperate need for it to do so.

Paul R. Carr, Professeur/Professor (Université du Québec en Outaouais) & Titulaire/Chair, Chaire UNESCO en démocratie, citoyenneté mondiale et éducation transformatoire/ UNESCO Chair in Democracy, Global Citizenship and Transformative Education., Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO) and Alexis Legault, PhD Candidate in Education, Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO)

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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