India witnessed 84 internet shutdowns in 2024, second highest in world: Report
New Delhi: India reportedly saw a total of 84 internet shutdowns in 2024, making it the second highest in the world, according to a recent report by digital rights organisation, Access Now.
The report, cited by Deccan Herald, mentioned that 16 states and territories in India were affected by these shutdowns, with Manipur leading the list with 21, followed by Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, both at 12 internet shutdowns each.
Out of the 84 shutdowns in India, 41 were attributed to protests, while 23 were linked to communal violence.
“Despite a modest decrease in shutdowns from 2023 (116 internet shutdowns), India still imposed 84 in 2024, the most disruptions ordered in a democracy that year,” the report stated.
The study also pointed out that five internet shutdowns occurred during government job examinations in the country.
Globally, a total of 296 internet shutdowns were reported across 54 countries in 2024, an increase from 283 shutdowns in 2023. The report highlighted that protests, conflicts, elections, and examinations remained the most consistent triggers for such disruptions.
Myanmar topped the list with 85 shutdowns imposed by its military junta. The report further revealed that Myanmar, India, and Pakistan collectively accounted for over 64 percent of all recorded internet shutdowns in 2024. Meanwhile, Russia ranked fourth on the list with 13 internet shutdowns, followed by Ukraine with 7, Palestine with 6, and Bangladesh with 5.
The report suggested that governments and the international community must hold those accountable for human rights violations and crimes against humanity facilitated by internet shutdowns.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
'The Ba**ds of Bollywood’ mirrors my life, damages my reputation: Sameer Wankhede tells Delhi HC
New Delhi: IRS officer Sameer Wankhede has submitted his reply to the Delhi High Court in the defamation case he filed against Red Chillies Entertainment, the production company owned by actor Shah Rukh Khan. The case pertains to the recently released series The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, which Wankhede claims has defamed him.
In his statement to the court, Wankhede asserted that the show’s portrayal of a police officer is clearly based on him and has caused serious harm to his public image. He cited four key reasons supporting his claim.
First, he said the character in question bears physical similarities to him, including facial and body features. Second, he noted that the character’s working style and mannerisms closely resemble his own.
Third, Wankhede highlighted that the officer in the show is depicted making a high-profile arrest involving a major film personality, which he said directly mirrors his own involvement in the Aryan Khan drug case.
Fourth, he pointed out that the character frequently uses the phrase “Satyameva Jayate,” a motto he himself had used during media interactions in the course of that investigation. He argued that using the national motto in such a context cannot be dismissed as creative expression or humour.
Wankhede also referred to an interview in which Aryan Khan allegedly admitted that the show was “inspired by some real events.” This, he said, contradicts Red Chillies Entertainment’s claim that The Ba**ds of Bollywood* is purely fictional.
He further alleged that the tone and intent of the series indicate personal and institutional vendetta, aimed at discrediting and defaming him rather than engaging in artistic storytelling.
Wankhede informed the court that the fallout from the show has affected his family, with his wife and sister receiving abusive and vulgar messages online.
Rejecting Red Chillies’ argument that he is a “thin-skinned” officer, Wankhede said that a public servant cannot be expected to tolerate false and damaging portrayals simply because of his position. He emphasized that his legal action seeks to protect the constitutional rights and dignity of both himself and his family.
