Meta has agreed to report child safety-related matters, including child sexual abuse cases, to appropriate law enforcement agencies in India, government sources confirmed, emphasising that online safety for children is a "non-negotiable" fundamental principle for social media platforms operating in the country.
Indian-origin golfers Rayhan Thomas and Mahanth Chirravuri successfully made the cut at the Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship. Both players are aiming to improve their standings in the Korn Ferry Finals Tour points race to secure full playing rights for the next season and potentially a PGA Tour card.
The Supreme Court has issued comprehensive directives to the Delhi Police Commissioner to enhance safety for women and minor girls in Delhi-NCR. These measures include forming dedicated police teams, conducting vulnerability audits of public spaces, improving lighting and CCTV surveillance, and strengthening grievance redressal mechanisms. The court also sought reports on the functioning of fast-track courts, utilisation of sexual offender databases, and the Mission Shakti programme.
A 45-year-old man has been arrested in Barwani, Madhya Pradesh, for allegedly sexually abusing his three minor daughters, aged 11-14, over the past year. The girls, accompanied by relatives, filed a complaint under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and POCSO Act. Police investigation is ongoing.
Aishwarya, daughter of BJP MLA B Suresh Gowda, has publicly apologised to a woman police sub-inspector whom she slapped at a temple in Mandya. The apology comes after the High Court directed her to do so before applying for bail in connection with the incident, which occurred on August 12 and went viral via CCTV footage. An FIR was registered against Aishwarya for assault and obstructing duty, while she also filed a counter-complaint.
The Supreme Court has issued a landmark directive against immediate arrests in Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act cases where the accused is a parent or family member living with the child, and a matrimonial dispute exists. The ruling mandates psychological evaluation of the child by experts before police or courts form an opinion to arrest, aiming to prevent the misuse of the law in estranged couple cases.
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi awarded shooter Elavenil Valarivan Rs 1.33 crore under the Khel Pratibha Puraskar Yojana for her two silver medals at the Asian Games 2026. The state government highlighted its commitment to nurturing sporting talent through various schemes and acknowledged the role of parents in athletes' success. Valarivan, an Arjuna Award recipient, has been associated with the Shaktidoot Scheme since 2017-18 and has represented India at multiple Olympics and won gold at the ISSF World Cup.
Three residents from Gujarat, India, who attempted to travel to the US via an illegal route, have gone missing in Ethiopia. Their families claim they were kidnapped and are being held for a ransom of Rs 1 crore, having already paid substantial amounts to agents for the illicit journey. Police have registered a missing persons complaint as contact was lost after September 22.
A report by the University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute projects approximately 15,800 additional heat-related deaths in India over the next six months due to the 'super El Nino' phenomenon. Globally, nearly 451,000 additional deaths are anticipated. Experts in India emphasize the need for swift action, including implementing Heat Action Plans and focusing on vulnerable populations, while also urging caution regarding model-based projections.
A Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary, Vikram Randhave, led an unusual protest in Nashik by releasing two puppies on a municipal chief officer's table to highlight the growing stray dog menace. Randhave claimed over 400 stray dogs and 100 monthly dog bite incidents in the area. Police have registered cases against Randhave and others for obstructing public duty and for the manner in which the dogs were handled.
Police in Uttarakhand's Tehri district have registered a case against an assistant professor for alleged molestation of two female students, including a minor, following an internal inquiry at a government college. The case has been filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and POCSO Act, with authorities initiating a thorough investigation.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a significant increase in fees for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme, effective November 30. This programme allows foreign investors, including many from India, to obtain permanent residency by investing in US commercial enterprises and creating jobs. The fee hikes, some more than doubling, are intended to fund USCIS operations, which are largely supported by fees rather than taxes.
Thousands of protesters, including children, students, and the elderly, gathered in central Delhi for the Cockroach Janta Party's 'Chalo Sansad' march towards Parliament. The protest, coinciding with the Monsoon Session, led to clashes with police, who used tear gas and lathi-charge, resulting in injuries to both sides and suspension of internet services. Despite police action and barricades, protesters repeatedly attempted to reach Parliament, leading to a day-long standoff.
A man in Latur was arrested for allegedly raping and impregnating a 17-year-old girl. He reportedly convinced her that she had a 'dosh' (affliction) in her horoscope and committed the crime under the guise of performing corrective rituals. The accused was booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, POCSO Act, and the state's Anti-Superstition Act.
Shah Rukh Khan offered a rare glimpse into his family's private Ganpati celebrations at Mannat, revealing his wife Gauri Khan performs the aarti, followed by a simple family visarjan.
A special court in Thane has acquitted a 56-year-old man accused in a child sexual assault case, citing significant failures by the prosecution, including the inability to establish the suspect's identity and lack of photographic evidence. The court also noted the victim's denial of the assault in court.
Family members and several members from the film fraternity were present at Mumbai's Pawan Hans crematorium to pay their last respects.
BSP supremo Mayawati has announced a definitive decision regarding the involvement of her brother Anand Kumar's children in the party. She stated that only Ishan Anand would be given a role, while Akash Anand and Deepika Anand would be kept away. Mayawati cited Akash Anand's conduct and his father-in-law's influence as reasons for his exclusion, emphasising her commitment to the party's integrity and following the principles of BSP founder Kanshi Ram.
Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal inaugurated the Khele Sanand Sports Utsav, an 18-day event aimed at promoting sports among 25,000 students across 105 villages in Sanand taluka, Gujarat. The initiative by Vijayi Bharat Foundation features various sports and age categories, with a focus on grassroots sports development.
The father of a Nithari case victim has questioned the death of Surendra Koli, alleging he was murdered and did not die by suicide. Koli, who was acquitted in all Nithari cases, was found hanging in Haridwar. Police are investigating, while the victim's father claims Koli was about to reveal important information and points to Moninder Singh Pandher as the main culprit.
Three infants tragically died after a fire erupted in the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the state-run RIMS hospital in Adilabad, Telangana. A preliminary inquiry suggests a short circuit in the air-conditioning unit caused the blaze, leading to thick smoke. State Health Minister C Damodar Rajanarasimha has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident, promising strict action against any negligence.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, investigating the alleged misuse of Rs 5.10 crore in foreign donations from a non-FCRA registered Belgian entity for proselytisation activities. Two local residents are accused of receiving funds without proper registration, disguising them as educational or cultural services, and using them to influence vulnerable communities.
A teacher at a government residential school in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district has been accused of sexually harassing a 14-year-old girl and other students. Police have registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and POCSO Act, with efforts underway to apprehend the accused. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has ordered a thorough probe, strict action, and directed district authorities to enhance vigilance and conduct regular inspections of girls' hostels and residential schools to ensure child safety.
The Tamil Nadu government has constituted an all-women Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the sensational POCSO case against granite baron R Veeramani (84), who is accused of sexual abuse of minor girls. The case has led to the easing out of two top IPS officers and allegations of delayed action and political interference.
A 48-year-old man, Firoj alias Khaja, has been arrested by Delhi Police Crime Branch in Gurugram after evading capture for nearly 24 years. He was wanted for the 2002 murder of Kalaam Ansari, whose head was allegedly crushed with stones in a forested area of south Delhi. The motive appears to be revenge for a family dispute involving Firoj's brother.
A POCSO court in Assam's Dhubri district has sentenced Utpal Roy to death for the rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in 2023. The judge cited the 'rarest of rare' category for the capital punishment.
The United States has announced new visa restrictions targeting individuals who engage in or facilitate "birth tourism." This move aims to prevent the exploitation of the US immigration system, which allows foreign nationals to travel to the US to give birth, thereby securing US citizenship for their children. The restrictions apply to facilitators, visa "fixers," and medical providers involved in these networks.
Former IAS officer Divya Mittal has announced her independent entry into politics, starting her journey in Uttar Pradesh. She aims to create a platform to voice public grievances and challenge systemic issues, focusing on intent and justice rather than party politics.
Govinda made a late-night return from the US to join his wife Sunita Ahuja and children Tina and Yashvardhan in their cherished Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, continuing a family tradition started by his late mother.
Sahara Shah, a cancer survivor whom actor Vivek Oberoi supported through her treatment, surprised him by announcing she has signed her first film as a lead actress.
A school owned by a BJP MLA in Thane advised students not to bring root vegetables in lunchboxes during the Jain Paryushan festival, sparking a controversy. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) objected, while the MLA clarified it was a request, not a mandatory order, aimed at respecting religious sentiments and promoting healthy eating.
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Union ministries of electronics and information technology and law and justice regarding a plea for safeguards for minors on social media. The NGO 'Just Rights for Children Alliance' filed the plea, arguing that social media platforms should not enter into contracts with children under 18, citing their statutory incapacity to contract and the risks of online harm.
A 32-year-old man, Avnish Kumar, was allegedly shot dead in Mathura by two brothers while returning from a wrestling match. The motive appears to be an alleged relationship between the deceased and one of the accused's wives, who reportedly eloped with Avnish four years prior. Police are investigating the incident.
Delhi Police have apprehended the cousin of a man stabbed to death during an armed robbery, along with other accused and a juvenile. The cousin allegedly tipped off assailants about the victim's cash movements. The police used extensive CCTV and ANPR analysis to trace the culprits, recovering a significant portion of the stolen cash. Three other accused remain at large.
'Let's preserve our culture. Let's have this couple preserve their decorum.'
A medical representative has been arrested in Thane for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor girl for over a year. The accused reportedly threatened the victim's family and offered money to silence them before being apprehended after a social activist's intervention.
Tamil Nadu Minister R Nirmal Kumar has challenged former DMK minister S Regupathy's assertion that video evidence in a POCSO case involving industrialist R Veeramani is "shadowy." Kumar accused the DMK of attempting to protect the accused, while Regupathy denied the allegations, defending the previous government's actions and criticising the current administration's handling of public concerns and sensitive case disclosures. The dispute highlights political tensions surrounding a high-profile child protection case.
The Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti has appealed to Ganesh mandals in Mumbai to ensure that immersion processions on the final day of the festival are free from noise pollution and inconvenience, citing the Bombay High Court's strict stance on decibel limits.
From a milk abhishek and aarti in Patna and Vadnagar to blood donation camps in Delhi, sand art tributes in Puri and Agartala, and havan pujas in Jammu, BJP leaders and others nationwide honoured the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 76th birthday with prayers, service drives and tributes.
Suriya and Jyotika marked their 20th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows in a touching ceremony.
