A 45-year-old man named Joby was arrested in Kochi for allegedly threatening and abusing Aluva MLA Anwar Sadath via a live social media video. The arrest followed a complaint by the Congress MLA after Joby's remarks, which were made in response to Sadath's statement on taking action against theft in his constituency. Police confirmed Joby has a history of criminal cases.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Secretary Chanchal Kumar outlined the critical factors for the media and entertainment sector's next growth phase, including robust intellectual property, sustainable revenue models, and disciplined investments. Speaking at the CII Big Picture Summit, he emphasised the government's role in fostering an environment for creative enterprises and addressing challenges posed by digital platforms and AI. The CII White Paper also projected a USD 100 billion Indian M&E sector, advocating for stronger IP and regulatory reforms.
Delhi Police have registered four FIRs against social media handles allegedly spreading false narratives and rumours regarding protests in the capital, with several Pakistan-based accounts under scrutiny for disseminating misleading information and attempting to create an 'anti-India narrative'.
A class 9 student was fatally stabbed during a Durga idol immersion procession in Pitampura, northwest Delhi, following a dispute over a social media comment made a year ago. Four juveniles have been apprehended in connection with the murder.
Four individuals, including a social media influencer, have been arrested in Malappuram, Kerala, for possession of MDMA. Police seized 10.15 grams of the drug, along with other paraphernalia and cash, after intercepting their car on Wednesday night. The accused were allegedly planning to sell the drugs.
Delhi Police are actively monitoring social media platforms to combat the spread of misinformation during protests in the capital, leading to the removal of approximately 300 posts. This action follows the arrest of a man for creating a fabricated AI video and includes requests to platform X for content removal.
A 22-year-old social media influencer and gym trainer, Arif Ayub Shaikh, has been arrested in Palghar, Maharashtra, on charges of rape, physical abuse, and attempting to force a woman to convert her religion under the guise of marriage. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has labelled the case as "love jihad," alleging a larger network exploiting young Hindu girls in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Police recovered over 100 explicit video clips from Shaikh's phone, with some potentially distributed abroad.
Police in Thrissur have registered a case under the POCSO Act against a female social media influencer and motivational speaker for allegedly sexually harassing an 11-year-old boy. A detailed investigation is underway, and the minor's statement has been recorded.
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and Valsad police have apprehended three men in connection with the murder of Punjabi social media influencer and makeup artist Mad Sandhu in Amritsar. The arrests follow an earlier detention by Ahmedabad Crime Branch of an alleged shooter. The detained individuals were found in Vapi, Gujarat, and have been handed over to Punjab Police for further investigation into their roles, including reconnaissance.
A CII white paper released Thursday outlines a strategy for India's media and entertainment sector to achieve a USD 100 billion valuation by the early 2030s, requiring an annual growth rate of 15 per cent and significant policy reforms. The paper identifies key areas for growth, including broadcasting reform, anti-piracy measures, and investment in regional markets.
Fashion model and social media influencer Shraddha Dubey, accused in the alleged murder of Lucknow cafe owner Shiva Sharma, claims Sharma committed suicide by jumping from her balcony due to heavy debt. Dubey has released videos denying her involvement and expressing her desire to cooperate with the police, while Sharma's family alleges torture and murder. Police are investigating and seeking to arrest Dubey and other absconders.
The Supreme Court has directed media outlets, journalists, and publishing platforms to practice responsible, empathetic, and restrained journalism when reporting sexual offences. The court highlighted that sensationalist headlines and graphic descriptions cause secondary trauma to victims and their families, urging media to prioritise dignity, factual accuracy, and institutional accountability.
The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to explore a statutory framework to ensure social media intermediaries comply with Indian laws regarding minors, particularly concerning their inability to independently enter into contracts. The court highlighted the need for safeguards to protect children from potential harms on digital platforms, including exploitation and misuse of data, and asked the Solicitor General to examine incorporating these requirements into intermediary rules.
A 19-year-old man was arrested in Chennai for allegedly sexually abusing a 16-year-old girl he befriended on social media. Police acted swiftly on the mother's complaint. The article also mentions a separate arrest of a school principal under the POCSO Act and clarifies another ongoing investigation.
The White House has launched 'Trump TV', a 24/7 streaming platform featuring past speeches and administration updates, amidst an escalating dispute with major news organisations over White House press access, which President Trump defends by accusing outlets of 'fake news'.
Urban Indian millennials are caught in an algorithmically amplified consumption spiral where social media normalises spending patterns that systematically undermine retirement security.
The Asian Games shooting range in Nagoya has implemented a strict dress code for photographers and TV cameramen, leading to some confusion among media personnel. While the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) has long had such rules, the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee has made them exceptionally clear, even requiring a video journalist to change from blue to black jeans. The rules aim to maintain a professional appearance and distinguish shooting as a sport, reflecting Japan's meticulous approach to event organisation.
PTI Editor-in-Chief Vijay Joshi emphasised that democracy thrives on citizens who question everything, not those who blindly believe or disbelieve. Speaking at 'Media Conclave 2026', he highlighted the challenges posed by social media, the focus on speed over verification, and AI-generated fake content, stressing the importance of media credibility for informed decision-making.
A CNN reporter was denied entry to the White House and had her press pass seized on Saturday (local time), as the Trump administration began enforcing President Donald Trump's announced ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House premises.
Nepal has introduced a media safety and operational protocol for journalists covering flood-affected regions, particularly for foreign media. The new guidelines, issued after devastating floods on August 26, mandate accreditation, adherence to safety instructions, and restrictions on movement in rescue zones to ensure orderly reporting and prevent interference with relief efforts.
US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) defended his decision to bar CNN, MS NOW, and POLITICO from the White House, characterising the media access ban as an action against "fake news" rather than an attack on constitutional press freedoms.
A 19-year-old man was stabbed to death in northeast Delhi's Jafrabad area following a dispute over an abusive social media comment. Police have apprehended two individuals, including a juvenile, in connection with the murder. The victim and one of the accused were co-workers.
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.
Bhawna Kohli Dhingra, elder sister of cricket star Virat Kohli, clarified that a social media post critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was shared from her Instagram account by mistake and does not reflect her personal or political views.
A video showing a senior woman IPS officer, Ankita Sharma, firing an AK-47 during a traditional Shastra Puja on Dussehra in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, has gone viral. The incident has ignited a debate over weapon handling protocols and safety, with some defending her actions as tradition while others, including military experts, criticised the perceived recklessness.
YouTuber Jason Samuel Vijayakumar has been arrested in Chennai for allegedly abetting the suicide of financial content creator V Harish. Harish, who ran "Finance with Harish" with 1.3 million followers, reportedly faced cyberbullying and defamatory videos from Vijayakumar, leading to mental distress and his death by suicide on October 20, 2026. Vijayakumar denies the allegations, claiming he acted in consumer interest by questioning Harish's lack of a SEBI-registered license.
The Indian government is reportedly planning to introduce a social media code of conduct for its officers and employees. This move aims to regulate their online activities, preventing the posting of personal opinions or content that glorifies their work on platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram, addressing the current lack of specific guidelines.
A 27-year-old financial content creator, V Harish, known as 'Finance With Harish,' died by suicide in Chennai, prompting police to investigate allegations of cyberbullying related to his investment advisory credentials.
Hyderabad police have arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly extorting over Rs 25 lakh from numerous individuals. The accused created fake female profiles on social media, lured victims into sharing private photos and videos, and then threatened them with legal action to extract money. Victims spanned across several Indian states and even internationally.
India's food regulator, FSSAI, has issued notices to Nestle India, Abbott Healthcare, Nutricia International, Mead Johnson Nutrition (India), and social media influencer Ira Fathima for 'illegal' advertising and promotion of infant milk substitutes on Instagram.
A 17-year-old girl was allegedly dragged out of a garba pandal and assaulted in Palghar, Maharashtra, leading to the arrest of an 18-year-old accused.
A 25-year-old man, Hazarat Ali, has been arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly uploading an AI-generated video falsely showing an explosion at Vidhana Soudha, the Karnataka legislature building. Police have registered a case and the investigation is ongoing.
Social media influencer Javed Khan cancelled his Garba performances in Jaipur on October 17 and 18 after allegedly receiving threats from Hindu outfits. The organisations reportedly warned event organisers of protests if a Muslim artist performed. Khan returned advance payments and plans to file a police complaint regarding the incident.
At what age should society stop regulating life choices and allow people to make their own?
The 29th season of the CTR-JK Tyre FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship is set to begin this weekend at the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore. The event will feature 17 races across various categories, including LGB Formula 4, Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup, and Novice Cup, with participation from national, international, and women racers.
Police in Latur, Maharashtra, have arrested one of four accused involved in assaulting and stripping a minor boy four months ago. The incident came to light after a video surfaced on social media on Sunday. A case has been registered under various charges, including the POCSO Act, and a search is on for the remaining suspects.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has alleged that the death of Lucknow cafe owner Shiva Sharma is "not an ordinary case" and could "bring down the Uttar Pradesh government," drawing parallels to the Vikas Dubey encounter. Yadav criticised the police and media's handling of the case, particularly regarding the absconding prime accused, Shraddha Dubey. The case involves allegations of assault and torture by Sharma's family, a reward for the accused's arrest, and recent transfers of police officials.
A junior Bangladeshi minister, Ishraque Hossain, conducted a raid on a suspected drug den in a Dhaka slum on Saturday, carrying a pistol and accompanied by plainclothes associates. He detained several individuals and handed them over to police, who stated they were not informed in advance. A video of the incident, uploaded by Hossain, sparked widespread debate on social media regarding the appropriateness of his actions.
Bengaluru police arrested six individuals, including four women, for allegedly extorting Rs 1 lakh from a spa owner. The accused posed as members of an organisation and media representatives, threatening to publicise alleged illegal activities before assaulting staff and demanding money.
Bengaluru police have detained two individuals for questioning regarding an alleged defamatory social media post targeting former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The detention follows Siddaramaiah's complaint and an injunction order against media outlets. Political figures have termed the incident a 'sting operation', with calls for a CBI probe.
