Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh announce ban social media for teens, sparking debate about its effectiveness, impact on education, and implications for advertisers targeting young audiences.
DMK President M K Stalin has alleged that the ruling TVK won the April 23 Assembly polls by influencing people through social media, without doing any field work. He said social media was used to influence family members through children and that the DMK has realised this and will be very careful from now on. Stalin also mentioned that the DMK has set up a committee to tour all the 234 constituencies in the state to assess the ground situation and find out the reasons for the debacle.
Karnataka Chief Minister announces a ban on social media for children under 16 and increased measures to prevent drug abuse in schools, colleges, and universities, alongside investments in education infrastructure and mental health support.
A man in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, has been jailed under the National Security Act (NSA) for allegedly sharing objectionable social media posts intended to disrupt communal harmony. The arrest followed protests demanding severe punishment for the accused.
The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested a Muslim cleric from Deoband for allegedly sharing inflammatory content on social media and maintaining contacts with individuals in Pakistan.
A group of minority community members damaged shops and vehicles and hurled stones at a village in Gandhinagar district following an objectionable social media post. Police have detained around 60 persons for the clash and rioting.
The US Embassy has directed all international students aspiring to study in the United States to adjust privacy settings on their social media profiles to 'public' not just while applying for a visa but also during their entire course of study, effective immediately.
To 'protect national interest', US now require all F, M, and Jvisa applicants (students/exchange visitors) to make socialmedia profiles public for nationalsecurity vetting.
Outlining each visa adjudication as a 'national security decision', the United States has asked applicants to share their social media usernames or handles of each platform they have used in the last five years.
Outlining each visa adjudication as a "national security decision", the US has asked applicants to share their social media usernames or handles of each platform they have used in the last five years.
Delhi Police has implemented extensive security and surveillance measures across the national capital in anticipation of the second protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar. The protest, led by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, has received permission and is expected to draw supporters from various regions, prompting the deployment of CCTV cameras, body-worn cameras, barricades, and reserve forces to ensure peace and order.
The controversy has embarrassed the ruling coalition because Keshab Mahanta is one of the senior-most leaders of the Asom Gana Parishad, an NDA constituent.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has intensified his criticism of the government, demanding the immediate removal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi following alleged pellet gun injuries to student protesters.
A head constable on Amarnath Yatra security duty was killed in a terror attack in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir. The Resistance Front (TRF) has claimed responsibility for the attack, prompting security forces to launch a search operation.
A parliamentary panel has sought details from two key government ministries on actions planned against social media platforms and influencers who "seem to be working against national interest" following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam. The panel, headed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, has asked the ministries of Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and Information Technology to provide details of any contemplated action to ban such platforms under the IT Act 2000 and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. However, a member of the panel, Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale, has denied receiving any communication related to the issue and claims that the chairperson cannot issue a statement without the approval of the committee.
A female referee, Mathilde Demoncay, suffered a concussion after being knocked to the ground while attempting to break up a melee between players during a friendly football match between French club Metz and Dutch club Fortuna Sittard. The incident occurred in Forbach, eastern France, leading to her withdrawal from the match at halftime.
Spain's national football team celebrated wildly in their dressing room after defeating France 2-0 to secure a spot in the World Cup final. The team's official social media shared a video of the joyous moments, highlighting their unity and confidence as they aim for another World Cup title.
The Trump administration is considering requiring all foreign students applying to study in the United States to undergo social media vetting, according to a report in Politico. In preparation for such required vetting, the administration is ordering US embassies and consular sections to pause scheduling new interviews for such student visa applicants. The report noted that if the administration goes ahead with the plan, it could severely slow down the processing of student visas and hurt many universities who rely heavily on foreign students to boost their financial coffers. This move comes days after the Trump administration ordered the Department of Homeland Security to terminate Harvard University's Student and Exchange Visitor Programme (SEVP) certification, a move that meant Harvard could no longer enroll foreign students.
The BCCI has issued a stern advisory to IPL franchises following concerns about security breaches, unauthorised guests, and players' interactions with social media influencers. Franchises are now working to comply with the new regulations while respecting individual privacy.
Amid a spate of hoax bomb threats to multiple airlines, the IT ministry has asked social media platforms to observe due diligence obligations and promptly remove or disable access to misinformation within the strict timelines prescribed under IT rules.
Norway's star striker Erling Haaland celebrated his team's FIFA World Cup Round of 16 qualification with viral cowboy and Viking-themed social media posts after scoring a dramatic late winner against Ivory Coast. He also marked becoming the fastest player to score 60 goals for his national team.
Videos circulated online showed Senegal players being screened by airport security before travelling from Raleigh, North Carolina to San Antonio, Texas for a warm-up friendly against Saudi Arabia ahead of the tournament.
Two men have been arrested in Tumakuru, Karnataka, for allegedly conspiring with a Pakistan-based individual via social media to carry out activities detrimental to India's national security, including planning a murder and blasts. The Intelligence Bureau had been monitoring the suspects.
Neymar, despite not playing, made headlines with a social media post trolling an economist after Brazil's 2-1 comeback win against Japan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. Coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed he held Neymar back for potential extra time, while Gabriel Martinelli scored the dramatic winner.
Joe Root's unbeaten 99 not out guided England to a four-wicket victory over India in the second ODI in Cardiff, levelling the series 1-1. Despite falling one run short of a century, Root's selfless approach, prioritising the team's win over his personal milestone, earned widespread praise.
A mob in Manipur's Senapati district vandalised an Assam Rifles camp and set three vehicles on fire, hours after the paramilitary force conducted a search operation based on intelligence inputs about armed cadres.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday alleged that over 5,000 social media accounts, mostly operated from Islamic countries, have become active in favour of the Assam Congress.
Donald Trump expressed optimism about securing an agreement with Tehran to prolong a truce and restore transit through a strategic maritime chokepoint within the next week, even as he criticised political opponents and the media for what he described as their tendency to distort outcomes, even in a hypothetical scenario of complete Iranian military surrender.
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which on Monday attempted to march to Parliament to register its protest on the NEET exam leak, said that its founder Abhijeet Dipke had been "picked up" by Delhi Police as protests intensified.
Security agencies have intensified surveillance and launched a joint investigation after reports of suspicious drone-like objects being spotted over the Meerut Cantonment area in Uttar Pradesh.
The Home Ministry has informed a parliamentary committee that security agencies utilise open-source intelligence, including social media, for information gathering, ensuring no privacy breach as personal data is not collected.
Manipur's police chief, Mukesh Singh, has issued a stern warning against individuals taking the law into their own hands or firing at security forces, stating they will be dealt with strictly. He also highlighted efforts to recover looted weapons and combat social media misinformation.
Dialogue must be encouraged rather than adoption of hardline stands, violence and use of force, recommends Biswajit Dasgupta.
Delhi Police has registered an FIR against unidentified individuals following violence, stone-pelting, and vandalism of police vehicles during a protest near Regal Cinema in Connaught Place. The incident occurred a day after clashes during the "Sansad Chalo" march injured over 118 police personnel. Security has been heightened across the national capital, and efforts are underway to identify those involved using CCTV footage.
France is preparing for a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Morocco, a rematch of the 2022 semi-final. Les Bleus, strong favourites with a perfect record and a dangerous attacking unit led by Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise, are anticipating a tactical battle. Morocco, unbeaten in their last 10 matches, aims to make history for African football and secure their first-ever win against France.
Delhi Police has launched an investigation into an alleged unauthorised drone operation that captured footage of protesters at Parliament Street. The New Delhi district is a highly sensitive area requiring prior permission for drone flights, and legal action will be taken for violations. Thousands had gathered to protest alleged examination irregularities and demand the Education Minister's resignation, leading to clashes with security personnel.
King Philippe of the Belgians visited the national football team to offer his support and encouragement ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final match against Spain. He shared a meal, received a signed jersey, and praised their performance, expressing confidence in their victory. Both teams have had strong runs to the quarter-finals, with Belgium overcoming several challenges and Spain maintaining an unbeaten record.
Kerala police have issued a warning about a sophisticated cyber fraud targeting football fans. Scammers are using fake OTT apps and social media advertisements promising free access to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. These malicious apps gain control of users' phones and illegally withdraw money from bank accounts. The police advise downloading apps only from official stores and being cautious of suspicious permissions.
Three people were arrested in Gurugram for allegedly creating a ruckus and assaulting a security guard at a housing society after playing loud music from their SUV.
A tree collapsed in front of industrialist Mukesh Ambani's security convoy in Mumbai's Bandra area amidst torrential rains, briefly obstructing traffic. The incident highlights the widespread rain-related disruptions, including falling trees and traffic snarls, prompting civic authorities to issue caution.
