News for 'social media'

Maharashtra uncovers cross-border disinformation campaign during Gen Z protest

Maharashtra uncovers cross-border disinformation campaign during Gen Z protest

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Maharashtra Cyber Police have identified over 500 social media profiles involved in a coordinated cross-border disinformation campaign during a recent nationwide protest. The campaign used AI-generated and deepfake content to manipulate public perception and provoke unrest, with technical analysis pointing to elements operating from Pakistan and Middle Eastern countries. Legal action has been initiated, and the public is urged to verify information from credible sources.

Terror handlers turn to porn sites to evade surveillance in J-K

Terror handlers turn to porn sites to evade surveillance in J-K

Rediff.com5 days ago

Security agencies have uncovered a new operational tactic by terror groups and Pakistan's ISI, who are now using pornography websites and niche encrypted applications to communicate secretly and recruit in Jammu and Kashmir. These platforms, including Tor-based apps and privacy-focused messengers, help them evade surveillance, posing significant challenges for intelligence efforts.

Mob attacks Mysuru police station over social media post

Mob attacks Mysuru police station over social media post

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

A mob attacked a police station in Mysuru, Karnataka, after a man was arrested for posting provocative religious content on social media. The mob demanded the accused be handed over to them and turned violent when police refused. Police fired tear gas and used batons to disperse the crowd. The incident has led to tension in the city, with senior police officials rushing to the scene to restore order.

Multiple WhatsApp accounts 'under review' globally

Multiple WhatsApp accounts 'under review' globally

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Instant messaging app WhatsApp temporarily put multiple accounts, including those in India, "under review" for 24 hours, blocking all app features. This disruption prompted numerous affected users to voice their concerns on social media, while a WhatsApp spokesperson acknowledged the issue, stating they are working to resolve it quickly.

Noida dowry murder: 'Vipin didn't like Nikki's social media activity'

Noida dowry murder: 'Vipin didn't like Nikki's social media activity'

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

Police investigate the alleged murder of Nikki Bhati over dowry demands, with neighbors claiming disputes over her social media activity.

Muhammad Yousuf calls Pakistan coaches 'poison' as technical flaws haunt Babar and Co

Muhammad Yousuf calls Pakistan coaches 'poison' as technical flaws haunt Babar and Co

Rediff.com5 days ago

Muhammad Yousuf branded Pakistan's coaches "poison for the game", blaming their lack of vision for neglected batting flaws that worsened over years and contributed to the team's decline.

Team Nadda Vs Team Nabin: Who's In, Who's Out

Team Nadda Vs Team Nabin: Who's In, Who's Out

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Bharatiya Janata Party President Nitin Nabin has made his first significant mark on the BJP's national apparatus with a major organisational reshuffle, bringing back key figures like Smriti Irani and Ram Madhav while removing Nadda-era functionaries, signalling a strategic move ahead of crucial state elections.

Bar Council revokes order banning enrolment of NALSAR graduates after outcry

Bar Council revokes order banning enrolment of NALSAR graduates after outcry

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

The Bar Council of India initially directed state bar councils not to enrol 2026 NALSAR University of Law graduates due to alleged student protests against the CJI's convocation participation. However, following widespread social media criticism, the BCI reversed its decision, allowing students to enrol while an inquiry into the instigators continues.

'Won't delete': BJP MP's daughter's post on Pradhan's exit sparks row

'Won't delete': BJP MP's daughter's post on Pradhan's exit sparks row

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

A social media post by BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi's daughter celebrating Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as Union Education Minister, has ignited an internal controversy within the BJP.

Why Zeenat Aman Took Social Media Break

Why Zeenat Aman Took Social Media Break

Rediff.com1 Jun 2024

'How casually some people say cruel things online that they would never dare say in person.'

FIFA World Cup couldn't stop Wimbledon's record run

FIFA World Cup couldn't stop Wimbledon's record run

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Wimbledon achieved record attendance and social media engagement, along with strong broadcasting figures, despite competing with the soccer World Cup. The tournament saw over half a million fans, significant retail sales, and a notable audience share for the women's singles final in the Czech Republic.

'Don't intimidate me': History-sheeter dares Kerala home minister

'Don't intimidate me': History-sheeter dares Kerala home minister

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

History-sheeter Arjun Ayanki has publicly challenged Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, daring him to reinvestigate a case and warning him against intimidation. This comes as police intensify their search for Ayanki in connection with allegedly threatening a police officer. Ayanki, known for his involvement in a gold smuggling network, has multiple cases against him, including a recent one for his social media post against the minister.

SC refuses to impose ban on social media usage for children

SC refuses to impose ban on social media usage for children

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

"It is a policy matter. You ask Parliament to enact the law," a bench of Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih told the counsel appearing for the petitioner.

Sebi to widen AI surveillance net to detect financial misstatements

Sebi to widen AI surveillance net to detect financial misstatements

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is set to expand its artificial intelligence (AI)-based surveillance beyond trading data to include corporate filings, aiming to proactively flag financial misstatements and manipulation in quarterly results without relying solely on investor complaints.

Meta India head booked over posts against Modi during CJP stir

Meta India head booked over posts against Modi during CJP stir

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Hyderabad Cyber Crime police have taken action against Meta's India head and several social media account operators, registering cases for allegedly circulating morphed and objectionable content targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi amidst the ongoing NEET paper leak agitation.

Raj principal suspended over viral dam bathing video with girl students

Raj principal suspended over viral dam bathing video with girl students

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

A school principal in Alwar, Rajasthan, has been suspended following the circulation of a video showing him bathing in a dam with girl students. An inquiry has been initiated against him for violating the code of conduct.

SC stays FIR against Kotdwar's 'Mohammad Deepak'

SC stays FIR against Kotdwar's 'Mohammad Deepak'

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Supreme Court has stayed further proceedings in an FIR against Kotdwar gym operator Deepak Kumar, known as 'Mohammad Deepak', who gained prominence for confronting Bajrang Dal workers. The case stems from an incident where Deepak defended a Muslim shopkeeper, leading to a viral video and subsequent legal challenges.

'Super grateful for the joy he gave us': Argentina reacts as Messi bids emotional farewell

'Super grateful for the joy he gave us': Argentina reacts as Messi bids emotional farewell

Rediff.com4 days ago

Lionel Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, has announced his retirement from the national team, a decision he described as 'a decision that hurts the soul.'

Bomb threats: Govt asks social media platforms to act

Bomb threats: Govt asks social media platforms to act

Rediff.com26 Oct 2024

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.

Fake airline job racket busted in Delhi, 6 arrested

Fake airline job racket busted in Delhi, 6 arrested

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Six individuals, including the alleged mastermind and a website developer, have been arrested for operating a sophisticated fake airline job racket. The fraudsters used social media ads and fake websites to solicit fees for aviation diplomas, promising jobs at Indira Gandhi International Airport, and duped numerous job seekers before being caught.

Dhoni-Pant Viral Video Sparks New Hookah Debate

Dhoni-Pant Viral Video Sparks New Hookah Debate

Rediff.com1 days ago

A recent viral video featuring M S Dhoni and Rishabh Pant has once again brought Dhoni's alleged hookah habit into the public spotlight.

Bengaluru 'Peptide Party' cancelled after food regulator notice

Bengaluru 'Peptide Party' cancelled after food regulator notice

Rediff.com6 days ago

Peptide parties are informal, invite-only social gatherings where biohackers, wellness enthusiasts, and fitness influencers meet to discuss, sample, or promote peptide-based products.

New BJP team: Many sidelined faces make a comeback

New BJP team: Many sidelined faces make a comeback

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Several prominent BJP leaders, including former Union minister Smriti Irani, RSS veteran Ram Madhav, and former chief ministers Biplab Kumar Deb and Tirath Singh Rawat, have been reinstated into significant roles within the party's national team. This reshuffle marks a political recovery for many who had previously seen their influence wane or lost electoral battles, positioning them for key organisational responsibilities ahead of upcoming elections.

Mahabharat Actor Aasha Singh Jaiswal Dies

Mahabharat Actor Aasha Singh Jaiswal Dies

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Actress Aasha Singh Jaiswal, known for her roles in films and television, has passed away in Mumbai.

Trump admin halts new student visa interviews over social media vetting plans

Trump admin halts new student visa interviews over social media vetting plans

Rediff.com28 May 2025

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.

Viral letter implicating Champat Rai 'fabricated': Nripendra Misra

Viral letter implicating Champat Rai 'fabricated': Nripendra Misra

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Nripendra Misra, chairman of the Ram temple construction committee, has dismissed a viral unsigned letter attributed to former trust general secretary Champat Rai as "fabricated." The letter purportedly details Misra's significant role and influence in the temple's construction and management, including agency selection and committee decisions, but its authenticity remains unverified.

Suryakumar Yadav's July Was All About Daddy Duties

Suryakumar Yadav's July Was All About Daddy Duties

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Suryakumar Yadav, the former India T20 captain, spent July cherishing his new role as a father to daughter Riddhima and celebrating his 10th wedding anniversary with Devisha Shetty, sharing heartwarming family moments on social media.

UP school sealed after video of 'burqa dance' on I-Day goes viral

UP school sealed after video of 'burqa dance' on I-Day goes viral

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

A private school in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, has been sealed by the Basic Education Department after a video showing Hindu girl students in burqas dancing at an Independence Day event went viral. An inquiry revealed the school was operating without official recognition.

Mumbai local train horror: Man assaults woman over seat

Mumbai local train horror: Man assaults woman over seat

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

A 36-year-old man, Mohammad Rizwan Ansari, was arrested within 12 hours after a video showing him assaulting a woman on a Mumbai suburban local train went viral. The incident, stemming from a seat argument, led to charges under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Pistol reels lead MP police to Rs 3 cr cash in taxi driver's house

Pistol reels lead MP police to Rs 3 cr cash in taxi driver's house

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Police in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, investigating social media videos of men brandishing pistols, unexpectedly discovered over Rs 3 crore in unaccounted cash hidden in a locked cupboard at a taxi driver's home. The money was found during a search for weapons, which were not recovered.

Chinese arms executive held for leaking secrets to two countries

Chinese arms executive held for leaking secrets to two countries

Rediff.com4 days ago

A Chinese military trading company executive has been arrested for allegedly leaking sensitive defence information to intelligence agencies from two countries, China's top spy and anti-espionage agency said on Monday.

BJP seeks FIR against Pawan Khera for remarks on Amit Shah

BJP seeks FIR against Pawan Khera for remarks on Amit Shah

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

The BJP has strongly objected to alleged derogatory remarks made by Congress leader Pawan Khera against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. A BJP delegation in Shimla submitted a written complaint to the police, demanding the registration of an FIR against Khera for using objectionable language, which they claim crosses the limits of political decency.

Cape Verde's World Cup sensation Vozinha signs for Colo-Colo

Cape Verde's World Cup sensation Vozinha signs for Colo-Colo

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Cape Verde's veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, who gained social media fame during the World Cup, has arrived in Chile to join Colo-Colo on a six-month contract, with an option for a one-year extension.

Govt employees banned from using social media in Pakistan

Govt employees banned from using social media in Pakistan

Rediff.com4 Sep 2024

The Pakistan government has issued an order barring all government employees from using social media without permission to stop disclosure of official information and documents, The News International reported.

US C-17 military plane lands in Moscow amid airspace curbs, mission unclear

US C-17 military plane lands in Moscow amid airspace curbs, mission unclear

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

An American Boeing C-17A Globemaster III military transport aircraft reportedly landed in Moscow on Monday morning, according to online air traffic monitoring systems, Russian news agency TASS reported.

Govt debunks fake AI videos Union min, blames Pak handles

Govt debunks fake AI videos Union min, blames Pak handles

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Union Minister Piyush Goyal has filed a police complaint after an AI-generated deepfake video, maliciously altering his remarks, surfaced on social media. The video falsely depicted him making threatening statements against students protesting the NEET examination. Government sources confirm many related links have been taken down, and Goyal has warned of strict legal action against those involved in its creation and dissemination.

'Kangana Ranaut Doesn't Express View Of The Entire Country'

'Kangana Ranaut Doesn't Express View Of The Entire Country'

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

'The first thing is to make an approximate calculation about how many people are actually offended by the content and then only move forward with a decision.'

India rejects Israel defence pact reports after Pak-Saudi-Turkiye deal

India rejects Israel defence pact reports after Pak-Saudi-Turkiye deal

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

The ministry of external affairs on Friday dismissed as 'fake news' reports alleging that India had requested Israel to sign a defence pact in response to the newly formed Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Turkey security framework.

Religious freedom on downward trajectory in India: US body

Religious freedom on downward trajectory in India: US body

Rediff.com7 days ago

A bipartisan US body claimed that religious freedom conditions in India remained on the downward trajectory in 2026, citing restrictions on activities of NGOs, censorship and transnational repression.

'Extremely ashamed': Girl who abused Modi apologises

'Extremely ashamed': Girl who abused Modi apologises

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

A 15-year-old girl, who appeared in a viral video abusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has issued an apology, claiming she was "influenced" by a group at Jantar Mantar. She expressed embarrassment and shame, appealing for forgiveness. The apology follows a police complaint, and Delhi Police are investigating the matter, having also issued notices to social media platform X for content removal. PM Modi himself commented on the incident, advocating for forgiveness for "misguided children."