India

Meta India Chief Summoned by Parliament Panel Over Child Abuse Ads on Instagram

India's Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT has summoned Meta India's chief following a damning investigation by BBC Eye. The probe alleged that Instagram was running paid advertisements that promoted child sexual abuse material within India. The findings raised serious concerns about Meta's content moderation practices and its ability to prevent exploitation of minors on its platform. Lawmakers are seeking answers from the company regarding how such advertisements were approved and displayed to users.

Actor Rajpal Yadav seeks exemption from surrender, SC says deposit Rs 5cr first

Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone share family photos on Dua's 2nd birthday

Bollywood couple Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone marked their daughter Dua's second birthday by sharing a series of family photographs on Instagram. The black-and-white images featured Deepika's baby bump alongside moments of Dua's playful personality. Ranveer accompanied the post with a message of gratitude for the family's blessings. The photos offer fans a glimpse into the couple's growing family, with Dua soon to become an elder sibling.

Wasim Akram voices concern over jailed Imran Khan's health and safety

Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram has publicly expressed concern over Imran Khan's health and ongoing legal troubles. Speaking as a close friend rather than in any political capacity, Akram stressed that legal proceedings should not come at the cost of a person's wellbeing. Several international cricket captains have also called for humane treatment and adequate medical care for the imprisoned former prime minister. Imran Khan's sons have separately raised fears about their father's safety while in custody.

Expelled leaders from Bihar Congress seek Rahul Gandhi’s intervention

Karnataka may challenge Cauvery water release order of 6,000 cusecs in Supreme Court

Karnataka is considering approaching the Supreme Court to contest an order directing it to release 6,000 cusecs of Cauvery water daily. The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee had issued the recommendation, which was subsequently upheld by the Cauvery Water Management Authority. State officials argued that releasing such a volume is not feasible given falling water inflows into reservoirs. Authorities also highlighted the need to prioritize drinking water requirements for the state's population. The Karnataka government is expected to file a petition in the Supreme Court in the near future.

Holy Grail of AI or hype? What OpenAI's GPT‑6 Astra can do, and what it can't

Victims saved Rs 20, told liquor wasn’t fake: Inside Madhya Pradesh deaths

Ukraine unveils ‘Koral’: New missile built to take on ballistic threats

Panama City's century-old grammar school to be converted into homes

The historic Panama City Grammar School is set to be redeveloped into apartments and townhomes by developer Zachary Seymour. City officials have cleared the path for the project by waiving fines and providing a financial grant. Seymour will purchase the property and undertake essential structural repairs as part of the agreement. The deal requires critical repairs to be completed within one year to protect the building's historic integrity. Local leaders have stressed the importance of preserving the heritage site, particularly given the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Michael.

Indians Use Crypto-Backed Gift Cards from Abroad to Buy Groceries and Gold

A new financial mechanism is allowing Indians to use cryptocurrency to purchase everyday goods such as groceries and gold. The process involves fintech and e-commerce platforms based in Sweden, Germany, and Singapore. Users transfer stablecoins from their private digital wallets to these overseas entities. In return, they receive gift cards or vouchers that function as proxy money for local transactions. The arrangement effectively enables crypto holdings to be converted into spendable value within India.

HP teacher wins National Award for blending ecology and craft into school curriculum

Manjari V Mahajan, Principal of Government Senior Secondary School in Bhaleth, Himachal Pradesh, has received the National Teachers Award 2026 for her innovative teaching methods. Under her guidance, students have engaged in hands-on projects covering waste management, composting, water conservation, and biodiversity. The school also partnered with local artisans to revive the traditional Buggad Grass craft through dedicated workshops. These efforts have earned the institution state-level recognition, including the Environment Leadership Award and the Waste Warrior Award.

No rooms, Rs 2.3 lakh a night: BRICS Summit sends Delhi hotel rates soaring

IIT Roorkee Professor Avlokita Agrawal wins National Teachers Award 2026

Professor Avlokita Agrawal of IIT Roorkee has been selected for the National Awards to Teachers 2026 in recognition of her work in sustainable architecture and the built environment. An alumna of IIT Roorkee's architecture programme, she went on to build her entire academic career at the same institution. Her research focuses on energy-efficient buildings, passive design, thermal comfort, and sustainable infrastructure. She also explores connections between contemporary sustainability practices and traditional Indian architectural knowledge. Her journey from student to faculty at IIT Roorkee reflects a long-standing dedication to promoting greener built environments.

1,800-Year-Old Roman Mosaic With Named Cat and Dog Unearthed in Turkey

Archaeologists excavating in Turkey have discovered a vibrant Roman-era mosaic estimated to be around 1,800 years old. The mosaic was found within a villa at the ancient site of Adramytteion. It consists of 15 panels depicting a variety of animals and mythological figures. Notably, two of the animals are identified by Greek inscriptions — a cat named Emerald and a dog named Ocean.

Babar Azam says PCB made mid-series squad changes without consulting him

Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam has expressed surprise over the major squad overhaul carried out by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) during their ongoing series against England. Azam revealed he was not consulted before the board made its decisions, learning about the changes independently. Seven players were dropped and the coaching staff was also reshuffled following a string of poor results. Despite the disruption, Babar confirmed he is fit and ready to lead the significantly restructured side in the final Test against England.

Google warns EU antitrust changes will degrade search quality in Europe

Google has overhauled its European search results to comply with EU antitrust regulations, mirroring concerns Apple raised about EU rules in 2025. The company says the mandated changes represent the most significant downgrade in its search history. Compliance is expected to reduce search quality for users while increasing operational costs for Google. The modifications reportedly favor online intermediaries over direct local business listings. The development highlights growing tension between Big Tech firms and European regulators over digital market rules.

NCPCR summons Meta India chief over alleged child sexual abuse material ads

Delhi Plans PG Licensing and Rent Rules After Fatal Building Collapse

Delhi authorities are drafting a new policy to regulate paying guest (PG) accommodations in the city. The move follows a building collapse that highlighted safety concerns in the largely unregulated PG sector. Under the proposed framework, PG operators would be required to obtain an official operating licence. The policy would also involve mandatory police and municipal verification of PG establishments. Rent regulation is also expected to be part of the new guidelines aimed at protecting tenants.

‘I’ve lost my husband, my son his father’: Manipuri musician’s family grapples with loss