India

Court Orders Removal of Abusive Social Media Posts Targeting Nitin Gadkari

A court has ordered the removal of posts described as 'vile' and 'obscene' targeting Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on social media platforms. The ruling directed platforms including Meta, X Corp, and Google LLC to take down the offensive content. The court also raised concerns about the absence of adequate mechanisms on these platforms to remove abusive material. Judges questioned why individuals are forced to seek court intervention rather than having accessible in-platform remedies for such content.

Pakistan mandates NOC for foreign journalists travelling outside capital

Pakistan's government has introduced new guidelines requiring all foreign journalists to obtain a mandatory no-objection certificate (NOC) before travelling to any city outside the capital. The directive applies to all foreign media personnel already registered or accredited with the Ministry of Information's External Publicity Wing. The move effectively gives authorities control over where international reporters can travel and report within the country. The new rules come amid ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, raising concerns about media access to sensitive regions.

North Koreans told to eat dog meat soup to beat summer heat

Indian Parliamentary Panel Threatens to Strip Meta of Safe Harbour Protection

A Parliamentary Committee in India has issued a warning to Meta over its content moderation practices. The committee has stated that if Meta fails to take adequate action, it may recommend removing the company's legal shield under the Safe Harbour Clause. Safe Harbour provisions typically protect online platforms from liability for third-party content posted by users. The potential removal of this protection could expose Meta to significant legal liability for content published on its platforms in India.

Students Embrace AI for Studies Despite Concerns Over Academic Integrity

A growing number of college students are turning to artificial intelligence as a regular academic tool. Surveys indicate that over 80% of students have used AI for academic purposes, with business students showing a notable rise in frequent usage for assignments. Employers are also taking note, with AI proficiency becoming a common topic in job interviews. However, students are not without reservations, expressing concerns about AI's potential to undermine independent thinking and academic honesty.

Parliament deadlock: Rijiju meets Rahul to break logjam; Shah may speak on FCRA

Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Plays a Dual Political Game in Bihar

Political strategist Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj party is being analyzed for its nuanced electoral positioning in Bihar. The party appears to simultaneously target upper-caste voters disillusioned with the BJP and Muslim voters seeking an alternative to the RJD. This dual strategy is reportedly being deployed within the same constituencies and in the same elections. Analysts suggest Jan Suraaj is not simply a single-identity party but rather a multi-pronged political vehicle. The approach reflects Kishor's broader ambition to carve out a distinct and broad-based political space in Bihar.

Surrey student builds wearable that detects IV leaks before swelling

Mingma G Vows to Recover Bodies of Nirmal Purja and Two Others from Broad Peak

Climber Mingma G has pledged to launch a ground recovery mission to retrieve the bodies of renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja, Chinese climber Wang Zhong, and Nima Sherpa. The three climbers lost their lives on Broad Peak and their bodies currently remain trapped at approximately 5,000 metres on the mountain's Concordia side. Mingma G's commitment reflects a deep personal bond with the deceased, vowing to bring them home. The planned mission will face significant logistical and environmental challenges given the remote and high-altitude location of the remains.

Chandipura Virus Outbreak in Gujarat Linked to Child Deaths, Experts Warn

Gujarat is currently facing an outbreak of the Chandipura virus, with several suspected deaths reported among children. The virus is known to cause acute encephalitis, a dangerous brain inflammation that can worsen rapidly. Early symptoms resemble a common fever, but the appearance of any neurological signs requires urgent medical care. The virus is primarily transmitted through bites from infected sandflies and mosquitoes. Health experts are urging the public to prevent insect bites and maintain proper hygiene to reduce the risk of infection.

Kazakhstan reintroduces wild Amur tigers after 70-year absence

Kazakhstan has released adult Amur tigers into the wild, marking the species' return to the country after roughly seven decades. The reintroduction followed years of habitat preparation and efforts to restore prey populations in the region. Scientists established that the extinct Turanian tiger and the Amur tiger are genetically similar, supporting the substitution. Authorities have also put in place a conflict-prevention framework to enable safe coexistence between tigers and local communities. The initiative is part of a broader conservation goal to restore tigers across their historic Central Asian range.

Dead Lizard in Delhi School Meal Sparks Scrutiny of Midday Meal Quality

A dead lizard found in a Delhi school lunch has reignited concerns about the quality of the government's midday meal programme. Questions have been raised around food hygiene, serving portions, and the variety of items being offered to students. The PM Poshan scheme defines specific nutritional entitlements for primary and upper primary school children, but budget constraints are limiting menu options, including the provision of eggs. Teachers and parents are questioning whether the nutrition promised under the scheme is actually reaching students. The incident has prompted a broader debate on the adequacy and implementation of the programme across Delhi schools.

CBI Deports Fraud Suspect Vishakha Rathod From UAE in Rs 88 Crore Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has secured the deportation of Vishakha Rathod from the United Arab Emirates. Rathod was wanted in connection with an investment fraud case estimated at Rs 88 crore. The deportation marks a significant step in the CBI's efforts to bring the accused to justice in India. Authorities had been pursuing Rathod, who had been evading law enforcement by staying abroad. The case involves alleged fraudulent investment schemes that caused substantial financial losses to victims.

Jharkhand Students' Exam Malpractice Protest Enters 12th Day in Ranchi

A student agitation in Ranchi, Jharkhand, continued into its 12th consecutive day on Wednesday. Protesters have raised concerns over repeated incidents of examination malpractice in the state. Demonstrators allege that such irregularities are undermining the prospects of deserving candidates. The ongoing unrest also reflects a broader erosion of public trust in the government's recruitment system.

Jharkhand student leader breaks water fast after Wangchuk appeal, hunger strike continues

Jharkhand student leader Devendra Nath Mahto ended a four-day water fast after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk appealed to him to drink water. Mahto had been on an indefinite hunger strike to protest alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations. Despite consuming water, he confirmed that his fast against food would continue. The protest highlights ongoing concerns among students over the fairness of Jharkhand's government recruitment processes.

OpenAI Releases Messages to Counter Apple's Trade Secret Theft Lawsuit

OpenAI has publicly responded to a lawsuit filed by Apple alleging theft of trade secrets. The ChatGPT maker released iMessage conversations and email exchanges as evidence to challenge Apple's claims. The lawsuit centers on allegations that OpenAI and two former Apple employees stole confidential information. OpenAI's disclosure of these communications appears intended to directly refute the accusations made in Apple's legal complaint.

Danube River Hits Record Low Water Levels as European Heatwaves Persist

Europe's second-longest river, the Danube, has seen its water levels fall to record lows in several stretches. The sharp decline has been driven by a series of intense heatwaves that have gripped the continent. The dry conditions have persisted since May, severely reducing rainfall and river flow. The situation highlights the growing impact of extreme heat events on major European waterways.

RBI to Launch Polymer Currency Notes in Rs 10 and Rs 20 Denominations

The Reserve Bank of India has been authorised by the government to print up to 2 billion polymer, or plastic, currency notes for field trials. The trial will cover two denominations — Rs 10 and Rs 20 — with 1 billion notes each. Polymer notes are made of plastic and are considered more durable than traditional paper currency. The RBI governor has indicated the rollout is expected within the coming year. Authorities have clarified that there is currently no plan to fully replace paper currency with polymer notes.

Idaho Shooting Victim Was a Recovery Mentor Who Helped Others Get Sober

Christopher Claunch, 59, was among the victims of a shooting in Idaho. Claunch had completed a rehabilitation program for alcohol abuse at a local center a few years ago. Following his recovery, he was hired directly by the same facility. He had dedicated himself to helping others overcome addiction, making him a well-regarded figure in the recovery community.

Congress Accuses BRS Leader Harish Rao of Performing Tantric Rituals to Harm Telangana

The Congress party has accused BRS leader Harish Rao of visiting religious centres and allegedly conducting tantric or 'kshudra pujas'. The party claims these rituals were performed with the deliberate intent of bringing drought to the state of Telangana. Harish Rao has responded to the accusations, denying the allegations levelled against him. The exchange marks the latest instance of political sparring between Congress and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi in Telangana.