The Meta youth addiction trial now underway in Oakland could reshape Instagram and Facebook far beyond financial penalties. Twenty-nine states allege Meta harmed young users and violated child privacy laws, while four states are leading consumer-protection claims seeking major platform changes. Meta youth trial targets platform design Openi

The US debt has crossed $40 trillion for the first time, putting renewed focus on federal deficits, higher interest costs and Treasury yields. The milestone does not mean an immediate debt crisis, but it highlights how rapidly Washington’s borrowing burden is growing. Why US debt keeps rising The United States’ gross national debt reach

ChatGPT for Teens is rolling out with stronger teen AI safety measures, parental controls and learning-focused features. OpenAI says eligible under-18 accounts can automatically enter the experience, which combines age prediction, Study Mode, Quiet Hours and additional safeguards for sensitive content. ChatGPT for Teens OpenAI has started rolling out ChatGPT for Teens, a dedicated experience de

North Korea has sharply criticized the latest US-South Korea military drills, calling them an open threat to its security even after President Donald Trump ordered a reduction in their scale. The response from Pyongyang shows that the deeper dispute on the Korean Peninsula remains unchanged, with mistrust still shaping every military and diplomatic move. Trump drill cut Pyongyang’s reaction c

The Kharge Vande Mataram row intensified on Tuesday, August 18, as Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge defended the version of the national song followed by his party and rejected BJP allegations of disrespect. The dispute has also fuelled a wider Congress-BJP clash as Kharge focuses on strengthening the party in Goa ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. Vande Mataram Row Intensifies Kharge t

Nearly 18 years after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Indian authorities have initiated the 26/11 in absentia trial process against six Pakistan-based accused linked to the conspiracy. Mumbai Police has moved to invoke the new legal mechanism under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, while the court must still determine whether all statutory requirements have been fulfilled. The accused are Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed, Zaki-ur

The Taliban seeks deeper India ties as Afghanistan looks to strengthen political trust, trade and regional connectivity with New Delhi. Taliban chargé d’affaires Noor Ahmed Noor highlighted India ties and their shared history while outlining Kabul’s interest in broader diplomatic and economic engagement. India ties gain focus at New Delhi event Noor made the remarks during a New Delhi even

US envoy Jared Kushner says the Gaza peace plan could begin showing progress within 30 days, with early steps focused on Hamas disarmament and closing militant tunnels. His comments followed talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders as Washington tries to revive a stalled roadmap. Hamas disarmament Kushner said he hoped the first visible progress could involve remov

Pakistan has issued an Umrah warning for citizens travelling to Saudi Arabia, urging pilgrims and workers to strictly follow local laws and avoid begging. The advisory highlights Saudi begging laws and reminds Pakistani nationals that violating visa conditions or local regulations can bring serious consequences. Pakistan Umrah warning targets begging violatio

The U.S. visa interview for minors in India generally requires children to appear in person, including newborns and teenagers. The U.S. Embassy in India reiterated the rule as State Department interview-waiver standards remain narrower than in earlier years. The U.S. Embassy in India has reminded parents that minor applicants generally must appear in person for a U.S. visa interview, including newborns and teenagers approaching age 18. Sending only a parent or guar

Iran's foreign influence bill has moved forward in parliament, potentially expanding criminal penalties for contacts with foreign media, universities, embassies and organisations. The proposal comes amid heightened security concerns in Tehran and could significantly affect journalists, academics and civil society. Foreign media law could expand criminal penal

US President Donald Trump has ordered a substantial reduction in US participation in joint military exercises with South Korea, citing their cost and his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Seoul, however, says the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise has begun as scheduled. US-South Korea drills face Trump-ordered reduction Trump

Young riders delivered impressive performances at the HPRC Equestrian Challenge in Hyderabad, with Gautam Sanjay Sujanaani, Janampally Hitesh Reddy and Dhruva Potineni claiming top honours across key dressage categories. Young Riders Continue Strong Form Hyderabad’s promising equestrian riders carried their strong National Qualifier form into the HPRC Equestrian Challenge held at the Hyderaba

A new India global opinion survey shows striking differences in how the country is viewed worldwide. Sri Lanka records the strongest favourable opinion, while the UK, Kenya and Germany also show strong goodwill. Pakistan stands at the opposite end, giving India its lowest rating among the 36 countries surveyed. Sri Lanka Sri Lanka emerged as the most India-friendly country in Pew Research Cente

India will celebrate India Independence Day 2026 on Saturday, August 15, marking the country's 80th Independence Day and 79 completed years of freedom. The national ceremony at the Red Fort in Delhi will highlight Vande Mataram, Viksit Bharat and India's freedom history while looking toward the country's future. 80th Independence Day: Why India Completes 79 Y

As India marks Independence Day 2026, the freedom struggle is often remembered through marches, protests, imprisonment and political leadership. But the role of press in India freedom struggle was equally significant. Newspapers carried nationalist ideas beyond public meetings, challenged colonial policies and connected Indians living across distant regions. Nationalist Newspapers Spread the Freedom Message

Wall Street reached another milestone Thursday as the S&P 500 closed at a record high after softer US producer inflation eased fears of another Federal Reserve rate increase. Technology shares helped drive the Nasdaq higher as investors reassessed the Fed rate outlook ahead of its September meeting. S&P 500 high extends Wall Street rally The S&P 500 gained 0.65% on August 13 to fini

The United States has launched Task Force Falcon Strike, a new multinational attack drone initiative designed to operate unmanned systems above, on and below the sea. CENTCOM says the force will combine US capabilities with regional partners as Washington expands drone warfare across the Middle East. Attack drone force expands across multiple domains U.S. Central Command announced Task Force Fa

Indian student applications to US colleges are showing signs of pressure ahead of Fall 2026. Common App submissions from India fell 14%, while visa appointment delays and new F-1 rules add uncertainty for the largest international student group in America. Applications from India are showing signs of slowing as U.S. colleges prepare for Fall 2026. Common App submissions from international applicants declined 9% for the 202

US international student enrollment could fall 9.5% in Fall 2026, with NAFSA and JB International projecting up to 111,000 fewer students. Visa delays, policy changes and graduate-level declines could cut $3.4 billion in spending and affect 39,000 U.S. jobs. U.S. colleges and universities could enroll up to 111,000 fewer international students in Fall 2026, according to preliminary projections released August 11, 2026, by