A Los Angeles jury has found Alphabet’s Google and Meta Platforms liable for $3 million in damages in a social media addiction lawsuit, a ruling that could set a precedent for thousands of similar cases. The lawsuit focused on the platforms' addictive design, which the plaintiff argued contributed to her addiction to YouTube and Instagram from a young age. This case, which highlights the growing concerns over social media’s impact on mental health, could influence future legal actions brought by parents, school districts, and attorneys general against tech giants. The plaintiff, a 20-year-old woman, claimed that the attention-grabbing features of the apps led her to develop an addiction, marking a significant legal focus on the platforms' design rather than the content itself. The lawsuit was filed amid mounting criticism of social media companies for their role in the safety of children and teens. At least half of American teenagers use platforms like YouTube and Instagram daily, amplifying concerns over the prolonged exposure to these platforms. Snapchat and TikTok were also named in the case but settled with the plaintiff before the trial commenced. Despite the ruling, Meta and Google have expressed their disagreement with the verdict, with Meta already evaluating further legal options. The ruling has minimal impact on the companies’ stock prices, as shares of Meta rose slightly, while Alphabet’s stock remained largely unchanged. The case adds to the growing body of lawsuits focused on social media addiction, with other similar cases expected to go to trial in federal and state courts. Critics have long called for more stringent regulations on social media use, but Congress has yet to pass comprehensive legislation on the matter. Meanwhile, numerous states have enacted laws governing social media use among children, with some requiring age verification for account creation, a measure that tech trade associations are challenging in court. As the debate intensifies, the impact of this verdict on future legislation and lawsuits against tech companies remains to be seen. The ruling could be a crucial step in holding companies accountable for the design of platforms that contribute to addiction and harm, particularly among vulnerable youth populations.

In a significant development ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced Ratna Debnath, the mother of the victim of the 2024 RG Kar rape and murder case, as their candidate for the Panihati Assembly seat in the North 24 Parganas district. This move marks a critical moment in both her personal journey and the BJP's political strategy, as the party aims to challenge Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress (TMC) after 15 years of governance in th

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Tehran is reviewing a US proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, but made it clear that this does not signify formal negotiations with Washington. In an interview with state television, Araghchi emphasized that while messages have been exchanged through intermediaries, they do not equate to talks with the US government. "There are no talks with the US," Araghchi bluntly stated, reiterating Iran's stance of no direct engagement wit

The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran is nearing the one-month mark, with hostilities continuing to escalate across multiple fronts. Despite renewed claims of diplomatic engagement, military operations remain active, contributing to rising casualties and increasing uncertainty across the region. US President Donald Trump recently stated that discussions with Iran are ongoing, suggesting the possibility of a diplomatic breakthrough. However, Iranian authorities have dismissed such claims, describing reports of negotiations as misleading and intended to influence global oil and financial markets. The conflicting narratives have further complicated the geopolitical landscape, as both sides continue to pursue military strategies alongside public statements on diplomacy. Recent strikes have intensified within Iran, including an attack in southern Tehran that resulted in at least 12 fatalities and left 28 others injured. These developments underscore the continued volatility within Iranian territory, as Israeli and US operations target strategic locations amid the broader confrontation. In response, Iran and its ally Hezbollah have launched a fresh wave of missile attacks targeting Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and areas in the north. The strikes have caused civilian casualties, with at least one reported death and multiple injuries. Israel has simultaneously expanded its military operations in southern Lebanon, following indications of a plan to establish control up to the Litani River. Reports indicate that at least 33 people have been killed in recent bombardments in the region. The conflict has also extended beyond immediate battle zones, affecting regional stability and international economic interests. The United Arab Emirates confirmed that a Moroccan national working with its armed forces in Bahrain was killed during an Iranian attack, with additional personnel reported injured. Meanwhile, QatarEnergy has declared force majeure on several liquefied natural gas contracts, impacting supply agreements with countries including Italy, Belgium, South Korea, and China. As military actions continue alongside disputed diplomatic signals, the conflict is increasingly influencing global energy markets and geopolitical dynamics, raising concerns about further escalation and broader economic consequences.

A Los Angeles jury has found Meta and YouTube negligent in the design and operation of their platforms, delivering a significant verdict in one of the first trials addressing allegations of social media addiction. The jury concluded that both companies played a substantial role in causing harm to the plaintiff, identified as K.G.M., and failed to adequately warn users about potential risks associated with Instagram and YouTube. The panel awarded $3 million in compensatory damages, a

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that it successfully targeted a United States F-18 fighter jet, signaling a potential escalation in the already strained relations between Tehran and Washington. The statement, released through official channels, asserted that the military operation achieved its objective, though it stopped short of providing critical details regarding the location of the incident, the extent of damage inflicted, or the condition of the aircraft’s p

India has firmly ruled out any role as a mediator in the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stating that New Delhi does not engage in diplomatic brokerage. His remarks came during an all-party meeting convened to brief political leaders on the government’s approach to the escalating West Asia crisis and its implications for India’s strategic interests. Addressing concerns raised by opposition leaders, Jaishankar clarified that India’s foreign policy is guided by its national priorities rather than intermediary roles. He noted that attempts by countries such as Pakistan to position themselves as mediators are not new, adding that such efforts have historically aligned with external interests. Government sources emphasized that India has been actively responding to developments in the region and rejected claims that it has remained silent. The meeting also focused on India’s preparedness in ensuring energy security and safeguarding its citizens in the Gulf region. Officials highlighted that maintaining stable crude oil supplies remains a key priority, particularly as tensions threaten critical shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. The government informed leaders that advance procurement measures have been taken and that India is currently sourcing oil and gas from a diversified network of 41 countries to mitigate risks. Participants were also briefed on maritime developments, including the safe passage of several India-bound vessels carrying petroleum products through the Strait of Hormuz, while others remain in the vicinity awaiting clearance. The government described these developments as a reflection of effective coordination and diplomatic engagement. On diplomatic outreach, the government reiterated that India maintains balanced relations with all major stakeholders in the region, including the United States, Iran, and Israel. It also underscored steps taken to convey condolences following recent developments in Iran, indicating continued engagement at the diplomatic level. Despite these assurances, opposition leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s responses and called for a detailed discussion in Parliament. The government, however, maintained that the situation is under control and there is no immediate cause for concern, reiterating its commitment to protecting national interests amid evolving geopolitical challenges.

Iran has rejected a United States-backed proposal to pause the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, instead presenting its own set of conditions for ending hostilities, according to statements broadcast by the country’s state-run English-language network. The development comes amid continued military escalation, with Tehran reportedly launching further attacks targeting Israel and parts of the Gulf region. An unnamed Iranian official was quoted as confirming that Tehran had formally declin

The Supreme Court of India on March 24, 2026, asked the West Bengal government if the Enforcement Directorate (ED) could approach the state police for a remedy regarding the alleged interference by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during the ED’s raids on the political consultancy firm I-PAC. This comes amid growing controversy surrounding the ED's legal plea under Article 32 of the Constitution, which seeks a CBI investigation into the alleged obstruction of its raids by Mamata Banerjee and

A county judge in Texas has been found guilty on two counts of money laundering, marking a major development in a high-profile campaign finance case. KP George, the first Indian-origin judge in Fort Bend County, was convicted of third-degree felony charges and now faces up to 10 years in prison. He is expected to be removed from office following his sentencing. The case traces back to financial activities between 2019 and 2022, when George was actively raising and managing campaign

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by 84.75 points, or 0.18%, finishing at 46,123.72. The S&P 500 also saw a decline, losing 21.42 points (0.33%) to settle at 6,559.62. The Nasdaq Composite experienced a sharper drop, falling by 184.87 points (0.84%), closing at 21,761.89. As tensions remain high in the Middle East, with thousands of US Marines heading to the Gulf and both sides intensifying military actions, the markets are reflecting investor uncertainty. Despite Trump's delay on his self-imposed deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's firm stance denying negotiations has contributed to the geopolitical instability, further impacting investor sentiment.  

US President Donald Trump has stated that Iran has agreed to never develop nuclear weapons, describing the development as a sign of progress in ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two countries. His remarks come at a time when tensions in the Middle East remain high, with regional conflict continuing to shape the broader geopolitical landscape. Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office, Trump adopted an optimistic tone, indicating that backchannel communicati

The YSR family, once the epitome of political unity, has been embroiled in a public dispute since the 2019 elections, with Sharmila accusing her brother, YS Jagan, of grabbing their family properties. This family matter, initially intended to be private, has now escalated into a highly publicized issue with tribunal cases and open letters exchanged between the siblings, as well as their mother, Vijayamma. In a recent statement, YSR Congress spokesperson, Rachamallu Siva Prasad Reddy, shed light on Jagan's emotional state regarding the ongoing family conflict. According to Reddy, Jagan is not avoiding the issue due to a lack of courage but is instead deeply pained by the situation. He expressed that Jagan values family ties and his affection for his sister, which has kept him from responding publicly to Sharmila’s accusations. Reddy stated, “Jagan is not scared to speak up but is upset over the impact of this family dispute on their bond. If Sharmila thinks Jagan lacks integrity, she can see for herself who has survived the political battles in AP without alliances.” This statement adds another layer to the complex issue, as many argue that Jagan should address the matter directly, especially given that Sharmila and Vijayamma have publicly claimed that he is at fault in the property dispute. However, instead of directly confronting the issue, Jagan continues to leave responses to his party spokespersons, raising more questions about his stance on the matter. Sharmila’s supporters, however, disagree with Reddy's perspective. They argue that if Jagan truly valued family ties, he would take concrete steps to redistribute the properties in a fair and legal manner. They point out that Jagan cannot claim to respect family values while his mother and sister continue to accuse him of withholding YSR’s properties from them. The accusations have caused significant rifts, and the lack of a direct resolution from Jagan only adds fuel to the fire. While politicians are accustomed to handling public disputes and political adversaries, Jagan's challenge seems more personal, as he is now forced to address tensions not only with political rivals but with his own family. Yet, Jagan’s silence on the matter has left many questioning whether he will ever publicly resolve this issue, especially as his mother and sister continue to voice their grievances in public. The ongoing dispute is far from over, and with each passing day, the stakes in this family drama grow higher, both in political and emotional terms. The public's interest in this matter is unlikely to fade anytime soon, and it remains to be seen whether Jagan will finally take a stand and clear the air on this long-running issue.

In a surprising upset, Emily Gregory, a Democrat, defeated Republican Jon Maples in a special election for the Florida state House of Representatives. The district, which includes Palm Beach—President Donald Trump’s primary residence at Mar-a-Lago—was expected to be a safe win for Republicans, especially after Trump endorsed Maples. However, Gregory’s victory represents a symbolic win for Democrats, even though it will not significantly affect the state’s Republican majority. Her ca

Tensions in the Middle East are escalating as multiple nations, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, face a series of drone and missile attacks. At Kuwait International Airport, a fuel tank was targeted, sparking a fire, but no casualties were reported. Bahrain also suffered a fire at a company facility due to missile strikes, allegedly launched by Iran. Kuwait’s military and other regional air defense systems have been actively intercepting these threats, with explosion so

As the conflict in the Middle East enters its fourth week, Iran has firmly denied engaging in any negotiations or discussions with the United States since the hostilities began, contradicting recent remarks by US President Donald Trump. The Iranian government’s statement comes after Trump publicly claimed that Washington and Tehran had held “very good and productive conversations” aimed at achieving a comprehensive resolution to the ongoing crisis. Iranian officials dismissed the assertion

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization on Tuesday reported that a projectile struck within the perimeter of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, alleging that the attack was carried out by the United States and Israel. In an official statement, the agency described the incident as part of continued aggression by what it termed the “American-Zionist enemy.” Authorities said the projectile landed inside the facility’s enclosure but confirmed that initial assessments found no financial losses, techn

The Pentagon is preparing to deploy approximately 3,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division as part of Operation Epic Fury, according to officials familiar with the matter. A formal deployment order is expected to be issued shortly, outlining potential military options without confirming any immediate decision to send ground forces into Iran. The move reflects heightened vigilance within the United States military as tensions in the Middle East continue to evolve. Officials indicated that the planned deployment would include a combat brigade along with its headquarters unit, both of which are integral to rapid-response operations. The 82nd Airborne Division, based at Fort Bragg, is recognized for its ability to mobilize forces quickly, with a capability to deploy thousands of troops globally within 18 hours. The division has previously demonstrated even faster mobilization timelines, underscoring its strategic importance in crisis situations. The development follows the recent cancellation of a major training exercise involving the unit, a decision that had already sparked speculation about a possible redeployment to the Middle East. While authorities have emphasized that diplomatic channels with Tehran remain open, the preparation of troops signals growing concern in Washington over the trajectory of regional tensions. If executed, the deployment would mark a notable shift in US military posture, strengthening both deterrence and operational readiness in the region. The 82nd Airborne Division is trained to handle a wide range of missions, including securing critical infrastructure such as airfields, reinforcing US diplomatic facilities, and supporting emergency evacuations when necessary. Its headquarters unit plays a central role in planning and coordinating these complex operations. The potential move highlights the balance the administration is attempting to maintain between diplomatic engagement and military preparedness. While no final decision on ground operations has been announced, the readiness of rapid response forces suggests that the United States is positioning itself to respond swiftly to any escalation.

Less than 48 hours before a joint US-Israeli military operation targeting Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a final appeal to US President Donald Trump, urging swift action as intelligence indicated a narrowing operational window. According to officials, briefings suggested that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior leadership were expected to gather in Tehran, presenting what was described as a rare strategic opportunity. Updated intelligence reportedly showed the meeting had been moved earlier, intensifying the urgency of the decision. Although Trump had already approved military action in principle, the exact timing and scale remained under review. Netanyahu’s call was seen as a decisive moment, reinforcing arguments that delays could result in a missed opportunity. The operation followed months of escalating tensions and unsuccessful diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing Iran’s nuclear programme, which had reached a stalemate. Earlier military actions in June, involving strikes on Iranian nuclear and missile infrastructure, had already heightened hostilities. While US forces later joined Israeli operations in a 12-day campaign, Israeli officials continued to push for a more comprehensive response. Strategic discussions, including high-level meetings, focused on Iran’s advancing missile capabilities and perceived regional threat. Additional geopolitical developments influenced Washington’s approach, including a successful US-backed operation in Venezuela and widespread unrest within Iran, which was met with force by security agencies. US officials had anticipated escalation, warning that any Israeli action could provoke retaliation against American assets and allies in the region. The coordinated strikes began on February 28 after Trump gave final approval. The White House stated that the objective was to weaken Iran’s military infrastructure, curb its missile capabilities, and prevent nuclear weapon development. Trump later announced that Khamenei had been killed during the operation. The aftermath saw immediate retaliation from Iran, disruptions in key shipping routes, and a surge in global oil prices. Reports indicated significant casualties, including Iranian civilians and US personnel. Despite expectations of political change, intelligence assessments had warned that leadership shifts might not moderate Iran’s stance. Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has since assumed leadership, while security forces continue to maintain control. Both leaders have defended their roles in the decision, with Trump asserting sole responsibility and Netanyahu denying claims of influencing US involvement. However, accounts suggest that the combination of intelligence updates and diplomatic pressure played a critical role in shaping a decision that has significantly altered regional dynamics.

On March 24, 2026, Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile assault targeting civilian areas across Ukraine, killing at least four people and injuring more than 35, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack marked one of the most intense aerial offensives in recent weeks and coincided with increased Russian efforts along front-line positions, raising concerns about the start of a broader spring offensive. Ukraine’s air force reported that nearly 400 long-range drones were d