Author: Web Desk

Sydney: Australia social media ban enforcement has begun after new laws have required major platforms to block access for users aged under 16, marking an unprecedented regulatory move with global consequences. From midnight, platforms including Instagram, TikTok and YouTube have been required to prevent underage users from holding accounts or face penalties of up to A$49.5 million (£25m) per breach. The legislation has closed a year of debate over whether governments can restrict technology embedded in everyday life. Supporters have argued that the measures address long-standing failures by technology companies to protect children online, while critics have raised concerns over…

Tokyo: Japan earthquake fears have intensified after a strong 7.5 magnitude tremor has struck off the northeastern coast, prompting evacuation orders for around 90,000 residents and tsunami warnings across several prefectures. The earthquake has been felt widely in Aomori, Iwate and Hokkaido, where residents have moved to higher ground following emergency alerts from authorities. The Japan Meteorological Agency has said the quake occurred late at night with an epicentre around 80 kilometres off Aomori prefecture at a depth of 54 kilometres. Initial warnings suggested tsunami waves of up to 3 metres could reach the coast, although later observations recorded waves…

Ernakulam: Actor Dileep has been cleared of all charges by a trial court in the southern Indian state of Kerala in the abduction and rape case of a prominent actress that took place in February 2017. While six other accused have been convicted, the court ruled that charges of criminal conspiracy against Dileep were not proven beyond reasonable doubt. The judgement was delivered by Principal District and Sessions Court judge Honey M Varghese at a packed courthouse in Ernakulam. Security was tightened around the premises, with police barricading entrances and deploying personnel amid heightened public interest. The survivor, a well-known…

Abu Dhabi: Lando Norris has claimed the Formula One world title after finishing third at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a result that proved just enough to seal the championship at the Yas Marina Circuit. The outcome followed a fiercely contested season spanning 24 races, with the title decided by a narrow two-point margin. Despite finishing behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who won the race, and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, Norris closed out the championship with a composed and resilient drive under intense pressure. The British driver entered the final race knowing a podium finish would secure the title, and…

Hong Kong: Hong Kong has held its Legislative Council election with turnout emerging as a key indicator of public sentiment, as residents remain shaken by the deadliest fire seen in the city in nearly 80 years. The election has unfolded just days after a blaze ripped through multiple high-rise towers in the northern district of Tai Po, killing at least 159 people and fueling public anger over safety standards. Security has been heightened around Wang Fuk Court, the housing estate where the fire broke out on November 26 and took nearly two days to extinguish. Authorities have said substandard building…

California: Mushroom poisoning cases have surged in California after a deadly outbreak linked to wild foraging has claimed one adult life and caused severe liver damage in several others, including children. State health officials have confirmed that at least 21 people have suffered amatoxin poisoning, most likely from death cap mushrooms that are commonly mistaken for edible varieties. The California Poison Control System has documented the cases in recent months, with authorities warning that the number could rise as wet weather conditions continue to fuel mushroom growth across the state. Health officials have stated that one adult has died, while…

Cape Town: The penguins population in South Africa has suffered devastating losses, with more than 60,000 African penguins starving to death after sardine numbers collapsed along the country’s west coast. Researchers have said that two major breeding colonies on Dassen Island and Robben Island have lost more than 95 percent of their penguins between 2004 and 2012, with starvation during the moulting period identified as the likely cause. The study, published in Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology, has concluded that these findings reflect a broader trend, noting that declines in African penguins are occurring across the region. According to Dr…

New Delhi: Global interest has centred on New Delhi as Vladimir Putin has arrived to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discuss expanding trade and strategic ties. This marks Putin’s first visit to India in four years and comes as the two countries navigate complex relationships with Western nations, particularly the United States. India is currently engaged in discussions with Washington to resolve long-standing tariff disputes linked to New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil. Russia has remained India’s biggest defence supplier for decades and has signalled its intention to increase imports of Indian goods in order to expand bilateral trade…

London: The child deaths forecast has become a major concern as the Gates Foundation has estimated that around 200,000 more children will die before their fifth birthday this year compared to 2024. This would raise the total from 4.6 million in 2024 to 4.8 million this year, marking the first increase in preventable deaths among young children in this century. According to the foundation, the shift has been driven largely by international aid cuts that have weakened global health support. The data has been included in the Gates Foundation’s annual Goalkeepers report, which tracks progress toward United Nations development goals…

Sydney: The meta enforcement process has begun in Australia as the company has started removing users under 16 years old from Instagram, Facebook and Threads. This action has come a week before the country’s new law banning under-16s from social media takes effect on 10 December. Meta has informed users aged between 13 and 15 that their accounts have been scheduled for shutdown from December 4. An estimated 150,000 Facebook accounts and 350,000 Instagram accounts are expected to be affected. Threads, which can only be accessed through an Instagram profile, will also be restricted for under-16 users once account removals…