Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg faced intense questioning in a Los Angeles courtroom regarding allegations that social media platforms are designed to be addictive and harmful to young users. He denied intentionally maximizing user time, stating his focus is on sustainable communities.
India opener Abhishek Sharma has struggled in the T20 World Cup with three ducks, but the team management continues to back him. Coach Morne Morkel said there is no talk of dropping him. Sunil Gavaskar feels pressure is affecting his game and advised him to build innings patiently. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said Abhishek showed good form in the nets and should bounce back in the Super 8s.
The US has significantly boosted its military presence in the Gulf with two aircraft carrier strike groups and advanced stealth fighters, citing tensions with Iran over its nuclear program and regional stability. This build-up, including reinforced missile defense systems, aims to secure the vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor.
Raquel Rodriguez has challenged Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion to a WWE tag team match at WrestleMania. Speaking on TMZ’s Inside The Ring, Rodriguez said she and Liv Morgan have wanted this match since 2023. While no match is confirmed, WWE’s history with celebrity crossovers makes the idea possible and exciting for fans.
Senator Bernie Sanders rallied in Los Angeles, advocating for a proposed California tax on billionaires to fund essential services amid rising living costs. The initiative, a one-time 5% tax on net worth over $1 billion, faces opposition from Governor Newsom and business groups who warn of potential departures and economic impact.
In most cases, the documents do not accuse those named of participating in Epstein’s crimes. The consequences have instead flowed from the visibility of continued contact, personal familiarity, or financial links that became publicly indefensible once exposed.
India is diversifying its oil sources, according to US envoy Sergio Gor. Discussions are underway for Venezuelan oil imports. The US maintains its stance against countries buying Russian oil. A trade deal between India and the US is nearing finalization, with a potential meeting between Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump anticipated.
Tripura’s 15-year-old chess prodigy Arshiya Das recently became the first Woman International Master (WIM) from Northeast India after winning a tournament in Serbia. Her rise began from playing chess on a laptop as a child, followed by strong national and international results. With family sacrifices, coaching across India, and intense training, she has emerged as a major talent, highlighting both the region’s potential and the need for better support and sponsorship
A senior umpire, Manik Gupta, has died after a bee swarm attacked a cricket match in Shuklaganj Unnao. Gupta, 65, was stung multiple times during a KDMA league game. He was taken to several hospitals before being declared dead. Gupta had served on the KCA umpiring panel for 30 years.
Authorities in Lakhimpur Kheri demolished a barber shop. This action followed protests demanding strict action against the 22-year-old owner. He is accused of raping an eight-year-old girl. Officials stated the shop was built on encroached land. The demolition occurred amid widespread public outcry over the sexual assault case. The accused has been arrested and the girl is stable.
Police are investigating the murder of AAP sarpanch Harbinder Singh, shot dead at a wedding in Tarn Taran. Fugitive gangster Lakhbir Landa claimed responsibility on social media, citing revenge for alleged harm to his associate. Authorities have detained several suspects and are exploring multiple leads, while political figures decry the state of law and order.
Youths disrupted traffic on the Ambikapur–Banaras highway in Surguja district to celebrate a birthday, causing a kilometer-long jam and stranding vehicles, including an ambulance, for half an hour. Videos of fireworks and cake cutting on a car bonnet went viral, prompting police to register a case against unidentified individuals.
