UK Announces Under-16 Social Media Ban by Spring 2027, Following Australia's Age-Limit Model

Meta Trial: $567 Mn Penalty for Child Addiction, 29-State Probe on Social Media Design

A US trial against Meta over addictive social media design for children could reshape Big Tech accountability. With penalties of $567 million and a $6 million jury verdict, this case highlights the growing scrutiny of platform design and its impact on youth mental health, a key issue for GS2 (Social Justice) and GS3 (Technology).

Meta Settles $17B Child Safety Lawsuit: Mandatory 2-Hour Daily Limit & Midnight Ban for Teens

Meta has agreed to a landmark $17 billion settlement with 47 US states over allegations of designing Instagram and Facebook to addict teenagers. The company must impose a 2-hour daily limit, block teens from midnight to 6 am, and stop showing 'like' counts by default. This is a major case study on platform accountability, digital age regulations, and child safety laws.

Karnataka Announces 7.5% Reservation for Rural Govt School Students in Medical, Engineering Seats

Karnataka CM Shivakumar announced a 7.5% reservation for rural government school students in medical and engineering courses to improve access to professional higher education. Additionally, AI education from Class 6, a government AI university in Bengaluru, and an exam reform committee were announced. This is significant for social justice and education policy in state exams.

EU Proposes Ban on Social Media & AI Chatbots for Under-15s Under EU Kids Act

The European Commission will propose sweeping restrictions on under-15s' access to social media, AI chatbots, and online games as part of a new EU Kids Act. The proposal includes age-gated access tiers, mandatory parental controls, addiction prevention, and a supervisory fee on tech companies. This signals a major global regulatory shift on child online safety with implications for digital governance frameworks.

EU Proposes KIDS Act with Tiered Social Media Ban for Under 13 and Limits Until 15

EU proposes landmark KIDS Act banning social media for under-13s and limiting access for 13-15 year olds to supervised mini accounts with 1 hour daily limit. Fines up to 6% of annual turnover for non-compliance. This global precedent may influence India's child safety regulations and is relevant for GS2 (governance) and GS3 (cyber security).

PM Modi Announces Saptadhara Reforms: AI Skilling for 1 Crore Youth, 100 GW Nuclear Target by 2047

On the 80th Independence Day, PM Modi unveiled a seven-point reform framework called 'Saptadhara' covering manufacturing, agriculture, tech, defence, green economy, and soft power. He announced AI skilling for 1 crore youth in mission mode, free online coaching via DPI, and warned against 'dimagi Naxals' – ideological Maoists influencing policymaking. This speech directly addresses GenZ employment anxieties and national security threats.

PM Modi Announces AI Skilling for 1 Crore Youth, Free Online Coaching on 80th Independence Day

PM Modi, on the 80th Independence Day, announced a massive AI skilling initiative for 1 crore youth and free online coaching for competitive exams. This directly impacts India's future workforce and exam aspirants, signaling a major push towards digital public technologies and the 'Viksit Bharat' vision.

SC Upholds EC's SIR, Citizenship Under MHA; 13 Crore Deletions, Aadhaar Alternative Proposed

The Supreme Court upheld the EC's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which deleted over 13 crore names, but clarified that citizenship determination is solely under the Ministry of Home Affairs. This raises critical debates on voter rights, due process, and the viability of Aadhaar-based verification as a cost-effective, inclusive alternative to house-to-house surveys.