Veteran Music Composer Dies at 76; Cinema Industry Mourns; Over 400 Film Scores Remembered
A veteran music composer has passed away at the age of 76 at a private hospital in Chennai due to health issues. Having made a debut in 1986, the composer scored music for over 400 films across Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam cinema. Known for scoring iconic themes and tracks for leading film stars, the composer maintained decades of close collaboration within the film industry. Tributes and condolences were offered by political leaders and cinema personalities, with industry members paying their last respects.
SC Child Sexual Abuse Order: Guidelines for Social Media, National Database & Safeguards
The Supreme Court has issued directions to the Centre to formulate guidelines for social media platforms to address child sexual abuse material online. Rejecting a blanket ban on internet access for children, the court observed that access to the internet is a fundamental right. It directed the Centre to develop a national database for perceptual hash matching and URL lists to flag and remove abusive content across platforms. Emphasising the need for safeguards, the court mandated grievance redressal mechanisms and verification before deletions to prevent political misuse or targeting of dissent. The apex court also highlighted primary school safety awareness programmes and noted regulatory authorities and intermediaries must make collective efforts to remove harmful content.
Regime Change Row: Pralhad Joshi Targets Rahul Gandhi Amid CEC Gyanesh Kumar Protests
A political controversy has intensified between the government and the opposition over calls for regime change linked to ongoing demonstrations in the national capital. The agitation initially began with demands seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission of India, before expanding into debates over police crackdowns and protests. Remarks by All India Students' Association president Neha Bora citing Bangladesh's movement and naming regime change as the goal sparked sharp criticism from the ruling dispensation. Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan and various opposition leaders questioned objections to demanding a change in government. In response, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi criticised Rahul Gandhi and student protesters, arguing that India is a democracy where governments can only be formed or changed by winning elections rather than through unrest. Discussions also highlighted historical precedents of civil agitation in South Asia, including Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, while emphasizing India's constitutional and electoral framework.
Internet Access Fundamental Right for Kids, No Blanket Ban: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of India has ruled that access to the internet is a fundamental right, extending this right to children as well. A bench of the apex court refused to impose blanket age-based restrictions on internet access, observing that such bans fail to keep children offline and instead drive them towards greater risks. While acknowledging concerns over online child safety, the top court stressed stricter parental controls and mandated child mode controls on social media platforms. The court also issued detailed directions to intermediaries and authorities to actively flag and remove child sexual abuse material from online spaces.