IJR News

France Bans Under-15 Social Media, Phones in Schools

France is pushing a bill to ban children under 15 from major social networks and mobile phone use in high schools, aiming for a September start though it must clear EU compatibility requirements and parliamentary votes. Lawmakers are negotiating between a universal ban and a blacklist approach, with President Macron backing the measure and enforcement hinging on an officially maintained list of banned platforms and age-verification rules, following an Australian precedent.

Emmanuel Macron

Jul 25, 2026

Kharge demands Parliament speech on paper leaks

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged PM Modi to make a formal statement in Parliament on the NEET paper leaks, calling for the Education Minister’s dismissal and accountability for forceful actions against protesters; Modi countered with a video pledge and a plan to bring a fast-track bill, prompting Kharge and others to demand parliamentary discussion rather than late-night addresses. Rahul Gandhi joined in criticizing the approach, reinforcing calls for a detailed debate in Parliament on education reforms and accountability.

Narendra Modi Dharmendra Pradhan

Jul 24, 2026

Congress

Congress Privilege Motion Over PM Residence Incident

Congress MP Hibi Eden filed a privilege motion in the Lok Sabha alleging breach of parliamentary rights and immunities of Rahul Gandhi and several Congress women MPs after a peaceful protest outside Prime Minister Modi's residence, accusing police of brutal manhandling and Gandhi being dragged to Chhatrasal Stadium amid protests over paper leaks and calls for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

Narendra Modi Rahul Gandhi

Jul 23, 2026

India blocks 50 OTT platforms after two years

India has blocked 50 OTT platforms over the past two years for obscene content and is tightening digital safety with updates to IT Rules, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, and the proposed Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act to curb digital addiction and protect children online. Parliamentary disclosures also note extensive cyber awareness efforts reaching over 11.37 lakh people and ongoing measures to address online safety and youth well-being.

India Information Technology Act, 2000

Jul 22, 2026

Parliament Plans NEET Paper Leak Discussion, Govt Says

The government, led by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, says it is ready to hold a detailed, rule-based discussion on the NEET paper leak from the start of the Monsoon session and urges opposition parties to help frame an agenda without delaying business. Opposition protests and accusations of obstruction are cited as hindering dialogue, while Rijiju emphasizes a productive debate to inform the public about government actions.

NEET-UG Jantar Mantar

Jul 22, 2026

Bollywood

Riteish Deshmukh, Genelia Back Youth NEET Protests

Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh publicly backed the Cockroach Janta Party's Sansad Chalo NEET protests, urging authorities to listen to the youth and framing them as the democracy's future. The demonstrations during Parliament's Monsoon Session called for education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, amid clashes and police action that drew widespread celebrity support.

Jul 21, 2026