A 15‑year‑old Noida student and her mother have moved three times after an FIR filed by Noida Police on July 29 for alleged profanities against PM Modi at Jantar Mantar. The teen, who was 14 at the time, faces threats and has apologized publicly.
Footballer Lamine Yamal's journey is marked by his family's struggles, including his mother becoming a teen parent, his father's immigrant challenges and a near-fatal attack, and his grandmother's undocumented migration, all of which shaped his gratitude and drive.
Two 21-year-old French travellers, William Pertek and Manek Miquel, hitchhiked 5,000 km across Australia from Queensland to Broome, relying on strangers' kindness despite police warnings. Their journey highlights a social media-driven hitchhiking revival and challenges faced in remote areas.
Meta bans content from its smart glasses on Instagram if it involves surreptitious filming or harassment, amid public backlash over privacy concerns and "pervert glasses" misuse.
Fifty women have told the BBC they were pressured or coerced by partners into sex with strangers, often via FabSwingers. The investigation reveals deep trauma, allegations of rape, and concerns about police handling, leading to calls for the site's shutdown.
Survivors Amanda Stanhope and Zoe Watts share their experiences of drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) by partners, highlighting how the Gisèle Pelicot case brought awareness to this hidden crime. Their stories underscore systemic failures and the need for greater understanding, leading Watts to found the #EndEyeCheck campaign group.
Nintendo's Splatoon Raiders, the first spin-off in the popular ink-splattering series, is critiqued as a conventional cooperative action game. While designed for multiplayer, its straightforward missions and familiar mechanics make it feel pedestrian, lacking the unique charm and depth of the main Splatoon titles.
Hundreds protested outside the AfD party conference in Erfurt, Germany, blocking highways. The author, a long-term resident, joined demonstrators fearing the far-right party's policies. Despite police presence, the protest fostered hope and demonstrated a grassroots movement's potential to mobilize citizens against rising extremism.
England's World Cup victory provided a rare moment of uncomplicated national joy, highlighting the importance of a shared national story for good government. The diverse England football team offers a modern vision of national identity, distinct from immigration policy, that can foster belonging.
RuneScape, a 25-year-old MMORPG, has evolved into a vital virtual social space for thousands, fostering real-world connections and even weddings. Despite humble beginnings, its unique blend of humor and challenging gameplay has maintained a dedicated player base.
Asad Hussain created a fake Tinder profile in his ex-girlfriend's name, inviting random men to her home, some believing she wanted to act out a 'rape fantasy'. He was jailed for eight years for stalking, assault, and failing to provide device passcodes.
A 20-year-old Chinese food delivery rider, Jin Xiaowu, died on May 27 in Guizhou province while rescuing a father and son from a river's undertow. His company was moved by his dying wish and plans to fulfill it.
China's CAICT has introduced the industry's first voluntary code of conduct for AI smart glasses, urging manufacturers to adopt minimum data collection, clear recording indicators, and explicit user consent. This follows public outrage over covert filming incidents involving devices from companies like Rokid.
SCMP's weekly Asia report features a story on Malaysian tourists facing backlash in China for mocking locals, and mentions a fatal school shooting in the Philippines, among other highlights.
Turkish writer Ece Temelkuran discusses her new book, "Nation of Strangers," exploring the political power of "home" and the concept of "unhomed" individuals. She shares her personal experience of exile from Turkey due to political threats, her decision to write in English, and her views on the rise of fascism and the left's failure to address emotional responses in politics.
Malaysian tourists are facing backlash in China for filming strangers and calling locals "smelly" and disrespectful. Videos posted on TikTok, though later deleted, went viral on Malaysian social media, sparking debate on travel etiquette and national image.
Ruth O'Grady alleges she was coerced into having sex with over 100 strangers via the Fabswingers website over 18 months, facilitated by her ex-husband. She is now traumatised and speaking out as a warning to others.
UK PM Keir Starmer announced a ban on social media for under-16s, set for spring 2027, to protect children. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram will be affected, though messaging apps like WhatsApp are exempt. The move faces criticism from tech companies and some young people.
The UK's Online Safety Bill has passed Parliament, aiming to protect children online by restricting their ability to interact with strangers in online games and going further than any other country in its regulations.
UK Labour leader Keir Starmer plans to ban under-16s from major social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X, with restrictions for older teens. The "Australia plus" model aims to protect young people from harmful content and stranger contact.
The New York Knicks' dramatic comeback win over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night ignited a city-wide celebration, with fans and celebrities alike caught up in the "monoculture moment." The victory puts the Knicks up 3-1 in the series, bringing them closer to their first championship in 53 years.
An Irish company, Cannabis Club Systems (CCS), exposed over 985,000 photo IDs, including passports and driver's licenses, from Spanish cannabis clubs due to severe security flaws in its PuffPal app and APIs. Data included personal details like phone numbers and addresses. CCS is now shutting down the system and working with Ireland's Data Protection Authority.
Shabin Shaji has won a landmark employment tribunal case against Swan Care Solutions Ltd, securing nearly £30,000 in unpaid wages after a year without work. This victory is believed to be the first of its kind, offering hope to other migrant workers facing exploitation in the UK.
Ash Koosha's "Dreams of Violets," an AI-generated drama about Iran's protest crackdown, premieres at Tribeca. Koosha used AI for all visuals and characters, citing safety and cost-efficiency, and believes AI will democratize filmmaking.
