EU is set to propose ban on social media and AI chatbots for under-15s

A growing youth protest movement in India has delivered one of the biggest political setbacks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in recent years, raising questions about the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s appeal among younger voters ahead of crucial state elections. What began as demonstrations over alleged examination paper leaks has developed into a wider expression of frustration over unemployment, education and economic uncertainty. The protests were led by the Cockroach Janta Party, or CJP, a youth movement that quickly gained massive attention on social media. Within days of launching its campaign in May, the group attracted around 22 million followers on Instagram, most of them from Generation Z. The movement demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after allegations that a medical entrance examination had been compromised. As protests spread across India, thousands of students gathered in central Delhi despite heavy police action. In an effort to calm public anger, Prime Minister Modi posted a rare selfie video on Instagram, saying he understood the concerns of young people and promising action to address their grievances. However, the message failed to ease the demonstrations. Days later, Education Minister Pradhan resigned, fulfilling the protesters’ main demand and handing the movement a significant political victory. The resignation is considered unusual because Modi’s government has generally resisted removing senior ministers in response to public pressure. Political observers say the outcome has encouraged many young Indians who believe their voices can influence government decisions. Analysts say the protests extend far beyond the issue of examination leaks. Many young people are increasingly worried about unemployment, rising competition for limited jobs and the possible impact of artificial intelligence on employment opportunities, particularly in India’s large information technology and business services sectors. While the exam controversy sparked the demonstrations, experts believe it exposed much deeper concerns among the country’s youth. Political analyst Amitabh Tiwari said the paper leak became a symbol of wider frustration felt by many young Indians who are anxious about their future. He noted that disappointment over employment prospects and economic opportunities has created growing dissatisfaction that cannot be ignored. Senior government officials have acknowledged these concerns. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the government remains committed to understanding students’ problems and ensuring that their concerns are addressed. However, critics argue the ruling party has struggled to connect with younger generations, particularly on social media platforms where political discussions are rapidly evolving. Demographic trends also highlight the challenge facing India’s political establishment. People between the ages of 18 and 40 make up roughly 40 percent of the country’s population but hold only a small share of seats in the lower house of Parliament. The average age of members of the federal cabinet remains above 60, leading some analysts to argue that younger voices are underrepresented in national decision making. Although the CJP is not officially a political party, opposition groups have openly supported the student protests and attempted to capitalize on growing public dissatisfaction. The first major political test could come during next year’s state elections in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Gujarat. The BJP currently governs both Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, making those contests particularly important. Some analysts believe the movement could have an even greater impact if it eventually enters electoral politics before the 2029 national election. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has said no decision has been made about transforming the movement into a political party, but its rapid popularity has already attracted widespread attention across the political spectrum. Observers also believe political campaigning in India is changing. For years, the BJP built a strong digital presence on platforms such as X and Facebook. However, younger audiences have increasingly shifted to Instagram, where authenticity and informal communication often attract greater engagement than carefully managed political messaging. While the BJP has around 10 million Instagram followers, the CJP gained more than twice that number in only a few days. Modi personally continues to command a much larger audience across multiple social media platforms, but analysts say younger users are responding differently to newer forms of political communication. Writers and political commentators argue that Generation Z is less influenced by traditional political authority and more willing to openly question established leaders. They believe successful politicians will increasingly need to engage directly with young voters rather than relying on conventional campaign strategies. For Modi, the protests represent a reminder that public expectations are changing. During much of his time in office, he built a reputation as a decisive leader who rarely reversed government decisions. Political analysts now say that demonstrating a willingness to listen and respond to public concerns may become increasingly important as India moves toward another cycle of state and national elections.

A security mystery has emerged after an individual posing as White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles reportedly exchanged text messages with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The communications have raised concerns in both Britain and the United States. Officials are examining how the impersonator was able to establish contact with the British prime minister. According to reports, Burnham received a limited number of messages from the individual while he was campaigning for office. The communication reportedly continued for a short period after he became prime minister. Sources familiar with the matter said the messages were ultimately considered to be of no significant consequence. However, the incident triggered concerns because the impersonator claimed to represent a senior White House official. The matter was serious enough for the British embassy in Washington to raise the issue directly with the White House. British officials initially considered the possibility that the real Susie Wiles’ phone, contact information or communications may have been compromised. Authorities therefore examined whether the incident involved a wider security breach. The identity of the person behind the impersonation remains unclear. The incident has highlighted the growing risks posed by sophisticated impersonation scams. High-profile political figures are increasingly being targeted by individuals who attempt to gain their trust by pretending to be senior officials or influential public figures. Similar incidents have previously involved prominent American politicians and business leaders. In such cases, scammers have used false identities and digital communications to establish contact with their targets. The latest case has attracted particular attention because of the positions held by the people involved. Wiles is a senior figure within the White House, while Burnham is the UK prime minister. Despite the security concerns, there is currently no indication that sensitive information was exchanged during the messages. Sources described the content of the communications as having no significant impact. Downing Street has declined to discuss the specific details of the incident. British officials have maintained that national security matters are not normally discussed publicly. The White House has also declined to comment on the reported communications or the identity of the impersonator. The incident nevertheless raises questions about how the individual obtained access to Burnham and successfully presented themselves as a senior White House official. Officials are expected to examine the communication trail and other available evidence to determine how the impersonation occurred. The case also highlights the challenges faced by governments in verifying digital identities. Text messages and other online communications can make it easier for individuals to impersonate senior officials, particularly when they use convincing names, photographs or other identifying details. For now, the mystery surrounding the impersonator’s identity remains unresolved. Authorities have not publicly identified the person responsible or confirmed whether the incident was part of a broader campaign.