EU Plans to Delay Social Media Access for Children EU Moves Toward Stronger Online Protection for Minors European Union leaders are preparing new rules that could delay or restrict social media access for children. Ursula von der Leyen said that a proposal on online safety for minors may be ready within months. She explained that an expert group will present recommendations by July. These steps aim to strengthen protection for young users across digital platforms. Growing Debate on Minimum Age for Social Media Von der Leyen stated that the discussion about a minimum age limit for social media can no longer be ignored. She emphasized that the key question is not whether children should use social media, but whether social media platforms should have access to children. Some European countries already support strict age limits. Several governments are pushing for stronger restrictions to protect minors from harmful content, addiction risks, and online exploitation. Different Rules Across Europe Several countries are already moving ahead with their own plans: France is considering banning social media access for children below age fifteen. The goal is to reduce addiction and exposure to harmful content. Spain is planning restrictions for users below age sixteen to limit harmful online influence. Portugal has introduced parental consent requirements for users between thirteen and sixteen. It also strengthens limits for younger children. Germany is exploring strict age verification rules and safer youth platforms. Norway is planning a full restriction for children below age sixteen by the end of 2026. Denmark and several other EU states are also reviewing similar proposals. Outside Europe, countries like Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, and India have also discussed or introduced child focused social media restrictions. United Kingdom and Global Trends The United Kingdom is working on stronger online safety rules for minors. These may include age checks, content filtering, and possible access limits for younger users. A public consultation is currently ongoing. Australia has already introduced one of the strictest rules, restricting social media use for children under sixteen. Tech Companies Under Pressure European leaders have made it clear that new rules will not reduce responsibility for tech companies. Platforms may be required to improve age verification systems and reduce addictive design features. Officials argue that digital platforms must prioritize child safety and prevent exposure to harmful content.
Politics

EU Plans to Delay Social Media Access for Children

EU Moves Toward Stronger Online Protection for Minors European Union leaders are…

China urged to ease food and fertiliser stockpiles amid global supply strain Key concerns over global shortages Former World Bank president David Malpass has called on China to reduce its large reserves of food and fertiliser to help ease growing pressure on global supply chains. He made the remarks ahead of a high level meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing. Malpass said China holds the largest global stock of food and fertiliser materials and argued that easing these reserves could help stabilise markets during a period of disruption caused by conflict affecting key shipping routes. Fertiliser supply disruptions deepen crisis Global fertiliser supplies have been under strain as transport routes face interruptions linked to conflict in the Middle East. Experts warn that reduced availability of fertiliser could significantly lower agricultural output worldwide. Industry leaders estimate that the disruption could threaten billions of meals each week and place the greatest burden on low income countries that depend heavily on imported food and fertiliser. One major fertiliser industry executive has warned that lower usage could reduce crop yields and trigger competition among countries for limited food supplies. China’s export limits under scrutiny China has restricted exports of several fertiliser types since March, stating that it aims to secure domestic supply. These controls add to earlier limits introduced over recent years. The country plays a major role in global fertiliser production, contributing around a quarter of worldwide output. Its exports previously generated more than thirteen billion dollars annually. Malpass criticised Beijing for continuing to present itself as a developing economy despite its position as the world second largest economy. He suggested that China should reconsider its status in global institutions such as the World Trade Organization and international financial bodies. China responds to criticism A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington said China remains committed to supporting stability in global food and fertiliser markets. The statement added that the causes of current supply disruptions should not be attributed solely to China. Global implications ahead of diplomatic talks The comments come as international leaders prepare for discussions aimed at addressing trade tensions, supply chain instability, and energy security concerns. Fertiliser availability and food security are expected to be key topics during the meeting.
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China urged to ease food and fertiliser stockpiles amid global supply strain

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Himanta Biswa Sarma Begins Second Term as Assam Chief Minister Election Victory in Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma has been sworn in again as chief minister of Assam after a strong win for the ruling party. Bharatiya Janata Party won 82 out of 126 seats in the state assembly election. Its partners secured 20 more seats, giving the alliance a clear majority. The party has stayed in power since 2016 and continues to strengthen its position in the region. Political Journey and Rise Sarma represents the Jalukbari constituency near Guwahati, Assam’s largest city. He has held this seat since 2001. He began his political career in the Congress party and worked as a minister under former chief minister Tarun Gogoi. Later, he switched to the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2015. His move brought several supporters with him and weakened the Congress party in Assam. His shift also helped the BJP expand quickly in the region. Role in BJP Expansion in Northeast India Sarma played a major role in building the BJP’s presence across northeast India. The party once had limited support in Assam, with a low vote share for many years. Over time, its support grew significantly and now stands much higher than before. He worked closely with local groups and helped the party form alliances in nearby states. His organizational skills made him an important figure in the party’s regional strategy. Governance and Welfare Programs During his leadership, the state government focused on infrastructure development such as roads and bridges. One of the key welfare schemes is Orunodoi, which provides financial support to women from low income families. Supporters say this program has helped many households across Assam. His administration has also focused on public services and development projects. Criticism and Political Debate Sarma’s leadership has also faced criticism. Opposition parties and rights groups accuse the government of targeting minority communities, especially Bengali speaking Muslims. Issues such as migration, identity, and citizenship remain sensitive in Assam politics. Some policies linked to religious schools and child marriage have sparked public debate. A recent AI generated video shared by the state party unit also triggered controversy before being removed.
ElectionPolitics

Himanta Biswa Sarma Begins Second Term as Assam Chief Minister

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A Philippine senator linked to former president Duterte’s anti drug campaign seeks refuge in the Senate as an ICC arrest warrant is unsealed
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