A viral New York Times opinion essay by Stanford student Sebastian Connolly alleges peers falsely claim Jain identity to avoid the university's $7,944 (Rs 7.17 lakh) mandatory annual meal plan. Stanford grants exemptions for documented medical reasons and religious dietary requirements, including Jainism's strict restrictions against meat, eggs, and root vegetables like onions and garlic. Connolly claims students exploit this "loophole" because dining halls struggle accommodating Jain diets, allowing full opt-outs. Allegedly, exempted students purchase higher-quality food from Whole Foods while others endure standard campus meals. Connolly questioned administrators' inability to verify religious claims without risking discrimination lawsuits, terming the behavior "gaming the system" within Stanford's "culture of optimization." The essay doesn't specify students' nationalities. (PC: X)

UK immigration transitions to digital eVisas starting February 25, eliminating physical vignette stickers in passports. Applicants still visit Visa Application Centres for biometric appointments and identity verification, but passports are returned same-day instead of being held during processing. UK Visas and Immigration confirmed the streamlined system allows one VAC visit only, with digital records accessible through UKVI accounts anytime. eVisas display immigration status, visa type, indefinite leave status, and work/study permissions. UKVI issued 555,468 visitor visas to Indians in the year ending September 2025. Travel operators praised the reform, anticipating reduced processing times and increased flexibility. TAFI's Anil Punjabi highlighted the major advantage: travelers retain passports, enabling trips to other countries while awaiting UK approval. (PC: The Telegraph)

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admitted security forces are "handicapped" against Baloch rebels due to Balochistan's massive size, constituting over 40 percent of Pakistan geographically. His remarks followed coordinated attacks across 12 locations killing at least 80 security personnel and destroying 30+ government properties. Authorities reported 177 insurgents killed in counter-operations, with 33 civilians and 17 security members dead. Asif ruled out negotiations with Baloch Liberation Army, calling them "terrorists," and claimed criminal-separatist nexus protects smugglers earning 4 billion rupees daily from oil smuggling. The decades-long insurgency stems from Balochistan's economic marginalization despite rich mineral resources, natural gas, and strategic Gwadar port. Separatists target CPEC infrastructure, opposing projects they consider extractive and non-inclusive.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a nationwide ban on social media for children under 16, making Spain the first European country to implement such comprehensive restrictions. This groundbreaking decision positions Spain as a pioneer in child protection legislation within Europe, addressing growing concerns about social media's impact on young people's mental health, well-being, and development. The ban represents a significant regulatory shift in how European nations approach digital safety for minors. While similar restrictions have been discussed across various countries, Spain's decisive action sets a new precedent for the continent. The move follows global debates about children's online safety, with countries worldwide grappling with balancing digital access against protection from potential harms associated with social media platforms. (PC: BBC)

The US military shot down an Iranian drone that “aggressively” approached the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, saying the action protected the carrier and its crew. The Iranian Shahed-139 drone was intercepted by a US F-35C fighter jet in self-defence amid heightened US-Iran tensions and ongoing pressure over Tehran’s nuclear programme. Iran then demanded the venue for upcoming talks be moved to Oman and narrowed to nuclear issues, complicating diplomacy. The incident follows harassment of a US-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and comes as both sides weigh negotiations vs. confrontation. (PC: HT)

The US Department of Justice has taken down thousands of Jeffrey Epstein–related documents after victims said flawed redactions exposed their identities. The files, part of a congressionally mandated release of millions of records, reportedly included visible names, email addresses, banking details and images that could identify survivors. Lawyers called the disclosure an unprecedented violation of victim privacy, saying nearly 100 survivors were affected, some receiving threats. The DOJ blamed technical or human error, said all flagged documents were removed, and pledged further review and redaction. Survivors criticised the handling, calling it retraumatising and dangerous. (PC: Reuters)

French authorities raided Elon Musk's X offices in Paris as part of a cyber-crime investigation into suspected unlawful data extraction and complicity in possessing child pornography. Both Musk and former CEO Linda Yaccarino have been summoned for April hearings. Simultaneously, the UK's Information Commissioner's Office launched a probe into Musk's AI tool Grok over its potential to produce harmful sexualized images and videos. The French investigation, which began in January 2025, now examines algorithm manipulation, sexual deepfakes, and fraudulent data extraction. X previously called the investigation "politically-motivated." Telegram founder Pavel Durov criticized France, calling it "not a free country" for prosecuting social networks. (PC: Getty Images)

In Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has launched a series of coordinated attacks against security forces and infrastructure, marking a significant escalation in its separatist insurgency. The group released images of two female ‘fidayeen’ (suicide) attackers, including Asifa Mengal, highlighting the growing involvement of women in frontline combat roles — a shift from the traditionally male-dominated rebellion. At least dozens of security personnel and civilians were killed in the violence. Pakistani authorities have responded with heavy military operations, raising concern over the conflict’s intensification and broader instability in the region. (PC: India Today)

The U.S. Department of Justice has released a new massive batch of Jeffrey Epstein files, revealing over 3 million documents tied to the late financier’s sex-trafficking network. The files include allegations that Epstein and associate Ghislaine Maxwell supplied victims to other men, with internal memos referencing encounters involving powerful figures such as Harvey Weinstein and financier Leon Black, though neither has been charged in relation to Epstein. Survivors’ lawyers argue the records support long-standing claims of broader complicity and criticize authorities for redacting perpetrator names while exposing victims’ stories. These disclosures are part of ongoing efforts to comply with mandatory transparency laws. (PC: AP)

Jonas Gahr Støre said he agrees with Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway after she admitted “poor judgement” over past contact with Jeffrey Epstein. Newly released US justice files list many email exchanges between them from 2011 to 2014. In a statement, the princess said, “I showed poor judgement and regret having any contact with Epstein at all.” She also shared “deep sympathy” for victims. The prime minister said her own words were clear and sufficient. Reports say she visited one of Epstein’s homes in 2013 when he was not present. The disclosures have led to renewed public scrutiny in Norway. (PC: BBC)