Meta has agreed to pay up to $16.68 billion to US states and introduce child-safety measures on Facebook and Instagram, settling lawsuits over alleged teen social media addiction and harmful platform designs. The agreement was reached during a California federal court trial involving claims brought by 29 states, including California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey. The lawsuits were filed in 2023, and the settlement ends a trial that was expected to feature CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifying before a federal jury. The deal includes $353 million for Virginia, described by Attorney General Jay Jones as one of the largest settlements in the state’s consumer protection history. Meta also agreed to address practices alleged to harm youth mental health. (PC: X)

At least 133 Indians are among more than 400 people reported missing after massive flash floods struck Nepal’s northern Rasuwa district, near the Tibet border, leaving at least 95 people dead. The floods swept away homes, vehicles, bridges and infrastructure sites, severely affecting areas including Timure and Syapru Besi. Security footage showed people fleeing moments before a powerful surge of rocks, mud and water entered the Bhote Koshi River from the Tibetan side around 9 am. A German geoscience agency reported a 4.4-magnitude earthquake about seven minutes earlier, though the relationship between the quake and flooding remains to be established. With floodwaters moving downstream, authorities have placed Bihar and Uttar Pradesh on alert.

The Band of the Coldstream Guards honored Dolly Parton the morning after her death by performing her iconic hit “9 to 5” during the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace. The royal family shared footage of the tribute, remembering Parton for bringing “joy, comfort and inspiration” to millions, including children who benefited from her Imagination Library literacy program. Parton died aged 80 on August 25 following a brief battle with cancer. The country music legend had longstanding connections with the British royal family, including performing at Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee in 1977.

Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at 80, prompting an outpouring of tributes from celebrities and public figures worldwide. Parton, celebrated for hits including “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” was also renowned for her philanthropy and cultural influence. Taylor Swift described Parton as a dazzling person and a gift that kept giving, while Celine Dion praised her kindness, generosity and joyful voice. Beyoncé called Parton a “north star,” and Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin also shared tributes. Fans and fellow artists highlighted her music, humor, compassion and lasting influence across generations. (PC: AFP)

Spiritual leader Sadhguru said 77 Kailash pilgrimage participants were at an immigration centre in Tibet when a sudden flash flood struck the region. The incident occurred amid severe flooding near the Nepal-Tibet border, where rescue operations are underway following widespread destruction. Sadhguru’s statement has drawn attention to the safety of Indian pilgrims travelling through the affected Himalayan region. Meanwhile, reports indicate that more than 100 Indian tourists remain uncontactable in Nepal, including pilgrims from Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Authorities are continuing efforts to locate missing people, while damaged infrastructure and disrupted communications are complicating rescue operations. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Wednesday and expressed condolences over the loss of lives in the devastating floods. Modi assured Shah that India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance as Nepal faces a major rescue and relief challenge. He said India stands in solidarity with the people of Nepal during the crisis. Teams from both countries are coordinating closely on rescue and relief operations. The flash floods, triggered by a sudden surge in the Bhote Koshi River, have caused widespread destruction in Nepal’s Rasuwa and neighbouring districts. (PC: ANI)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is fully prepared for relief and rescue operations in Nepal following devastating flash floods that have killed at least 19 people and left hundreds missing. More than 100 Indians are reportedly among those missing. India has placed C-130 and C-17 aircraft on standby, carrying relief supplies, medicines and earth-moving equipment. The C-130 is scheduled to leave for Nepal on Wednesday, followed by the C-17 on Thursday. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is also on standby. Floodwaters from Tibet caused extensive damage in Nuwakot and Dhading, destroying villages, roads, bridges and infrastructure. (PC: NDTV)

A devastating flash flood struck Nepal’s Rasuwa district near the Nepal-Tibet border, killing at least 19 people and leaving hundreds missing, including 105 Indian nationals. The sudden flooding severely damaged roads, bridges, buildings and hydropower infrastructure around the Bhote Koshi River. Rescue operations are underway, but difficult mountainous terrain and damaged infrastructure are complicating efforts. India has responded by keeping NDRF teams on standby in Bihar and other border areas as rising river levels could affect downstream districts. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, while India has offered humanitarian assistance to Nepal.

At least 16 people have died and nearly 400 are missing after devastating flash floods struck Nepal’s Rasuwa district near the Tibet border. Among those missing are 105 Indian nationals. Dramatic CCTV footage from Gyirong in Tibet shows a massive wall of mud and water rushing through a valley and crashing into buildings as people run for safety. The floods swept away homes, roads and bridges and damaged power projects. Rescue teams are struggling to reach the worst-hit areas as Nepal’s army and security forces continue search operations.  

Jewellery brand Giva has withdrawn its Rakshabandhan advertisement featuring actor Kriti Sanon after her outfit and a scene involving her pet sparked backlash online. The controversy began after actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut criticised the ad, calling the styling inappropriate for the festival. Sanon defended her choice, saying culture and traditions were “in a woman’s heart, not in her neckline”. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also backed her, saying a woman’s clothing was her own choice. Giva said it respected Indian traditions and withdrew the advertisement after it unintentionally hurt some people’s sentiments. (PC: BBC)