Iraq has banned the popular video game platform Roblox, citing child safety concerns and the game's alleged incompatibility with social values. The government claims the platform exposes young users to exploitation and cyber-extortion. Roblox denies these allegations, stating safety is a top priority and that communication features were previously restricted in Arabic-speaking regions. Iraq joins other nations with similar bans.
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Former India coach Ravi Shastri believes Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have "enough cricket in them" for future ODIs, including the 2027 World Cup, but emphasizes individual hunger and fitness. He suggests players will decide their own ODI futures, similar to their Test retirements, as the BCCI dismisses speculation about the Australia series being their last.
OpenAI's new ChatGPT Atlas browser is a surprise boon for Google. The launch strengthens Google's argument that AI chatbots already challenge its search business. This development helps Google avoid a potential breakup of its Chrome browser. A judge recently cited AI like ChatGPT as a significant competitive threat to Google's market position.
Tejashwi Yadav hinted at a Muslim deputy chief minister if the opposition alliance wins in Bihar, responding to criticism over naming a Mallah leader. He accused the BJP of hypocrisy regarding caste and community representation, highlighting the significance of the EBC vote bank in the state's political landscape.
US President Donald Trump claimed India is significantly reducing Russian oil imports, even suggesting a complete cutback. This comes as Trump prepares to meet China's Xi Jinping amid trade tensions. However, India has consistently denied these assertions, prioritizing its national interests and stating no such commitment has been made.
Pakistan's public debt surged to $286.832 billion by June 2025, a nearly 13% increase from the previous year, pushing the debt-to-GDP ratio to 70%. This rise is attributed to lower-than-expected GDP growth and subdued inflation. Despite these challenges, the economy shows signs of recovery with IMF support and improved external reserves.
Sovereign Gold Bond 2020-21 Series-VII holders can now redeem their investments early, with the RBI setting the redemption price at Rs 12,792 per unit. This offers investors an impressive return of over 150% on their initial Rs 5,051 per gram investment. The early redemption option becomes available after five years from the issue date.
Three Afghan cricketers, Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, were tragically killed in an attack in Paktika province. The Afghanistan Cricket Board blamed the "Pakistani regime" for the "cowardly attack." In response, Afghanistan has withdrawn from an upcoming T20I series against Pakistan. Captain Rashid Khan condemned the incident, calling it "immoral and barbaric."
PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi dominated headlines following India's Asia Cup triumph due to a series of controversies, including a handshake snub and a trophy presentation standoff. Naqvi's subsequent decisions, like appointing Shaheen Afridi as ODI captain and Shan Masood as a consultant, further fueled the turmoil.
Durgapur gang rape survivor identified five accused during a Test Identification parade at the correctional home. The sixth accused, known to the survivor, was not part of the parade. The investigation is progressing well, with police focusing on the roles of those involved in the rape and subsequent extortion.
Jharkhand High Court's full bench issued a criminal contempt notice to advocate Mahesh Tewari for a heated exchange with Justice Rajesh Kumar. The advocate's statement, "The country is burning with the judiciary," aired live and went viral. Tewari must respond within three weeks, with the next hearing on November 11.