NEW DELHI: A parliamentary committee is set to recommend to government that it should explore introducing age-restrictions for social media platforms, a suggestion that will lend a legislative fillip to the demand for limiting children’s exposure to them at a time when countries around the world are warming up to the idea. The committee’s nudge to govt for limiting social media exposure for children, though it has not specified any age bracket but its suggestion appears to be aimed at them, comes amid growing call within India, including from state govts, to ban SM platforms for minors below a certain age. The parliament committee on communications and information technology, which is headed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, has adopted its report and is likely to table this in Parliament on Monday, people aware of the development said. It has also urged govt to consider bringing in a comprehensive legislation to prevent the misuse of Artificial Intelligence on the lines of stringent and binding laws enacted in several countries. Pitching for a comprehensive law to curb the misuse of Artificial Intelligence, the panel cited its deployment for financial frauds and intimidation besides deepfake audios and videos to back its suggestions even as it acknowledged govt’s steps to curb such incidence and protect innocent people, especially women and children. In the committee’s meetings, members cutting across party lines have flagged the growing danger of cyber crimes, which have robbed people of their lifelong savings in many cases which have hit national headlines, and asked for stringent counter measures. Currently, such cases fall under the provisions of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, an omnibus set of criminal laws, and IT Act. The panel has said, “The committee opines that AI should be used ethically and responsibly. The committee is given to understand that several countries in the world have already enacted stringent and binding laws to prevent the misuse of Artificial Intelligence. It urges govt to explore the possibility of a comprehensive legislation to prevent AI’s misuse and also explore if age restrictions for certain platforms could be an option to save people from the misuse of AI.” Official sources said the reference to certain platforms is meant for social media and its adverse impact on children. While there is a recognition within govt over the issue, it has so far restricted itself to conveying concerns and calling for building a consensus over the manner of dealing with the challenge. Two Indian states, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, have taken a stand for banning the use of children in a certain age group, but no nationwide policy on restricting social media usage exists so far. Australia became the first country to ban children under-16 having social media accounts, touching off a clamour for similar policy in different countries with several European nations now in the middle of formulating legislations. The panel said efficient use of AI will help resolve the “problems of humanity” and help common people through its integration into healthcare, education, agriculture, energy, industry and infrastructure creation. It has urged the ministry of electronics and IT to encourage specialised studies and courses in AI besides popularizing it from lower standards of schools, in colleges, academic research and PhDs and work for setting up data centres and AI Labs throughout the country.

England batter Ben Duckett has withdrawn from IPL 2026 just days before the tournament, a move that could now attract the attention of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The 31-year-old, who was set to make his IPL debut with Delhi Capitals after being bought for ₹2 crore, will now miss the season entirely.

Duckett’s decision has surprised fans and cricket circles alike, given the excitement around his first IPL stint. By stepping back to focus on his international career, he has opened the possibility of facing regulatory consequences, although it remains unclear whether the BCCI will enforce the rules in this case.

Could BCCI rules see Ben Duckett banned until IPL 2029?

Under BCCI regulations, any overseas player who withdraws after being picked in the auction without a valid injury can face a two-season ban from participating in the IPL or its auctions.

If applied, this rule could potentially see Duckett miss IPL seasons until 2029. A similar situation occurred with fellow England batter Harry Brook, who is currently serving a ban after withdrawing in a previous season.

The cricketing community now watches closely to see whether the BCCI will take formal action in Duckett’s case, making this the key talking point around his withdrawal.

Why Duckett stepped back despite potential BCCI consequences?

Duckett’s choice is also shaped by his recent struggles in red-ball cricket. During the Ashes in Australia, he scored just 202 runs in ten innings as England went down 4-1.

With intense competition for spots in the national side, Duckett has decided to focus on improving his Test performances. By staying in England, playing domestic cricket, and prioritising red-ball preparation, he aims to strengthen his long-term prospects of representing England across formats.

At 31, Duckett is aware that missing an IPL opportunity could affect his future chances in the league, but he remains hopeful of returning one day, potentially with Delhi Capitals.

Also READ: Prithvi Shaw targets India return with ‘200% effort’ ahead of IPL 2026

Duckett apologizes to Delhi Capitals

The England opener also expressed regret over his decision, apologizing to Delhi Capitals and their supporters. He revealed that while he had been genuinely looking forward to playing in the IPL, stepping away was necessary at this stage of his career.

He further explained that he intends to refresh mentally and physically after a demanding winter and prepare for upcoming international assignments, including England’s home Test series against New Zealand later this year.

Duckett has also confirmed plans to feature in early County Championship matches for Nottinghamshire, working closely with coaches to rebuild confidence and regain the form he showed in the previous English summer.

Delhi Capitals face last-minute replacement challenge

Duckett’s withdrawal has left Delhi Capitals in a difficult situation just before the tournament begins on March 28. With limited time remaining, the franchise may now need to find a suitable replacement to fill the gap in their squad.

Last-minute changes can disrupt team combinations and planning, especially when overseas players are involved. Delhi may now need to reassess their strategies quickly as they prepare for the new season.

Also READ: Former Indian opener predicts the top 4 teams in IPL 2026

Residents look on as rescue workers search for bodies in the rubble of a residential building that was hit in an airstrike in Tehran

With almost a month into the West Asia conflict, people in Iran’s capital, Tehran, have started fearing for the worse. And ambiguous statements from Washington and threatening comments from Tel Aviv are adding to their predicament. Iranians living in India told TOI on Friday their dear ones back home have started moving out of the capital’s residential areas as there is a strong buzz among the population of a ground assault by the “enemy” in parts of their country in the coming days.“There is panic. People are deeply worried. No one knows whether the current talk of (ceasefire) talks would be fruitful or lead to some kind of a pause in air strikes by the US and Israel… Many families including mine, who live in Tehran, have started leaving their homes for ‘safer’ rural areas up north,” said Roya, an Iranian national.Living in Mumbai for the past few years with her husband, she added her family and friends are not waiting for the next 10 days (as announced by US president Donald Trump) before the US-Israel starts “something more offensive”. She said some of her family members have decided to move to their ancestral place in a quiet village far away from Tehran.Reza, an Iranian national living in Bangaluru for about four years, said residents have rationed groceries and essentials. “They have witnessed intense bombing and are scared,” he said.“We had learnt our lessons from the Iraq war. It was a part of culture in those days to collect rations, especially dry ones, for at least two months. As of now, there has been no food shortage in Tehran, but people there have stopped trusting Trump… We can see every night and day how our cities are being bombed. They can start a ground assault in my country any moment,” added Reza, whose family called him Thursday for “about two minutes”.“One major problem we are facing is the lack of connectivity,” Reza said. “Incoming calls into Iran from abroad are still not allowed…”However, govt of Iran has “relaxed communication blackouts by allowing video calls on social media apps”. “Thankfully, I managed to see the faces of my family via a video call on Bale App on Friday after almost a month. We couldn’t talk though, we only wept. Only God knows what will happen next,” said an Iranian woman in Delhi.

Tiger Woods (Image credit: AP)

NEW DELHI: Car crash, arrest, mug shot released, and multiple rules allegedly violated – golf legend Tiger Woods found himself in serious trouble after being arrested on a charge of driving under the influence (DUI). Woods was taken into police custody after his Land Rover rolled over on a two-lane road near his Jupiter Island home in Florida on Friday.Woods was lodged in the Martin County Jail, and his mugshot has now been released.Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said Woods managed to crawl out from the passenger side and was not injured. His vehicle clipped a truck while attempting to overtake on a residential road on Jupiter Island, flipping over before coming to a halt.“He did exemplify signs of an impairment,” Budensiek said, adding that investigators believe he had taken “some type of medication or drug.”He said Woods agreed to a Breathalyzer test that showed no signs of alcohol, but refused a urine test and was arrested.“When it came time for us to ask for a urinalysis test, he refused, and so he’s been charged with DUI, with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test in the crash,” Budensiek said.While neither Woods nor the driver of the other vehicle was injured, Budensiek said the incident “could have been a lot worse.”

Tiger Woods jailed: What the rule says?

Asked to estimate how fast Woods had been driving in the moments before the crash, Budensiek replied: “The answer is I can’t. But I can tell you this — it’s a 30 mile an hour speed limit.Under Florida DUI laws, Woods will be detained for a minimum of eight hours at a local jail before being released.“This is a small two-lane road,” he said. “Had somebody been moving in the opposite direction, we would not be having a conversation saying there was no injuries.”“When I show you the photos, they kind of speak for themselves…you can see that he slid for a decent space before he came to a stop.”Friday’s incident comes five years after Woods was involved in a serious car crash in California that left him with severe right leg injuries.Woods required pins to be inserted in his foot and ankle, along with a rod in his tibia, followed by another surgery in 2023.

Tiger Woods arrested: What did Trump say?

President Donald Trump expressed sympathy for Woods in remarks to reporters in Miami following the incident.“He’s got some difficulty, there was an accident, and that’s all I know,” Trump said. “Very close friend of mine. He’s an amazing person, amazing man, but, uh, some difficulty.”