Social Media

Indian cricket star Hardik Pandya, known as much for his flamboyant lifestyle as his exploits on the field, is once again the subject of public fascination. Following his widely publicized separation from Natasa Stankovic and a reported breakup with singer Jasmin Walia, speculation has intensified about his personal life. Social media circles are now buzzing with claims that the all-rounder is romantically linked to model-turned-actress Mahieka Sharma.

Shrinkhala Khatiwada, former Miss Nepal and one of the country’s most recognizable public figures, has seen her Instagram following drop by nearly 100,000 amid growing criticism linked to the global “nepo baby” debate. Once celebrated for her poise, academic achievements, and work in architecture and social advocacy, Khatiwada now finds herself at the center of online scrutiny. The controversy reflects broader societal frustrations with privilege, fairness, and opportunity—issues that resonate beyond the entertainment industry.

Nepal is grappling with a major political and social crisis following violent clashes between police and protesters opposing a government-imposed social media ban. At least 17 youths were killed in the unrest, sparking nationwide outrage and prompting the resignation of the Home Minister. The ban, intended to curb misinformation, has instead ignited widespread dissent among the country’s youth and digital communities.

A disturbing video showing a student at Amity University being slapped 26 times by another individual has gone viral, igniting widespread public anger and sparking discussions on campus safety, student discipline, and mental well-being. The incident, which quickly gained traction across social media platforms, has prompted calls for stronger anti-bullying measures within educational institutions.

YouTube has begun experimenting with artificial intelligence-driven editing tools, marking a significant step in reshaping how creators produce and refine their content. The initiative aims to simplify the editing process, reduce production time, and open new creative possibilities for millions of video makers worldwide. By embedding AI into its platform, YouTube is positioning itself not only as a video distribution hub but also as a full-scale content creation ecosystem.

Instagram is experimenting with a picture-in-picture (PiP) mode for Reels, giving users the ability to continue watching short-form videos while browsing other parts of the app or even multitasking across devices. The move reflects Meta’s strategy to deepen user engagement by aligning Instagram’s features more closely with broader digital consumption patterns. If rolled out widely, this functionality could significantly enhance how audiences interact with video content on the platform, making Reels a more central driver of user retention and ad revenue growth.

At 31, a rising social media influencer is reportedly earning Rs 4 lakh per month exclusively through Instagram, demonstrating the lucrative potential of digital content creation. With a growing follower base, brand partnerships, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing, the influencer has transformed personal engagement into a sustainable revenue stream. Analysts note that Instagram continues to offer significant monetization opportunities for creators who combine niche content, audience engagement, and strategic collaborations.

A recent survey by consumer health company Kenvue has revealed that Indians place the highest trust in doctors when it comes to health-related information shared on social media. The findings underscore a growing reliance on digital platforms for medical guidance while highlighting the need for credible voices in an environment often clouded by misinformation. The survey also emphasizes the critical role healthcare professionals play in shaping public perceptions of wellness, preventive care, and treatment choices in a country where digital engagement is rapidly rising.

In a significant move underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to protecting the dignity of marginalized communities, the Supreme Court has directed stand-up comedian Samay Raina and several other social media influencers to issue a formal apology for content that mocked persons with disabilities. The ruling marks a strong stand against the normalization of discriminatory humor and highlights the responsibility of public figures in shaping societal attitudes.

Veteran actress Saira Banu, one of Indian cinema’s most enduring icons, celebrated her 81st birthday with a digital debut on Twitter. In a heartfelt gesture, she commemorated the occasion by sharing unseen photographs and treasured memories of her late husband, legendary actor Dilip Kumar. The posts, which offered fans an intimate glimpse into their personal life, instantly went viral, sparking waves of admiration and nostalgia across social media.