Morning Digest: Meta row in Parliament, Gujarat virus deaths, and key legal fronts

Monday’s top news spans political confrontations, public health concerns, and legal developments. Here is a round-up of the day’s most important stories.

BJP, Opposition clash over Meta’s content moderation

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology witnessed a sharp exchange between ruling party and Opposition MPs during a meeting with Meta representatives, summoned amid recent student protests. BJP members, led by panel chairperson Nishikant Dubey, demanded an apology from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg for restricting a Facebook post by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Opposition MPs countered that democratic freedoms must not be curtailed under the guise of technology regulation. The committee’s proceedings highlighted growing tensions over social media platform accountability and government oversight.

Supreme Court clarifies scope of new transgender law

The Supreme Court on Monday orally told the Union government that a new law, which has been criticised for dismantling the transgender community’s right to self-identification, will not automatically invalidate ‘transgender cards’ issued under previous legislation. The court’s clarification offers temporary relief to those who have already obtained such identification documents, though the final ruling is awaited.

Centre to explain NEET paper process to Supreme Court

The Union government informed the Supreme Court that it wishes to place on record the entire process of printing and distributing NEET question papers, along with the safeguards involved. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta made the submission before a Bench of Justices P. S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe, stating that the methodology would be explained via an affidavit. The move comes amid ongoing concerns over exam integrity.

Chandipura virus claims 22 children in Gujarat

Gujarat’s Health Minister Praful Panseriya reported on Monday that 22 children have died from Chandipura virus infection this monsoon season, with seven others undergoing treatment. The state has recorded 184 suspected cases, of which 35 have tested positive, and results for 11 samples are pending. All affected patients are below 15 years of age. Health authorities are monitoring the outbreak closely.

Tamil Nadu moves Supreme Court in Cauvery dispute

The Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, approached the Supreme Court on Monday seeking a directive for Karnataka to implement a Cauvery Water Management Authority decision of July 30. The order requires Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water for 15 days from the Kabini and Krishna Raja Sagara reservoirs. The legal escalation adds another chapter to the long-running river water dispute.

Vinesh Phogat and wrestlers to appeal acquittal

Vinesh Phogat and other women wrestlers have decided to appeal the acquittal of former MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a sexual harassment case. In a post on X, Phogat said the complainants had instructed their lawyers to file an appeal. The case has drawn widespread attention to issues of safety and justice in sports.

WhatsApp users report mass account restrictions

Multiple WhatsApp users, including those in India, reported on Monday that their accounts were placed “under review” for 24 hours, with all app features blocked. The sudden action prompted affected users to voice concerns on social media, raising questions about the platform’s automated moderation systems and transparency.

Trump calls new talks Iran’s ‘last chance’

President Donald Trump said newly planned negotiations with Tehran are the “last chance” for Iran to reach a deal and avoid an escalation of U.S. strikes. Speaking at the Oval Office on Monday, Trump said he expects talks to begin within days, focusing on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing U.S. concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme. The statement adds to heightened tensions in the region.

UEFA threatens FIFA with legal action

European football body UEFA has threatened FIFA with legal action over its failed plan to sell a stake in future World Cup profits to private investors. UEFA also warned that any potential evidence should not be destroyed. The proposal, reportedly championed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, sought to raise $4.2 billion. The dispute reflects deep divisions within international football governance.