Quick Reads
News Dabba for 08 April 2026: Five stories for a balanced news diet
Here are the daily updates that the internet is talking about through various news websites.
Indie Journal brings you the daily updates that the internet is talking about through various news websites. Here's a glance through some of the National and International news updates, from EC's ultimatum to Trinamool Congress, Iran war ceasefire, to Greece deciding to ban social media for under-15s from 2027.
Assam, Meghalaya flag high tariff, refuse extra power from Subansiri: Indian Express Exclusive
Assam and Meghalaya have refused to purchase any power in excess of their allocated share from Subansiri Lower hydro-electric project as this would “unnecessarily inflate their power purchase costs, a burden that ultimately impacts the end consumers.” Indian Express reports that At a meeting of the North Eastern Regional Power Committee (NERPC) last month, both states have also said they have already made adequate arrangements to meet long-term power needs. Read the full report here.
Hindustan Times: EC issues ultimatum to Trinamool Congress ahead of Bengal polls
Hindustan Times reports that the Election Commission (EC) has issued a no-nonsense warning to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) ahead of the upcoming polls. The poll body declared that this time, West Bengal’s assembly elections should be free from “fear, violence, intimidation and inducement.” The report says that the EC also warned against illegal practices, including booth capturing, booth jamming, and “source jamming,” which refers to disruptions in voter mobilisation or access. Read the full report here.
Greece to ban social media for under-15s from 2027: The Straits Times
Greece will ban access to social media for children under the age of 15 from January 1, 2027, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Wednesday, citing rising anxiety, sleep problems and the addictive design of online platforms, The Straits Times reports. In a video message addressed to young people, Mr Mitsotakis said children spending long hours in front of screens do not allow their minds to rest and face growing pressure from constant comparison and online comments. The Greek Prime Minister said he had spoken with many parents who reported that their children do not sleep well, become anxious easily and spend long hours on their phones, the report says. Read the full report here.
Supreme Court claims 'superstition' review right, NDTV reports
The Supreme Court has the right to review religious practices for elements of superstition and won't tolerate being told the legislature has the "last word" in such matters, a Chief Justice Surya Kant-led bench said in the Sabarimala case. NDTV reports that the rebuke came amid arguments over a constitutional challenge - on the balance between women's rights and religious freedom - to the temple's ban on girls and women aged 10-50. The snapback came after Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta argued: "A secular court cannot decide if something is superstition… they don't have scholarly knowledge of the religion." Read the full report here.
Iran and US agree to conditional two-week ceasefire and opening of Hormuz strait, BBC reports
US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran, BBC reports, if shipping is allowed through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran will agree to the end in fighting "if attacks against Iran are halted". Israel carried out new air strikes in southern Lebanon on Wednesday morning and said the two-week ceasefire "does not include Lebanon", despite Pakistan's Prime Minister saying it does. Pakistan, which has been acting as a mediator, invited both sides for talks in Islamabad on Friday. Read the full report here.
