Meta faces a landmark US trial that could force major changes to Instagram and Facebook, especially for children and teenagers. US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers will oversee the case in Oakland, California. It involves claims brought by 29 state attorneys general over alleged harm to young users. Opening statements are scheduled for August 18. The states accuse Meta of designing Facebook and Instagram to keep children engaged for longer. They also allege Meta collected data from users under 13 without parental consent. Meta denies the allegations. States seek sweeping changes to Instagram and Facebook The states are seeking damages that Meta says could reach about $1.4 trillion. They also want major changes to features that shape daily use of Instagram and Facebook. Their demands include ending infinite scroll, removing visible “like” counts, limiting notifications and stopping autoplay for young users. They also want stronger parental verification for teenagers. The states want Meta to alter recommendation algorithms that they say encourage compulsive use and prioritise engagement over wellbeing. Read More: “I Gave Up on Having Kids”: Meta Employee Blames Job Insecurity Other demands include restrictions on appearance-changing filters, multiple accounts and disappearing posts such as Instagram Stories. Lawyers also want stricter age limits and deletion of AI models trained using children’s data. Meta has rejected claims that it deliberately harms young people. “We strongly disagree with these allegations and are confident the evidence will show our longstanding commitment to supporting young people,” the company said. New Mexico ruling adds pressure on Meta The California case comes shortly after Meta suffered a legal setback in New Mexico. A court there ordered Meta to pay $567 million into a fund addressing youth mental health and child safety. That came on top of an earlier $375 million civil penalty, bringing Meta’s total exposure in the state to $942 million. Judge Bryan Biedscheid also declared Meta’s platforms a “public nuisance” and imposed child-safety reforms for five years. The measures include hiding like counts for users under 18, tighter controls on adult interactions with minors and limits on certain notifications. Meta has said it will appeal. The New Mexico order applies only within that state. A broader defeat in the federal case could have much wider consequences. Trial could reshape social media for young users The case also focuses on the psychological effects of engagement features. State lawyers have pointed to Meta’s internal research linking social comparison on Instagram with loneliness, negative mood and body-image concerns. They argue that likes, recommendations and repeated notifications can intensify pressure on younger users. Meta argues that youth mental health has many causes. It says it has spent years adding protections for teenagers and families. Read More: Why Meta’s New Instagram AI Feature Didn’t Last a Week An advisory jury has been selected, but its findings will not bind Judge Gonzalez Rogers. She will make the final decision after the trial. Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri are expected to testify. The case is expected to run for several weeks. A ruling against Meta could become one of the most consequential legal decisions yet for social media platforms.
New EV Brand Ofero Enters Pakistan With Three Electric Scooters
Electric mobility brand Ofero has entered Pakistan with three electric scooters as competition intensifies in the country’s fast-growing electric two-wheeler market. The company has introduced the Ofero Thunder, Hero and Magical for urban commuters. All three models use lithium iron phosphate, or LFP, batteries and brushless hub motors. Ofero Pakistan says the brand serves more than 150,000 customers across several international markets. Its arrival gives Pakistani buyers another option as demand for electric motorcycles and scooters grows. Thunder leads lineup with 65 km/h top speed The Ofero Thunder sits at the top of the new range. It uses a 1,500W rated motor that can produce 2,000W at peak output. Ofero claims a top speed of 65 km/h and a riding range of 65 to 90 kilometres. The scooter uses a 76.8V 25Ah LFP battery and produces peak torque of 108 Nm. Its maximum load capacity stands at 200 kg. Other equipment includes front and rear disc brakes, hydraulic suspension and LED lighting. Read More: Airlink Launches Major Electric Bike Project in Lahore The battery carries an IPX7 rating, while Ofero also highlights dual waterproof protection for wet conditions. The Hero offers a more affordable alternative. It combines a 1,000W rated motor with a 1,500W peak output and a 64V 25Ah LFP battery. Its claimed range stands at 65 to 90 kilometres, while top speed reaches 55 km/h. Peak torque is 74 Nm and maximum load capacity is 200 kg. Ofero also equips the Hero with NFC access, an anti-theft system, hydraulic suspension and an IPX7-rated battery. Magical targets city riders with up to 100 km range The Ofero Magical focuses more heavily on urban commuting and range. It features an 800W rated motor with 1,200W peak output. A 48V 32Ah LFP battery powers the scooter. The company claims a range of 80 to 100 kilometres, the longest of the three models. Its top speed reaches 53 km/h, while peak torque stands at 66 Nm. The Magical can carry up to 200 kg. It also offers NFC unlocking, USB charging, hydraulic suspension and tubeless tyres. Read More: Chinese EVs Claim to Outperform Porsche, Ferrari and BMW Ofero appears to position the model towards younger city riders, including women, through its styling and colour options. PakWheels reported on August 17 that Ofero’s Pakistan prices start at Rs 229,999 for the Hero. The Magical costs Rs 249,999, while the flagship Thunder carries a price of Rs 329,999. Earlier launch listings carried higher prices for the Magical and Thunder, so buyers should check the company’s latest official pricing before placing an order. Earlier reports listed those models at Rs 259,999 and Rs 349,999 respectively. Pakistan’s electric scooter competition grows Ofero enters a market where buyers increasingly compare battery life, replacement costs, range, warranties, spare parts and after-sales support. Pakistan has seen rapid growth in electric two-wheeler demand. Reuters reported in April that some dealerships had recorded EV motorcycle sales growth of up to 70% amid higher fuel costs. The government’s New Energy Vehicle Policy also targets wider EV adoption and offers support for electric two-wheelers. Officials aim for electric vehicles to account for 30% of new vehicle sales by 2030. For Ofero, specifications and pricing will help attract initial buyers. Long-term success will also depend on service coverage, battery support and spare-parts availability in Pakistan.
How a Loud Cicada Chorus Sent an 18-Year-Old to Hospital
An 18-year-old student in eastern China temporarily lost part of his hearing after spending four hours surrounded by loud cicada calls during a camping trip. The teenager, identified by local media by the surname Yang, was camping in a forest in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, in early July. Around noon, the cicadas became particularly loud, but he remained in the area for about four hours without hearing protection. By evening, Yang noticed ringing in his ears and a feeling of fullness. He then realised he could no longer clearly hear high-pitched sounds, including birds singing and notification alerts from his mobile phone. Hearing returned after two weeks Worried that the damage could become permanent, the teenager sought medical treatment. Doctors found swelling in both ears and diagnosed temporary hearing impairment linked to noise exposure. He received medication and instructions to stay away from loud environments. His hearing returned to normal after 14 days of treatment and rest. “Many people mistakenly think that the sounds of nature are harmless to the ears,” Li Ji, a senior doctor in the otorhinolaryngology department of Ningbo University No 1 Affiliated Hospital, said. Why a chorus of cicadas can become risky A single cicada may produce sound at around 70 decibels. However, a large chorus can exceed 85 decibels, depending on the species, distance and number of insects. Noise risk depends on both volume and exposure time. The US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends an occupational exposure limit of 85 dBA averaged over eight hours. The World Health Organization also warns that safe listening time falls quickly as sound levels rise. For example, WHO says adults can safely listen to 80 dB for up to 40 hours a week. At 90 dB, that falls to about four hours. Li explained how loud sound can temporarily affect the inner ear. Read More: Paris Hospitals to Receive 1,000 Air Conditioners as France Prepares for Another Heatwave “The hair cells in the cochlea can develop oedema due to the irritation from loud noises for a relatively short duration. They typically recover after avoiding the noisy environment and resting for 1-2 weeks,” he said. “However, if the hair cells become necrotic, they cannot regenerate. The resulting hearing impairment is permanent and irreversible, forcing the patient to rely on hearing aids for auditory assistance.” Doctors warn natural sounds are not always harmless Cicadas are known for their intense summer calls, especially when large numbers gather in trees. The Ningbo case shows that prolonged exposure to a loud natural environment can still affect hearing. Doctors advise people to move away from unusually loud environments if they develop ringing, muffled hearing, pressure or fullness in their ears. Persistent or sudden hearing changes should receive medical attention. The teenager’s full recovery after two weeks indicates that his hearing problem was temporary. However, experts warn that repeated or more intense noise exposure can increase the risk of lasting damage. For campers and hikers, the case offers a simple lesson: natural surroundings may feel peaceful, but sound intensity still matters.
Woman Arrested Over 2,000 Fake Manga Orders Worth $27 Million
A 32-year-old Japanese woman has been arrested for allegedly placing more than 2,000 online orders for manga and anime merchandise worth about 4.3 billion yen, or roughly $27 million, without intending to pay for or receive the products. Police identified the woman as Mayu Yoshida, a restaurant worker from Osaka. Investigators allege she used 238 separate accounts to place repeated orders through Shueisha Inc.’s Jump Characters Store. Authorities say Yoshida repeatedly used payment methods that allowed her to reserve products without immediately completing payment. How the fake orders worked Investigators say Yoshida used Japan’s convenience-store prepayment option for many purchases. Under the system, customers can place an online order and later pay at a convenience store before the deadline. If payment does not arrive, the order is automatically cancelled. Police allege Yoshida repeatedly let deadlines expire after securing popular merchandise. She also selected cash on delivery for some orders, then refused to accept the packages when they reached her. Read More: Man Wins $1 Million Picasso With Just a €100 Ticket Between July 2024 and May 2025, Yoshida allegedly placed more than 2,100 orders involving merchandise linked to popular titles including One Piece and Naruto. Reports say the total value of the cancelled orders exceeded 4.3 billion yen. Shueisha estimates the repeated cancellations caused around 7.5 million yen, or about $47,000, in delivery and related costs. The publisher also said the activity temporarily made some products appear out of stock, potentially blocking genuine customers from buying them. Stress cited as motive Yoshida reportedly admitted to the allegations after her arrest on August 4 on suspicion of fraudulent obstruction of business. “I do not have any resentment towards Shueisha,” she said. She told investigators that everyday stress had driven the behaviour. “I have been feeling stressed from daily life, and I felt a sense of satisfaction and refreshment from ordering items before they sold out.” Read More: Pakistan’s 5G Not Working on iPhones and Pixel Devices Another account of her statement quoted her as saying, “I generally like anime. Ordering the products gave me a sense of satisfying my desires.” Japanese media reported that Yoshida first used the store years earlier as a normal paying customer. The repeated ordering and cancellation pattern reportedly began around October 2023 and continued for roughly two years. Shueisha seeks strict action Shueisha said the cancellations caused financial damage and disrupted normal business operations. The company cited lost sales opportunities, shipping costs and problems with product availability. The Jump Characters Store sells merchandise connected to major manga franchises published by Shueisha. The company is behind globally recognised titles including One Piece and Naruto. Shueisha has asked authorities to take strict action, saying the repeated orders affected other customers’ fair chance to buy products. The case also shows how flexible online payment systems can be abused when a buyer repeatedly creates accounts and blocks inventory without completing purchases.
Artistic Milliners Joins Ambitious Port Qasim Project With $18 Million Investment
Pakistan plans to establish a 400-acre Garments City at Port Qasim in Karachi as part of a push to increase textile exports, attract private investment and create jobs. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry reviewed the proposed project at a meeting on Monday. The export-focused industrial cluster will target high-value apparel manufacturing. Artistic Milliners, one of Pakistan’s major textile and denim manufacturers, plans to establish a manufacturing unit in the new zone. The company will invest more than $18 million and incorporate vertical integration and green technologies into the facility. First phase to cover 250 acres The first phase of the Port Qasim Garments City will cover 250 acres. Around 35% of the land will go towards internal roads, utilities and green spaces. Officials have proposed developing the project through a public-private partnership. Private-sector participation will remain a central part of the plan. The proposed commercial structure includes 32 industrial plots of five acres each. However, authorities may reduce plot sizes to two or three acres. This would allow more investors and manufacturing units to enter the zone. Port Qasim Authority will provide the required infrastructure and utilities. Each industrial unit could receive up to 400,000 gallons of water per day. It would also have access to two megawatts of on-grid electricity. The plan provides 23,100 pounds of industrial gas per day at 8 PSI for each unit. Officials estimate this would support the production of around 10 tonnes of steam. Across the entire project, planners have proposed daily water capacity of 13 million gallons. They also envisage 64MW of on-grid electricity and 750,000 pounds of industrial gas per day. Project targets $2.2 billion in annual exports The Garments City could deliver a major boost to employment and textile exports if the project meets its targets. Projections presented at the meeting estimate that the first phase could create 138,125 jobs. Annual exports could reach about $2.2 billion. The project also aims to increase the average export value of garments to around $8 per piece. Authorities plan to establish a one-window mechanism for exporters. It would offer streamlined export processing, specialised customs desks and dedicated transport corridors. The government hopes that placing manufacturing close to port infrastructure will improve logistics and strengthen Pakistan’s position in value-added textile exports. Pakistan’s textile exports reached about $17.93 billion in fiscal year 2025-26, according to provisional official data. Readymade garment exports rose 3.87% to around $4.29 billion during the year. Port Qasim emerging as industrial hub The Garments City forms part of a wider effort to develop industrial activity around Port Qasim. In April, the government announced plans for a modern 400-acre small industrial estate at the port. The proposed development follows an infrastructure-first approach, with utilities and roads planned before plot allocation. Days before the Garments City announcement, Chaudhry also unveiled a 150-acre automotive processing zone at Port Qasim. The project will expand in phases according to market demand. Together, the projects signal a broader strategy to use Port Qasim for export-oriented manufacturing, industrial investment and improved access to international markets.
‘Heroes’ and ‘Nashville’ Star Hayden Panettiere Dies at 36
Hollywood actress Hayden Panettiere, best known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, has died at the age of 36. Her representative confirmed the news on Sunday. Her father, Alan “Skip” Panettiere, also shared a statement mourning the actress. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen,” the statement said. The family asked for privacy as they process the loss. No cause of death has been announced. Her publicist said authorities were investigating the death. A career that began in childhood Panettiere started working as a child actor and built a career across television, film and voice acting. She became widely known as Claire Bennet, the cheerleader with regenerative powers in NBC’s Heroes. The role propelled her to fame after the series debuted in 2006. She later played country singer Juliette Barnes in Nashville. The performance earned her two Golden Globe nominations. Panettiere also performed her own songs for the series. Her film credits included Remember the Titans, Raising Helen, Ice Princess and the Scream franchise. She also voiced Dot in Pixar’s A Bug’s Life. Her latest screen appearance came in the 2026 psychological thriller Sleepwalker. Panettiere released her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, in May. The book explored postpartum depression, addiction and recovery, trauma, domestic abuse and loss. Personal struggles and family loss Panettiere spoke openly in recent years about alcoholism, substance abuse and postpartum depression. She was the mother of Kaya, her daughter with former fiancé and heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko. Her family had already endured another major tragedy. Her younger brother, actor Jansen Panettiere, died in February 2023 at age 28. His family said complications from an enlarged heart and an aortic valve condition caused his death. Speaking about Jansen in 2024, Panettiere said the tragedy changed how she viewed everyday problems. “When something that massive has happened to you, you really learn to pick your fights and just not let the little things upset you. Because once something so horrific, so deep, so catastrophic happens in your life, there’s not much that can really rock you.” Interview sparked concern in 2024 A video interview that year also prompted concern among viewers about Panettiere’s speech and wellbeing. She later addressed the reaction on Instagram. Panettiere said she had not slept for two days because one of her dogs was recovering from emergency surgery. She said the interview followed an eight-hour shoot. Her representative eventually stopped it when she became exhausted. Panettiere used the episode to highlight mental health and the impact of social media criticism. She urged people to think about how comments made behind a screen can affect others. Her death came just days before her 37th birthday. SAG-AFTRA joined those mourning her sudden death and offered condolences to her daughter, family, friends and fans.
Cristiano Ronaldo Hints This Could Be His Final Year in Football
Cristiano Ronaldo has given one of his clearest indications yet that retirement is approaching, saying the coming year will “probably” be his final season as a professional footballer. The 41-year-old Portugal captain discussed his future in an interview with Vogue published on Sunday. Ronaldo has played professionally for nearly 25 years after making his senior debut with Sporting CP in 2002. Read More: First Look Inside Ronaldo and Georgina’s Intimate Family Wedding “This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo told Vogue. The comments stop short of a formal retirement announcement. However, they suggest the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is now actively preparing for life after football. Ronaldo Looks Beyond Football Ronaldo has built one of the most decorated careers in football history. He has won major honours during spells with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. He currently plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr. However, the FIFA World Cup remains missing from his trophy collection. Portugal exited the 2026 tournament against Spain in the round of 16, ending Ronaldo’s sixth and final World Cup campaign. As retirement moves closer, Ronaldo said he has already started thinking about how to fill the gap left by football. “I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard. Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one,” he said. Read More: Ronaldo Breaks New Ground in World Cup History at 41 Ronaldo also plans to spend more time travelling and enjoying padel. “And also have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel, which I really like, and continue to enjoy what I’ve earned, what we’ve earned. Because after all it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice.” Vogue reported that Ronaldo has his future “all mapped out” and wants to devote more time to his family after football. Race to 1,000 Goals Continues Despite the retirement hint, Ronaldo still has a major target within reach this season. The Portuguese forward begins the 2026-27 campaign with 976 official career goals, leaving him only 24 short of the landmark 1,000. Ronaldo has previously spoken openly about his desire to reach four figures. In December 2025, he said he remained motivated to chase 1,000 goals and expected to continue playing for another “one or two more years.” Read More: 10 Games Without A Goal: Ronaldo Faces Growing Questions He will continue that pursuit with Al-Nassr during the new Saudi Pro League season. His contract with the Riyadh club runs until June 2027. Ronaldo scored 28 league goals last season and remains one of Al-Nassr’s most important attacking players. Now, his latest comments have added another storyline to the campaign. Alongside the race for 1,000 goals and silverware with Al-Nassr, every appearance could form part of the closing chapter of one of football’s longest and most prolific careers.
Why Ronaldo and Georgina Chose Their Living Room for Their Intimate Wedding
Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez have revealed the first photos from their intimate wedding, offering fans a glimpse into a ceremony built around family, simplicity and their life together. The couple exchanged vows in the living room of their home, choosing a deeply personal setting instead of a lavish venue. The ceremony marked 10 years since they first met at a Gucci store in Madrid, where Rodríguez was working at the time. Why Ronaldo and Georgina chose their living room Rodríguez said the couple wanted to marry in the place where their family spends much of its everyday life. “We’ve chosen to do it in the living room of our house here, where we have breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and where we live the reality of our lives,” she said. She explained that the choice was also about creating a lasting memory for their children. “In 30 years’ time I want the children to think, ‘Something wonderful happened at this table: the wedding vows of our parents,’” Rodríguez said. The Day Cristiano and Georgina became Husband and Wife.🥹😭❤️ pic.twitter.com/YUEt0F1R6Y — Georgina Rodriguez & Cristiano (@GeorginaRonald0) August 16, 2026 Ronaldo responded with his trademark humour. “It probably won’t be the same table. We might change the decor,” he joked. Rodríguez said the couple could still hold a larger celebration with relatives and friends in the future. However, they wanted their first ceremony to remain private and meaningful. She said the past year had been packed with football, work, competitions and responsibilities involving their children. An intimate ceremony therefore felt right for the family. Ronaldo hints retirement may be close The wedding comes at an important moment in Ronaldo’s football career. The Portugal captain recently suggested that the current season could “probably” be his final year as a professional player. “This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo said. He has spoken several times about retirement getting closer, although he had previously avoided giving a specific timeline. Ronaldo has also started planning his life beyond football. Read More: Ronaldo’s Family: Five Children, Irina Shayk and Georgina “I have my future all mapped out,” he said. The Al Nassr forward wants to travel more, spend additional time with his family, play padel and enjoy what he has achieved after around 25 years of sacrifice at the highest level. He had also indicated that the 2026 World Cup would likely be his final appearance at football’s biggest international tournament. Family remains at the centre of their lives Ronaldo began his professional career at Sporting CP before playing for Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. He joined Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr in January 2023. His nine years at Real Madrid remain the most prolific period of his club career. Ronaldo scored a record 450 goals in 438 appearances for the Spanish giants. Away from football, family remains central to Ronaldo and Rodríguez’s lives. Read More: Ronaldo Marries Georgina Rodriguez After 10 Years Together Ronaldo is father to Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., 16, and twins Eva and Mateo, 9. He and Rodríguez also have daughters Alana, 8, and Bella, 4. The couple also experienced tragedy when their son Ángel died during childbirth. Rodríguez has previously described the loss as one of the hardest moments of her life. Their decision to exchange wedding vows at home reflected that family-first approach, turning an ordinary living room into the setting for one of the most important moments of their relationship.
Trump Hails Pakistan-Saudi-Turkiye Defence Pact as ‘Bold Step’
US President Donald Trump has welcomed the new joint defence pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, calling it a “BIG, BOLD, IMPORTANT FIRST STEP.” Trump praised the agreement in a Truth Social post after the three countries signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement earlier this month. Read More: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye Sign Historic Defence Pact “Very happy to see that Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have recently, and finally, signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement,” Trump wrote. “It shows how the Middle East is coming together, and how Countries will finally be able to defend themselves in a more meaningful way,” he added. The US president also congratulated the three countries as regional powers seek stronger security cooperation amid the continuing US-Iran war. The conflict has increased pressure on Gulf security and disrupted important maritime routes. Mecca Pact Introduces Collective Defence Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the agreement on August 7 in Mecca. The pact aims to strengthen collective deterrence against aggression. It states that an armed attack against one of the three countries will count as an attack against all. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has compared the provision technically to NATO’s Article 5 collective defence clause. However, the three countries have stressed that the arrangement does not target a specific state. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had already signed a bilateral mutual defence agreement last year. The latest agreement expands that security framework by bringing Turkiye into the arrangement. Read More: 1.4 Million Troop, 6,000 Tanks, 3,400 Aircraft: Inside the New Mecca Defence Alliance Days after the Mecca summit, Shehbaz told his federal cabinet that the pact was defensive in nature. He said its objective was peace, stability and progress rather than aggression against another country. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar delivered a similar message. He said the accord was “not an instrument of confrontation” and supported peace through strength, solidarity and mutual respect. Egypt Could Become Next Member The agreement could eventually expand beyond its three founding members. Erdogan has publicly raised the possibility of Egypt joining the pact. Speaking to Al Jazeera, he said Cairo’s participation remained possible as the grouping considers additional members. “This agreement has sent an important message to the world,” Erdogan said. Fidan has also described Egypt as a potential member. He said the alliance would establish a ministerial committee and a permanent secretariat based in Saudi Arabia. Read More: Turkiye to Begin Offshore Drilling in Pakistan for Oil and Gas Meanwhile, Turkiye’s defence ministry says the three countries plan deeper military cooperation. This includes joint land, naval and air exercises, along with cooperation in air defence and unmanned systems. The partners also plan cooperation in defence production, technology transfer, electronic warfare and artificial intelligence. Trump’s endorsement gives the emerging security framework notable support from Washington. It also comes as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye present the pact as a regional mechanism for deterrence rather than confrontation.
